Two Englishmen land in Warwick to coach youth ‘futball'

Warwick - Two of the newest residents of Warwick have traveled quite a distance to get here. Keith Ellis, 22, came from Leicester, England, and Nick Pearce, also 22, came from Walsall, West Midlands, England, just to teach the local kids of Warwick Soccer Club to play soccer, or “futball” the Red Bulls way. Recruited by the MLS over the winter, Keith and Nick came to the New York/New Jersey area for the opportunity to meet and work with such soccer greats as Youri Djorkaeff, Amado Guevara and Tony Meola. Only a few days before leaving for the U.S., the young men learned that the MetroStars had been bought by the energy drink manufacturer Red Bull, who owned an Austrian soccer team and who wanted a U.S. presence. Luckily, Keith’s and Nick’s plans were not affected and the only inconvenience was when they and the 40-50 other young U.K. trainers arrived in late March at Newark Airport, there were no vans to greet them, as the new owners could not use the old owners' transportation. Before they had even been given their new kits (uniforms in soccer-speak), Nick and Keith were off to Warwick to live with local soccer families, as arranged by coordinator Grace Brack. The men learned they would not only be training both recreational and travel teams, Keith Ellis would also be coaching his own U-9 mixed travel team. Trying something new, Warwick Soccer Club has decided to go with professional, licensed coach/trainers for all new teams. Keith would have to meet his 12 new protégés, train them for an hour and coach them in their first game only two days after arriving in the U.S. Nick got a couple of days off, but immediately started training with teams the Monday after arriving. Keith Ellis has worked in the past as a physical education teacher and with age groups from five years old to age 19. Keith hopes to promote soccer and Red Bull New York while in Warwick and to create a fun and safe learning environment for all participating kids. Nick Pearce played non-league soccer for 10 years and has five years voluntary coaching experience at the local grass roots youth football level. He was a coach and manager for the under 7’s side. “I guarantee that I will produce well-organized, fun, productive sessions for all the participants and will strive to develop not only those involved, but to learn and develop myself,” said Nick when asked what he hoped to accomplish in Warwick. Both young men will be in Warwick until the end of the spring season, when they will be sent on the Red Bull New York summer camp circuit. The pair like Warwick a great deal, although both think the town could do with “a good fish and chips spot.” With more trainers to come after these young men move on, it might not be a bad idea to “tuck in” some baked beans and toast as well. • For more information about Red Bull New York, go to NewYorkRedBulls.com. • For more information about spring training, clinics and summer soccer camp in Warwick, go to WarwickSoccer.com. This story was provided by Pam Eigo.