Serie A is the top flight of soccer in Italy. Every country in the world has a hierarchy if you will in regards to soccer. In Italy, every player aspires to one day play in the Serie A.
Some teams that compete in the Serie A are Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, Roma, Sampdoria, Fiorentina, Palermo, Genoa, etc… From top to bottom, it can be argued that the Serie A is the most competitive league in Europe.
The last few years have seen Inter Milan crowned as champions of Italy. AC Milan and Juventus have won a great deal of Scudettos as well. Scudetto is another term used for Serie A. Italian Serie A matches are played on FSC and Goltv. They are very entertaining to watch so I strongly suggest taking the time to watch these teams compete.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Inter Milan
Inter Milan are once again the champions of Italy. The giants of the San Siro, the stadium where both Inter Milan and AC Milan play, are taking over the Italian Serie A. The combination of a brilliant coach and players with endless talent is a formula for consecutive championships.
Inter is coached by Jose Mourinho, the former Chelsea coach. Mourinho is an unbelievable tactician and demands the best from all his players on both sides of the ball, attacking and defending. It takes a great coach to be able to manage the massive egos that comes along with having a team filled with the best international talent the world has to offer.
Some impressive players on Inter are Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Sweden, Maicon from Brazil, Esteban Cambiasso from Argentina and a promising young talent Mario Balotelli from Italy. Every player on the team is world class; these are just a few I happen to enjoy watching. The combination of experience and young talent will see Inter at the top of the Serie A table for years to come.
Inter is coached by Jose Mourinho, the former Chelsea coach. Mourinho is an unbelievable tactician and demands the best from all his players on both sides of the ball, attacking and defending. It takes a great coach to be able to manage the massive egos that comes along with having a team filled with the best international talent the world has to offer.
Some impressive players on Inter are Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Sweden, Maicon from Brazil, Esteban Cambiasso from Argentina and a promising young talent Mario Balotelli from Italy. Every player on the team is world class; these are just a few I happen to enjoy watching. The combination of experience and young talent will see Inter at the top of the Serie A table for years to come.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Individual/Small Group Soccer Training Sessions Now Available!
The U.S. Premier Soccer Academy is excited to announce the addition of Individual/Small Group Sessions to our program schedule. These sessions are designed to give the player(s) customized training for their specific needs. We limit these sessions to 4 players maximum to ensure each individual will receive the greatest amount of feedback from our top level coaches.
Individual/Small Group Sessions are offered to anybody interested in becoming a better player. The cost is $80/hr for 1 player, $60/hr each for 2 players, $50/hr each for 3 players, or $40/hr each for 4 players. The times and locations are set between the player(s) and coaches.
The cost drastically reduces with more players so invite a friend to join you in your venture to becoming a better player. Individual/Small Group Sessions are especially great for the offseason months to sharpen your game and improve your weaknesses!
For more information, go to www.uspsocceracademy.com. Every player must register individually at the website.
Individual/Small Group Sessions are offered to anybody interested in becoming a better player. The cost is $80/hr for 1 player, $60/hr each for 2 players, $50/hr each for 3 players, or $40/hr each for 4 players. The times and locations are set between the player(s) and coaches.
The cost drastically reduces with more players so invite a friend to join you in your venture to becoming a better player. Individual/Small Group Sessions are especially great for the offseason months to sharpen your game and improve your weaknesses!
For more information, go to www.uspsocceracademy.com. Every player must register individually at the website.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Shooting- Placement or Power?
We've all heard the old cliché saying, "If you don't shoot, you don't score." This is absolutely true in all sports especially soccer. What's also true in regards to shooting like everything else in soccer, every player has their own style with how they shoot.
Some players are known for overpowering keepers with straight drives. A good example is Adriano from Brazil. There's nothing particularly artistic about his style, he just hits the ball absolutely as hard as he can without much thought of placement. This works for him because he is a massively strong player.
