Zig Zag Zone Testimonials

"We loved it! More than we expected...we brought our two young grandkids (1 1/2 yrs and 2 1/2 yrs old) along with a 4 yr old friend and they all had a blast. They RAN from activity to activity for an easy 90 minutes non-stop."

"Keep up the good work - great place for my kids to learn and grow!"

"Love, love, love the Zig Zag Zone. It is a great outlet for my kids on days we can't get outside. And naps are guaranteed."

Coaching Testimonials

"Felicity, I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate everything you did for [our daughter] and the team over the years. She loved playing for that team (for 6 years.) We couldn't have asked for a better coach and role model. It was a wonderful experience."

"John, My daughter plays on the U12 team you coached Sunday morning and I just wanted to thank you. You are truly a phenomenal coach and person. Your positivity, energy, and extensive knowledge was felt on the sidelines the entire game. It was a great pleasure to watch and hear...This is our first session with John Smith and to have you coach her team was an honor and made me proud to have her with your Academy. Thanks again and I look forward to continuing to be a part of the John Smith family."

"John, Can I tell you what an impressive organization you have. I was told by friends that you are very hands on in your approach and that was certainly evident. I look forward to my 9two daughters) being participants in your academy. Best to you in the future."

For more coaching testimonials regarding specific coaches, please look at our "About the Coaches" page, on the Soccer Club homepage.

JSSA Magic Testimonials

Dear John and Felicity, Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness! For creating a club with some real caring and connectedness. Too often these days, it seems soccer is just another moneymaking racket. Thank you for showing me otherwise."

"My wife and I are very excited that our son and daughter will be playing for JSSA this year. You are running a first class operation, and it is wonderful to be a small part of it."

"[My daughter] started attending John Smith camp two years ago. [She is now on GU15 JSSA team.] I have to say, that every interaction I have had with your organization for camp or club, has been very positive. I found myself describing JSSA to another parent as a very "classy organization."

"Gary [Muello], thanks very much for taking the time and doing [my daughter's] evaluation. She has become a better soccer player and actually like the game more because of you."

"We LOVE Coach Dave [Hill] and so does our daughter. In fact, so much that we really can't envision her ever playing for any other coach....Dave is knowledgeable about soccer, a great coach, leader and example for the kids. He also has wonderful communication skills - players and parents are never left in the dark. Keep Coach Dave. Forever."

"My son enjoyed your [Sam Renshaw] coaching style and learned a tremendous amount. Thank you for all of your efforts."

"The overall atmostphere and attitude of the club is very positive, which is absolutely critical to my son's enjoyment and learning. This type of enviroment also makes him work his hardest and try his best. His coach [John Smith] is of course great too! Also, having your own indoor facility to practice in when the weather is bad is very helpful. Finally, I thought the level of communication was very good."

"John, I wanted to let you know [our son] has truly loved being on the [BU10] team and all the special time he has gotten with you. His soccer skills, confidence and maturity have made great strides during this short time. Thanks so much for taking all the time to coach them. Watching the practices, I was amazed at how much fun you all had. My favorite was watching you all out there still playing in the dark until the ball could no longer be found."

"Jason [Sullo], You should be thanked. It was a great season and a great experience for my daughter. She continues to grow as a player and improve her skills while having a lot of fun. Joking aside, the club thing is only as good as the coach. Thanks for all you do the girls!! You are really what has made the experience for her. I have no illusions that it would be the same if you weren't there. Those girls would follow you off a cliff..."

"John, I think you did a great job with the kids, both U10 and U14 boys...All 3 of my boys love being part of the club."

Personal Testimonials

"Hello John, Since attending your camp (in the 1980's), my passion has been soccer, and as I've grown older, coaching soccer. I credit my coaching style and philosophy to what I learned over 10 summers at John Smith; to win with humility and lose with grace, to always focus on the big picture, and to choose the high road over the low road (as John would close every camp!).I have coached soccer in some capacity for the last 15 years or so and on every team try to instill the same sense of family and togetherness that I first learned so many years ago at John Smith. As a coach, my most important task is to instill the same love of the beautiful game that your camp did for me.On behalf of all of the campers whose lives you affected in such a positive way, thank you."

