Soccer

MetroStars soccer camp brings pros to town

By RICHARD A. ROSS

CALLICOON, NY — American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) soccer is more popular than ever in Sullivan County. According to Jesse Ballew, the director of the county’s AYSO program, between 1,400 and 1,500 kids will be playing AYSO soccer this fall.

Even older kids are getting into the act. While AYSO soccer was previously limited to kids up through age 14, Sullivan County AYSO now has a U-19 team for 14- to 18-year-olds players. Ballew has already registered enough kids in this age group for two teams.

With growing popularity, Ballew sought to implement a dynamic summer camp program to build kids’ skills and love of the sport. The camp, now in its third year, is organized by the MetroStars Player Development Program and provides a great opportunity for athletes to improve their game. The summer camp program will be held at the Delaware Valley Elementary School in the Town of Fremont from July 11 to 15. The camp will group kids into three age categories: five and six year olds, seven to eleven year olds, and twelve to eighteen year olds.

The camp runs from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. for the five and six year olds, from 9:00 a.m. to noon for seven to eleven year olds, and from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. for twelve to eighteen year olds. The cost of the camp is $62 for kids through age seven and $100 for all others. Each camp participant will receive a T-shirt and a ball. Applications are available on the door of the Delaware Youth Center in Callicoon.

The MetroStars Player Development Program provides a structured developmental path to the pros for players of every age and ability level. The camp combines skills and techniques with fun games and activities that make each program day exciting. MetroStars campers receive exclusive privileges and rewards, including a companion voucher to see a MetroStars professional game, free enrollment in the MetroKids club and an amazing Giants Stadium Graduation event.

For more information about the MetroStars visit MetroStars.com or contact Jesse Ballew at 570/224-6387.