Children learn incredible lessons through sports.  Among nationally and internationally recognized athletes today, many are held out as examples and our children aspire to be like them.  Sometimes, while we appreciate those athletes’ athleticism, we are less sure about their value systems and the examples they project.  Many of the lessons our children learn as young competitors will ultimately translate to their careers whether in sports, corporate America or entrepreneurial endeavors.
 
We are fortunate to have the value system of Life Skills Through Soccer to provide the framework in which children can learn the game of soccer and life. While LSTS is a young organization, it is rapidly earning a reputation for discipline and leadership in the NJ community.

Life Skills Through Soccer, a NJ 501 (c) 3 Nonprofit Corporation, is an organization dedicated to serving the needs and interests of the greater soccer community within central New Jersey. Its programs, which are directed primarily toward boys and girls between the kindergarten and high-school ages, are designed for intensive and innovative youth soccer development.     

The purpose of “Life Skills Through Soccer youth soccer development programs” is to train committed, skilled, and disciplined youth players to develop their full and unique potential, both as top-quality soccer players and also as first-rate human beings. This program is for committed players who already have a foundation in soccer and are seeking training, which targets development of the whole person/athlete in an age-appropriate context. Competitive soccer training and personal character development are promoted simultaneously through the “Life Skills” method, which focuses on each student-athlete’s growth both as an individual and as an effective team member. Whether or not a player goes on to become a college or professional soccer player, the life lessons each one learns through this experience will have life-long value in a wide variety of settings and relationships. It is our goal to demonstrate that young people can progress and excel in athletic, social and intellectual domains simultaneously.

Over the last eight years, Life Skills Through Soccer has provided opportunities to participate in Premier Level soccer and training opportunities to more than fifteen hundred children in the Mercer County area. LSTS has also provided over 250 individual scholarships for needy families unable to support the cost of their child’s participation in travel or recreational soccer. In addition, LSTS FC has provided help to multiple community service organizations activities including: Mercer County Special Olympics training programs for athletes with especial needs, Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, Food and Clothing Drive programs for the Mercer County Social Working Services, Pass Back (athletic equipment shipped to African nations), and most recently, fundraising for the American Red Cross-Katrina’s catastrophe relief effort.  
The greatest strength of the LSTS Organization can be found in  its philosophy and the commitment of its officers, coaches and trainers to teach and apply the mission statements of that philosophy to the every day practices on the soccer field. The participation of all club members brings this commitment to the greater community, through a variety of efforts.

During the last three years, many parents have seen their children grow as athletes and as people through this program. We would like to continue to see the vision through. Please consider how you might be able to help us in this youth educational-development effort. Details of our sponsorship opportunities are available through our Sponsorship Guide Brochure. More information about our programs is available through our web site: www.lstsfc.org, by contacting our E-mail address at: program@lstsfc.org or by calling us at: 609-475-5087.

Thank you for your commitment and support to Life Skills Through Soccer

Jorge A. Roman
Life Skills Through Soccer
Executive Director