Local sports enthusiast and dedicated coach, Coach Simon, director of Next Level Sports (NLS), is revolutionizing the way Jewish youth experience sports. With his passion for the game and commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment, Simon has created a dynamic sports program that is quickly becoming the talk of the town.
NLS offers a wide range of sport services, from skill clinics, leagues, private coaching, birthdays and in-between camps. All programs are geared to boost students’ confidence and enjoyment! The Jewish Link sat down with Coach Simon to find out more.
Q: Coach Simon, Does your English background help sports here in NJ?
Simon: (Laughs) Everyone has a different approach to doing things; my upbringing also plays a huge part. I’ve been there, done that—meaning I’ve played at a really high level, even to the point where I had trials at pro club. So I’ve been fortunate enough to see the beautiful, but also the ugly, side that sport can bring out in myself, others, even parents, and I know what message I want to promote to Jewish students.
Q: What message is that?
Simon: Simple: Play to win, but see the bigger picture. My popular line that students have heard many times is, “If you’re not here trying to win, then what are you doing here? And if you’re not being a mentsch then what are YOU doing here?!
Q: What’s the plan for this winter season?
Simon: We’re, please God, adding a new location—Tenafly Chabad—which is still very close to the Bergenfield and Teaneck communities. Our main focus is soccer, but are still offering basketball clinics at Tenafly venue. The girls program will be led by the experienced head coach Samantha Bitton, who is also my better half, and the girls are a big fan of her fun encouraging/patient approach.
Q: What is the plan for the future?
Simon: There are two major focus points going forward.
1) We’re launching Passaic programs, starting in February, after much demand from parents of respective schools in Passaic.
2) Spring soccer league for boys and girls (grades k-eight); early bird ends Dec 15.
For the winter season we are offering a one-week paid trial (Dec 15) across three venues: RYNJ, River Edge; The Football Factory, Dumont; Chabad, Tenafly.
Must RSVP: Whatsapp to 954-329-6828.
Parents and kids alike rave about the amazing experience they’ve had on NLS programs—scan to QR code to watch the video.
