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Coaches Spotlight - Mike Sgroi

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 13:09:28 GMT

Mike Sgroi - U14 Boys EDP Coach

Coaching History:

Various Levels of rec coaching for over 10 years. More recently, BSC U10 Boys 2021-2023, BSC U12 Boys 2023-2025, BSC U14 Boys 2025-Present.

Playing History:

I grew up playing club/travel soccer in East Greenbush, NY from age 7. Played for the Capital United Premier Club from 1997 to 2001, being selected to the 1998 & 1999 CDYSL Select Teams and Eastern NY Olympic Development Program Teams. Played High School soccer at Maple Hill, winning 2 NY State Championships. Played on two NYS Scholastic Empire State Teams from 1999-2000 and then played two years in college (Siena/Oneonta).

Coaching Philosophy

“Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard." I love this famous quote by Tim Notke, as it highlights the notion that raw, natural ability is not enough on its own. Without effort, discipline, and practice, potential goes to waste.

I believe in developing the individual technically, tactically and physically to contribute to the team. I am a firm believer that soccer is the ultimate team sport. Trust, cooperation and communication with your teammates is crucial in building a strong and competitive team. Soccer is a fluid and dynamic game; therefore, the best players and thus best teams are those that can adapt and play in various ways.

Above all, soccer should be fun. As a team sport, you should embrace your teammates and the fun you can have playing and winning together.

I have played and loved soccer for as long as I can remember. Some of my fondest memories growing up are centered around the game and I have stayed close with teammates from those teams to this day. So now, as a proud father of 4, I want to help my kids and others alike, learn and play soccer at all competitive levels, so that they too can enjoy the beautiful game and all the friendships and memories from it.

Fall Rec Registration Now Open

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 19:41:30 GMT

Fall Rec Registration Now Open

Recreation is Bethlehem Soccer Club’s oldest soccer program. Recreation runs two separate seasons. The fall program is during September and October , while the spring season plays during the months of May and June . Recreation is a non-results-oriented soccer league. Scores are not maintained, nor are standings kept. Every Saturday morning brings a clean slate, and new challenges.

Fall Rec 2026 Program Details

The program is open to children aged Pre-K through 8 th grade.

Program Details

Age Groups: Open to children aged Pre-K through 8th grade.
Format: The program is 7 weeks in duration. Players will be assigned to age-appropriate teams. Each team will practice 1 day during the week and have a game on Saturday morning.
Game Times: Saturday games will take place between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Please note that game times rotate weekly, so your start time may vary.
Cost: $135.00 per player.

2026 Fall Divisions

This season, players will be placed into the following specific divisions:

Girls Divisions:

Kindergarten & 1st Grade
2nd & 3rd Grade
4th & 5th Grade

Boys Divisions:

Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd & 3rd Grade
4th & 5th Grad e

Coed Divisions:

Pre-K
6th, 7th, & 8th Grade

Registration & Volunteer Information

On-Time Registration Deadline: Monday, August 24, 2026. Please sign up as soon as possible! Prompt registration is critical for us to build balanced teams and schedules.
Late Registration: Registrations received after August 24th will incur an additional $25.00 fee and players will be placed on a waitlist with no guarantee of placement.
Volunteer Coaches Needed: Parent volunteers lead all of our practices and games, and they are the lifeblood of this program! If you have some soccer knowledge (or are just willing to learn), please consider coaching. We provide a comprehensive Coaching Manual filled with practice plans, drills, and skill-based games. Furthermore, BSC Staff will periodically assist parent coaches at the Pre-K and Kindergarten practices.
Volunteer Opt-Out: If you do not wish to volunteer, you may opt out for a fee of $50 per family, per season (paid once per family if registering multiple children; note that the competitive academy opt-out fee is separate).

Gear & What to Expect

Each player will receive a World Cup Style Dri-Fit team jersey .
Player Equipment: Every player must bring their own soccer ball, shin guards, and water bottle to all practices and games.
Team Assignments: Registrants will receive an email the week prior to the Kick-Off Event confirming their team, coach, practice day/location, and final schedule details.

Register Here

Academy Registration NOW OPEN

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:12:49 GMT

2026-2027 Academy Registration NOW OPEN

Early Bird Discount for all those who register BEFORE JULY 26th

FREE Bethlehem Soccer Club Scarf with Early Bird Registration

Register Here

Spring Outdoor Academy Practice Schedule - Starting in April

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:44:30 GMT

Spring Academy Outdoor Training Schedule - Starting in April

New Paragraph

Mitch Jordon added as Goalkeeper Coach for Bethlehem Soccer Club

dan.doyle@bscny.org (Daniel Doyle) — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 03:53:40 GMT

Mitch Jordon added as Goalkeeper Coach for BSC

Mitch Jordon has been hired as the goalkeeper coach for Bethlehem Soccer Club. Mitch brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience as a goalkeeper at the high school and college level. Welcome Coach Jordon!

