Hello Goalkeepers and Families, We are excited to share an opportunity for goalkeepers to participate in Keeper Wars Ellicott City on June 20-21, 2026. If you've never experienced a Keeper Wars Ink event before, you're in for something special. Keeper Wars Ink is a national goalkeeper community competition built around development, intensity, confidence, and connection. While the tournament is exciting, what keeps goalkeepers and families returning year after year is the experience. This is a weekend dedicated to celebrating goalkeepers and providing opportunities to compete, train, grow, and connect with others who share a passion for the position. One of the things that makes Keeper Wars unique is the amount of goalkeeper-specific activity. On average, goalkeepers participating in a Keeper Wars weekend experience more than 245 goalkeeper reps, creating countless opportunities to develop decision-making, shot stopping, distribution, communication, and confidence under pressure. Why Goalkeepers Love Keeper Wars Ink More than 245 goalkeeper reps throughout the weekend Competition against goalkeepers from other clubs and communities State and national rankings National qualification opportunities A unique environment focused entirely on goalkeepers Friendships and connections with goalkeepers who share the same passion for the position Event Information Location The Bob Lucido Fields at Covenant Park 4560 Centennial Lane Ellicott City, MD 21042 Youth Divisions (Boys & Girls, Ages 8-18) Friday, June 19 Optional Goalkeeper Clinic Saturday, June 20 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Sunday, June 21 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Participants receive: Pool play and playoff rounds Live game-day scoring Seven guaranteed games State and national rankings National qualification opportunities Open competition for all skill levels Registration: $190 ($215 Late Registration) Register Here: https://keeperwarsink.leagueapps.com/events/4736183-ellicott-city-md-city-tour-event---june-2026 Use Coach Code : PELLSKS15 Whether your goalkeeper is new to the position or has years of experience, Keeper Wars provides a challenging, supportive, and memorable experience that helps goalkeepers grow both on and off the field. I hope you'll consider joining what promises to be an outstanding weekend of goalkeeper development, competition, and community. See you on the field!

This year's Annual General Meeting will be held on June 9 at 7:00pm at the Covenant Church. 2025-2026 AGM Report

James "Jim" Carlan, born May 11, 1939, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026, at the age of 87, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. Jim never sought to be the center of attention, but his demeanor was such that people naturally gravitated toward him. He was a great listener who genuinely focused on understanding people before offering his thoughts. He loved history, stayed incredibly sharp throughout his life, and was always the person family and friends turned to for sound advice. It was not uncommon for loved ones to call Jim seeking guidance, and many later realized that some of the most important decisions of their lives had begun with one of those conversations. Jim graduated from Suffolk University with an accounting degree and spent over three decades with the Government Accountability Office (GAO). A highlight of his distinguished career came in 1981, when he completed the Senior Executive Fellows Program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. His sharp analytical mind and professional expertise served him well far beyond his career, directly shaping the wisdom and guidance he offered his community. Nowhere was his impact felt more than on the soccer pitch. Jim’s 40-year journey with the sport was extraordinary. He knew absolutely nothing about the game when he started, but he cared deeply about youth development. He studied the sport inside and out, immersed himself in coaching, and eventually rose to become the Chief Operating Officer of the Soccer Association of Columbia (SAC). He was a primary architect in building and establishing the fields at Covenant Park, dedicating countless hours over his career creating opportunities for young athletes and their families. Outside of work, Jim was a passionate sports fan, closely following both Boston and DC teams. He was an avid hockey and baseball fan, and some of his happiest moments were spent attending games with his family and friends. Above all else, Jim’s family was his entire world. He was blessed with a lifetime of love, sharing his life with two remarkable women—both named Pauline. He spent his life reveling in the achievements of his children and grandchildren, finding genuine joy in their successes, milestones, and happiness. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Pauline; his four daughters, Debi, Laura, Lynda, and Judy; his stepdaughter, Margie; his sister, Patricia; eleven grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Pauline; his beloved son, James "Jimmy" Carlan III; his granddaughter, Brittany Carlan; his parents; and his siblings, Florence ("Sis") and Ralph ("Bud"). Jim's legacy lives on not only through his family, but also through the thousands of young people, coaches, parents, and friends whose lives he touched through mentorship, service, soccer, friendship, and faith. Whether offering thoughtful advice, cheering from the sidelines, or quietly helping someone find their way, Jim made people feel heard, valued, and supported. Memorial & Donation Information A funeral service celebrating Jim’s life and legacy will be held on Friday, June 26, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Covenant Church. Refreshments will be provided immediately following the service, hosted by SAC at the Jim Carlan Clubhouse, located adjacent to the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: The Soccer Association of Columbia (SAC) Covenant Church  https://www.donaldsonclarksville.com/obituaries/james-carlan

The Soccer Association of Columbia (SAC) is excited to announce a new concession vendor for the SAC Snack Shack at Covenant Park. Please join us in welcoming Steve Lampieri, our new owner and operator. Steve brings a lifetime of experience in the restaurant industry and is the owner of Jennings Café. Steve has introduced a refreshed menu featuring expanded food options and new beverage selections to enhance your game-day experience.  Be sure to stop by the concessions on your next visit to Covenant Park and check out what’s new!

Aki Lake Assumes New Role As SAC/BA Technical Director

This week, Priestly sits down with legendary coach John Ellinger , a Montgomery County, Maryland native whose coaching résumé reads like a piece of U.S. Soccer history. From his early days at Frostburg State to becoming the first head coach of Real Salt Lake (MLS) , Ellinger shares the journey, lessons, and stories that shaped his career. He opens up about coaching some of the nation’s top players, including Landon Donovan , revealing what made the young star so special on and off the field. Plus, hear about his time leading one of the top four ranked teams in the world for U.S. Soccer, and how he continues to influence the next generation with his USSF A License experience and passion for the game. Link: https://www.msysa.org/on-the-line-podcast/

DICK's Sporting Goods is offering SAC members year round savings! Use these coupons at checkout. https://cmm.dickssportinggoods.com/crmcdn/getoffer.aspx?offer_entity_code=O241FNSM&token=eeNdc-cifrvoWVC3Ttxp6CzlJIpqWipqa1Ybfj1wMZV5jRV1AGvs2omTrW1vXbTplEVMVcd5TOjIBV-CgLQg2

Baltimore Armour Girls Academy Coaches