Hudson Youth Soccer has makeover

The Hudson Youth Soccer Association has recently made some changes.

First, the program is now known as Florida Coast Futbol Club.

Organized more than 20 years ago, the club is attempting to go in the opposite direction of what is considered the norm in club soccer. The program has made a commitment to providing the best in soccer training and competition for a price that is affordable and will allow families of all incomes to be involved.

"With the new format, we'll be able to help a lot of kids," U-18 coach Chris Swezey said. "From the U-6s through the U-19s, Florida Coast FC will be a club that everyone can enjoy, whether you're a first-time player or are looking to play at a collegiate level and beyond."

The club has a new board, new trainers and new player development program, emphasizing weekly training and a solid, skills-based format. Players will be allowed to progress at their own pace.

To keep the costs down, the club depends largely on volunteer coaches and fundraisers by the players and their families.

Registration is $300 and includes uniforms, coaching fees, trainer fees and tournament participation costs.

Typically, soccer club teams charge between $1,000 and $5,000 per player each season.

"The coaches and commissioners volunteer up to 30 hours a week," Swezey said.

According to Swezey, Florida Coast FC provides first-rate training by licensed coaches, including former collegiate and professional players.

The new player development director is Sam Koleduk, who was recently hired to coach soccer at Sunlake. Koleduk was selected as a two-time Sunshine Athletic Conference Coach of the Year when he coached at Gulf (1998-2004).

"We're all very excited about the changes," Swezey said.

In addition to winning several local and statewide tournaments, Swezey's roster included six seniors, five of whom signed letters-of-intent to play in college.

Competitive tryouts will be Tuesday-Saturday at Veterans Park in Hudson.

For details, visit FloridaCoastStrikers .com or call Bill Walker at (727) 505-8423 or Swezey at (727) 919-0172. Recreational registration starts Aug. 7.