HC United Futures
Greetings Prospective HCU U8 Futures Families,
I wanted to take the opportunity to both introduce myself and speak briefly about some of the goals I have for you and your child this upcoming season. My name is Scott Bower and as many of you may already know, I have recently been appointed to what I feel is the most important position at HCU. I want each one of you to know that I take this job as serious as I do my reputation as a coach and leader of young children as well as young adults. Character development is very important to me and I feel sports play a crucial role in their maturity. I have many years of experience in developing young athletes and am proud to see several of my youth player’s head to college this very year. While not all of them will be playing soccer I am still just as proud of those that will be attending college as student and furthering their professional careers. It is my personal goal that I help support each one of you in your efforts of raising your children and that by end of this development stage each of your children will follow their dreams whether it be through soccer or other avenues of life. From a purely competitive soccer standpoint, the program that we will build will have a very important role in the future of HCU’s competitive program. Your child will be placed in an environment that first and foremost will be safe and fun. Given that I am also the Lead Coach of the HCU U-10 boys this program will provide a basis for preparing your child for each step of the process should they look to eventually try out for our U-11 teams in the future. It is important that each of you know that I do understand that some of you may already be considering the idea of your child playing soccer or some other sport in college. While at the same time some of you may just want your kid to get some exercise and learn a new sport because the World Cup is upon us. It is my job to manage the desires and abilities of each of your children and I am committed to ensuring that each child get what they need out of this experience. After all, soccer is a wonderful team sport that is played outside in the lovely Florida sunshine year round. Soccer is meant to be fun and that will be among our main purposes.
Some of the objectives we will be targeting in the Futures season will be proprioceptive training and soccer-specific agility exercises. These exercises will improve your child’s balance, body control, foot speed and co-ordination all of which is vital in the development of an athlete. This specific training will help your child to avoid body imbalances at an early age that can prevent injury and offer better actual on field performance as they age. In addition to these objectives, this season we will introduce all basic soccer techniques of which include; passing, dribbling, shooting, controlling the ball, etc. Competition with the other athletes in The 8 Academy as well as themselves through Personal Records will be cultivated at the same time. These objectives will be met by playing fun/challenging games to be led by our energetic staff (TBD) as well as myself. Your child will be immersed in the hour of training and the time will fly by!
Last, I would like to tell each of you a little about myself. I grew up in the Tampa area playing for various clubs. Unfortunately for me HCU was not around when I played. I have been told I’m older than I look! I spent 2 years at Stetson University and 1 semester at Clemson University in which I left after my junior soccer season to sign professionally with Major League Soccer. Additionally, I spent 2 years with the U-23 National Team and I now coach/train various age groups at HCU including the U-10 Boys. Following my stint in professional soccer I returned to Florida to complete my under grad and received a business degree from the University of South Florida. I received my USSF Pro “B” License last year and I will be getting my “A” license later this year. I have multiple years experience in the performance-training arena through The Athletes Compound working with top established as well as up and coming athletes in the sports of Soccer, Baseball, Football, and Tennis. Please feel free to check out my bio at SB9Soccer.com.
For those of you returning to The Futures from last year I would love to hear some feedback from you, what you have liked in the past as well as what you did not like. Please feel free to email me anything you feel may be beneficial.
We all know that everything is more fun when your friends are involved. Please feel comfortable sending my email address out to anyone, boy or girl, that may be interested in playing soccer that are friends and/or neighbors of your children. Please note that players are eligible to play in The Futures if they are not 8 years of age before August 1st and it is possible to participate in U-8 for 2 years in a row. Enrollment is limited to 30 boys and 30 girls: Secure your spot today!
Why register early?
By registering today you will be guaranteed one of the limited spots available. In addition, you will receive special invitations to optional summertime activities.
You can register by going to hcusoccer.com starting Thursday May 27,2010.
The cost of the Futures Program:
$250.00 plus a $75.00 reimbursable volunteer fee for a total of $325.00 for the season. This cost covers the uniform, high level training, and referee fees as well as free volunteer extra activities for the athletes that will be planned.
Payment Plan:
At the time of registration you are required to pay $109.00
Second payment by July 15 $108.00
Third payment by August 15 $108.00
How to get reimbursed for the volunteer fee:
You can be reimbursed the volunteer fee after working 7 1/2 hours of approved activities for the club.
What to do if you realize as we get started that this is not the right environment for your child:
We feel that it is also important for you to know that if you realize that the Futures is not in your child’s best interest once we get started your fee can be transferred to our recreational program no questions asked.
Once again, I want to thank each of you for the opportunity to work with your children and I look forward to hearing from each of you interestedi n playing in the Futures Program for the 2010-2011 season!!!
Director- Scott Bower
813-787-8371
FuturesDirector@hcusoccer.com