FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PORTLAND, Maine — Maine Footy, the 2023 Franchise of the Year in the United Women's Soccer league, and Saint Joseph's College of Maine, are pleased to announce their new training program, College Compass Clinics, designed to redefine the landscape of soccer development programs for high school athletes. This collaborative initiative builds on the momentum of the Maine Footy franchise following the announcement of their 2024 roster and their first match of the season, and the shared commitment of both organizations to fostering leadership, community, and athletic excellence in student athletes.
The College Compass Clinics, exclusively designed for Maine Footy supporters who are high school players planning to compete this fall, will be hosted at Saint Joseph's College and led on the pitch and in the classroom by Maine Footy players who will draw on their experiences and share insights from their soccer journey.
These clinics will break new ground by transforming traditional ID camps into personalized 'My ID' clinics, which empower participants and their families to effectively navigate the college soccer experience; ranging from Division 1 to Division 3 teams to college club soccer to other opportunities to continue playing the game.
Scheduled to run from June 17 to June 21 at the campus along the shoreline of Sebago Lake, following the conclusion of the academic year, these one-day clinics will offer high school first years to seniors a rigorous and comprehensive soccer training experience. Each clinic will accommodate up to 60 participants, ensuring an optimal coach-to-player ratio for personalized attention and mentorship.
"Our partnership with Saint Joseph's College of Maine is a vital component of our vision to uplift and inspire young athletes by providing unparalleled access to top-tier training and educational resources," said Lizzie Hobbs, Head of Marketing for Maine Footy. "These clinics are more than just a training ground; they are a launching pad for the next generation of leaders both on and off the field."
Participants will engage in on-pitch training sessions led by distinguished Maine Footy alumni and current college soccer standouts. Following the physical training, the clinics will shift focus to classroom sessions where topics such as leadership, mental skills, athletic performance, and nutrition will be covered. Insights into college athletics and admissions processes will be provided by representatives from Saint Joseph's College, offering students practical tools to navigate the journey of becoming a college athlete. Saint Joseph's College is a member of the NCAA Division III and the Great Northeast Athletic Conference and offers 21 varsity sports programs including a top-ranked women's soccer program.
"Across our athletic programs, Saint Joseph's is dedicated to making athletics an integral part of the educational experience and creating an opportunity for student-athletes to become well-rounded individuals through an emphasis on community, sportsmanship, and integrity," said Will Rothermel, Associate Vice President & Chief Athletics and Recreation Officer at the college. "The College Compass Clinics extend this community to a younger generation of athletes, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome them to campus and support their growth both on and off the field."
The cost for attending these transformative clinics will be $125 with a $50 discount for owners of Maine Footy Supporters Badges (e.g. 2024 Season Supporter t-shirt, hat, or other badges). This initiative not only aims to enhance the athletic skills of young soccer players but also to foster their academic, personal, and career aspirations through a holistic approach to development.
Representatives of the media are invited to attend a Maine Footy media day on Friday, May 24th at 4:00PM at the Hilton DoubleTree at 363 Maine Mall Road in Portland. Representatives from the Maine Footy franchise will be on-hand to share more about the launch, including coaches Will Pike and Chris Theodores, along with players leading the College Compass Clinics curriculum including Safia Paraiso, UK (playing experience with Wolverhampton Wolves), Anamari Bosnjak (playing experience with Croatian National Team), Noor Njeim (playing experience with Lebanese National Team), Anae Malbete (playing experience with PSG in Paris), Erika Haugen (Norway), Kaleigh Quinn (Colby College), Sally Rainey (player at University of New Hampshire), Sarah Peternel (player at Shepherd University), Jasmine Leshnick (player at Harvard University), Anna Rayhill (player at Harvard University), Willa Pratt (player at University of Delaware). For more information and to register for the College Compass Clinics, please visit our website and click on our Maine Footy Platform at www.mainefooty.com.
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About Maine Footy:
Maine Footy, part of the FEAT Network and the reigning United Women's Soccer Franchise of the Year, is dedicated to fostering community engagement, leadership, and excellence both in competition and beyond. Through innovative programs and partnerships, Maine Footy strives to be a catalyst for positive change and community development.
About Saint Joseph's College of Maine:
Saint Joseph's College of Maine is where community grows - on campus, online, and around the world. Since its founding in 1912 by the Sisters of Mercy, the College has transformed learners into leaders who sustain their communities. SJC strives to be a diverse and inclusive community that forms individuals who practice humility, justice, and compassion, in solidarity with the marginalized. Student success is enriched by a lived mission and the practice of core values. Saint Joseph's beautiful campus on the shores of Sebago Lake boasts over 40 undergraduate programs and a competitive Division III athletic program. Its pioneering online certificate, undergraduate and advanced degrees empower professional leaders in every corner of the globe. The BSN program at SJC is accredited by CCNE and the NECHE. Learn more at www.sjcme.edu.
