UCAN Sports

It was a perfectly sunny day out on the pitch last Saturday at the premier of South East Consortium’s UCAN sports league. Athletes, parents, staff and volunteers made their way out onto the grassy field to kick around the soccer ball, get some exercise and just have fun.

UCAN sports league is the first of many new programs in a monumental initiative to redefine the way we approach and manage special needs athletics. UCAN, along with several other new and revamped South East Consortium athletic programs, combines co-operative play between participants and inclusionary participation with volunteers to create the optimal social and athletic experience.

Athletes arrive to practice and are paired up with their volunteer buddies for some down time before practice. Once the majority of players have arrived practice commences. Practice consists of two main components; straight physical exercise that helps develop and improve balance, strength and coordination (all integral foundations for sports) and a systematic expansion of sport specific skills that is built upon each week.

The volunteers provide support to our athletes while modeling and reinforcing taught skills. The volunteers also serve as a vehicle for social interaction between athletes with the intent of building confidence and interpersonal skills in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.

The staff on hand possess a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to children and athletics. Teachers, firefighters, lifeguards and Eagle Scouts make up the exemplary staff South East Consortium has running the UCAN sports program.

Other sports program South East Consortium is currently running include TriSports, Partners in Sports, Cottle Crew Elementary After School, SEC Sluggers Fall Ball baseball clinic and Eastchester Eagles basketball camp. All of which work on incorporating aspects of the UCAN program.

“What we are trying to do here has never been done. We are looking to develop individual sports leagues throughout the area with the goal of one day having Rye play Eastchester or Harrison play Larchmont in a fun and competitive setting,” said Executive Director of South East Consortium Jerry Peters.

UCAN sports meets every Saturday at the Quaker Ridge School in Scarsdale. The fall season will focus on soccer, basketball in the winter and baseball in the fall. For more information about UCAN sports please contact the South East Consortium offices at 914-698-5232.

Second Annual SEC v. NEC Basketball Game

It was non-stop action from the tip off when the South East Consortium Hawks squared off against North East Consortium Basketball last Tuesday night in the second annual SEC v. NEC basketball game.

With the bitter taste of defeat still fresh on their taste buds from last season’s disappointing defeat, on their home turf no less, the Hawks came swooping in, talons out and ready to play. The long awaited re-match was met with ultimate victory for the Hawks (30-24.)

The Hawks quickly took the lead under power forward Alexander Pflaum. Alex, known as the Savage Dancer by his team mates for his delicate footwork and precise jump shot coupled with his intensity up and down the court, sank 8 points in the first three minutes of the game.

North East realized that this was not the same team they played one year ago, re-grouped, and caught up with 6 unanswered points before the end of the first quarter. 

The Hawks went right back at it full force in the second quarter. The unavoidable excitement from the crowd off the court and rough and tumble action on the court electrified the air infecting our Hawks. Typically composed players were rushing shots resulting in turn overs and making some daring passes that did not always work out in their favor.

The second quarter saviors were Chris Horan and Andrew Brooks. Horan (now known as “the Surgeon”) hit three jump shots in a row with surgical precision. Brooks, all 6’4” of him, camped out right underneath the hoop on defense stealing every rebound that came his way.

At half the Hawks had some time to cool down, collect themselves and refocus their energy. Victory was in sight. The importance of the evening and what it meant was now understood but like professionals they didn’t let it get in their heads. Their eyes told the story “There’s a job to do and my team mates are relying on me.”

The Hawks regained the lead after the third quarter and never looked back. Smashing their way through the North East defense to the board for multiple lay ups and increased aggressiveness on defense kept NEC at bay.

North East Consortium battled valiantly through the entire game making it very exciting to watch. Both teams a spectacular job by displaying every skill indicative of a great basketball team. Plus something that cannot be taught but acquired through maturity and respect; sportsmanship. Something everyone should be proud of.

The game was made complete with the scoreboard lit, half time music and even the Bronxville Broncos Mascot joining the action, dancing and rooting on the home team. The night could not have been possible without the amazing dedication and creativity of the Bronxville Youth Council spearheaded by Kenny, Thomas and Jack.

The Hawks closed out the season with a big win making them undefeated for the 2014 season. But like any great team you are only good as your last win. The Hawks are already looking towards next year as re-peat undefeated title under their belts. GO HAWKS!

South East Bowling Tournament

Saturday, October 5, 2013 South East Consortium had their Annual Bowling Tournament at Cortlandt Lanes in Cortlandt Manner NY

Everyone had a blast! Our bowlers played two games and everyone placed and got a ribbon. They also had a chance to make new friends, it was a great night of bowling!