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Lightning Open Tryouts A Success: Mini-Camp Underway

October 9, 2009 - Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
Louisville Lightning News Release


On two Sundays in late September, 75 aspiring athletes crowded onto the indoor fields at Mockinbird Valley Soccer Complex for the chance to earn a place on the Louisville Lightning roster. After careful deliberation, Head Coach and General Manager for the Lightning, David Horne, whittled the list of applicants down to about 30 field players and 4 goalkeepers.

Last week, these 30 began the final selection process as the Lightning's preseason camp started. The camp will give players a chance to practice drills, improve their fitness, and impress coaches one more time. Aside from offering the Lightning coaches a closer look at some of the top players in Kentucky, the mini-camp provides a crucial opportunity for players to adjust to each other's style on the field. It will also help the players get to know one another a little better and form friendships, a valuable component for any professional team considering the amount of time spent in the locker room and on the road together.

Learning about the other players is also important due to the differing cultures and backgrounds represented at the camp. The players in attendance offer a unique blend of talent, comprised of current professional players from the PASL, United Soccer League (USL) and Canadian Soccer League (CSL); international talent from Mexico and Bosnia; and several former local college players from well-known universities and colleges including the University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University, Centre College, Bellarmine University and Union College. The high level of diversity and short amount of time left before the start of the Lightning's first season make opportunities like mini-camp priceless.

According to Coach Horne, a final roster will be decided at the end of preseason camp. The Lightning will also continue trying out a handful of new players throughout the mini-camp process. "We are very grateful to have such gifted players from our local community and the professional ranks. Although we are impressed, we are not yet satisfied with the level of talent and will continue to bring in more players with professional experience until we have a roster built for success in the PASL," Horne said.

The Lightning's inaugural season gets underway on Friday, November 13, against Cincinnati at Mockingbird Valley Soccer Club. Start time is 7:30 p.m. Mockingbird Valley -- located at 3000 Mellwood Avenue -- is being remodeled with new seating, signage and other amenities for the team.



Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from October 9, 2009


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