GK Icon USA Has Arrived

GK Icon USA Has Arrived!

Two of the best goalkeeping academies either side of the Atlantic Ocean have joined forces to create a World class organization aimed at developing the next generation of stars. 

US-based 247GK and GK Icon from the United Kingdom have come together to form a fantastic team catering for goalkeepers young and old. 

Both Richard Lee, who plays for Brentford FC in England, and former professional Mike Ammann share similar philosophies about not only goalkeeping, but, more importantly, providing guidance and mentorship to young boys and girls through sport. 

The pair are both excited about the partnership and new initiatives they are offering; from the latest training methods to psychological support, nutrition and fitness information to college recruiting and also professional opportunities.

GK Icon USA has now launched under the guidance of Mike and his staff. As a result, Mike is in the process of adding coaches and training centers across the US in order to help young goalkeepers reach, and exceed their potential. 

Mike said: "I cannot tell you how excited I am about this partnership with Richard and GK Icon. We have been in planning discussions for a long time and this is something we have both agreed will be first class.
"Our goal is simple; to provide quality across the board, including coaches, facilities, training, guidance and equipment."

Mike is retired from professional football but enjoyed a successful career both in the US and UK, with DC United, Kansas City Wizards and Charlton Athletic among his former clubs. 

Richard started his career at Watford FC and played in the Premier League and FA Cup during his time at the club, before joining League One Brentford FC in 2010. 

Richard said: "'We are delighted to have formed the partnership with Mike. I wanted to grow GK Icon in the best way possible and I knew it was important to get the right people involved. 

"We want people who share a similar ethos to us and who better than someone of Mike's expertise. I have no doubt GK Icon USA will take off in a big way." 

247GK will now operate as GK Icon USA going forward and the new partnership are excited to announce the release of our first ever goalkeeper glove, which will be available from September 15th.

Our team has been hard at work designing what we feel is a top of the range glove at a very reasonable price. This follows our methodology of providing the best possible service and products to our members.

Help Former Virginia ODP Coach Kick Cancer

Timothy Lucas was the Head GK Coach for the Girls Northern District ODP and has coached many other clubs and schools throughout Northern Virginia. Lucas is currently battling cancer and some former students of Mr. Lucas took it upon themselves to help out this great mentor and coach by creating a Facebook page to help raise funds to pay for the rising cost of his cancer treatments.

Click Here: Tim Lucas Facebook Fundraising Page

Information about the cause:

He is currently winning the fight, but will start radiation in July to destroy the remaining cancer in his shoulders and rib cage. He has Stage 4 non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, but he's a fighter.

Despite his high spirits, we all know that money can be a devastating factor in any situation.



Tim Lucas

 This said, I know Mr. Lucas, and he is not the type of person that asks for money, so as a former student and friend of his, I would personally like to ask you to help him and his family cover the cost of his medical bills. Medical costs are expensive, but any help is still help.

Mr. Lucas has been, and still is, a colossal inspiration to me and many. Whether it was an academic or life lesson, he has positively influenced me for years. Facebook couldn't hold amount of lessons Mr. Lucas has taught me, but ONE thing he taught me is that if you put your mind to it, you can overcome any hardship.

And if we come together as family and friends, I believe that helping Mr. Lucas and his wonderful family cover the costs of his treatment, will be a walk in the park.

 

	TO HELP DONATE: -YOU CAN SEND CHECKS to their address! (In the "check memo" write "Cancer Donation") Address:13 Banner Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 -You can also DONATE THROUGH PAYPAL! Just send a paypal payment as a "gift" to "tlucas19@gmail.com".

1st Annual 247GK Online Auction benefiting the “Malia Crushes Cancer Foundation”!

The 1st Annual 247GK Online Auction benefiting the “Malia Crushes Cancer Foundation” has officially kicked off as of late Wednesday afternoon.


Click the Image to get to the Auction!



Take a look at all of the amazing items up for bids and be sure to make your bid and win your favorite item. Remember that 100% of the proceeds raised by 247GK will be given to the Malia Crushes Cancer Foundation.

Learn more about the Malia Curshes Cancer Foundation by clicking on their logo:

Ashburn Soccer Club and 247GK Team Up!

247GK is proud to announce that we have formed an exclusive agreement with Ashburn Soccer Club (ASC), http://www.ashburnsoccer.net/, to become their official Goalkeeper trainer. “We have been looking for ways to expand our programs and jointly we have come up with programs that are going to benefit many goalkeepers in the Northern Virginia area,” said Mike Ammann, President of 247GK.

UVA Coach Mike Behonick added to 247GK Staff

From Mike Ammann's www.247gk.com

“We are pleased to announce a new staff member to 247GK, Mike Behonick.  Johno and I have known Mike for a long time and respect his knowledge and passion for the game.  We are extremely excited to add a quality person to our group that shares our thoughts and vision.”    -Mike

Mike is the current Assistant Coach with the University of Virginia Men’s program.

