Our Middle School Boys’ and Girls’ soccer teams have worked hard and achieved winning seasons as they head into their final week of competition next week in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League. The Middle School Boys’ team also got special training at a recent practice from a guest coach — former Major League Soccer (MLS) player, Rich Balchan.

The 23-member Middle School Boys’ team, under head coach David O’Connell, has an overall record of 7 wins, 1 loss, and 1 tie, and in league play has 5 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie. The 22-member Middle School Girls’ team, under head coach Casey Hopwood,  is 3-3-1 in the league, with an overall record of 3 wins, 4 losses, and 1 tie. Check out the Athletic Calendar on the ACS website or ACS Family App for next week’s game information. Come on out and cheer on our Cougars to victory!

Coach O’Donnell invited Balchan to work with the Middle School Boys’ team and felt his input had a positive impact on his young players. Balchan played professional soccer from 2011-2017, including stints with two MLS teams — the Columbus Crew in Ohio and the Real Salt Lake in Utah. Balchan now lives in Atlantic County and is the Director of Coaching at Hamilton Elite FC, a youth soccer club in Mays Landing.

“Our boys really got some good insight into the kind of skills and discipline that are needed to become a professional athlete,” O’Donnell said.  At their September 30 practice, Balchan led the players in passing and receiving skills and guided them on game play movement, positioning, and strategy.  He also posed with the players for a team photo during the practice.