Bethlehem Soccer Club Announces New Head Coach Christen Jordon

dan.doyle@bscny.org (Daniel Doyle) — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 03:48:40 GMT

Christen Jordon will be the BSC U12 Girls Head Coach

Bethlehem Soccer Club has named Christen Jordon head coach of the U12 Girls. Christen has been a coach with the Bethlehem’s Academy program since 2022 at the U12, U14, and U16 Girls levels. Currently an assistant coach with the Bethlehem Central Varsity Girls Soccer program, Christen also has six years of school coaching experience at the Modified level. As a player, Christen grew up playing for the Saugerties Soccer Club, and went on to play four years at Plattsburgh State, primarily as an outside mid and outside back.

Bethlehem Soccer Club Names Brian Spina Director of Coaching

Wed, 28 May 2025 18:25:31 GMT

Bethlehem Soccer Club Names Brian Spina Director of Coaching

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Contact: Dan Doyle, Dan.Doyle@bscny.org

Bethlehem Soccer Club (BSC) is pleased to announce that Brian Spina has accepted the position of Director of Coaching, effective immediately.

In this newly created role, Spina will oversee the overall development of BSC players, from the ‍youngest age groups to the senior level, by creating and implementing a comprehensive soccer philosophy that aligns with the club’s values and playing style. This philosophy will serve as the foundation for all player development initiatives within the Academy and Recreation programs.

As head of player development, Spina will be responsible for identifying and nurturing young talent within the club by working closely with the recreational and youth academy to develop training programs that focus on skill-building and tactical awareness. He is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of BSC by providing coaches and players with the right environment to flourish.

“Brian Spina is a proven leader,” said Justin Haviland, acting president of the BSC Board of Directors. “His technical and tactical soccer knowledge, combined with his deep understanding of what it takes for young players to be confident and successful, make him the ideal person to fill this role and elevate Bethlehem Soccer Club to the next level.”

Spina brings a wealth of youth soccer experience to the job. He has been an active coach at BSC since 2020, most recently with the U14 Boys Academy team. Prior to that, he was a Coerver Soccer Trainer (2012-2016), BCHS Boys Modified 9 Coach (2015, 2019) BSC Coach (2015-2016), CBA JV Coach (2016/2017), Black Watch Premier Coach (2016-2019), BCHS Varsity Assistant Coach (2019-2022), and BCHS Varsity Head Coach (2023-Current). In his second year as head coach, Brian led the Bethlehem Central Boys Varsity team to the New York State Class AA Semi-Finals in 2024. Among many season highlights, the team captured the first sectional and regional titles for the program since 2016, and Spina was named 2024 Section 2 Class AA Coach of the Year.

“I am looking forward to stepping into this new role in a club that has meant so much to me over the years,” said Spina. “We have an awesome community, and I cannot wait to foster their love for this sport and help support the growth of all of our players. Bethlehem Soccer has always had a lot of potential, and I am excited to support our coaching staff to help unlock that.”

A Bethlehem resident and BCHS educator, Spina grew up playing for the Albany and Bethlehem Soccer Clubs. He played at all levels of the BCHS soccer program and went on to play four years at SUNY New Paltz, captaining the Hawks for two seasons.

About the Bethlehem Soccer Club:

Based in Glenmont, NY, the mission of the Bethlehem Soccer Club is to provide opportunities for youth of all levels to play and enjoy the game of soccer. Through its recreation and competitive academy programs, the goal of the Club is to create an environment where players can develop to their full potential, through volunteer efforts, professional leadership, high quality coaching, and outstanding facilities. The Club encourages players to have fun while learning the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play.

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New BSC Newsletter is live!

Mon, 12 May 2025 22:15:17 GMT

New Edition of the BSC Newsletter is live

Click here for the latest newsletter

IMPORTANT ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY UPDATES

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 12:12:44 GMT

ZERO TOLERANCE UPDATE

This is an important message from the Bethlehem Soccer Club regarding the United States Soccer Federation’s (USSF) updated Referee Abuse Prevention Policy and the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and the Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL) Zero Tolerance Policies and their effects on conduct during the 2025 Spring Soccer Academy season.

The Bethlehem Soccer Club (BSC) exists to provide opportunities for the youth of our community to enjoy soccer. We believe that our membership supports the idea that all games should be conducted in a youth-friendly and family-friendly environment. Recently, the USSF ENYYSA and CDYSL have updated their Zero Tolerance Policy to support this belief . In effect, it is a ban on all overreactions to what happens before, during and after a youth soccer game with specific attention to any overreaction directed toward a game referee(s). In the next section, labeled DETAILS, you will find a summary of what all our game day participants should be aware of as they travel to a game, enjoy the game and leave the game. It is quite comprehensive and very restrictive, so you are urged to read this section to the end.

As our teachers used to say, please pay attention because at the end of this lesson there will be a test. In this case, the test will be to assess every player, coach, and spectator’s determination to be restrained at any youth soccer game they attend. A nationwide database has been set up to track these violations. It is hoped that at the end of the year there will be no Zero Tolerance Violations posted for BSC on this scoreboard.

