What's In this Article?
- Thank you from our Directors
- Recap of Spirit Week
- Recap of Hoops End of Season Tournament
- Recap of Soccer End of Season Tournament
March 16, 2023
PPA's Development League's wrapped up last weekend in what was a record breaking season for PPA. With over 250 teams competing in basketball and futsal leagues throughout the DC and Montgomery County region, we saw more drama, player skills, parent posters, buzzer beating shots, and great play than ever before.
I got a chance to speak with the two lead Directors of our Futsal leagues - Damario Clarke for Hoops and Steven Rogers for Futsal, to get their thoughts on the season. Here's what they had to say:
Damario: "First off, I'd like to thank the parents for helping us put together the most exciting league play of our history. Your commitment and support to our program was essential in creating an environment where or young athletes could learn, grow, and have fun. When we opened registration back in November, we knew we were in for a big season when after only 8 days we had to close the registration and open the waitlist. We had more teams participate than ever before which made the league exciting, fun, and competitive. As we look forward to upcoming seasons, we are excited to build upon the successes (and fix some of our mistakes!) to continue providing a positive environment for the players."
Steven: "Normally, the winter season is considered the "off season" for soccer. But this winter, we saw more families sign up for Futsal than ever before, which helped us deliver a better season. When we have more teams play, we can organize our leagues to have better game parity, and ultimately, a better player experience. This season we experimented with playing games both indoors and outdoors, and learned a lot in how we can continue improving our leagues for the future. As we look ahead, I'm excited about the upcoming Spring Season, where we can get back outside and go full swing into the soccer season."
PPA Spirit Week
In our Development Programs, we like to specialize a few weekends of Gamedays. One of our favorite weekends is Spirit Week where teams came out with mascots, stuffed animals, posters, banners, pom poms, face paint, posters, and much more! The turn-out this winter did not disappoint:
PPA SPIRIT WEEK VIDEO RECAP:
We also want to thank everyone who entered our team gift card give away. Congrats to some of our winning teams who put on display the upmost team spirit!
FIRE TIGERS - 2/3 GIRLS - Coach Marcus
SHARKS - MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS - COACH KEN
BLIZZARDS - MS BOYS - COACH RODOLFO
STODDARD - K/1 BOYS - COACH HOWARD
ST PATS - COACH KEVIN
End of Season Tournaments
At the end of each season, our Development Leagues run their signature End of Season Tournaments to crown a champion of the league. These weekends give our coaches and players a chance to chase their dreams of glory and play with a bit more competitive spirit than they would during the seasons. This Winter, we held tournaments for Basketball and Futsal that were full of excitement, passion, tears of heart-break, and tears a joy. Here's a quick recap
End of Season Basketball Tournament As this tournament began the excitement and energy was palpable. Parents and coaches are cheering on their teams, hoping for a chance at victory.
This season, we think the tournaments drew the most intense levels of competition we've ever seen. Even though many of our players are young, when it comes to the tournament players know to turn the gears up with a high level of intensity and focus. But no matter what happens during the game, at the end its important to see the team sportsmanship and camaraderie.
Of course, it is also fun to see the players showcase their individual talents. There are always a few standout players who impress with their speed, agility, and shooting abilities. It is exciting to watch them take charge of the game and lead their team to victory.
For most teams, the tournament can be bittersweet. All the teams come in with aspirations to win, but most will fall short. So for the teams that persevere and pull off the impossible; Congratulations on being a champion!
Winners
3rd Girls- Wes Dragons
2nd Girls- Wyngate Wildcats
2nd Boys- Ballers
3rd Boys- Bullis Nets
4th Boys- Maret Frogs
4th Girls- Wildcats
5th Boys- Bradley Hill Bobcats
5th-7th Girls- Madness
6th/7th Boys- GDS Grizzlies
7th/8th Boys- DC Yeeters
End of Season Futsal Tournament
The Futsal tournament is quickly becoming a big deal. What was once a small tournament with a few teams participating, is now one PPA's fastest growing tournament. Kind of like the basketball version of Soccer, Futsal is played 5 v 5 on the dimensions of a basketball court. It is a fast-paced and dynamic sport that demands skill, speed, and teamwork. This year's tournament put those skills on display!
Check out some of our teams from this year's tournament!
Futsal is a sport that is loved by millions of people around the world. It is a game that requires skill, teamwork, and determination, and it is a fantastic way for kids to stay active and healthy. But for many kids, futsal is more than just a game. It is an opportunity to make new friends, learn important life skills, and develop a sense of confidence and self-esteem.
This Winter, each team demonstrated their unique style and approach to the game. Some teams relied on quick, aggressive play, while others focused on patient, possession-based tactics. Every game was a unique challenge, and every team had something to offer.
As the season comes to a close, the players, coaches, and fans can look back on it with pride and satisfaction. They've created memories that will last a lifetime, and they've shown that futsal is a sport that can bring people together from all walks of life. We will see our Futsal players out on the fields during Spring soccer!