Lubbock Arsenal FC

Archived News

Prop 4 Fails... No new fields in the near future - updated 5 Nov. 2009

Lubbock Citizens appear to not be in favor of paying bond dollars toward new soccer fields. Of the 21,537 votes cast, 8,910 on election day, 42% were FOR proposition 4 and 58% were against. That is, approximately 9000 votes for, and 12,500 against. When considering the vote differential of only 3500 votes, we wonder whether a more systematic and broader campaign may be the key to turning the tide of awareness of the benefits of quality soccer fields to the greater social and economic well being of our city.

Lubbock Arsenal FC is committed to establishing a new soccer complex in Lubbock for both recreational and competitive players. We will be maintaining the web page found here regarding the history and future of soccer fields in the South Plains. We look forward to working with the Lubbock Soccer Association, the City of Lubbock and other Clubs and soccer supporters in reaching the goal that is best not just for soccer players, but for the city in general.

Thank you,

LAFC Board of Directors

Arsenal Club Night at TTU Soccer Sets Attendance Record - updated 5 Oct. 2009

Over 1,200 people gathered to watch the Texas Tech Red Raider soccer team beat the Baylor Bears 1-0 this past Friday night at John Walker Stadium. The event was highlighted by the official recognition of 'Lubbock Arsenal FC Night' and began with a tailgate hosted by the club outside of the John Walker Soccer Complex. We had so much fun, expect another tailgate as the Red Raiders face off against Oklahoma State on Friday, October 16th.

ARSENAL CLUB NIGHT @ TTU Soccer Game, This Friday Against the Baylor Bears  - updated 29 Sept. 2009

Coach Stone and the Red Raider Soccer Team have announced that this Friday is "Arsenal Club Night" at the John Walker Complex. We have 4 parking spaces cordoned off at the entrance to the stadium and we will have an LAFC Tail Gate party beginning at 5:30 PM; match time is 7 PM. Reduced ticket prices will be available for all LAFC players and families. We want and need ALL of the players and families to join in this special event.

As part of the festivities, the LAFC players will form the opening tunnel for the Women's team as they take the field to battle the Baylor Bears.

We are looking for a few volunteers to help orchestrate the tailgate this friday. A few items that are needed include gas grills, tables, and other tailgating items. The club will supply eating utensils, napkins and plates. If you can help out, please contact Aaron Yoshinobu (aaron_yoshinobu@yahoo.com; c: 806-773-9333).

Details will be forthcoming.

Thanks,
Gibbs Keeton, D.O.C. & Aaron Yoshinobu, Club VP.

LAFC 94G and 97B Win at Plano Invitational Tournament  - updated 9 Sept. 2009

The LAFC 94 G's scored 11 goals and only allowed 1 through tournament play. After playing for three grueling days they played a Championship game that took over 100 minutes with two over time periods to pull a 2-1 victory over a nationally ranked Dallas team. This victory catapulted the 29th ranked 94G's to number 14 in the state! Congrats to all! The team would like to thank the Parents and LAFC Boys 97's and 98's for their support during the games.

The LAFC 97 B's took home the 1st place honors, led by 11 goals from Abebe Hunt. The 97 B's scored 31 for and allowed only 3 goals against during their campaign to win the Finals, 3-1 against Classic League team, FC Barcelona.

Thanks to all of the Lubbock Arsenal FC friends, players and families who participated in the Plano Invitational Labor Day Tournament! It was a fantastic success for the players and club!

LAFC "Gunners '97B's" Take 2nd in the Quickfoot National Championship Tournament  - updated 10 August 2009

The LAFC 97B's spin off team, LAFC Gunners 97, including (l-r above) Abebe Hunt, Alex Loredo, Zack Smith, Freddie Reyna, Peyton Elliott, Zachary Appleton, and Trae Exum took 2nd Place in the Quickfoot Small-Sided National Championship Tournament in Forney, TX. The Gunners played 7 matches in 24 hours and made it to the Championship match where they lost narrowly, 2-1. Congrats Gunners!

In addition to the 97B team, two other teams from the club, LAFC 4v4 98's and Los Rapidos, both containing players from the LAFC 98B team, played well at the tournament. The 4v4 98's, including (l-f beow) Coach Jimmy Lovering, James Lovering, Brandon Rusk, Jared Castro, Keenan Judge, Kolby Wilson and Armando Casillas had a tough schedule and played well against some strong 97-bracket teams. Los Rapidos, coached by Scott Ward, included (l-f below) Weston Yoshinobu, Ian Ward, Daniel Kiser, Adrian Silva, and Conner Dean. Los Rapidos made it to the quarter finals, but succumbed to a scrappy team from Fort Worth, 4-2. Congrats to all of the 4v4 teams for their hard work in the near-100 degree heat, high humidity, and demanding schedules! Go the 97 and 98 team pages for more pictures and news.

