Waltham, MA, 11^th May 2012; Jersey Premier Soccer (JPS) has become the latest addition to the Global Premier Soccer (GPS) network that includes franchises in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, New York, Florida, Vermont and Rhode Island.

Jersey Premier Soccer has been created in partnership with Ocean City FC, one of the leading player development programs in southern New Jersey.  Ocean City also operate one of the leading USL Premier Development League (PDL) franchises in the country, the Ocean City Nor’easters. 

Expanding and enhancing Ocean City FC’s current programs, JPS will offer a wide range of soccer products and services and will introduce the School Of Excellence Program to townships with a view to creating an improved player development environment in New Jersey primarily via curriculum, coach education and year round coaching from professional coaches.

“As well as a unique club system, methodology and support network, JPS will bring a curriculum that has developed national team players and a culture that brings townships and clubs together,” said Jersey Premier Soccer General Manager Neil Holloway.  “JPS will strive to create more opportunities for players and help players fulfill their potential.”

With headquarters in Ocean City, JPS will work with existing townships and clubs to launch year round premier teams with tryouts taking place at the end of the spring.  “JPS will provide players and families in southern New Jersey a tried and tested player development model that has produced regional and national caliber youth players and teams throughout the GPS network,” said Holloway.  “We look forward to providing a pathway to the collegiate and professional level for our players as JPS becomes the Premier club in southern New Jersey and beyond.”

Two prominent local coaches based in central New Jersey have also joined JPS.  Martin Punt and Christy Holly are well recognized in central New Jersey as two of the leading youth trainers and will facilitate JPS establishing a presence throughout central and northern New Jersey.

“With the existing base of programming and staff at Ocean City, coupled with the expertise of Martin and Christy, we are off to a great start,” said GPS CEO Joe Bradley. “We expect to make an immediate impact  in the local player development environment by combining our resources and taking a collaborative approach to building programming.”

For more information on Jersey Premier Soccer please visit www.jerseypremiersoccer.com or contact JPS General Manager Neil Holloway on nholloway@globalpremiersoccer.com

Also, visit www.globalpremiersoccer.com and www.oceancityfc.com for further details.

AS Roma is undergoing a restructuring under new American ownership with the goal of establishing Roma as a global brand and securing a regular spot in the UEFA Champions League.

GPS, who currently operate youth soccer programs in eight states, has become a leading source of US Youth National team players in recent years with two GPS players currently in the U-15 National team and three players developed by GPS selected to the US U-17 Residency program in recent years.

The agreement will include access to the AS Roma curriculum and will be unique in providing Academy programming that will identify the best U11 and U12 players in certain regions.  The existing GPS Inner-City initiatives will be co-branded with Roma and will become part of the exciting Roma Academy program that will be offered at no cost to participants.

“The agreement with AS Roma presents a tremendous opportunity for GPS players to touch a leading European soccer club,” said GPS CEO Joe Bradley.  “We hope to make this a ground breaking venture that goes beyond what European clubs have done in the past in the US market.  With the commitment to the inner city program, the ability to offer Roma Academies for the very best players at no cost and the technical support provided, we believe we have something special.”

Roma has already confirmed a summer tour of the US with games at Fenway Park on July 25^th sandwiched between games in Chicago and New York.  GPS will provide a supporting role in promoting the tour.

For more information please contact GPS Media Director Graham Munro on 781.891.6900 ext.36 or gmunro@globalpremiersoccer.com

The MPS U15, U16. U17 & U18 Bulldogs teams were tested by Needham based Sports and Physical Therapy Associates (SPTA) during their regularly scheduled practices.

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity,” said MPS Sports Performance Director Chris Ward-Jones.  “These tests are very important to GPS staff as it ensures that every individual athlete within our program is performing to the maximum of their physical capabilities as well as reducing the risk of future injury.”

MPS have a partnership with SPTA focused on maximizing player performance. During the visit, players underwent a series of tests that focused on Power, Strength and Agility in soccer players.

The data from the testing is used to highlight any underlying areas of concern players may have - for example, limited hamstring flexibility and potential knee problems that could arise due to running mechanics.

With the results, Joe Caligiuri and his Team at SPTA provide information on the key areas that need treatment and also address the likelihood of a possible injury to the concerned area that may affect an athlete’s future soccer careers.

SPTA can provide professional advice and staffing, from Personal Trainers to Nutritionists, as well as create Player Specific Training Plans with the purpose of the prevention of injuries. SPTA are one of the Premier Physical therapy rehabilitation centers in New England, due to the fact that they utilize evidence based therapy techniques with their patients and guide them from post injury through rehab to the final sports specific phase.

For more information on SPTA please click HERE

For any further information on the MPS Fitness Testing please contact Chris Ward-Jones on 781-891-6900 or cwardjones@mpsbr.com  

The success of the MPS SOE program can be attributed to the cooperation with town programs in the home locations of MPS players.  Dedicated and passionate individuals are encouraged to continue their development within their individual town program whilst receiving additional coaching from licensed, professional coaches in geographically convenient SOE locations.

