February 6, 2012

 

Dear Grand Rapids Crew Junior players, coaches, and managers:

 

We have some big changes to announce. This last week the boards of Grand Rapids Crew Juniors (GRCJ) and the Kentwood Falcons and both unanimously voted to pursue merging the two clubs together. Exactly what final form the ‘joining’ will be has yet to be determined. In an effort to take advantage of the name recognition that Crew has built in West Michigan over the last several years, Kentwood decided that affiliating with The Crew was a great option. Therefore, for the upcoming 2012 – 2013 season both clubs will be fielding teams under the common name – the Grand Rapids Crew Juniors (GRCJ).

 

The reason for the merging of the two clubs is to provide a comprehensive soccer organization dedicated to the development of its individual athletes and teams in our respective communities. 

 

So why join together? There are many reasons:

 

·         Foremost is that GRCJ has a long history of cooperation as Grand Rapids’ oldest premier and select club (GVP and GRASA).

·         Both clubs were already looking to partner together for developing ‘Academy’ players (ages 6-8).

·         As of late, Kentwood has been consistently developing solid cores of teams that are ready to play at the premier level once they reach U13 and this merger will allow us to give them the best opportunity for coaching and year round play based on their skill and commitment level.

·         The joining will allow us to focus on young player development and also smooth the formation of premier teams as they move from the U11/U12 to the U13 age group.

 

How does all of this affect you?

 

·         For young players this structure allows for more thorough identification of premier-level players throughout the U9-U12 years instead of relying exclusively on your player’s performance at tryouts to determine their abilities.

·         Formation of premier teams should be an overall smoother process

·         Players that tire of premier level or just do not desire the premier level of play can more easily transition back to the select level if they so desire.

·         The combined coaching staff means Crew Juniors players will be coached by those connected to most West-Michigan area colleges that are fielding excellent teams

·         Kentwood will be switching to Columbus Crew colors (black/yellow) and logo– after fulfilling their commitment to Peppinos for the 2012/2013 season. Some select players will remain “Kentwood Crew” next year and wear the same jerseys as this year. Some GR Crew players will have the opportunity to move over to Kentwood Crew for next season.

 

How we will proceed from here?

 

·         Both clubs have emphatically stated that each level (premier and select) must be self-sustaining financially. This means that select fees won’t be going to the premier program unless something of value is given in return (for example, training).

·         Kentwood and GRCJ are both retaining their own boards. They are immediately forming an Executive Committee with equal representation from each club that can help coordinate the clubs in a common direction and welcome any additional community involvement.

 

Thanks for bearing with us through this long announcement. We trust it answers your questions about our combined future plans. Should you still have questions / comments after reading this, please feel free to contact us or go to our website where we have posted an FAQ.

 

Thanks,

 

Chip Hoebeke                                    

Grand Rapids Crew Junior President                        

president@grcrewjuniors.org               

c: 616-308-2821

We are still looking for boys for newly formed U16 and U17 Select teams