A New and Well Seasoned Threat
South Jersey United FC’s (SJUFC) inaugural year was 2009. Based in Marlton, South Jersey, SJUFC was formed with one clear purpose; player development. The player centered approach was adopted by the club to allow each individual to reach their full potential.
SJUFC understands that soccer and sport in general has a greater influence on young student athletes than simply developing skills and techniques. This responsibility is the basis for the clubs philosophy, striving to maintain an enjoyable, safe, positive, professional player centered approach that focuses on development of individual player and person as a whole. In partnership with Youth Soccer Alliance (YSA), SJUFC provides an environment that is both physically and mentally challenging, stimulating players to push themselves outside of their comfort zone and achieve success. This environment has allowed individuals to thrive and enhance their passion for the sport.
Although each team is continually challenged at its appropriate level, the style of play and individual produced is consistent. SJUFC develops confident, mature players who produce an attacking style of possession soccer, integrated with solid, individual technical skill and creativity coupled with a relentless appetite for hard work.
SJUFC prides itself on providing the platform needed for each of its members to reach the next stage of their soccer development. Although a professional approach is catalyst to the clubs development, an inherent understanding that soccer is a game that needs to be enjoyed by its youth participants, is an aspect of the club’s philosophy that must always be recognized.
History – South Jersey United FC U15 Girls
The team was formed during the summer of 2010 to compete as SJUFC u14 “United” for the fall season. The underlying reason for the team’s formation was to bring together a group of likeminded players and parents who were looking for a team that would provide continual growth and development.
Natural talent was paramount to the success achieved during the fall of 2010, competing in Jersey Area Girls Soccer (JAGS) League and a number of tournaments in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland.
As the team moved into 2011, their prior success resulted in acceptance into a higher level of tournament including; Baltimore Mania, PDA Spring Kick Off and the FC Delco Players Cup. “United” also reached the final of the New Jersey Cup in May.
The team competed in two tournaments during fall 2011 as SJUFC u15, Bethesda Thanksgiving Tournament and MSSL Winter College Showcase, where they finished champion and finalist respectively. The addition of players to last year’s roster over the summer not only raised the performance level of the team; it also provided competition for places that increased the intensity of training. This was essential for the continual development of each individual player and subsequently the team, having the desire to continually improve, the desire to succeed.
While SJUFC understands the importance of winning soccer games, from a coaching standpoint, long term player development is the main focus of each team. “United” consists of players with natural ability and great potential, each player’s unique individual qualities strengthening the team as a whole. However, to achieve potential, players are required to step out of their comfort zone and be prepared to learn from their mistakes. Each individual needs to strive to develop until they have the desired technical capabilities and mental strength, coupled with the tactical knowledge and game understanding to compete at top college showcases in the country. The girls have learned to train effectively and improve one step at a time, challenging, encouraging and supporting each other, creating team chemistry and forming friendships that will continue outside of soccer for years to come.
With a lot of hard work and a bit of luck along the way, the girls of SJUFC u15 “United” have every opportunity to fulfill their potential and achieve the goal of competing at the collegiate level.
Player Impact Statements
Soccer isn’t as simple as stepping on the field and trying to beat a team 6-0. There is so much more behind that word. I now know that I have formed a passion for a sport that I honestly never thought I could succeed in, when playing. As my current SJU team moves higher in rankings from tournaments, soccer has changed from “just a fun time” to a time to step up your game and really bring the intensity, but also a time to step up your game and really bring the intensity. Maybe you aren’t the most well known or popular in school, but I feel that I can finally be well respected and also be myself, because of soccer. While on a soccer team you build friendship that will last forever. Bonding (teamwork) is a major key in soccer and you will need to know that your teammates will respect and care for you 24/7. You will meet people that you usually would not get along with, and no matter how far away their school is from ours, we will still always have each other’s backs, and those are real teammates. Ones who will be supportive of your decisions on and off the field, and maybe even lead you in a better direction.
Admiration for the game is not something that can be taught, it is just a feeling players get, and it comes naturally. “Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is”.
Mckenzie Miller – Forward #6
Soccer has impacted my life in many ways. It’s given me confidence and determination. It made me realize that if I work hard I can achieve anything .Soccer isn’t just a sport it’s desire, motivation, dedication, and commitment that has taught me to never give up and always give it your all whether you’re on or off the field .Without soccer I don’t think I would have the confidence or competitiveness I have in myself today. SJU is one of the greatest teams. SJU isn’t just a team, it’s a family. We stick together through every win, loss, high and low. We’re always there for each other and looking out for one another. Our coach has confidence in our team and sees everyone’s potential.
