π’π¨ TRYOUT ANNOUNCEMENT π¨π’
Surf Soccer Tryouts for the 2025/2026 Season Are Now Open!
Be part of Surf Nation and join the wave of excitement sweeping across the Panhandle! This is your chance to train, compete, and grow with one of the top soccer programs in the country.
π Go Surf! π
Register now using the link below:
π https://playmetrics.com/signup?clubToken=TG9naW4tQ2x1Yi52MS0zOTAtMTc1MDcwMzk0NnxlZTJ2d3NXWWxFQVlsS3d1aVpHaXU2V2tvVDJuZkxYejlVdG1qc1M3MnNvPQ==&program_id=60867
π’π¨ TRYOUT ANNOUNCEMENT π¨π’
Surf Soccer Tryouts for the 2025/2026 Season Are Now Open!
Be part of Surf Nation and join the wave of excitement sweeping across the Panhandle! This is your chance to train, compete, and grow with one of the top soccer programs in the country.
π Go Surf! π
Register now using the link below:
π https://playmetrics.com/signup?clubToken=TG9naW4tQ2x1Yi52MS0zOTAtMTc1MDcwMzk0NnxlZTJ2d3NXWWxFQVlsS3d1aVpHaXU2V2tvVDJuZkxYejlVdG1qc1M3MnNvPQ==&program_id=60867
π’π¨ LIVE Open Zoom Call Tonight @ 8:00 PM! π¨π’
Curious about what Surf Soccer is all about? Have questions? Want to learn more about our vision and what we’re building?
Whether you’re a player, parent, interested coach, or interested club π—you’re invited to join us tonight for a live Zoom session!
We’ll be sharing:
β
Who we are
β
What we’re doing
β
How we plan to get there
Don't miss this chance to learn more and be part of something special. We can’t wait to see you tonight!
Rip City Surf is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84159028618?pwd=aw5ao1U2XoUla7aHQW8catoHtTjxeH.1
Meeting ID: 841 5902 8618
Passcode: 330972
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kb7ao35itz
π¨Attentionπ¨Rip City Surf Free ID Clinic
Come showcase your skills and get evaluated by top-level coaches at our Free ID Clinic. Train alongside the best of the best and take the next step in your soccer journey. πβ½οΈπ
Spots are limited—register now and don’t miss this opportunity!
https://playmetrics.com/signup?clubToken=TG9naW4tQ2x1Yi52MS0zOTAtMTc1MDEwNTM1OHxHWTYvcHBTR1hpMkxwNVhsTE5QWGF2QXUwenpCUHpQUlBQSmN1RHZrakxZPQ==&program_id=61065
Good evening, everyone!
Now that the news is out, we’re hosting a Q&A session tonight at 6:45 PM under the pavilion at the center of the Publix Sports Complex. This is a great opportunity for anyone who has questions about Rip City Surf or wants to learn more about the direction our club is headed.
We’re excited to share what’s ahead and encourage anyone who’s curious to come join the conversation.
Heads up: Parking was a challenge on Tuesday, so we recommend arriving a little early to find a spot and settle in.
We hope to see you there!
Our Director of Soccer, Coach Jona, has made a game-changing decision for the players of the Florida Panhandle.
Raised in this community since the age of five, Coach Jona has lived the local soccer journey—playing for the same clubs, competing in the same high schools, and navigating the same challenges that players here still face today. He knows this landscape better than anyone—because he’s lived it.
Years ago, he returned home with a mission: to change the narrative around Panhandle soccer and open doors for kids just like he once was—talented, driven, and often overlooked.
And he’s delivered. Coach Jona has led teams to three state championships—more than any other boys coach from Panama City to Pensacola. His commitment to building opportunity and changing lives through soccer has never wavered.
Now, by joining Surf Nation, Coach Jona is taking the next big step. This partnership is about more than branding—it’s about bringing national exposure, elite-level resources, and real opportunity to the best players in our region.
The Panhandle is ready to be seen.
Come Surfin’ with us. β½οΈππβοΈβ½οΈ
Exclusive Summer Soccer Camp with FC Groningen – Register Now!
We are thrilled to announce a one-of-a-kind Summer Soccer Camp in partnership with FC Groningen, a top professional club from the Netherlands! Florida Roots is bringing elite-level coaching to Panama City Beach, Florida, giving young athletes an incredible opportunity to train with international professionals.
Why is this camp special?
FC Groningen has developed some of the world’s best players, including Luis Suárez, Virgil van Dijk, Arjen Robben, and current U.S. National Team star Ricardo Pepi. Now, their coaches and directors are coming here to share their expertise and help players elevate their game.
Camp Details:
β½ 5-day camp – for older age groups
β½ 1-day camp – for our youngest players
β½ 1-day coaches clinic – open to all coaches, regardless of club affiliation
π Special Opportunity: One player from each camp will be selected as "Player of the Camp" and will receive an autographed Arjen Robben jersey!
