On Saturday, May 1st, the Spectrum newspaper published an in-depth feature story on the kickoff of the Southern Utah Soccer Association's KICKS recreation soccer program. In Cedar City, prospective players may register for the KICKS program on May 8th at Gart Brothers (606 S. Main Street) between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. In St. George, registration will be available on May 11-13 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at Bluff Street Park in St. George.
The Spectrum, which is the major newspaper in the southern region of the state, covered a recent clinic sponsored by the Southern Utah Soccer Association and conduced by Eric Landon, SUSA's Director of Operations. The Spectrum then published the following article.
Program is a kick for young soccer players
By Jennifer Weaver
jweaver@thespectrum.com
CEDAR CITY -- Soccer is not just for kicks unless it's the KICKS Recreation program sponsored by the Southern Utah Soccer Association.
"The recreation program follows the guidelines of the Utah Youth Soccer Association and U.S. Youth Soccer," said Eric Landon, SUSA director of development. "Our philosophy is to provide fun, yet challenging, developmentally-appropriate soccer for children ages four to 12."
Landon was hired using a grant by Utah Youth Soccer to help develop the sport in Southern Utah. He organized a three-day KICKS Academy at Cedar Middle School with assistant director Lance Jackson that concluded Thursday.
"We lean towards providing an experience for the kids that is all about fun and not competitiveness while teaching proper fundamental techniques," Landon said. "Each of the coaches are licensed professionals and we conduct comprehensive criminal background checks so the adults that come in contact with the kids are highly experienced and well qualified."
Landon himself is no novice. The six-year veteran player of professional soccer -- most recently with the Utah Blitzz -- holds a "B" National Coaching License from the U.S. Soccer Federation. He has been appointed to serve as a staff coach in the Olympic Development Program of the Utah Youth Soccer Association and also serves as a staff coach for Region IV of the U.S. Youth Soccer Association. He previously served as a staff coach and head goal-keeping trainer for Sparta United Soccer Club.
"This is a really good camp from what I've seen in the last three days," said Shawna Smith.
Smith's children -- Alec, 9, Gabrielle, 6, and Mia, 4 -- all participated in the academy and all want to enroll in the leagues offered by the KICKS recreation program.
"I've been watching the different drills and the coaching and have been impressed with how Eric encourages the kids, keeps them motivated and is so positive," Smith said.
Twelve-year-old Charlie Rhodes said getting to use his feet is what he likes best about soccer in comparison to his other favorite sport, basketball.
"I've learned how to cut, scissor, row and to box," said Rhodes. "I'm going to join the league so I can get good at the new things I've learned and not be a couch potato, because no one likes a couch potato."
Mercedes Salazar, 12, said in her previous endeavors with soccer she never learned how to control the ball. From the Academy training, Salazar said she's finally achieved the skill. She also learned how to scissor and cut.
Southern Utah University's women's soccer team supported Landon with coaching assistance on a volunteer basis.
"Having my team out here is another good exposure to the sport and a great community service because it provides the University students an opportunity in coaching since many of them aspire to coach beyond their playing days," said Brian Stock, SUU women's soccer coach.
What Stock also finds exciting, and something he's always wanted, is the potential growth of soccer players in Cedar City and the entire southern region, he said.
"For years I've wanted to see a high-level of quality soccer education since I started the program at SUU," Stock said. "Having Landon here to provide that development is the right exposure that is needed."
Landon will sponsor a three-day KICKS Academy in St. George, May 11 through 13, that will also lead to registration into the KICKS Recreation program that promises every child plays 100 percent of the time in practices and at least 50 percent in games. There will be four teams in each child's age division in the leagues.
Children from Hurricane are encouraged to participate. With enough interest from Hurricane, a league may be started there, too, Landon said.
Link to Spectrum Article
