Samba TTP (Technical Training Program), a boys premier soccer program formed to compete in the CJSA (Connecticut Junior Soccer Association) Division I and Division II leagues, has begun an affiliation with the Newtown Soccer Club.

Alan Helfer, president of the NSC, and Brian Neumeyer, Samba’s director of coaching, made a joint announcement this week. Coach Neumeyer will be overseeing all aspects of the program and will be co-directing it with Nick Booth.

Samba TTP will meet the needs of talented regional players who possess the motivation and dedication to participate in a highly competitive league and tournament environment. This program will serve boys who qualify for the 2001-2002 season’s U-13 and U-14 age brackets.

Samba TTP will be based in Newtown.

Coach Neumeyer holds a national license and is the head coach of the Newtown High School boys’ varsity soccer team. He is a member of the Connecticut State Olympic Development Program staff and the director of coaching and training for the Newtown Soccer Club.

Coach Neumeyer played soccer for Southern Connecticut State University, where he was a member of the 1990 National Championship team. He also distinguished himself at the high school level where he was recognized as a 1989 Parade High School All-American.

Coach Booth will serve as co-director of Samba TTP. He has developed an outstanding track record as a college player and coach. Most recently, coach Booth was named to Southern Connecticut State University’s All Time Top 50 Player’s list after serving as captain and a member of SCSU’s national championship teams in 1990 and 1992. He was the former head coach at University of Bridgeport and has coached area premier teams, having won open cup championships in 1996 and 2000.

Coach Neumeyer said, “I look forward to developing a program with coach Booth that provides an opportunity for advanced development to players who are looking for this higher caliber of competition within the framework of CJSA. In addition to offering a challenging experience for these players, this program’s directives will encourage the players to be positive role models on and off the field.”

Samba TTP invites prospective candidates to try out for the upcoming premier soccer season. Tryouts for the U13 boys will be held at St. Rose Church on July 10, 12 and 19 at 5:00 pm. Tryouts for the U14 boys will be held at St. Rose on July 10, 12 and 19 at 6:30 pm.

If available, players should try to attend all three tryouts. Player registration will begin 30 minutes earlier.

For more information about the Newtown Soccer Club and Samba TTP, visit our web site at newtownsoccerclub.org or call Brian Neumeyer at 203-459-0096.