Other players choose to beat the keeper with pin point precision. Andrea Pirlo is my favorite example of a placement shooter. He calmly strikes the ball so cleanly and with so much bend and dip, the keepers can't track his ball through the air. This is all about technique.
My advice to you…practice both. Work on the power of your straight drives and the placement of your curved shots. Having both weapons in your arsenal will lead to many goals in your career.
Some players are known for overpowering keepers with straight drives. A good example is Adriano from Brazil. There's nothing particularly artistic about his style, he just hits the ball absolutely as hard as he can without much thought of placement. This works for him because he is a massively strong player.
Other players choose to beat the keeper with pin point precision. Andrea Pirlo is my favorite example of a placement shooter. He calmly strikes the ball so cleanly and with so much bend and dip, the keepers can't track his ball through the air. This is all about technique.
My advice to you…practice both. Work on the power of your straight drives and the placement of your curved shots. Having both weapons in your arsenal will lead to many goals in your career.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Technical Director Matt Avellino signs with Sevilla F.C. PR!
I am proud to announce that I have just agreed to my second professional contract with Sevilla F.C. Puerto Rico. The team is located in Juncos, PR and plays in the Puerto Rican Soccer League's 1st Division.
I spent my rookie season with the Wilmington Hammerheads of the United Soccer Leagues 2nd Division. I was also called up to the New York Red Bulls reserve team of the MLS for 5 games after my season in the USL concluded.
I mention this information because at the U.S.Premier Soccer Academy we feel our selective choice of coaches separate us from the competition. Not only have our coaches played at a high level, but they continue to further their careers as players. This only adds to the information we can pass along to the young players we work with.
I will still be very much involved with the operations of the Academy so feel free to contact me for any questions on upcoming programs or having a U.S. Premier Soccer Academy coach train your travel team. My email is mavellino@uspsocceracademy.com.
I spent my rookie season with the Wilmington Hammerheads of the United Soccer Leagues 2nd Division. I was also called up to the New York Red Bulls reserve team of the MLS for 5 games after my season in the USL concluded.
I mention this information because at the U.S.Premier Soccer Academy we feel our selective choice of coaches separate us from the competition. Not only have our coaches played at a high level, but they continue to further their careers as players. This only adds to the information we can pass along to the young players we work with.
I will still be very much involved with the operations of the Academy so feel free to contact me for any questions on upcoming programs or having a U.S. Premier Soccer Academy coach train your travel team. My email is mavellino@uspsocceracademy.com.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The U.S. Premier Soccer Academy announces new staff additions!
We are very pleased to announce the additions of Jerome Vivona and Hristo Kaloferov to the U.S. Premier Soccer Academy staff!
Jerome played NCAA Division I soccer at Quinnipiac University. He is a very experienced coach with numerous diplomas from the FA and NSCAA. He was also the intramural and developmental coordinator in the East Meadow Soccer Club.
Hristo played internationally in his native country of Bulgaria. He was assistant coach at Concordia College and has over 6 years of experience coaching teams with Ultimate Athletics.
We are very excited to have these two professionals on staff with us and look forward to having them develop your aspiring young players. For more on Jerome, Hristo, and upcoming programs from the U.S. Premier Soccer Academy, please check out www.uspsocceracademy.com
Jerome played NCAA Division I soccer at Quinnipiac University. He is a very experienced coach with numerous diplomas from the FA and NSCAA. He was also the intramural and developmental coordinator in the East Meadow Soccer Club.
Hristo played internationally in his native country of Bulgaria. He was assistant coach at Concordia College and has over 6 years of experience coaching teams with Ultimate Athletics.
We are very excited to have these two professionals on staff with us and look forward to having them develop your aspiring young players. For more on Jerome, Hristo, and upcoming programs from the U.S. Premier Soccer Academy, please check out www.uspsocceracademy.com
Monday, May 25, 2009
F.C. Barcelona
The team emphasized this week will be Spain's finest F.C. Barcelona. The Catalan giant's are having a spectacular season which can potentially end up in a Treble. They are top of the table in La Liga (Spain's top league), looking forward to a Champions League Final against Manchester United, and also have a Copa Del Rey Final against Athletic Bilbao.
