Our Development Academy is a summer-long training option for players looking to improve their skills with the Eclipse coaching staff. The Academy is run in the same fun, positive way Eclipse training sessions are run. The Academy is 10 sessions long with a session each Friday of summer. For more information: 2013DevelopmentAcademyFlyer

Our new summer camp gives players an option to have a fun first week of summer working on their soccer skills with the Eclipse coaching staff. The camp is June 10-13, 12:30-3pm each day. For more information: 2013EclipseSummerCampFlyer

Have questions? Contact our Girls Director Heather Dittmer at heather@eastbayeclipsesoccer.com.

Thanks to everyone who made it out to participate in our playday this past Saturday at the Campolindo turf. What a fun day it was with 150 Eclipse players coming out to play small-sided soccer without shoes! Thanks to everyone who donated shoes and/or money to the nonprofit organization Soles 4 Souls. The total donations are up to $610 and over 400 pairs of shoes, which means more than 1,000 people around the world will have a pair of shoes as a result of this drive. For more information or to donate: http://www.soles4soulsfundraising.org/shanecarney

Click here to visit our TRYOUT PAGE to find out more about dates, times, locations, and pre-registration.

The Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Academy is a five-night, six-day residential Academy that focuses on three overlapping components—sports, leadership, and community service. The aim is to expose students to Julie’s great passion: the concept of not just being a leader on the field but a LEADER IN LIFE.

The Academy offers programs in New Jersey and Illinois, and the local program is July 21-26 at Menlo College in Atherton, California.

There’s an exciting promotion that Eclipse families should know about: If between 10-19 girls register from Eclipse, Julie will make a free appearance for the Club in 2013 and each family that registered will get $50 off their registration cost.  If 20 or more girls register, that same holds for her appearance, and each family will get $100 off their registration cost.

Learn all about the Academy and Register online: http://www.juliefoudyleadership.com/

Questions?  Contact Eclipse BOD President, Ann Kletz at akletz@sbcglobal.net.  Ann has worked with Julie and the Academy for the past 6 years, and she would be happy to answer your questions and help you assess fit for your daughter.

Jack’s story in his own words:

“Coming into high school, I had no idea what sport I was going to play. I had pretty much played every sport throughout my childhood, but I never really took any of it serious, as I wasn’t amazing at any of the sports I tried. I had always played rec soccer, playing goalie here and there, but I wasn’t that great. In high school, I had no idea what sport to play, but I knew I had to do something. When soccer tryouts freshman year rolled around, I heard some guys talking about it at school, and I thought, “Yeah, I’ll try it out with my friends and see if I like it”. But little did I know what I was getting myself into. I showed up to tryouts with cleats I had had for 5 years, oversized shin guards, bright green socks, no athletic shorts, and most importantly, I didn’t even have keeper gloves, which is the position I tried out for. Of course, I was bad, and looked like a fool, but I was aggressive and somehow caught the eye of the JV coach. But, at the end of tryouts, I was cut. I was angry but not that disappointed, as I never played club or anything like that, and it seemed like everyone else there did. Two days later, I get an email from the JV coach saying he wants me out at practice, because he needs another goalie, even when he already had 3. I jumped for joy as to me it was a true miracle. I went out and bought my first pair of gloves, not expecting ever to play, just happy to be on a team. When I got to practice for the first time, as I had missed the first couple because I was originally cut, I was welcomed to the team. I had never been a part of something so close and special. As time went on, I progressed and progressed and learned the ropes of being a keeper, but by the end of the year I only had a little over 30 minutes of playing time, as in one game, two other goalies got hurt. So, I decided maybe soccer just wasn’t for me. At the end of the season, I thought, “why should I come out next year? Nothing is ever going to come of this. It’s just not for me.” I thought like this for a long time until, Shane, the varsity coach, sent out an email about a club he was starting up. At first I really didn’t think anything of it because I had never done it before, but one day I thought, “this could be my saving grace. I’ll try out and play as a field player,” but when tryouts came around I realized I couldn’t play field, because being in the goal is where I love to be. It was such an awesome feeling because I was the only keeper on this team, so I was guaranteed playing time and the way the club was ran was exactly what I wanted. Although it didn’t have the intensity of some other clubs, we were still serious and held our own in tournaments but had more fun then we would have on any other team. The year went on, I had a blast with the team at Eclipse, and I progressed more, and somehow, I came out to high school tryouts my sophomore year and made varsity. It was unbelievable. I thought, “How could the 4th string JV goalie come out and make varsity”, but I did it, and I wanted to keep working hard. Soon after I realized I really wouldn’t get playing time, but I wasn’t disappointed, because this team was so fun, enthusiastic and family-oriented that made it not matter, as long as I could do what I could to make the team better and just be out there. Later I thought I might never get playing time in my high school career, but nonetheless, I kept working hard. My second Eclipse season felt awesome. I felt like a veteran club player, knew all the ropes and things to do, but I had only one club season under my belt. My Junior year rolls around, and I thought maybe I had a chance this year. Little did I know I would be starting and playing in every game. This is truly a miracle of how things turned out. I honestly have no idea where I would be socially and academically if it wasn’t for soccer. I am so blessed and thankful for the way things worked out in my favor, and I am hopeful for the future. Soccer taught me there is always hope. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. These last three years of soccer have made me who I am today. It taught me no matter what, as long as you work hard, you can do anything you put your mind to. Somehow, the freshman goalie who was cut, is now the starting varsity goalie as a junior. Unbelievable.”

