SOBO FC, a youth soccer club for players born in or before the year 2016 and formed by South Baltimore families, has partnered with Next Level Soccer after more than two years of success and growth. The team recently completed a year with the Central Maryland Soccer Association (CMSA) Fall League, entered tournaments, and competed in indoor leagues at Soccer Dome. Most recently, the team won the Soccer Dome Winter Session 2 2016 Boys U10 Silver championship, finishing the season 7-0, capping 11 straight wins in all competitions.
The team, formed by three South Baltimore parents, Sean Delaney, Kristen Hubbard, and Brady Davidow, is comprised of a local group of players, families, and coaches who met while playing for the South Baltimore Youth Soccer League (SBYSL). All 12 players on the team go to one of the three elementary schools on the South Baltimore Peninsula—Federal Hill Preparatory Academy, Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle School, and Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle School.
“When we started this program, the idea was to give local families a place where their children could play competitive soccer without missing the opportunity to spend time with their friends and neighbors,” said Delaney. “Thanks to the efforts of Kristen and Brady, as well as an incredibly supportive and dedicated group of families, we have succeeded beyond our expectations.”
To win the Soccer Dome championship, its second in two years, SOBO FC outscored its opponents 53-14 throughout the season with a high-scoring offense led by Kelly Davidow, Grey Esposito-Sale, Hayes Hubbard, Lucas Lynch, Cason Monahan, Maxwell Pennix, Stone Sauble, and Stokely Williams. The stingy defense was anchored by Brody Morse, August Moyer, Ryan Rogers, Stone Sauble, and Stokely Williams. Kelly Davidow and Jack Delaney were the main goalies for the squad that gave up an average of just two goals per game.
“This team was never about wins and losses. It was about a group of Baltimore City families pulling together to give their children the best possible growth experienced through sport, and we hope we’ve achieved that,” said Delaney. “After two amazing years, the coaches agree that the players will benefit from more experienced coaching, which is why we are excited for our partnership with Next Level.”
Next Level is based in South Baltimore and Anne Arundel County, and was started in 2015 by Rafik Kechrid and Daniel Bulls. Next Level added the 2013 and 2014 SOBO Dominators squads to its club last fall. Next Level also has older teams and is hoping to add more South Baltimore-based youth club soccer teams in the future.
“We’re so proud of what this SOBO FC 2016 group accomplished this season, going undefeated and bringing home a championship is a testament to their hard work, passion, and commitment,” said Kechrid. “As they take the next step and join Next Level, we’re even more excited about what lies ahead. This is a special group, and opportunities like this allow us to continue developing soccer in our community with such talented players. The future is very bright for our SOBO/Next Level families, and our entire staff is super thankful and couldn’t be more excited to be part of this journey.”
