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News 2008

For Immediate Release - November 18, 2008

First Annual "Swings for Soccer" Golf Tournament Scores Big for Club
Newport News FC hosted its first "Swings for Soccer Tournament" and it was a huge success raising almost $1500.00 toward our club scholarship program. We would like to thank our sponsors, The Orthopedic and Spine Center, The UPS Store at Williamsburg Crossing and Bayport Credit Union. The winning team posting a score of 62 was Paul Scharich, Dave Hoare, Steve Forrest and Joe Hoare. Each player received a $50.00 gift certificate and trophies for their accomplishment. The next "Swings for Soccer" is scheduled for April 24, 2009 at Deer Run Championship Course in Newport News. For more information about this program click here.

2008 Golf Tournament Photos

For Immediate Release - November 6, 2008

COLLEGE NIGHT PROGRAM PROVIDES GUIDANCE AND INSIGHT TO OVER 70 CLUB PLAYERS AND PARENTS
Newport News, VA

The Newport News FC College Bound program serves to provide guidance and information to our U16-U18 players and parents regarding the steps necessary for securing college scholarships and the college playing experience in general. This year, Chris Norris, the Head Coach for the William and Mary Men's team, was the Key Note Speaker who provided the standing room only crowd at the Patrick Henry Corporate Center a night to remember. Coach Norris explained in detail what parents can expect and the importance of starting early when preparing for college play. He explained the recruiting rules that coaches must adhere to under the NCAA and discussed the reality of receiving college scholarships to everyone in attendance. Additional information was provided by Ryan Sniegoski who is the current Assistant Coach for Old Dominion University Men's Team. In all, perhaps the most important lesson to learn was sent in by a parent who realized that early planning is very important and parents should make sure to take advantage of this annual club program. If any club parent missed the meeting and would like the handouts that were provided they can contact our Director of Coaching at DOC@NewportNewsFC.com for information. Click here for more College Bound Information.

Here is some of the feedback the club received about the program.

"Last Night was Wonderful! Several of us have already talked about what was presented...and I think it was great!"
Shauna Johnson (U14 Diamonds Parent)

"It was a packed house! What a great success it is to have to think about finding someplace larger for the next event. It just goes to again reinforce the fact that NNFC is doing a great job of encouraging and developing youth to strive to become the best they can be at their sport and in life. Kyle said that he learned a lot and has a clearer picture of what to expect over the next few years regarding soccer scholarships. Kyle is only a Freshman so I think we will probably continue to attend these events each year, as a compass of sorts, to be sure we are doing what is necessary to get Kyle noticed by schools we are interested in. It will help keep us on track and a little more in touch with the realities of playing college level ball. As a parent, I feel like I have a better sense of how I need to encourage Kyle as he begins to consider potential colleges and universities and the role soccer will or will not play in those decisions. I was really surprised at how few Division 2 schools there are that have competitive men's soccer programs. I was also a little disappointed to hear the realities of landing a Division 1 position on a scholarship. It's good to know this now so we can broaden our vision of schools to consider. I have to say that I am relieved to know that we have been doing the right things to prepare Kyle. I am grateful for the excellent guidance that you have given us over the years."
Terri Holden (NNFC Parent)

"The evening was informative - the turnout was great...I felt terribly sorry for the senior girl and her mother in the audience who realized that parents and players shouldn't wait until their senior year to start looking into playing in college."
Tammy Burgett (NNFC Parent)

For Immediate Release - October 15, 2008

Newport News FC Teams Excel at Prestigious Columbus Day Tournament

When the final whistle blew to end competition in this past weekend's prestigious Columbus Day Tournament held in Virginia Beach, 6 out of the 9 Newport News FC teams made it to the Championship game and another had reached the semifinals. In short, this proves that as our players move up together they can compete with the other best teams in the State and our core club development philosophy works. It is important to point out that of all the teams listed most have had the majority of their players together for more than 2 years. Again, congratulations to these players, the parents who support them and to the coaching staff that leads them.

U-18 Heat - Finalist
U-18 Phoenix - Semi Finalist
U-16 Storm - Finalist
U-15 Strikers - Finalist
U-14 Predators - Finalist
U-14 Diamonds - Finalist
U-11 United - Finalist

For Immediate Release - September 23, 2008

CLUB ADVISORY BOARD MEETING SUCCESSFUL AS MEMBERS DISCUSS IDEAS TO IMPROVE SOCCER FACILITIES AND MORE

The NNFC Club Advisory meeting took place on Friday, Sept. 12, 2008.

