Two Championship Victories for AYSO HP ELITE SC

“AYSO works because its volunteers work hard for kids” holds true of Dan Olswang, former AYSO 891 Highland Park Regional Commissioner and founder of the HP ELITE SC.  In June of 2012, Olswang traveled to Knoxville, Tennessee for the AYSO biennial National Games with a group of nine U10 girls and they made history as the first Highland Park team to ever win a game at the National level. In fact, Olswang’s team won 4 of 6 games against teams from California, Virginia, Florida, and Tennessee. Although the girls didn’t bring back the trophy, they played competitive soccer, and they took home something more valuable – a desire to play strong as a cohesive team and continue to represent AYSO and Highland Park.  Olswang explained, “My goal was to put together a respectable team for the AYSO National Games – after seeing the girls bond I realized I had formed something special and this was just the beginning.”  Olswang began turning his vision of an AYSO travel team into reality and HP ELITE SC was formed!

In May of 2013, Olswang, with the help of Ben Codling, a veteran soccer coach from London, England, held tryouts and selected enough kids to form four teams – U11 boys, U12 boys, U11 girls and U12 girls.  According to Olswang, “the number of families who expressed interest was overwhelming and from the start, Ben and I knew we’d grow to be successful.” Andrea Cohen, team manager of the U11 girls said, “Olswang and Codling are fantastic coaches – they know the kid’s strengths and they encourage the kids to play as a team – I’m impressed with the experience my daughter Haley has had as an ELITE member! ” Beth Jastromb, HP AYSO ELITE President, added, “I've heard Dan say a few times that families put their faith in ELITE and in Ben. There may be some truth to that, but I think most families put their faith and trust in Dan for a very good reason.”

The soccer season began in September, and while all four teams have proven to be successful, two teams are currently undefeated – the U11 boys and U11 girls.  This past weekend, all four teams played in the Octoberfest 2013 Classic Tournament at the Libertyville Soccer Complex.  While the U12 girls did not make the championship game, they were undefeated in their three tournament games and the U12 boys finished the tournament with a solid 2-1 record.  Amazingly both the U11 boys and U11 girls took home the Octoberfest’s 2013 Classic trophy, with a four game victory each.

The U11 boys had a staggered schedule beginning on Friday, leading up to the highly anticipated championship game against another undefeated team from Lake Forest with a 3-0 record. Down 2-0 in the first half, the U11 boys fought back and played as an incredible unit to win the trophy with a final score of 6-3.  Nancy Shamberg, mother of a U11 boys team member said, “What makes the ELITE team so exceptional is not just their ability to play soccer, but playing as a Highland Park community, with dedication and a lot of heart ”.   According to Heidi Aloush, mother of another U11 boys team member, “the coaching with Ben Codling has been impressive. He has established wonderful rapport with the players while teaching them skills and game strategies.  Dan’s Olswang commitment to HP ELITE is evident by his endless efforts and Highland Park is lucky to have ELITE. It is a program committed to children and their skill development.” 

The U11 girls started the weekend strong winning one game Saturday and dominating their first two games on Sunday. Before the girls played their final championship game they cheered on the U11 boys.  With adrenaline pumping after the boys’ victory, the girls battled hard to keep the ball away from their goal.  Their unbreakable efforts were successful and after an exhilarating 50 minutes and a score of 0-0, the girls’ game went into double overtime and ended with a triumphant, heart-stopping shoot out.  Both wins this weekend were remarkable, not only because they were championship wins, but because both the U11 boys and U11 girls ELITE teams are new and they both have a connection to the game and to each other.  Amy Olswang, mother of U11 girls team member said, “the girls played with their heart and soul and it showed.” Codling said, “he will never forget the commitment and passion the girls played with and it was one of the greatest days in his career as both a coach and a soccer player.”

The HP ELITE players have proven to be a great inspiration to soccer players alike. They respect the game as well as each other and they’ve proven that a winning team is not built on ability alone.  Ari Cohen, father of the U11 girls goalie stated, “HP ELITE has proven that a successful soccer team can be formed right here at home - with parent volunteers, supportive families and dedicated players we made Highland Park proud by winning not just one, but two trophies in one tournament!”  According to Codling, whether the teams win or lose, he feels he has already won – he believes the kids have shown a dedication and effort to the game and each other that is rarely seen at such a young age!”  

The HP ELITE U11 Girls Octoberfest Columbus Day Tournament winners are:  Lilly Adelstein, Cosette Benjamin, Ashley Camacho, Morgan Cohen, Haley Cohen, Casey Golding, Lily Kelly, Isabella Mcalhaney, Marianna Marquardt, Martina Napoli, Chloe Olswang, Emma Willow Hill, Lindsey Winters, and Norah Zimmerman.

The HP ELITE U11 Boys Octoberfest Columbus Day Tournament winners are: David Aloush, Ethan Adess, Will Brennan, David Crane, Sammy Dubin, Ethan Fineman, Anthony Meier, Jacob Muriel, Jake Podbelsek, Jake Seinfeld, and Ben Shamberg.

Thank you Dan Olswang for the having the drive and the vision to form HP ELITE and for your diligent and continuous effort. 

Thank you Ben Codling – the kids will forever remember you and the gift you’ve given them is priceless!

AYSO HP ELITE SC

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