"John was my PE teacher at Dominican Academy - this is back in the mid 70's before his first or second season with the Pats. As I reflect on my youth and education - there are three teachers who had an impact on me and one of them was John Smith. He was incredibly kind to me. It was as if I he knew I needed that extra little boost of confidence - I had loss my father a few years earlier and I was pretty withdrawn - but John always treated me like I was special and could raise above anything. I doubt he would remember me - but I didn't want this day to pass without thanking him and wishing him and his family the best. He made a positive impact on me - and I'm grateful he was in my life for that one year. He truly made me think I could do anything and I think of him often. Please let him know that almost 33 years later a student from DA has never forgotten him. Thank you."

"John, I wanted to say that you were a great [New England] Patriot. You had a great spirit for the game and always were good in the clutch. I also use to enjoy your color commentary of the New England Tea Men. I went on to become a sports writer...You helped make me a sports fanatic. Thanks."

"Dear Mr. John Smith, I met you 31 years ago and you gave me an autographed card which I was able to show you at The Devens Grill in May 2010! I want to thank you for giving me an updated autographed card. It was a pleasure to have met you again and I proudly show my autographs to friends. They all enjoy the story of 31 years that goes along with the signed items! Thank you once again."

"After forty years or so, I come across the legend who so impressed me when he kicked the soccer ball a good 100 yards at Camp Lenox! I missed your NFL career as I played more soccer but have always spoken of you as having given me the first taste of the sport, soccer...Can I go to the camps? Thanks for the memories."

Indoor Center Testimonials

"I wanted to let you know that our Extended Day Summer Program LOVED the trip to your facility in July (as did the counselors)! I didn't make it, but everyone said that it was one of the best of the summer, and we had 2-3 per week."

"Hi Felicity, Thanks so much for everything. My tournament [Pan-Am Masters Judo Championships] was a big success. We had over 150 competitors from four countries and twenty states at the event. The facility worked out perfectly and you and your staff were fantastic. Bob [from Purchase St. Market] was a big help too."

"First let me say, thank you for the ease of getting our [indoor] team up and running. John Smith Center has been wonderful to deal with..."

"Dear Coach Tara, Thank you for a great first soccer experience. My kids love you! You are fantastic at your job and we are so fortunate to have found you and the John Smith crew. Thank you!"

"Thanks for a graet indoor season [2010-2011] at John Smith (42 games worth)! I can't believe it is over this weekend!"

Tournament Testimonials

"Hi guys. Great tournament over the [Memorial Day] weekend. Thanks to you and everyone who helped make it a fun time for all...Thanks again. Looking forward to the next one." - BU10 Coach

"This [Memorial Day 2011 tournament] was the best run tournament we've ever been to. Thank you so much for a wonderful time. The boys loved it! Parents too! Thank you very much. Hope to be back in the future! - Delta BU12 Parent

"Had a great time yesterday competing in the GU14 6v6 Black division. You fols run an excellent tournament. Thanks for putting on a good show!" - GU14 Coach

"Thank you for a great tournament." - GU10 Napoli Coach

"Hi guys. Great tournament again this year. Thanks to all who contributed in pulling this together. Thanks for a great day!" - BU10 Coach

"Thanks! The Strikers teams had a great time there...another rewarding and fun weekend."

Summer Camp Testimonials

"Hello John, Since attending your camp (in the 1980's), my passion has been soccer, and as I've grown older, coaching soccer. I credit my coaching style and philosophy to what I learned over 10 summers at John Smith; to win with humility and lose with grace, to always focus on the big picture, and to choose the high road over the low road (as John would close every camp!).I have coached soccer in some capacity for the last 15 years or so and on every team try to instill the same sense of family and togetherness that I first learned so many years ago at John Smith. As a coach, my most important task is to instill the same love of the beautiful game that your camp did for me.On behalf of all of the campers whose lives you affected in such a positive way, thank you."

