Palmerin latest pro coach at Sandpoint soccer camp

U.S. National Beach player a former teammate of both Farber and McNeley

By ERIC PLUMMER

Sports editor

SANDPOINT — It started nearly a decade ago when Sandpoint native Brian Farber hosted his first youth soccer camp, giving area kids a chance to learn from a professional player.

Farber’s teammate Evan McNeley was the next of what would be a long list of professional players to come to Sandpoint and share their knowledge with the local youth.

This year the guest pro is Mike Palmerin, a former teammate of both Farber and McNeley on the San Diego Sockers, and a current member of U.S. National Beach Soccer Team.

The former 2nd Division pro in the Mexican League and member of the Sockers and Ontario Fury of the Professional Arena Soccer League had nothing but praise while enjoying his first trip to Sandpoint.

“I’ve got a family vibe with Brian and Evan. Coming up here was a no-brainer,” said Palmerin, finally able to make his first trip up for the popular camp, which drew a whopping 227 kids this year. “Brian and Evan have been talking about this camp since I first met them. It was always Sandpoint, Idaho, Sandpoint, Idaho.”

Palmerin played parts of three years with Farber, including in 2012 when the Sockers set a U.S. professional team sports record with 41 consecutive wins.

The pair of forwards are very similar in stature and style, and have formed many a strong attack together. Parmelin was asked what stood out most about Farber, who is still playing professional in the PASL.

“His speed. Everyone sees his speed right away,” described Palmerin of his friend, also calling Farber tenacious. “Late in a game, if need a big goal, Brian is there to deliver.”

Palmerin has also played with and against Evan McNeley, the current Tacoma Stars defender who recently took over as the head boys soccer coach at Sandpoint High School.

The first word Parmelin used to describe McNeley as a player was power, adding that he plays much bigger than he actually is and has a weapon for a left foot.

“For a defender, he comes to shoot. He has a cannon,” described Palmerin. “A lot of people don’t know how to read it from so far back.”

Palmerin is currently playing for the U.S. National Beach Soccer Team, which plays 5 v 5 against teams from around the world.

“It’s very technical,” explained Parmelin. “You have to focus on touch. It builds up strength in the legs.”

McNeley has been running what is now called the Strikers Soccer School for years, sharing energy and enthusiasm with the campers, to say nothing of immense knowledge.

Like Farber before him, McNeley’s made a point of bringing in a new pro coach every year for the week-long skills camp.

“Giving them a brand new perspective from a pro,” said McNeley. “Every year I’ve brought someone different. A new vibe, that’s so valuable.”

McNeley has tried beach soccer with Palmerin, calling it a whole different animal.

“It’s difficult to move. It adds a quickness, your muscles are stronger. It’s great cross training,” described McNeley, who was asked about Palmerin as a player. “Wise finisher. Great sense about the game. He loves to compete at the highest level.”