Pro Players Prep Soccer Girls for Pre-Season

Students on the ICSB Girls Varsity Soccer Team, next year's incoming freshman players, and anyone interested in joining the team or simply looking for a summer workout program, were invited to attend an introductory Summer Workout and Off-Season Training Plan. Coach Lloyd led the session, joined by three professional women’s soccer players from Honvéd FC, Landy Williams from the U.S.A. Agnes Stenlund from Sweden, and Eri Narita of Japan. Landy is a Center Back for Honvéd, while Eri plays Center Mid, and Agnes plays Goalie.

Coach Lloyd and the athletes from Honvéd FC's women's team took time to talk with the students for a bit, then walked them through 3 workout plans to alternate between, which can be done anytime, anywhere. The session ended, of course, with some pickup soccer games on the sports court, where students had the chance to play against and with pro players.

 

 

Bulldogs and Barça

 

Coach Lloyd brings high levels of experience and expertise to leading the team, and this is not the first time, she has gone the extra mile in the off-season. 

Coach Lloyd started coaching the Middle Grade Girls soccer team four years ago, when many of the current Varsity Girls Soccer players were in Middle Grades. After coaching her first soccer season at ICSB, she was made aware of an incredible opportunity that she invited her team into in the offseason. 

She helped start and coach the girls' team at FC Barcelona's Barça Academy Hungary. Her two daughters, along with Nadiia Z., Anna C., Lydia S., and Sienna R., as well as incoming freshman Nastia Z., Anna P., Sadie S., and Sofie K., along with AISB Varsity Girls soccer players, all played on this Barça Academy team together for that off-season, with her youngest daughter staying on for one more year and competing in the Barça Academy World Cup in Barcelona. Not only did this provide an excellent foundation for the girls, but it also built a notable bridge between two DVAC teams that are otherwise rivals. 

 

 

Coach Lloyd also completed a Professional Diploma in an online coach training program through the Barça Innovation Hub.

 

Girls Soccer Grows

 

This year, the youngest players from her first year coaching Middle Grades at ICSB moved up to Upper School, so she moved with them to coach Varsity Girls Soccer. 

I started coaching girls soccer four years ago when the current 9th graders were in 6th grade. This year we moved up together to strengthen the HS girls soccer team. The girls have all gained experience and enthusiasm for playing soccer, and we are happy to see the team grow with new girls joining each year. Clearly the players’ capacity is changing and they are asking for more time in the weight room to increase strength and prevent injuries.

 

This spring, the girls started initiating pick-up soccer games, team workouts, hangouts, and more, demonstrating vision for next fall and building a culture of belonging on the team, on and off-season.

I love this initiative to grow in their personal strength and health, which will result in greater confidence and ability. We are also enjoying being on the pitch this off-season, which is providing extra touches on the ball, building community, and most importantly stress relief and laughter!!! We are committing to summer workouts and pre-season sessions with a desire to bring our best to the team and the season next fall. I am excited for the girls to reach new heights as they continue to learn new methods and skills of the game, work hard, and work together.

Coach Christa Lloyd, Varsity Girls Soccer Head Coach

 

#Goals with Honvéd Pros

 

Some of these hangouts involved the team going to see three professional women's footballers, Landy Williams from the U.S.A. Agnes Stenlund from Sweden and Eri Narita of Japan play for Honvéd FC, including a final against Ferencváros FC. Coach Lloyd, who had developed a friendship with these pro players, once again invited her team to an incredible opportunity: to attend their matches, cheer them on this season, connect with them, and learn from them. While the international players generously gave their time and enjoyed the opportunity to coach, without a language barrier, our student athletes cherished the chance to go through a summer training plan designed and demonstrated by professional athletes.

 

 

We are grateful to three professional athletes who became special to our team this spring. These international footballers play in Budapest at Honved FC. We have had the opportunity to attend and cheer for them at their matches this season and in return these ladies visited us at ICSB to teach a training plan that our team will use as the base for our summer workouts. We want to show our thanks by giving a big shout out to Landy Williams of USA, Agnes Stenlund of Sweden, and Eri Narita of Japan.

Coach Christa Lloyd, Varsity Girls Soccer Head Coach

 

We are thankful to these players for taking the time to instruct and inspire our student athletes. We are also proud of the team for taking the initiative. We are also grateful to Coach Lloyd for her long-term commitment to and investment in our girls' soccer program, but most importantly, her heart for the people in the program, the players, coaches, and parents alike.