"Good morning. Just wanted to let you know that 3 of our children are attending the summer camp at Olin College this week and are absolutely loving it! The camp is a HUGE hit with our kids. They want to sign on the dotted line for next summer!"

"I just wanted to express my family's thanks for running such a terrific soccer camp! My daughter has been to many soccer camps and yours is her favorite. She had a great week with the campers and coaches. My husband and I told our daughter that we really like the speech John Smith gave today about the 3 D's and appreciate his holistic approach to success in sports and life. My daughter said John gave many insirational speeches during the week. Thank you."

"Dear John, I thank you so so much for setting up the camp. I loved everything like the games, 4v4, 8v8, and 6v6 and so on. Thanks for teaching about the diamond. It worked, it really really worked! I shot a ball 36 miles per hour. Isn't that cool. Your friend, Ben [8 year old camper from Dover Day Camp, 2010]"

"Thank you for an excellent week of soccer [Dana Hall], that you enabled my son to share with you all this past week. He had an excellent week, that he was able to share with several of his friends. He enjoyed his experience ... and all his counselors. Thank you for giving them all a great week under your tutelage, and teaching them all the finer points of the game. To have a week of learning, while having good fun, makes it an even richer experience! It was a super week for my son. Thank you for all your efforts! "

"I just signed up three of my kids for your session at Dana Hall this summer. My son made varsity [in the fall 2009] because of your camp! Thank you"

"My son had an amazing week [Dana Hall]. Everyday he came home with an exhausted smile on his face. He is looking forward to playing for the club [JSSA Magic]. Extremely impressed with how camp was run, how well organized and how friendly/helpful EVERYONE was. Thank you again!!!"

"My daughter is going to play for JSSA Magic GU15. Thanks for a great experience at camp. We appreciate all the effort you and Felictiy put into building a great program!"

"[My son] keeps on talking about the fun time he had there [Dana Hall Coed week]. Thanks for doing a great job of running a successful soccer camp. This was his second time going there. Most importantly, of the 10 years he has been playing soccer, the coach he had this week...was by far the best coach he's ever had. He says had he had him all these years, he would have been a much better soccer player today. Many thanks for inspiring him."

"My daughter attended as a day camper last week [Dana Hall coed camp] and really enjoyed it. It was clear at the end of each day that she had worked hard, learned a lot and also enjoyed the social aspects. Thank you for providing a high quality soccer program. I would certainly recommend it!"

"I'd like to thank you for the positive experience my son had at your Merrimack camp. He came home each day anxious to practice the new moves he learned. It was nice to see such enthusiasm toward soccer from a "die hard" basketball player! Hopefully he'll want to attend next year."

"I wanted to send you a quick note to thank you for giving my girls a great experience at Dana Hall school this week [girls week]. My older daughter in particular mentioned that you gave her some positive feedback on her soccer kick ("you have a rocket shot"). This made her feel confidence and great about, not only soccer, but herself. I now that there ar lot of kids at the camp, and yet it seems that you look to make each kid feel important. As a parent, I appreciate what you and your counselors do to make the soccer camp a positive experience."

"Thanks for offering this camp [Cambridge School of Weston Girls week]. My daughter had a wonderful time on top of learning new soccer skills. The fact that is was all girls...added to her experience."

"It was a terrific week (Dana Hall girls camp) despite the rain. I'm amazed that they got as much soccer in as they did! [My daughter] had a wonderful week. She LOVED the camp and would like to vernight as soon as she can. So we'll be back next year. I'm so glad I saw the poster and signed up at the last minute. Thanks for including us."

"On behalf of Marian high School [girls] soccer team and parents, I'd like to thank you for a great week!? The girls worked hard, had fun and are excited about starting their season soon...Thanks again for a great week."

"I just wanted to let you know how much [my daughter] enjoyed your camp this week (CSW-Girls High School week)! She said that she learned a lot AND had a blast. She met some really nice girls and they are already friends on Facebook! She said that the staff was excellent, they all worked hard and had fun at the same time. She came home buzzing about the camp...Thanks so much and good luck!

"I am interested in registering my son ...for the year round [JS Academy] program...We were very impressed by your camp at Dana Hall and want to continue training with you."