July 15, 2016

Sitch hosts 2016 youth spring soccer tourney

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Post-tournament photo of competitors, coaches and referees.

WHIPPANY, N.J. – On Saturday, June 4, the Ukrainian Athletic-Educational Association Chornomorska Sitch held a spring soccer tournament for youth age 7-12 at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey (UACCNJ) in Whippany.

Fifteen boys competed in the five-a-side, round-robin tournament, showing off the skills they had developed over the last eight weeks during the Sitch-led spring soccer sessions that were held at UACCNJ. Twenty-five children participated in the spring sessions, held Saturdays at 1:30-3 p.m. in April through June, with further sessions to resume in the fall. During the tournament, the young soccer players showed great teamwork and competitiveness, and the parents were very supportive fans.

Awards distributed to participants and winners.

Awards distributed to participants and winners.

Officiating during the tournament were two certified U.S. Soccer referees, both Sitch soccer alumni, 16-year-old Deanna Zawadiwsky and 18-year-old Lesyk Tomko. These two teens are wonderful examples of how the Sitch soccer program provides the foundation of great soccer skills and helps foster a love for the beautiful game.

Deanna and Lesyk both started their soccer training with Sitch, competing in tournaments and participating in the Sitch Sports School that is held at the Soyuzivka Heritage Center in Kerhonkson, N.Y.

Deanna is now a rising senior, team captain on the West Morris Mendham High School’s Varsity Soccer team, the starting center fullback on MatchFit’s ECNL U-18/19 team and was selected for the N.J. Olympic Development Team.

Lesyk is a graduating senior and team captain on Millburn High School’s Varsity Soccer team, the starting goalkeeper on FC Copa’s Juventus NPL U-18 team and has committed to play goalkeeper this fall in his freshman year at Muhlenberg College.

In addition, both Deanna and Lesyk have been recognized with multiple awards by their respective high schools, clubs, and New Jersey county and conference directors for their talented performances on the soccer field. Both athletes love soccer so much, they not only play the sport, but took the time to become certified U.S. Soccer referees and work actively with young teams across N.J. Career-wise, both Deanna and Lesyk are hoping to be educators (Deanna a math teacher and Lesyk a history teacher), as well as high school/collegiate soccer coaches.

Being able to have these two Sitch alumni as our tournament referees was particularly meaningful, as our young Sitch competitors learned from them about what great things you can achieve in the sport if you put the time and effort into practicing and playing. In speaking to the children, both referees referenced their early days with Sitch as key to introducing them to the sport and getting them hooked.

Sitch youth soccer teams put their skills to action.

Sitch youth soccer teams put their skills to action.

While spring soccer may be over, summer sports are just around the corner and Chormorska Sitch announced that registration for the 2016 Sports School is now open. The Sports School is held at the Soyuzivka Heritage Center and is for children age 6 -17. The camp focuses on soccer, tennis, volleyball and swimming and is for perfect for any sports enthusiast.

As in previous years, there will be two sessions to choose from – the first session will run July 17-23 and the second session will run from July 24-30. Both day and overnight options are available. (Day camper fee is $385 per session and includes the registration fee and a camp T-shirt or $720 for both sessions; overnight camper fee is $675 per session and includes the registration fee and a camp t-shirt or $1,300 for both sessions.)

During camp, a daily blog with pictures will keep parents posted on the daily goings on. For information on registering, readers may contact [email protected], or call Yarko Twardowsky at 908-209-7185.

Coaches and U.S. Soccer referees (Sitch soccer alumni).

Coaches and U.S. Soccer referees (Sitch soccer alumni).

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