Endorsements

This is a delighftul soccer fable that is written with great passion and joy from Lew Freimark. Although aimed for children, it’s clearly written in a most unusual and fun manner – and along the way, it introduces the ShoeLace Monster of the soccer pitch.

But this allegorical tale really is the story of Coach Stu and the wonderful time he has had coaching the Vipers through a number of seasons. Author Freimark is able to revisit the history of the game of soccer around the world, and in doing so, he provides a terrific
history lesson for all soccer fans, young and old. 

Best of all, the content is written in a light and clever approach – there’s no sense of heavy-handedness thaf often accompanies kids’ books. Bottom line? A
fun and different kind of read.

Soccer Tales provide a light-hearted look at soccer and its history. And in the Legend of the Shoelace Monster, young fans are introduced to the passion, the stars and the tactics of the beautiful game through an engaging retelling of the exploits of the Vipers soccer team. A good read for new players and young fans-in-the-making. - Phil Schoen, announcer beIN SPORTS Endorsement of October, 2017

Hi Lew,

I discussed the matter with my family and we decided that yes, you can dedicate the book to our Father. Thank you for honoring him. It is a very fun book, nice job! Thank you for your kind words and thoughts. Best of luck to you!

Alex DiCicco

Soccer Tales II-Born to Play the Game by Lew Freimark is an excellent book about Coach Stu’s dedication and desire for soccer and his team’s success. When reading Soccer Tales I-Legend of the Shoelace Monster and its sequel, Soccer Tales II, I was able to relate to the Vipers and Revolt Teams.

My Lady Knights Basketball team of Climax-Fisher, Minnesota had been on a similar journey when they made history. The Lady knights snapped an 84 game
losing streak beating a team in double overtime, with only three players on the court. Victories happen when a team with true HEART, DESIRE, ETERMINATION, PERSEVERANCE and TENACITYnever give up.

It would be easier to blame someone else or other factors for
losses, as Coach Stu says to “scapegoat” but when teams have a will to succeed, it enables them to overcome the negativity that surrounds a losing team, it also gives them the strength to show up every day to practice, to improve their skills and work to their highest potential. It is also a coach’s greatest challenge to find ways to bring a positive spin and
creativity to the team’s season.

As an athlete it would be easy to quit when you haven’t won any games or when your classmates make fun of you for being part of a losing team. The 2014- 2015 season goes to show that working hard pays off; you just don’t know when that moment will come.

This lesson can be carried not only through athletics, but in everyday life, moving into college, work force or family life. Working hard to excel in every aspect of your life pays great dividends to those willing to make the sacrifice.

Jonathon Vonesh Head Coach-Lady Knights Climax-Fisher  High School

Climax, Minnesota

I believe, as caring coaches, parents, and administrators of programs, it is our responsibility to ensure that every child enjoys a positive experience in whatever activity they choose. Soccer Tales: Legend of the Shoelace Monster is an idyllic journey of joy and teaches life’s lessons through children’s sports. It says a lot about sports and growing up.”

Fred Eng
President and CEO
National Alliance of Youth Sport

I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Lew Freimark and his company, Dance to the Sun Publishers for their line of youth sports books. I have had the pleasure of supervising Lew for the past year as a security specialist in a public library, and have witnessed firsthand his dedication, expertise, and passion for soccer and education.

Lew has an impressive background in soccer coaching, with a proven track record of developing and leading successful teams. His experience as a former teacher adds a unique dimension to his coaching style, as he brings a deep understanding of how to communicate effectively with young athletes, fostering both their athletic skills and personal growth.

In addition to his coaching, librarianship and teaching credentials, Lew is also an accomplished author of children's books about soccer. His ability to engage and inspire young minds through his writing is a testament to his creativity and commitment to the sport. His books not only entertain but also educate and motivate young readers to pursue their passion for soccer.

Lew's coaching philosophy centers around building a strong team dynamic, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. He has a remarkable ability to connect with his players, understanding their individual strengths and weaknesses, and helping them reach their full potential. His positive and encouraging demeanor creates an environment where athletes and teens feel supported and motivated to excel.

I have no doubt that Lew's extensive experience, combined with his passion for library work with students and education will bring wonderment to any child interested in the game of football (soccer) . His dedication to fostering a love for the education, books and the game of football (soccer) while nurturing the personal and athletic development of his players will undoubtedly make a significant impact on your children’s growth and development. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information

Sincerely,
Crystal Hooper
Branch Manager - North Plainfield Memorial Library
Somerset County Library System of New Jersey
chooper@sclibnj.org

Please accept this letter of recommendation for Lewis Freimark as he continues to advance his career in publishing and the development and coaching of high school soccer programs in New Jersey.

I first met Lew as a teaching colleague at Trenton High West Campus and we continued as colleagues in the Social Studies area at TCHS Main campus until my retirement after 40 years of teaching in 2012.

We both share a love of Soccer (football) and we have had many discussions about the status and strategies of the game. To me, I never found anyone who had a better understanding of how this sport should be played and coached. Needless to say, his love of the game goes without saying. In my personal coaching experience, since 1974, I have been a coach of five NJ state soccer champion teams. I retired from coaching in 2002. I learned my coaching skills from 1969 to 1971 when I was mentored by the late Sir Matt Busby, then coach of Manchester United F.C. in Manchester, England. At that time I was a student at Manchester University. I learned very quickly to differentiate between the "drill sergeants" and the generals. Lew Freimark is in the "generals" field because he understands how the game should be played and how, as a coach, one must be able to adapt to situations.

As far as I know, Lewis Freimark is the only soccer coach in New Jersey who has written a soccer book for young soccer players. His Soccertales book has won accolades and will be featured at this United States Soccer Coaches Convention

Lew possesses all the knowledge, skills, credentials and compassion to be a successful coach for any school system.