Gaston United Soccer Club Copryright 2012 02/22/2012 02/22/2012 www.gastonunitedsoccer.org News from Gaston United Soccer Club Come Support Belmont Abbey's Men's Soccer 02/22/2012 03:48 PM http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/600852.html Belmont Abbey College’s men’s soccer team, led by coach John Keating, is looking to do big things this season. The team will play one of its spring matches at Martha Rivers Park on April 21 versus Spartanburg Methodist College (11 am, field 1). All GUSC players and coaches are encouraged to come out -- as well as support GUSC coaches Seth Lowther and Jaimie Malilong.

PLUS: Have you registered for GUSC’s Summer Camp yet? Belmont Abbey John Keating is in charge. Details here.

]]> http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/600852.html It's Time for Goalkeeping Training and TAN! 02/11/2012 11:23 PM http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/596496.html One of the great benefits to our GUSC members is the offering of specialty training through our Goalkeeping Training and Technical Agility Night (TAN) sessions.  These are ideal opportunities to focus on individual skills, strength and agility that complement the team training sessions. No special sign-up, no additional fees, just show up and enjoy. Both trainings are held at Bess Elementary on the following schedule.

 

Goalkeeping training is Monday evenings from 5:45 - 6:30 for the Academy-U12; from 6:30 - 7:15 for U13-U16. TAN is Wednesday evenings for all age groups from 6:00 - 7:15. 

 

Please take advantage of these benefits and we’ll see you on the pitch.

]]> http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/596496.html Gastonia Spine & Sport Partners With GUSC 02/02/2012 11:25 AM http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/592187.html  Gastonia Spine & Sport

Jan. 21, 2012 -- Gaston United Soccer Club has announced a two-year associate sponsorship with Gastonia Spine & Sport, a new chiropractic practice which opened for business last December.

As the club’s official chiropractic practice, Gastonia Spine & Sport, located in the Hoffman Village shopping center in Gastonia, is directed by Dr. Aaron Stump, a chiropractor and certified chiropractic sports physician. “We can have a long and beneficial relationship,” said Dr. Stump whose 2,400-square-foot office is a state-of-the-art clinic equipped to treat and prevent injuries and conditions affecting muscular, skeletal and nervous systems.

Per the agreement, Stump will offer GUSC members – including players, coaches and parents -- an initial consultation and exam at no cost to them or their insurance, a $75 value. All successive treatment programs will be discounted as well. “I am dedicated to the education of athletes of all ages and plan on educating our community to lead healthier, more active lives,” continued Dr. Stump, who is married with two young daughters and has previously worked with athletes in various sports, including football and soccer.

Dr. Stump graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from California State Polytechnic University. The Southern California native received his Doctorate of Chiropractic in April of 2004 from Southern California University of Health Sciences. During his internship he worked with Family Medicine, Radiology, Neurology, Orthopedic, and Sports Medicine doctors at Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital. Before moving to North Carolina in 2010, Dr. Stump had a private practice in Omaha Nebraska, and Surprise Arizona.

“This partnership is great for our club, especially as we look to renew and forge new partnerships with local businesses,” said GUSC president Mark Wright. “With Dr. Stump’s experience working with athletes, this was a natural partnership for us."

In addition to treatment services, Gastonia Spine & Sport will have a presence at GUSC’s Spring Fever Classic tournament (May 4-6), and Dr. Stump and his associates will attend some home games at Martha Rivers Park.

"We are excited to be partners with Gaston United; our contemporary, active-care approach while enlisting traditional treatment methods for relieving pain and restoring function is well suited to soccer,” said Stump, who will also conduct education forums with families and coaches on treating – and avoiding -- certain injuries.

For more information on Gastonia Spine & Sport, visit their Web site at www.gastoniaspine.com, call the office at 704-990-8266 and friend them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GastoniaSpine.

]]> http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/592187.html GUSC Inks Partnership with Dick's Sporting Goods 02/13/2012 02:10 PM http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/597686.html Gaston United Soccer Club is pleased to announce that Dick’s Sporting Goods, the largest U.S.-based full-line sporting goods retailer, as the “official Sporting Goods retailer” of the club. With the opening of their Gastonia store in November 2010, the Pittsburgh-based chain which sells outdoors and sports-specific clothing as well as equipment for sports from soccer to archery, has aligned its efforts with the 20-year-old soccer club, which has 30 teams – 15 competitive and 15 Recreational – with a total membership of 250 players. 