If you would like to discuss this with a Club official in person, THERE WILL BE AN OPEN MEETING FOR YOU ON THURSDAY APRIL 24, 2025, AT 6:30 PM AT THE SOCCERPLEX. This new and untested update of the Zero Tolerance Policy from the USSF, ENYYSA and CDYSL has many implications that every player, coach, and spectator from the Bethlehem Soccer Club should be aware of as we enter the Spring season. You may also consult with your coach for details if you wish.

On behalf of the BSC Board of Directors, thank you for your support in this attempt to avoid even one Zero Tolerance Policy violation. Have a great Spring season.

Greg Maher

Current President of the Bethlehem Soccer Club

DETAILS

· US Soccer has updated its Referee Abuse Prevention Policy (Policy 531-9). It is designed to make youth and amateur soccer matches safer, more fun, and more empowering for everyone involved. CDYSL and the ENYYSA have updated their Zero Tolerance policies to conform with USSF requirements.

· You should be aware that the key feature of these policy updates is the elimination of the concept of due process. The policy stipulates that once a Zero Tolerance violation has been reported and found valid by a supervising organization, suspensions and fines are to be enforced immediately. No longer can they be postponed until after an appeal or hearing is requested and takes place. And no longer are they negotiable according to the latest information BSC has received. This change has serious procedural and process implications for the Spring Season.

· It means that once the Club has been notified that a Zero Tolerance Report is found valid after review by either CDYSL or ENYYSA the suspension and fines, if applicable, must be satisfied immediately before the subject of the action can return to normal activities.

· The updated policy’s purpose is to protect referees and restore respect to the game by preemptively stopping the disturbing national trend toward verbal and physical abuse and violence that has become a nationwide problem.

· It also expands scope of the rules governing behavior toward referees to all people attending youth soccer games and tournaments in the United States. It should be noted that any Zero Tolerance Report found valid carries with it a stipulation doubling of the penalties if the Referee abuse was directed toward a Referee 17 years old or younger.

· This policy applies to all coaches, bench personnel, players, parents, spectators and other supporters and referees. Abusive, derogatory and/or obscene language, violent play/conduct, fighting and other behavior (including, but not limited to sarcasm, taunting, etc.) deemed detrimental to the game between the above-mentioned groups will not be tolerated. The ultimate responsibility for the actions of coaches, players and spectators resides with the member clubs.

· According to USSF, ENYYSA and CDYSL guidelines these suspensions and fines must be imposed by BSC. The penalties must be satisfied before any appeal is launched or hearing requested. These guidelines leave no room for negotiations. Findings and sanctions are to be applied and satisfied immediately once BSC receives notice of a Zero Tolerance violation.

· CDYSL has announced that fines attached to a Zero Tolerance Report will begin at $1,000.

· If a subject of a Zero Tolerance Report chooses to appeal the findings and sanctions with CDYSL or requests a hearing with ENYYSA to remove the sanction and fine in the case of referee abuse, directions on how to do this are stated at the bottom of the violation report and will be passed on to the individual involved. Submitting an appeal to CDYSL or request for a hearing from the ENYYSA, in all Zero Tolerance cases, does not supersede any finding or sanction. It comes after they are put into force.

· Any finding and/or sanction will be fulfilled in the current seasonal year. If the findings and sanctions are unfulfilled at the end of the CDYSL seasonal year, they are to be continued to the next seasons until complete. This will be tracked on a nationwide database.

· Further information on the new Zero Tolerance Policy and its guidelines for sanctions can be found on the CDYSL website (cdysl.org).

· You and your family are encouraged to cheer on your favorite team. But please, refrain from directing any of your comments or coaching tips toward the field. Until it is clear what the actual effects and consequences it will be prudent to avoid even the appearance of a complaint or criticism toward the field or toward a referee.

· IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT CHECK WITH YOUR COACH AND FOLLOW THE COACHES ADVICE.

· You will be kept up to date as more information becomes available about the consequences of this updated Zero Tolerance Policy you will be notified.

· If you would like to discuss this with a Club official, in person, THERE WILL BE A MEMBERSHIP GATHERING ON THURSDAY APRIL 24, 2025, AT 6:30 PM. All members and staff are invited to attend.

Thank you and have a great soccer season!

Wemple Road Sportsplex Field Map

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 11:01:24 GMT

Wemple Road Sportsplex Field Map

Use this map to help find your practices and games!

No Pets Allowed

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 10:47:01 GMT

No Pets Allowed at Wemple Road SportsPlex

Families,
We understand every member of the family needs some time outside, but please be sure to leave your pets at home when coming to soccer practice or games. The Bethlehem Soccer Plex has a strict NO PETS ALLOWED policy. If a club member sees a pet on sight, you will be asked to leave. There are too many children around and some are not comfortable with dogs. We are not willing to run the risk of any issues happening.
Please understand and abide by this policy.
Thank you,
Bethlehem Soccer Club