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Sixteen girls from the small communities of Delton and Richland have just learned they have been invited to play in the 2004 American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) National Games. The girls, aged 11 - 14, are members of the United Storm AYSO team, coached by Mike Robbins and assistant coach Wes Knollenberg.
This year the tournament is being held at the National Soccer Center in Lancaster, California. It is the largest AYSO tournament in the nation, and only 2 to 3 teams from each AYSO Section of the country are invited. The waiting list of teams bidding for the tournament is long, and receiving an invitation is an achievement in itself.
Robbins has been coaching AYSO soccer for many years, and has coached some members of this team since they were five years old. Most have played AYSO soccer for more than four years. They have grown into a skilled and cohesive team, chalking up an impressive list of regular season and tournament wins. Last year, they took the first place trophy for their age group in the tournament for AYSO Section 8, which includes Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.
The team is successful in the classroom as well, with almost every member achieving at or near the top academically. The team is one of only nine in Michigan invited to attend the national tournament, which will take place July 5th - 11th.
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