Kitsap Pumas: Kerr chosen by England, open tryouts recap

Tony Kerr of the Kitsap Pumas was recently featured right here on Seattle Soccer Examiner, where we learned a bit more about his soccer past and beach soccer background. Today Kitsap Soccer Club sent out the following press release:

Bremerton, Wash. – Tony Kerr, starting forward for last season’s division-winning Kitsap Pumas side, was today named to England’s national beach soccer team by head coach Terry Bowes. The team will play its matches in the Fuerteventura – arguably Europe’s most important beach soccer tournament.

Notable to Bowes’ selections also include Richard Young, receiving his first call up, while Mat Evans, Kerr and Andy Grainger have all been included after recent absences.

Tony Kerr in his English kit. (IWBSA Facebook photo)

The Fuerteventura tournament includes some of the world’s-best beach soccer nations including 2009 World Cup runners-up Switzerland, Spain, Germany and England. The tournament runs February 27 to March 6 on the beaches of Jandia in the Canary Islands, Spain.

“My selection was not an easy one” Terry said “there were a lot of players with fantastic passion, desire and ability who have impressed me since I became head coach. Although it has made my decision a hard one, it reflects how far the England team has come over the past few years. Competition for places is vital to having a strong international team.”

“We’re training in London now and then will make the trip to Spain later this month,” said Kerr.  “I'm delighted to be back involved with the England team after being away for a while. My original intention was to train, keep fit and see some old friends. The competition (for a team position) was strong but I was pleased with the way I played and I can't wait to get back on the sand representing my country.”

Open Tryouts, Second Day

The first day of Kitsap open tryouts was so competitive, I thought I'd drop on back by Gordon Fields in Bremerton to see who the Pumas called back for day two. The level of play  rose even higher for the second day, and although the fields were still soggy, at least it wasn't raining. A few names we mentioned from day one were back for another look, and they did well. Also, a bunch of 2009 Pumas players, some not yet under contract for 2010, also showed up on day two to get in some excercise, measure themselves against the hopefuls, and to remind head coach Peter Fewing about what they can do. Dustyn Brim, Steve Mohn, Matt Freisen, Mark Lee, Zack Sampson, Eli Gordley and Kyle Johnson were among the 2009 rostered visitors. Gordley scored two goals during the time I was watching a full 11 v. 11 scrimmage.

Ben Funkhouser (left, #9)  and Eli Gordley battle for a ball during the second day of Kitsap Pumas open tryouts. Both players scored goals in an 11 v. 11 scrimmage. (David Falk)

Ben Funkhouser, a midfielder from Gonzaga U. also scored, and seemed to be getting a good look as well as vocal encouragement from the coaches. Same goes for goalkeeper Vito Higgins, the former Los Angeles Galaxy trialist who made the MLS side only to suffer an foot injury. The coaches were also heard barking directions and encouragement his way. It seems possible that at least one or two players from the open tryouts, perhaps more, could stick with the club.

Roster rules will impact Pumas final choices

Kitsap is dealing with a United Soccer Leagues PDL rule that says each club roster can contain no more than eight players over the age of 23. It is a rule put in place to ensure that PDL clubs remain focused on developing young talent. In the case of the Pumas, it also becomes a limiting factor as the team is a professional side, paying its players, and has hopes of jumping out of the PDL in 2011 and into the next level where there are no such roster restrictions. The official rule is no more than eight players on the roster who turned 23 before January 1, 2010. The club will have to balance the ages of its returning or new players with their desire to keep a solid nucleus of returners intact. The following 2009 Pumas are over the 23 years age mark for 2010: Leon Abravanel, Mark Conrad, Max Lipset, Steve Mohn, Kyle Johnson, Matt Freisen, Jesse Wheelock, Alex Megson, Spencer Schomaker, Dustyn Brim. Recently signed defender Daniel Scott is also over-23.