“The SOE program has grown considerably since inception which is a tribute to the strong relationships with town programs and a dedication to providing a development focused environment for young motivated town soccer players,’” said MPS Director of Coaching Peter Bradley.  “We have enjoyed enormous success by fostering relationships with town presidents and coaches who see the benefit of encouraging players to participate in our supplemental development avenue whilst also continuing their development within their respective town teams.”

The tiered structure of the SOE program incorporates the Junior School of Excellence, SOE Academy, and SOE Elite Programs. The JSOE program caters for 1st and 2nd grade players and is open registration.  The SOE Academy is aimed at the more motivated town players who are looking for excellent coaching in both training and games during their time with the SOE program. The SOE Elite Program is for the very best players who are looking for accelerated training and increased competition than their town program can provide.

“Over the past two years I have recommended many players from Freetown-Lakeville Soccer Club to the coaching that the MPS SOE program provides,” said FLSC President Skip Dennis.  “I have watched my own two sons develop within the MPS JSOE, SOE Academy and SOE Elite programs over the past three years and I continue to be impressed with the benefits of the supplemental coaching that they receive at MPS.”

“The SOE program has provided an excellent program within our hometown for the past four years and reduced the need to travel for a core group of my players,” said Bridgewater Youth Soccer U12 ‘A’ Girls Head Coach Brian Tirrell.  “I have been very impressed with the investment that MPS coaches have placed in the development of my players and to have a program of this quality right on our doorstep has been great for this town.”

In August 2009, the first MPS SOE product to gain national team recognition was former Bay State West SOE player Declan McCabe who was selected for the US U14 boy’s team.  McCabe was more recently selected to join the US Residency Program held in Bradenton, FL.

For more details on playing opportunities within the MPS School of Excellence program, please contact Leonie Wade at 781-891-6900 ext.20 or lwade@mpsbr.com

The two clubs will continue a relationship that began in 2010, with a focus on player development and domestic player recruiting, as well as expanding brand awareness for both clubs throughout North America.

The Rowdies have placed several players on the Portland Phoenix roster over the past two seasons for further evaluation and development. Past Rowdies trialists that have played with the Phoenix include midfielder Kyle Clinton, goalkeeper Will Dieterich, defender Brian Fekete, defender Ryan Griffin and goalkeeper Ryan Thompson.

The Phoenix has first team status within the MPS organization, which previously fielded the Cape Cod Crusaders (Crusaders) PDL franchise. The Crusaders had a long and outstanding reputation of success after winning back-to-back national championships in 2002 and 2003. The Crusaders also established themselves as one of the leading clubs for moving players into the professional ranks in the United States and Europe.

The Phoenix currently competes in the PDL Eastern Conference within the Northeast Division along with clubs such as the Ottawa Fury, Vermont Voltage and New Hampshire Phantoms. In 2011, the Phoenix won the PDL Northeast Division title and will be playing the first round of the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup against the Brooklyn Italians of the NPSL on May 15.

“Global Premier Soccer has had success at all amateur levels and in the PDL,” said Rowdies President/General Manager Andrew Nestor. “The Portland Phoenix and head coach Paul Baber have a similar vision and method for player development which we have refined since 2010, and will help the Rowdies recruit from the college ranks and also further develop players for the Rowdies first team.”

For more information on Maine Premier Soccer, visit their website at www.mainepremiersoccer.com.

The Rowdies return to action this Saturday, May 12 when they host San Antonio at Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Petersburg at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, call             813-287-1539       or visit www.RowdiesSoccer.com.

Cutaia conducted a seminar discussing her coaching philosophy and methodology to 65 MPS coaches as part of the club's ongoing commitment to providing professional development for all staff.

“To have an individual with the experience of Diana Cutaia help educate our staff is fantastic for the club,” said MPS Director of Coaching Peter Bradley.  “Diana has extensive experience in her field and it was  interesting to hear her insight on working with kids from urban populations.”

As existing Director of Athletics at Wheelock College since 2005, Diana Cutaia has also served as Executive Director of Massachusetts Governors Committee on Physical Fitness and Sport. Diana has held positions within marketing and human resources and also began her own company back in 1999 called Advance Sports Educational and Consulting service. 

“At MPS we commit to educating our staff and we are pleased to facilitate the opportunity to provide professional development seminars which aid the individual growth of all of our coaches,” said Bradley.  “We look forward to welcoming additional clinicians to the club throughout the spring.” 

Each Monday morning during the fall and spring seasons, MPS coaches partake in a two hour practical session aimed at the development of each coach at the club. In addition to those sessions conducted by MPS senior staff members, the club has also welcomed NCAA college coaches, US Youth National Team Regional coaches and NSCAA clinicians.

MPS are continually looking to recruit licensed staff to join the staff. For more information on employment opportunities, please contact Tom McEnery on 781-891-6900 ext 10 or tmcenery@mpsbr.com 

MPS will hold team specific tryouts during the month of June for teams in MPS Boston (Bulldogs / Renegades), MPS South (Crusaders / Lady Crusaders), MPS North (Knights / Lady Knights) and MPS Central (Cavaliers / Lady Cavailers) territories.

