Monthly Archives

September 2016

SOCCER

SOCCER IS A LIFELONG Pursuit

By | Issue Sep-Oct 2016 | No Comments

Plaza Sports Center isn’t just for kids! It’s great to play at Plaza as an adult! Check out some of the reasons why soccer is a lifelong activity for the whole family to enjoy.

Covered Fields

You won’t melt on our two covered fields! We also have uncovered grass fields, but many players choose to practice in the shade, where it’s more comfortable and safe against the blistering Texas sun.

Turf Fields

Increasingly, professionals are playing on turf fields; at Plaza you can practice like pros! A flat playing field allows for fast passing without bumps or grass affecting the ball. The give of the field reduces impact on knees, which is especially noticeable during our SoccerFIT classes. You’ll always find a space to play at Plaza; we are the only facility in the RGV with four 7v7 turf fields!

Customer Service

Every member of the Plaza team is dedicated to making sure you and your family have a great time. Whether helping you find the equipment you need at our on-site store or signing you up for a class or tournament, you’re treated right at Plaza.

Community

Our players come to think of their teammates as their Plaza family, and our coaches as friends. Plaza’s adult leagues are a great place to connect with other players of your skill level and beyond. Play friendly games and meet players whose skills inspire you to train hard. You could even be that inspiration to a younger player!

Trained Referees

Part of the focus of Plaza’s sports education is sportsmanship. To maintain fairness on the field, we employ trained referees who can help players learn respect for the rules of the game. When everyone plays by the same rules, we have more fun.

Team Discounts

We give our teams a discount who stay to eat together at Fuera de Lugar. We also offer other promotions for independent teams who want to play at Plaza. Joining Plaza’s network of teams means you can find new opponents easily, so your players can see more competitive matches. Were you a Plaza team some time ago? You are always welcome to return!

Flexible Schedules

Plaza’s leagues are on a fixed, regular schedule so you don’t have to check when you’re playing every week – you can plan ahead knowing exactly when you’re playing. Classes are flexible in that you can always come to a later one if you didn’t make it to your regular class. Registering for a league or tournament is also easy; our staff will help you find a time to play that works for your schedule.

SOCCER

SoccerFit 1

Soccer Fit

By | Issue Sep-Oct 2016 | No Comments

Want to improve your fitness but don’t know where to start? Tired of going to the gym and seeing no results? Plaza Sports Center’s new SoccerFit Program can be the solution to your problems!

By Karen Villareal

What sets SoccerFit apartfrom other classes and

programs is variety.

Our instructors understand that in order to achieve the highest level of fitness, you have to develop strength, speed, agility endurance and cardiovascular capacity. This is why our SoccerFit classes feature a mix of cardio, running, strength training and drills. The classes are held in Plaza Sports Center’s artificial turf to provide a soft surface that minimizes impact and damage to your bones and joints. The boot camp style classes are fast-paced and change everyday so it’s impossible for participants to get bored.

Program participants have seen a big difference from just a few weeks of classes.

“In the four and a half weeks that I’ve been with the program, I’ve lost about 9 lbs. and about six inches,” said Laura Macias, one of the SoccerFit program participants. Macias, a busy mom with young kids, joined SoccerFit after struggling to find an exercise program that would fit her schedule. She decided to give SoccerFit a try because of the variety of times that were offered.

SoccerFitThe program has worked even better than she expected.

“It’s a program that has worked for me because the trainer is really hands on and involved. He’s with the group all the time,” says Macias. “It’s not like a gym where you workout by yourself. Coach Luis actually walks you through your workout and pushes and motivates you.”

screen-shot-2016-09-13-at-11-30-27-amSoccerFit allows individuals of all fitness levels to train just like

professional athletes do.

The small group atmosphere allows the trainers to tailor the workouts to the needs of each individual. Even if you’re new to exercising, the trainer will have plenty of options for you to adapt the workout to your level. This kind of personalized supervision ensures that everyone is doing the exercise with proper form to avoid injury.

Even avid exercisers can greatly benefit from the SoccerFit program.

Such is the case for gym rat and runner, Michelle Cantu, who has seen a difference in her endurance and performance as a result of SoccerFit. “It has made a difference,” says Cantu. “I have gained about 10 lbs. of muscle and I have better endurance.” Because workouts are varied but back-to-back, it allows participants to build their skills and capacity that translates into better performance in their other sports.

