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]
Often in youth soccer I see clubs and organizations advertising that they can help produce college soccer scholarships for their players that choose to play with them. Given the statistics with regards to the percentage of players that actually get NCAA Division I soccer scholarships, I view this type of self-promotion to be unsavory. The truth is that only 1 percent of the players from any given locale will receive tangible credit towards their college education through a NCAA Division I soccer scholarship. There is only a 5 percent chance that they will actually make the team! The real reason clubs and organizations make these statements about soccer scholarship is to get parents to fork over exorbitant team fees. They run their clubs like businesses rather than like community not-for-profits. A good businessman will tell you to save the difference in monies from these clubs and put them in an equitable 529 plan. Now there's your scholarship! I will encourage parents to look for non-profit organizations who try to minimize the expenses by using mostly volunteer coaches, but still stress the importance of teaching good skills, providing good competition and promoting friendship between the players. I encourage parents to find the situation that will inspire their child to enjoy playing the sport of soccer and help them learn the valuable life lessons that come from competitive sports. It's not easy! A good sign is when you see your child kicking the ball around, on his or her OWN accord, quietly off in a corner somewhere. THAT sight in of itself, is golden. Sincerely, Dr. Gabriel Nigrin (DOC) If you have an opinion with regards to this article, I'd be happy to hear from you. Please send an email to :
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
