Published in the Courier News on June 3, 2002

United Soccer Academy (USA), a year-round soccer education provider based in Branchburg, offers soccer instruction to children age 3 to 18.

For the youngest players between 3 and 5, USA's "Soccer Squirts" program teaches the fundamental skills of soccer. "It's an introduction to the sport where skills are

taught and encouragement is offered so kids develop an interest from an early age," said Mark Wilson, regional director.

From there, youngsters move up to the "Mighty Midgets" program, which incorporates more skills to help expand their soccer talent. Wilson says most children are part of a team

at around age 8, so the curriculum changes at that age. "When the kids are grade school age and older they are playing as part of a team so they receive instruction in a team setting," he said.

Many township and county recreation programs add the cost of professional training in as part of a registration fee, Wilson said. Coaches from USA attend team practices and offer instruction in a team setting. Currently, USA employees more than 35 professional soccer instructors from the United Kingdom and Ireland. Wilson hails from Scotland and came to the United States in 1998. His experience includes serving as the captain of his college soccer team while attending Paisley University in Paisley, Scotland. Before joining the staff of USA he coached soccer in New England.

USA plans to bring on more instructors as they gear up for the summer camp programs. At camp, children remain grouped together by age in both the "Soccer Squirts" and "Mighty Midgets" but from age 8, children are grouped by ability and age. "Our goal is to create a fun experience that allows the children to feel comfortable while they learn the skills they want to learn," Wilson said. One of the most popular camp programs is the high school soccer camp that is gender specific and attracts more than 400 teens. The players are assigned to teams and learn more advanced soccer skills and techniques.

Camps are offered throughout Somerset and Hunterdon Counties on fields that are reserved exclusively for camp attendees. The interest in the camps programs is building, Wilson said. "We will allow as many children to participate. We will simply add more staff to accommodate the need," Wilson said.

All camp attendees also receive a T-shirt. "As the weather gets nicer, people will probably be seeing a lot of United Soccer Academy T-shirts around. Our programs are really growing in popularity."