THE NUSA 04 BOYS MAROON IS COACHED BY ALAN from getting ‘lost’ in the club as they continue to grow and O’Connor, a well-respected and experienced coach in middle develop,” says Director of Coaching Robbie Stewart. Tennessee. Alex Quintana is the assistant coach. This team is The 04 Boys Maroon compete in the Tennessee State part of a larger Academy and a resounding example of NUSA’s League at the Division 1 level, yet limit any unnecessary training structure and development philosophy. travel or tournaments in order to play games. NUSA firmly The 04 Boys Maroon and Academy are composed of players believes that its players can be challenged within the State of from different cultures and communities in middle Tennessee. Tennessee and even Middle Tennessee based on its coaching This is a testament to NUSA’s mission, vision, and goals as curriculum, academy training environment, and playing locally a youth soccer organization. According to club officials, the against older players. emphasis at NUSA is always on individual development; the This team often trains three days a week but does not club states that due to the varying rates at which young players play every weekend which allows players and families to develop physically, psychologically, and socially, players will enjoy other sports and activities. Jared Diaz and Parker often move up or down within the pools or academies. This will Walls, two players from this team, were selected to attend ensure that they are playing in an environment which challenges the US Soccer Training Center in Memphis. them yet also allows them to achieve success. “NUSA’s All smiles after a Thursday night SL match to improve to emphasis on individual player development prevents players 3-0 in State League play