There list of talent is endless. Samuel Eto'o, Lionel Messi, and Thierry Henry are just there striker force! The way this team picks apart the opposition with clean passing and combination play is truly a joy to watch. Anyone who saw their 6-2 demolish of Real Madrid can vouch for that last statement.
If you have GolTv, you can watch loads of Barcelona games because they air every game live and then replay it all week. I personally go to sleep every night with the pleasant sights of Barcelona's free flowing passing moves.
The Champions League Final is right around the corner where you can watch Barcelona take on Manchester United. Take the two hours out of your week to watch the pinnacle of world talent, you won't be disappointed!
There list of talent is endless. Samuel Eto'o, Lionel Messi, and Thierry Henry are just there striker force! The way this team picks apart the opposition with clean passing and combination play is truly a joy to watch. Anyone who saw their 6-2 demolish of Real Madrid can vouch for that last statement.
If you have GolTv, you can watch loads of Barcelona games because they air every game live and then replay it all week. I personally go to sleep every night with the pleasant sights of Barcelona's free flowing passing moves.
The Champions League Final is right around the corner where you can watch Barcelona take on Manchester United. Take the two hours out of your week to watch the pinnacle of world talent, you won't be disappointed!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Andres Iniesta
It's safe to say that unless you are a major soccer enthusiast in America, you have not heard of Andres Iniesta. This is precisely why I want to write the player spotlight on him this week because he is a world talent that deserves much more attention than he receives. Iniesta plays in a roaming midfield role for F.C. Barcelona and the national team of Spain.
Iniesta is an extremely versatile player. He plays as a winger, attacking midfielder, link-up player; he can basically do it all. He's the ultimate utility player. He's a very hard-working and solid defender within a system, but his clean technique and mature decision making make him stand out to me.
There is nothing flashy or Hollywood about Iniesta. He plays simple, buzzes around the pitch very busy, and just makes incredibly difficult passes look effortless. He's nothing to brag about in size, strength, or speed, but his mind for the game and ability on the ball separates him.
Please check out the Champions League Final coming up in the next few weeks to get a glimpse of Iniesta playing for Barcelona. He's a great talent for young players to study because he's hard proof that smart, simple, steady players can make it to the top of world soccer.
Iniesta is an extremely versatile player. He plays as a winger, attacking midfielder, link-up player; he can basically do it all. He's the ultimate utility player. He's a very hard-working and solid defender within a system, but his clean technique and mature decision making make him stand out to me.
There is nothing flashy or Hollywood about Iniesta. He plays simple, buzzes around the pitch very busy, and just makes incredibly difficult passes look effortless. He's nothing to brag about in size, strength, or speed, but his mind for the game and ability on the ball separates him.
Please check out the Champions League Final coming up in the next few weeks to get a glimpse of Iniesta playing for Barcelona. He's a great talent for young players to study because he's hard proof that smart, simple, steady players can make it to the top of world soccer.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
90% of Soccer…
Many people don't know that athleticism in soccer accounts for merely 10% of the game. Do you know what the other 90% boils down to? I'll give you a hint, the area of the body is from the neck and above… The body part is your brain and the answer is Decision Making!
If you look into the history books of this great sport you'll see names like Pele, Diego Maradona, and Franz Beckenbauer. These guys were not spectacular in their size and strength, but they are three of the greatest players to ever play the game. How could that be? They had brilliant soccer minds and made sublime decisions close to every time the ball was at their feet.
This is what makes soccer such a special sport. There are so many different routes players can take to be successful. If you study the game, develop a sound technical base, and work very hard, you can make a career out of playing soccer! Don't think it’s easy because nothing in life that's worthwhile comes easy, but if you are willing to put the time in the options are endless. Soccer is a thinking man's game primarily so a smart player will always have a place in this sport!
