Growing Up Soccer

[ January, 2009 ]

Letter by Al Micucci, Sachem SC Coach

Albert,
I distributed your article to my team last Sunday. We will discuss it after our training session next Sunday. A few years ago we tried a "free play" night at Sachem. On Wednesday from 5 to 7 all kids were invited to come down to our complex and just play. Travel, intramural, any age, both sexes. NO ADULTS except me who sat in the middle of the fields and read a book. (I was there so the parents would know the little ones were not unattended and in case anyone got hurt) For two seasons we were getting about 50 to 60 kids and they were having a great time. For some reason, in the third year, participation dropped-off and sadly, the free play experiment ended.

The reason I am enthusiastic about your idea is that you are adding the computer to the equation. That, and in this You Tube world, the ability to possibly see themselves on the computer has the potential to be a real draw. I hope it works out. I coach this team with Frank Schmidt, long time Sachem H.S. Boys Varsity coach and we are pushing it from this end. Best of luck and wishes for a Happy health New Year.

Al Micucci, Coach
Sachem SC