Let’s Have A Ball!

Bouncing
off the walls by day and scheming to nudge back bedtime by night, children have
boundless energy that can exhaust many parents. But there’s a perfect place
just for these spirited kids at Super Soccer Stars, a sports program abuzz with
love for sports and play.

With
bright blue walls and an artificial turf frequently strewn with rainbow-colored
cones, the Super Soccer Star field on the Upper West Side
channels a bright and cheerful children’s playhouse. So it’s no surprise that
founder Gustavo Szulansky,
who designed the space with kids in mind, is all about nurturing and
respecting the child in today’s competitive world of sports.

First
and foremost, Szulansky stresses that soccer should be joyful.
“We make it simple and we make it fun, then we deliver a very high level of
individual attention,” he says of the carefully age-differentiated curriculum. “The
idea is that you let children be children.”

This
philosophy has remained steadfast since the inception of Super Soccer Stars in
September 2000, when Szulansky realized that most of the
kids on his son’s West Side Soccer League had never played the sport. Under the
guidance and generosity of Irwin Shlachter at Rodeph
Sholom School,
Szulansky was able to test his own methods at twice
weekly practices during Shlacter’s after-school program. Eleven years later, Szulansky’s program boasts over 200 locations in the tri-state
area, with one coach for every three to seven children, based on age groups.

That
the Super Soccer Stars flagship on the Upper West Side
is a place just for kids is not an
exaggeration. Szulansky says of his design, “This is as
far as I know the only space in New York City
that was built with a very specific purpose of serving as a venue for
children’s soccer.” From the padded walls down to a set of bleachers where
parents can observe classes behind floor-to-ceiling netting, the field design
ensures that no one gets hurt amidst all the fun. “Rent-per-square-feet, it’s
probably the most expensive soccer field in the U.S.,”
he jokes.

Judging
from a jolly class of four- and five-year-olds at this learning playground one autumn
afternoon, it doesn’t seem like the kids can find any disagreement with Szulansky’s approach. Plodding across the turf in the way that children
who are still getting used to running do, the budding players dribble eagerly alongside
their coaches. Running right into the mob of kids, the instructors keep the
enthusiasm high with constant encouragement and suggestions for each student.

In
fact, it is this ability to see the world through the eyes of the kids that Szulansky believes makes his program so successful. “Paramount
to our success is how the coaches relate to children. We get a constant flow of
inquiries from former professionals or semi-pros, and while those people have
soccer skills, they don’t always relate to children,” he says. “Of course, we
have different programs—so we need people working at higher, more competitive
levels for the older kids and people who are warmer and fuzzier with the
two-year-olds.”

It’s
clear that Szulansky makes good on his hiring word. Tapping
into the young kids’ imaginations, the coaches in charge this afternoon have
their young players assume the characters of their favorite princesses and
super heroes. Unwittingly learning to control their physical movements, the preschoolers
dribble after Jasmine and Batman, cheering all along.

Founder_Gustavo_Szulansky__Photos_by_Daniel_S__Burnstein_.jpg

Striking
a balance between fun and skills development is key. “An [inexperienced] child
won’t really enjoy playing, because the stress of being thrown into a game
situation without the building blocks can really damage the experience,” Szulansky says.

That’s
not to say that kids already impassioned about soccer need to look elsewhere
for higher level training—there’s a place for them too in Super Soccer Stars’ Premier Program. While the younger groups are typically focused on motor-skill
development through play, Premier is more about competitive skill-building. More
experienced Premier players can also opt into the travel program, where 10
teams compete all over the city against others in the league.

As
the program has expanded both in age levels and reach—seemingly exponentially— Szulansky and his team continue to keep a very close eye on
the quality of their practices. “In the beginning, I would supervise every
class,” Szulansky says. Now, with almost 30 new locations in Boston
and 11 in L.A., his passionate team
makes sure that someone from the office oversees every single class and knows
every coach’s individual teaching style. In addition to a step-by-step manual
with games developed for every age group, the coaches have access to a website
with videos to help them with their instruction.