If you’re ready to try something different that will keep you motivated and challenged, give SoccerFit a try.

Classes are held mornings from Monday – Friday at 5:00 am, 6:00 am, 7:00 am and 8:00 am. Afternoon classes are also offered at 7:30 pm. Participants can attend at the time that is most convenient for them and are invited to jump in even if they’re running late.

CALL 956.827.8385

TO SIGN UP!

SoccerFit

ligas en plaza

Ligas de Plaza

By | Issue Sep-Oct 2016 | No Comments

En Plaza Sports Center, también reconocido como Plaza, manejamos las ligas de fútbol amateur mas fuertes del Valle de Texas. Somos el primer nivel en el sistema de ligas de dicho lugar. Realizamos 80 torneos cortos por ciclo anual futbolístico. El campeonato se define por medio de una fase final posterior a cada fase regular, conocida como liguilla; clasifican a ella los cuatro primeros lugares de la tabla general o dependiendo de la liga, los ocho primeros.

Somos las ligas mas dominantes del area del Sur de Texas teniendo como objetivo la competencia y albergando a mas de 200 equipos en la categoria de adultos. Reconocidas a la vez como las más fuertes en los últimos tres años.

screen-shot-2016-09-13-at-11-00-38-amLas ligas se disputan cada dos meses, cada una con su propia liguilla y campeón. La competencia consta de un grupo único integrado por ocho equipos que conforman el circuito, disputando diez partidos cada uno o en algunas ligas ocho partidos, todos contra todos a una sola vuelta. Lo que nos hace ser las mejores ligas es que puedes jugar en diferentes niveles de competencia. Ya sea que quieras enfrentar a los mejores equipos de la región o solo quieras jugar por diversión. No importa tu nivel, aquí en Plaza te acomodamos en una liga adecuada para ti y tu equipo.

Somos únicos en el Valle, ya que contamos con 25 ligas distintas adaptadas a las necesidades de los jugadores y cada horario es una liga diferente en cada día. Así no te preocuparas por cambios en el horario de juego. Es decir, si te metes a la liga los Martes a las 8pm, siempre jugaras ese día a la misma hora. Dándote a ti como jugador la opción de elegir el mejor horario que se te acomode para poder jugar cómodamente en nuestras ligas. Al final, acabamos teniendo a 25 campeones, siendo los únicos con mas ligas activas durante el año.

ligas-en-plazaSi te preguntarás como funciona todo y si no afecta en la organización tener demasiadas ligas, la respuesta es no. Gracias al excelente trabajo por parte de la administración es como brindamos un servicio eficaz y transparente para todos por igual. Tratamos a los equipos con respeto y los hacemos sentir en casa, dándoles la necesidad de venir a jugar con nosotros. Ahora no solo tenemos las mejores ligas, también contamos con el mejor servicio en comida. Amplio restaurante con pantallas para disfrutar de todos los deportes.

Donde puedes consumir desde un agua o unos nachos, hasta unas alitas o unos tacos. Contamos con varias promociones y buenos precios.

Ahora que si no te quieres perder ni un instante el partido, también contamos con servicio hasta tu asiento. Así podrás disfrutar de una deliciosa michelada o una cerveza bien fría mientras observas a tu equipo.

Para mas informacion acerca de nuestras mas de 25 ligas, llama al (956) 783-7670 y te ayudaremos a colocarte en la liga adecuada.

screen-shot-2016-09-13-at-11-01-05-amEs por eso que miles de familias disfrutan de pasar un buen rato en nuestro restaurante Fuera de Lugar. Pocos tenemos esa dicha de ver llegar a familias enteras a convivir en un ambiente divertido y familiar.

Platicando con varios equipos, nos hicieron saber del porque prefieren jugar en Plaza a otros lugares. “Simplemente es otro nivel, llegar y ver las instalaciones, jugar, y después quedarte a pasar un rato agradable con la familia, que mas podemos pedir”. Esto es lo lindo de estar con nosotros, que reunimos a las familias aunque sea corto el tiempo que nos acompañan, pero hacemos que sea de la mejor calidad y lleno de momentos inolvidables.

ligas-en-plazaTambién contamos con un gran staff que esta a la mejor disposición para brindarles un excelente servicio. Encargados de mantener las canchas e instalaciones siempre limpias y en las mejores condiciones, enfocados en cuidar que nadie este alterando el orden y que los juegos transcurran de la mejor manera posible. Siempre atentos a lo que sucede dentro y fuera de las canchas. Así, el jugador solo se tendrá que preocupar por salir a divertirse a las canchas.

