(Pros Soccer Club note: This is incorrect in the article. Pros Soccer Club is a new club not affiliated with the Tempe Soccer Club.)
The Tempe Soccer Club for almost three decades helped young players in the Southeast Valley improve on the soccer field and in life.
The organization's name changed to the Pros Soccer Club this year, but its goals remain the same.
Mary Baker, vice president of operations, answered questions about the club's programs this season and its attempts to help young people become standout individuals on and off the soccer field.
Question: How many players do you have this season?
Answer: We have about 330 competitive players on 21 teams. Players come from all over the Valley.
Our developmental program has around 70 kids on eight teams. The developmental teams are trained by our professional staff and our 89 Boys (U18) team, the current state champions.
Q: What are some issues facing the club?
A: The lack of new housing developments in Tempe is our biggest issue. There are not a lot of new, young families moving into the area, so it can be difficult to attract younger players into our programs.
With the programs we have in place we are certain that we will keep attracting families who want their kids to develop life skills and soccer skills.
Q: What are the highlights of the season?
A: We will be hosting our 27th annual Pros Elite Thanksgiving Tournament this year. This tournament will have approximately 200 teams from Washington, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Nebraska, Mexico, Canada and Arizona.
We will generate around $1.2 million for Tempe during Thanksgiving weekend. Our educational program is also a huge highlight for us and our community.
High school-aged players will benefit from our PSAT, SAT and ACT study sessions and practice exams. Our younger players will benefit from our community service-based program as well as grade-level tutoring.
Q: What's new this year?
A: We have added additional developmental seasons this year. We offer our program at a more affordable price than other programs in the area because we want as many kids to come out and learn the game as possible.
Q: How does the future look for the club?
A: The future looks bright for the Pros Soccer Club. We will continue to produce champions both on and off the field. The Pros Soccer Club's main mission is education and soccer.
We really do not think that you can have soccer without education. We believe education is the fabric of our society. Our programs benefit boys and girls ages 4 to 18.
Permission to reprint granted by Jeremy Cluff and the Arizona Republic.
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