MPS offers a unique club structure that is dedicated to helping young players maximize their full potential.  With eleven National Championships at the youth level and an impressive array of current and former players in the collegiate ranks, MPS has proven success at improving players technically, tactically, physically and psychologically. 

MPS boasts a full-time staff of over 70 coaches, each licensed with qualifications from the UK, Ireland and the US.  In the Premier and SOE Team programs, each team is overseen by a Head Coach, an Assistant Coach and a Regional Director of Coaching (RDOC).  The Head and Assistant Coach work closely with an MPS Senior Staff member who acts as the RDOC, overseeing each team from the U9 – U18 age.  This allows constant communication regarding ODP and National Team identification, as well as recruitment and game day management.

For full details of try-out dates, times and locations please click HERE

**Please note current MPS players DO NOT need to register for tryouts**

Message from Phil Mitchell – MPS Premier & Elite Director

May I take this opportunity to recommend MPS to you . Having been with the club as Premier and Elite Director for over one year now, we are witnessing positive change on and off the field as we adapt to the needs of young committed players, the opportunities that exist at regional and national level and the logistical issues which face modern families.

Great coaches measure success not just by the trophies that they accumulate but by the difference they have made in the progress of the young players with whom they work.  The MPS mission statement talks about the “pursuit of excellence” and not the “pursuit of winning."   Our focus as a club is developing excellent players and excellent people.  We  are committed to guiding all our young players towards realizing their full potential as players who can eventually play at the highest levels of the game possible.

A young player’s soccer career is a fabulous and wonderful journey that will take many twits and turns.  By pursuing excellence in the four pillars of the game, we are developing players who are technically sound, tactically aware, psychologically tough and physically fit and in so doing, we know that success and winning will undoubtedly follow even if perhaps not immediately. As the game continues to evolve along these lines, the teaching and coaching of our young players must evolve, and we at MPS will aspire to lead the game in the development of players by looking forward and anticipating the necessities to participate at the highest level.

Success is most likely achieved through good habits and the earlier they develop positive habits on and off the field the more successes they can build on. Soccer is not a mathematical equation – it is a game filled with passion and emotion, a game that requires players to have high quality receiving skills who must have the awareness and vision to formulate the “pictures“ of what they are going to do next, players who can pass the ball accurately over short, medium and long distances, who can dribble and turn with the ball at the right times, and who can both create and take advantage of goal scoring opportunities as well as preventing them. Nowhere is this more evident than with Spain at national level and Barcelona and Real Madrid at club level.

The game has an infinite amount of variables and therefore evoking good habits in young players is essential and likewise, encouraging them to be creative and expressive is a vital foundation in technical and decision based practice that will give them the confidence and ability to play out from the back and through midfield. In encouraging this development pathway for young players then we will nurture them to be expert decision makers who can provide the unexpected skills which can change games at the very highest level.

If you as a parent are considering the soccer possibilities ahead for your son or daughter for season 2012-13, and are looking for a positive rewarding experience, then you need look no further than MPS. If as a player you are committed to becoming the best you can be, then in joining MPS you will be in the correct environment to flourish and achieve your goals. I look forward to seeing you at the up coming tryouts.

Alex Oprey will be charged with the responsibility of overseeing player development in conjunction with the existing ESC Board.

“I am looking forward to working with Everett Soccer Club and aiding in the development of all soccer players from the area,” said Everett SC Director of Coaching Alex Oprey.  “ESC believes strongly in providing the highest quality of soccer program to their membership and I look forwarded to guiding this for the betterment of player development within the organization.”

Alex Oprey is an ex-professional soccer player who played in Brazil with Atletico Paranaense and Santos along with Deportivo Aucas of Ecuador and OFI Creta Of Greece. In the past two years, Oprey has been coaching in Norway working with players aged U9-U17, administering programs focused on technical player development aimed at maximizing the potential of all players.

“We are currently planning for the fall season where we will provide programming for both boys and girls at the U6, U8, U10, U12, U14, U16 and U18 level,” said Oprey.  “The U6 and U8 programs will be open registration and we will be holding tryouts for U10, U12, U14, U16 and U18 fall teams in the coming months.”

For more details on player registration please contact Everett Director of Coaching Alex Oprey on 781-891-6900 ext.38 or aoprey@mpsbr.com  

Launching programming will be an exclusive partnership with South County Youth Soccer Club (SCYSC) in Southern Rhode Island. SCYSC provides recreational and competitive playing opportunities for over 800 players, primarily from South Kingstown, between the ages of 4 and 18.  SCYSC is one of the most successful town associations in Rhode Island and had five State Cup finalists in 2011.

RI Premier Soccer will implement a new club curriculum within SCYSC in addition to coach education programs and a School of Excellence (SOE) for players aged U8-U12.

