According to observers, soccer is poised to rival basketball, football and baseball in popularity in the U.S., and with that in mind, Supervisor Jon Kaiman and the North Hempstead Town Board announced the unveiling of an Italian-run youth developmental training and exchange program involving the world’s most celebrated sport.
The goal of the Italian Soccer Training Program (ISTEP) is to foster the development of U.S. youth soccer players and programs, starting on Long Island, and establish a player exchange program for Italian and American youth players.
Partnering with A.C. Milan Junior Camp, ISTEP is scheduled to host its first Long Island day camp at Michael J. Tully Park in New Hyde Park from June 23 through June 29, 2013.
Interested individuals can enroll immediately. Forms can be accessed online at www.istepusa.com, or by e-mailing ISTEP at istepusa@gmail.com or calling them at (516) 474-1823.
“North Hempstead is proud to collaborate in hosting this innovative program which will not only help young athletes develop good motor skills but also help build a strong self-esteem and give them the opportunity to travel abroad,” Kaiman said.
The average enrollment of the co-ed camps is expected to be approximately 80 players between the ages of 9-14. A limited number of older and younger players will be accepted.
Fees for the week-long camp at Michael J. Tully Park, which will run from Sunday, June 23 through Saturday, June 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., are $500. A.C. Milan-certified trainers will staff the camps and internships will be offered to certified professional U.S. trainers, offering them the opportunity to learn the A.C. Milan/ISTEP curricula.
For the Italian summer camps, ISTEP will bring a maximum of 40 young players to spend a week in La Marche or Umbria, Italy in 2013.
“The future of soccer, as in life, passes through our children,” said Filippo Giovagnoli, active manager of A.C. Milan Junior Camps in Italy. “Our job as adults is to transfer to them as much knowledge as possible. ISTEP focuses on the development and care of our most treasured legacy—our children.”
