SAINT LOUIS SCOTT GALLAGHER

SLSG Girls ECNL Program Wraps Up Preseason

Brian Woodward • August 21, 2021

SLSG Girls ECNL Preseason Recap


The St. Louis Scott Gallagher Girls ECNL Program wrapped up their 2021-22 Preseason this weekend. Both on and off the field, the program grew together through many different activities.


Preseason began on August 2nd, with the SLSG ECNL Girls having the opportunity to hear Brett Ledbetter, co-founder of the What Drives Winning Conference and author of What Drives Winning speak on the importance of character, and it’s influence on competition. Each girl received a copy of the best-selling author’s What Drives Winning book and had the opportunity to meet with Brett.

The SLSG ECNL Program then went to Elsah, Illinois where the annual Preseason Camp was held at Principia College. SLSG Girls Director Scott McDoniel was grateful for the experience, returning to the tradition the program had from 2016-2019. “Kicking off the season at Principia brings the girls, the staff, and the program as a whole together in a way that is really special”, McDoniel said. Through scavenger hunts, sand volleyball, What Drives Winning workshops, and of course the Annual Talent Show, the girls really bonded. “Watching the U18/19 teams take the U15, U14 U13 girls under their wing shows a level of unity that really makes St. Louis Scott Gallagher is a special place to be,” said McDoniel. 


The following week, each ECNL team took to the field, to prepare for this past weekend’s 2021 Eclipse Select Challenge Cup, in Chicago, IL. SLSG Girls ECNL Director Ralph Richards was excited to be on the field this past weekend. “We are just so appreciative to have gotten these games this weekend. The girls have worked extremely hard throughout the summer, and have returned ready to take on another ECNL season”.

SLSG Green ECNL Director Shawn Hewitt was thrilled to see so much connectivity throughout the various platforms within the SLSG ECNL throughout the weekend. “From What Drives Winning zoom calls with each team, to team go-karting night, seeing the girls get to know one another both on and off the field is why we as coaches do what we do”. 


One of the most important parts of this weekend was seeing each team and each program continuing to strengthen their connection with one another, according to Richards. “Being able to have program dinners, both at Principia and in Chicago is something we have missed greatly. Seeing the girls connecting off the field - hanging out at the hotel, visiting tourist attractions, watching other SLSG ECNL games - makes the entire staff happy.”

As a final conclusion to the preseason activities throughout the Girls ECNL Program, each age group from U13-U19 attended Saint Louis University Women’s regular season home opener match against Xavier. It was a fantastic night, with thirteen SLSG Alumni taking the field between the two programs. The SLSG ECNL program looks forward to its regular Fall training rhythm and ECNL schedule. 

By John Venneman January 17, 2023
Our partners at The Edge Fitness Club want you to experience their outstanding amenities with a complimentary 7-day pass. Just scan the QR code and take advantage of one of our many offerings. Group exercise classes, personal training, sauna and massage, our Edge Kids program.
By John Venneman January 13, 2023
SLSG’s Missouri ECNL RL Program has just concluded the Regional League Showcase in Sanford Florida this past weekend. The program brought three teams to participate in the showcase consisting of the 04/05, 06, and 07 age groups. This was a great opportunity for the players to compete with different teams from across the country and showcase their abilities to a number of various college programs totalling over 200 in attendance at the event. The three teams landed in Sanford on Thursday and each had one game on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Following the Friday slate of games our teams were able to watch the ECNL RL National Selection game in which Anna Beam (04/05) had the chance to represent SLSG and compete with the top players in the Regional League. Anna’s team was coached by SLSG’s RL Director and Coach Maggie Richard. Anna and Maggie came away with a 4-2 win on the night with all 3 of our age groups in attendance to support. The 04/05 age group had a great weekend with 3 wins over the 3 day span. On Thursday they battled to a 1-0 win over PWSI with an abundance of colleges in attendance on the day. They took the momentum into Saturday with a 2-0 win over FC Prime, and capped off the trip with a 3-2 win against FC Delco. It was a great sendoff for our senior class and the team was able to celebrate with a senior dinner on Saturday night to cap off the RL season. Over the course of the weekend the team was able to showcase their abilities individually and as a team. The 06 age group was able to come away with a 1-1-1 record on the trip, starting with a 2-2 draw over Susa FC off a last minute equalizer to steal a point on the opening day. On Saturday the group attempted to battle their way back against a 3-1 deficit and finished the game with a 3-2 loss against Alabama FC. They ended the trip on a high note beating Match Fit Academy 3-0 on Sunday. It was an overall successful weekend for the 06 age group. The 07 age group were unlucky to come out of the weekend with a draw and 2 losses. Facing 3 tough opponents during the showcase the group was unfortunate not to come away with a win, but showed they are able to compete with top teams and look forward to the playoffs this summer following the high school season. Overall it was a great experience for the players to experience such a special event put on by the ECNL. We would like to thank all the families and players for their commitment to the program this season and for making it such a great experience for everyone. We wish all of our players good luck this high school season.
By John Venneman November 17, 2022
Fenton, MO - ST Louis Scott Gallagher and STL FUTSAL are excited to announce a strategic partnership. We will work closely together to raise futsal to the next level in the St. Louis metro area. We feel futsal is a key complement to our current programs and we are excited to get started. More details coming soon. About Futsal: -Originated in Montevideo, Uruguay in 1930 by Carlos Ceriani, quickly gained popularity in Brazil, South America & Europe. -5 a side soccer played on hard (gym) floor with a small heavier ball & goal -Futsal, Futbol Sala (which means hall soccer in Portuguese) -Famous soccer players that started by playing futsal: Messi, Pele, Neymar, Ronaldo, Diego Simeone Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos, to name a few -In Brazil, most of youth players only play futsal until the age 13, then they make the decision to play full time soccer or futsal. -Used as part of the training curriculum / program for national teams such as: Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, France, Mexico, Paraguay, Spain etc Benefits of Futsal: -High pace game, so high pressure causes faster decision making -Dynamic play forces players to play both offense and defense -Less players on the court means more touches on the ball -Higher level of competition at a young age allows players to be more confident in high pressure situations -Heavier ball increases the power of players -Tighter spaces forces players to have quicker reaction time -Smaller goals improve shooting accuracy -Great players are great decision makers
October 10, 2022
WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS
By John Venneman September 14, 2022
Fenton, MO - St. Louis Scott Gallagher is proud to announce it has entered into an affiliation agreement with Bethalto FC and Civic Memorial School District in Bethalto, IL. Over the next year, St. Louis Scott Gallagher (SLSG) and Bethalto FC will work closely together building an affiliation program within the community. Bethalto FC will have access to SLSG’s unrivaled technical training, coaching curriculum, and training facilities. Stay tuned for more details about the full extent of this affiliation in the future.
August 29, 2022
2022/23 Coaches Meeting
Show More
Share by: