Undefeated NJX Inter Crowned Jersey Coast U8 Boys Premier Champions - Spring 2010

NJX Inter, Coached by Paul Golden and trained by Rich Pekmezian, formed in NJX as U7s in the 2009-2010 season.  Featuring 10 players only so that kids could realize significant playing time the team has enjoyed tremendous development success and have created a wonderful environment for players and parents alike to enjoy the game.

The team has earned an unblemished record of 10-0 in each of the fall and spring NJ Coast league seasons while scoring 88 goals and allowing only 14.  The team desired and their development needs demanded that they seek greater competition against the strongest U9 teams (playing up one year) in the state and against these teams, Inter likewise faired impressively winning at least 80% of these games.

But the winning, while important, isn't what is most impressive.  The playing style of the team is collaborative and attacking oriented.  They are a great "watch" akin to their older "brother" team NJX Xtreme.  The ball moves quickly and with amazing precision for such young lads in all directions.  The team does not simply force the ball forward but instead looks, and thinks and then executes the best and in many instances the most skillful way to solve the opponent often times going backwards and laterally while awaiting the right moment to press the attack.  This makes for some very exciting and intelligent soccer to observe.

The team defends in all thirds of the field and is fortunate to have an amazing goalkeeper who in addition to being a great shot stopper has superb feet and who understands that when he has the ball in his hands he is the first attacker.  He often initiates great passing sequences that lead directly to goals from the keeper position.  Inter goalkeepers are trained by NJX staff coach Matt Woolston who has worked with the Inter keepers for 2 years.

Recently, the team added Marcus Fish as an assistant coach as he apprentices for a similar role he will play on the NJX Chelsea team (fall U7).  Marcus brings great passion, energy, knowledge and experience to the team and the boys like and respect him.  (Coach Marcus still plays actively in a competitive men's league). 

Finally, Inter is fortunate to have an outstanding parents group.  Parents who "get it".  They support their sons and the sons of others.  They support Coach Paul.  They handle winning and losing as events that will occur and without fuss or fanfare.  And they seem to have a heck of a lot of fun on the sidelines and at tournaments.

Bravo to NJX Inter!