PAL TRAVEL SOCCER TEAMS TRAIN FOR SPRING SEASON

Contributing Authors - Jess Siecieska, Mike Grant, and Rick Felix

The Totowa PAL travel soccer program’s practices are well underway as they head into the Spring season. The U10 team, coached by Rick Felix, and the U12 team, coached by Mike Grant, began practices in late February indoors at the Totowa PAL. U12 player Ethan Thompson said, “I’m looking forward to the upcoming season with more teammates to play with.” The players have brought determination and team spirit into each practice. The kids are here to play, have fun, and express their creativity with their feet and the ball!

When asked what their favorite parts of the training are, U10 players RJ Ardis, Kadin Karam and Luka Mladenovic agreed that they all enjoyed the 2V2 and shooting. “The drills help us to learn new footwork,” Joey Siecieska added. The off-season practices have been focused on developing their skills through game play scenarios so that it can more easily translate to the field.

Nicholas Lisitano, who plays on the U12 team, also pointed out how much the teams like their coaches. “I love soccer and my team, especially Coach Mike. He makes practice so much fun and I’ve learned a lot,” he said. U10 player Landon Britting added, “I really like how we play together as a team.”

There’s a short amount of time to prepare during the winter off-season. The coaches work creatively by creating at-home workouts and building practice sessions that blend conditioning, technical skills, and game play development into a small window. “Using the indoor gym at the PAL to practice has been great because it has allowed us to start our practices earlier than normal. The smaller space teaches players to play fast, pass in smaller windows, and work on their footwork and ball skills” U12 coach Mike Felix said.

“Soccer is a game of constant change. So, we work hard to prepare the players on how to understand and react to each game time scenario,” said coach Rick Felix. These players, most of whom play year-round, have a passion for the sport, as illustrated by comments from Liam Felix, U10, “I love soccer, and we get a chance to compete and play hard as a team.” The travel teams compete as part of the Morris County Youth Soccer Association, with games beginning on April 11.

If you are interested in joining the travel soccer family, reach out to Rick Felix at coachrick@totowapal.com. The PAL is always looking to continue to grow our teams, across age levels, and add to its soccer family.