OWN TOUCH SOCCER ARRIVES IN CHARLOTTE, NC BRINGING TO THE REGION THE FIRST MEMBERSHIP BASED SOCCER TECHNICAL TRAINING PROGRAM

Own Touch Charlotte opens in the state-of-the art OrthoCarolina Wellness Center to provide year round, unlimited technical and athletic performance training for youth soccer players at all levels

June 8, 2018 - Charlotte, NC - Starting this June, Own Touch Charlotte will open its doors to the Charlotte region. Own Touch specializes in the mentoring and technical training of youth soccer players of all levels. Own Touch mentees experience unlimited, year round use of the facilities that can include not just soccer technical work, but physical fitness, speed and agility training. Own Touch Charlotte is the first location for Own Touch Soccer outside of the state of Virginia. 

Own Touch Soccer founder Greg Simmonds opened its doors in 2010, and has trained over a thousand of Virginia's young soccer players, including US Men's Youth National Team and DC United First Team stand out Chris Durkin,  one of the youngest homegrown players to sign a professional MLS contract, and 18 year old FC Schalke 04 first team member Nick Taitigue.  

Owned and operated by Players First LLC, Own Touch Charlotte hopes to bring the same energy and excitement to the Charlotte soccer community that has transformed the Central Virginia Region. The Own Touch philosophy has always lined up with Players First and their mission to fundamentally change the culture of youth soccer by concentrating their efforts on the player before the team aspect of the sport.

"Soccer players throughout most of the world grew up playing soccer in the streets learning finesse, control and touch," states Greg Simmonds,  "These are all skills that improve confidence and performance, but the biggest difference is the level of fun, culture and individual creativity. Here in America, we typically only get to play on organized teams."

Own touch turns that thinking inside out and focuses on individual development.  "I am excited to bring Own Touch to Charlotte," exclaims Chris Williams, president of Players First LLC, "but what's most exciting is to witness the impact we will have on our mentees as they begin to explore all the possibilities with the ball. Kids have more distractions than ever before when it comes to training on their own, and the magic of what Own Touch brings is an environment that allows young players to experience an accelerated technical development in a no pressure environment."

Partnering with the OrthoCarolina Wellness Center has provided an additional benefit to youth players. With increase participation in competitive youth sports, young players are experiencing more conditions that can lead to injury or a drop in athletic performance. Own Touch Charlotte will utilize the advanced physical fitness, speed and agility, and injury prevention training provided by the Wellness Center's professional instructors. This same facility provides fitness and rehab services to college and professional athletes on a daily basis. The facility is conveniently located off of Independence Blvd. and Matthews Township Pkwy.

As well as unlimited training and fitness, members will also enjoy camps throughout the year, "free play" sessions, private lessons, and open day time hours during most school holidays. Recreational and school teams can also utilize their Team Training packages.   To ensure technical training and coaching education is consistent with the ideals of Own Touch Soccer, and can hold to the standards of the US Soccer Federation, as well as UEFA A level coaching standards, Players First has partnered with Carolina Soccer Services. CSS was established by some of the most experienced and knowledgeable coaches and fitness advisers  in the European and Mediterranean markets. During their  14 years of experience, including research and collaboration with elite, professional clubs, national federations, and youth players, they have developed an expertise in development for all players. They also advise coaches, clubs, and associations about how to improve their training methods and maximize player performance.

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Own Touch Charlotte is located at 1205 Mann Dr in Matthews, NC. Programs will begin June 16th. Complimentary sessions can be provided by contacting info@owntouchclt.com. Registration for any of the programs is available now and can be done online or by phone. You can learn more about Own Touch Charlotte at www.owntouchclt.com. 

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