For the first time ever ASA is participating in the Men’s CCL Pro23 League over the summer! The Pro23 League is offered by CCL as a way to give a competitive training and game environment to U16-U23* players during the summer. The goal is also for players who have recently graduated or are home for the summer to have the opportunity to stay involved with their clubs.
*There are a handful of roster spots open to players over 23 years old.
Each week this summer we’ll be highlighting a different Pro23 player to share his background and soccer pathway. This week we’d like to introduce Scott Senkier, ASA coach, and one of the oldest members of the team.
How did you get involved with ASA’s Pro23 CCL team?
I coach the 2004 Girls in ASA’s Academy program (and before that I coached the 03 and 04 boys) and I also coach Futsal ID. I’ve played with Coach Hanna before, so he reached out about joining the team. I was pumped for the opportunity and gladly accepted.
Tell us a little bit about your playing background.
I grew up just north of New York City and played club soccer for Black Watch Premier, ODP for Eastern New York, and NCAA DIII college soccer at the US Coast Guard Academy. I’ve continued to play in coed and competitive men’s leagues since I graduated from college (I even met my wife playing on a coed team in DC!).
Was there an experience growing up that really stands out to you as a moment where you knew you wanted to continue your soccer career?
When I was 10 years old, my brother was playing in the New York State HS Regional Final and his team lost in heartbreaking fashion. I remember seeing how sad his teammates were, but also how close of friends many of them had become. I wanted to have those types of relationships and soccer has always provided that, whether coaching or playing.
What do you hope to get out of your CCL Pro23 experience?
As one of the older members of the team, I want to guide and mentor the younger guys to learn and adopt the ASA style of play.
Is there any advice you could give to your younger self (or a current high school player) about how to approach his or her soccer journey?
Love the game and push yourself outside your comfort zone. Put in extra work outside of practices and games, whether it be pickup soccer, practicing technical skills at home, or watching a pro game on TV.
Finally — what are one or two of your favorite qualities that you look for in a teammate?
Ability to smile/laugh on the field, and 2) ability to support your teammates in tough situations.
Thanks Scott! Come out and cheer on the ASA team during their first home game, Friday June 7th, 8pm @ Witter.
