Democrat & Chronicle: Players and kids gain double... -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 7/26/2002
Last Visited: 7/26/2002
(July 26, 2002) - Rochester Rhinos fans have two area youth soccer clubs to thank for being able to watch veterans Tommy Tanner and Carlos Zavala play this season.
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As the team crunched numbers at the start of the year, they doubted whether they could afford to keep Tanner and Zavala, former starters now cast in backup roles, on the roster without slicing their salary.
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Those youth organizations hired Tanner and Zavala, respectively, as their coaching directors.
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Tanner, 34, and Zavala, 33, both want to stay connected to the sport after their playing days are over and this a solid start-up vehicle.
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"This is a dream come true," said Zavala, a native of Mexico who grew up in California."When the Rhinos approached me on it I thought it was a great way to get started on my future.I truly believe in player development and I think I have the experience to bring to the table what the kids need."
Tanner, Rochester's team captain the past few years, and Zavala each oversee the coaching staffs of their clubs.The Junior Rhinos have 28 squads (boys and girls combined) and more than 450 players.
Irondequoit FC has 23 travel teams and more than 90 house-league squads.That adds up to more than 2,000 players.
The Junior Rhinos are considered a premier team and play in several top tournaments.
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Tanner has been with the Jr. Rhinos since mid-January and Zavala started with ISC in May and received start-up help from Ercoli.
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Zavala also is a real estate agent in the off-season.
Tryouts are coming up for each club.Information is at http://www.jrrhinossoccer.com/ and http://www.iscsoccer.com/