May Newsletter

The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer and the FIFA World Cup is drawing closer. That can only mean one thing; we are getting close to summer time! Here at the US Sports Institute (USSI) we have lots happening in preparation for an exciting summer of sports. Below you’ll find a few paragraphs detailing all that’s been happening with us.

WORLD CUP

The 2014 FIFA World Cup is going to be hosted in Brazil this summer, and although the build up may have been mired by controversy now with less than 30 days to go the excitement around the office is palpable. Who do you think will win perhaps the most coveted trophy in international sports? FIFA rankings have a top 4 comprised of Spain, Germany, Portugal and Brazil. Many would say they are the safe-bets, but when it comes to knock-out soccer you just never know. The FIFA World Cup runs from June 12th through July 13th. You can find the FIFA World Cup website here.

FIFA World Cup 2014 Emblem

SUMMER CAMPS

Every year our summer camps host almost 20’000 kids over thousands of locations across the East Coast. It is the busiest and most exciting time of the year! Our staff are working hard to prepare all of the facilities, resources and equipment for what will be an amazing summer of sport where we will be hosting multiple different camps, classes and clinics for different sports. Ranging from our week long multi-sport camps all the way to one-on-one Tennis lessons! To find out more, click here, where you can search for the perfect summer activities.

Kids & Staff at a USSI Summer Camp!

School's Out... I Need A Camp!

So your child's school has a holiday, teacher convention or a break, and you have to find something to keep them entertained. Good news folks! The US Sports Institute runs School's Out Camps on most major holidays, spring break, and all through the summer!

We provide fun, educational and exciting sports camps for your 5 to 14 year old, whether they are keen to play lots of different sports, or just soccer.

What's better than sending your child to one of our camps, to run around, play sport, make friends and have the time of their lives? Nothing!

For more information on our School's Out Camps, click here and discover what your child could be playing next time he or she are out of class!

Sport Classes for Preschoolers

"My child is in preschool and wants to learn sport, what classes do you offer for 2, 3, 4 or 5 year olds?"

This is a question we get asked a lot! Most children love to run around and play from a very young age, but sometimes just playing sport with their big brother or sister in the back yard isn’t enough.

Here at the US Sports Institute, we offer a fun, safe and educational environment where your two, three, four or five year old can play sport with other children, and be taught the FUNdamentals of soccer, lacrosse, hockey, basketball, golf and T-Ball by qualified and enthusiastic coaches!

Our Squirts programs are offered all over New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania all year round, and many more States in the summer. Designed specifically for preschoolers, these classes are the best introduction to sport for your little one.

But don’t just take our word for it, have a look for yourselves!

How To Pick The Perfect Summer Sports Camp

Are you confused as to what summer camp will be best for your child? Too many different sports on offer? Well the US Sports Institute is here to help!

We have created a 'How To' guide to help you select the perfect summer camp for your child. If your child is aged 2 to 14, and wants to learn or play a variety of sports, then USSI has a wide range of summer camps open to you.

Our sport camps are week long, and typically run Monday through Friday during the summer. But how do you know which one is is the one for you?

We have devised an easy step-by-step system to guide you towards the summer camp that best suits you and your child. No more scrolling, no more searching, just a simple way to choose the best USSI summer camp experience possible!

Click here to pick your perfect camp!

Making Sport Fun for 3-5 Year Olds

Regardless of age, we all indulge in activities and hobbies based on our interests, based on things that we enjoy. More over, those who choose to participate in sport throughout their lives do so because they have had positive experiences within sport. Therefore, it is a common acknowledgement amongst coaches and professionals alike that the primary focus for youth sport should be fun. So how do we make sport enjoyable for young children; how do we make it fun?

Before introducing any sport to a young child, the equipment they play with should be considered. Using developmentally appropriate equipment will make it easier for children to be successful in sport. Many sporting organizations and departments now recognize the need for specially designed equipment for kids, and are utilizing it within their programs. For example, in soccer smaller balls, fields and nets are all used; in basketball backboards lowered; and in baseball young children use a tee. Ultimately, if children experience greater success and less frustration, it will lead to greater enjoyment!

An Introduction to SNAG Golf

SNAG stands for ‘Starting New At Golf’. It’s a really cool and fun game that allows children to learn golf easily in a safe, controlled and fun environment.

All of the elements of golf are included in SNAG, but in a modified form. It has all the fun of mini golf, but implements the use of all the golf shots; chipping, pitching, and putting.

SNAG golf enables the children to develop golfing ability instantly, this keeps the children motivated, and with this instant success naturally comes enjoyment, and a desire to continue playing golf.

Australian Open: Federer, Murray, Djokovic & Ferrer reach Semi Finals

Contributed by Emma Booth.
Regional Director, USA Sport Group.

