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Mighty Oak Monday (Pre-Season 2)

What is the coaching staff looking for, on the field, in the upcoming friendly on the 23rd?

With most of our college players not available until sometime in May, the friendly on April 23rd will provide us with an excellent opportunity to evaluate our local players in a real match vs a quality side. Northwood had a historic season this past fall and has been in good form so far this spring. They will provide a competitive stage for our local players to prove themselves. Furthermore, we will use the match as the initial building phase of implementing our team tactical schemes.

The roster will be released after the April 17th event, What type of excitement does a complete roster release bring to a coach?

Our staff is excited about the individual talent our roster boasts, but still reserved as we all know that the individual quality of the players has to mesh collectively as a unit. So I guess you could say, there really isn't any satisfaction or reward until the ball starts rolling and we see how the groups performs with one another. 

With so many players coming from different playing backgrounds, what are coaches looking for as the team begins training?

It's all about player's winning spots in the team. The team has been built with 3 players in each position so the best man can win the job. The training environment will be competitive, while also aiming to group players together that perform well with one another. This is the essence of balancing individual quality & team needs, which is a fascinating dynamic.

After the Saline friendly, the team plays host for the first 3 matches of the season. When going over the schedule, do any challenges or advantages stick out in your head?

There are definitely challenges in our schedule, as each match will provide a different variable that we have to deal with. With that said, our first 3 matches at home will ignite a desire to perform well in front of our home supporters. The other notable challenge is that we start earlier than most NPSL clubs with the May 7th fixture, so our pre-season plans will be expedited to prepare for that match.

As you have 2 years of NPSL head coaching experience under your belt, what are some early season techniques you use to build chemistry with such a diverse roster?

For me, the chemistry on the team has already begun to build through different channels. We have groups of players coming in who know one another through various connections in the game and are excited to be reconnected. Our staff has been diligently building relationships with the incoming players to make sure that each man on the roster feels comfortable. And lastly, when the players arrive we will spend a lot of time together; on the pitch, at team building events and in the Ann Arbor community, which is the best way to establish & strengthen any relationship.

Community Sponsorship Support Grows in 2016

As the club enters its sophomore season, community partnerships have kept the momentum rolling into 2016.  

The 2016 campaign welcomes back title sponsor Bank of Ann Arbor and presenting sponsor Audi of Ann Arbor. As title sponsor, Bank of Ann Arbor will once again be shirt sponsor for the 2016 home and away kits. Audi of Ann Arbor will again be featured with their custom “GOOOOAL on the back of the jerseys.

AFC Ann Arbor Co-owner Bilal Saeed has been leading the sponsorship efforts and is pleased to welcome back these two partners. 

He added, “Both Bank of Ann Arbor and Audi of Ann Arbor have shown AFC Ann Arbor a great deal of support from Day 1. They're the type of sponsors that do so much for our community that they truly enhance the experience of living in the area. We're proud to be working with businesses that care a great deal about their community. We appreciate their continued support to help us bring semi-pro soccer to Ann Arbor." 

In total, 10 sponsors return for the 2016 season with the addition of 9 new partners eager to be apart of the Mighty Oak. AFC Ann Arbor has planted its roots even deeper into the community and very humbled by the support in this area.  Saeed added, "Taking that next step by joining the National Premier Soccer League and bringing in new coach Eric Rudland helped the club raise the bar for our sophomore season. All of the new sponsors played a role in our growth and will help us continue to raiser the bar.  To have so many great local businesses like MOVE Wellness and The Little Seedling partner with us shows us how much AFC Ann Arbor already means to the community and we're thankful for that."  

Bank of Ann Arbor- Official Bank

As the title sponsor of the team and official bank of AFC Ann Arbor, Bank of Ann Arbor has committed long-term to the club and is an integral part of the organization as Official Bank. 

Audi of Ann Arbor- Official Car Dealership

Audi North America recently signed a long-term partnership agreement with the MLS and as part of the new agreement; Audi introduced an MLS exclusive logo to enhance the partnership. Audi of Ann Arbor has worked closely with their corporate team to get the approval to integrate this new logo with the Audi of Ann Arbor brand making for a unique, and very exciting partnership for the team. 

Wickfield Properties

While Wickfield Properties manages a diverse real estate portfolio, it has developed into one of the largest property and asset managers in the City of Ann Arbor. Wickfield has partnered with AFC Ann Arbor to become the exclusive real estate option for player housing.  

Official Restaurants- Jolly Pumpkin, Blue Tractor and The Pretzel Bell

Some of the absolute best restaurants in Ann Arbor have partnered with our club to host team events as well as become the official restaurants of the Mighty Oak. 