If you look into the history books of this great sport you'll see names like Pele, Diego Maradona, and Franz Beckenbauer. These guys were not spectacular in their size and strength, but they are three of the greatest players to ever play the game. How could that be? They had brilliant soccer minds and made sublime decisions close to every time the ball was at their feet.
This is what makes soccer such a special sport. There are so many different routes players can take to be successful. If you study the game, develop a sound technical base, and work very hard, you can make a career out of playing soccer! Don't think it’s easy because nothing in life that's worthwhile comes easy, but if you are willing to put the time in the options are endless. Soccer is a thinking man's game primarily so a smart player will always have a place in this sport!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Soccer Coaches and Helpers Wanted!
The U.S. Premier Soccer Academy is always looking to expand its staff. We are dedicated to giving the children of the New York Metro area the best training around. If you are a professional, NCAA Division I, or international player, we are very interested in speaking with you about how you can become a full-time coach. We are very selective with who we hire as coaches to ensure the young players get the best.
If you are a young, aspiring player and looking to make some extra money and get started with a potential coaching career, we also have helper positions that we always need to fill for future clinics, camps, and programs. Your job is to assist the coaches and keep the kids involved. It's a very good opportunity to learn from our coaches and work in a fun, friendly environment.
Anyone interested in either of these positions can contact me, Matt Avellino by emailing mavellino@uspsocceracademy.com, or our business manager Don Desroches, at ddesroches@uspsocceracademy.com. We look forward to hearing from you and building relationships in the near future!
If you are a young, aspiring player and looking to make some extra money and get started with a potential coaching career, we also have helper positions that we always need to fill for future clinics, camps, and programs. Your job is to assist the coaches and keep the kids involved. It's a very good opportunity to learn from our coaches and work in a fun, friendly environment.
Anyone interested in either of these positions can contact me, Matt Avellino by emailing mavellino@uspsocceracademy.com, or our business manager Don Desroches, at ddesroches@uspsocceracademy.com. We look forward to hearing from you and building relationships in the near future!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Wantagh Park Soccer Clinic
The U.S. Premier Soccer Academy is currently running an 8 week spring clinic out of Wantagh Park. We have young players looking to develop their skills coming down every Sunday from 10:30am to 1:00 pm to work with our top level coaches. The kids receive 30 minutes of technical training followed by 30 minutes of small-sided games.
The emphasis is on teaching the young players the fundamental techniques that will allow them to enjoy playing the sport. We strive to get the children into good habits from the first day they start playing the game. These parents and children are at such an advantage to be a part of a proper training environment from such a young age!
We always encourage people interested in seeing how we work to come down to the clinic. See for yourself what the U.S. Premier Soccer Academy has to offer and feel free to ask questions of anyone on staff.
The emphasis is on teaching the young players the fundamental techniques that will allow them to enjoy playing the sport. We strive to get the children into good habits from the first day they start playing the game. These parents and children are at such an advantage to be a part of a proper training environment from such a young age!
We always encourage people interested in seeing how we work to come down to the clinic. See for yourself what the U.S. Premier Soccer Academy has to offer and feel free to ask questions of anyone on staff.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Fullback vs. Wingback
Fullback and Wingback are two terms, or aliases if you will, to describe the position of the outside defender. Though both of these names describe the same position, the style associated with these names is very different!
A fullback is a more traditional outside defender. They steadily play their role. You can count on a fullback to win their tackles, win their headers, and be disciplined tactically. On the attack, a fullback will likely play simple to their midfielders, swing the ball to their center backs, or play a long ball into a channel. There specialty is there defending and they take pride in not being beat.
A wingback is the newer era of the outside defender. They are good defenders in their own right, but it is vastly overshadowed by their attacking flare. You will see a wingback flying up and down the line overlapping outside midfield players and serving dangerous crosses into the box. They are very exciting to watch. They are still technically defenders, but their specialty is definitely their ability to join the attack.
