Sips & Kicks is honored to announce the formation of the Ness Selmani Scholarship Fund, in honor of a great man and coach who inspired a legion of young men and women, on Staten Island as well as the entire Tri-State Area, to become better soccer players and better human beings. Ness is one of the inspirations for Sips & Kicks as he always gave his heart and soul to the beautiful game and all of the different players he coached over his career, and he continues to coach and give back today, along with his son, Sinan Selmani, as they lead the Cedar Stars youth soccer club on Staten Island. Money was never the goal for Ness, his reward was always being that positive strong mentor in all of his players’ lives.

Beginning this year, we will utilize proceeds from this Fund to bring Sips & Kicks – both the nutritional and soccer training aspects of the program – to schools on Staten Island for the benefit of these student-athletes.  Through this program, they will be taught how to exemplify discipline, greatness, hardwork and determination while receiving the gift of soccer so that they may enjoy the sport that made us honor Ness, the game through which he molded young men and women.  Donors will be given the opportunity to provide mentorship to scholarship receiving schools and students, and are assured that their funds are going directly towards the coaching and smoothies associated with the Sips & Kicks School Program.  Select kids from these schools will also be provided with scholarships (including annual soccer/participation fees) to the Cedar Stars Academy, where Ness is still an active force and source of wisdom.