Gotham Girls FC is pleased to announce the appointment of the current GGFC U-15 Samba coach, Jose Goicochea, to the Assistant Director of Coaching of Youth Development Programs. In his new role Coach Goicochea will assume responsibility for all Gotham Girls FC programs focused on the education and development of our youngest players beginning in the spring of 2012. The GGFC programs servings this age group includes the existing Gotham Girls FC Academy and additional programs being planned to introduce soccer to young children in New York City.  Not only will Coach Goicochea work directly with all the players in this age group, he will also work on developing a staff of diverse expertise to provide young players the foundation and the support so that they have every chance to truly enjoy the art of soccer.

Through previous stints coaching at Big Apple Soccer, Kosmos Greek Americans, Albertson SC as well as his current work with DUSC and GGFC, Coach Goicochea’s track record for developing players and teams that play with great technical skill, joy and bravado is unparalleled.  His success in working with kids stems from drawing upon all the lessons that experience has taught him as a young kid playing on the streets of his native Barranquilla, Colombia; a collegiate player, a professional player in Colombia as well as a current youth soccer teacher and father.  He strongly believes that any child can learn to play if you give them the proper instruction in the fundamentals, provide the emotional support necessary for kids to keep believing in themselves, bring tremendous amounts of patience, and never lose sight of the fact that coaches are here to serve the kids. 

In this capacity, Coach Jose will report directly to Manfred Kapper, Gotham Girls FC Director of Coaching.

In addition, Paul Lee will work with Jose as the Head Administrator for the Youth Development Programs. In this capacity, Paul will manage the scheduling, planning, communication and contacts for the program.  Paul is currently the GGFC U15 Samba team coordinator and has served as the coordinator of the indoor facilities committee. 

In this capacity, Paul Lee will report directly to Cindy Sirko Gotham Girls FC President.

For more information interested parties can contact:
Paul Lee, Head Administrator Youth Development Programs, Gotham Girls FC
ggandol6@mac.com

March 18, 2012

On Tuesday evening at the newly renovated indoor field at Pier 40, the internationally known Red Bulls Street Team made a surprise visit to the GGFC U12 Power Team training session. Coach Vince, a “wanna be” freestyler himself, reached out to Frankie Gonzalez, a rising star on the freestyle scene and a former signed professional player in Mexico. Frankie responded and brought the team out to play with the girls. After a good 20 minutes of group juggling and freestyling --- big props to Rachel Bondy who impressed with her “skilz” -- the girls wanted to know if these dirty tricksters were as good on the pitch as they were juggling. So without delay coach Vince helped form two GGFC teams and the last hour was a street soccer showdown.

The Redbulls team made a great run early, winning consecutive games and showing the girls what passing and movement off the ball were all about. But, ojo!, the girls responded and by the end of the hour the game became a back and forth affair with nutmegs, akkas, and sombreros on both sides of the ball. Big shouts out to Frankie, Richard, Juancho, Swizzy, Ethan and Larry for bringing the passion and the joy of the game to GGFC!

The spring 2012 Pre-Season DUSC/GGFC Tournament was an invitation only tournament featuring elite regional clubs who share our successful philosophy of player development. Over 100 boys and girls teams participated during the weekend from U8 to U12. The format emphasized small-sided elevated play and game passion while de-emphasizing pressured bracket advancement.

We want to thank our participating teams, sponsors, volunteers and Pier 40 for help making this event a huge success:

Pepe Rosso To Go
149 Sullivan St.
New York, NY 10012
http://www.peperossotogo.com

Petit Abielle
Multiple locations
http://www.petiteabeille.com

Raffetto’s Fresh Pasta Corporation
144 West Houston St., NY NY, 10012
212-777-1261

San Loco Restaurant
Multiple locations in NYC
http://www.sanloco.com

Tarallucci e Vino
Multiple Locations in NYC
15 East 18th Street NY NY
http://taralluccievino.net

For more information contact:
Boys: Gustavo Palomino: Gustavo.Palomino@dusc.net
Girls: Manfred Kapper: Manfred@kappersoccer.com