ligas-en-plazaComo pueden ver, jugar en Plaza es jugar a otro nivel. Es venir a relajarte después de un día de trabajo pesado. Es sentir la comodidad de disfrutar el deporte tal y como lo quieres, sin estrés, sin preocupaciones. Solo venir a jugar y saber que estas dentro de las mejores ligas del Valle y que solo tu eliges como competir.

ligas-en-plaza

UTRGV Soccer

UTRGV Soccer Ready for Kick Off

By | Issue Sep-Oct 2016 | No Comments

The UTRGV women’s soccer program is set to enter its third year of existence with a more set roster than in the past. “The players have set a standard,” UTRGV head coach Glad Bugariu said. “The team itself is at a good point now. I think the sky’s the limit from this point forward.”One of the reasons for optimism has been strong play during the presea-son. After a successful spring that saw multiple student-ath-letes take a step forward, the team returned ready to go from day one this fall.“We’re working very hard. We’ve really embraced the learning process,” Bugariu said. “The team’s been working at a high standard. Overall, we’re making great strides this year.”UTRGV’s main strength last year was de-fense, as the back line of Frida Farstad-Eriks-son, Tuva Rolstad Nilsen, Evelyn Powell, Marcela Ramirez and Malia Irvine, who also saw time up the field, was virtually impen-etrable. When attackers did get shots off, the goalkeeping duo of Erica Gonzalez and Maria Eriksen was there to make the saves.

This year, the defensive line remains intact and UTRGV adds another strong goal-keeper in Kinga Szemik, the starter on the European Champion Polish National Team. UTRGV has arguably the deepest goalkeeping situation in the WAC.Knowing that they have a strong defense, UTRGV will allow midfielders like Sheridan Becanic, Allyson Smith and Hanna Spets to control the pace of play and set-up attack-ers like Diandra Aliaga, Andreya Barrera and newcomers Diana Ansah and Sarah Bon-ney from the U20 Ghana National Team. “Hopefully, we can see a style of play that’s a little more open, a little more ex-pansive, and a little more possessive to create more chances and not so much defensive and counter attacking,” Bugar-iu said. “I think we’ve now gotten enough quality on the side where we can expand a little bit and play a little more of the soc-cer that we all like to see.

”The UTRGV men’s soccer team has only been together for about two weeks, but after several two-a-days and pair of exhibition matches, this team is ready to take a step forward during its second year back from an 18-year hiatus. “It’s been a busy preseason. The boys have been working very hard,” UTRGV head coach Paul Leese said. “We’ve got a lot of new players coming in this year, so we’re trying to in-tegrate them all into our team concept and our style of play. They’ve come in and started off very sharp and very fit, and that just helps everything else move along more quickly.”UTRGV has nine new faces this season, including Michael Faber, Jaakko Hietikko, Ili-as Kosmidis, Angel Lopez, Sergio Loredo Jr., Juanito Ramirez, Damian Ro-szczky, Mauricio Sanchez and Hubert Wolak.

A number of key players return this year, including the top two scorers in Isidro Martinez (2-5-9) and Garcia (3-2-8). As a freshman, Martinez ranked fifth on the team in minutes played (1,320). “I think we’ve got a couple of young guys who were freshmen last year like Isidro and Isaiah (Hinds) who benefited so much from their first year on the team, especially being in a program where they got a lot of experience and playing time last year,” Leese said. “They’ve come in stronger and fitter and I think more focused to be successful.”UTRGV played two exhibition matches during the preseason, which gave Leese and the rest of the coaching staff a chance to see their team in action against another team. Ad-ditionally, it gave the players a chance to get used to being in an 11-man shape together.“It’s so important, especially with the new players that just arrived, to give them a real big picture look at how we try to play,” Leese said. “They get to see their teammates alongside them and how they like to play and receive the ball, so it was good. We had a couple of different teams in each game and each half. It gives us a better chance to see who can do what and who plays well together.”

calling all golies

Calling all Golies

By | Issue Sep-Oct 2016 | No Comments

Plaza Sports Center hosted a special goalie training clinic on August 20 and 21, 2016 which was open to any player who has an interest in improving their net defending abilities

It was an extra special clinic as Plaza invited coach Guillermo Velazquez, the goalkeeper coach for Club Santos Laguna S.A. de C.V., to spend time with players looking for an extra defensive edge. Plaza’s first clinic in the RGV that focused on exercises and routines specific to goalies was a huge success with over 30 players working with lateral movements, falls, and blocks – typical skills that are practiced by goal keepers. “They did exercises designed specifically for goalies that require more capacity and better reflexes,” says Plaza’s coach Guillermo Chavez.

