Nico Petridis Selected by NY Red Bulls in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft

NIko on BeachsideNorwalk, CT native and Beachside alum Niko Petridis was recently selected by the NY Red Bulls in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. It was something he dreamed of starting back in the days with his U12 Beachside premier team. 

When talking with his former coaches, one thing stayed true throughout his development. His love for soccer. From day one Niko had a competitive passion for the game. His desire to challenge himself and improve every time he stepped on a field maximized his development. Niko was no stranger to putting in extra work and making sacrifices to be the best he could be. 

I recently talked with Nico and he had a few words to share with our Beachside family. 

My dream, since the day I could remember, was to always play professional soccer and I can proudly say that dream has finally come true. It was not an easy path and was one that took a lot of sacrifice from not just myself, but my entire family as well. The number of countless hours, days and years that it took put me in the best position to succeed took a lot of determination and focus. On weekends where my friends would be together to hang out, I would travel to games and tournaments. On days that I didn’t feel like training, I would still get up and put in the work that was needed. I knew that if I didn’t work hard, then my dreams would not be possible to reach.

Beachside was a club that taught me how to work hard and how to be professional with everything you do from a very young age. I joined the club when I was 12 years old and they helped me develop as a player and as a person all the way leading up to my senior year in high school. Without the Beachside family, I would not be in the position that I am in today and I am truly thankful to all of the coaches that were involved in my development. I hope that I can continue to grow and develop as a player and a person and am looking forward to this new chapter in my life.”

—Niko Petridis

Congrats Niko! Niko is one of the most recent success stories from a talented Beachside class and we are all really proud of him. We look forward to your continued successes on the pitch and in life.

“We are so proud of Nico, who spent the majority of his youth career with Beachside. Nico has been part of some of the best teams in our club’s history and his contribution while at Beachside is immense. Nico epitomizes what our club stands for, hard work, commitment, and incredible love for the game.  His competitive attitude and desire to constantly learn and improve will serve him well at the Pro level.” 

—Mickey Kydes, Founder and Technical Director

Beachside SC Alum Henry Kessler 6th Overall Pick in MLS Super Draft 2020

Henry Kessler Selected to New England Revolution
Henry Kessler Selected 6th Overall to the New England Revolution in the 2020 MLS Draft

On Thursday, January 9th, Beachside Soccer Club’s Alumni Henry Kessler was selected with the 6th overall pick, in the 2020 MLS Super Draft by New England Revolution. We are thrilled to congratulate Henry on beginning his professional career. 

Beachside is a club built on a community of individuals who exhibit key Core Values establishing a culture, catered to a player’s personal and athletic development. Values such as commitment, respect, discipline, and integrity are instrumental in molding our environment. When Henry Kessler joined Beachside in the fall of 2015, he was no exception. 

“ Henry is a person who thrives on challenges and understands the sacrifice needed to achieve his goals. Henry was a pleasure to coach, and I hope Henry inspires all of our current Beachside players to set high goals, standards, and work toward their goals every day. ”
–Mickey Kydes, Beachside Technical Director & Founder 

Academically, Henry completed all of his high school requirements in two years. In his junior and senior years, Henry enrolled in college equivalent courses, earning his high school diploma and an associate’s degree from Bard College. 

Athletically during that time, Henry joined an exceptional Beachside team that had just come off one of the best seasons in club history. Their roster was filled with current NCAA Division I players and former US National team representatives. Henry quickly adapted to the environment and established himself as a vital member of the team. His character and commitment were always on display, and his professional attitude fit perfectly with our Beachside Core Values. 

Regarding his commitment level, Henry would commute by train, from New York to Bridgeport, CT, four days a week for practices each week. Henry not only attended every practice but would show up ready to train, never making excuses. His presence was infectious and raised an already competitive group to new levels. Their team would go on to qualify for the USSDA Academy Playoffs for the second year in a row.

Henry has since moved on to the University of Virginia where he has continued excelling athletically and academically. Henry has started every game at center back for the number one ranked defense in the country in 2019-20. 

