[nas] Metros's anounce partnership with German club Frankfurt/Metrosyouth academy article

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Title: Metros's anounce partnership with German club Frankfurt/Metros youth academy article

http://www.soccer365.com/US_home/Major_League_Soccer/page_24_39031.shtml

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METROSTARS ACADEMY SCORES BIG WITH PARENTS AND PLAYERS

It had always been a vision of the MetroStars organization to be able to develop a soccer academy affiliated with their professional team much like the rest of the world. 

The club wanted to create a program that would help set a tone in the United States for developing professional soccer players. This academy is a component of an overall player development system that is the first of its type in the U.S. and hopefully the trendsetter for all of MLS. With the support of general manager, Nick Sakiewicz, and the MetroStars Head Coach, Octavio Zambrano, the MetroStars organization was able to make this vision come alive. 

Zambrano and MetroStars Academy Technical Director Richard Williams worked together in preparing the curriculum, selecting a qualified staff, and making sure that this Academy would be paramount. 

It took about nine months, and on May 21, 2002, the MetroStars Academy launched its first-ever training session with roughly 65 players, boys and girls, ranging in age from 7-16. The players, dressed in MetroStars training jerseys, shorts and socks played a pivotal role in the future of the academy and will now be a part of MetroStars history.

The first of three nine-week sessions was completed on Friday, July 18, 2002. Williams, along with Zambrano and select MetroStars players, delivered inspirational closing remarks to the players and parents in attendance. 

"Professional clubs throughout the world all have academies that start with young players. It is extremely important to consistently develop players within your organization. Your club will always strong because you will always have talent coming through," Williams said. "We at the MetroStars have started an academy that is the first of its kind in the United States. It's an academy for all young players that provide an environment for them to develop a global understanding of the game and the skills required to play the game. Our ultimate goal is to discover young potential talent at an early age and develop the players so that they reach a level that is good enough to play on the MetroStars first team." 

Making their appearance and participating in a Q & A session at the closing ceremonies were MetroStars goalkeeper Paul Grafer, defender Ted Chronopolous, and midfielders Craig Ziadie and Mark Lisi. The players were ecstatic about the progress of the Academy. 

"It's the future of what we are trying to build in the United States, and I think that the MetroStars have created an outstanding organization that will definitely help in the development of our future soccer players," said Chronopoulos.

The MetroStars Academy training sessions are held on the indoor and outdoor soccer fields at RexPlex in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Ziadie was very impressed by the fields. 

"It's an unbelievable facility for such a great program. I wish I could have had an opportunity like this when I was younger. This is definitely a huge force in helping soccer grow in the U.S.," Ziadie remarked.

The MetroStars players also had a chance to interact with the academy players during the session. 

"The dedication and enthusiasm from the coaching staff is phenomenal. You can tell that the players are having a great time here, their smiles say it all, " mentioned Lisi. "Having fun, while improving in the game, is what it's all about."

According to Williams, the highest level of coaching is the ability to teach the game. The MetroStars Academy coaching staff has all either played on the professional and/or college level. They not only have an extensive history of playing behind them, but ironically 70% of the coaches on staff are schoolteachers. 

Williams feels that he has an outstanding staff that will teach the players well, on and off the field. The staff has expressed their passion for the game and is very excited for what the future of the academy holds. 

In conclusion of the closing ceremony, each player received a Player Evaluation, a Certificate of Achievement and an autographed picture of each MetroStars player in attendance. 

Proud parents of participating players gave the testimonials that follow:

"My son has shown definite improvement. He really enjoys everything he is taught. I never have to push him to go to a training session; in fact, he wishes they were every day! I also think that the classroom sessions are great. They teach you life skills beyond soccer and that is important in developing a well-rounded human being." 
Grace Lenahan, parent of Kieran, age 9

"The MetroStars Academy has improved my kids technical ability, discipline, sportsmanship, and overall spirit of the game. The training is superb. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has children in soccer."
Sonya Schur, parent of Michael, age10
Nina, age 7

If you are interested in becoming a part of the MetroStars Soccer Academy, please contact Kevin Primerano at 201-583-7025 or email Kprimerano@MetroStars.com.


Written By Kim Carbo