For the 2017-2018 season, North Shore United Soccer Club is adding a new program to their list of offerings.  The First Touch Program will be for players born in 2011 and will be similar to the current Micro Soccer (formally U6) program.  

Academy Director Mick Collins is excited to introduce the program, as he feels "by challenging players at appropriate competitive levels which will factor in age, skill and physical attributes it will foster a more positive experience for our young players regardless of skill level and make it easier for them to fall in love with the game and increase the chance of them developing a lifelong passion for the sport. Additionally U7 players who demonstrate talent will be identified and encouraged to participate in the Academy program where they can continue to be challenged to meet their potential.  It will be a great program for all skill, commitment and interest levels."

Collins says the program was created because the club felt "that with birth year changes mandated by US Soccer that the transition from U6 to U8 Academy or Recreational soccer became a big jump competitively for some of our younger players. Creating the First Touch program will allow our younger players the opportunity to play with players their own age under the guidance of NSU's highly regarded coaching staff. It will offer the club an opportunity to challenge all players at the individual competitive levels so that players are empowered and motivated."

The program will be very similar to a players experience with the Micro-soccer program (U6). Many of the coaches running the U6 program (Abdul Oke, Ivan Guerra, Chris Niemuth) will be involved in the U7 program but activities will be more directed at skill development and more age appropriate for a U7 group of players.  Coaches will challenge all players to their potential and will attempt to foster a love for soccer that will hopefully encourage them to continue that journey at their competitive level whether that be with the Recreational program or the Academy program.  

Registration for the program will be open on NSU's website from June 1 - June 30.  You can find more information on the program here.   NSU is hosting an Open House on June 1 from 6:00-7:00pm at the PWSB Soccer Park for those interested in finding out more.  Additional details are below.