NWSL Team Continues to Give Back to New Jersey Youth Soccer Players
Soccer News: There will be a tangible Sky Blue FC influence when the New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS) and Young Olympians programs start on November 21st. These programs feature a supplement to, not a replacement for, a player’s club training while also preparing players for the Olympic Development Program (ODP). These programs also provide an introduction to a pathway for young players who aspire to one day play with Sky Blue FC, like forward Maya Hayes and midfielder Rachel Breton. Both of these players will be part of the training and evaluation process next weekend in their respective areas.
“ODP was so influential in my soccer development. I think it is great that young girls now have the chance to get a taste of that program at younger ages,” said Breton. “Club NJYS and the Young Olympians programs involve multiple winter trainings as well as a small sided festival in the spring.”
NJYS held a Young Olympians festival in April of this year which featured an appearance from Jillian Loyden, former Sky Blue FC and US Women’s National Team standout, who helped educate the players about off-field skills.
Related Article: NJ YOUTH SOCCER’S YOUNG OLYMPIANS FESTIVAL
“This event was a great opportunity to share a message about acknowledging every child’s self-worth, confidence, and the importance of leading a life with strong character and integrity,” said Loyden, founder of the JL Foundation. “I want young players to know their voices matter and can be used to make a difference in the lives of others.”
In August of this year, Sky Blue FC hosted a game with over 900 NJYS players, parents and coaches that featured a pre-game chalk talk with Jim Gabarra, Sky Blue FC Head Coach and Technical Director and surprise visit by Loyden.
Related Article: NJ YOUTH SOCCER NIGHT AT SKY BLUE FC
Sky Blue FC is proud to continually support NJ Youth Soccer and this is just one example of NJ Youth Soccer and Sky Blue FC working together to provide unique opportunities outside of the traditional training sessions.
“NJ Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program was a catalyst for my playing career and helped me reach the U.S. National Team program,” said Hayes. “It also helped me develop lifelong friendships. I met my best friend in NJYS ODP and competed at Penn State University alongside five women from the ODP regional team.”
Club NJYS
Club NJYS is an introductory stage for U11 boys and girls who aspire to play at a high level. The mission of Club NJYS is to help foster young players’ physical, mental and social growth so they can reach their potential in life through their participation in soccer.
Eligibility: U11 (open to all, no tryouts)
Cost: $100 (players will receive a t-shirt)
Young Olympians
Sessions are unique opportunities for competitive players to receive supplemental training lead. Players’ abilities will be assessed and the sessions will be segmented so that players are training with others of like ability. The bulk of the sessions will consist of various multi-small sided activities and games in a competitive format. Players will receive feedback both in group and individual form throughout the flow of these games.
Eligibility: U-12 (tryouts open to all)
Cost: $20 (tryout fee) and $100 (program fee for players invited into the program)
For more detailed information about both programs, click here.
