Some of the best soccer in town can be had at Next Level this summer as elite high school and returning college players hit Next Level each Tuesday for small pick-up games to keep their skills sharp.
“We put this together for the college kids and elite high school players in order to come back and have some good competition and a nice fun atmosphere,” said Kerry Cook, Next Level coach who organizes the $5 pickup games.
Next Level splits its indoor facility into two halves for 4v4 soccer games. The winner stays on, and the losing team alternates to the sideline or is put on the other half depending on how many players show up.
TUESDAY!! TUESDAY!! Elite High School/College Night – Tuesday June 12th, 6:00-8:00pm, $5/player, 340 Richmond Avenue – Lexington #NextLevel #bethere pic.twitter.com/vMW7E3lEXQ
— Next Level Sports (@nextlevellex) June 10, 2018
The event has been attracting players from colleges all over the state of Kentucky and even some semi-pro players ever since the beginning.
“I have been coming for about six years now,” said Belmont University sophomore girl’s soccer player Haley Poynter. “I personally feel I get really good coaching with striking from Kerry, and you are able to come and play and get valuable experience.”
The difference between player’s normal college team routine and Next Level’s is more fast-paced, and mixes in males and females on the same team.
“I really enjoy the co-ed aspect because it challenges and pushes me because the guys game is naturally very fast, so being able to play with them teaches me play quicker,” said Poynter.
The high intensity and satisfaction of knowing players improve from coming to this event every week is what keeps Cook continuing to do this every summer.
“It’s just a neat environment, especially for some of the younger kids coming in for their first time to see some of the older and professional players play,” said Cook.
What: Next Level Sports Elite High School/College Night
Where: 340 Richmond Avenue
When: Every Tuesday for the whole summer, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $5 per player.
