Alliance Academy & LOBOS Affiliate to Create Statewide Soccer Powerhouse

LAKE ORION, MICH.—Already well-known in the western part of the state, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Alliance Academy brings its proven program of premier youth soccer development to Oakland County via a new affiliation with the Lake Orion, Mich.-based Lake Orion Brandon Oxford Select (LOBOS) Soccer Club. The synergy between the strong, community-based LOBOS organization and the Alliance Academy’s philosophy creates a statewide powerhouse and destination club for top athletes from Oakland, Macomb, Genesee, and Lapeer counties—and beyond.

Alliance Academy Directors Abrahm Shearer and Zsolt Bertalan, along with LOBOS President Steve Alliston and LOBOS Board members, presented their vision for Oakland County during an April meeting with LOBOS families at Lake Orion High School.  Shearer outlined an approach that creates teams which are regionally competitive and improves soccer opportunities for players at every level of interest and ability.

“By sharing resources among more than 1,000 soccer families, coaches, and administrators, it raises the bar with regard to training, coaching, leadership standards, expectations, preparation, culture, and competition,” Shearer said, also referencing the Alliance Academy’s already strong record of Midwest regional and national success.

“The affiliation really is a win-win situation for all involved,” added LOBOS’ Alliston. “Area youth soccer players can develop with others who are committed to the same level of excellence and take advantage of top-notch coaching, expanded training, opportunities to compete at an elite level, and exposure to scholarships.”

Alliance Academy players will be given the chance to participate in the best local and regional tournaments and top events, including the MSYSA State Cup, MSYSA Junior State Cup, Disney Soccer Showcase, WAGS, and many more.  In addition to showcase tournaments, other player opportunities available through this affiliation will be overnight camps, tournament guesting, “Teams of the Week” featured online, and an “open training” policy.

Following this model, Shearer said, will enable the Alliance Academy to build on its 2012 successes, which include, most notably, having the most successful teams in the state (U-13 boys and girls); winning an MSYSA State Championship (U-14 girls); and having Alliance Academy
members named to ODP (Olympic Development Player) camps at the state, regional, and national levels.

Players from Oakland County and surrounding communities who are interested in an exceptional opportunity to be part of this proven program can attend Alliance Academy tryouts, which will be held at Civic Center Park, 2525 Joslyn Road, Lake Orion, MI, 48360, on June 15 and June 16. For more information about tryouts, including times and how to register, visit the Alliance Academy website at www.allianceacademy.net.