The leaders of the AAU Football club spoke on Nov. 3 at an open press conference on their exciting plans for the future, giving fans an opportunity to learn more about the team before their upcoming first competitive match.
The panel, composed of head coach Matyáš Kousek, club president Matt Saks and team captain and club vice president Kurt Schemm, spent an hour fielding questions on a year of notable growth, kickstarted by an extensive recruitment process at the beginning of the school year.
“Whether it’s prospective students who reach out to me or people who are interested on orientation day, my goal is to understand the players to see if they’re a great fit for us and if we’re a great fit for them,” Saks said. “Not just talent-wise but also [in terms of] community.”
One of the team’s big focuses this year is maintaining discipline and seriousness which the team hasn’t seen in past seasons. Kousek speaks on how he, alongside new fellow coaches Ethan Fite and Yernar Kuat, have committed to that goal.
“Everyone’s skill level is in a different place, but we’ve established a culture that as long as you’re hungry and showing up to training week in and week out we will always give you a chance, and do everything we can to support you.” Kousek said.
So far, the emphasis on this mindset has proven to be very successful, with the club reporting a surge in participation and turn-out to trainings. With the increased roster size, Schemm notes how his role as captain has had to adapt accordingly.
“It has been very interesting. Navigating a very international team, and leading one, has been fun but at some times challenging,” Schemm said. “Some guys have different ways of communicating and playing. But it truly has been a very fulfilling role to participate in, on and off the pitch.”
All of the team’s hard work and preparation has led up to their first competitive match in Pilsen on Nov. 11. It’s an important match for the future of the club, but despite the pressure Schemm believes the team’s composure remains strong.
“The team overall is very confident, and working together. It’s not just one guy trying to do everything, it’s genuinely a team of confident individuals,” Schemm said. “Everyone knows their role and knows their job, and everyone does their role and their job.”
While the team’s immediate focus remains on the matchup at hand, Kousek, Saks and Schemm all shared their long term goals and hopes for the future before the interview ended.
“We want to build a roster, get stronger and get more equipment, so that we can maintain our place at the top level,” Saks said, “When Kurt and I started a few years ago it was challenging, but at the end of the day we’re hoping we can maintain our place in the league.”
Schemm echoed the sentiment and expressed his confidence in the players ability to win future games .
“In the past we have faced some defeats, so the long term goal is win games. I think with what we have going right now we’re on the right track and can absolutely achieve our goals,” Schemm said.
In addition, Kousek emphasizes the importance of making AAU Football an integral part of the school community.
“Long term I hope we can build a community that all of you as students can get behind. Our matches can be something you look forward to, come with your friends and enjoy a good time out,” Kousek said. “Building a brand we can be proud of would be great.”
Thanks to the hard work of the AAU Football club on all levels, from the players, coaches and marketing staff, the pieces are in place for the team to make big strides towards their goals and potential this year. Kousek, Saks and Schemm all encourage as many fans to attend the Nov. 11 match in Pilsen as possible, to show their school spirit and support.
