Courtesy: Daily San Diego Soccer News


SD Futsal's Scully Leads in Encinitas

By Kathryn Snyder

Sunday, February 21, 2010

SD Futsal player, Paige Scully is the tallest kid in her fifth grade class and aspires to be, as she puts it, a "soccer player for money." At just eight years old, she appears to be on the right path to such aspirations, currently leading the Encinitas Indoor Soccer League in scoring, averaging three goals per game at the midfield position.

Prior to joining SD Futsal, Paige had one goal on her sparse scoring resume. After attending SD Futsal clinics, she's gone on a scoring spree in comparison. In her last game, she had two break-aways where she passed up defenders and beat the goalie each time to score.

"She had scored goals before," said Paige's father, Sean Scully, who helps out Coach Mario Mrakovic with his SD Futsal clinics. "But just four weeks into Mario's clinic she started scoring 100% more. She started owning the ball and controlling it instead of just kicking it.

"Before, she would panic and just kick the ball," he continued. "Now she is using skills to beat the players. Big difference."

SD Futsal Coach Mrakovic continues to leave his mark on his young players as well as their parents - simultaneously serving the role of coach, role model and friend. Mario's coaching formula of improving their ability to play soccer, lifting their self-esteems and boosting their confidence, without leaving the fun factor at the door, appears to be a winning combination and one that has left a lasting mark on the Scully family.

"He's a strong presence and the kids respect him," Sean Scully said with admiration. "He's done a couple of things that have really weighed on [Paige]. One time on a break he played one-on-one and let her stop one of his goals. She felt special. It meant a lot to her." Another time, Paige came home and told her father about Mario telling her something really nice after she made a good play.

A described jokester, Paige loves soccer, in addition to beating up her younger brother, Reese when he annoys her. Reese, who is five years old, is also in SD Futsal and following in the footsteps of his older sister. Although the kindergartner does not currently play in a league, Sean has noticed the development of his son's skills beginning to blossom and cannot wait to see how he improves next season.



Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com