Saturday, January 27, 2007

Soccer Schools Help Players Sharpen Skills while Traveling Abroad

Young soccer players around the world can sharpen their soccer skills and get a stamp on their passports while doing it. EduKick offers soccer players the chance of a lifetime to attend a full-year or half-year academic soccer school in destinations worldwide. Players can learn about foreign cultures, train with professional soccer coaches, and even learn a new language.

Students who attend any of the EduKick soccer boarding school programs get the chance to gain a broader outlook while living overseas. Not only do players become more skilled in their soccer game, they live the daily experience of another culture, from speaking a new language to the foods they eat. Students learn to be a part of a team outside of their families.

In a recent press release, Richard Hough, whose son is in the EduKick program in the U.K., said: “We are very impressed with EduKick’s soccer school program. Our son is currently enrolled in an EduKick year-long football course and it’s everything EduKick promised and much more! My son is receiving quality professional soccer training daily and the Football Studies course at the college is just perfect for him.”

The EduKick boarding schools are located in fantastic countries such as Italy, Brazil, England, France, and Spain. Each country offers a very unique experience to the players and the players learn the style of soccer specific to that country. EduKick offers phenomenal foreign coaching through its affiliated professional coaches and clubs; including the Blackburn Rovers Football Club in England, the family of Luis Aragones (coach of Spanish national Team) in Spain, and Ascoli Calcio of the Italian Serie A in Italy.

The EduKick soccer schools are designed for competitive soccer players, both male and female, who aspire towards playing collegiate and/or professional levels of soccer. The boarding schools are for both high school and university level students between the ages of 10 and 24.

Enrollment is now open for EduKick’s soccer schools program. Visit www.EduKick.com or call 866-338-5425 to get started on an exciting international soccer career.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Balanced Mind and Body Training Develops Excellence in Today’s Youth

Balanced Mind and Body Training Develops Excellence in Today’s Youth

Most parents believe that self-esteem is directly related to success in life. Yet, it is one advantage they can’t directly give their children. Self-esteem is gained through personal accomplishment and the expanding confidence of children as they take on more responsibility.

However, parents can give their children experiences and education that encourage achievement and independence. A combination of activities that challenge a child’s mind and body are a perfect way to help children grow into confident, well rounded adults.

The benefits of participating in youth sports

Research indicates that participation in sports often promotes healthy development in kids and teens. According to a study done by the American Sport Education Program, athletic training builds an appreciation of personal health and fitness in young people. They also found that it improved self image, social skills and taught children how to cope with disappointment.

The advantages of athletic training at professional and international levels

Kids that show an affinity for a particular sport, such as soccer, can really benefit from professional training at an international level. The world of international soccer is highly competitive and offers new opportunities for achievement to youngsters who love the sport.

Look for camps, schools and training programs that are lead by coaches with experience playing soccer professionally in the international arena. Full-immersion international programs are especially desirable since they give children an opportunity to strengthen athletic skills and expose them to another language and culture

The benefits of learning foreign languages

Students who learn foreign languages tend to score higher on the standardized tests in English. Thus, learning a new language actually improves a student’s grasp of English. Evidence also suggests that children who study a second language are more creative and better at complex problem solving.

Americans fluent in other languages have a deeper understanding of our culturally diverse world and more career opportunities. In addition to sharpening a child’s mind, learning a second language can directly impact their chance of future success.

The advantages of full-immersion language learning
Full-immersion language programs are a fast growing, wildly successful way for kids become bi-lingual. In these programs, students travel abroad and spend a great deal of time speaking and listening to a second language.

Immersion programs are possibly the most effective type of foreign language instruction available. Students involved in such programs can be expected to achieve more fluency than those studying in traditional settings. These advanced skills foster pride and pave the way for adult accomplishments

Full-immersion sports and language training uniquely encourages kids’ potential

Traveling abroad is an experience that gives a sense of independence in children, a key aspect to creating self-esteem. When this is combined with the advantages of professional sports training and serious foreign language study kids are destined to win in the game of life. EduKick offers a full-immersion soccer and language experience in several European countries. (http://www.edukick.com)

Visit http://www.edukick.com/soccercamps.asp?cat=122 today to register your child for a full-immersion soccer and language experience. You can also sign up for a free newsletter about international youth sports and studying abroad at http://www.edukick.com.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Check out the EduKick "My Space" Soccer Page!

Attention EduKick Soccer fans...Check out our new "My Space" Soccer Webpage!

http://myspace.com/edukick

Post comments, email to a freind, or just enjoy thepicture and videos of EduKick Soccer Programs.

Contact EduKick today at 1-866-edu-kick (338-5425) to inquire about our Soccer Boarding Schools, Summer Camp, Monthly Programs, and Custom Team Tours!

