Huskies Reminisce In Preparation for Youth Soccer Night
October 12, 2018 | Men's Soccer
Share:
SEATTLE --- The Washington men's soccer team is hosting No. 10 Stanford on Sunday in a battle of Pac-12 powers. During the game, the team is honoring local youth soccer programs with all youth soccer players in uniform able to attend for just $1.
The Huskies recognize the importance of youth soccer both locally and nationally.
"Youth soccer impacts almost every family in the country. It's the introduction to the sport for many and the foundation for the luck few who go on to have careers in the game," said Washington Head Coach Jamie Clark. "You can see it's impact on our alums as so many have gone back to help in the development of the next generation of soccer players in this country."
We talked with a pair of those Husky alums who heavily involved in local youth soccer programs about the importance of those programs and why they give back.
Ben Somoza played midfield for the Huskies from 1998-2001, earning All-West Region honors in the 2001 season. After playing at Washington, Somoza spent four seasons playing professional soccer with the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders.
Now, entering his 20th year of coaching youth soccer in some capacity, Somoza is the Executive Director of the Washington Rush.
"I believe in the value of sports and what it teaches youth," said Somoza. "Youth soccer programs promote the physical, mental and social well-being of a player." Ben Somoza at UW
"I was fortunate enough to play on a travel Premier team that played everywhere," Somoza added. "I loved traveling with the team, making long lasting memories and playing with the best. The times competing on and off the field I had with my teammates will forever be memorable for me."
Eddie Henderson is another Husky standout, who played on Montlake from 1985-89 and representing the US at the 1987 U20 World Cup in Chile.
"Youth soccer programs are the life line for the sport! Not just on a local level, affecting HS, the senior level for local clubs and local colleges but they are important on a national level as well," said Henderson, who is Technical Director for the ISC Gunners after spending over 25 years involved in coaching youth soccer teams.
"The hope is that a few of these players will go onto to play in college at a local level or out of state-level and maybe a few hopefuls to go on and play at the International or professional level," said Henderson. "But, the bigger hope is that many of these players develop into good soccer players who will have a good experience at the club level and high school level; but even greater still is that ALL of these players will grow up with a love of the game big enough to NOT just play soccer, but to be a fan as well!"
Henderson is known for his "Eddieisms" in the ISC Gunners community and was kind enough to share some with us! Saif Kerawala in goal
"On the field and in life, you have to set goals and be specific. Describe exactly what it is you want and WRITE IT DOWN!" said Henderson. "Second, once you figure it out Exactly what you want, figure out the price you must pay. Which means you must WORK! Everything has a price and to be successful: you must work (Pay the price) because the only time work comes before success is in the Dictionary! Third, Resolve to pay the price! Most people know what they want to do and what the price is, but they don't resolve to pay the price!!! Finally, the little things matter! That little bit extra repeated time after time—that extra hour, that extra rep, that extra little bit of effort, that little bit of extra work—with consistency adds up over time. Invest in yourself and do something every day that will get you closer to your goal!"
Somoza also had advice for those in the youth soccer ranks:
"Skill wise: Fall in love with the ball and get more comfortable with the ball. Work on your technical ability as a player. Personally, kids need to LOVE what they do. Get into an environment that is positive and a place where you will learn and a place you want to go."
And for those looking to take their talents to the next level? "Playing at any level you need to work hard to get there," said Somoza. "And at every level of play, the next level is always a step or two or even three times harder. Hard work in training and on your own will get you places."
Each one on Washington's current roster has benefited in a big way from youth soccer programs around the country.
Junior goalkeeper Saif Kerawala said "Looking back on my involvement in youth soccer, it has definitely helped me to foster pivotal life skills such as team work, responsibility, and leadership. In addition to encouraging a healthy lifestyle, my time in youth soccer helped me to discover my passion for the sport and further encouraged my growth as a person. My youth coaches did a great job of pushing me in my sport and motivating me to develop good training habits from a young age that carry over in all aspects of my life." Corban AndersonCorban Anderson, a senior midfielder played club soccer for Placer United in Placer, California. He added "I grew up in a house that watched soccer all the time and saw the players do amazing things on TV that I could learn how to do on the field. That's why I feel like I am able to see the ball so well as a defender.
"Playing with buddies and going to tournament for the weekend were some of my favorite memories," Anderson said. "I love playing today because of moments I shared growing up."
Freshman defender Ethan Bartlow said "I played for FC Alliance for six years before I moved to Crossfire for academy where I played 3 years. I think that FCA really prepared me well for the academy level and Crossfire prepared me well for the transition to college. I think the best advice I received was just to always work hard because coaches will take a hard-working but less talented player over a very talented but lazy player."
Along those same line, Kerawala added the best advice he received in youth soccer: "In order to be successful in anything you must practice. I like this because it applies to every area of my life. If I want to be successful in my career, I must train in that area by learning the industry better or being able to communicate with others effectively. By training and focusing on the details, I can have more success in any facet of life."
So come on out on Sunday, cheer on the Huskies to victory and then support local youth soccer associations both for this generation and the future of soccer in this country!
