The F.C. Fredericksburg Gunners were founded in the fall of 2006 and shortly after, the PDL and W-League franchises were purchased from the United Soccer Leagues. The Gunners were set to begin participation in PDL, W-League, Super 20’s, and Super Y League in 2007 and that would mean a new era for soccer in Fredericksburg .
The Premier Development League, also known as PDL, is the top amateur men’s league in North America . PDL has quickly become the training grounds of tomorrow’s top professionals. Former players now participate in MLS, EPL, and other top professional leagues around the world. Players come from all over to combine and make up a squad that competes during the summer months for a chance to win a Conference and National Championship at seasons end. They must travel all up and down the east coast to play and many times play during extreme heat and humidity. However, their play does not suffer as the level of soccer is comparable to many professional teams as some PDL teams go on to compete against and defeat current professional teams.
The W-League is the top level of women’s soccer in North America . It is home to many of our US National Team women and top collegiate players from around the country. They too, compete during the summer months for an opportunity to with a Conference and National Championship at seasons end and must travel as far south as Florida to compete. The women of the W-League are some of the best players and some of the Worlds best players.
The Super 20’s is the proving ground for players on the brink of PDL and W-League experience. This program allows our younger college and high school players to train and compete in their own division, while developing their skills to eventually play with the next level of players. Many Super 20’s go on to play with the PDL and W-League and many of those players are very successful. Teams are able to train close by and sometimes together and coaches are involved heavily with both teams.
The Super Y League is the top youth summer program in North America and competition is stiff. Teams will play others from Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Maryland with the possibility of competing in the National Finals in Tampa, Florida . Combined with a strong partnership with FASA and other youth organizations in the community, the future development of top players in Fredericksburg looks promising. Competition will start strong, but the gap, in association with qualified coaches, professional settings, and hard work, will close quickly.
In December of 2006, the F.C. Fredericksburg Gunners partnered with the Generals of the PASL, becoming the F.C. Fredericksburg Generals, to bring elite soccer year round to the area. This has allowed F.C. Fredericksburg to entertain the community on different fronts while continuing the excitement that carries over after every season. With the Generals, fans do not have to wait a full year to be entertained by their own top team competing; the wait is only a couple of months between seasons.
2007-F.C. Fredericksburg has just completed its first full year and is very excited about what has taken place and where the future may lead. The PDL had a great first year, nearly missing qualification for open cup and for the conference playoffs, and are already looking forward to improving in 2008 to bring Fredericksburgs first PDL Conference Championship home. The W-League, though they struggled, are very optimistic about where they can take the program. Gerry Austin is now the Head Coach and recruitment is well underway. He has officially added Pete Cinalli as the Assistant and together they are confident in what they can accomplish. Both Super 20 programs saw their share of success and their share of players participating with both the PDL and W-League teams. The W-League saw one if its youngest ever players last season when Kara Blosser, then just 16, saw action in multiple games. The Super Y program turned some heads as many teams won some big games against very strong opponents and the U-16 girls qualified for the National Finals in Tampa, Florida . Lastly, the Super Y Academy program shows bright promise for the future of the program all the way to the top. With over 130 + participants, including both boys and girls, being coached by educated and experienced coaches, players were able to train with some of the areas best players. This program will truly be the future of the Gunners.
The excitement for the future is mounting and we want thank you for allowing the Gunners to become part of your community and thank you for allowing us the opportunity to teach your children.