So my passion for the underdog was my downfall again, but it could have been all very different if Janko Tipsarevic hadn’t retired through injury, undoing my predictions once more. I was hoping for more than just the Nos. 1 through 4 seeds to reach a rather predictable semi-final match up. But I guess they are the top four in the world for a reason. Andy Murray will face Roger Federer in a semi final for the umpteenth time, and Novak Djokovic will have to squeeze past David Ferrer to reach the Australian Open final for a fourth time.

Australian Open: Sharapova, Azarenka, Stephens & Li Na reach Semi Final

Contributed by Emma Booth.
Regional Director, USA Sport Group.

So my predictions for the semis would have gone three-quarters of the way to plan had Serena Williams not been injured in her loss to 19-year-old Sloane Stephens. My Angelique Kerber prediction was more in hope of an upset than anything, but after watching Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka, Sloane Stephens and Li Na play, they undoubtedly deserved their places in the final four. So here comes the tricky part. Who will win? These are my predictions (or what some may call “educated guesses”).

Predicting the Final Four of the Australian Open: The Men

Contributed by Emma Booth.
Regional Director, USA Sport Group.

We’re starting to get to the most interesting section of the Australian Open; the deadwood has dropped out, and the contenders have been showing their tennis prowess. But because I am usually very bad at making predictions before a tournament starts, I have refrained from claiming I could work out who may make the semi-finals down under. However with the Round 3 draw now set, and more of a grasp of player’s form and fitness, here are my predictions for the men.

Novak Djokovic has a fairly easy 3rd Round match against 33-year-old Radek Stepanek. The Czech struggled in his first round match, with the game going to 5 sets, but I don’t think he will pose too much of a problem for Novak. This means a 4th Round meeting with either Sam Querrey or Stanislas Wawrinka – and I think the American Querrey will be Djokovic’s opposition. But again, Novak should steam through that round easily, setting up a probable quarter-final with Tomas Berdych, which he will again, win.

Predicting the Final Four of the Australian Open: The Women

Contributed by Emma Booth.
Regional Director, USA Sport Group.

We’re starting to get to the most interesting section of the Australian Open; the deadwood has dropped out, and the contenders have been showing their tennis prowess. But because I am usually very bad at making predictions before a tournament starts, I have refrained from claiming I could work out who may make the semi-finals down under. However with the Round 3 draw now set, and more of a grasp of player’s form and fitness, here are my predictions for the women.

This women’s draw is looking very interesting indeed, with the second half of the draw a lot more competitive than the first. In the top block, the world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka is currently looking to power through to Round 4 with a match up against USA’s Jamie Hampton. Azarenka should stroll through to meet (and probably defeat) Roberta Vinci from Italy, where she will then face 10th seed Caroline Wozniacki in the quarter-finals. This should be a very interesting match, and will be one of the toughest to call. I personally would like to see the Dane reach the semi-finals, but with Azarenka having had such a strong year last year, she looks likely to continue her purple patch and set up a semi-final against Serena Williams. That is, if the American manages to reach that far. And the way she is playing, she should – dropping just 2 games in her first two matches.

Top 10 Sporting Events over the Holidays

Contributed by Emma Booth.
Regional Director, USA Sport Group.

December is now upon us, and as families prepare to gather around tables laden with turkey, cranberries and chocolate, there are some (like me) who are looking forward to the sporting spectacles that take place over the holiday season.

Whatever your sport, whatever your passion, here is a list of the top ten events to keep your eye out for. So buy a ticket, settle down in front of the TV or set your DVR to record. Enjoy!
 

Kevin Pietersen shows why he is the key to English Cricket

Contributed by Emma Booth.
Regional Director, USA Sport Group.

South African born Kevin Pietersen put up a superb total of 186 runs to help the England Cricket Team beat India by 10 wickets, and level the Test Series in Mumbai. After falling to the home team in the first Test, England were the underdogs in this match. However the proved the critics wrong as India slumped to defeat on the fourth day.

NFL Week 7: Top 3 Performances

Contributed by Sam Cheetham.
Area Manager, USA Sport Group.

Tennessee Titans 35-34 Buffalo Bills

The game of the weekend came from New York, with Tennessee ending up victorious. The Titans, inspired by Chris Johnson who had two touchdowns and rushed for 195 yards, managed to win this up and down game. The clutch play in the game came from Matt Hasselbeck as he earned his 22nd career fourth quarter win and second in consecutive weeks. The Titans where helped by constantly inconsistent QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, who ended with 225 yards and three scores, but turned the ball over twice in critical situations, which lead to Titans touchdowns.

NFL Week 6: Top 3 Performances

Contributed by Sam Cheetham.
Area Manager, USA Sport Group.

