After six weeks of action, the Club-To-Club Player Development Initiative (PDI) has completed its third year of providing U7 (2014) & U8 (2013) players with exciting weekly consequence-free fixtures.
“We loved the U7 and U8 setup for the fall season,” said Hristo Kaloferov, East Meadow SC Academy Director. “It was a lot of fun for the kids and provided a great opportunity for players to develop without the pressure of results. Excited to see the excellent collaboration between all the clubs to make it work.”
This season, the geographical footprint of Club-To-Club PDI grew with the addition of six Nassau County clubs: East Meadow, Garden City, Merrick, New Hyde Park, Rockville Centre, and Syosset.
“The program’s expansion this year is a reflection of the mutual desire that the league and clubs share to develop players at a young age,” said Ronan Wiseman, LIJSL Technical Director.
“Providing the right environment and platform for players of this age is very important to foster a love for the game which in return, keeps the kids playing and enjoying soccer for years to come,” Wiseman added.
The third year of PDI included participation from 11 clubs, and over 60 teams.
“U7/U8 Club-To-Club PDI games present the kids with an opportunity to venture into a new type of coaching and game experience, more advanced than they may have seen in their intramural programs,” said Candice Brody, East Islip Pre-Academy Coordinator.
PDI proves to be a foundational steppingstone between intramural and travel play. The programs consequence-free weekly environment optimizes player development while establishing a strong passion for the game of soccer. The professional engagement of trainers by all clubs involved brings the experience of the players to a new level of development.
“It [Club-To-Club PDI] is a chance to play with other boys and girls looking for fun, yet more competitive play while also seeing new players from other towns seeking the same. This is an age appropriate first step for introducing players into a travel program,” Brody said.
Clubs interested in participating for future PDI seasons, should contact LIJSL Technical Director Ronan Wiseman at: [email protected]