When Force Football Club’s Boys U17 team arrived at the Super Y League North American Finals last December, it was with the knowledge that it would be their last chance to set the record straight.

According to goalkeeper Isiah Handspike, Coach Danny Price brought the team’s players back together with his new club to make one final run at a championship.

“We went to two state finals and lost, and [Price] called us up and said it was our last chance to do it, I want to go win something with you boys,” Handspike said on Thursday. “We got together, went to the Force, worked our butts off all summer, got down here, took care of business and won. It was a really great feeling to finally get the job done.”

Handspike was named to the All-Tournament Team, an impressive feat as he played up an age group. The 16-year-old is one of the goalkeepers taking part in this weekend’s Super Y League ODP National Camp at IMG Academy, and is looking forward to getting the chance to learn from the experienced staff on hand, including former MLS standout Kevin Hartman.

“I’m really excited to work with Coach Kevin [Hartman], because his set position is just amazing,” Handspike said. “That’s what I want to work on, because if I can get that down, I can go places.”

Handspike began goalkeeping at the age of 12, when his side needed someone to fill in at practice. Since then, he has relied on his natural athleticism to reach this point, but this weekend wants to add more technicality to his skillset as he looks to get the chance to play in the college ranks.

ATTITUDE BRINGS KINGDOM SUCCESS: The Kalamazoo Kingdom have been successful for the past few Super Y League seasons. ODP selection Sydney Cason said that’s because of the positivity around the club that helps influence their play.

“Everyone on the club loves playing, and we all have the passion to play and the attitude,” Cason said. “We’re all mentally prepared when we step on the field, and it’s just a good team atmosphere. Getting to play with all of your friends is supporting; it’s a good environment to be part of.”

Cason, who earned All-Tournament honors last December for Kalamazoo, is one of a number of Kingdom players that earned an invitation to the camp, and is looking forward to the scrimmages this weekend as the ODP sides take part in the IMG Cup.

COMPETITION KEY FOR ANTUNES: Ironbound SC standout John Antunes returned for another ODP camp this year after earning All-Tournament honors in the Boys U16 division. A skillful midfielder, Antunes said the level of competition at Ironbound has helped his development greatly.

“Ironbound is a great club,” he said. “Every single practice is a competition. People arguing, people talking about how good you want to be. As a captain of that team, every single thing we work on, every little detail at practice comes to the great, and that’s why we have great mentalities and great personalities. On the field, everything is personal to us, and the competition level is very high.”

Antunes is hoping that this weekend’s IMG Cup games will allow the college coaches in attendance to see the quality of player that is now playing in the Super Y League.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Antunes said. “The competition is good, and it’s a good opportunity to show what every single player has in the Super Y League.”

FOUQUE HAPPY FOR LIONS’ INFLUENCE: Ben Fouque was part of the Orlando City Boys U13 side that reached the final at the Super Y League North American Finals last December, and he’s grateful for the influence the Lions have had on local soccer in Central Florida.

“It’s awesome. It’s probably the best coaching I’ve had,” Fouque said. “For us, our club has done a lot better than any other clubs that we’ve played against. It’s an advantage having the coaching we’ve had.”

Orlando City makes its MLS debut on Sunday against fellow expansion side NYCFC, and while Fouque wasn’t able to get a ticket for the sellout clash, he is confident the Lions will make a good first impression and make the playoffs in their inaugural season.

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