Our November Member Club Spotlight goes to Cedric Hasenfratz, aka Papi, from Liverpool FC Academy.
Papi was nominated by his colleague at LFC Academy for always going the extra mile for the children he coaches. A favorite for both parents and players, he consistently goes above and beyond to make the experience special for all. From ice cream trips after games to end of the season award nights, the little details make Papi a stand out coach.
Papi coaches 2 teams at LFC Academy, but always makes himself available in a pinch when his colleagues need him to cover a program. The NEP was bombarded with letters from Coach Papi’s team, and the consensus was almost unanimous that he is one of the best coaches around. We will let the parents and players speak for themselves.
“He doesn't talk about what players are doing wrong, he just tells them what they should be doing."
“Coach Papi took an emotionally flat and deflated group of players and made them a whole new team this year. His energy, enthusiasm, and expectations allowed the girls to begin seeing themselves as good soccer players and teammates, capable of beating any opponent. Papi goes the extra mile organizing team gatherings, finding additional playing opportunities, and coaching every player to reach her potential, both as an individual and as a team player.”
“Coach Cedric instills the values of discipline, perseverance, and hard work. Each practice is well planned to focus on skill development in a creative and engaging manner. During practices, games, and tournaments, Coach Cedric emphasizes the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. My sons have learned the importance of playing fairly, as well as, to win or lose gracefully. As a parent, I could not ask for anything more of a coach.”
“I have played with my team for only one season, but Coach Papi has made us feel like a family. Coach Papi makes each player feel like they are an important part of the team. He always knows what to say whether we win or lose. He makes sure we know that each player on the field has an important job. He always reminds us that teamwork is what wins games. Coach Papi deserves every award possible. He is the #1 COACH. I wish he could be my coach FOREVER.”
“At the young age of 8 my son had to undergo a surgery that would take him out of the game for more than a year. During those times, Coach Papi ensured that this little keeper got the attention and motivation he so needed to work hard and battle back. Coach Papi shared his own experiences of playing and healing through injuries. His kind nature, motivating spirit and love for soccer shined through when one of his players desperately needed it. Proscht Coach Papi!”
“Not every coach will treat your child like their own.
Not every coach will give all he has at practice and at games.
Not every coach will make your child feel like a crucial part of the team.
Coach Papi is not like every coach.
We can't thank him enough for all he did for our son and the team over the years.”
“Our daughter has had the opportunity to play for a couple of soccer clubs, but we can honestly say that it wasn't until she joined Liverpool that she felt like she found her soccer family. This connection can 100% be attributed to Coach Papi. Since the day she stepped on the field at tryouts, she has never doubted or questioned where she belongs.”
“For a period of time our daughter was losing interest in soccer. We can honestly say from personal experience that a coach is what makes a team. Thanks to Coach Papi, our daughter has not only become a more skilled soccer player, but her interest in the sport has turned into a passion.”
Finding a skilled and dedicated coach who is able to develop skill sets, while boosting self-confidence and self-esteem is rare, but Liverpool has found that in Coach Papi!
“He holds up to the nickname Coach Papi with his father-like and unconditional attitude and support towards his players.”
“When you have a young child entering sports, it can be overwhelming for the child and the parent. From day one, Coach Papi put both my son and myself at ease. His communication was excellent, taking us through every step of whatever he was discussing. He pushed our kids to be the best they can be - with encouragement, recognition, and self-reflection. Not only did he teach my son soccer skills, but he taught him many life lessons to take with him moving forward. They learned teamwork, perseverance, camaraderie and how to overcome obstacles. And how much soccer did they learn? Well, Papi assembled a group of friends from recess and made them a championship soccer team.”
“It is with great pleasure that I write to you about Coach Cedric and the many years he has dedicated to coaching my son. Our son was not interested in soccer until Coach Cedric, or as the kids call him “Coach Papi”, came along and showed him a higher level of the game. Coach Cedric’s dedication to practice time and team work over the years has been influential to all the boys on his team. He has learned techniques and skills to truly enjoy, understand, and appreciate the art of soccer. Coach Cedric treats his players as family and we continue to keep close contact with him. He has passed along his passion and knowledge of soccer to the boys that will stay with them forever. My son has made great friends and become a stronger athlete training with Coach Cedric over the years.”