A fullback is a more traditional outside defender. They steadily play their role. You can count on a fullback to win their tackles, win their headers, and be disciplined tactically. On the attack, a fullback will likely play simple to their midfielders, swing the ball to their center backs, or play a long ball into a channel. There specialty is there defending and they take pride in not being beat.
A wingback is the newer era of the outside defender. They are good defenders in their own right, but it is vastly overshadowed by their attacking flare. You will see a wingback flying up and down the line overlapping outside midfield players and serving dangerous crosses into the box. They are very exciting to watch. They are still technically defenders, but their specialty is definitely their ability to join the attack.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
College Is Expensive!
Going to college is extremely important in order for young adults to have the freedom to design their own path in life. All parents encourage their teenagers to attend college, and those four years are honestly some of the best years of your life. For a majority of people however, at the conclusion of those four years, you realize that you now have to pay off all those student loans you accumulated! Why not go to college for free?
Keeping your grades up is crucial to getting into a good college, but soccer can be a great avenue as well. Being a very good athlete can get you a scholarship to go to a well-recognized University that under normal circumstances, you wouldn't be able to afford! So my advice to all the young players out there is do your homework early, and once your done, make sure you go into the backyard and spend some time with your ball. Your time and effort now can save you over $100,000 in the future!
Keeping your grades up is crucial to getting into a good college, but soccer can be a great avenue as well. Being a very good athlete can get you a scholarship to go to a well-recognized University that under normal circumstances, you wouldn't be able to afford! So my advice to all the young players out there is do your homework early, and once your done, make sure you go into the backyard and spend some time with your ball. Your time and effort now can save you over $100,000 in the future!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Ginga:
Ginga is a word used to describe 'The Soul of Brazilian Football!' (Aka soccer!) It is not a commonly used term in the United States. To me, Ginga stands for a lifestyle and an attitude. It's having a love for what you do and the people around you. If you watch Brazilian's play, there's a style that goes along with their game that makes them so entertaining to watch. They have a smile on their face, a care-free love for the sport! Soccer is part of the culture in Brazil and it is evident with the comfort on the ball shown by the vast amount of professional players that come from there. The best way to gain mastery of the ball is to spend as much time with it as possible. My advice, get a little more "Ginga" in your life, and your game will see drastic benefits!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Are you mentally tough?
Mental toughness is a very common phrase for those of us who have played college soccer. Whether you're struggling to finish a 6 mile run in preseason, lifting weights that are too heavy to be lifted, or playing through a ripped muscle, mental toughness is always the solution. These are extreme cases, but to be completely serious, mental toughness is crucial to success in sports and even more importantly, success in life.
I feel it is very important when coaching, especially with young kids, to find a good balance of instilling confidence and mental toughness. You always want to celebrate the kids when they do something correct, but not to the point where every little thing is a spectacle. At the same time, you want to correct them when they are wrong, but not to the point where you are shattering their confidence.
A lot of the life lessons I have learned (a vast majority actually!) have come from experiences on the soccer field. At the U.S. Premier Soccer Academy, we strive to develop mentally tough players, as well as mentally tough people.
I feel it is very important when coaching, especially with young kids, to find a good balance of instilling confidence and mental toughness. You always want to celebrate the kids when they do something correct, but not to the point where every little thing is a spectacle. At the same time, you want to correct them when they are wrong, but not to the point where you are shattering their confidence.
A lot of the life lessons I have learned (a vast majority actually!) have come from experiences on the soccer field. At the U.S. Premier Soccer Academy, we strive to develop mentally tough players, as well as mentally tough people.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Cristiano Ronaldo
The player that is being highlighted this week is none other than Portugal's own Cristiano Ronaldo. If this is a new name to you, I strongly suggest going on to YouTube right now and watching some highlight tapes before you even continue with this blog…
…Ok, now that you have seen him in action we can continue. This guy is over 6 feet tall, has rapid pace, is a force in the air, finishes with both feet, he does it all! He also happens to play for my favorite team, Manchester United!
