Windham Youth Soccer players form an unstoppable pair

By Matt Pascarella

Windham seventh graders Jennifer Schwarz and Emily Wardwell began playing together for the Windham Youth Soccer Association when they were both 4 and from that point on, the two formed a bond that has made them very strong players on the field.

Windham seventh graders Jennifer Schwarz, left, and Emily
Wardwell discuss where to deliver the ball after a save
during The Development Player League's The Summit
Tournament on Sunday, March 19 at the Tournament
Sportsplex at Tampa Bay, Florida.
PHOTO BY J. BUSA  

They recently competed in The Summit Tournament, hosted by the Development Player League (DPL) from March 18 to March 19 in Tampa Bay, Florida. Over 60 teams from coast to coast participated in this tournament. Their team, Seacoast United did a great job as they won two games and tied one.

“They are a very competitive group of kids,” said Seacoast United coach, Branden Noltkamper. “They want to go out there and win every game.”

Both Schwarz and Wardwell joined the DPL in 2021. The DPL League travels all over New England against some of the best teams in the bracket.

One of the goals of Seacoast United is to play in the Nationals tournament in Cincinnati, Ohio in June. The Summit tournament earned them some points toward qualifying for Nationals, though they won’t know officially if they’ve qualified until the spring season is finished. Noltkamper is confident they’ll qualify for Nationals.

Schwarz was inspired to play soccer by her older siblings. She would watch them from the sidelines, and it looked like fun. As soon as Schwarz began playing, she said that she fell in love with the game.

The same was true for Wardwell.

“I was young when I started to play soccer but loved the game and wanted to play at a higher level,” said Wardwell.

According to Wardwell, her communication with Schwarz has improved each season, which is important to defense.

Schwarz said it’s been great working alongside Wardwell. Both their communication and support of one another have improved.

Schwarz is a goalie and Wardwell is a center back.

Noltkamper says both are very strong players on the team.

“Jen’s a leader ... really communicates well; Emily ... plays right in front of Jen and it’s a good relationship for two Windham kids who know each other well.”

It’s Noltkamper’s second year coaching Schwarz and he said she has grown exponentially – her confidence in the game and decision-making skills. She plays through the pressure – this is a huge testament to her success.

It’s Noltkamper’s third year coaching Wardwell and describes her as a silent assassin. She doesn’t have a lot to say, but when she does have something to say it’s important.

Noltkamper said she’s seen a lot of growth in Wardwell. She’s as brave as anyone else and keeps her composure under pressure. She plays a really good style of soccer and plays like her life depends on it.

“It takes a lot of practice and hard work to get to the level I am,” said Schwarz. “It also takes a lot of motivation and self-confidence. I keep going because I really want to play professionally and hopefully be one of the best goalkeepers.”

Wardwell said to get to this level, it takes constant training and a love of the game. Wardwell said she loves playing with her teammates.

“The future of Windham soccer is very bright, especially with these two players coming up,” said Noltkamper. <