75°
Everton America CT, a premier soccer club based in Norwalk, received a visit from Everton FCs Academy coach Paul Harris. Everton FC is a member of the English Premier League and currently sits in eighth place.
Everton FCs coaching curriculum, known as The Everton Way, has produced more than 26 players for its first team, including world-renowned talent Wayne Rooney. While in Connecticut, Harris had the opportunity to work with every player in the Norwalk club, from the youth academys 6- to 10-year-olds to the premier team's 11- to 18-year-olds. He was impressed with what he saw.
The players have made huge progress since my last visit 12 months ago. The coaches have done a great job implementing the Everton Way and every player continues to develop within the club. His visit also coincided with some successes on the field. The Everton U12 boys, who worked with Harris three times over the 10 days, sealed a 2-0 victory over FC Somers on April 30 to move in to the last eight of the New York Cup. They then went on to defeat FC Westchester on Sunday evening in a 5-0 victory.
Harris was delighted. The team played some excellent football, in the same style that our Academy plays back in England, I am particularly impressed by the technical ability of the boys, some of which could give our Academy players a run for their money.
He also got to see the U15 boys advance in the State Cup with a victory over Northeast at Evertons home fields in Norwalk. Also, the U14 boys ran out winners in the Glastonbury Soccer Spring Warm-Up tournament. The team won three games and tied one, scoring six goals and conceding two.
Coach John Davies was thrilled with the team's play. We played some excellent football and finished our chances when they presented themselves. Well done to the boys! We now look forward to the Needham Tournament over Memorial Day weekend, where we will hope to continue our success.
If you would like more information about Everton America CT and the various programs it offers, contact Rich at rwilliams@evertonamericact.com.
Are you a soccer fan? Do you know about the Everton Way?
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
