College Nights Hosted By New Jersey Youth Soccer
New Jersey Youth Soccer provided its aspiring youth soccer talent with the opportunity to gain insight from coaches at the college ranks as they prepare to take the next step of their careers. Players attended training sessions led by college recruits and concluded with a discussion of expectations as they make the transition from the youth level.
Related Article: 2017 New Jersey Youth Soccer ODP Tryouts
Youth Soccer News: New Jersey Youth Soccer continues to develop its Olympic Development Program (ODP) after hosting ODP College Nights 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. “The talent level was good, and the players 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.”
Each ODP College Night began with a training session, which was analyzed and instructed by various college coaches from the region. At the conclusion of the training sessions, all parents and players gathered for an open forum that featured a Q/A discussion. 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 on Monday, June 12th,” said Scott Baker, head coach of the men’s soccer program at Rowan University. “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 opportunity 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. It was a pleasure to be part of this event. I am looking forward to more ODP events and creating the best experience possible for all of the New Jersey ODP players and families.”
The first ODP College Night was held for the boys program, featuring Brian Thomsen (The College of New Jersey), Scott Baker (Rowan University) and Kevin McMullen (Villanova). Following that event, an ODP College Night was held for the girls program two days later. On site to speak with parents and players were Krissy Turner (Monmouth), Bob Turner (The College of New Jersey), Patrick Naughter (Montclair State), Jeff Parker (Stevens Institute of Technology) and Ali Rubnitz (Seton Hall).
“For me, anytime we can see our Jersey Girls at the next level, it is certainly a good thing for all involved,” said Bob Turner, assistant coach of the women’s soccer program at The College of New Jersey. “This was a great evening of soccer that was well organized by NJ Youth Soccer. Hopefully, the student-athletes and parents found it informative, and I hope this becomes a yearly event.”
NJ Youth Soccer has also officially set the dates for its 2017 ODP tryouts, with four sessions planned on July 29-30 (Wall, N.J.) and August 12-13 (Bordentown, N.J.).
Photo Credit: New Jersey Youth Soccer
