| About
Us |
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| Sonoran
Foothills Soccer League was formed in 2007 by Edson Rico and Mate
Kozul, former star professional players and recreational and competitive
coaches. They enjoy coaching kids who join for fun or those with
real promise and desire to take soccer further. |
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Over
the years they have had numerous players go on to full-ride college
soccer scholarships throughout the country including St. Mary's
TX, University of Bridgeport CT, Loyola Marymont CA, Montana State
University MT, St. Peters NJ and Murray State KY. |
MATE
KOZUL
has coached children of all ages since 1996. His professional
soccer experience and joy of teaching has delivered exceptional
results in recreational, competitive club programs, and
competitive camps.
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EDSON
RICO
has coached hundreds of children all ages
through recreational, competitive club programs, and competitive
camps since 1998. He is driven by a desire to share his
many years of experience both as a professional soccer
player and as a coach.
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Coaching
History
-
Head coach and General Manager for the Tucson Fireballs
(USL) for 2000 & 2001
- Head
Coach and Assistant General Manager and defender
for Arizona Sahuaros (USISL) 1998, 1999
- Voted
1998 USISL Pro League "Coach of the Year"
- Coaching
competitively since 1996 (Bishop Chatard High School,
girls' varsity team, Indianapolis, IN.)
- Has
had numerous players go on to full-ride college
soccer scholarships throughout the country including
Loyola Marymont, CA, Montana State University, MT,
St. Peters NJ and Murray State KY
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Coached U16 Girls Arizona State Runner-Ups 2003,
U11 Boys 3rd in State (2003), U13 Boys 3rd in State
(2005).
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Playing
History
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Anchored defense NJCAA 1989, 1990 National Champion
Yavapai College Roughriders
- Drafted
by Dallas Burn (MLS) 1996
- Former
star defender for Arizona Sandsharks (CISL) 1992,
1993
- Played
Pro Soccer in Europe for FC Westerlo (1st Division
Belgium) 1994, 1995, FC Rijeka (1st Division Croatia)
1995, 1996
- Former
star defender for Indiana Twisters (CISL) 1996,
1997
- Former
defender for Tucson Fireballs (USL) 2000, 2001
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Coaching
History
-
Has coached competitively since 1998
- Assistant
Coach for Arizona Sahuaros (USISL) 1998, 1999
- Has
had numerous players go on to full-ride college
soccer scholarships throughout the country including
St. Mary's, TX and University of Bridgeport, CT
- Assistant
Coach for the Tucson Fireballs (USL) in 2000,
2001
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Playing
History
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Inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame in 2006
- All-American
in 1989 & 1990
- 1990
National Champion Yavapai College Roughriders
star forward all-time leading scorer
- Played
Pro Soccer for FC Kampenhout (1st Division Belgium)
1992, 1993, 1994, 1996
- Star
forward for Arizona Sahuaros (USISL) 1998, 1999
- Star
forward for Tucson Fireballs 2000, 2001
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Sonoran
Foothills Soccer League was created with the goal of bringing
a higher level of recreational playing to the community. Our mission
is to deliver top notch soccer training and instruction while guiding
players to achieve their maximum potential. We place a special emphasis
on skill and tactical development without sacrificing game enjoyment.
Through our training process we emphasize fair play, respect for
fellow players and enjoyment of the game. We believe in nurturing
mental, physical and technical characteristics of our young players.
We encourage players to use their imagination and creativity while
playing.
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Our
coaches conduct an innovative skills program ensuring total involvement
for each player. We focus on allowing players to express their individuality
while giving them ongoing feedback to improve their game play. Players
will receive an age and skill specific program that fosters development
and results in a greater enjoyment in soccer. We believe that players
enjoying the game and are comfortable to make mistakes without criticism
will develop best.
Training sessions are designed to encourage quick decision making
and speed of reaction to sharpen a players' game sense. We believe
in creating good soccer playing habits from an early age. Our training
combines skill exercises with plenty of game play maximizing player
enjoyment. |
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What
Our Players Get
1. Enthusiastic, well organized and qualified coaches.
2. Well planned sessions with a skill/tactical focus.
3. Use of the ball throughout the session.
4. Coaches allow players to solve problems.
5. Keep it simple not over-coaching.
6. Fitness is achieved through the ball skills.
7. Creative sessions to challenge players to reach their potential.
8. Respect all involved, players, parents, coaches, and officials
– Fair Play.
9. Positive feedback from coaches create an enjoyable learning
environment and a desire for the game.
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