Staples Players Serve As Middle School Mentors
For the 5th year in a row, Staples varsity and middle school soccer players enjoyed a special mentorship program.
The Wreckers designed special afternoon sessions at Wakeman. Each session included 8 WSA and premier players, based on their specialties and interests — 1-v-1 attacking, for example, or shooting or crossing. At the end of each session they spent some time talking with the younger players about Staples, soccer, and life in general.
Feedback was extremely positive. Parents cited the Staples players as role models, who inspired the younger players both as athletes and people.
The mentors, meanwhile, mentioned how much fun they had working with the future Staples stars. Several volunteered to run extra sessions.
The Wreckers also were impressed with the middle schoolers’ high level of technical skill, and tremendous enthusiasm.
Head coach Dan Woog cited the benefits of the program for all participants. “The middle school kids were there every day, working hard and having a great time. And the Staples players not only had fun, but they learned what it’s like to plan and run training — and have to change plans on the fly.”
Diego Alanis, Nate Argosh, Patrick Beusse, Harry Birch, Foster Goldberg, George Kokkalis, Charlie Leonard, James Lewis, Joe Pravder, Michael Reid, Noah Schwaeber, Jack Scott, Yousef Shahin and Connor Weiler were this year’s’ mentors. Tim Foisie was the WSA coordinator.
Staples keeper Noah Schwaeber (center) trained the next generation of Staples goalkeepers.
Thanks to all — and to the 30-plus future Staples players who participated!