“We are excited about the new partnership, while providing GUSC with a donation package and extending special values to the GUSC family members,” said Christina Burwell, Community Marketing Manager, North Carolina. “The Dick’s family continues to offer the finest quality products at competitive prices, backed by the best service anywhere. Like Gaston United, we have a real passion for sports and we are excited to bring the enthusiasm and experience to Gastonia.”

Under the agreement, Dick’s will provide the club with gear for their coaches, soccer balls, pinnies and other equipment, as well as open its doors to the club to have registration and/or special Gaston United-discounted shopping days for its families and members. 

“This is an outstanding partnership for the Gaston United Soccer Club,” said Brent Mast, GUSC’s vice president. "Dick’s Sporting Goods is highly regarded across the country as an industry leading sporting goods retailer. This partnership offers them an outstanding venue for building brand awareness within our club, and indeed the community. We are looking forward to a long relationship with Dick’s and hope that this partnership reaps mutual benefits."

About Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. is an authentic full-line sporting goods retailer offering a broad assortment of brand name sporting goods equipment, apparel and footwear in a specialty store environment. The Company also owns and operates Golf Galaxy, LLC, a multi-channel golf specialty retailer. As of October 30, 2010, the Company operated 437 Dick’s Sporting Goods stores in 42 states, 79 Golf Galaxy stores in 29 states and e-commerce and catalog operations for both Dick’s Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy.Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. The Gastonia store is located at 415 Cox Road in Gastonia.
]]> http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/597686.html Save the Date (June 25-29) for Summer Camps! 01/03/2012 04:31 PM http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/586059.html Belmont Abbey College and GUSC have joined forces to provide a comprehensive, weeklong soccer camp experience for kids ages U6 to U16 -- June 25-29. The camp will be held at the Abbey and will offer a Morning Strikers Session (U9 to U16, from 8:30 am to 11 am) and an Evening FUN-damentals Session (U6 to U13, 7 pm to 8:30 pm). Belmont Abbey men’s coach John Keating will run the camp, and will be assisted by GUSC coaches. For more information, call the GUSC office at 704-823-7322. MORE | Register Online

* Download REGISTRATION form

]]> http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/586059.html Remembering Dr. Chuma Ononye on Fun Day 11/19/2011 10:11 PM http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/580623.html Fun Day is special because of Dr. Chuma Ononye, a former parent who passed away last November. The day to celebrate the end of another Recreation season--the Dr. Chuma Ononye Fun Day--honors a man who loved the game and loved seeing kids play. Chuma’s wife, Lisa, and their two daughters remembered the Arsenal-loving, hard-nosed defender with a commemorative bench at Martha Rivers Park. "He would be honored to see this," Lisa said. The day also spotlighted the  Dr. Chuma Ononye Scholarship Fund, created shortly after he passed. "I can hear Chuma now," said Jeff Phillips, the director of Rec: ’Well played!’ " MORE.

]]> http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/580623.html Run for the Money: April 21, 2012 11/18/2011 11:03 PM http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/580332.html The 10th annual Run for the Money 5K takes place on Saturday, April 21 at 8 am from Downtown Gastonia. Runners of all ages are encouraged to participate; winners can designate up to $1,000 for the non-profit of their choice. GUSC will have a display booth. Interested in running for GUSC or spending time in the booth? Please call Debbie Webb at 704-823-7322. Even if you don’t run or walk, we encourage everyone to show up. For more info on Run for the Money, visit their Web site.

]]> http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/580332.html GUSC Spring Fever Classic: Coming May 4-6 10/31/2011 01:05 PM http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/575417.html GUSC will host the inaugural GUSC Spring Fever Classic May 4-6 next year. Preparations are being led by Tournament Director Greg Eason. The GUSC Spring Fever Classicis a chance for us to pitch in and provide our teams and the teams of our guests an exciting weekend of soccer. Block out May 4-6 on your calendars and volunteer to help make the GUSC Spring Fever Classic a can’t-miss event.  If you would like join the Tournament Committe, please contact Greg Eason. More details to come!

