MILLSTONE June 2018

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NJ YOUTH SOCCER HOSTS YOUNG OLYMPIANS AND CLUB NJYS FESTIVAL By Pam Teel

New Jersey Youth Soccer celebrated its Young Olympians and Club NJYS Festival with more than 200 premier 10U, 11U and 12U players this past May. These boys and girls had the unique opportunity to compete in a small-sid- ed game format with top talent from throughout the state. They furthered their soccer education and enjoyed ap- pearances from professional soccer players representing Sky Blue FC and the New York Red Bulls. The boys’ event in Ewing was complimented by a visit from Jared Stroud and Tom Barlow, former New Jersey ODP player and recent New York Red Bulls signings. These two Red Bull II players educated boys about the importance of individual prac- tice, mental toughness, being confident, and leading a life of strong character. The girls’ event was complimented by a visit from, Kayla Mills and Michaela Abam, current Sky Blue FC players. Mills, a Southern California native, spoke to the opportunities that ODP provided her on a pathway to the profes-

sional game, noting, “ODP is a great first step into the competitive environment that sets up your future soccer career.” Abam also expressed her gratefulness to the program by saying that “ODP not only brought out the best in me as a player, but also led to friendships that would outlast a team.” Mills and Abam both encour- aged the young athletes to take risks and be confident while never losing their passion for the game. From this event, select boy players will be chosen to play in a scrimmage with the New York Red Bulls Development School (RDS), and select girls will scrim- mage with NJ Youth Soccer State Cup champions. New Jersey Youth Soccer continues to add components to its Olympic Development Program (ODP), recently hosting an ODP College Night for both its boys and girls programs in Bordentown, N.J. “It was a great night to be on the fields with NJ ODP,” said Krissy Turner, head coach of the women’s soccer program at Monmouth University and recent inductee into the NJ Youth Soccer Hall of Fame. “The talent level was strong, and the players and parents were very attentive in the recruiting talk. Both of these qualities demonstrate a commitment to learning and a sense of honor, which are valued commodities in the recruiting process.” ODP College Night began with a training session, which was analyzed and instructed by various college coaches from the area. At the conclusion of the training sessions, all parents and players gathered for an open forum that featured a Q/A discussion among the college coaches. The coaches gave insight regarding some of the key elements they seek in a player who is pursuing college soccer, as well as general instruction on the recruiting process and transitioning to the collegiate level. “I was excited to be part of the New Jersey ODP College Night,” said Scott Baker, head coach of the men’s soccer program at Rowan University and member of the ODP Committee. “It is great to see the connection between ODP and the college coaches taking off in such a positive way. ODP players now have a great op- portunity to learn more about the college recruiting process from the college coaches themselves and enhance their level of play by the experienced ODP coaches all in one effective recruiting/training environment. I am looking forward to more ODP events and creating the best experience possible for all of the New Jersey ODP players and families.”

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