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

How Spring Break in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Could Change Your Child’s Life

How Spring Break in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Could Change Your Child’s Life

“I can easily trace my interest in languages back to that trip I took as a kid,” said Joseph Bilotta, co-owner of EduKick. “I remember feeling a sense of confidence upon returning home, I new that I was wiser and it made me feel special." Joseph now speaks English, Spanish, and Italian and is a certified bilingual instructor as well as a licensed soccer coach and seasoned youth soccer camp specialist.

Joseph Bilotta and Corey Zimmerman, owners and operators of EduKick International Soccer Camps, started out as childhood team mates and became life long friends and business partners. As teenagers, Bilotta and Zimmerman traveled to Germany to with their youth soccer team to compete against German players. Both men believe that this was a pivotal experience in their lives.

Now they are sharing the benefits of international travel, language study, and professional soccer training abroad with youth players worldwide by providing year-long academic soccer boarding schools, summer soccer and language camps, Spanish & Soccer Spring Break Camps, and custom soccer team tours abroad.

Intense Language, Cultural, and Physical Training in one Vacation
EduKick International Soccer Schools and Soccer Camps are proud to introduce Spring Break and Summer Camps in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Students who attend EduKick Vallarta will be learning and practicing on the campus of the "El Colegio Americano", an American school located minutes from the beach!

Players register for a seven (7) day course. During the Spanish immersion soccer program your child would either 'home stay" with a Mexican family or stay at Plaza Pelicanos, a three star hotel in Puerto Vallarta's hotel district.

Not only will students enjoy the excitement of international travel but also receive daily Spanish language instruction, excursions to the beach and mountains, social events, and Mexican cultural education. All of these activities are combined with daily high-level professional soccer training, forming a unique learning experience that your child will never forget.

About Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta lies on Bahia Banderas, the second largest natural bay in North America and has over 100 miles of coast line. It is perfect for beach lovers, offering activities such as whale watching, parasailing, snorkeling and wind surfing. The surf is normally very calm and safe for swimming year around.

Sunsets are magnificent and there are many places to experience fine dining and local cuisine. As a part of EduKick’s Vallarta 2007 program, students will be taken on eco-excursions to visit the beaches and the jungle of the Mexican coast.

Top Notch Mexican Soccer Training
Participating youth will train daily under the direction of EduKick Mexico General Director, Armando Cosilion's CODEFUT Soccer School (based in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico). Mr. Cosilion is an experienced, licensed Mexican soccer coach and owner of, "CODEFUT Soccer School!

The international soccer scene is highly competitive. Training abroad will strengthen your child’s soccer skills in a way that no local training camp could, disciplining their minds and bodies and distinguishing them as soccer players. At EduKick, students receive a combination of personal, one on one training, as well as team focused training that will help them excel in the international arena.

EduKick focuses on four key areas of player development:
· Strength and Conditioning
· Technical Precision
· Tactical Development
· Sport Psychology

The Benefits of Training Abroad

America is becoming more and more diverse. Knowing about a variety of cultures will be invaluable to your child as they navigate through life. Bilingual Americans are in high demand, especially those fluent in Spanish, as the Hispanic population in America is growing rapidly.

Students who immerse themselves in another culture will learn a foreign language more quickly and fluently. This kind of full immersion helps a student understand and use not only the grammar and vocabulary of another language but the context and dialects of that language as well.

EduKick Vallarta provides such a full immersion experience for its participants. EduKick Soccer Camps open your child’s eyes to the world outside our country and open up new opportunities for them within our country. Plus, they will train and compete with coaches and foreign players who take soccer very seriously. You son or daughter will return home from the EduKick camp with new soccer skills and experiences that can only be obtained by an international travel experience.

Register Today to Secure Your Child’s Spot
Make the next vacation truly meaningful by giving your soccer playing child a Spanish language study and soccer training experience of a lifetime!

Visit http://www.edukick.com/soccercamps.asp?cat=122 to learn more or register now for EduKick’s Spring Break Soccer Training Camp. Edukick also offers a free International Soccer Training newsletter, available at www.edukick.com.
Call EduKick toll-free at 1-866-Edu-Kick (338-5425).

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Attend an International Soccer Boarding School

How to Attend an EduKick Soccer Boarding School Abroad
Training and studying abroad in an EduKick international soccer boarding school equips young student-players for life’s challenges in a way no other experience can. Not only will they be prepared for a competitive international soccer environment, they will learn a deep appreciation for a new language and culture as well. By participating in an EduKick Soccer Boarding School Program, a player distinguishes himself from his peers as a soccer player by committing to a year-long soccer development training course abroad. Players learn that the world is much bigger than their neighborhood and they begin to consider their potential within this "bigger" world!