]]> http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/575417.html Introducing the Home Field Advantage Committee 02/11/2012 11:25 PM http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/597812.html

Dear Members:

In recent months we asked for volunteers for several committees that are poised to address club needs -- from fundraising to new tournaments to marketing. The Home Field Advantage Committee was created to address our need for land/real estate on which to build fields for training and games -- and ultimately, enough real estate to call our own -- complete with training fields, game fields, a club house and office.

Michael Robinson, a parent on the U12 Boys team, will head up this committee. A local businessman and Physician Assistant, Mr. Robinson knows all too well that we are only as strong as our relationships. This is why, before he gets started -- making phone calls and knocking on doors, he asked the executive board to send a plea to our members who may be realtors, city workers, public officials, business owners, Parks and Rec employees, bankers and/or persons engaged in obtaining financing for non-profits.  In short, Mr. Robinson -- as well as the club -- understands that this very elaborating effort will be for naught without a group effort.
 
If you would like to help this cause, please let us know, and we will connect you with Mr. Robinson. There is no obligation on your part to join this committee; we just want to make sure that we look from within for help first.

Certainly, this is a huge endeavor -- we realize these are unchartered waters for GUSC – but it is an endeavor that is necessary if GUSC is to grow into the club that we can truly say is the premier club for Gaston County.

If you would like to speak with him or any member of the executive board, please send an email to execboard@gastonunitedsoccer.org. Thank you in advance for your support and for your willingness to serve.


Members of the Executive Board
Gaston United Soccer Club
Email us: execboard@gastonunitedsoccer.org
]]> http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/597812.html Academy Gains Momentum with Jeff Phillips 10/29/2011 10:07 PM http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/532000.html By M.G. Clarke

The intensity level at Gaston United Soccer Club (GUSC) just raised 10 notches—now that Jeff Phillips has been appointed director of the club’s Academy program. Parents of children on Jeff Phillips-coached teams have plenty of stories of their coach finding ways to motivate players. His pregame and halftime speeches have become almost Lombardi-esque. During one game last spring in which his U9 Recreational team had lost their way, Phillips looked his players in their wandering eyes and said: “I’m from the Show-Me State. Show me something! Don’t tell me what you’re going to do in the game. Show me!”

Funny thing is, Phillips isn’t even from Missouri; the Charlotte native stole the line from his college coach, Philmore George, who would utter the line every chance he got. But it proves that Phillips will go to any lengths to make his point and motivate his players. “I love this game; it’s in my blood, and to see the kids playing, learning and developing a love for the same sport I love is priceless,” he says. (Phillips was featured in the June 4 issue of the Gaston Gazette.)

Phillips joined Gaston United in the spring of 2010, raising his hand to head up its Recreational program. The married father of two couldn’t resist the opportunity to get involved. He jumped right in—overseeing all operations for the Rec program, which had 120 kids at the time. He found coaches, secured practice fields, created rosters, emailed parents and—at the same time—coached two teams himself.

“I believed in the program and saw great potential,” says Phillips, a 37-year-old Charlotte firefighter. “To grow is a huge goal, but growth in the right direction. Numbers are good, but if kids are being left behind, not developing basic skills, not forming a genuine love for the game, then it is useless. Improving our coaches’ knowledge of the game is a major priority. At younger age groups, the coach is probably the first person to teach soccer to them; it can make or break a child’s view of the game.”

That’s the kind of talk that caught Jarrette Brathwaite’s attention. GUSC’s executive director approached Phillips about running the club’s fledgling Academy program, which has four teams and four coaches. Under Phillips’ leadership, GUSC’s Rec program saw a 20 percent growth from spring to fall, and many of his former Rec players have committed to play in GUSC’s Academy, which is also seeing an upswing in numbers. That’s momentum on which the club wants to build—and carry on to the Academy.

“Jeff brings not only experience but a great passion for the game, with a demonstrated ability to share his passion, skills and techniques successfully with the younger age groups—a talent and ability often overlooked when clubs make coaching determinations,” says Brathwaite. “If you’re building a grassroots program, it’s important to find the person who can translate a program, curriculum and club paradigm to a child with effectiveness. Jeff has done that successfully within the club, and we look for him to continue.” 
 