“South County is already respected as a leader in the Rhode Island soccer landscape,” said GPS Director of Marketing Gavin MacPhee.  “We hope to further South County’s brand and raise the level of player development by combining resources and creating new programming across Southern Rhode Island, starting with our SOE program.”

The SOE Program was launched by GPS founding organization Massachusetts Premier Soccer (MPS) and currently has over 1100 players enrolled in the program in MA.  The SOE program unique in terms of full-time licensed professional coaches conducting a club wide structured curriculum.  The SOE program is designed to supplement, as opposed to replacing, local club and recreational programs. The success of the MPS SOE program has been highlighted by the production of two national team/pool players in recent years.

“We look forward to associating with RI Premier Soccer,” said SCYSC President Andy Curtis.  “It was evident from our early meetings that we shared the same vision for player development and values as to how we educate our players and we look forward to implementing programs for the betterment of youth soccer in Rhode Island.”

For more information on Rhode Island Premier Soccer (RIPS) please visit www.rhodeislandpremiersoccer.com or contact GPS Marketing Director Gavin MacPhee on 781-891-6900 or gmacphee@mpsbr.com

Each MPS team enjoyed training sessions, recruitment seminars on mental toughness and systems of play, a Q&A with a panel of college coaches and two showcase games as part of the two-day event.

“The MPS College Showcase camp is an important part of the college application process that we provide for all U16 and U17 players within the club,” said MPS Premier team Director Phillip Mitchell. “We are grateful to the college coaches who give up their time to talk to our players as part of the college panel and those who come to watch our players participate in exhibition games.”

On the college panel at the boys camp was Renato Capobianco (Regis College), John O’Reilly (Babson College), Ryan Levesque (Assumption College) and Rob Lowe (SNHU).  The MPS girls showcase panel comprised of Nancy Feldman (Boston University), Tony Wallis (St Anselm College) and Jeff Bailey (Franklin Pierce).

In the evening all teams participated in showcase games that included team from GPS franchises including MPS Boston (Bulldogs, Renegades), MPS South (Crusaders, Lady Crusaders), MPS North (Knights, Lady Knights), Maine Premier Soccer (Phoenix) and New Hampshire Premier Soccer Academy (Classics).

GPS devotes significant time and resources towards ensuring all players are fully prepared for the college process and give significant support throughout the application phase.  These services include college liaison officers, support documents, showcase opportunities and online college profiles.

“We take tremendous pride in aiding our players during the college process and it is extremely rewarding to watch GPS products go through the recruitment phase,” said MPS Director of Coaching Peter Bradley.  “We look forward to facilitating playing opportunities for our players from all franchises at all levels of college soccer.”

For more information on playing opportunities within the MPS Premier Team Program, please contact Phillip Mitchell on 781-891-6900 ext. or pmitchell@mpsbr.com  

Diamond from the MPS U14 Bulldogs squad is the only player from Massachusetts named in the 17 man pool from the ’98 age bracket.

“We would like to congratulate Max on being selected for the Region I ODP pool headed to Italy, said MPS Premier Team Director Phillip Mitchell.  “At MPS we take great pride in developing players to compete at the highest levels of the game and it is a tip of the hat to Max being selected amongst the elite players in the region.”

The Region 1 ODP pool participate in National Camps and Interregional events that are held throughout the year at various locations in the United States. The National Team Coach or a National Staff Coach is present at these events to observe, train, and identify players for placement in the national pool or on a national team.  The Region 1 ODP pools also participate in international competitions with teams from other countries.  For full details on the ODP International Trip to Italy please click HERE

The MPS Premier Team program fields teams under the monikers MPS Bulldogs / Renegades (Boston), MPS Crusaders / Lady Crusaders (South), MPS Knights / Lady Knights (North) and MPS Cavaliers / Lady Cavaliers (Central) and caters for talented/dedicated players in certain geographically convenient locations across Eastern MA.

For more information on playing opportunities in the MPS Premier Team Program please contact MPS Premier Team Director Phillip Mitchell on 781-891-6900 ext.12 or pmitchell@mpsbr.com

Waltham, 23^rd April 2012; The 2012 MPS Premier Team season competitive calendar continued during April vacation week with all Premier and Premier Development teams aged U13-U15 attending a week’s intensive pre season camp.

The boys from the MPS Crusaders, MPS Bulldogs, MPS Knights and MPS Cavaliers programs headed to Camp Bournedale in Plymouth, MA while the girls from the MPS Lady Crusaders, MPS Renegades, MPS Lady Knights and MPS Lady Cavaliers headed to Cape Cod Seacamps in Brewster MA.

“April vacation week is a tremendous opportunity to gather our teams for a week of training and preparation for the challenging season ahead,” said MPS Premier Team Director Phil Mitchell.  “The five day camp allows our professional coaching staff to work individually with their teams as they attempt to fine tune their squad for the season.”

The pre-season camp week allows the MPS coaching staff to work from a specially designed curriculum which demands teams to participate in functional training, fitness testing and SAQ conditioning, inter-club scrimmages and team building exercises throughout the week. 

