SRU in 2008

United is about to enter another State Cup and coaches, players, and families are excited about the challenges ahead of them. The teams have been working hard in their preparations over the last couple of months and the coaches have done a good job with their field training schedules maximizing their time and space. The energy and excitement at practices has been great to see.

 Over the last couple of years, Clubs across the country have started to move their coaches and staff to employee status to be compliant with current tax laws. United is no different in wanting to move towards compliance. In that effort, the club has started to offer employee status to coaches and staff. We are particularly pleased to be able to offer medical insurance benefits to these individuals who are so important to the continued success of the program we provide to the youth of our community.  We believe that by continuing to express our commitment to our professional staff, we can foster a true sense of teamwork within the club.

With this same goal in mind, the club is reorganizing with three Age Group Coordinators instead of a technical director to United. Their roles will vary depending upon the needs of the age groups that they work with during the year. Rick Hewko will oversee the U14s and younger. His role will be to assist coaches at key events, make sure the development of the players is age appropriate, assist in tryouts, monitor training sessions, and communicate with the coaches, players, and families on a regular basis. Rick, though new to the club, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion. 

The club is also pleased to announce Dave Shaffer as the U15 and U16 Age Group Coordinator. Dave’s responsibilities are to ensure the coaches and teams are organized tactically and to see that each team is reaching their potential in regards to results. As the teams near the age of college recruiting, it is important that the teams are showing well in their play so they are able to participate in the appropriate tournaments. The club believes that Dave is a strong candidate in this area as he has had bona fide success in State Cup, Regional, and National events. Dave will also, through coaching coaches and running training sessions, get to know all the players in the U15 and U16 teams. Dave has had tremendous success in State Cups, Regional, and National events.

Kristen Lehrer has been named the Age Group Coordinator to oversee the U17 and U18 ages. Kristen’s main role with this age group is to make sure that the players wanting to attend a college are on the right path. We must remember that a player’s first resource is always their coach to help in the college process, but Kristen will monitor this process to make sure the most is being done for our players.  She will also serve as a valuable resource to families and will provide the necessary education on the entire college recruitment process from start to finish.  Kristen will also take on Administrative oversight to oversee the day-to-day club office operations. The club is excited to add Kristen to the staff. After graduating with her law degree, Kristen went on to experience success as an assistant coach with the University of San Francisco Men ’s Soccer team. Kristen’s responsibilities with the Dons were on the field responsibilities, as well as recruiting and office administration. 

Lastly, Messias Souza Dos Santos will continue to serve as Academy Director and Goalkeeper trainer.  Messias continues to do a good job with our young players, especially in the technical aspects of the game. In addition to boys Goalie training he is now working as girls Goalie trainer.

As the club moves forward, it is important that coaches are involved in our players’ development and continue to work together to make each player’s experience in United be a positive one.  As a club we can help each player to reach their own soccer goal.

Good luck to all teams over the coming weeks in State Cup and the college showcases that you are entering.

Steve Rammel