Welcome to Banat 97 Girls Team Site!
The Banat '97 Girls (birthday between August 1, 1996 - July 31, 1997) are a competitive soccer team in the Banat Soccer Club. The Banat Soccer Club is Arizona's only complete soccer organization which includes adult, competitive youth club, recreational, and Academy developmental programs based in the west valley of the Phoenix metro area. The '97 Girls team have players from all over Maricopa county to include Phoenix, Tolleson, Surprise, Goodyear, Buckeye, Youngtown, and Avondale.
The Banat '97 Girls will be competing in the Arizona State League for the 2009-2010 season as well as participating in numerous tournaments in Arizona, California, and Nevada.
The Banat '97 Girls are coached and trained by Rick Kelsey and Dyanne Hopkinson. Deanna Perez is the team manager and is responsible for all communication as well as adminstrative actions to include player and tournament registration. All three, Rick, Deanna and Dyanne are commited to player development as evidenced by their passion for training, the team, and the Club.
Coaching Bios
Rick Kelsey - With over 25 years of experience in adminstration, coaching, playing, and refereeing soccer Rick has been involved in every aspect of soccer from the youth to professional. Rick has been actively involved in soccer everywhere he has lived, Southern California, Washington, and now Arizona. After a long career as a referee Rick moved to coaching and administration. As General Manager of the Arizona Heatwave of the United Soccer League's (USL) W-League from 2001 - 2003, Rick was recognized as the Executive of the Year in 2001.
Rick started the girls soccer program at Sandra Day O'Connor HS in 2001 and has since led the Lady Eagles to the State Tournament every year. Along with coaching high school, Rick has been coaching youth soccer for over 10 years, girls and boys, competitive and recreational. He believes that the players need to learn to love the game, not be forced to enjoy it. His core values include Commitment, Communication, and Accountabilty.