On Saturday, October 17th, U7 (2014) and U8 (2013) players took the field for the return of Club Development Days, a day full of fun, laughter, and memories.
After a lengthy 11-month hiatus due to COVID-19, Club Development Days returned in full force with thirteen member clubs participating at two satellite locations; John Burns Park hosted by Massapequa SC and St. Paul’s School hosted by Garden City SC.
“Massapequa SC looks forward every season to the LIJSL Club Development Days for our U7 and U8 players,” Massapequa SC Director of Coaching Paul Bigilin said. “It’s always a great day to get the young players in our club out playing in a festival-type format with players from other clubs. Ronan [Wiseman, LIJSL Technical Director] and the LIJSL staff do a fantastic job. The events have become part of our seasonal squirts program here in Massapequa.”
Club Development Days offer young players a supportive and energetic environment with the goal of developing a strong passion for continued participation.
“The Club Development Day at Garden City was a great success and experience for our players at Mineola Soccer,” New York Cosmos head coach Carlos Mendes said.
Mendes was on the field from a different perspective than his normal coaching role as his son participated in the event and “had a wonderful day”.
“The emphasis of the program is making sure players at this age enjoy the game and are having fun,” Mendes added. “The key for young players to fall in love with the game and stay engaged is based around their first organized experience with the game. This event was right on point with that.”
The Club Development Day excitement continues Saturday, November 14, from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Interested teams should contact their club representative (President, Registrar, Director of Coaching) to register.