As the coach of the freshman boys soccer team at Lake Orion High School two years ago, Matt Paukovits saw a need for a better developmental system for young players in the community.
So, with 23 years of coaching experience under his belt, Paukovits did something few others with his credentials would do: he started working with young players.
The director of coaching for the Oakland FC Dragons Soccer program, Paukovits coaches the Under 9 and Under 10 teams.
The emphasis on player development is what Paukovits and Director of Administration Tom Weaver agree is the foundation of their program.
‘Matt’s our best coach and he’s working with our younger kids,? Weaver said. ‘That’s the biggest difference between our program and other programs.?
‘Our program is everything about development,? Weaver added. ‘We don’t want to lose, but we stress the development.?
Weaver noted that before the Oakland FC program came into existence, parents had few options.
‘If they wanted a competitive atmosphere, they had the LOBOS or they had to go out of town,? he said.
Weaver and Paukovits agreed that Lake Orion is big enough to have options.
This summer, they anticipate having between eight and 11 teams from U8 through U16, including a few girls teams (though some girls also play on the boys teams).
‘We’re building it one team at a time,? said Paukovits, whose playing experience included the Oakland University team and the Detroit Wheels, among others.
Weaver said that 95 percent of the program’s players are from Lake Orion, and the parents certainly appreciate the hometown options they provide.
Parents Debbie Arenz and Michelle Lively said it was the coaches? knowledge and the teaching of responsibility and sportsmanship that drew them to the program.
‘We chose FC over LOBOS because of the coaches and the attention they gave,? Lively, a team manager for the U9 team said. ‘It’s not political. You’re here to play and here to learn.?
Arenz has three boys playing in the program and said her oldest son, 10-year-old David, has found a home in the program.
‘He’s made a lot of new friends,? she said. ‘He loves the whole thing.?
Both parents said the coaches serve as great role models to the kids as well.
The staff includes four other instructors, but Weaver said it’s the strong parent support group that’s just as responsible for the quick growth of the young program.
Paukovits is also the reserve team head coach for the Mid-Michigan Bucks. He gives some of the Oakland FC kids an opportunity to get a first hand look at the pro game by serving as ball boys on the field.
‘We’re trying to make it a community based program for kids.?
The Oakland FC Dragons Soccer program will host tryouts at the LOHS varsity soccer field on June 17 and 14. For specific times, please visit www.oaklandfc.org or call (248) 391-3117.
The team will also host a summer soccer camp from July 10-14 for ages six through 13. The camp will be held at the LOHS varsity soccer field and the registration deadline is June 30. For more information on the camp please visit their website.