Every time he touches the ball, you can feel a sense of expectation. What is he going to do next? To me, his 1v1 ability is second to none. The tricks he does in games are unheard of. He is the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year and scored over 40 goals in all competitions last year. Some people are just born to do things, please take a chance to watch this rare talent compete.
…Ok, now that you have seen him in action we can continue. This guy is over 6 feet tall, has rapid pace, is a force in the air, finishes with both feet, he does it all! He also happens to play for my favorite team, Manchester United!
Every time he touches the ball, you can feel a sense of expectation. What is he going to do next? To me, his 1v1 ability is second to none. The tricks he does in games are unheard of. He is the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year and scored over 40 goals in all competitions last year. Some people are just born to do things, please take a chance to watch this rare talent compete.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Manchester United
I recently decided that since I talk about a different player every week in this blog; why not talk about a team as well. It would only be appropriate for me to start with my favorite team of all time, Manchester United!
The Red Devils play out of the Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford Stadium. Their roster boasts some of the most talented, highest paid players in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes….I can name the whole roster!
They are the reigning English Premiership Champions in addition to being the reigning UEFA Champions League Champs (more information about the UEFA Champions League to follow).
Manchester United is currently top of the table in England and still competing in the Champions League, take some time to check out their games and support them. Come on United!
The Red Devils play out of the Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford Stadium. Their roster boasts some of the most talented, highest paid players in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes….I can name the whole roster!
They are the reigning English Premiership Champions in addition to being the reigning UEFA Champions League Champs (more information about the UEFA Champions League to follow).
Manchester United is currently top of the table in England and still competing in the Champions League, take some time to check out their games and support them. Come on United!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League is the most prestigious competition, in my opinion, in European soccer. The top teams from every country in Europe compete to see who the best of the best is.
To qualify, teams have to finish either at the top of the table in their domestic league, or in the top few teams for the power house countries like England, Italy, Spain, and Germany. These teams are then broken into groups and play each other twice to see who moves on.
After the initial group stages, the top 2 teams from every group are put into another group stage and continue to compete. After this group stage is complete, the teams move into a playoff style tournament with games home and away against each other. The team with the better aggregate score moves on with away goals being the tie breaker.
The mighty Red Devils of Manchester United are the current Champions. The 2008-2009 Champions League is in the Semi Final Stages with only Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona left. The games play on ESPN2 so definitely take the time to watch some of the best players in the world perform!
To qualify, teams have to finish either at the top of the table in their domestic league, or in the top few teams for the power house countries like England, Italy, Spain, and Germany. These teams are then broken into groups and play each other twice to see who moves on.
After the initial group stages, the top 2 teams from every group are put into another group stage and continue to compete. After this group stage is complete, the teams move into a playoff style tournament with games home and away against each other. The team with the better aggregate score moves on with away goals being the tie breaker.
The mighty Red Devils of Manchester United are the current Champions. The 2008-2009 Champions League is in the Semi Final Stages with only Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona left. The games play on ESPN2 so definitely take the time to watch some of the best players in the world perform!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Fresh Air and Fun for the Family
Watching games on television can be a very good learning experience as I have mentioned in an earlier blog. You know what an even better way to watch soccer is? IN PERSON! Go check out a local game in your area whether it's an MLS game, USL game, or PDL game. USL (United Soccer Leagues) makes up the second and third division of professional soccer in the United States. PDL (Premier Development League) is a summer league that all the top college players compete in to get in shape for their upcoming season.
While you're in the stadium you can see just how quickly the players move the ball, how athletic the players are, and hear the constant communication that takes place during a game. At the same time, it's a great chance to spend time with the family and be part of a great sports atmosphere! Schedules of local games can be found on www.mlsnet.com or www.uslsoccer.com.
While you're in the stadium you can see just how quickly the players move the ball, how athletic the players are, and hear the constant communication that takes place during a game. At the same time, it's a great chance to spend time with the family and be part of a great sports atmosphere! Schedules of local games can be found on www.mlsnet.com or www.uslsoccer.com.
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