College Night Recap

BROOKLYN, NY - Brooklyn Italians third annual college evening was a great success this past Monday night, with over 75 players and their parents from the club in attendance. Led by Director of Coaching Dominic Casciato and NextGen USA Director of College Programming Kevin McCarthy, the presentation aimed to educate players and their parents on the college recruiting process ahead of upcoming showcases and tournaments they will be attending.

"This is the third year we have held one of these evenings and they've got better each time. Our objective is to help our players and their families understand the college soccer recruiting system, the different levels within the system, and how to differentiate themselves in what is a very competitive market.

"During the workshop, McCarthy covered several different aspects of the college search process, with coaches from LIU Brooklyn, St. John's University and St. Joseph's College all offering their insight and expertise to those in attendance. Once the presentation was over, all players were given the opportunity to interact one on one with the coaches and find out more about their academic offerings, their soccer programs, and what they are looking for in potential student athletes.

McCarthy is an alumni of the Brooklyn Italians, having been a star midfielder of the 1990's. He added, "It's always a pleasure for me to return to my old club, and even more so when I see the good work that is being done here. The biggest take away is that players need to start early and do a lot of work to get to the college and soccer program that is right for them. I hope that our workshop opened their eyes to that, along with the fact that their is a collegiate level for everyone within this club."

The Brooklyn Italians high school aged teams will all be competing at the Massapequa college showcase this weekend, where over 150 collegiate coaches are expected to be in attendance.

For more information on NextGen USA, please visit http://www.nextgenusa.org/