“At MPS we take great pride in preparing our players technically, tactically, physically and psychologically,” said Mitchell.  “We have had tremendous feedback from the coaching staff on the benefits of working with their teams for the week long period.”

For more information on playing opportunities in the MPS Premier Team program, please contact Phil Mitchell on 781-891-6900 ext.12 or pmitchell@mpsbr.com     

Waltham, MA, 13^th April 2012; In the recently released list of top 150 players (class of 2014) by topdrawersoccer.com, two individuals developed by Global Premier Soccer were placed within the top 25 players.

Guy Kabala (former NHPSA Classics) and Declan McCabe (former MPS Bulldogs) were listed at #14 and #25 respectively amongst a collection of the top players from around the country.  To see the full list of top recruits, please click HERE

“It is pleasing to see players developed by GPS franchises being identified amongst the top prospects from around the country,” said GPS Director of Coaching Peter Bradley.

”At GPS we pride ourselves on preparing players for the next chapter in their soccer career and look forward to seeing both players continue to excel at the highest levels of the game.”

Kabala, who was recently accepted to the US National Team Residency Program in Bradenton, FL, is a product of the NHPSA Classics Premier Team program and was selected as part of the US youth national team to represent the US in the International Friendlies held at the Lakewood Ranch complex in Florida and screened live on Fox Soccer Channel in December 2011.

McCabe, who entered the GPS player development system at 9-years-old as part of the Mass Premier Soccer Bay State West School of Excellence program, graduated into the MPS Bulldogs Premier Team program before being invited to the US Residency Program in 2011.

GPS devotes significant time and resources towards ensuring all players are fully prepared for the college process and give significant support throughout the application phase.  These services include college liaison officers, support documents, showcase opportunities and online college profiles.

“We take tremendous pride in aiding our players during the college process and it is extremely rewarding to watch GPS products go through the recruitment phase,” said Bradley.  “We look forward to facilitating playing opportunities for our players from all franchises at all levels of college soccer.”

For more information of playing opportunities at Global Premier Soccer please visit the webpages of all franchises listed at www.globalpremiersoccer.com   

Dates, times and locations have been set for the Inner-City program and can be found online for Brockton HERE, for Lowell HERE, for Jamaica Plain HERE, and for Worcester HERE.

“As we continue to provide programs in under-served communities, we look forward to the commencement of Inner-City SOE for spring 2012,” said MPS Inner-City Initiative Director Graham Munro.  “The SOE programs will offer motivated players the opportunity to experience professional soccer coaching in a positive, development focused environment.”

The MPS Inner-City Initiative program is designed to offer premier level coaching in under-served, at-risk communities at needs based cost.  The eight week training program will also provide a game day experience for the players where existing SOE Academy teams will travel to one of the Inner-City locations for Sunday game play.

The Inner-City SOE program consists of one practice per week that follows the clubs standardized curriculum conducted by nationally licensed MPS coaches.  Players will receive an MPS / adidas branded training and game uniform as part of the program. 

“We are excited to provide an opportunity to youth soccer players to participate in a supplemental program to their town soccer experience,” said Munro.  “As part of our commitment to enhancing the soccer experience for players in all areas of Massachusetts, we look forward to the continued success of the program.”

To register for the one of the Inner-City SOE programs please click HERE For more information, please contact Ralph Latchana on 781-891-6900 ext.38 or rlatchana@mpsbr.com.

The official launch of the Florida Knights was via a press conference held on Tuesday 3^rd April at 3pm at JetBlue Park.  The press conference was featured on local media website news-press.com.  To view the article in full, please click HERE

“The launch of the Florida Knights brings a new and exciting professional youth soccer program to the Fort Myers community,” said FPS General Manager Alan Hough.  “The multi-million dollar Jet Blue Complex provides a world class soccer facility which will be the base of operations for our coaching staff to deliver age appropriate, structured programs.”

For more information on the Florida Knights please visit www.floridaknights.net or contact FPS General Manager Alan Hough on 321-251-4290 or ahough@floridapremsoccer.com or Florida Knights Technical Director, John Robinson on jrobinson@floridapremsoccer.com

Waltham MA, 4^th April, 2012; The US U17 Men’s National Team headed to France to participate in an upcoming tournament includes a player from Global Premier Soccer.

Tommy Redding from FC America (Florida Premier Soccer premier program), will travel as part of an 18 man squad competing in the 40^th annual Mondial Minimes Tournament.  The US will play in Group B and are scheduled to face United Arab Emirates and Portugal.

“It is exciting to see Tommy compete on this stage against some of the top U17 players from across the world,” said FPS General Manager Alan Hough. “Tommy is undoubtedly a positive role model for all players from FC America and Global Premier Soccer and his endeavors should be an inspiration to all the young players within GPS.”

The U.S. U-17 Men will face UAE at 6:15 p.m. local time (12 p.m. ET) on Wednesday, April 3, followed by Portugal at 6:15 p.m. local time on Thursday, April 5. Should the U.S. advance, the team will also play April 7 and 9.

