Aztec Soccer Club players celebrate a goal. (Aztec Soccer Club)
Recent guests are new england soccer journal Podcast “The Goal” Aztec Soccer Junior Boys Director jeff winterton.
Winterton has been with the Aztecs, a club based on the North Shore of Massachusetts, for 20 years. The Aztec pathway begins at the U-6 level and offers competitive teams up to the U-23 level.
Last spring, Aztec was acquired by 3STEP Sports and the club continues to grow, expanding by nearly 60% over the past five years.
Winterton joins the host matt langone We discuss the club's evolution over the past 20 years, its success on the field and predictions for 2024.
The entire podcast can be accessed below and is available on all major platforms. If you enjoyed it, please leave a rating and review.
Here are some highlights from our discussion with Winterton.
If you purchase with 3STEP:
winterton: “I've seen all the iterations so to speak of Aztec Soccer Club, but we're entering a new phase. We're a fairly large sports management group based in Andover, Massachusetts. Acquired by 3STEP Group. That happened when we transitioned to this group (2023-24). I'm glad that the field experience hasn't changed much for our family. We , we feel like we have a lot of support from a group as big as them.”
Regarding navigating the club environment without the ECNL, Girls Academy, or MLS NEXT platforms:
winterton: “It's all about the development of the players. I think we stayed true to the message and true to the core of what we're trying to do. So we want a team that can compete at those levels. …I think our families can't hide what opportunities are out there now that everyone has the internet. But I think a lot of those families have this… I think you'd have to drive past our clinic and travel another hour just to chase 4 letters. I mean, MLS NEXT is another wax ball. Elevate your players to that level. I'm really happy when we can do that, but I feel like the top teams can compete with those teams.”
On the Aztecs' approach to player development:
winterton: “One of them is. Mike Kersker Founded (current club leader) Jared Scarpaci and mike bettencourt This great college mentoring program that we have is carried over. We're supporting our families – that's the point of why we're in this business – and we're telling our young players, “We're trying to get you ready for high school; I hope you all can go on to the college or university level as athletes.” . ” Many families understand that we want comprehensive support because we support them as students. ”
About the club's goals for 2024:
winterton: “It's about giving the players from A to Z, and especially the younger players, an experience that keeps them coming back. I took a picture of my 2012 sons last fall, so I saved it. Because I just want to know how many of these guys are going to be all-stars in high school. Because like I said, if you look closely (everyone – the star list) you'll see that they're all players who grew up in the club. There are a lot of players who are just starting out. Their goal is to become the best player they can be. The equation is very simple: with good training, good players, good coaching, and a good development model. , you train three days a week. And all of a sudden, five years later, you're on your high school team and the coach puts you in as a freshman and you're starting to make an impact.”
The podcast “The Goal” is new england revolution.
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