For
parents looking to get their kids moving, Szulansky champions
soccer as a highly accessible option. “If you compare soccer with baseball or
basketball or American football, it’s an amazing sport because it’s very
simple—you walk, therefore you kick,” he says.

Super_Soccer_Stars1__Photos_by_Daniel_S__Burnstein_.jpg

In
Szulansky’s opinion, soccer is also a very democratic
sport. “If you’re short or tall or heavier or leaner or a boy or a girl, it’s
totally irrelevant,” he says. And unlike other sports, like baseball where kids
are mostly on the field watching or sitting on the bench, in soccer some children
run faster than others, but everyone is out and about and moving.

Health
benefits aside, soccer provides a great forum for social learning as well. “For
many of the thousands of children that come here, this is the first time
they’re with a group of kids,” Szulansky says. “Here’s a
very simple and non-strict way they are acquiring skills that will be with them
forever: sharing, taking their turn, following directions.”

Szulansky ultimately suggests letting nature take its course,
at least in the beginning. “Bringing a child into the kitchen doesn’t make him
a little chef,” he says. “You bring a child into the kitchen so he can bang on
pots and pans and explore the forms and shapes and ingredients—soccer is the
same.”

It’s
sound advice. Considering he turned a single after-school soccer class into a widespread
and growing sports-play institution—with hopes to expand internationally—it’s
safe to say that Szulansky knows his stuff when it comes
to kids.

For more information, visit
supersoccerstars.com.

Photos by Daniel S. Burnstein


Help Your Kid Gear Up For Soccer

Thinking
about introducing your son or daughter to soccer? For little ones, leading
active lifestyles is the best preparation. Szulansky maintains
that kids don’t need to worry about actually learning the game at least until
two-years-old, when they’re ready for more focused motor skill development. Until
then, parents can simply encourage kids to learn how their bodies work,
particularly the lower body. Gross motor movements toddlers can work on
include:

-Independent walking

Balancing

Moving feet and legs in
different directions

Kicking a ball (no need to
aim!)

If
you’re buying a ball to kick around casually, look for something smaller,
softer and squishier than what the big kids use. At Super Soccer Stars, the
custom-manufactured balls are more padded and less inflated than regular soccer
balls.

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Treehouse Shakers

<div>Treehouse Shakers’ Branching OUT After-School program is for ages 12-14. This awarded program is for young people who identify as LGBTQIA+, or are seeking to become better allies. Branching OUT centers on discovering and exploring one’s story and identity through an intentionally artist-led format. During our community-based program, young people will explore and reflect on their own story to create a larger, more meaningful experience, while gaining self-empowerment and gathering with like-minded peers. Through the guidance of our awarded teaching artists, young people will create narratives that will be turned into podcasts, dances, songs or poetry. </div> <div> </div> <div>Young people have the opportunity to learn new art forms, work with professional artists, while building a meaningful community.</div>

The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center offers year-round, community-based dance and music programming in a fully inclusive and nurturing environment, located in the heart of the Brooklyn Cultural District. The School’s diverse and professional faculty provides progressive and non-competitive instruction with all of our classes accompanied by live music. Though we are a non-recital school, there are opportunities for students to perform and for parents to see their dancers in action.</span></p>

Dedimus Potestatem

<p>Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today!</p> <p>Sessions</p> <p>We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow </a>or email us at <a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a></p> <p>This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a></p> <p>Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech & Debate</a> (competitive and non-competitive programs available)</p> <p>This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a></p> <p>Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a></p> <p>Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently.</p> <p>Mock Trial (<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>)</p> <p>Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students’ civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a></p> <p>The focus of the Philosophy class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular philosophies embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these philosophies and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to <a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a></p> <p>The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics: (Ages 10-18)</a></p> <p>Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette (Ages 5 and up)</a></p> <p>Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a></p> <p>Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world.</p> <p>College application course </p> <p>Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a> </p> <p>These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a></p> <p>These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed.</p> <p>Computer Programming: Coding for Kids</p> <p>In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>