Redding joins a list of GPS products to represent the cub in a high profile tournament for youth national teams.  In December 2011, GPS product Guy Kabala was selected as part of the squad to represent the US in tournament games, including a victory over Brazil, held at the Lakewood Ranch complex in Florida and screened live on Fox Soccer Channel.  Kabala, a member of the US National Team Residency Program in Bradenton, FL is a product of the NHPSA Classics Premier Team program.

For more information on Global Premier Soccer please visit www.globalpremiersoccer.com

Teams from MPS North (Knights / Lady Knights), MPS South (Crusaders / Lady Crusaders), MPS Central (Cavaliers / Lady Cavaliers) and MPS Boston (Bulldogs / Renegades) will participate in games with a format designed to create the optimum environment for player development.

“The goal of the NEP is to establish a game day environment which complements the development mission of the member clubs,” said Mitchell.  “We have carefully managed the competitive calendar of each individual team between myself, Peter Bradley [MPS Director of Coaching] and each Regional DOC to ensure that all teams are placed correctly in leagues and tournaments so that games become an extension of the learning environment created within our training.” 

The NEP games are structured where each age group plays in a format best suited to player development.  The U10s play 6v6, the U11s and U12s play 8v8 and the U13s and U14s play 11v11. 

“The NEP has continued to grow with the addition of high quality teams and players from across the region,” said MPS Premier and Elite Director Phillip Mitchell.  “We are delighted to see the profile of the league rising season after season and we look forward to aiding our players maximizing their potential in competitive play.”

For more information on playing opportunities in the MPS Elite or MPS Premier Team Programs, please contact Phillip Mitchell on 781-891-6900 ext.12 or pmitchell@mpsbr.com   

Waltham, 29^th March 2012; MPS players continue to excel on and off the field as was highlighted by the published article of 12-year-old Ashley Babigan in an issue of The Daytime newspaper in Newtonville, Mass.

Ashley’s article focused on MPS and includes interviews with MPS players, MPS staff and MPS Director of Coaching Peter Bradley.

Earlier this month, Ashley visited New York City with her middle school journalism team to attend a three-day program at Columbia University’s CSPA (Columbia Scholastic Press Association) Crown Awards.  The Crown Awards are the highest recognition given by the CSPA for a student print or online medium for overall excellence.  Ashley attended journalism courses for two days and an awards ceremony. The Daytime newspaper is the 10- CSPA Gold-Crown-winning newspaper as the top middle school newspaper in the country. 

“We would like to congratulate Ashley on her achievements to date as a published journalist,” said MPS Media Director Graham Munro.  “It is very pleasing to see our players develop both on and off the field and we wish her every success with her future endeavors as a writer.”

To view Ashley’s full article on MPS please see below.

­­­­­

Mass Premier Soccer A Soccer Club Like No Other

by Ashley Babigian

Student Reporter

With Mass Premier Soccer back in the swing of things coaches are busier than ever.  Mass Premier Soccer (MPS) is a development soccer club enjoyed by thousands of youth players; it was founded in Waltham, Massachusetts by Peter and Joseph Bradley from Derry, N. Ireland in 2001.  In an interview with Mr. Peter Bradley he stated “We decided to work together at growing a soccer organization that took players from a young age and helped them improve as players on a pathway to excellence.  We wanted to have a proper structure of vertical integration that allowed a player to move from U6 all the way through to the college level and beyond.  It has been a lot of fun to see our players move through the ranks, although it makes me feel very old at times.”  Peter says “We have a club mission statement that highlights player development and raising the standard of soccer at levels in Massachusetts.  We also want to try and inspire players to go and play at the highest levels possible.  Our coaching philosophy is simple - we want players to enjoy the sport and develop a love for soccer that will stay with them [as it does me I still love soccer.], we want them to be challenged and we want them to improve.”   

The MPS organization has been going on for ten years, and its staff and business has been growing.  Most of the coaches come from Ireland, England and Scotland.  Julianne Herrity is from Donegal Ireland she has been coaching for MPS for two and half months.  Coach Julianne has many qualifications to be a MPS coach here are some examples she has been playing soccer since she was four years old and played for The Republic of Ireland until she was eighteen. She now plays for The Kilmacrennan Celtic Ladies Football Club for women; she also plays for her college team Jordanstown.  She has been coaching soccer for seven years and she is studying sport and exercise science in her college, “I am out here as part of my placement year for college to broaden my knowledge.”  

MPS has a ‘host a coach program’ where local families provide housing for the visiting coaches, and Coach Julianne is staying with her host family the Babigian Family in Newtonville, “well I’m lucky to have such a great host family who make me feel like I’m at home” Herrity says.  When asked about what she missed most about her home in Ireland, Julianne says “I miss my family and friends but definitely not the weather!” Mrs. Babigian says “Having Julianne stay with our family has been a priceless experience!  She is a wonderful young woman, talented soccer coach and has been an excellent mentor for my children.  She is a very passionate and dedicated coach to her teams.  We are fortunate to have her!”

