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Soccer Academy: Family Both On & Off the Field
Apr 23, 2013 3:02 PM
By Chad Liddle - Faculty
Looking back upon my own playing career in high school, college and beyond, my favorite memories are from traveling with my teammates throughout the U.S. and the world. Some memories are from traveling abroad and trying to speak an unfamiliar language or eating new international foods with my teammates. Large meals, banquets and celebrations with my teammates always rank higher than on-the-field memories.
Ten years ago, Darlington School Soccer Academy was founded and, from the very beginning, I wanted to make sure that it was not like all the other soccer clubs around the country. Before I came to Darlington to start the Soccer Academy, I was director of coaching for a large soccer club of over 3,000 kids in Atlanta. I enjoyed this job, but I knew something was missing. I finally realized that the word, "club," really does not describe these youth organizations.
You see, soccer clubs around the U.S. are really just a group of teams that happen to wear the same uniforms and colors on the weekend. The younger boy players do not know the older boys or girls. Teams don't come out and support each other. Teams don't travel to tournaments and have large team meals together. The word "club" is really misleading, as there is no sense of community and belonging to more than a team of 17-18 players.
I wanted to change that here at Darlington School Soccer Academy. From the very start, we wanted to make sure there were mentoring opportunities for the older players work with the younger ones. We always try to stay in condos or beach houses to give more of a sense of home and family. At almost every tournament over the past few years, we have been able to schedule a large dinner out or team cookout for players to enjoy. As an Academy, we have traveled in groups of 30-80 to England, Spain, Holland, Italy, Germany and all over the United States. Parents have bought into this idea as well, helping with and sponsoring team meals. Yes, winning games, exposure to college coaches and performing on the fields are major priorities for the Soccer Academy, but above all else we want our players to build relationships with family and friends around the world that will be part of their lives for years to come!
The Soccer Academy just returned from the International Cup in Alabama where we had five teams compete. The older boys came to watch and support the younger boys, even our U13 boys. The girls supported our boys and vice versa. Some of my favorite memories as a director of this program and as a father are displayed in pictures of my 9- and 11-year-old sons sitting at meals next to kids from France, the Bahamas, Germany, Japan and all over the world. The family-like atmosphere has always been a major goal here at Darlington, and I think this is one of the many reasons people choose our program.
Over President's Day, we brought in a hypnotist comedian to entertain our group after one of our family dinners. This was my first-ever experience with this type of entertainer and I was not sure what to expect. But it turned out great! I know the kids (at least the ones who were not hypnotized) will remember these events for a lifetime! Hope you enjoy the photos posted with this blog.
Ten years ago, Darlington School Soccer Academy was founded and, from the very beginning, I wanted to make sure that it was not like all the other soccer clubs around the country. Before I came to Darlington to start the Soccer Academy, I was director of coaching for a large soccer club of over 3,000 kids in Atlanta. I enjoyed this job, but I knew something was missing. I finally realized that the word, "club," really does not describe these youth organizations.
You see, soccer clubs around the U.S. are really just a group of teams that happen to wear the same uniforms and colors on the weekend. The younger boy players do not know the older boys or girls. Teams don't come out and support each other. Teams don't travel to tournaments and have large team meals together. The word "club" is really misleading, as there is no sense of community and belonging to more than a team of 17-18 players.
I wanted to change that here at Darlington School Soccer Academy. From the very start, we wanted to make sure there were mentoring opportunities for the older players work with the younger ones. We always try to stay in condos or beach houses to give more of a sense of home and family. At almost every tournament over the past few years, we have been able to schedule a large dinner out or team cookout for players to enjoy. As an Academy, we have traveled in groups of 30-80 to England, Spain, Holland, Italy, Germany and all over the United States. Parents have bought into this idea as well, helping with and sponsoring team meals. Yes, winning games, exposure to college coaches and performing on the fields are major priorities for the Soccer Academy, but above all else we want our players to build relationships with family and friends around the world that will be part of their lives for years to come!
The Soccer Academy just returned from the International Cup in Alabama where we had five teams compete. The older boys came to watch and support the younger boys, even our U13 boys. The girls supported our boys and vice versa. Some of my favorite memories as a director of this program and as a father are displayed in pictures of my 9- and 11-year-old sons sitting at meals next to kids from France, the Bahamas, Germany, Japan and all over the world. The family-like atmosphere has always been a major goal here at Darlington, and I think this is one of the many reasons people choose our program.
Over President's Day, we brought in a hypnotist comedian to entertain our group after one of our family dinners. This was my first-ever experience with this type of entertainer and I was not sure what to expect. But it turned out great! I know the kids (at least the ones who were not hypnotized) will remember these events for a lifetime! Hope you enjoy the photos posted with this blog.
