Published: August 25, 2024, 07:00
The combination of fundraising and a skills camp for junior players was a win-win. Members of the Newtown High School boys soccer program hosted the Newtown Soccer Camp at Blue & Gold Stadium with four three-hour sessions from August 5-8. Add to that the coaching experience and community service hours the high school players gained, and it’s a win-win.
NHS coaches led the camp with help from team members, including captains Eli Brady, Ryan Payne, Curtis Verdi and Brendan McAnaspie. Parents Marybeth D’Amico, Alex Ortner and Alissa Williams organized the workout so the high school players could gain valuable experience while teaching young athletes – boys and girls alike – and in the process raised money for warm-up suits for the teams. It is a tradition in the high school program for players to wear warm-up suits before games. The current warm-up suits, which came from a private donation, are five years old, parents said. The school budget includes funds for new uniforms, but warm-up suits are not included in it.
“A group of player parents, along with Coach Ryan Lyddy and Coach Matt Cotto, organized a volunteer opportunity for our sons to tutor and work with local youth to improve their soccer skills, gain confidence on the field and learn about the sport in a friendly environment. Our goal is for the youth to develop a bond with players on the high school team who will serve as positive role models for them,” said D’Amico. “We wanted our players to gain valuable experience working with the youth in our community. This is a chance for them to see what it is like to be part of the high school program.”
D’Amico noted that Newtown Apparel has been a great support in covering the costs of purchasing equipment and embroidery.
Cotto, an assistant coach for the NHS program, said the clinic has allowed the high school program to connect with the community.
“The sport of soccer and the Newtown Soccer Club are very popular in Newtown,” says Cotto, adding that many of the players who played soccer in the town as children work as ball boys at the varsity team’s games and some of them go on to play at the high school level.
“These guys all grew up playing soccer in Newtown,” Cotto said. “We hope to keep all of our players in town and grow the club program and the high school program.”
“It’s a great experience for the high school boys to interact with the younger kids,” Ortner added.
There were nearly 50 players from grades 2 through 7 who received tips from high school coaches and former athletes.
The varsity team members, who are used to being coached, had a unique opportunity to teach younger players the game. “It gives them a feel for the other side,” Cotto noted.
And it gives participants the opportunity to interact with high school players and get a possible glimpse into their future.
“It’s great. They’re here today as campers and before you know it, you’re here at Blue & Gold Stadium playing in a big game on Tuesday night,” Cotto added. “The hope is they’ll stick around and become part of our high school program.”
Payne, who will be a junior captain in the fall, has only been involved for a few years running for loose balls as a ball boy on the sidelines at varsity games. Payne said he uses his experience to show the aspiring players/prospective NHS varsity team candidates that anything is possible if they put in the effort. Some soccer tips Payne gave were to prepare for a play before you get the ball and to be smart and decisive about what you do on the field.
“I tell them to think fast. When they get the ball, be quick and release it,” Payne added.
The campers cooled off with water and popsicles.
The fall football season is fast approaching, with the season opener set for Thursday, September 5th when Pomperaug of Southbury visits NHS at 6 p.m.
Sports editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at [email protected].
Newtown High player Ryan Payne instructs younger players during the Newtown Soccer Camp at Blue & Gold Stadium in early August. —Bee Photos, Hutchison
Sophie McCallum controls the ball.
Oliver Coatanroch (left) and Zach Marini dribble.
NHS player Stephen Singlak moves the ball during camp.
Madison Riner takes part in an exercise.
