Town Sponsors Italian Soccer Camp and Exchange Program

North Hempstead is launching an Italian-run youth developmental soccer training and exchange program. The initiative, Italian Soccer Training Program (ISTEP), aims to foster the development of U.S. youth soccer players and programs, starting on Long Island, and to establish a player exchange program for Italian and American youth players.

Partnering with A.C. Milan Junior Camp, ISTEP is plans to host its first Long Island day camp at Michael J. Tully Park in New Hyde Park from June 23-29, 2013, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Interested individuals can enroll immediately.  Access forms can be online at www.istepusa.com, or by e-mailing ISTEP at istepusa@gmail.com or calling (516) 474-1823.

The town anticipates average enrollment of the co-ed camps to be approximately 80 players between the ages of 9-14.  A limited number of older and younger players will be accepted.

Fees are $500. A.C. Milan-certified trainers will staff the camps, and internships will be offered to certified professional U.S. trainers, offering them the opportunity to learn the A.C. Milan-ISTEP curricula.

For the Italian summer camps, ISTEP will bring a maximum of 40 young players to spend a week in La Marche or Umbria, Italy in 2013.

Deciphering Response to Sandy

North Hempstead aims to host a session with village mayors, along with county, state and federal representatives to determine response to Superstorm Sandy, and how to improve in the event of a future crisis. No word yet on whether LIPA officials will also attend. The meeting would likely take place within the next week, a town spokesman said. 

The town held a similar session after Tropical Storm Irene hit Long Island.