There were approximately 9 out of 15 teams represented at the meeting. Steve Meade, President of NNFC Board of Directors, presented information on the Club Advisory Board (CAB) overview and goals and he took notes from the meeting. (CAB description and member info in background information on last page.) Al Cousineau, Director of Coaching (DOC) presented the information on the rest of the agenda and facilitated the meeting.

Everyone in attendance was given an agenda, team stickers and car magnets. The meeting started with introductions around the table. Steve presented information about the NNFC Club Advisory Board and its goals. Steve also presented information about the Field Development Program. Everyone in the room realizes that the club is in need of a field that we can use on a regular basis without the usual field shuffle that occurs every year as we share resources with the Newport News (NN) parks and recreation soccer program. The Field Development program is looking for volunteers at a minimum and every club member to take part in the field survey posted on the club website. Several meetings have occurred with the NN city leaders about this issue. The club continues to dialogue with the appropriate parties, but until NN realizes that soccer field development is important to the city, (ie can produce revenues) then we will continue to dialogue. Several suggestions are on the table as far as providing lights for Riverview’s phase II project, or developing a field somewhere in the city. A lot of discussion surrounded the proposed use of the old Denbigh Toyota location for a field as opposed to what the city currently has in the plans for that location. Another suggestion involves getting more fields at Dozier. It seems as though the city is spending a lot of money on fields like Riverview and Passage because of the drainage issues and upkeep and is a little reluctant to invest more money in this area. The development program has suggested to just leveling the grounds at Dozier so that there is no standing water, like at Stanford, and providing lines so that at a minimum there are more locations for soccer practice and/or games. One parent also suggested the possibility of using the fields in York County for games and/or tournaments. Al has taken an action to contact the York County contact. There will be a special meeting in October to address field development. If there are any further questions please contact the following individuals who are on the field development steering committee or visit the website. Also please fill out the field development survey on the club website

Steering Committee

Steve Meade - Club President
Al Cousineau - Director of Coaching
Chris Moller - Manager/Parent
Stephen Copeland - Manager/ Parent
Terry Fail - Parent
Victor Reyes - Youth Academy Director
Kimberly Roll - Manager/ Parent

The next item on the agenda involved player and team development. Al presented his concept and the clubs vision of player and team development along with expectations. One of the parents suggested that information should be given at the NNFC New Member Orientation meeting.

The next topic of discussion was “Parent Involvement and Discussions” which evolved into the last topic which was “Ideas, Comments and Suggestions”. Al thanked the parents for their volunteer participation during the Busch Gardens tournament. A lot of topics came up here including the introduction of a parent handbook. The clubs website has been update and there is a lot of good information there. The club has a new tournament director.

Chris Moller discussed possible locations for the upcoming indoor tournament. There was also discussion about safety of the older teams playing futsal at the Dozier location. Because of the confined space in Dozier the older players may get hurt running into tables, walls and bleachers. Chris said he would access this and possibly change venues for them. We discussed indoor soccer versus futsal, which is best for the development of the players.

We also discussed the club’s College Bound program and the up coming College night for the older players. Al has already been contacted by soccer coaches at Williams and Mary and Old Dominion University. These coaches are very interested in talking with the college bound players at NNFC. Al and Steve were concerned with past participation from the players because of poor attendance. When these folks take there time to visit the club there needs to be more than a few players present. Al also talked about assisting the older players with developing a soccer portfolio that the player can use when discussing soccer opportunities with various colleges and universities. Al did emphasis that when a player plans to investigate his/her opportunities with these individuals, they must look at their academic performance first and then whether it is realistic to play at a division one university versus division two or three.

We discussed purchasing non-club gear. The email that went out a few days ago discussed non-club gear and the deadline for purchasing. While the email did say that there were a variety of colors available, Chris suggested that the team choose one color that all the players on that team would wear during warm-ups or between games at tournaments. Also, Al suggested that if a club player is choosing sweatshirts, please choose the NNFC club colors of black or red.

We discussed parent behavior on the sidelines. We also discussed soccer referees and the appropriate behavior toward them.

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm. Steve Meade and Al thanked everyone for coming and for their ideas and comments.

Julie Byrd
U15 Strikers

Background information

Club Advisory Board

Newport News FC is dedicated to making decisions that are in the best interest of the players, our club and parent members. As a result, we formed a Club Advisory Board to serve to provide advise or suggestions to the Director of Coaching regarding club policies, etc. Another critical function of the Club Advisory Board is that is serve as a sounding board on matters related to player, parent or coach conflict.

The board consists of the Director of Coaching, the Director of Development (if available), up to 3 coaches, and a team manager representative. The Club Advisory Board is not a decision making body, but serves to provide advice on matters presented to them by the Director of Coaching. If you ever have any suggests, comments or concerns you are welcome to share it with us by using the email address below.

Current Club Advisory Board Members

Al Cousineau, Director of Coaching
Victor Reyes, Youth Academy Director
Chris Moller, Team Manager Representative

For Immediate Release - September 23, 2008

10 Newport News FC Teams have League Championships In Reach
At almost the halfway point in the Fall League season 10 out of 15 Newport News FC Travel Teams are poised to make a run at capturing league championships. As of today, the U18 Heat, the U16 Storm, the U14 Diamonds, the U12 Celtic and the U14 Predators are leading their divisions with the U18 Phoenix, the U17 United and U15 Strikers in second place. Two other teams close to the top include: the U17 Braves and the U14 Mystx that are both in third place in their respective divisions. Congratulations goes out to all of these teams. Good luck the rest of the season! To check current league standings visit VASoccerLeague.

For Immediate Release - September 4, 2008

LOCAL COLLEGE SOCCER GAMES OFFER
GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR PLAYERS TO LEARN
The Newport News FC Executive Coaching staff recommends that all players watch college and professional soccer as much as possible. When players watch higher level teams and players compete, they learn how to play at a higher level and get a chance to watch the type of decision making required for each position. Additionally, watching college or professional soccer also can reinforce important team concepts including how a team shapes themselves when they attack and defend. In Hampton Roads, we are lucky to have a number of universities that provide a good learning environment for our players. Below you will find the links to schedules for some of the local colleges. We hope that parents will consider college soccer games a worthwhile tool in their children's soccer development and will make plans to attend at least one game this season.

Click below to see schedules for each university.

• Christopher Newport University Men
   
• Christopher Newport University Women
   
• William & Mary Men
   
• William & Mary Women
   
• Old Dominion Men
   
• Old Dominion Women

For Immediate Release - September 4, 2008

Newport News FC Teams Dominate Busch Gardens Soccer Classic
When the final whistle blew at the Busch Gardens Soccer Classic held at Warhill Sports Complex in Williamsburg, 9 out of 15 Newport News FC club teams had made it to the Finals in their respective age divisions and five of those claimed tournament championships! Congratulations goes out to the U11 United, U13 Hotspurs, U15 Strikers and the U17 United for finishing in second place and to the U12 Celtic, U14 Diamonds, U16 Storm, U18 Heat and the U18 Phoenix for winning Championships! In all, over 60 teams participated this year and with the help of club volunteers and Tammy Burgett and Chris Moller, this tournament was one of the most successful we have held. Congratulations again to all of the teams for a job well done and especially to the countless hours our parent members worked to make the Busch Gardens Soccer Classic a success!

For Immediate Release - September 1, 2008

Heat Advisory - NNFC Player Safety
Unfortunately, we had one of our players suffer from heat exhaustion yesterday and I wanted to take a moment to advise all parents to make sure every player brings water and/or a sports type of beverage with them to every training session. Additionally, I would like you to inform your children of the potential signs that they are overheated and that if they feel light headed or start having trouble breathing during activity, that they inform the coach immediately and take a break. At this point, the player is doing ok, but the seriousness of heat exhaustion can not be ignored and hopefully this notice will help all of our players remain safe. Click here for important prevention, symptom and treatment information.

For Immediate Release - July 9, 2008

Newport News FC Summer Camp Programs Announced
Each year, Newport News FC hosts some of the finest team and individual development camps in the area. This year the summer camp program season kicks off with a Skills Only camp designed to improve individual skills of each player this camp is open to all U10-U18 players. The Champions Camp held for all U10-U14 teams is designed as a team camp where the players from the same are grouped together and have a chance to learn and play together for an entire week. The Advanced Camp for all U15-U18 teams offers our advanced players the opportunity to learn college and professional playing tactics that are necessary to understand when playing against advanced teams. All camps are staffed by professionally licensed coaches who use proven international teaching methods and an established teaching curriculum. For more information about our exclusive camp programs click here.

For Immediate Release - June 12, 2008

Newport News FC Teams Claim Sand Soccer Championships
Going to the beach takes on a new meaning when a soccer ball, competitive teams and trophies are involved. Each year many of our travel teams participate in Sand Soccer Tournaments for soccer fun and this year, two brought home Championships. The U12 Celtic won the Kickin It at the Beach Sand Soccer Championships held at Buckroe Beach in Hampton. During the North American Sand Soccer Championships in Virginia Beach, the U16 Storm won every game they played including defeating the Fortitude in an exciting penalty kick shootout to claim the Championship. Other teams doing well included, the U13 Predators who took second place honors and the U14 Strikers who went 4-1, losing a close game in the Semifinals. Congratulations to all teams!