As for his style, Phillips describes it as disciplined, with a dash of fun mixed in. “With younger kids, it’s hard to keep their focus for long periods of time, which can be frustrating,” admits Phillips, whose own children—Riley, 9, and Caden, 7—play on his U9 Rec team. “As coaches, it’s our job to find ways to keep them engaged.”

Phillips himself started playing the game at age 9, late by today’s standards, after seeing a man juggling a ball in the street. An inquisitive kid, Phillips had never before seen anybody juggle a soccer ball. The man showed him a couple of tricks, and Phillips was sold. “After that, I saw an FA Cup match with Liverpool playing Everton. That was it, I was hooked!”

Primarily an offensive player in his youth, Phillips attended West Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte and did a stretch in the Olympic Development Program (ODP). He attended Mount Olive College, playing all four years, followed by a stint with the Charlotte Eagles.

“College forced me to play with skill and vision,” says Phillips, who still plays, in the Charlotte Premier Soccer League. “The college game at that time was power soccer, kick-and-run to a speedy striker. I did not have the pace as a striker in that environment, so I relied on skill, finesse and creativity. It actually served me well; I scored quite a few goals, had an assist record and had an overall good college career.”

But now, Phillips is content with being a teacher—and fostering a skill-driven environment for young kids. “Whether they are new to the game or a few years into kicking a ball, they get the fundamentals they need to excel for the future and develop an extremely passionate love for the game,” he says. “Recreation, to me, is the introduction, where the foundation is being built. If the first impression fails, it is hard to recover. My role at the Academy will be an extension of my job with Recreation.”

A parent of two players on Phillips’ team believes the Academy will benefit greatly from the Jeff Phillips Experience. “Jeff will offer a balanced mix of strategy and fun with each training session,” says Eric Willman, whose sons Kyle, 9, and Ryan, 7, have played for Phillips for two years. “He approaches each practice, friendly or match with a singular focus: to motivate the team to their best on-field performance while learning and having fun.”
As expected, Phillips is happy to take on this task—at least until the next opportunity comes around. “In 10 years, I hope to be the assistant coach to “King” Kenny Dalglish for Liverpool FC! Seriously!”

Nobody doubts him.
]]> http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/532000.html Top 5 Reasons to Try Gaston United Soccer Club: 08/04/2011 10:22 PM http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/441164.html

  • Gaston County’s Premier Soccer Destination since 1992
  • We Provide ALL Levels of Play—from Recreation to Region 3
  • We Cater to All Ages—from U6 to 18 Boys & Girls
  • We Focus on Individual Development
  • We Have Certified Professional Coaches

 

]]> http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/441164.html Dr. Chuma Ononye Scholarship Fund for Girls 11/19/2011 09:54 PM http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/485649.html Established in November 2010, the Dr. Chuma Ononye Scholarship Fund for Girls was created to afford soccer-playing opportunities for girls who might not otherwise have the means to play the sport. Created by Gaston United Soccer Club for Dr. Ononye, who passed away Nov. 13, 2010, the scholarship fund benefits girls because Dr. Ononyehadtwo daughters, Adaora and Nneka, who play soccer, and also because he was an avid fan of the game. MORE | Chuma: One Year Later

]]> http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/485649.html GUSC Wants You! 06/30/2010 11:27 AM http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/443970.html Has the World Cup gotten you interested in soccer? Gaston United Soccer Club wants you! (No experience necessary.) Our professional and dedicated coaches will teach you everything you need to learn about the beautiful game. Check this chart to see what age group you fit in, then contact the office for more info: 704-823-7322; www.gastonunitedsoccer.org
 

 
Age
Birth Date Range
U12
Born between 8/1/98 and 7/31/99
U13
Born between 8/1/97 and 7/31/98
Age
Birth Date Range
U14
Born between 8/1/96 and 7/31/97
U15
Born between 8/1/95 and 7/31/96
U16
Born between 8/1/94 and 7/31/95
U17
Born between 8/1/93 and 7/31/94
U18
Born between 8/1/92 and 7/31/93

 

]]> http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/443970.html Join GUSC's FACEBOOK Group 06/04/2010 11:53 PM http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/437014.html GUSC is on FACEBOOK. Join Now!

