Jim Sinclair is looking to build a premier soccer program in Clarkston.
The former player and coach in both the United States and Europe, with 40 years of soccer experience, is starting the Clarkston Metro-Stars/Gators.
‘There is an insufficient number of select soccer opportunities in Clarkston,? Sinclair said. ‘A large number of local players currently have to go out of the area to find high quality select soccer programs. Many players just do not get the opportunity to play beyond a house team level because of the shortage of teams and positions.?
The Michigan Gators began their inaugural season in 2000 by bringing a nucleus of teams from a recreational club. The first year Gator club ended their first tryout with a total of 11 teams.
From there, in each consecutive year, they added one quality team after another. The group merged with the Michigan Metro-Stars in the winter of 2003 and are now called Gator-Star. The soccer organization will house two respective soccer clubs, the Michigan Metro-Stars for the boys and the Michigan Gators for the girls.
The partners saw the need to expand into the northern suburbs which is when they partnered with Sinclair to start the club in Clarkston.
‘I believe this is one of the greatest sporting opportunities to come to this area. I also believe this club will increase the level of player that will be moving into the high school program. Parents and players want to see constant development year after year,? Sinclair said.
The philosophy of the Gator-Star organization is focused solely on player development. They look to create training and playing environments that foster learning and development in players; pursue competition and opportunities that will challenge players and foster long-term development and provide players with a qualified and licensed coaching staff and to pursue coaches who are forward thinking and committed to continuing the development of their coaching ability.
For further information interested parties can visit www.metrostarssc.com.