Soccer

2009 EMERSON COLLEGE MEN'S SOCCER TEAM

The basic philosophy behind the men's program centers around a solid possession based game. The concept is logical and follows a simple equation.... if you have the ball the opposition cannot score. Easier said than done!

Players are taught our philosophy through a system that examines and tests the four pillars of the game :

• The Technical Individual / Skill based. Teaching the techniques needed to be a successful college player.
• The Tactical Improving strategic knowledge, decision making and problem solving skills. Understanding both systems and speed of play.
• The Physical Providing the players with optimum levels of both Aerobic and Anaerobic fitness required to play the game. Increasing awareness amongst players between nutrition and performance as well as adopting disciplined and healthy lifestyle choices.
• The Psychological Arguably the most important! Creating a fierce competitive attitude and fostering mental toughness amongst players. Aiming to develop cohesive working atmosphere and genuine comradery.

FAQ's

Frequently asked questions on all subjects concerning admissions, qualifications for the team, tryouts, and related areas of concern.

Is there soccer year-round at Emerson?

Yes. The fall season runs from camp in late August into the middle of November. Then the players generally take a recuperation break to concentrate on other things. By the return to classes in January, though, they are once again raring to go. They play indoor quite independently of the program, with time at MIT for pick-up games and also by participating in leagues at the nearby purpose built private indoor soccer complex. In March and April, official spring training begins outdoors, weather permitting (it could be indoors). Weight training should be done on your own once the traditional season ends.

How does team selection take place? How competitive is it?

Pre-season training and roster selection begins in the week before the main body of freshmen arrive, most often in the last part of August. Returning players and invited new players, usually around forty men in all, compete for one of the places on the roster. By the time of registration, we would have selected for the season, so that students can adjust themselves accordingly. The work during this period is intense, with at least six days of twice daily sessions, since we are also preparing for our opening matches.

Competition is strong. All players are expected to re-earn their place. We proceed on the assumption that we are training men who would have the situation no other way and who would never want to be a part of a program that did not require the most rigorous selection.

Current program policy allows men cut in the fall to participate in spring training for the chance to earn a second look in the following August training camp. Several players have been successful in this route over the years.

How do I get an invitation to the selection camp?

We try to give every player that we can an opportunity and we usually succeed. Space is not completely unlimited, however. For selection purposes, and so that we can know as much about you as possible before we begin evaluation, I request that you send me a soccer resume or a detailed history of your soccer background.

How often does the team practice? How do I fit in my academics?

You are attending Emerson College to take full advantage of its outstanding communication arts education and to become an educated, thoughtful, and useful citizen. Your experience as a varsity athlete and the important lessons you learn about yourself and your companions are very much a part of these goals. Accordingly, we will never allow any part of your learning experience to corrupt another.

We practice every week day, from five to seven in the evening. We expect a commitment from our players to order and maintain their academic work so that all their obligations to themselves and their teammates will be met at the very best level of their ability, inside and outside the classroom. That the unexpected always happens with college work I well understand; advice, aid, and assistance can always be discussed.

In general, I have found that the experience that many student-athletes have had during their high school years, namely that they perform actually better academically when in-season than out, continues through their college years.