Denver 35 - 24 San Diego

A great first away win for Peyton Manning, with Manning throwing three touchdown passed in the second half, which allowed Denver to overcome a 24-0 deficit at the half. Manning was near perfect in the second half with 13 of 14 passing for 167 yards. However, credit needs to go to the Denver defense, with Tony Carter and Chris Harris both scoring off Rivers' turnovers. Denver where aided by Rivers' four turnovers and fully capitalized on the opportunity, who have now tied with Chargers at the top of the AFC West. Rivers said he wanted Manning in his division, after Monday night's game I’m not so sure if he still wants to face Manning so regularly.

NFL Week 5: Top 3 Performances

Contributed by Sam Cheetham.
Area Manager, USA Sport Group.

A very exciting week 5 and here are the top 3 performances of the week!

Arizona 3-17 St Louis

St Louis' defense were dominant and gave the Cardinals offensive line a battering. Kevin Kolb was offered no protection and was sacked 9 times! Arizona has scored at least 20 points in their first four games taking them to 4-0. However, credit to St Louis D limiting them to just 3 points; not only did they regularly get to and pressure Kolb, but also limited the Cardinals to 45 rush yards on 17 attempts. Bradford and St Louis offense didn’t set the world alight, but they managed to get enough points on the board to pull out the win. The highlight was a 52 yard touchdown pass to rookie Chris Givens.

NFL Week 4: Top 3 Performances

Contributed by Emma Booth.
Regional Director, USA Sport Group.

The refs are back, and normality is restored, but what were the top 3 performances in week 4? This is our choice…

3: Washington Redskins 24 - 22 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Robert Griffin III is fast becoming a contender for rookie of the year; passing 323 yards and rushing for a TD for the Redskins. Tampa Bay had reduced an 18-point deficit to take the lead at 21-22 with 1:42 to play. But RG III wasn’t having any of that, and gave a poor Billy Cundiff the chance to kick a 41-yard field goal for the win, and he took it.

Who Will Go Further: Jets or Giants?

Contributed by Sam Cheetham.
Area Manager, USA Sport Group.

At the end of Week 4 it's interesting to see the state of New York football! Although both New York teams are 2-2, both teams have a long way to go if they want to make the playoffs.

The Giants again lost to the Eagles this weekend; when Andy Reid tried to ice the kicker on a missed field goal attempt it offered Tynes an opportunity of redemption. However, Tynes' second kick fell short to give the Eagles the victory. Tynes would not have been kicking from 54 yards if the Giants had showed more composure instead of Barden being called for offensive pass interference on the last drive. After 4 games, a 2-2 record it is not the end of the world for the Giants, however suffering defeats to Philadelphia and Dallas could prove crucial at the end of the season. But it could have been worse; you could have watched the Jets on Sunday.

NFL Week 3: Top 3 Performances

Contributed by Emma Booth.
Regional Director, USA Sport Group.

If there is anything that all football fans can agree on, it is the ridiculous calls being made by the replacement refs, but the rest of the opinions are still divided, such as what were the top 3 performances in week 3? This is our choice…

3: Pittsburgh Steelers 31 - 34 Oakland Raiders
Ben Roethlisberger threw 384 yards and 4 TDs for the Steelers, but they could still not get past the Raiders. One of the better defensive teams in the NFL, Pittsburgh were usurped by a determined Oakland Raiders side, who scored the final 13 points of the game, including a 43-yard field goal on the last play of the game.

3 Sporting Events To Look Forward To

Contributed by Terry Gradwell.
Regional Director, USA Sport Group.

World Cup Final, Brazil 2014

Consider yourself to be a soccer fan? If so there can be no more mouth watering a thought than watching a World Cup final in Brazil. As much as my home country may claim to have given the sport to the world (contentiously) I would claim that the Brazilians have single handedly inspired, amazed, and enthused more generations of soccer players and fans than any other. Don’t worry if you cannot be in Rio for the final on July 13th. With almost half of the world’s population tuning into the previous final, I imagine you will be in good company watching from the comfort of your armchair.

NFL Week 2: Top 3 Performances

Contributed by Emma Booth.
Regional Director, USA Sport Group.

The Saints lost again, the Vikings nearly took their game into overtime again, and Tim Tebow is probably regretting his decision to move, as he spent the majority of the game on the bench, again. But what were the top 3 performances in week 2? This is our choice…

3: Baltimore Ravens 23 - 24 Philadelphia Eagles

With a fit Michael Vick, Philadelphia have themselves a game changer, and Vick helped the Eagles soar into their second victory. The Ravens were unlucky, but the Eagles were given a second chance, and took their chance well. The replay overturned the ref’s call of an Eagle’s fumble, which allowed Vick to score a TD with 1:55 left, and win the game.