Absopure- Official Water

As the Official Water of AFC Ann Arbor, Absopure will continue their efforts to keep the team and supporters hydrated with the all new Absopure +. 

Constant Motion Productions- Official Video Production Team

Constant Motion Productions (CoMo) is the team behind amazing AFC Ann Arbor videos. CoMo has expanded their footprint in the Ann Arbor area having worked on projects for The Last Word, BTB Burrito and the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to name a few. 

MOVE Wellness – Official Fitness & Wellness Partner

MOVE Wellness may be a new sponsor but the staff is quite familiar with AFC Ann Arbor having attended a number of the home matches last year. As the Official Fitness and Wellness Partner, MOVE will be working directly with our team by offering private yoga and pilates instruction for the Mighty Oak.    

Arbor Brewing Company – Official Pub

Matt and Rene Greff are no strangers to supporting local events and community projects.  So when the two saw the original IndieGoGo campaign, they didn’t hesitate to get involved. Since then, Arbor Brewing has grown their relationship with AFC Ann Arbor to become the Official Pub of the club.  

Big George’s – Official Appliance Center

Big George’s gave away (1) TV per home match last season and have extended their partnership into 2016 but will be offering a different variety of giveaway items this season. 

Underground Printing- Official Apparel Provider

As the official apparel provider of AFC Ann Arbor, Underground Printing handles all of the team’s merchandising efforts as well as carrying retail product for the club at their three local locations.  

BTB Burrito- Official Burrito

Known as an Ann Arbor original, BTB Burrito has been providing the area with amazing burritos, nachos, quesadillas and more for over 12 years and returns as the Official Burrito of AFC Ann Arbor for the second year.  

Grizzly Peak - Official Brewery

As the Official Brewery of the Mighty Oak, Grizzly Peak continues to support our club's events and overall mission. As a returning sponsor, Grizzly Peak will continue to play an instrumental role in in helping the club grow. 

The Little Seedling

Molly had to act quickly to address her own family’s need of cloth diaper services and out sprung Little Seedling. Staying true to a parents serving parents approach, Little Seedling offers a wide variety of parenting needs including child passenger safety, cloth-diapering service, baby carriers, and priceless parenting information from the staff.

United Dairy Industry of Michiagn

Milk Means More to UDIM. In Partnership with AFC Ann Arbor, UDIM is dedicated to serving Michigan’s hard working dairy families. The goal is the reconnect the consumers with the people behind the food in promoting locally produced dairy products. 

Splash Universe

Located in Dundee, MI, Splash Universe provides an escape for your family offering over 100,000 gallons of indoor water park fun. The Mighty Oak encourages you to explore the twisting slides or the 500-gallon bucket which are only a couple of the attractions to enjoy at Splash Universe. 

Revel & Roll

With 26 bowling lanes, today’s hottest arcade games, top-shelf food with an entertainment sports bar, AFC Ann Arbor was thrilled to hold it’s roster reveal event at Revel & Roll. Revel & Roll is without a doubt Ann Arbor’s hottest new family entertainment destination.  

Play It Again Sport Ann Arbor

The AFC Ann Arbor ownership group parents more than a dozen youth athletes in the area and understands how expensive youth athletic equipment can be. Play It Again Sports – Ann Arbor has provided us all the solution in being this community’s sporting goods store offering new and used equipment at an affordable price

Goldfish Swim School

One look inside of the Ann Arbor Location and you will realize the care they have taken to make a bright, clean facility with a brand new pool. Goldfish Swim School is the most comfortable place for your children to learn to swim using a curriculum crafted to not only teach kids how to swim but also build character.

Farm Bureau Insurance

AFC Ann Arbor’s exclusive insurance provider, Farm Bureau Insurance, has committed to the state of Michigan since it was founded in 1949. Beyond the best insurance products and services, they strive to invest in Michigan’s future through programs that support education, health and fitness, and immediate community needs.

Synecdoche

The Mighty Oak’s go to architecture and design studio is right here in Ann Arbor at Synecdoche.  Lisa and Adam use their small practice environment to work fast nimble in creating and producing design office models that work for personality, lifestyle, and play.

Orangetheory Fitness

Before Orangetheory even opened it’s brand new location in Ann Arbor, they decided to partner with AFC Ann Arbor to help spread the word of fitness and wellness in the community. Returning as a sponsor for the 2016 campaign, OTF is a proud supporter of AFC Ann Arbor. 