Beginners and more advanced students alike improved their skills working with coach Velazquez – one of the great goalie coaches in Mexico! He has trained great goalkeepers like Oswaldo Sanchez, Alonso “Popeye” Jimenez and Oscar “El Conejo” Perez. It was an honor to have him at Plaza all weekend. Coach Velazques said he was surprised at the level of skill of the students training at Plaza, and encouraged them to keep practicing with this level of intensity. The goalie clinic was satisfying for players and coaches alike; Coach Chavez said that he also learned a lot from Velazques. “We are excited that it went so well and we’re looking forward to future training days!”

Coach Velasquez had developed a unique program for the clinic based on the skill level of the students who enrolled and demonstrated their skills a week before. “We wanted to see if they can already recover well from a fall, for example,” says Coach Chavez. “We try to separate the players by ability and not just age because we have several players who are young but quite skilled.” He adds that being a beginner isn’t a bad thing and being in that category should not cause worry. “It just means we know we have to focus on certain things, and that helps us get better faster.”

calling all golies

Plaza Sports Center is proud to host the focused clinics to further help players develop their skills. Plans are coming together for a December goalie camp, which is more intensive than a clinic. Clinics, camps, and goalie classes at Plaza are open to all players; they don’t need to be a Toros member. “You can belong to any team -or none- to take those classes and come to the clinics and camps,” says Coach Chavez. “Interested players should sign up as soon as they can so we can make it the best camp possible.”

Tomorrow’s great goalies are training at Plaza today! Sign up and start protecting the net!

For more information about the upcoming goalie camp call 956-258-4864, and to learn about goalie classes at Plaza Sports Center, call (956) 783-7670.

lacategoria2004 toros

La categoria 2004 Toros

By | Issue Sep-Oct 2016 | No Comments

Es muy bonito hablar de futbol y de todo lo hermoso que rodea a este deporte tan lleno de vida.

Pero hoy hablaremos de los  protagonistas que hacen que ésta pasión se desborde por  completo. Pocos tenemos la fortuna de tener a un grupo de guerreros dispuestos a dar el todo por su equipo. A entregar su corazón entero y derramar hasta la ultima gota de sudor por defender el honor a capa y espada. Así es como nuestra categoría 2004 nos a demostrado el amor por la camiseta. Ese amor que se siente en el pecho y que sale a relucir cada vez que escuchan el silbatazo inicial. Al principio, esta categoría solía ser una mas de muchas que se esfuerzan por sobresalir pero que quedan en el intento. Se vivían tiempos difíciles, ya que no se encon-traba esa motivación o talvez esa unión entre coaches, papas, y jugadores que hacen fuerte a cualquier equipo. Con el paso del tiempo llega-ron jugadores nuevos a nuestras filas y con ellos una nueva esperanza de poder competir y llegar a sentir la gloria de la victoria.

screen-shot-2016-09-13-at-10-41-41-amEl proceso fue largo y muy duro.

Lleno de cambios, exigencias, sacrificios, y de una ardua preparación. Después de entrenar semanas enteras, el tiempo para demostrar que todo el esfuer-zo seria recompensado había llegado. De la mano del coach Jorge Quiroz, los niños empezaron a dem-ostrar su fortaleza, su ímpetu, su garra para competir al tú por tú con cualquier academia. En poco tiempo llegaron los logros deportivos. Esos logros que los hacia sonar muy alto teniendo en la mente como único objetivo en ser los mejores. Con esa misma mentalidad fue como salieron adelante en su primer torneo fuera de casa. Enfrentándose a grandes aca-demias, lograron el Sub-Campeonato en el Segun-do Torneo Relámpago Rayados Brownsville 2015. Fue una emoción tremenda tanto para jugadores y padres de familia como para nuestra institución. Era el primer trofeo en nuestras vitrinas y claro después vinieron mas títulos, como el campeonato en la liga de Golazo en el mes de Junio del ano 2016. Después vino otro Sub-Campeonato en el Torneo Relámpago FC Dallas en ese mismo ano. “Asombrados por su evolución,
varias academias se preguntaban y
se decían unos a otros, “de que están hechos estos niños”?” Pareciera que todo estaba bien, que los logros habían levantado el animo de los jugadores y de los papas al ver a sus pequeños divertirse en las canchas. Pero faltaba algo mas, algo que esta categoría siem-pre había anhelado pero que por circunstancias del destino se les había negado anteriormente. Después de luchar batallas épicas con todas las academias y de saltar a las canchas dispuestos a dejar el alma en cada partido, se cumplió con el objetivo. Por fin se coron-aban campeones de el torneo local en su propia casa, Plaza Sports Center.