Benji Senderowicz, Jack’s Eclipse coach this past season: “It’s great having Jack on the team in goal. He’s always a willing learner and as a result, he’s continually improving. He’s as brave as a lion, and he’s growing in confidence with every game he plays and every shot he stops.”

Shane Carney, Jack’s first Eclipse coach and current Campolindo coach: “I could not be prouder of Jack’s development as a player. He has put in the time and effort to earn the starting spot on varsity – something that seemed almost impossible just two years ago. He has made me extremely proud as his coach at both Eclipse and at Campo, as he consistently strives to improve while always keeping a positive attitude. Both on and off of the field, Jack’s confidence has grown along with his skills. He serves as a positive part of his club and school teams and is a great role model for the young Eclipse players.”

New Girls Director – Heather Dittmer

Heather was one of the first coaches hired in Eclipse’s history and has coached for the club for two seasons. Prior to coaching for Eclipse, Heather coached at the collegiate level as an assistant coach at Saint Mary’s College, the University of North Carolina-Charlotte and Western Carolina University. Heather played college soccer for Western Carolina and played professionally after college. She is also a regular coach at the Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Academy each summer. Off of the soccer field, Heather is a co-founder of the nonprofit organization Upward Roots and is currently finishing up her Masters in Humanities at San Francisco State University.

Heather on her new role: “I am extremely excited about taking on a leadership role with Eclipse and working with the staff to develop well-rounded players and strong leaders. I strongly believe in the mission of the club and am eager to support the development of the organization. My experience coaching at varying levels has provided me with a unique perspective and set of skills that I look forward to bringing to Eclipse.”

New Boys Director – Luis Pinto

Luis joined Eclipse at the beginning of the 2012 season and had an immediate impact on the club, as he coached the U10 Boys and U14 Girls teams and served as the leader of the club’s indoor soccer games. Luis, who is originally from Peru, enjoys the variety of styles Eclipse incorporates into the experience of its players. In addition to coaching for Eclipse, Luis has coached at Hayward High School, Tennyson High School and Chabot College. He also referees and coaches at Bladium’s indoor soccer complex. Off of the field, Luis can’t get away from soccer, as he enjoys watching soccer and playing the FIFA video game in his free time.

Luis on his new role: “I’m very very excited to start working for Eclipse as an Assistant Director. I’m looking forward to helping the coaches come up with their coaching plans and seeing them develop. I’m looking forward to planning out events, tournaments, and friendlies, getting the players ready to step it up into year three of Eclipse, challenging them but at the same time allowing them to have fun and keeping them wanting to come to practice every day. Most importantly, I’m excited about keeping the Eclipse philosophy alive, using all aspects of soccer (beach, indoor, futsal and outdoor) to help improve the kids skills and have a really fun and great time along the way.”

Head Coaches of the Month

Coach: Heather Dittmer

Teams: U12 Girls

Heather celebrates with the U12 girls after getting 3rd at the Sierra Gold Halloweenfest

About Heather: Heather is in her second year coaching for Eclipse. She played college soccer at Western Carolina and played professionally in the WPSL and W-League. She has also worked as an assistant coach at Charlotte University and Saint Mary’s College.