Behonick has been a member of the Puerto Rico National Team since 2008 and has also played professionally for Crystal Palace Baltimore (USL 2, 2007), the New York Red Bulls (Major League Soccer, 2006), Charleston Battery (USL 1, 2003-05), Harrisburg City Islanders (USL 2, 2004) and DC United (MLS SuperDraft Pick).

He was a goalkeeper at American from 1999-2002, posting 16 shutouts and earning second team All-Patriot League honors as a junior. Behonick was the Eagles’ captain in 2001 and 2002, and in those years American made NCAA Tournament appearances. Behonick’s 2001 AU squad was the Patriot League Champions.

He earned his bachelor of arts in business administration from American in 2003.

Recently, Travis Clark of MLSSoccer.com wrote a piece about 247GK owner (our sponsor) and former MLS goalkeeper, Mike Ammann.

My daughter trains with Mike and the rest of his professional staff from 247GK in Dulles,VA. At her last session she was surprised to be taking shots by none other than former D.C. United player and one of the best in MLS history, Jaime Moreno. WOW!

Check out the full piece from Travis Clark about Mike here: 

What Ever Happened To: Mike Ammann

Jeff Bradley of ESPN: Keeping Score

Check out this ESPN interveiw by Jeff Bradley with Mike Ammann, founder of local goalkeeper trianing company 247gk and Virginia Online Soccer News sponsor. (my daughter also trains with Mikes company)

Keeping score

by Jeff Bradley of ESPN

Hard to believe 10 years have passed since I witnessed perhaps the bravest goalkeeping performance in MLS history. Mike Ammann of the MetroStars, just 45 days after having his lungs punctured by the studs of a reckless Mamadou Diallo, came back to play in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals (back when it was best of three).

See the entire interview with Mike Ammann HERE

Q & A with Diego Restrepo (247GK & UVA)

Recently, Mike Ammann (former MLS goalkeeper and founder of 247GK) had the opportunity to interview University of Virginia goalkeeper Diego Restrepo.

Mike Ammann: What club did you play for growing up?
Diego Restrepo: I played for multiple clubs but my best experiences were with West Kendall from Miami.

Mike: Who has been your biggest influence in soccer?
Diego: My biggest influence would have to be my family, if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be living the life that I have right now.

Mike: When did you start playing in goal?
Diego: I was always a field player but at the age of 14, the starting goalkeeper of my team got hurt and we didn’t have a back up goalkeeper so I decided to step in for him and since that day my whole soccer experience has changed.

Mike: Who were your top 3 college choices?
Diego: Maryland, South Florida, Santa Clara

Mike: Are there any schools or fans that you get intimidated to play against?
Diego: Personally I don’t think I get intimidated, it’s always fun to have people cheer against you and I feel like I feed of their energy and it helps to elevate my game. Some tough crowds that I have played against would have to be Akron, UConn and Maryland.

Mike: What is your ultimate goal in soccer?
Diego: First become a professional and be the best that I can be, but ultimately be able to represent my country at the International level.

Mike: Who is your favorite goalkeeper current and past?
Diego: My favorite goalkeeper would have to be Oscar Cordoba. During his prime he was considered one of the best in the world. He also from Colombia where I was raised, so I have a lot of respect for him and love the way he plays.

Mike: What league is your favorite?
Diego: My favorite league would have to be LA LIGA. Spanish soccer is so enjoyable to watch, it’s amazing the way they play so quickly and accurately, I personally enjoy watching Barcelona play.

Mike: Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Diego: Key West, it’s close to home and there is always beautiful weather and pretty good beaches.

Mike: You own a team and money is no object, what 11 players do you sign to start for you?
Diego: Oscar Cordoba as my GK, Roberto Carlos , Lucio, Ivan Corodoba, Dani Alves, Essien, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gerrard, Robben, Drogba, Messi

Mike: What do you like to do away from soccer?
Diego: Enjoy hanging out with my friends and playing PS3.

Mike: If you weren’t a soccer player, what would you do?
Diego: To be honest I wouldn’t know what I would be doing, probably nothing very productive, soccer it’s my life.

Mike: Do you have a hidden talent?
Diego: Unfortunately no.

Thanks for taking the time to let us get to know you. Appreciate it.
Mike Ammann www.247gk.com

24/7 Goalkeeper Announces Indoor Winter Training:

24/7GK Announces Indoor Winter Training

Session Dates and Times (December – March):

·         Monday 7-8pm Boys and Girls up to U13

·         Monday 8-9pm Boys and Girls U13-U19

·         Saturday 9-10am Boys and Girls up to U13

·         Saturday 10-11am Boys and Girls U13-U19

Sessions Cover:

·         Goalkeeper training

·         Speed and agility training 

Current Staff:

·         Mike Ammann (former MLS goalkeeper)

·         John O'Hara (GMU goalkeeper coach)

·         Timmy Lucas (ODP goalkeeper trainer)

·         Danny Climo (speed)

Location:

21598 Atlantic Blvd

Suite #130

Sterling, VA 20166

(Google Map Location: HERE)

Cost:

·         $50 per/session

*Purchase Reusch Gloves on-site at heavily discounted rates

Register Online:  24/7 GK Registration