By Kyle LoJacono
When the Oscar Cooler Sports Complex expansion is complete later this summer new soccer fields will open for the Lutz Rangers to bring the sport to the area for the first time.
“Really Lutz and Odessa have never had a local soccer program,” said Mike Connell who, is organizing the new club. “People had to travel to New Tampa or Town ‘N’ Country to play competitive soccer.”
The complex’s expansion cost about $3.7 million, according to Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department director Mark Thornton. The opening date for the expanded park, located on W. Lutz-Lake Fern Road in Lutz, is not set yet, but it will include four soccer fields among other things.
“It will help soccer grow and flourish in north Hillsborough County,” Thornton said.
The Rangers will have programs for boys and girls ages 4 to 18, which includes development courses for younger kids and competitive seasons for older players.
Connell, 52, also runs Unlimited Motion Soccer Academy at Sports + Field, 2029 Arrowgrass Drive in Wesley Chapel, which has adult and youth soccer programs and opened in 2007. Connell, who lives in Lutz and runs the programs in his free time, grew up playing soccer in South Africa.
“The irony is the program I played for in South Africa was called the Rangers,” Connell said. “Also the oldest club team in the area that started in Town ‘N’ Country 25 years ago was called the Rangers. A lot of our coaches played for that Rangers team and are again coaching the Rangers.”
One of those coaches is Michael Baumann, 24, who lives in New Tampa and played professionally in Europe for two years. He also coached the younger players at Fulham Academy in London.
“It’s always been my No. 1 passion,” Baumann said. “I started playing at age 5 and it’s been a safe haven for me. I grew up in Spring Hill and I didn’t really get involved in anything outside the soccer world.”
Baumann will coach the Rangers U15 boys team, but his playing days may not be done.
“I’m trying to make a comeback,” Baumann said. “I play striker and left midfield and I’m hoping to get back into shape and get a tryout with the Rowdies. I’m really happy to have professional soccer back in the Tampa Bay area.”
This is the first season of the FC Tampa Bay Rowdies, which is part of the North American Soccer League. Connell also played for the first version of the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 1975 and from 1977 to 1984. The older Rowdies existed until 1993.
One of the reasons Connell wanted to bring soccer to Lutz was he has seen the price of soccer programs increase rapidly.
“It’s incredibly expensive now,” Connell said. “I’ve seen clubs that cost $1,000 a year. I wanted to have a program where people could learn the game at a reasonable price.”
The programs cost between $250 and $450 for the year, with the older players seasons costing more. Those interested in joining the competitive season should attend one of the tryouts from 6 to 8 p.m. June 2 to 5 at the Shimberg Complex in Town ‘N’ Country.
“We have to do the tryouts in Town ‘N’ Country because the Lutz fields aren’t done yet,” Connell said. “They will be for the season, but right now we have to make do with what we have.”
The teams will compete in the Florida Youth Soccer Association against such clubs as the Wesley Chapel Soccer Club and the Fusion Futbol Club in New Tampa. Each year the best teams in each age group advance to the President’s Cup.
“The real goal is to build soccer here in north Hillsborough County,” Connell said. “For me I’d like to think the kids will eventually bring success to our local high schools, which are Steinbrenner, Freedom, Gaither and Wharton here in Hillsborough. I’d like to see (the schools) win some state championships and I want to see us win some President’s Cups too.”
To sign up for the Rangers, visit www.fctampalutz.com. The club is also looking for those who would like to coach. Those interested should call Connell at (813) 909-1921 or e-mail him at .
