SLSG Launches Women’s Leadership Initiative

SLSG Launches Women’s Leadership Initiative - Big Sister Program!

David Vedder • Nov 23, 2021

Maddie Clark (SLSG 2005 player & Big Sister) with SLSG 2008 Spain players after team training

This month Saint Louis Scott Gallagher officially executed on the long awaited Women’s Leadership Initiative - Big Sister Program. The motto, “If she can see it, she can be it” is driving the newest program and has already had an impressive impact on SLSG’s youngest players.

Missy Bruno, an SLSG 2015 coach, said her players were all smiles when their Big Sister arrived at practice one evening. “Carlye [Bennet] was super sweet and energetic. The girls loved her!” Twelve older players, such as Carlye, were assigned to younger teams throughout the club in the month of October, all in an effort to increase the number of female role models the youth of SLSG can look up to each day.

Carlye Bennet (SLSG 2006 player & Big Sister) with 2015 Reign post practice

SLSG Girls Program Director Scott McDoniel feels that the Big Sister Program will absolutely lend a hand towards achieving the club mission. “This program is important on many levels. I believe that connecting the older and younger players in the club can be inspiring for all involved. The younger player can learn from the older player and look up to and try to emulate them. And at the same time the older player learns about leadership, selflessness, and the art of communication and coaching.”

Langley Mayers (left) and Zoe Cuneio - 2005’s - chat with 2011 Arsenal players (Coached by Caitlin Kauffman) during their question and answer session as part of The Big Sister Program

The Leadership Initiative is an inclusive program and over thirty girls from U15 and older have volunteered to work with younger teams in the club this season. “The willingness to give extra time and energy to the club that these girls have shown, is inspiring in and of itself!” exclaimed Lauren Nuelle, another SLSG coach and founding member of the Women’s Leadership Initiative. “Between the Give Back Program and now the Big Sister Program, I’m really encouraged by the direction and feel of the Girls Division. And I believe there is going to be an awesome connection between older and younger players that will only enhance the experiences our young girls have in the club!”

Nicolle Emert - SLSG 2004 & Big Sister - with 2014 Royals

“Some of the young ladies who have volunteered to be Big Sisters are amazing humans.” said SLSG Coach Kelsey Dinges. “People, like Maddie Clark, will have an impact on these young players beyond a training session or Q&Ar speech. Sharing their experience will impact someone for life.” Coach Kevin Werner, 2008 Spain, was willing to share feedback from his player, Reese Bonastia, whose feelings were shared by several of her teammates after Maddie Clark visited one evening. “Monday night was a fun experience with Maddie, I really enjoyed hearing all about her story and her soccer journey through the years. I also really enjoyed the drills she gave us and look forward to seeing her more. After hearing her story it really encouraged me to work harder at practices and on my own to become a better player.”

The young players are not the only ones having fun with the new Big Sister opportunity. Claire Nieroda, SLSG 2007, felt like working with the young girls in the club just confirmed the fact she would like to go into coaching. “I have always liked working with younger kids, and this opportunity gave me a chance to really see what it would be like to coach players at SLSG, plus it was so much fun!”

The Big Sister Program will continue throughout the Winter and Spring Season. If you are a coach or manager in SLSG Girls Division and are interested in a Big Sister visiting with your players please contact Scott McDoniel - smcdoniel@slsgsoccer.com.

< Older Post Newer Post >

New Shield Same Values

By David Vedder • 01 Jun, 2022

Dear SLSG Family, We’re thrilled to unveil our refreshed brand identity. The updates are intended to demonstrate the evolution of Scott Gallagher since its founding in 1976. While we have experienced significant change over the years, our core beliefs and Shield Values of UNITY, HUMILITY, PASSION, RESPECT, and TRADITION haven’t changed. It is our purpose to grow with intention — as individuals and as a team. We are empowered by these changes, and there is an overwhelming sense of excitement and belief in what the future holds for our club and for you, our members. Our team is like-minded, determined, and will continue to challenge ourselves daily to get better. In the spirit of rebranding, we commit to providing the same, or better, level of professionalism you have experienced, and we’d like to take the opportunity to thank our loyal members and business partners for your trust and loyalty. As you notice changes in our branding, signs, and promotions, please know that we are stronger than ever and have an extremely optimistic vision for the future. Sincerely, Brad Davis President • Saint Louis Scott Gallagher

