McLean Youth Soccer Association

Testimonial #1 – Junior Girls Parent (Former College Player at Georgetown and member of the US Youth National Team)

Stated simply, I believe the Juniors program is outstanding...and is introduced to the players at an ideal part of their social and soccer development.  The coaching philosophy is outstanding.  Focus on individual ball skills and creativity, encourage players to be comfortable taking risks with the ball, etc.

And because the coaches are so strong – and the other players equally motivated to experience soccer, the rate of progress on the skills goes vastly beyond anything that can be accomplished in the normal rec situation.

Testimonial #2 - Junior Boys Parent

We wanted to let you know how pleased and impressed we are with the soccer training provided in the MYS Juniors program.  Our son is really enjoying the experience.  The level of instruction is outstanding, and the coaches are excellent.  We aren’t aware of anything similar in the area, and are very happy to be a part of it.

Testimonial #3 – Junior Girls Parent

I wanted to write and tell you of ##### positive experience with the U8 juniors this year.

I have two older daughters in the McLean travel soccer program.  #### soccer skill set, knowledge of rules of play and confidence are much more advanced than her sisters' were at this stage of their game.  Jaon and Brent have made training both fun and instructive.  #### is proud of her "moves" and soccer is her favorite sport.  I was a bit worried that #### would miss the close aspect of a smaller team but she has enjoyed getting to know a wide circle of soccer friends.

Jaon and Brent have incorporated fun games that emphasize knowing each others' names which helped considerably.  I have been impressed by the organized and enjoyable practices.  #### always comes home wanting to practice more in the backyard.  I am pleased that #### has a strong soccer base whether she makes the U9 travel team or continues to enjoy soccer in the McLean rec league.

Testimonial #4 - Junior Girls Parent

Dear Board member and Technical Director et al,

My family has two children in MPS and we are happy with the structure and training approach of the program.  One of my children is a U9 player in the first year of the travel program.  At the mid-way point of the season I must say we are quite excited about the level of development of the U9 players.  My child participated in the first year of the U8 Junior's Program, working on foot skills and other technical aspects of the game well ahead of the training most house-level players received. While my child thoroughly enjoyed the training sessions, we really see the benefit of the Junior's Program this season.  The average level of play, and the confidence and technical skill of all the players seems to be well ahead of previous MPS teams at this stage and it shows during each game.  Hopefully this trend continues as the Junior's Program develops and matures.  It is a wonderful addition to the MPS travel program and we look forward to sending our final soccer player through the program in the near future.  Thanks and keep up the good work.

Testimonial #5 - Junior Girls Parent

Dear Board member,

I wanted to share my thoughts about the Junior Program my daughter was a part of with Coach Jaon since November 2010.  My daughter, #####, joined the program in November 2010 after she showed a passion for the game of soccer.  Coach Jaon was an amazing coach to all of the girls.  He taught the girls skills to improve to their game, foot skills and confidence in general.   He was and continues to be a role model to my daughter and the other girls.  Coach Jaon was patient, clearly communicated his expectations, and modeled good sportsmanship.  Our best soccer experience by far has been with the Juniors Program and the exceptional coaching provided by Coach Jaon.  Thank you for offering this amazing program to our community.

Testimonial #6 - Junior Girls Parent

I just wanted to send you and the other Juniors coaches, a quick note to let you know how terrific this year has been for ####. She has gone from "liking" soccer to "loving" soccer, which has been fun to see. My husband and I have been very impressed with the terrific coaching and amazing skills that all of the Juniors girls have developed at such a young age. Thank you for everything, and hopefully our paths will continue to cross in the MPS program!

Testimonial #7 – Junior Girls Parent

Jaon,

Just wanted to remind you that #### will not be at practice on Saturday.  We'll see you on Wednesday.  Also, just wanted to let you know that #### has really enjoyed being on the Juniors team this year.  Not only have her skills improved, but more importantly, her love of the game.  Thanks for giving our girls your time and energy (and patience!).

Testimonial #8 – Junior Boys Parent

Hi Jaon,

It was very nice speaking with you at the picnic this afternoon.  I want to express again my gratitude for everything you, Mike Nagelin and the rest of the coaches have done in creating and running the MYS Juniors program.

By way of background, I had coached ###### teams from the time he started soccer in U6 through his first time through U8 (he was playing up, because all of his friends were older than he).  I was very worried about U9, simply because I have absolutely ZERO soccer skills (I never played beyond two years of youth soccer at ages 9 and 10), and with U9 comes the expectation that the kids are actually learning real soccer skills. And then came the Juniors program, which #### was fortunately able to participate in, because this was officially his U8 year.  The Juniors program has been phenomenal. Providing the opportunity to these kids to learn from coaches who

(a) Have extensive experience playing soccer and

(b) Have the ability to impart their knowledge in a meaningful way is a tremendous asset for MYS to have.

For ######, this has provided solid fundamentals and skills that I could have never taught him.  Thank you again for everything!

Testimonial #9 – Junior Girls Parent

As an experienced coach, player and soccer parent, I have been extremely impressed with the MPS Juniors program. The Juniors program provides a focused but FUN environment for younger kids to work on fundamentals and individual soccer skills.  Coach Jaon and Brent do an outstanding job introducing the kids to advanced soccer training but they also ensure the training sessions are fun--which I think is the key to success with this age group.  I really saw a difference in my daughter's skills and confidence, as well as several of the other kids.  I highly recommend Juniors-- it's a great program for kids that love soccer and is a great introduction for those younger players that may be interested in playing travel soccer.