PAL educates soccer coaches

Forty Merrick-area coaches recently took part in the Merrick Police Activity League’s inaugural NSCAA/LIJSL State C License Class, which certifies coaches after the three-week course and two exams. New and seasoned coaches alike dedicated their time in an effort to become more effective coaches for the kids in Merrick PAL and beyond, as Merrick PAL opened the course up to coaches from different area clubs.

"Our number one priority at PAL is to provide a better soccer experience to all of the kids in our community, wherever they play," said David Levine, a Merrick PAL coach. "And it begins with coaches who are educated, prepared and dedicated to developing our young soccer players so they have the right skills, tools and positive attitude on and off the field. It's really great that PAL can offer this course to our community coaches."

Nassau County Legislator David Denenberg spoke before the class, which was organized by Levine, Skip Haile and Manfred Kapper of Kapper Soccer. Special recognition should be given to Ed Serrao, Merrick PAL's police officer in charge, and Matt Kurzweil, Merrick PAL's travel president, for making this class possible and for their support of the program. For more information on any of Merrick PAL's soccer programs and other activities, call (516) 867-6279 or visit www.merrickpal.org