Heather on coaching at Eclipse: “I really enjoy coaching at Eclipse because all of my players and parents are amazing.”

Heather’s favorite Eclipse moment: “My favorite moment was watching my team celebrate after scoring the goal in the 3rd place game this weekend at the Sierra Gold tournament.”

What the families say: “ I have watched her with the girls for two years now and cannot say enough positive stuff about her.  She holds the girls accountable, but also let’s them enjoy themselves.  She has been an unbelievable coach/mentor.  She gives the girls a great gift, she believes in them.  They feel that.  Personally, I couldn’t have wished for a better coach for these last two years.” -Jon Zuber

What the director says: “Heather has a major impact on every player that she coaches. She is an oustanding role model for the girls and teaches them the right way to play the game. She has an incredible demeanor that fosters an environment of respect, responsibility and fun.” -Shane Carney, Director

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Coach: Jimmy Adranly

Teams: U11 Boys Lunar

Jimmy with his U11 team after earning second place at the Heritage 6v6

About Jimmy: Jimmy is in his first year coaching for Eclipse. Jimmy played goalkeeper for Campolindo High School and Chapman University. In addition to coaching for Eclipse, he is also an assistant coach at Campolindo High School.

Jimmy on coaching at Eclipse: “ It’s different than any other club soccer team I’ve been around. It has a different vision and philosophy than any other club I’ve played for. It’s not just about developing the kid’s soccer skills, but teaching them skills they’ll use the rest of their lives. The higher ups in the club don’t try and micromanage my practices and game plans. They let me be creative and be my own person.”

Jimmy’s favorite Eclipse moment: “I’d have to say my favorite part is hanging out with the kids at the tournaments and just seeing how hard they work during the games and how much fun they have off the field. This last tournament in Placerville, we were down in every game, but each game we fought back, never gave up and ended up with 2 ties. To see the satisfaction on the kids’ faces after the game was priceless. Even if we would have lost, I know they’d still have the same amount of fun in the pool and at the hotel.”

What the families say: “Jimmy exemplifies what youth coaches should be:  fun, knowledgeable, in touch with his players, a positive role model, an ethical person, responsible, passionate, respected by his players, reliable and thoughtful. If we could clone Jimmy, I would love for every family to get to experience what it’s like to have a great coach like him” -Stacy Giglio

What the director says: “Jimmy has been a huge addition to Eclipse this year and has helped the U11 boys develop into a team on and off of the field. He is able to find the perfect mix of fun and discipline that keeps the boys focused and enjoying practices at the same time. When watching the U11 boys, it is clear that Jimmy has had a massive impact on the team.” -Shane Carney, Director

Assistant Coach of the Month

Coach: Ariel Ramirez

Teams: U11 Girls

Ariel (right) dresses up with fellow coaches for a pre-Halloween practice

About Ariel: Ariel is in her first year as an assistant coach with Eclipse. In addition to coaching for Eclipse, Ariel is in her second season playing for Eclipse. She also plays soccer at Miramonte High School.

Ariel on coaching at Eclipse: “I love coaching at Eclipse because everyone is ready to work hard but also have a lot of fun at the same time.”

Ariel’s favorite Eclipse moment: “My favorite moment with Eclipse was going to the Stockton tournament with the whole club and being able to watch all of the Eclipse teams.”

What the coaches say: “Ariel has been an amazing assistant coach. She is always very helpful.” -Sydney Bricker, U11 Girls Solar Coach

What the director says:  ”Ariel has been a terrific assistant coach for Eclipse. She has a great connection with the U11 girls age group that she helps out with, as the girls enjoy her but also respect her. She also has a clear love for the club as a whole, as she is always willing to help out anywhere she is needed. ” – Shane Carney, Director

Five Eclipse teams came home with honors from this weekend’s tournaments:
U11 Girls Lunar – 1st Place at WC Octoberfest
U10 Boys – 2nd Place at Sierra Gold Halloweenfest
U13 Girls Lunar – 2nd Place at WC Octoberfest
U12 Girls – 3rd Place at Sierra Gold Halloweenfest
U9 Boys – Best Costume at Solano Kick or Treat