Dear Bolts Nation:

We want to assure you that we take the health and well-being of our community, members and staff very seriously. Like you, we're closely monitoring the quickly developing effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We have some great information and opportunities provided by some of our partners like MGH and Soccer Parenting.

We are sharing the latest update from NEP & USL League 2 , along with some helpful information and videos Mass General Hospital . As part of your free membership to the Soccer Parenting Association , comes opportunities like the webinar they are offering this week with Mental Performance Expert Stu Singer. Pre-registration is required and is limited so players should sign up NOW! New this week at the Soccer Parent Resource Center are a collection of some short videos demonstrating some fun activities for players and parents. Check it out!

Continue sharing your videos and posting on social media. Use hashtags #GoalChallenge #StayAtHomeChallenge #P1Perks #BoltsEastSkillsChallenge #ShoeFlipChallenge -- Don't for get to tag us!

We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will follow guidance from public health officials and government agencies, so we can continue to support our members and community.
We are all in this together. Please reach out to us anytime and stay safe!
NEP Update
We wanted to provide some updates for you related to recent decisions made by the league regarding the Coronavirus outbreak currently taking place across the globe.  

The NEP Board of Directors met on Friday morning via conference call and have decided the following:

  • The league start date has been pushed back from April 15th to April 29th. This would allow us to begin league play on May 3rd, if feasible, based on the trajectory of the current situation.  
  • We will look to provide a spring/summer NEP schedule that would run through June based on the timelines provided by our local and national health organizations.  
  • A page has been created on the NEP website with valuable resources for all families. This page can be found HERE
  • The league has scheduled a weekly BOD meeting going forward and more information will be available to us as this situation unfolds, and will be shared with you in real time.  
  • Please note that if our local and national health officials give us full clearance, we will begin training prior to the April 29th date, but the league has made the decision to push their official date back to the end of April out of an abundance of caution. All of our decisions will be guided by the experts dealing with the current situation. We will always place the best interest regarding the health and safety of our players, families and staff first and foremost.    

This change to our daily lives is not easy or convenient for any of us, but it is the right thing to do to protect all of us. It is times like this when we are at our best as Americans. At times like these I am in awe of how we all come together as communities, states and as a nation to support one another, if even from a distance. The outpouring of support, concern for teammates and staff, and praise of these decisions we have made has been tremendous and appreciated.  

Also, be sure to thank doctors, nurses, police officers, firefighters, grocery store clerks and all of those who are on the front lines supporting all of us with their efforts during this time.  
Thank you again for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you all on the field again shortly and will continue to provide updates to you as we acquire new information as well. Stay safe!!!
On Tuesday at 3PM Soccer Parenting Resource Center is offering their first ever   PLAYER EDUCATION WEBINAR with Stuart Singer talking to players about Developing a Mental Toolkit . 
Stu Singer is a Mental Performance Expert and the Bolts have been fortunate to have him present to some of our teams in the past. His approach focuses on teaching and providing mental performance skills for athletes who have the pressures of competing at elite levels in high school, collegiate, and professional sports. Stu also provides team trainings, clinics, and consultation with coaches on how to develop healthy and effective mental performance fundamentals for their athletes. This is a fantastic opportunity. Please register now! Spots will fill up fast.
New this week at  SoccerParenting.com  is the launch of our Parents & Players Playing Series.   These are short videos demonstrating a fun and engaging soccer exercise you can do outside with your child. There will be more videos to launch in the coming months – but for now, check it out, and get outside and find some joy and laughter around the game as they try to get a Perfect 10 and you get to judge them!
USL HQ and members of the League Two Executive Committee met on Tuesday to discuss the impact recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), restricting public gatherings of 50 or more people through Sunday May 10th, may have on the 2020 League Two season.

Collectively, we are committed to finding a solution that works for each of our 82 member clubs while continuing to prioritize the health and wellness of our players, supporters and staff. We will also continue to monitor ongoing events, receive guidance from local, state and national health authorities, and participate in the national medical task force comprised of other sports leagues and organizations from around the country.

To all League Two supporters across the country, we want to thank you for your continued patience and support. We also want to extend our support and best wishes to all the individuals and communities who have been impacted by COVID-19.
Everyone at Mass General hopes that you and your family are staying healthy and well during this difficult time. Here at the hospital, we are seeing firsthand the impact of COVID-19. Night and day, dedicated teams are providing compassionate care to patients, advancing the search for a vaccine and advocating for policies that help the nation and the world cope. We have a big job, but because of our incredible Mass General community we are staying focused, committed and strong. We are proud to have you stand with us, and are grateful for your support.

Our focus today is on helping you and your family navigate the stress and anxiety around this difficult situation. Several resources are available for parents and children. Below are a few highlights. And you can always find more information, updates and resources  here.
Psychiatry Grand Rounds Focus on Coronavirus and Anxiety
Yesterday’s virtual Psychiatry Grand Rounds featured  Luana Marques, PhD , Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Marques discussed how cognitive behavioral strategies can be used to manage anxiety and help build resilience, particularly during a challenging time such as this.   Watch Video »
Calm in the Time of Coronavirus
The Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital has an excellent piece on self-care, with tips to manage stress and reduce anxiety. 
Seven Ways to Support Kids and Teens Through the Coronavirus Pandemic
The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds has a variety of rich resources for parents and families. They include ways to help kids of all ages navigate the COVID-19 situation.
Additional Resources
  • Free Online Exercises
To help you remain active and healthy, experts from  Mass General Sports Physical Therapy  share some exercises and stretches you can do at home.  Watch the video »
  • Tips for Keeping Hands Hydrated and Healthy
Mathew Avram, MD , is the director of Mass General’s  Dermatology  Laser and Cosmetic Center and offers up a couple of key tips on keeping hands healthy — and hydrated — in the weeks ahead.  Watch the video »
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