Our ABC Programs were designed specifically for our youth players ages 3 to 9, whether they are just looking to get sit or build the foundation to become future World Cup stars. The programs are founded in early childhood development, and concentrate on balance, gross motor skills, creating comfort with the ball, but mostly they instill self-esteem and a level of achievement.
Winter sessions will be held at the Landmark gym in Port Washington, with classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 1:30-2:30, with eight (8) weekly sessions, at a cost of $160 for 8 hourly sessions. Children should come with indoor sneakers, (not cleats), shinguards, a ball, water, and a positive attitude. If you have a group of 6 or more, you can create your own class by emailing your schedule to us at info@fcintersoccer.com, and include your child's age and playing experience.
Special Needs Programs: SoccAerobics and Kick Autism
"SoccAerobics" was created after numerous discussions with childhood educators, physical fitness instructors, pediatric doctors, and parents, and was based on the alarming rate of childhood obesity in America. The percentage of children ages between 6 and 11 years of age who are obese has nearly quadrupled from the 1960's to 200, from 4% to over 15%. 9 million of our American children are obese.
Long-term health consequences are: heart disease, hypertension, asthma, depression, problems sleeping, back and joint problems, and certain cancers, to name a few. Diabetes is the fastest growing childhood disease in the US, with 1 in 3 children born in 2000 at risk for acquiring Type 2 (formerly known as Adult Onset) Diabetes. Combined with a healthy diet, increasing physical activity and encouraging active play time can lower our children's risks. In August of 2007, doctors from the University of Copenhagen proved that soccer burns more fat than jogging, and could be the perfect way for our kids to conquer this epidemic.
"Kick Autism" began with one individual training session, in which one autistic child began working with one trainer and one ball. From mimicing the moves upon passing and receiving a soccer ball to taking a dribble with pace, the lesson evolved to much more. Working in a 1-on-1 situation allowed the player and coach to develop not only the gross motor skills of the player, but the communication and self-esteem in a new and positive surrounding. From this one class, Jason Miradoli has worked with over a dozen children on the autistic spectrum, some in group settings, some individual, and as working with various agencies in trying to raise both awareness and funding for what should be considered an epidemic as autism is now present in 1 out of 160 children.
Soccer Burns More Fat Than Jogging!
In August of 2007, doctors from the University of Copenhagen found that men who played just 2-3 hourly rounds of soccer per week had massive health and training benefits. The men were given tests such as fitness ratings, total mass of muscles, percentage of fat, blood pressure, insulin sensitivity and balance, & doctors confirmed that every test improved. Not only did their percentage of fat decrease, but the total mass of muscle went up, their blood pressure fell, and their fitness ratings improved significantly.
Researchers did the same with a group of joggers and a passive control group. After 12 weeks, the body fat percentage in the soccer players dropped by 3.7 percent, compared to about 2 percent for the joggers. The soccer players also increased their muscle mass by almost 2 kilograms (4.5 pounds), whereas the joggers didn't have any significant change. The passive group registered little change in body fat and muscle mass.
The "secret" isn't really a surprise to soccer fans. Soccer is an all-round form of practice because it keeps the pulse up and alo has many high-intensity actions. When you sprint, jump and tackle your opponents, you use all the fibres in your muscles. When you jog at a moderate pace, you only use the slow fibers.
The Psychology of FC Inter Soccer's SoccAerobics for Kids
No Pain, No Gain. That has been part of our culture for decades, yet our overall fitness levels continue to decrease. Fact is - the opposite is actually the truth. Fun distracts you from pain, especially true with chlidren. In the above study, soccer players felt they did not find practice hard, while the joggers always said the opposite. Although they moved at the same average speed as the soccer players, it was harder on joggers, who focused on themselves, their efforts, & their breathlessness. Soccer players are too caught up in the game, and focus more on scoring goals and helping the team than the feelings of strain and muscle pain. They don't realize it's hard, because to them, it isn't work. FC Inter makes soccer fun again - and the benefits follow. (We will not have your child play against a dog to motivate them - we just liked the picture!)
Our programs have been enjoyed by children at or from the following locations, with more locations in Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens upcoming for the spring of 2010.
Buon Compleanno! Happy Birthday! International Soccer-Style
Our FC Inter Soccer staff can also bring the "beautiful game" to your Family or Community for your child's birthday celebration. Parties include a cake, (soccer-themed or other), pizza, (soccer ball-shaped: regular; or soccer field-shaped: Sicilian), all disposable paper goods, invitations, and goodie bags.
For information on any of the above ABC Programs, please contact us via email at info@fcintersoccer.com, or by phone at 516-603-0671.