MPS also runs summer camps across New England.  Coach DanAn Truong, also known to his summer MPS campers as Coach Yogurt, he has been working with MPS since April, 2011 and the two previous summers. Now coaching the Metro Boston teams he lives with a host family in Newton, “I am absolutely enjoying my time with them.  The family has a love for soccer that is comparable to that of the Europeans.

MPS Coach Naomi McMullan is from Derry in Northern Ireland.  Naomi lives with a family in Medfield.  Back home in Derry she plays for Ba llmena Allstars.   All coaches do have something they miss from home in Naomi’s case it’s the food, “The food!! It’s so different over here, had to bring my own teabags with me.”

Leonie Wade is from Blackpool England, Leonie has been playing soccer since she was five years old, which is nineteen years she said.  When I asked Coach Leonie what educated her to come here to be a coach, she said “I’ve been a coach since I was fourteen years old through college and university, both in both America and in England; it’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”   Leonie’s host family lives in Weston.   

The MPS coaches important goals for their MPS players.  Julianne’s goal is “That they have fun while they are learning to play soccer and develop as players as well as people.”  Naomi says “Knowing how to dribble the ball and have good awareness of what is going on around you on the field.”  Coach Leonie’s goal for her players is, “teaching children not just about soccer but about life in general.”  

So what do the players think about MPS?  Jacob Babigian of Newtonville, one of the Metro Boston School of Excellence (SOE) Bull Dogs players says “well I’ve learned 1v.1 moves and I shoot better and dribble faster, I’ve worked on my goalie skills too.” Jacob says “my favorite part of MPS is the practices and games, because I like being with my teammates and practicing together.”   Savanna Stomberg is on the Metro Boston SOE Renegades U12 team, MPS has many motivated and talented players, and she says this helps me be a better player.   Savanna’s favorite part of MPS is “the scrimmages at practices and MPS games.” Julia MacDonald played for MPS for the past two years. Julia said that “The coaches on MPS are really nice, funny and great coaches to learn from!”  She also said that “the drills at practice were really helpful!”

MPS has done great through all these years, with coaching, drills, games, and everything!  “Without question my favorite part of my job is being on the field with my players.  I love coaching so any time I can work with players or coaches to help them improve is when I most enjoy my job.” says Peter Bradley.  Personally I know I would recommend Mass Premier Soccer to all players, so if you’re a soccer fanatic join Mass Premier Soccer today!

After competing for the GPS Portland Phoenix in the USL PDL last season, Bryan Gaul and Aaron Schoenfeld have been signed by the LA Galaxy and Columbus Crew respectively.

“It comes as no surprise that Aaron and Bryan have signed contracts in Major League Soccer after excelling during their time playing as part of the GPS organization in,” said GPS Portland Phoenix Head Coach Paul Baber. “At GPS we pride ourselves on preparing our players for the next levels of the game and we are delighted to act as conveyor belt to the MLS for both these players.  At GPS we have an outstanding reputation of moving players into the professional ranks.”

Schoenfeld and Gaul follow in the footsteps of former Phoenix player Ryan Thompson into the professional ranks. Thompson signed a professional deal with Irish side Shamrock Rovers who competed in the group stages on the 2011 UEFA Europa League alongside English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

The GPS Portland Phoenix competes in the Eastern Conference, within the North East Division, of the PDL against such clubs as Ottawa Fury, Vermont Voltage & New Hampshire Phantoms. The GPS Portland Phoenix will play their first game on Saturday May 12 when they play Vermont Voltage, 6pm kick off at Deering High School, Portland.

For further information on playing opportunities for the GPS Portland phoenix please contact Head Coach Paul Baber on (207) 878 5780 or pbaber@mainepremiersoccer.com

Waltham, 14^h March 2012; Last weekend, MPS Premier Teams from the MPS Bulldogs (U14, U15 and U17) and MPS Knights (U16) programs participated in the prestigious Annandale Premier Cup held in Virginia.

In a tournament played on fantastic fields and attended by top teams from across the country, the MPS U17 Bulldogs highlighted the weekend by winning the adidas Showcase Red Bracket.

“The Annandale Premier Cup presents an opportunity for our teams to compete against high level opposition from outside of the New England Region,” said MPS Premier & Elite Team Director Phillip Mitchell.  “Our pre-season competitive calendar is carefully designed to provide the optimum schedule in terms of opposition for every Premier team within the club.  We were delighted with the performances of each of our teams in Annandale and particularly pleased that the MPS U17 Bulldogs finished first place in their bracket.

The MPS U17 Bulldogs defeated Grand Rapid Crew Juniors (MI) and Pachuca Dragons (MD) in a bracket that also included host club Annandale Knights (VA).

