FIRST TOUCH SOCCER
"The Most Important Touch"
Your Subtitle text
About Us
WHO WE ARE
Mitch Dubensky is the Founder and Director of First Touch Soccer. He is a 27 year DC resident and has lived in American University park since 1990. He holds a USSF national "Youth" coaching license, a USSF National "C" coaching license and holds a USSF Referee certification. He played collegiate soccer, played in post-university adult travel leagues and played in various countries around the world.
His work ethic is simple -- if you work hard good things can happen. However, without the effort -- be it in life under the current global economic conditions or on the soccer field -- it will be extremely difficult to succeed.
Having acquired the academic credentials to pursue a rewarding and fulfilling 25-year livelihood in the government and corporate world, he decided it was time for a new ambition, a revitalized purpose and a renewed commitment to give back.
He came to the conclusion that among many passions is to teach children soccer skills, leadership skills, promote physical education, a healthy lifestyle and friendly competition.
As a commitment to this passion, I decided that all of the financial gains from First Touch Soccer will go to support education in the underprivileged global community. We are currently in the process of developing and educational scholarship program for girls and boys in Thailand.
His work ethic is simple -- if you work hard good things can happen. However, without the effort -- be it in life under the current global economic conditions or on the soccer field -- it will be extremely difficult to succeed.
Having acquired the academic credentials to pursue a rewarding and fulfilling 25-year livelihood in the government and corporate world, he decided it was time for a new ambition, a revitalized purpose and a renewed commitment to give back.
He came to the conclusion that among many passions is to teach children soccer skills, leadership skills, promote physical education, a healthy lifestyle and friendly competition.
As a commitment to this passion, I decided that all of the financial gains from First Touch Soccer will go to support education in the underprivileged global community. We are currently in the process of developing and educational scholarship program for girls and boys in Thailand.
HOW WE CAN DO IT
First Touch Soccer is only able to conduct the clinics because of the dedication and hard work of young mean and women who are passionate about teaching soccer, playing with the kids and working with them to enhance their soccer skills.
Over the years, the following people have offered their technical skills and coaching assistance to First Touch Soccer:
Matthijs Maruanaya -- Matthijs grew up in the vicinity of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. At the ripe old age of twelve he was recruited to play for the youth academy of the professional soccer team AZ Alkmaar. he played for all age groups and made his way to the senior Reserve Team. He also played for the Dutch Under 19 National Team. In 2005 he was asked to play for Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. He was team captain in his junior and senior year. After college, Matthijs obtained a Master of Political Science degree in Barcelona, Spain. While he is considering various post-soccer professional opportunities, he is a regular at the First Touch Soccer programs, does magic with the ball and he is a terrific mentor for the kids.
Vanya Klein is a 2007 graduate of Wilson High School in Washington DC and was captain of the soccer team. he was a 2007 All-Met selection. Vanya trained and played in Brazil for many years and also in Holland and Germany. He plays for the DC United U23 team. His skills are phenomenal and can hit the ball equally hard and accurate with both feet. Ask him to hit the crossbar from distance for you!
Natali Salcedo is a rising senior at Wilson High School in the International Studies Program in Washington DC. She plays midfield for the Wilson Tigers varsity soccer team and currently plays in the WAGS Division 1 travel league. She plans to play soccer in college. Natali is bilingual in English and spanish. She is calm and collected, both on and off the field.
Nick Clements is a rising senior at Wilson High School. he is a member of the Wilson soccer team and has spent several summers working as an assistant at the maret School soccer camps. He enjoys working with kids and loves the sport of soccer.
Over the years, the following people have offered their technical skills and coaching assistance to First Touch Soccer:
Matthijs Maruanaya -- Matthijs grew up in the vicinity of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. At the ripe old age of twelve he was recruited to play for the youth academy of the professional soccer team AZ Alkmaar. he played for all age groups and made his way to the senior Reserve Team. He also played for the Dutch Under 19 National Team. In 2005 he was asked to play for Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. He was team captain in his junior and senior year. After college, Matthijs obtained a Master of Political Science degree in Barcelona, Spain. While he is considering various post-soccer professional opportunities, he is a regular at the First Touch Soccer programs, does magic with the ball and he is a terrific mentor for the kids.
Vanya Klein is a 2007 graduate of Wilson High School in Washington DC and was captain of the soccer team. he was a 2007 All-Met selection. Vanya trained and played in Brazil for many years and also in Holland and Germany. He plays for the DC United U23 team. His skills are phenomenal and can hit the ball equally hard and accurate with both feet. Ask him to hit the crossbar from distance for you!
Natali Salcedo is a rising senior at Wilson High School in the International Studies Program in Washington DC. She plays midfield for the Wilson Tigers varsity soccer team and currently plays in the WAGS Division 1 travel league. She plans to play soccer in college. Natali is bilingual in English and spanish. She is calm and collected, both on and off the field.
Nick Clements is a rising senior at Wilson High School. he is a member of the Wilson soccer team and has spent several summers working as an assistant at the maret School soccer camps. He enjoys working with kids and loves the sport of soccer.
ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE
Caton Dubensky played soccer in the backyard with her dad since she was four. She honed her skills through pickup and recreation games. In the spring 2005 she was a member of the U13 Maryland State Cup championship team and Region 1 semi-finalist. She ended her H.S. career at St. Andrew's Episcopal School with selection to the 2009 All-ISL team. Though deciding not to play in college, she loves to play at the clinics and can show the kids some great turns. Check out her goals on the links page of the website.
Vince Tersegno played college soccer at St. Lawrence University. He played semiprofessional and has competed in several international soccer tournaments. As a FTS Board member, vince loves to impart his humorous anecdotes and teaching skills. As a born striker, he can demonstrate the tricks of the trade in getting by defenders, anticipating runs and using deft touches to assist and score goals. Vince has a national "D" and "Youth" soccer licenses.
A shout out also goes to Chris Dougherty, Jeremy Cohen, Kevin Rivera (all Wilson HS class of 2012) Sam Owens (Class of 2012 Hamilton NY) and Maureen O'Donnell for their help.
Vince Tersegno played college soccer at St. Lawrence University. He played semiprofessional and has competed in several international soccer tournaments. As a FTS Board member, vince loves to impart his humorous anecdotes and teaching skills. As a born striker, he can demonstrate the tricks of the trade in getting by defenders, anticipating runs and using deft touches to assist and score goals. Vince has a national "D" and "Youth" soccer licenses.
A shout out also goes to Chris Dougherty, Jeremy Cohen, Kevin Rivera (all Wilson HS class of 2012) Sam Owens (Class of 2012 Hamilton NY) and Maureen O'Donnell for their help.