El logro desató pasiones extremas entre los padres de familia que no pudieron resistir el encanto de tan extraordinario esfuerzo de sus pequeños gigantes. Asombrados por su evolución, varias academias se preguntaban y se decían unos a otros, “de que están hechos estos niños”? Yo, al igual que ellos me pregunto lo mismo. De que están hechos? Nunca se rinden, nunca bajan los brazos, que los im-pulsa a seguir luchando a pesar de las adversidades? Ahora entiendo la pasión y el apoyo de los papas. Aho-ra entiendo esa unión tan fuerte entre todos. Compar-tiendo alegrías, tristezas, emociones, derrotas, triunfos y fracasos. Ese apoyo incondicional por parte de los padres, que si sus pequeñines ríen, ellos ríen con ellos y si lloran, también lloran con ellos. Sin duda alguna esta categoría nos a dado grandes alegrías. Sus logros son compartidos por todos. No me queda mas que reconocer la gran entrega y dedicación de los jugadores. Su incansable esfuerzo y su amor a la camiseta. A los padres de familia, de antemano mil gracias por todo su apoyo y recuerden seguir alentando con pasión para seguir volando juntos con esta “bendita 2004”.

coach mentors

Coach Mentors

By | Issue Sep-Oct 2016 | No Comments

In addition to the adult leagues available at Plaza Sports Center, playing at the university level is a possibility that older players should be aware of. There’s nothing like learning side by side with masters; recently, Plaza Sports Center invited some of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley men’s soccer team to host a one-day soccer clinic for Plaza’s Toros. Each group of 20-30 players spent an hour drilling with UTRGV Assistant Coach Lee Williams and Vaquero’s mid-fielder Rico Laitinen. Williams was impressed with the quality of the Plaza facilities, letting the players know that they are quite lucky to live in Plaza Students Inspired to Play at University Level an area that offers such fields to play on. More importantly, he told the children, it is a great boon to have UTRGV so close to home, where their soccer careers can continue to grow seamlessly. Compared to other major universities, UTRGV offers a high quality program that will allow them to continue to develop their game and earn a degree without breaking the bank. After the short motivational speech, Lee organized the Plaza players into various drills with different goals. He explained that he looks for complete players for his team. “It’s those little things that matter, like how you pass,” he told them as they reviewed their basics.

He hopes some of these young soccer players will want to play with the UTRGV Vaqueros when it comes time for them to choose a university. “There is a lot of talent here,” says Williams. “We just have to keep developing our skills.” “UTRGV Men’s Soccer is doing very well this season,” adds Laitinen. “Come to our games!” Laitinen aided Lee in organizing the young players and giving tips. He emphasized the importance of “soccer intelligence,” or spatial awareness on the field. Knowing what to do with the ball depends on knowing where constantly- moving teammates and opponents are. This is achieved by regularly looking around and checking over your shoulder. “Even the pros are sometimes bad about this,” says Laitinen. “Look at them the next time you watch a game on TV, and c ount how many times they check who’s around them.”

Plaza Sports Center is all about spreading enthusiasm for soccer to everyone. The center for athletic development offers beginner classes that provide the first exposure to playing for many children and adults, but their leagues and tournaments also provide a challenging and fun opportunity to more seasoned players. Siblings Christopher and Fryda Sanchez, Little Toros, attended the morning clinic and said they really liked it and want to keep playing soccer when they get older.

“We did some drills we already knew but he showed us some new things,” said Christopher. Like the young players who benefited from the soccer clinic, Caso is thankful that Lee and Laitinen spent the day at Plaza encouraging the young players. “You guys are certainly helping out the future of soccer in the RGV!”

Determined players can make college or university their next step after high school! Train at any age:

Plaza offers options for all players. Call

956.783.7670 to learn more!