Lewisboro Soccer Club Kicks Into Spring

This is a big year for soccer with the World Cup ready to capture the globe in South Africa this summer, but soccer fever hit Lewisboro early today at John Jay High School. 

Hundreds of players from Pre-Kindergarten to 8^th grade swirled through a festive cafeteria filled with purple and white balloons, cookies and lemonade, and club apparel to celebrate the Spring Soccer Kick-Off.  With clinics conducted next door in the gymnasium, it was an ideal way to launch the season.

It was immediately apparent to parents that this was not a hostile youth sports program likely to be documented on 60 Minutes.  Projecting the exact opposite of this disturbing trend nationwide is the ultimate goal of Doug Housman, President of the Lewisboro Soccer Club.

"We have seen so much pressure put on kids in youth sports, whether it be the parents or the coaches with the wrong attitude about winning first, above all else," Housman said as laughing first graders readied themselves to take their turn in the clinic. 

"Soccer becomes a job that thirteen- and fourteen-year-olds want to quit because it's not fun," he said.  "We want to communicate to the parents first and foremost that this program is about fun."

Sitting by Housman's side was Vice President, Steve Martino, who also emphasized the positive approach taken by the new board, comprised of twenty volunteers.

"We are taking a holistic approach when it comes to competition and recreation," Martino explained.  "Through positive alliances between the coaches, the board, and the parents, we want to provide opportunities to kids of all levels."

With the Travel Teams' seasons starting April 11^th and the In-Town program commencing the subsequent week, the Lewisboro Soccer Club is taking advantage of the first beautiful days of Spring to impart their message.  The tone of the day substantially reflected the objective of the organizers of the event, as an equipment drive station posted another victory for the organization.

"What we want to accomplish today," Housman expanded, "is to get the message out about the club through the sale of our apparel, giveaways, refreshments.  Anything to get the kids and the parents more connected to the sport."

This connection was made more immediate with the reliable and capable hands of the NOGA coaching staff, an enthusiastic and talented group who not only led today's clinics, but also will coach all of the older travel squads.  Also intriguing is the introduction of a new co-ed adult soccer program.

A day like this also seemed tailor-made for the youngest, and in some cases, newest members of the league.  Paul Jimenez, whose son, Paul will participate in the Pre-K program, was most impressed with the activities of the day.

"I thought it was exciting to see the kids out there," Jimenez said as his son shared stories about Sponge Bob games the NOGA coaches combined into the soccer drills.  "I think this will help them to learn teamwork, how to apply motor skills, and I think they'll have a blast this year."

With six hundred kids registered to play this Spring, the foundation is established for a wildly successful season.  With the success of days like today's Kick-Off, the agenda for positive reinforcement from the Lewisboro Soccer Club's board leaders, and the widespread involvement of the parents, there is tremendous promise for the sport in the area for years to come. 

It might take the 2010 World Cup to awaken many Americans to what Martino calls, "a life sport," but judging by the participation and reaction to today's events, soccer has Lewisboro's full attention.