 

 

 

Reveal N Roll Event Planned for April 17th At Revel & Roll

On Sunday, April 17th, from 1 to 3pm, AFC Ann Arbor will host “Reveal N Roll,” where the 2016 roster will be introduced to the public for the first time at Ann Arbor’s hottest new family entertainment destination, Revel & Roll.  

In addition to meeting the Mighty Oak players, the first 50 fans will also receive free bowling.  Audi of Ann Arbor will be co-sponsoring the first autograph opportunity of the year when fans can get their 2016 schedule posters signed by the Mighty Oak.  Guests will also have the opportunity to earn discounted games in the Revel & Roll Games Room.

In the off-season, the club hired new Head Coach & Sporting Director, Eric Rudland, as they prepared for their jump to the National Premier Soccer League.  Competing at a higher level meant they needed to raise the bar in all aspects of the club, beginning with Coach Rudland.

Over the past few months, Coach Rudland has recruited players from the local, regional and international levels. Rudland will be announcing and introducing all player signings at this event.  After player announcements the guys will join everyone for some games of bowling before starting the autograph session.

AFC Ann Arbor is a semi-pro soccer team based in Ann Arbor, Michigan competing in the Midwest Region of the National Premier Soccer League. The club is entering its second season and plays all home matches at Hollway Field at Pioneer High School.  For questions and comments please reach out to us at info@afcannarbor.com.

 

AFC Ann Arbor to Provide Arbor Brewing Company Shuttle for Home Matches

Arbor Brewing Company, The Official Pub of AFC Ann Arbor, has partnered with the club to provide a shuttle to and from ABC on home match days beginning April 29th vs. Oakland County FC.

The pub will be hosting Mighty Oak supporters beginning 2 hours prior to every match and, as the Official Pub, will be serving the club’s “Strength In The Oak” beer along with offering discounts for AFC Ann Arbor membership holders (simply by showing your membership card). Members will also enjoy priority seating on the shuttle.

Arbor Brewing Company owner Matt Greff couldn’t be more excited and added, “Great team, great fans, great beer. Sounds like a match made in heaven and we are looking forward to a winning season!”

The shuttle bus will take supporters from Arbor Brewing to Hollway Field beginning one hour prior to the match and will essentially run every 30 minutes.  The last shuttle back from Hollway to Arbor Brewing Company will be 15 minutes after the end of the match.

Individual Match Tickets are now on sale offering fans a discounted price that won’t be offered at the door. The 2016 Membership, Lil’ Hooligans (youth) Membership, and Marquee Matches Package are all still available for purchase.

AFC Ann Arbor is a semi-pro soccer team based in Ann Arbor, Michigan competing in the Midwest Region of the National Premier Soccer League. The club is entering its second season and plays all home matches at Hollway Field at Pioneer High School.  For questions please reach out to us at info@afcannarbor.com.

 

 

 

 

Individual Match Tickets On Sale Monday March 28th

As the Mighty Oak’s highly anticipated sophomore season quickly approaches, fans will have their chance to purchase individual home match tickets for the 2016 season, starting Monday, March 28th. Ann Arbor Pioneer’s Hollway Field will play host to all 10 home matches this season kicking off with the Arbor Day Opener on April 29th at 7pm.

In addition to individual match selection, AFC Ann Arbor fans have bundled ticketing options including the 2016 Membership, Marquee Matches Package, and Lil’ Hooligans (Youth) Membership. Tickets purchased online offer discounts and incentives that will not be offered at the gate on match day. Learn more about the different ticket packages and options below.

 

2016 Membership

Individually Numbered Metal Membership Card serves as a single pass to all home matches. Membership also includes 2016 Scarf, 3 Single Game Guest Passes, which can be used for any regular season home match.

 

Marquee Matches Package

In addition to the 2016 Scarf this ensures a ticket to all 3 Marquee Matches voted by fans: April 29th vs. Oakland County FC, May 30th vs. Grand Rapids FC, and July 3rd vs. Detroit City FC.

 

Lil’ Hooligans

Youth Membership for ages 4-12 including admission to all home matches, AFC Ann Arbor mini soccer ball, Exclusive Entry Card + Sticker Collection, exclusive offers and discounts, and post match photos with players.

 

Individual Match Tickets

Save money by purchasing your tickets in advance online. The 10 match home schedule includes 6 NPSL face-offs along with 4 high profile friendlies. Individual match tickets purchased in advance are $8 for adult and $5 for youth. Kids under 4 get in free. 

 

AFC Ann Arbor is a semi-pro soccer team based in Ann Arbor, Michigan competing in the Midwest Region of the National Premier Soccer League. The club is entering its second season and plays all home matches at Hollway Field at Pioneer High School.  For questions please reach out to us at info@afcannarbor.com.