Staten Island Advance
Soccer fun in the sand
The excessive heat postponed last weekend's 4th annual Back to the Beach Soccer Classic, but it looks like it's all systems go for this weekend.
The event, played on the sand of Midland Beach, will be held Saturday and Sunday. Start times for both days are 9 a.m. with the event winding down at 8 p.m. each day.
The Staten Island Youth Soccer League and the New York City Parks Department join forces to run the tournament, which has been a big hit from its inception.
"I think the kids like it because it is much different than what they are used to," said Rich Nellis, SIYSL's third vice president and tournament director. "In the sand by the beach, it’s a very different game. Not at all like the regular turf or grass and dirt fields or even the indoor gyms they play on.
"I think the coaches like it because it is small sided 4v4 (5v5 for the younger teams) it really concentrates on small touches, more passing and quicker shot attempts. It’s not like you can dribble the ball through the sand."
Staten Island Advance
Pushed for it four years ago
Hundreds of youngsters from recreation and travel teams are expected to compete this weekend.
Always look to improve their league, Nellis and the SIYSL board were looking for something of this magnitude.
"We as a board really pushed for this four years ago, along with our summer high school division, as something new and innovative," he said.
Of course, the Beach Summer Classic, couldn't go off with help from the NYC Parks Dept.
"We have to thank NYC Parks and our co-hosts from the Ocean Breeze Athletic (Center) facility for making this a reality," added Nellis.
Nellis also thanked Marybeth Russo from Our Lady of Good Counsel, Earnest Murdukhayev of the Jewish Community Center and the Soccer Best 4 U (SB4U) Academy for their help in coordinating the event.
Staten Island Advance
Elaine Lee prevails in SIWGA event
Elaine Lee shot a 73 to claim the Net division of the Women’s Classic Saturday at South Shore Golf Course.
Laura Delin (83) was second.
Ellen Gribbin won the Gross division with a 75.
Ann Marie Henderson won the Senior Gross crown with a 91 after a match of cards with Carolyn Raia. It was Henderson's second straight title.
Linda Preziosa's 68 was tops in the Senior Net category.
Photo courtesy of the Speciale family
Great Kills Nationals walk out for parade
The Great Kills Little League 11-year-old National All-Star baseball team walks out on the field holding their District and Section championship banners during opening ceremonies at the New York State Tournament Saturday in Horseheads, N.Y.
The squad is 1-0 in the tourney, which has hampered by rain, and plays tonight at 7 against White Plains LL.
A win would put GKN in the winners' bracket final.
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