Saturday, 16 August 2010.

Dayton Dutch Lions FC's prominent left winger of the first season 2010, stood out the crowd. Known for his speed and 1v1, George Davis IV completed the Premier Development League with the new pro soccer club. The Lion's second top scorer looks back at the past season with us.

How did you experience your first season with Dayton Dutch Lions FC? “The first season with DDL was a great experience for me. It was a great opportunity for me to continue my playing career and to learn more about the game. Not only that, but I was able to build some valuable relationships with some of my teammates and the staff also. It was good to share and experience the differences in lifestyles and personalities of the Dutch and also good getting to know the other American players who have also come from very different backgrounds. Overall, I really enjoyed it and would definitely do it all over again.”

What are the highlights of your DDL FC season? “The entire season was full of highlights for me. The very first game against Global United FC was amazing. Being able to play against world stars and then having the opportunity to speak with them afterwards."

"The two games versus the Columbus Crew and Rochester Rhinos were the highlights of my career. This gave me a chance to compete at a very high level and also in front of some very good crowds. It made me feel good that I was able to make an impact and compete with players of that quality. Also, playing at home in front of the best crowd in the PDL and signing autographs for the kids was a good time. Lastly, all the wins and the goals I scored are always highlights of a season for me, because that’s what l love to do.”

How do you look back at working with your Dutch teammates? “From the very first day of training, I knew that I would enjoy working with the Dutch players. I knew that if I took advantage of the opportunity, they would make me a better player and help me to get to a higher level. At times, it was kind of hard because of the language barrier and differences in styles of play but overall I enjoyed it."

How did you experience working with the children during Camps, Try-outs and Clinics? “I love the kids. It’s always good to see progress in a younger player and to know that you have taught him/ her something, or showed them a move that made them better. I feel like I had an impact on some of the kids during the camp. And that’s good because they definitely made an impact on me. There’s nothing better than a bunch of little kids running up to you and screaming your name because you made the game fun for them. It was a great experience for me. I will continue to coach and try to help kids become better players. And more importantly, try to make the game as fun for them as it is for me.”
Where will you be playing the coming months? “As of now, I am looking to make a move to Europe. With the help of the club, things are looking very promising. I have always wanted to play in Europe and this is a prime time and opportunity. Nothing is final yet, but things are looking up for me. Hopefully, I will have a successful season overseas and be able to bring more success to the Dutch Lions in the future.”

What are your expectations for next season? “My expectations for next season are nothing less than winning a championship. With the quality that we had in this past season, we definitely should have advanced to the playoffs and given ourselves a shot at the cup. Now that’s behind us and we have several months to prepare for the upcoming USL-2 season. From a personal standpoint, I want to put myself in a position to succeed and play at the highest level possible.”

Saturday, 10 August 2010 21:21

Besides completing the first PDL season with the Dayton Dutch Lions FC, in which the right winger played a significant role, Bas Ent played in front of 25,000 people with Toronto FC, worked with children during DL FC Summer Camps, School Clinics and Academy Try-outs, and currently trains with the Columbus Crew. Reason enough for a 'question & answer' with the Dutch 22-year old Bas Ent.

How did you experience your first season with Dayton Dutch Lions FC? "This first DDL FC season was a great experience. It's an honour for me that I was part of the new pro soccer club's first team ever. Right from the first moment I attended the try-outs in the Netherlands I was sure, I wanted to play here per se. Playing abroad has been my dream, so I'm very happy that I had this chance. And I have no regrets what so ever!"

What are the highlights of your DDL FC season? "We have dealt with some lows during the league, such as not qualifying for the playoffs. But the lows don't measure up with the highlights. Playing against the former world stars of Global United and the Columbus Crew are my highlights. Besides that, I enjoyed the away games because that way I could see more of the country. We enjoyed two days in Chicago after the away game against Chicago Fire, and we visited the Niagara Falls after the Open Cup game against Rochester Rhinos. My trials at Toronto FC and Columbus Crew are a perfect ending after a successful season."

How would you describe your Toronto FC trial in front of 25,000 fans? "Playing in the Toronto stadium for so many fans is the greatest moment of my career so far. I must admit I was a little bit nervous in the beginning. But that feeling was gone as soon as I first touched the ball, and right away I felt confident. I got to keep the jersey, which I will keep in a special place."

What do you think of your current trial at the Columbus Crew? "I consider this trial as an appreciation for my performance this season. It gives me confidence. The Crew's level is very high, it's obvious that they are the front runners in the MLS by far. In terms of organization you can see this is a very big club. This trial is the icing on my cake."

How did you experience working with the American children during Camps, Try-outs and Clinics? "Working together with children of all ages was so much fun. Seeing the kids having fun and enjoying the exercises that I taught them made me feel good. I hope the kids learned something from me. I learned a lot from working with them at least!"
You assisted the Academy Try-outs as well, what's your opinion about that experience and the soccer mentality? "I believe the Try-outs were organizational well put together. The contribution of FC Twente's official advisor, Rene Hake, played a big role in that as well. All children were exceptionally well prepared. The exercises they were doing were new to most of them, but they picked up the coaching very quickly. The soccer mentality is great around the area. I've seen a lot of talented players at the Try-outs, and I'm convinced that the Dutch Lions FC coaches are able to develop the kids tremendously."

What will you take back home to the Netherlands from this adventure? "I've experienced so many things during the past six months, I first need some time to process everything. I can look back on a fantastic time, in which I grew concerning both soccer as well as education. I have highly improved my English for example. I also learned a lot from providing clinics at schools, helping with the Try-outs and organizing the Summer Camps. I have met a lot of people and made new friends. The past six months are an enrichment for the rest of my life."

Saturday, 07 August 2010

The Dutch Lions FC Academy kicked off today with a friendly game of the U12 Team, under management of coach Ivar van Dinteren. The Lions tied 4-4 against Real Bellbrook U13, after handing in a 4-1 lead in the second half.

Ivar van Dinteren responded proud and satisfied; “We played very well during the first half. The team translated my coaching and played very much as I wanted them to. The players already applied the things they learned at the training. During the second half the exhaustion took over. We only had two substitutes, unlike our opponents, who had over six subs. But we worked hard, and the 4-4 tie is a great start!”

“Besides the fact that I’m proud of the way my team played today, I’m happy to have te honour of coaching the first Dutch Lions FC Academy game ever played,” Van Dinteren continues. "I’m looking forward to the first official league game, and the rest of the season.”

The scrimmage was followed by a cookout, organized by the coach of Real Bellbrook. We thank Andy Klepacz and the parents for a great afternoon with lots of food, drinks and fun.

Saturday, 02 August 2010

At the warm summer evening of August 2nd, the official Dutch Lions FC kickoff training of the Premier Academy took place at the Miami Valley South Stadium in Bellbrook.

The first five teams, boys U10, U12, U14 and girls U12 and U14 started the first training ever of the new professional soccer club in the Dayton area.

After an introduction of the coach and the children, the professional coaching began. The teams are being coached by full certified coaches Eddie Hertsenberg and Ivar van Dinteren. Technical exercises, speed tests as well as fun games were combined. Even the coach joined a cops and robbers game.

Besides talent, enthusiasm and an inquisitive mentality is what the Academy attenders need to have. "Eddie and I have already seen several outstanding moves and promising talents," comments Ivar van Dinteren. "We are all very excited to work on improvement at every level to head into a great season with very exciting games."

The gateway to professional soccer will start coaching U7 teams as well at August 16th.