I have sat back and been reading the club posts for some time but never felt the need to comment until now;
I am Andy Grist and have been involved with club soccer in the Charleston area for around 10 years. Those who know me understand that I am a BIG supporter of the area wide club concept, pooling the talent and resources to benefit all soccer players.
After spending 1 year as Director of Coaching (DOC) for both Carolina Girls and Charlestowne Soccer club, we decided to pool the resources of both these clubs and combine as one, Charleston United. Before the name CUSC was created, we invited the Charleston area clubs, including JIYSC and SSC, to come on board but were declined by all........the reason was the same; our board/club will not go for it at this time.
Q. Why are we now not with the Bridge?
A. We felt at the time to make a decision, that working together for the highest level of player is a great concept and one we wish to be a part of but feel we must work together for all levels of players and that developmental plan to support this had not been given as much consideration. We felt that an alliance is a good thing but only if it is at every level; how can you have a tryout together for top level players but then compete at every other level?
A concern we have for our players and programs is that we will continue to have in place an age appropriate curriculum, that we require appropriate licensed trainers/coaches to conduct the training (just because someone can count does that mean they should be able to teach Math).
Here are a few facts about our program:
1. We have had a team reach a Regional final and attend a National championship.
2. We have 3 players who have been on the National pool and 1 who played on the National U16 team.
3. We had an NCAA All American player in 2005.
4. 17 of last years senior players will be playing at the college level next fall.
5. We have 2*C, 3*B and 1*A licensed trainers.
6. We have an April Heinrich Award winner
7. Here is our State Cup record:
http://charlestonunitedsoccer.com/history.shtml8. We have an age appropriate curriculum following USSF guidlines.
We will continue to provide a program of excellence for all our youth members, but do look forward to the opportunity of working together with other area clubs, to provide a program that will benefit of all youth players.
Andy Grist
Director of Coaching
Charleston United Soccer Club
WWW.CharlestonUnitedSoccer.com(843) 452-8338
