WESTERLY SOCCER CLUB NOT READY FOR PARTNERSHIP - LEAGUE AND EXPANSION PLANS CONTINUE

5-22-12 – The rapid expansion of SoccerPlus Junior Hawks - serving South East Connecticut and Southern Rhode Island - continues, despite disappointing news from Westerly Soccer Club (WSC) that they are not ready for a more serious focus on technical development.


Having been asked in December 2011 by WSC if SoccerPlus Junior Hawks would consider running the U6 & U8 programs, not even 20+ letters from parents and coaches living in Westerly, Hopkinton and Charlestown (click here to read the outstanding references) were enough to convince WSC that the time is right  for the young players to adopt a more progressive education model. 

 “I’m disappointed Westerly Soccer Club Board has decided the children of Westerly would benefit more from a company in *California than a program coached by Westerly residents, providing professional coaching support at every session and with a nationally recognized model of player development” said David Newbery, Director of Player and Coach Development for SoccerPlus Junior Hawks.  

“I received a call from WSC telling me Westerly is not ready for our ‘travel oriented model’.  The Westerly Board Members were invited to attend our sessions in Stonington and if they made the short trip they would have seen for themselves how our emphasis is on individuals and not on competition.  In fact, we go out of our way to raise the performance of all levels of ability and minimize emphasis on competition.  The only thing we are serious about is providing every individual with the support they need to be successful.  We also invest considerable effort into training coaches - something critical if players are to have a chance in sport.  The good news for families in Westerly is they can join the other 100+ Westerly players making the trip to Stonington to benefit from the terrific experience” – click here to read comments from families.

Over the past 18 months, over 100 players from Southern Rhode Island have made the trip to Stonington, CT to give their children the very best chance of learning the game and developing a love of sport. 

Our assessment data clearly indicates an average player from SoccerPlus Junior Hawks is 1-2 years ahead in soccer development in comparison to an average town soccer player of the same age – phenomenal to see such improvement in children 3-8 years of age.

Since inception in Fall 2010 SoccerPlus Junior Hawks has grown to over 300 players, 200 of which play in the Fall-Spring program.  Future expansion plans include establishing a festival league format for Kindergarten – 2^nd grade age groups, an indoor Brazilian Futsal league in association with Stonington Soccer Club, and setting up new training locations.  SoccerPlus Junior Hawks will hopefully become the destination for any family prioritizing sport as an important part of their child’s upbringing – the experiences and development of fundamental skills during the ages of 3-8 are the most crucial.

To learn more, contact David Newbery, dave@soccerplus.org
  
*Westerly Soccer Club  hired a start-up business EVO Soccer Programs based in Hermosa Beach California with a few West Coast clients.
 

Summer Soccer Camp for Hawks Players

SoccerPlus Junior Hawks recommends a 'British Soccer Camp' in Westerly, August 6-10, 2012.  The camp is suitable for our 2008 players and older (3-14 years old) and ranges from a 1 hour program x 5 days to a full day.  Follow the link to learn more and to register.

August 6th - 10th at the Ginerella Soccer Complex (White Rock) in Westerly
 

SOCCERPLUS TO HOST 3V3 JAMBOREE IN BOSTON - JULY 14TH. 

Following the success of last year’s 3v3 Jamboree at the Boston Breakers, we once again have the opportunity to bring our current Kindergarden-2^nd Grade players together with players from several MA towns on Saturday July 14^th. 

If you are interested in your son/daughter playing, please email David Newbery - dave@soccerplus.org ASAP - we will take 10 players from each age group (30 players only - priority given to players from Fall 2011 & Spring 2012).

We will have the game field available to us from 3.30-4.30pm prior to the Boston Breakers game against Philadelphia Fever at 6pm.  Here are the details:
 

• Date: Saturday 14^th July
• Time: meet at 3pm, 3.30-4.30pm games
• Location: Dilboy Stadium in Somerville, MA – turf field.
• Age groups: Kindergarten (born between 8/1/05-7/31/06), 1^st grade (born between 8/1/04-7/31/05) & 2^nd grade (born between 8/1/03-7/31/04)
• Format – series of 3v3 7 minute games – back to back.  No referees – each group must have at least one coach
• Cost: no cost to play, but each player must commit to at least 2 tickets for the Philadelphia Fever game @ $10 each (there is no obligation to stay for the game, although the players that did stay last year enjoyed watching the professionals play). 

SOCCERPLUS DIRECTOR - DICCICO VOTED TO SOCCER HALL OF FAME

CHICAGO (Feb. 29, 2012) – The National Soccer Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2012 on Wednesday, featuring former U.S. Men’s National Team captain Claudio Reyna and three-time FIFA World Cup veteran goalkeeper Tony Meola on the Player ballot, former National Team defender Desmond Armstrong on the Veteran ballot and former U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Tony DiCicco on the Builder ballot.

Congratulations Tony - an honor well deserved!

PLAYER & GROUP PHOTOGRAPHS ARE NOW ON SMUGMUG

Improve your assessment scores and compare your progress against National Standards.

Following the successes from the Spring we are pleased to bring back 'soccer homework'.  There is no doubt an extra 20-30 minutes of extra skills work at home makes a huge difference to the player's confidence, understanding and performance.  This is the opportunity for parents to have a direct influence on their child's education - homework activities are sent weekly via email ... watch the videos and then get out in the yard and have fun!  All members of the Hawks get free access to the skills library offered by www.isoccer.org.  Our players even get to compare their performance against that of players all over the globe!

HAWKS FAMILIES - ADVERTISE BUSINESS FOR FREE

Many of our families own local businesses and to support these businesses the Hawks offers a free listing service.  Click here to support our local businesses and contact David Newbery - dave@soccerplus.org if you wish to advertise for free!