SOCCER COACHES ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY (SCANJ) NEWSLETTER New Jersey High School Boys Interscholastic Soccer Coaching Association August 18, 2003 To:     New Jersey Boys Soccer Coaches From:   Eric Hastings, President SCANJ (ehastings@mercercounty.org) Website:  www.scanj.org         Welcome to The Soccer Coaches Association of New Jersey 2003.  I would like to update all the members on what took place last year and what is upcoming this year.         Our Annual State Banquet was pulled off thanks to the patience and understanding of our parents, players, and coaches.  I am positive that we have ironed out all the wrinkles with the Hilton.  This years banquet will be December 14, 2003 and looks to be our best ever.  Thank you to Dan Manson of The Soccer Post for your continued efforts in promoting the SCANJ and soccer in general.         The 2002 Senior All-Star Showcase at Rutgers-Camden was truly magnificent.  Thank you to the entire Rutgers-Camden staff for all that they have done the past two years.  The 2003 Senior All-Star Showcase will be on December 13, 2003 at  Ramapo High School.  We look forward to seeing everyone there to meet with all the college coaches.         The NSCAA National Convention was held in Kansas City, Kansas this past year.  Three of our executive members attended the weeklong conference.  They brought back many stories and helpful ideas to assist our association in moving forward.         New Jersey has been very fortunate lately, with the success of many former New Jersey high school players.  Recently, Tim Howard (North Brunswick H. S.) of the NY/NJ MetroStars signed a contract to play with Manchester United of the English Premier League.  Four others, Eddie Gaven (Steinert HS), Phil Marfuggi (West Windsor Plainsboro South HS), John Straselli (Clifton HS) and Michael Bradley (Pennington) are all competing with the U-17 United States National Team in Finland for the U-17 World Championship.  I am sure the list goes on.  Please contact the SCANJ with news on former New Jersey High School players and where they are today.  We will add this information to our newsletter.         Our 2003 NJSIAA/SCANJ Coaches Clinic was very successful.  Held at the RexPlex Soccer Complex all that attended were held captive by some fine presenters.  I would like to thank the following for their time and expertise:  Paul Bodgett, Cris Turner, The Perisi School of Fitness and David Vaudreuil.  Also special thanks goes to the RexPlex operators, Modell’s Sporting Goods, and of course Bob Baly of the NJSIAA for his continued support of our association.  The 2004 NJSIAA/SCANJ State Soccer Clinic is in the works.  Please keep an eye out for the notice in the very near future.         The SCANJ honors the top high school soccer players in the state of New Jersey.  This is a very difficult task and we need your cooperation.  If you or any of your fellow coaches are interested in assisting, please contact me.         Thank you in advance for your cooperation through another year.  Good Luck to all in the upcoming season.         Sincerely,         Eric Hastings, President SCANJ