]]> http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/437014.html GUSC, Soccer.com form Partnership! 04/12/2010 10:00 AM http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/391360.html  Get the Kids Back on the Field

]]> http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/391360.html Director's Message (Aug. 9, 2010) 08/09/2010 01:25 PM http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/454568.html Gaston United Soccer Club Members:

Hope everyone has enjoyed the "soccer of summer" and ready to get back on the fields and begin another fall season with Gaston United Soccer Club. Over the past few months, our board of directors, coaches and staff have done a tremendous amount of work to organize things for the coming year. We trust that with our commitment to communicating to our members, coaches, managers and the community, our collective efforts will make the 2010-2011 campaign an enjoyable and successful one for everyone. GUSC’s main focus--and that of the coaching staff--will be player development and providing the correct environments for all players to maximize their potential while paying close attention to our players’ psychological, physical, tactical and technical development. 
 
On Tuesday, Aug. 9th we begin official club training sessions. (See Training Schedule and locations.) We ask all parents, managers and coaches to take a moment to introduce yourselves and get to know one another during the first week. In doing so I ask that you pay close attention to our desire as coaches to make Gaston United SC the "elite" club in Gaston county. Professionalism is Priority No. 1. As we work at creating this environment, I ask that all members and parents adhere to several guidelines:
 
Be on Time. Be prepared
Please make every effort to have your child on time and dressed in the appropriate training equipment (GUSC training shirt and shorts, blue or white socks, shin guards, soccer shoes and appropriate size ball).

Let the Coaches Coach
All parents should keep a safe distance from the practice field. We do not want our players or coaches to be distracted, and we want to maximize our time with all our players.

Communication
Please avoid approaching coaches prior to practice—as this could be another distraction. Some coaches prefer a phone call, email or to discuss thing after practice.

Have Fun!
Let’s allow our players to have fun, and let’s continue building GUSC into the elite club we know it can be.
 
Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns.
 
Yours in Soccer,
Stuart E. Brown
Director of Coaching
Gaston United Soccer Club
704.674.7344 mobile
stuartbrown@bac.edu
]]> http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/454568.html Training Assignments, Locations for Fall 2010 08/03/2010 10:03 PM http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/452637.html
 
TEAM
FIELD LOCATION
TIME
DAYS
COACH
Academy Boys
N. Belmont
6-7:15pm
T, TH
Robert Lane, Momo Kanneh, Adrian Mendoza
Academy Girls
N. Belmont
6-7:15pm
T, TH
R. Lane, Anna Donaldson
 
U11 Boys
N. Belmont
7-8:30pm
T, TH
R. Lane, Guy Garguilo
U12 Boys
N. Belmont
7-8:30pm
T, TH
Seth Lowther, Guy Garguilo, Aaron Weldon
U12 Girls
Robinson Elem.
6-7:15pm
T, TH
Jamie Malilong

U13 Boys
N. Belmont
6-7:30pm
T, TH
Tatum Bourque

U14 Boys Blue
#############
7-8:30pm
M, W,TH
Phillip Goodrum, Jarrette Brathwaite
U14 Boys White
Belmont Central
7:30-9p
T, TH
Jonathan Reed
U14 Girls
Robinson Elem.
7-9pm
T, TH
Scott Ginn, Devon Purslow

U15 Girls
Robinson Elem.
7-9pm
T, TH
Scott Ginn, Devon Purslow

GOALKEEPING
Robinson Elem.
Academy U11 5:45-6:45pm
1st two Mondays of the month at Robinson Elem.
N. Belmont
U12-U13 645-745pm
2nd two Mondays of the month at N. Belmont
U14 and up 7:45-8:45pm

SKILLS TRAINING
Robinson Elem.
Academy U11 5:45-6:45pm
1st Monday of the month at Robinson Elem.
N. Belmont
U12-U13 6:45-7:45pm
3rd Monday of the month at N. Belmont
U14 and up 7:45-8:45pm
 
 
All U11 and U12 boys players will be training in a similar format as the academy except for changes for developmental reason.

 
]]> http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/452637.html GUSC, Steele Creek Form Partnership 09/09/2010 10:51 AM http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/464367.html
 

]]> http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/464367.html 2010 Icebreaker Cup Recap 09/12/2010 10:20 AM http://www.gastonunitedsoccer.org/home/383191.html            

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