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Two clubs achieve soccer goal: A merger
Crusaders, ISC boast training on all levels

Thursday, July 20, 2006
BY CARMEN JURI
Star-Ledger Staff

Children who play soccer in Newark's Ironbound section may now belong to the same organization, whether they're beginners playing recreational soccer or advanced players for the national elite.

The Ironbound Crusaders and the Ironbound Sport Club have merged to form the Ironbound Soccer Club, making it the largest youth soccer organization in Newark, according to chairman Al Coutinho.

With more than 1,500 players and coaches in its program, the organization hopes to operate an "integrated" soccer program that offers soccer training on all levels -- recreational, developmental and elite.

"The unification of the two finally provides, under a single um brella, an opportunity for any and all kids to play the game of soccer," Coutinho said.

The merger is expected to be announced tonight at a news conference at the Ironbound Boys and Girls Club.

"The merger of these two organizations creates one of the largest soccer organizations in the city and in the state," Coutinho said. "It will be one of only a handful of organizations in the country to offer soccer training and development for youngsters at all talent levels."

But the new organization has its challenges, in particular a lack of soccer fields in the densely populated Ironbound. Coutinho said the group plans to lobby the city and county for more field space. He said he hopes that with a more united front, soccer aficionados can speak with a stronger voice.

"Any night here, there are six teams playing on one field," Coutinho said. "It's clear space in the Ironbound is at a premium. But there are some alternatives."

Among them are the opening of Ironbound Stadium, a field that has been closed for 20 years. Coutinho is also banking on the suc cess of the Riverbank project, part of which includes the creation of soccer fields along the Passaic River.

The conversion of a roller hockey rink (rarely used, according to Coutinho) at Independence Park to a soccer field is another option that is being discussed, he said.

"We live in the most densely populated, soccer-mad community in the United States," Coutinho said. "It's a cultural and social phenomenon. It's part of who we are as a people, be it Portuguese, Brazilian, Ecuadoran or Mexicans."

The Ironbound Crusaders host an annual winter indoor league at The Salvation Army-Ironbound Boys & Girls Club. The youth travel soccer arm began in 1988.

The Ironbound Sport Club, the youth soccer arm of the Sport Club Portuguese, has won state cups, regional events and excelled at national tournaments, Coutinho said. Coutinho said over the years, the club has garnered $3 million in college scholarships.

Joe Salgado, director of youth soccer for the ISC, is now director of elite programs for the Ironbound Soccer Club.

Coutinho said before the union, kids who played in the Crusaders could go only so far. If they ad vanced, they had to leave the team to become part of another organization.

"There was a lot of trial and error for kids to find the right place," Coutinho said. "Kids will come now and be placed at the appropriate talent level."

John Soares, who served as president of the Ironbound Crusaders and is now director of recreation and developmental programs for the Ironbound Soccer Club, called it one-stop shopping for soccer.

"Now, instead of a kid starting with a program and having to move, a kid can develop within the same organization," Soares said. "The goal is to provide the best opportunities for any child who wants to play the sport."

Carmen Juri covers the Ironbound. She may be reached at cjuri@starledger.com or (973) 392-1853.

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