As Middlepaths Fall, 2009 season comes to a close, and my time as Middlepath Director begins, I want to take a moment to introduce myself and to talk a little about our program.

 

I have been involved with the sport of soccer since I was 8 years old. I played in travel programs as a kid and was fortunate enough to play in college at Brandeis University. As an adult I still enjoy playing when I have time. My five children all have played travel soccer in LaGrange and, at one time or another, for Middlepath. I have been involved in coaching in LaGrange for the past 10 years, served as an assistant coach for an EHYSL Select Team, and have my USSF “D” license. I recently became certified as a referee that has caused me to view the game from a completely different perspective. I have been on the Middlepath Board of Directors for the past two years.

 

Middlepath has sure come a long way since its inception in 2003. Beginning as a part time summer training program, there are now 9 full time teams and 2 part time teams playing year round. These teams compete in leagues ranging from the local EHYSL travel program to MAPS in New Jersey; ENY Premier, NERP, Region 1, and Super Y in the summer. The program is doing what it was designed to do. It is providing local players who wish to compete at a higher level of youth soccer the opportunity to do so without having to travel to a program up in Albany or down in Westchester.

 

Despite the successes that our program has had, there is much to improve on. Premier level soccer has grown tremendously in the last six years and players have many more local choices than they did back in 2003. In order for our program to continue to prosper it is imperative that the relationship between us and the LaGrange travel program become stronger. We must become the program of choice for those players in our own club who wish to test their skills at a higher level. Additionally, we must continue with our efforts to foster positive relationships with the travel clubs in our neighboring communities. These programs also have many talented players that would benefit from our program. We want these players to think about coming to Middlepath first. Over the coming months you will see and hear about programming designed to help strengthen these relationships.

 

I thank you for taking the time to check out our website and for considering our program. I am looking forward to working with the Board and the countless volunteers as we look for ways to improve the soccer experience for the kids. Because, at the end of the day, this program is really for them. The KIDS!!!!