Youth Academy Teams Capture Super Copa Titles

By John Venneman • 31 May, 2022

Youth Academy Teams Capture Super Copa Titles

2022-2023 Girls Program Youth Academy Staff Announcement

By David Vedder • 11 May, 2022

Saint Louis - The Saint Louis Scott Gallagher Girls Division is excited to begin announcing its Director, Coaching, and Administrative line up for the 2022-23 season. “Our Club Mission is unwavering, To Be the Best Club in the Country.” stated SLSG Girls Program Director Scott McDoniel. “And in order to effectively continue striving for this mission, SLSG Leadership has understood for some time that our teachers/coaches play a major role in helping us achieve this status.” The Girls Division plans to release the staffing announcements in phases, and in no particular order, throughout the month of May. The first platform to be highlighted is the Missouri Girls Youth Academy Staff (IL YA Staff to be announced soon!). “The MO Youth Academy Program consists of Elite and Premier Level Teams from the ages U9-U12” said Youth Academy Director Sterling Wescott. “We are incredibly proud of all our teams in the Junior Division [U6-U12], and over the years as the club has evolved and tiers have naturally been created, the Youth Academy Program has grown into a very high level and developmentally centric environment. There are two new additions to the Youth Academy Staff this year. 30-year coaching veteran and club favorite, Steve Pecher. Steve, in addition to working in the ECNL-RL Program, will be stepping into the U9 age group to be the lead voice for our 2014 Elite Navy Team. He will be joined by one of the club's up and coming superstar coaches, Lauren Nuelle. Lauren has been a full-time member of the staff for the past four years but has been coaching in the club even before graduating from Webster University in 2018. Lauren has worked with all ages in the club, most recently working inside our ECNL - Regional League platform. Pecher, who has an overwhelmingly successful playing and coaching resume, is excited to work with “the future” talent of the girl's program. “I have always enjoyed working with the young ages. I love helping to instill basic, but important, skill sets that they will need to be successful in the game, especially in this club. And also, I believe Lauren, who is talented at training soccer technique will be a great compliment to the U9 age group.” Youth Academy Director - Sterling Wescott U12 - 2011 Elite Navy - Carlton Williams, Sterling Wescott U12 - 2011 Elite Green - Carlton Williams, Sterling Wescott, Jesse Finney U12 - 2011 Premier Navy - Scott Nelson, Ryan Moon U12 - 2011 Premier Green - Bill Rombach, Megan Roth U12 - 2011 Premier White - Pat Barry, TBD U11 - 2012 Elite Navy - Sterling Wescott, Carlton Williams U11 - 2012 Elite Green - Sterling Wescott, Calton Williams U11 - 2012 Premier Navy - Larry Hulcer, Carli Bond U11 - 2012 Premier Green - Scott Nelson, Laura Stroot U10 - 2013 Elite Navy - Carlton William, Sterling Wescott, Carli Bond U10 - 2013 Elite Green - TBD U9 - 2014 Elite Navy - Steve Pecher - Lauren Nuelle U9 - 2014 Elite Green - Lauren Nuelle

10k Experiences

By David Vedder • 30 Apr, 2022

It’s All in the Experience!

Saint Louis Scott Gallagher and Most Sacred Heart Parish Partnership Announcement

By David Vedder • 06 Apr, 2022

Fenton, MO - Saint Louis Scott Gallagher (SLSG) and Most Sacred Heart Parish (MSH) Eureka CYC soccer program have entered a strategic partnership. The two organizations will work together in several areas including coaching education and curriculum, player programming and camps. More details to come about the full extent of the partnership.