Henry’s Impressive Accolades Include: 

  • ACC’s Tournament Most Valuable Player.
  • ACC Tournament Champion (1st Championship in a decade). 
  • NCAA College Cup Finals Participant: falling to Georgetown in penalties.
  • All-ACC honors for the second straight year.
  • MAC Hermann Award Semi-Finalist.
  • Generation Adidas Contract.
  • 6th Overall Pick in MLS Super Draft, 2020, to New England Revolution.


Henry will forgo his senior year at Virginia and embark on a professional career. We asked Henry to speak to our Beachside players about the keys to his success.

Please listen to what he said:

Henry, we are extremely proud of your achievements and greatly look forward to continuing watching you in the years to come. May our Beachside players follow in the attitude and commitment you have lived by. From all of us at Beachside, we wish you all the best and continued success. 

Jon Gallagher: A Beachside Story

No different than many 12-year-old soccer players, Jon Gallagher’s dream was to one day be a professional soccer player. Jon’s dream came true this past weekend as Atlanta United drafted Jon with the #14 overall pick in this year’s MLS Super Draft.

Gallagher

From an early age, it was evident that Jon possessed a true passion for the game of soccer. His enjoyment, love and competitiveness showcased itself every time he stepped onto the field. What Jon was remarkable with, was his willingness to work as hard as he could on and off the field. Jon’s relationship with the ball and Soccer IQ were way beyond his years. Jon had a purpose for every touch, every dribble, and had great anticipation of the next play. The memories we’ll think most of Jon are not the goals he scored, or the accolades he received, but Jon’s coachable mind frame and willingness to set the example for others. Even with his talent level, he was humble, and willing to do whatever the team needed.

Jon’s foundation and commitment to fulfilling his childhood dream have now taken him to the professional game, and we could not be prouder.

Best of luck on your next journey, we all believe in you!

Gallagher and BSC

“Beachside gave me as close as you can get to a professional environment growing up. I learned the importance of being mature and professional in how you carry yourself both on and off the field in order to improve on a daily basis. I was able to use those lessons as a platform to take forward into my college and professional career.”

– Jon Gallagher

Beachside Alum Kyle Martino to Run for USSF President

Kyle Martino, former Beachside, MLS and USMNT player, announced Monday, November 6, 2017, that he is throwing his hat in the ring for the United States Soccer Federation presidency–the first contested election since Sunil Gulati took over in ’06.

Kyle Martino
Kyle Martino will run for USSF President

Martino, 36, is on hiatus from NBC Sports where he was a studio analyst for the English Premier League. Martino launched Everyone’s Game USA to detail his candidacy, where his foundation is based on three simple words: TRANSPARENCY. EQUALITY. PROGRESS. His letters of recommendation can be found on his website with Mickey Kydes, Thierry Henry, and David Beckham all backing him. 

Martino says he’d resign if the U.S. failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup or missed the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup.


“It’s time to put soccer back at the center of the United States Soccer Federation.”

—Kyle Martino


To read more and follow Kyle’s journey, please check out his Campaign website. Good luck to Kyle and his team! Success Is A Choice.

 

Hall of Fame Inductees Inspire

Former Beachside players Shane Recklet and Anna Borea were inducted into Beachside Soccer Club’s Hall of fame at Beachside’s Annual Banquet Sunday April 30.

Both joined the club as u12 players and played for Beachside until moving on to 4-year starting roles in Divison 1 college soccer: Anna at Fairfield University and Shane at Quinnipiac.

anne_brecklet 2Anna is graduating this Spring and heading for Law School. Shane has recently joining our coaching staff, having played professionally in Germany. Both spoke to an audience of over 500 players and parents who packed the Greenwich Hyatt Ballroom on Sunday, reflecting on their Beachside careers and how it prepared them for the later challenges in their lives – on and off the field.

Please watch Anna’s Speech – it will be well worth your time:

CLICK HERE!