Welcome to the home of the Silver Lake Soccer Academy. Travel Soccer programs for Boys and Girls. Servicing Staten Island NY youth soccer since 1970. Home to nine New York State Cup Championships History of 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. [Top]
We all have been talking about the philosophy of the SLSA and we have mentioned that this philosophy is specific for our club, which is different from others. Let me explain in detail what this philosophy is. We have all been witnessing the atmosphere during any soccer game: that is to win at any price, where the players are subjected to both coaches screaming orders and parents trying to tell them what to do, using strong words when the ball is not in the opponents net. I often felt uncomfortable witnessing such situations. I felt bad, thinking of the child or young adult who experience such humiliation in front of his peers and parents. Whatever skill and understanding of the game he has acquired is drowned in a sea of criticism. He or she cannot think and give a swift decision in his/her moves, he retracts to himself thinking that he has failed and to him the game is not fun anymore. We have to accept that first of all, in youth soccer competition, winning should not be the primary goal. Learning the proper skills and basics in detail are the principal tools the player needs to face his opponent. In addition, once a player has grasped the fundamental skills, it is important to let him try what he has learned in a game situation. It is at that moment that he will use his ability to think and to “SEE” the game and that he will acquire self-confidence. On the other hand, the coach's function is to keep note of the mistakes done during the game and explain the correction AFTER the game when the tension is already released. Obviously, young players will make mistakes. They will learn from their mistakes provided they are not embarrassed. Otherwise they will be turned off from a game they should enjoy. Let them learn to make their own decision during the game even if it is the wrong one. The role of the coach will be to guide them in a constructive way. Finally, my advise to the parents is to simply enjoy seeing their children play. It is the most gratifying feeling to see your son or daughter improve in his/her skill, to see their growing confidence and most of all to share their love for the game. To criticize them will hurt their performance and ultimately lose interest in playing. Lets all remember that our objective is not only to win a game. It is much more than that. It is to learn with proper instructions, to gain confidence, to think and be creative, to give decisions and most of all to enjoy playing ball… AS MUCH AS I DO ... 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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