“So our family is in agreement, it is Coach Papi's enthusiasm that sets him above other coaches! His true love of the game shines through and spreads to his players and their families. He has found a balance between challenging the girls to do better, instructing them through their mistakes, and making sure they are enjoying themselves and loving the game. We're huge fans!!!”
“His commitment to the kids is unmatched. He is always the first one on the field and the last one to leave, sometimes running from field to field. The kids know that he would never ask them to do something that he has not done himself many many times before. His expertise of the game is clearly world class. We are thrilled that he is our sons’ coach.“
“My daughter said to me the other day “Dad, I know I wasn’t excited about trying out for a new team but I’m so glad you encouraged me to give LFC a try and stick with it! I love my team!” That kind of comment can only come from a girl who is proud of her team and feels supported by all involved; which all starts with the head coach!”
Last but certainly least, a few words from Coach Papi’s favorite players, his son and daughter.
He puts effort into helping us be a better player , as a team and an individual. He takes time out of his busy schedule for us and He has a heart for everyone and everything that has to do with his soccer family.
He took not players from different countries but from my friends from school. They entered their first league and didn’t win a single game. Season after season. But Coach Papi would never give up. A couple years later, our team won the league as champions. A year later we qualified for a national tournament in NYC. He turned friends from school into champions. He never gives up on his players.
And that’s a wrap on the November Member Club Spotlight. As mentioned, we didn’t even include many of the kind words about Coach Papi.
If you know a player, coach or Director who is going above and beyond on the pitch or in their community, submit their name and story to jessie@newenglandpremiership.com
Our very first Member Club Spotlight belongs to Candice Dangora, current coach for four girls teams at Aztec.
Candice is the Assistant Coach at Salem State University and works as a special education teacher in Beverly, MA. Growing up in Beverly, she was an Aztec player herself, and came full circle by returning to the club as a coach more than10 years ago.
Candice has skills to work with both young athletes and old - including those athletes who are about to launch their own college soccer careers. She's a doer and a strategic thinker in sport. In 2021, Candice launched a new brand called, "Let's Kick It, LLC" out of Beverly, and hosted more than 100 girls in its first year for a one-week soccer camp for girls only. Recognizing the need for more female coaches in the sport, Candice raised her hand to host a women's coaching clinic this summer for the NEP as well.
Candice is also a full-time special education teacher. This detail gives further insight into her patience, her emotional intelligence with her athletes, and thoughtful long-term planning for each athlete in a sport where female coaches are the minority. She is a rare gem in the club soccer world where sometimes money and revenue can usurp best decisions and best practices for guiding young athletes and girls. She does this by staying true to her experience and her players, and is highly regarded in the soccer community. We are so happy to have you in our NEP Family, Candice!
If you would like to submit a player, coach, Director or other member of our #NEPFamily please email jessie@newenglandpremiership.com.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (Sept. 21, 2021) – US Club Soccer is launching a month-long “Importance of Coaching Education” interview series. The interviews will showcase continued coaching education efforts being made by leagues and clubs across the country and the significance of coaching education in the sport.
Starting on Wednesday, September 22, US Club Soccer will feature several league directors that have hosted U.S. Soccer Federation C, D and Grassroots coaching courses this summer. The interviews will be streamed live on US Club Soccer’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usclubsoccer.
In summer 2021, US Club Soccer has hosted over 100 courses in 12 states, and has educated over 1,000 coaches in that time span. Since 2018, US Club Soccer has hosted over 450 Grassroots and D courses. US Club Soccer has also hosted five C courses in several regions in 2021.
Full schedule is available here: https://usclubsoccer.org/us-club-soccer-launches-importance-of-coaching-education-interview-series/
Mark your calendar for Sept. 29, 2021 at 1:00 PM ET for US Club Soccer interview with New England Premiership League Director, Adam Scott.
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