The MPS Premier and Elite pre-season schedule continues over the next two weekends with teams attending the NEFC Showcase (held at various locations across Eastern MA) and the Seacoast Premier Invitational Tournament (Epping, NH)

For more information on playing opportunities in the MPS Elite or MPS Premier Team Programs, please contact Phillip Mitchell on 781-891-6900 ext.12 or pmitchell@mpsbr.com

Waltham, 8^th March 2012; Global Premier Soccer (GPS) would like to congratulate four female players who have been named to the USL Super-Y League ODP Select Teams after attending the annual SYL camp held at the IMG Soccer Academy in Bradenton, FL.

Three players from Mass Premier Soccer and one from Maine Premier Soccer were selected from a pool of 185 players who were in attendance at the camp held under the direction of USL National Technical Director Peter Mellor.

Melanie Vangel from the MPS Portland Phoenix earned a place on the 95/96 Girls SYL ODP Select A Team while Alyson Spencer and Caroline Burke from the MPS Lady Knights placed on the 95/96 Girls B Team. 

Also representing GPS was Elizabeth Webber from the MPS Renegades who was named the 97/98 Girls B Team.

“After previously placing five boys to the USL Super-Y League ODP squads, we are delighted that four female players have earned the same distinction,” said GPS Director of Coaching Peter Bradley.  “Each of the girls can take pride that they have excelled at a camp designed for the elite level player within the USL Super-Y League.”

The Super Y-League ODP system was started in 2003 to recognize a pool of players in each age group for identification to U.S. National Team Programs; and to utilize the clubs system in the United States to identify players.   The top players selected by the scouting system in each age group (per geographic division of the Super Y-League) attend the ODP National Camp.  These camps are attended by U.S. National Staff Coaches, to identify players for U.S. National Team Programs, as well as many of the nation’s top collegiate coaches. The camps are typically held in Florida during February and March.

For more information on the 2012 SYL ODP girls camp please click HERE.  For more information on the SYL ODP system or the MPS Premier Team Program, please contact Phillip Mitchell on 781-891-6900 ext.12 or pmitchell@mpsbr.com

Waltham MA, 7^th March, 2012; During the weekend of February 24^th-26th, Global Premier Soccer (GPS) held a staff training weekend in the UK for the first time in club history.

Peter Bradley (GPS Director of Coaching), Nick Dunbar (GPS Academy Director) and Andrew Moir (GPS UK Recruitment Consultant) lead 53 new staff through the training weekend at Mottram Hall, Cheshire that included a presentation on GPS, on field practical training and a coaching assessment for each individual staff member.

“The GPS training weekend allow GPS senior staff to asses each individual not only in a face-to-face environment but also in a practical setting with an on field coaching assessment,” said Dunbar.  “At GPS we pride ourselves on employing positive role models with the ability to provide high quality coaching. We are extremely pleased with the coaching quality and we look forward to the best crop of staff to date joining us in 2012.”

The standard profile of a GPS staff member is a UEFA B or FA Level 2 coach who has at least two years coaching experience.  The typical educational background of a GPS coach is an individual with a degree in either sports management or sports coaching who has a desire to forge a long-term career path in coaching.

“Reflecting on the weekend, we are extremely confident that the latest staff recruitment interview series and training weekend has provided us with an influx of quality coaches for each franchise under the GPS umbrella,” said Dunbar.  “We look forward to welcoming each new staff member aboard and having them undertake a carefully managed further induction program on their arrival.”

For more information on Global Premier Soccer franchises please visit www.globalpremiersoccer.com or visit the GPS section on each franchise website.  For more information on employment opportunities at MPS, please contact Staff Recruitment Director Tom McEnery on 781-891-6900 or tmcenery@mpsbr.com

• College liaison officers.  Senior MPS coaches Peter Bradley (boys) and Mark McDevitt (girls) provide mentorship to all High School players within the Premier program.  All sophomores attend a team meeting while all juniors and seniors (if required) will receive an individual meeting with their liaison officer.  In addition Head coaches will be on hand to provide references and make calls to college coaches.
  

• Support documents.  MPS players receive access to support materials which provide an overview of becoming a student athlete,  timelines within the application process and correct protocol for contacting a college coach.
  

• Showcase Opportunities.  All MPS players U16 to U18 take part in the April College Showcase camp.  Players receive guest sessions from college coaches,  attend seminars and participate in showcase matches in front of specially invited college coaches.  MPS also hosts a Thanksgiving showcase and sends teams to a number of college showcase tournaments throughout the season including Disney, Las Vegas, PDA and Potomac.
  

• College profiles.  All MPS U16 to U18 players create an online profile on the MPS website which they can direct college coaches to.
  

• Partnership with College Soccer Advantage (CSA) .  MPS has a partnership with CSA which provides players access to CSA resources and discounts to CSA services including their online mentorship program.

• MPS franchise network.  In recent years MPS have launched Maine Premier Soccer, New York Premier Soccer and Florida Premier Soccer.  As the growth and reach of the MPS organization grows players interested in colleges in different areas of the country can tap into the MPS network of coaches and partners.

Ryan and Matthew Shea (MPS Crusaders & Boston University)