This is a rare opportunity to experience top-level training and learn from some of the best in the game. Our coaches are eager to work with young players from our community, and we can’t wait to see the talent on display!
Spots are limited, so don't miss out! Stay tuned for registration details coming soon.
See you on the field!
https://playmetrics.com/signup?clubToken=TG9naW4tQ2x1Yi52MS0zOTAtMTc0NzYwMDE5M3wwdmJuT2hINTVvRGZRaDBYajcyOGlWOFFPTW10YmhtTHljRmN5WUNEQW5FPQ==
Congratulations to our Roots for making it back to their fourth State Championship in just five years! We’re incredibly proud that 24 out of 25 players competing at this elite level are part of our organization. Your hard work, dedication, and passion continue to set the standard in the Panhandle —let’s bring home the title! #RootedInExcellence #StateBound π§‘ππΌβ½οΈπ
Attention Roots Families:
Today's tryouts are canceled due to the closure of the grass fields at Publix Sports Park. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday as we resume tryouts.
Thank you for your patience—stay ready, and we’ll see you soon! Go Roots! β½
We're thrilled to announce the newest addition to the Florida Roots family – Jillian Romag!
With her extensive experience and expertise, Jillian will lead our social media and marketing efforts as we continue to grow and build exciting new partnerships. As Florida Roots expands with more grassroots opportunities for soccer players, we're confident that Jillian will play a pivotal role in helping us elevate the experience for our current and future Roots members.
Stay tuned! With our evolving partnerships and an ever-growing team of coaches and professionals, we're committed to delivering the best soccer experience for your children.
Great soccer begins with a great team. Welcome aboard, Jill! Go Roots!
Sound familiar? π€·π½βοΈ
π£οΈπΊπΈ Former USMNT center back, Geoff Cameron, gave his take on the state of youth soccer in the U.S., saying teams and coaches often prioritize playing and winning tournaments rather than developing individual talent.
“[Youth players] don’t need to play 20 games in a weekend, right? They’re going to these tournaments and playing game after game — are you actually having enough time to train and get better?
“[Coaches] are just focusing on a team instead of to individually development the players technically."
Do you agree?π
Everything Cameron said: https://buff.ly/4eekizL
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Chance Gainer during this difficult time. His infectious smile and unwavering faith left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Chance played with our 05 Boys team in Port St. Joe, where he was deeply loved by his teammates and coaches. His presence will be profoundly missed, but his memory will remain forever in our hearts. π§‘ππΌ
Every now and then, the boys like to challenge Coach Jona to a crossbar challenge. It’s usually the younger guys, as the older ones have learned their lesson. Here’s how the game goes:
Each player gets three shots from outside the 18-yard box. Coach Jona gets three shots as well. To score a point, the ball must hit the crossbar and bounce back—skims don’t count. Whoever hits the crossbar the most times out of their three attempts wins. If there's a tie, the game goes into sudden death: one shot each until someone misses. The stakes? If a player wins, Coach Jona has to do whatever the player bets—like shaving or dyeing his beard. But if Coach wins, he gets to pick the player’s new haircut.
In the video above, Carson had been boasting to Coach Jona that he could beat him in a crossbar challenge. Coach Jona finally called his bluff and agreed to the match. Carson took his three shots and came close each time but didn’t manage to hit the crossbar. He tried to argue that he skimmed it, but he knew the rules beforehand. Then, Coach Jona steps up, nails his first shot, and Carson starts claiming it’s a tie at 1-1. Coach Jona, with two shots still in hand, declares that the game is over as he hits it a second time, leaving no doubt.
After the contest, Carson could only say, “My mom is going to kill me.” Now, it’s time for you to decide: what should Carson’s new haircut be? Pick one of the attached pictures. (A,B,C,D)
Stay tuned for the update once he pays up on his bet!
Coach Jona has now provided 18 players with new haircuts. π€£π€£
Fort Walton/Shalimar Supplemental Tryouts and Training sessions start this week at Shalimar Elementary School. On Tuesday and Thursday, players born in 2008 (girls only), 2009 - 2013 (boys only), and 2014 - 2017 (boys and girls) will train from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Players born in 2008 (boys only) and 2010 - 2013 (girls only) will train from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Use the link below to sign up for tryouts in advance, or you can register on-site upon arrival.
https://playmetrics.com/programs
Shalimar Elementary School Address: 1350 Joe Martin Cir #1317, Shalimar, FL 32579
Go Roots!
Destin Supplemental Tryouts and Training sessions begin this week at Destin Elementary School. On Monday and Wednesday, players of all ages will train from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Use the link below to sign up for tryouts in advance, or you can register on-site upon arrival.
https://playmetrics.com/programs
Destin Elementary School Address: 630 Kelly St, Destin, FL 32541
Go Roots!
