Nor'easters Announce New Program for Training Youth Soccer Players

The Ocean City Nor'easters recently announced a new program to train promising young soccer players. Private coaching with an individual is the new concept offered by the team, and many have seen results.

Coach Steve Thurlby brings a unique approach to the table by offering the Beast IT Fit program. Thurlby, a graduate of the University of Brighton in England with a major in sports studies, is the sole coach to teach this program.

The training sessions are unique to each participant and created to give players more agility, focus, strength and coordination. Beast is for participants who are eager to improve skills in a soccer-related program to make each player more efficient.

Each program is specific to the participant's position on the team. For example, a goalie's Beast IT Fitness routine will be different than a midfielder's.

“When we think of sports training, we think of running and hurdles, but soccer is such a different game, and we have to incorporate moves of soccer into the workout instead of doing aimless sprints. For younger participants, it teaches agility, coordination and awareness, but for older kids it teaches them speed power and strength within soccer,” Thurlby says.

The Nor'easters recommend sports training before any tryout for any age level. It usually takes about six sessions to get the participant ready to feel comfortable and confident. The coaches also include nutritional tips.

All coaches of the Nor'easters teach sports training, however for participants that are interested in Beast IT Fitness, Thurlby is the guy.

“The most important factor is that attitude. If they come ready to work, listen, and learn, they will get more from it. You can always improve on anything. This gives them a head start on their next challenge.”

Additional to all the training sessions, participants will learn about injury prevention and recovery as well as an all-around education. Sessions can be individual or a small group. The cost is $50 for one hour, and $5 per each additional participant in the session.

Recently, Coach Thurlby was awarded the South Jersey League Sportsmanship award with his work for Mainland United Nor'easters. Thurlby said that his teaching method is what won him the award.

“I'm not an aggressive coach. Everyone makes mistakes and yelling only tells the player not to do the mistake again. I let them know that they are not going to get everything right and that it's OK. I get the kids to play properly with passes, moves and dribbles rather than the usual long kick and chase.”

Thurlby explains that his favorite part of coaching is seeing the players develop and have a good time. He explains it as “the best of both worlds”.

To contact the Ocean City Nor'easters and OCFC call 609-525-9999.