By Heather Skinner
COBLESKILL — Before Richmondville Soccer Club games start in July, its Board starts planning in January working closely with local businesses and Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School. The volunteer coaches meeting helps everyone get on the same page for what makes a great season. This year’s meeting took place on the evening of June 25th and provided lots of insight into the program and updates about its future.
For the last 4 years, Justin Davis has been the Club’s President and a part of many program improvements, like expanding the program to include a four-year-old group and modifying the age groupings to match skill levels together.
Davis explained The Richmondville Soccer Club is part of the village of Richmondville’s youth committee program and has been running for over 20-25 years. In that time, Davis has been a player, referee, and Board President. Davis and program Vice President, Amber Lape, credited past program leaders like one of its originals, Rose Keller, as well as Jackie Gravina, Denise Smith, and Vicky Swartout. Lape said of Davis’s time and hard work as Board President, “he has been the main person, and he deserves to be recognized.”
Davis got the program back on its feet after 2 years missed during Covid. It has grown significantly since then from around 100 participants to numbers above 250, which led to outgrowing previous game locations in Richmondville and by the college. They have also added one Fall traveling team that the Club sponsors. To continue expanding the program, Davis said key factors include more interest from coaches, community involvement, and more collaboration with the school.
Davis announced his position started as a one-year favor for the mayor, who was Kevin Neary at that time, and he will be stepping down from President to Board Member after this season. Treasurer, Victoria Kleinberger, will be taking over as Richmondville Soccer Club President next season, and Davis said new leadership will allow for new ideas.
Lape will also be stepping down at the end of this year, but will be leaving behind a legacy of the wonderful program objectives and knowledge she has imparted during her 3 years on the Board.
Lape is happy to see volunteers step up to coach who want to be a part of improving and expanding the program with input, enthusiasm, and by teaching fundamentals that make a huge difference for kids like juggling, trapping, passing, and being able to dribble with their heads up. Lape also explained fair play concepts sometimes overlooked or unknown of offsides and the build-out line, and shared a helpful YouTube video with dribbling drills you can find by searching for its title on YouTube: 10 Best Soccer Dribbling Drills for U6, U8, U10 Fun Soccer Drills by MOJO.
Teams and schedules are compiled by ages of U4 Tiny Tots, U5-7, U8-10, and U11-13. If there is enough interest, they may expand to an 18+ age group next year.
They had to post a second call for coaches on June 3rd when more primary and assistant coaches were still needed for U5-7 and U8-10 groups to avoid refunding teams without coaches. Volunteer coaches are typically parents of players who indicate they are interested in coaching while filling out the digital registration for their child to play, and Davis thanked volunteers profusely for stepping up to make the program possible.
Referees are paid positions, made up by a majority of kids 14-16 that are still learning themselves, which is another example of the wonderful opportunities this program provides for all involved.
Business sponsors will be looking at a price increase next year to compensate for the growing number of participants from $300 to $350 or $400. This year has proven to be their largest number of registrations yet with over 260 players, 17 team sponsorships, 20 referees, and 37 coaches.
The Richmondville Soccer Club begins inviting interested sponsors to reach out each February and posts updates on their Facebook page. The treasurer’s report confirmed that all funds go directly into the program, and this year, one of their big expenses was the need for brand new goals for the U8-10 age group’s games.
The Board follows safety procedures with all the best interests of kids at heart. Shin guards are required for all practices and games. Warmups, cool down stretches, and staying hydrated are encouraged to prevent injuries. Coaches also have the opportunity to become CPR certified. They plan to continue adding more available coaches’ resources at a pace that still makes requirements manageable for volunteers’ schedules like concussion management, etc. Referees all come prepared with first aid kits and the AED access point is made clear to coaches in advance. They also make sure that coaches and referees consider times to switch players during games based on how hot the weather is.
Follow The Richmondville Soccer Club Facebook page to stay informed on when its signup window is open each year. If you have any soccer equipment you are no longer in need of, they take donations.
Practices and games are held on Ryder campus for CRCS at 143 Golding Dr.
Whenever the separate program (at an additional fee) of Corever Camp is also offered at Ryder for extra summer soccer training, Richmondville Soccer Club shares the link for that in a Facebook page post. Davis praised Corever Camp, saying it is a great program that he has witnessed yielding big results for those who participate.
Families participating in Richmondville Soccer Club this year, follow their Facebook page for updates posted 45 minutes before a game’s start time if extreme weather conditions require cancelations, and please follow the school ground’s no-dogs policy.
The Board stressed that this is a rec program. No trophies. Not a win or lose focus. They want to see kids given the chance to gain experience in all field positions and they want kids to walk away with great memories and a love of soccer.
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