Crestview Supplemental Tryouts and Training sessions start this week at NORTH OKALOOSA SOCCER CLUB. On Monday and Wednesday, players born between 2013 and 2017 will train from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, while players born between 2006 and 2012 will train from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Use the link below to sign up for tryouts in advance, or you can register on-site upon arrival.
https://playmetrics.com/programs
NORTH OKALOOSA SOCCER CLUB ADDRESS: 6330 Garden City Rd, Crestview, FL 32539
Go Roots!
Panama City/Panama City Beach Supplemental Tryouts and Training sessions start this week at Publix Sports Park on grass fields 11 and 12. On Tuesday and Thursday, players of all ages (except 2006-2008 boys) will train from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, while the boys 2006-2008 will train from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Use the link below to sign up for tryouts in advance, or you can register on-site upon arrival.
https://playmetrics.com/programs
Go Roots!
Fun Facts about the ECPL
The ECPL (Emerald Coast Premier League) got its name from Lori Trautman, the Executive Director of the Florida Club League. The league began as a pilot program in the spring of 2024, featuring six teams: Roots, Breakers, Florida Elite, Chivas, RAD, and Navarre. This fall, two more clubs, West Florida and Kings Hammer, have joined the league.
We are thrilled about this opportunity, as we've been advocating for league play over tournament play for some time. This league provides our players with competitive games within our region, eliminating the need for long drives and costly hotel stays. Families can enjoy the convenience of playing 1 or 2 games a day and still have time to relax for the rest of the weekend.
Moving to league play has brought numerous benefits. It has saved parents a significant amount of money, greatly reduced overuse injuries, lowered player burnout, and allowed families to spend more time together on weekends. Most importantly, it has enabled us to prioritize development over winning, especially for younger age groups, which is crucial for long-term success in soccer.
Go Roots!
Congratulations to the Arnold Marlins boys soccer team for receiving their second State Championship rings in four years! A special shoutout to the 11 seniors who also play for the Roots. These remarkable athletes have won 14 trophies over four years and concluded their senior season as National Champions. Go Roots! π§‘πͺπΎπππ Photo Credit: Tyler Orsborn News Herald.
Last night, our season concluded with a hard-fought match against the #1 seed in the Western Conference and last year’s champion. We couldn't be prouder of our team and everything they have accomplished this season. Despite losing two starters to ACL injuries in a single game, our players showed incredible resilience and determination, staying competitive in every match. Their unwavering spirit and commitment have been truly inspiring.
We also saw tremendous growth from our younger players, who greatly benefited from significant playing time and the guidance of our seasoned veterans. The older players took them under their wing, helping them develop and mature both on and off the field. This camaraderie and mentorship have been pivotal to our success.
A special thank you to Coach Tyler for his dedication and hard work this season. His leadership has been invaluable to the team's progress and cohesion.
We couldn't be more proud of this team and our staff. Go Roots!
We want to give a big shout-out to Josh Chandler for being named a United Soccer Coaches All-American! Here's an excerpt from the letter he received:
2024 United Soccer Coaches High School Winter-Spring All-American. Congratulations on being named one of the nation’s best. All selections will be officially announced on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, to our nationwide soccer media list and will be available on www.UnitedSoccerCoaches.org/news. We will be mailing two (2) All-America certificates and a medal emblematic of the selection later this summer to your high school. One certificate is for you and the other for your school to display. We hope this award is always a special highlight of your high school soccer career. Late in the fall, you will receive an invitation and information about attending the annual United Soccer Coaches All-America Ceremony on Saturday, January 11, 2025, honoring All-Americans for youth, high school, and college soccer in 2024. The event will take place in conjunction with the annual United Soccer Coaches Convention in Chicago, Ill.
Josh was one of 18 boys in the Nation selected. Go Roots! π§‘β½οΈπ
We are happy to welcome St. Andrew's Soccer Club as an affiliate of Florida Roots Soccer School. As our soccer community continues to grow, we are committed to supporting and nurturing its development every step of the way. We can't wait to see what the future has in store. Let's welcome St. Andrews Soccer Club to the family. π§‘β½οΈπ€
π Exciting News! π
We are thrilled to announce the formation of St. Andrews Soccer Club in Panama City! πβ½
Our mission is to develop young soccer players, promote competitive play, and foster personal growth in a supportive community. Whether you’re looking to hone your skills, compete at a high level, or simply grow as an individual, St. Andrews Soccer Club is the place for you!
Join us on this exciting journey as we build a vibrant soccer community together. Stay tuned for updates, program details, and how you can get involved. Let’s make soccer history in Panama City!
Match Recap: #1 vs #2
Tonight’s game was a nail-biter as the top two teams faced off. The Roots struck first, but AFC quickly found an equalizer. The turning point came with two highly questionable penalty kicks awarded to AFC, leading to their next two goals and ultimately deciding the match. Hats off to AFC for their performance; they are a formidable team.
Our thoughts are with our two starters who left the field with suspected serious knee injuries. We’re resilient and will come back stronger.
Stay True to Your Roots!
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