Nicole Malancone – Forward #7
Soccer has taught me about dedication, commitment and teamwork. Sure the games are fun, but the true measure of a winner is how hard you work to prepare to play them.
Taylor Ryan – Midfielder #18
The biggest payoff from high level soccer is having the constant opportunity to step up and face any and all challenges. The constant needs of improving teammates and fending off opponents have demanded this from me. Working as a group, with new people, in ever changing areas has taught me hard work, stamina, self discipline, and preparation needed to succeed.
Natasha Duffin – Defender #5
Soccer has taught me to push myself at whatever I do and to be the best I can be on and off the field. This sport has taught me how to be competitive, and to have respect for all of the coaches and players. Soccer is what I look forward to every day. SJU has given me not only new friends, but a new family. This sport is what we all live for and we all hope to be playing it for the rest of our lives.
Carly Spinuzza – Defender #15
Playing competitive soccer is such a challenge because not only must you live up to the expectations of your peers but you must be pleased with your performance, as well. It has taught me how to fight through adversity and never give up. Beating a strong opponent takes all kinds of strength that soccer can give you. I’ve gained a deep love for the game and a will to improve. This past year with SJU, I’ve also made friendships I will cherish forever.
Sarah Bresnan – Midfielder #17
At this point, playing soccer is instinctual. I guess it’s just who I am
Abby Vecchiolli – Defender #3
Soccer has made an impact on my life in many ways. It has taught me how to work with others and be part of a team. I learned hard work and that giving up is never the right thing to do. I’ve met people who have impacted my life through soccer from coaches to team mates. My team is like my family I care about them, and would do anything for them on and off the field.
Laura Stanton – Midfielder #8
My teammates are another family that I am proudly part of. Like every family we have had hard and difficult times, as well as hilarious and unforgettable ones. Each member of the family/team brings a different talent to the table and it bonds everyone together. This family has helped me strive to become a better player and person. I realized that my teammates’ talents I was envious of, helped me work on the ones I didn’t even know I had
Juliet Esposito – Defender #2
Being a part of SJU has taught me many things, physically and mentally. I’ve learned to never give up and work as hard as you can. The most important thing is to be a TEAM! My team is like my family, and I believe that being so close with my team helps us to succeed together as one.
Gianna Pomykacz – Forward #14
In soccer, or any other sport, I learned that you do not always win, and I am learning that the early lessons that I was taught on the soccer field also apply to real life. I learned that winning is not necessarily the most important thing, but rather it is doing your best, being a true team player, trusting and supporting others are the true important lessons in life.
Jenna Tolen – Goalkeeper #1
Playing soccer throughout my life made me realize you can make so many new friends and learn so many new things. My talent built up because of club soccer on SJU, and I learned that you need to work hard all 90 minutes for good things to happen. Soccer is my life, I live for the big games and challenging practices,
Gabrielle Masciocchi – Forward #10
Soccer has taught me to not only play for me, but to play for the team. I have learned how far determination and trust in your teammates can take you. Soccer doesn’t come to you overnight. There are many hours of your week spent practicing on the field with your teammates and off the field on your own. Hard work and determination will always make you a better player. There is no shortcut or easy way in soccer, and this lesson especially has travelled with me off the field and into life.
Arianna Gerber – Forward #19
It’s so much fun to be with the team, on and off the field. Staying at hotels for tournaments, going out and eating breakfast or dinner together, we make a family. Experiencing the emotions that go along with winning or losing, carpooling, training, we all do it together. That’s what makes soccer my passion; it’s what keeping me going on the field; it’s what keeps me trying my hardest at practice. I never want to let my team down. After all, they’re the reason I love soccer so much.
Madison Castellano – Midfielder #16
Soccer has given me the opportunity to meet many people and make new friends. Being part of a team like SJU has made me a more responsible, mature person and has allowed me to experience soccer at a much higher level.
Natalie Scott – Midfielder #4
Soccer has made an impact on me by making me work harder and fight for a spot on the field. I learned from my experiences that you have to work hard to get what you want for everything.
Caili Orem – Midfielder #11
