Welcome to the home of the Silver Lake Soccer Academy. Recreational and Travel Soccer programs for Boys and Girls. Servicing Staten Island NY youth soccer since 1970. Home to nine New York State Cup Championships Read more about the Silver Lake Soccer Academy ...
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[Top] History of Silver Lake Soccer Silver Lake Soccer was founded in 1970 by Dr. Gabriel Nigrin and Mr. Vladimir Adzemovic as a way to bring soccer opportunities to their own children. Back in 1970, if a child wanted to kick the spotted ball on Staten Island NY, he or she could only do so in Fred Muche's Kiwanis League for a few weeks in the fall, and only up until the ripe old age of 13. Outside those parameters, children played football or checkers or read. "I felt children should be able to play more often, at all ages and all levels," said Dr. Nigrin, who introduced the game to his own sons. "Initially, I was just looking for an outlet to allow my children to play. We were playing against Mount Loretto who were quite strong for the Kiwanis league. We later found out they were playing in the local Kiwanis in the morning, and later in the afternoon playing also in the German American Soccer League". Dr. Nigrin and Mr. Adzemovic later approached the German American Soccer League and decided to enter an under 15 "Juvenile" team. After a few years the German American League became the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (approx. 1975). As a result of the higher degree of competition that resulted, they felt that it would be beneficial for Staten Island-area children to have similar experiences. It was decided that an opportunity for lesser experienced children was needed, so a new intramural league was devised where children were allowed to play locally. This program, in order to offer a soccer experience that would give immeasurable educational, social and moral benefits to our area youngsters, became quite large as many parishes and other organizations signed on. As the recreational program grew, the Staten Island League Intramural Soccer League, with Dr. James Halligan as president was formed. Consequently, with the local league in full swing, the Silver Lake SC made a move to focus primarily on the traveling competitive league, and retracted from the responsibilities of the intramural program. As the result of the organizations's commitment to high standards, many graduates of the Silver Lake SC program obtained scholastic university and college scholarships. Club players also fed the ODP (Olympic Developmental Program of NYS) of which a few players made the ODP regional program for Eastern United States. Some players when on to play semi-professional and one player John Wolyniec when on to play with the NY MetroStars, the Columbus Crew as well as the United States National team. In 1992, Silver Lake Soccer initiated a foreign exchange program with Club Sportif du Blanc-Mesnil of Paris, France. Silver Lake Soccer visited Paris, France on two occasions and returned the privilege to it's French counter parts. Silver Lake Soccer teams at different ages levels have won the State Cup Championship won many state tournaments, and is regarded today as one of the most competitive soccer programs in the state and region. The Silver Lake Academy was created in 2005 as the recreational affiliate of Silver Lake Soccer. In June of 2009, a decision was made to offer a travel soccer program through Silver Lake Academy. Some teams from Silver Lake Soccer have decided to transfer into the Silver Lake Academy travel soccer program. In addition, the founder of Silver Lake Soccer, Doctor Nigrin, who created that club in 1970, has decided to end his affiliation with the Silver Lake Soccer Club and support the new Silver Lake Academy travel soccer program (Read Doc's Corner below). [Top]
On a beautiful Saturday morning I sat at my usual corner of the soccer field and watched a U14 league game. The game was exciting and both teams played with all their heart. Our boys were determined to score and were ready to do so when a sudden wrong move let them miss this opportunity. The game went on.... However, I noticed the coach reprimanding one of the players on the bench. Apparently the boy had laughed at the mistake of his teammate and made a crude remark. That made me think of how important it is to teach players sportsmanship along with the fundamentals of the game. I often compare a team to the muscles of the human heart. When one muscle contracts it signals all the adjoining muscles to contract at the same time. A team must play in unison. Players must support each other and develop an understanding and friendship that will help them on the playing field as well as in life. The role of the coach in implementing good relationships between players is as important as teaching them to play the game. To quote Coach Frank Cannizzaro: "What does it mean when someone says that a team has great chemistry? My interpretation of this is that the players on a team mix well with one another. They all respect one another and they work together to achieve a common goal: the team's success." Parents also have an important role in developing good relationship among players. They should teach their child to be humble even if he or she is the more experienced and talented player on the team. Less experienced players should be helped and supported by their teammates, not criticized and left aside in the game. Parents on the sidelines should encourage and support not only their own son or daughter when a goal is scored but the whole team, whether they win or lose.In our competitive society, winning at all costs is the rule. However, wining at the cost of foul play, of selfish success and of betraying friendships teaches young soccer players to repeat this behavior in life. Honesty, tolerance, and friendship must be the guiding rule in sports, rather than the ambition to be the triumphant winner. Personally, I take great pleasure in watching a soccer game when the team plays together, just like the muscles of the heart. Dr. Gabriel Nigrin
The Silver Lake Soccer Academy is a member of the US Youth and the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Associations.
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DOC'S e-CORNER
