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There is no easy way to get from the northwestern portion of Connecticut to the northeast.
But once the way is found, it’s really not all that different.
That’s what the new head coach of the boys’ prep soccer program at The Woodstock Academy, Owen Finberg, has learned.
“It’s a nice country atmosphere, the Quiet Corner as it is called, but I’m used to country living and I like that aspect of it. It’s just a little more peaceful,” Finberg said.
Finberg comes to Woodstock after being at the helm of the extremely successful South Kent School prep program which is located in the equally bucolic Connecticut town of Kent.
He and his family just moved into Woodstock a week ago and are busily getting adjusted to their new environs.
“I’m excited about it,” Finberg said. “It’s a new adventure, a new challenge. I think I have a lot of experience to feel confident and comfortable in taking it on. I’m excited to be in a new place to, hopefully, integrate our new program into the Academy community and vice versa. I think it will be really exciting for our coaches and players and everyone here at the school and in the community.”
Finberg has quickly moved to populate the program as he will have three assistant coaches.
Todd D’Alessando came with Finberg as he joined the South Kent staff in 2021.
“Todd has been with me for a couple of years and I’m excited to have him on board. He not only played at a very high level at UConn and earned All-American honors there, but has also been a head coach in his own right and is also the director of Connecticut’s Olympic Development program. We work really well together. He has a great attention to detail and, most importantly, his heart is with the kids and he can work with them not only on the field but also off the field,” Finberg said.
D’Alessandro will also serve as head coach of the prep program’s second team if Finberg is not available although, for the most part, the schedule – which will be released soon- has the two teams playing back-to-back doubleheaders.
The director of operations for the program will be Joseph D’Andreti who will also serve as an assistant coach.
“He comes to us from Colby-Sawyer College so he has that college experience in addition to coaching at the high school and club level. He will be working with the scheduling, planning and logistics of our week-to-week activities,” Finberg said.
Rich Glemawu will also be an assistant coach and director of goalkeeping for the program.
“He played for me for three years at South Kent, was a decorated college player and will also be in charge of social media for us here,” Finberg said.
Finberg has been also busy on the recruiting trail and is pleased with how that has gone. “I think we have a great group of guys. I’m really excited about the quality of players, but most of all about the quality of kids and the diversity of the group across different experiences, different cultures, different countries. We’re just putting the finishing touches on the last couple of guys,” Finberg said.
The team will be comprised of 60 percent international players with about 40 percent domestic-based right now although that ratio may change as the program settles into Woodstock Academy.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
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