On August 25th, the South Windsor Girls’ Varsity Soccer team took a trip down to Newport, Rhode Island. There, they scrimmaged against Middletown High School Girls Varsity Soccer, and furthered their bond as a team while exploring the city.
The girls packed up their soccer bags, and together, took a day trip to Rhode Island. They began the day with a shared practice and scrimmage with a nearby high school’s Varsity team. The team finished the day with shopping, swimming at the beach, and creating everlasting memories.
Not only was this an opportunity to get some extra conditioning and practice before the season started, but the girls also used these moments as a way to get closer as a team to become a cohesive unit.
Upon entering Newport, SWHS Girl’s Varsity was greeted by Middletown’s team. Both schools exchanged conversation, getting to know one another on a better level. The conversation was followed by a quick warm up game that required speed and a fast reaction time. The rest of practice the teams scrimmaged against one another, in hopes of improving their skills before the actual season started.
Ryan Kaufman, Head Coach of the Varsity Girls’ team, used these moments to help organize the team and allow them to get a better understanding of playing with one another.
“This practice was an opportunity to build confidence as a group and try out new positions, and play in a new environment we are not used to. There was excitement of playing someone new, and the girls could rely on a little less pressure knowing that the game doesn’t matter, but it’s more about getting ready for the season,” Kaufman told The Prowl.
Following their practice, the Girls hopped back on the road and their next stop was Sachuest Beach. After enjoying sandwiches from a local deli on the sand, the girls spent time swimming in the ocean and playing beach soccer.
Senior soccer player Alyssa Tauris found this trip very beneficial to her, and the entire group, in various ways.
“I think this trip made us stronger as a team because we got to spend the whole day with each other, which helped us connect with people we hadn’t gotten a chance to talk to yet, or know on a more personal level. It allowed us to make new connections while improving our soccer skills at the same time,” Taurus said.
Finally, to finish off the trip, the girls made one more stop to some shops along the water, such as Brandy Melville, and enjoyed some ice cream while enjoying the view of the boats along the water.
Coach Kaufman knew this trip was crucial in contributing to a greater team bond.
“Spending time in a casual environment and just hanging out with your peers is important for team chemistry because at the end of the day, you’re getting to know your teammates at a more personal level,” Kaufman said.