LAFC '97B Player Guest Plays in Europe - updated 29 July 2009

Peyton Elliott, LAFC 97B midfielder, guest played with the Dallas Texans Red U12 team this past July in the Tivoli Cup, Denmark, and the Gothia Cup, Sweden. Peyton contributed equally amongst the many fine players for the Texans and scored 3 goals and numerous assists during the two tournaments. The Texans went on to win the Tivoli Cup and placed 8th out of over 100 teams in the Gothia Cup. Peyton was recognized for his fine play with his team, Lubbock Arsenal FC 97B, during their performance in the State Cup this past May. Director and Founder of the Texans, and former World Cup and Iranian Olympic player Hassan Nazari watched the team over the course of two weekends during State Cup and was favorably impressed. Way to go, Peyton! This is an accomplishment of which Peyton, as well as the 97B's, can be very proud.

Special Announcement! - updated 10 July 2009

LAFC would like to announce a partnerships with the Lee County Strikers. The Strikers, out of Ft. Myers, FL, were established in 1986 and current have recreational, Academy, and Competitive programs from ages 4-18. Affiliation with the Strikers will allow us to bring their coaches and trainers to camps and practices, share guest players, and participate in shared tournaments. The Strikers believe that player development is key and by focusing on player technical abilities, team success will follow. With our already committed parents and players, we are certain that Lubbock Arsenal FC will share in the same success as the Lee County Strikers.

Our first step is to introduce Coach Addie Holland who will be guest training the 98B and 94G teams during the week of 13 July. Adie has coached at professional clubs including Ipswich Town FC, Hearts FC, and the New York Red Bulls and has a UEFA license. Coach Holland is currently Director of Coaching at the Strikers and a professional trainer in Florida. More information about the Lee County Strikers may be found at their website. Check out Coach Holland's website for a video on the Bicycle Kick and others.

- Director of Coaching, Gibbs Keeton

LAFC Announces New Teams for '09-'10 - updated 10 July 2009

LAFC welcomes the following teams into the family for the 2009-2010 season:

'94 Girls (U16) Coaches Angel Cuevas and Rudy Cuevas, Lake Highlands Classic League.

'94 Boys (U16) Coach Sean Pitman, West Texas Premier League.

'97 Boys (U13) Coaches Aaron Yoshinobu and Chris Vaughn (WTPL).

'98 Boys (U12) Coaches Gibbs Keeton and Roger Beikmann (WTPL).

'99 Boys (U11) Coaches Robert Lascano, Mike Bushell and Anthony Presley (WTPL).

LAFC Camp Finishes With A Bang! -updated 26June 09

Dear Campers,

Beating the heat has never been cooler!  The Lubbock Arsenal Staff really appreciate the campers and parents for the commitment they made to join us for our second annual summer camp.  It is very impressive to see a group of over 70 talented footballers come together to learn and compete. With the coaches, trainers and '94G counselors, Campers worked in low trainer-to-camper ratios, to maximize touches and coaching points.

Campers, you were provided with four days full of skills, tactics and positive attitude, now it is up to you to continue to use this knowledge on and off the field.  The coaching staff saw growth from the first to the final day of camp and we hope that the trend in improvement will continue.  Special "thank you" to all of those who helped make Lubbock Arsenal Camp 2009 possible, the list is very long but you all know who you are.   LAFC try-outs begin 1 July at Wheelock and we hope to see many of the camp participants at try-outs.  Be sure to check the website for Camp 2010!

Thank you,
Gibbs Keeton
LAFC Director of Coaching
g.keeton@ttu.edu

p.s. Parents please feel free to email us your camp testimonials towebmaster@lubbockarsenalfc.com to add to our website, and be sure to keep in contact with the coaches and trainers.


WHAT IS CLUB SOCCER?

As we get closer to Arsenal tryouts beginning 1 July, many people have questions about club soccer and all that it entails. We have generated a one page'FAQ SHEET' to answer some of the most basic questions about joining a club soccer team. In addition, Gary Williamson of North Texas Soccer has written a very useful outline of the pros and cons of Club Soccer. Click here to download this pdf titled, "Club Soccer: Are You Committed?"

LAFC 94G's Did it Again! -updated 17 May 09

Congratulations to the LAFC 94 girls team for receiving a bye into the 2009-2010 Lake Highlands Classic League season. With their victory last weekend, they are assured a top five finish in the DIII bracket. Way to represent West Texas Soccer in Dallas with pride and confidence.2010 Lake Highlands Classic League season. With their victory last weekend, they are assured a top five finish in the DIII bracket. Way to represent West Texas Soccer in Dallas with pride and confidence.