Preparation:
Start preparations as soon as possible. The registration deadline is June 1 but ideally families should register their soccer player at least six (6) months before school starts in September (to provide ample time to secure the Student Visa). This is truely an exciting opportunity, and there are many things to think about, so give yourself as much time as possible. EduKick is accepting "Year-Long" Soccer Boarding School Registrations now! APPLY NOW!

Acquiring a Visa:
The required Student Visa allows your child to live in the host country for the duration of the EduKick Soccer School Program. This process can take a few months to complete, and requires a valid passport. Once you have registered for this course, EduKick will guide you through the process for securing a visa from your host country. If a player has a European Union passport the process for registering is even more simple!

Student Visa Information:
Italy: Britain: France: Spain: Brazil:

Enrolling in the European School:
EduKick guides all participating student and their families through the process of enrolling with the affiliated European High School or University.
Supervision:
Close supervision is a critical aspect of international student travel. EduKick provides bilingual directors for each group to assure twenty-four-hour guidance for the partcipating players. EduKick staff regularly accompany year-long soccer boarding school students for the first week of the program to help them settle in to their new environment. Soccer School students move as a "Team" at all times and are not allowed to leave or do activities on their own.

Professional Soccer Training:
EduKick Soccer Schools prepare our students for the competitive environment of international soccer. Students train two to three days of the week as part of a team and two to three days with internationally renowned EduKick coaches. We keep our coach/teacher to athlete ratio low to assure proper attention to your child’s soccer instruction. Partcipating players receive two (2) Technical Soccer Reports and a 6-8 minute EduKick Personal DVD VIDEO showcasing the player's skills and outlining their participation in the soccer boarding school course. EduKick advocates for all its clients to reach the next level in their soccer dreams. The techincal reports, DVD Video, and "recommendation letters" (provided upon request) from technical coaching staff overseas and from EduKick, Inc. front office are meant to aid players in promoting themselves and building their Soccer Résumé.
EduKick Soccer Boarding Schools Players are scouted principally on observation during specific oriented soccer course activities, including: open training sessions, matches or tournaments. For players who have a high ability of play, pre-engagements (professional soccer trials) may be set with some affiliated professional clubs. In these cases, EduKick Inc., though it's partner football/soccer oganizations abroad, will follow-up and make arrangements on behalf of the player (upon receiving permission from the family of any youth player). Professional soccer trials are not a service that is guaranteed or included in the tuition fee for the Soccer Boarding School Programs. Only a selct few players will be considered for any professional trials at the program's conclusion.

EduKick focuses on Key Aspects of Skill Development:
- Strength and Conditioning Plus
- Technical Precision
- Tactical Development
- Sport Psychology Coaching

Keeping in Touch:
International phone cards are a great way for your child to keep in touch with you. They are readily available, easy to use, and allow you to monitor your spending. Email access is provided at all EduKick venues. Soccer school students are also allowed to come back home for two scheduled vacations (Easter and Christmas).

Academics:
Academics are a major focus of our programs, and comprise a large part of our student’s daily lives. Classes are structured similarly to the US, by subject and hour, with regular evaluations. Class attendance is mandatory, and parents receive an attendance record and progress report at Christmas break and at the end of the program. In all High School boarding school programs offered by EduKick the students cannot leave the school building during the day.

Learning the Language:
Attending an academic program taught totally in the foreign language presents a great challenge for students. We encourage our students to study as hard as they train to achieve the best overall results. They will greatly progress with their language and social acquisition through the duration of this unique nine-month program abroad. While EduKick does provide bilingual monitors, teachers and coaches, they still encourage the players to try to speak in the local language as much as possible. This maximizes the benefits of the language immersion element of the EduKick "year-long" program.

Culture:
Living abroad allows our students to experience the rich culture and customs of another country. Not only will the player experience the day-to-day life of their home city, but EduKick offers periodic cultural excursions as well. No other soccer boarding school offers the deep cultural immersion that the EduKick program delivers. The confidence and knowledge our students acquire through our international soccer schools will last a lifetime.

EduKick welcomes interested and qualifying players to register today...and attend an EduKick Soccer Boarding School Abroad for the Language & Culture Soccer Experience of a Lifetime!

INQUIRE HERE FOR ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION
Watch the EduKick Soccer News
See the EduKick Media Center
Read a recent EduKick Soccer Schools Press Release
Listen to a recent EduKick Soccer Podcast Interview
Visit the EduKick Blog Page - updates on EduKick/post comments
Review the EduKick Articles Page - Soccer, Education & Teen Issues

Contact:
Joey Bilotta, V.P.
www.edukick.com
Tel: (905) 469-5661Toll-Free: 1(866) Edu-Kick (338-5425)Fax: (905) 469-5971SKYPE (VOIP): edukicksoccer
"The Language & Culture Soccer Experience of a Lifetime"