posted May 12, 2008
GPS Director of Soccer Programs and Mercer University Assistant Soccer Coach David Barrueta has brought his successful Signal Mountain Soccer Tots program to North Chattanooga.
He said, "Since my arrival three years ago, I've objectively observed the local soccer scene and feel there are many well-intentioned, positive coaches. I'd like to create a program for boys and girls ages 3 through 7 that best prepares them for the local club coaches at age 8.
"It has to be non-competitive, exciting and focused around what the kids want to do with the ball, or the dirt for that matter."
The program design will be based upon Coach Barrueta's observance of youth programs abroad, and his own firsthand experience in working with young people, he said.
"I've been fortunate to have had the opportunity to teach youth players all of my adult life and work with some incredible, technical teachers of the game - David Tenney of Major League Soccer's Kansas City Wizards, Brian Tompkins of Yale University, Bob Reasso of Rutgers University, Tom Melville of Mercer University and Tim Mulqueen of the U.S. Men's National Team. Teaching tactical strategy is exhilarating, but kids below eight years of age need to focus on ball skills and not matchplay or conditioning. Natural athleticism and competition should not be the highlight of youth play."
Coach Barrueta plans to begin the Soccer Tots program (co-ed) this summer in the form of a weekly school Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from June 2 through July 18 at the GPS Soccer Field/Visions Center.
Soccer Tots' Co-Director will be former Tennessee Temple University player and current GPS Assistant Coach Andrew Phelps. The cost will be $340 for the 20 summer sessions.
Immediately following the end of his GPS and Mercer seasons, Coach Barrueta will begin the twice-a-week Soccer Tots Youth Developmental Academy at GPS year-round. The tuition will be $20 per month per player.
He said, "Two key objectives of Soccer Tots include drawing kids from all backgrounds and delivering local soccer clubs the best possible technical players at age 8. I am excited by the prospect of working with local soccer clubs and the community in this manner."
Coach Barrueta is a former NCAA Division I player with appearances in the 1990 final against UCLA, the 1989 semifinal against Virginia and the 1987 quarterfinal against North Carolina. He was selected All-Region and All-Conference during college and was Rutgers University MVP in 1988. He amassed 40 collegiate shutouts in goal during his four years. He went on to play professionally with several teams including New England Revolution of Major League Soccer. His collegiate coaching experience includes stints at three NCAA Division I schools (Head Men's Coach at Longwood University, Assistant Men's Coach at Yale University and Assistant Men's Coach at Mercer University).
This past year, one of his former students, Vicente Arze of Mercer University, was drafted by the Kansas City Wizards of MLS and his GPS soccer team lost in the TSSAA state semifinal match to eventual state champion Battle Ground Academy.
He is the father of Michael (age 5) and Lawson (age 1). His wife, Wendy, coaches track and field at GPS.
More information is available by contacting David Barrueta at 423-933-5158 or david@davidbassociates.com.
Other local soccer programs offered by Coach Barrueta include:
+ Co-ed Soccer Camp at GPS - June 16 through June 20 at GPS from 9am-3pm (Ages 7-16/$240 Tuition/Open to Everyone)
+ AB Goalkeeper Camp with Special Guest David Tenney of MLS' KC Wizards - June 12 & 13 (call for more info)
+ Mercer University Soccer Camp at East Ridge Soccer Association's Camp Jordan Complex - July 21-25 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. (Ages 6-17/$115 Tuition/Open to Everyone)
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