Touchline - Spring 2019

PENNSYLVANIA’S LEADING YOUTH SOCCER PUBLICATION

SPRING 2019

SHE BELIEVES Young fans take in USWNT game at Talen Energy Stadium | Pg. 8

Meet Rose Tree’s Jack Cunningham | Pg 6 Building Confident Goalkeepers | Pg 30 Navigating Travel Soccer | Pg 32

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CREDITS EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH SOCCER VOLUME LVII | SPRING 2019 TOUCHLINE IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY Published by: Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer 4070 Butler Pike, Suite 100 Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 Phone: 610-238-9966 Fax: 610-238-9933 E-mail: info@EPYSA.org Website: EPYSA.org Executive Board President – Michael H. Finnegan Past President – Jim Kuntz Vice President, Recreation – Jeff Sommer Vice President, Travel – Fran Burns Treasurer – Warren Beideman Secretary – Melissa Murphy Weber Registrar – Jim Christian State Youth Referee Administrator – Jeff Tener Office Staff Chief Executive Officer – Chris Branscome Chief Operating Officer – Kelly Connor Technical Director – Mike Barr Director of Soccer Development & Performance – Gary Stephenson Director of Competitions – Cody Pearson Director of Marketing & Events – Krissy Woods Director of Membership Services – Marisa J. Pigeon Member Services Manager – Sheila Molyneaux Program Manager – Meridith Crowell Communications Manager – Dillon Friday Grassroots Soccer Manager – JT Dorsey Program Assistant – Julián Rey-Montes Touchline Editor-in-Chief: Chris Branscome Editor: Dillon Friday Printed and designed by A.E. Engine, Inc.

CONTENTS 2 From Our CEO

3 Stand And Be Counted: Philadelphia2026.com 4 From Our New President: Michael H. Finnegan 6 Jack Of All Trades: Rose Tree SC’s Jack Cunningham 8

They Believe: USWNT inspires fans, provides lessons on trip to Talen Energy Stadium

10 Indoor Cup Medal Count 12 Scholarship Winner Lexi Schneider Thrives at MIT 14 Innovate to Grow: Introducing the Mobile Education Center

24 Meet The Ref: 2018 Young Male Referee of the Year Zachary Smith 27 Red Card Cancer: Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer raises $12,000 for cancer research 29 Spring Tournaments 30 Building Confidence in Goalkeepers 32 Mike Barr: Helping parents navigate the roadmap of travel soccer 34 Angelo’s Soccer Corner Equipment Review

16 Where We’ve Been

35 Player Profiles: Jonathan Larbi & Gabrielle Oudin

17 Quarterly Calendar

36 Caption Contests!

19 Honor Roll

On the cover: New Jersey native Tobin Heath poses with a Penn Fusion player following the U.S. Women’s National Team’s 2-2 draw with Japan at the SheBelieves Cup. The game was played at Chester’s Talen Energy Stadium.

Photo credit: Brad Smith/isiphotos.com.

20 Kelly Connor, Don Brady Part of 2019 SEPA Hall of Fame Class

Pg 19

Pg 10 Spring Tournaments

Pg 24

Pg 29 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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CEO From Our

Reflecting On 10 Years at Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

Chris Branscome

Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

“

LET’S DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO KEEP [OUR PLAYERS] SAFE, HEALTHY AND HAPPY SO THEY CAN TURN IN TO OUTSTANDING ADULTS WITH A LOVE OF THE GAME AND TAKE OUR PLACES MOVING SOCCER FORWARD.

“

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I

was reminded at our Annual General Meeting in February that I’ve served in this position for 10 years now. My first thought was, “Wow! Ten years?” That’s gone by fast. My second thought was, “Wow, we’ve come a long way.”

Many colleagues, partners and friends have been a part of the transformation of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. The people are the reason we get things done, the reason why we are able to keep moving forward. I’m now working with my third President. Bob McDade brought me here and set the foundation. Jim Kuntz allowed the staff to grow and thrive. Mike Finnegan, a board member through both prior administrations, is pressing us to do more and be better. Our Board was once 23 members. It is now at 13. The board has been made up of several people from various backgrounds and interests, but all have maintained a focus on growing the game. Our staff was once four. It is now twelve and has become more professional and focused on service. The level of expertise within our staff today is second to none.

The reason why our staff has grown, and the reason for their expertise, is the changes to the sport over the past decade. Ten years ago, we were still debating 8v8. Now we have small-sided games and build out lines. We’ve become thoroughly and necessarily educated on concussions, background checks, state and federal safety laws as well as insurance, employment law, accounting and fraud protection. Coaching education tools used to be books and videos, cones and pinnies. Now we have websites, mobile apps, and even drones. Online registration was still relatively new in 2009 and quite elementary. As we prepare for 2019-2020, we move to a comprehensive, robust platform to provide us datadriven analysis with secure systems and ACH processing that serves the “youth sports ecosystem.”

We’ve seen some other interesting things happen in soccer locally and nationally. The U.S. Women’s National Team has played in two World Cup finals, winning it all in 2015. That team qualified right here at Talen Energy Stadium as we hosted the CONCACAF Championships. The women have been here many times in the last decade, most recently in February for the SheBelieves Cup. The U.S. men’s team had great World Cup runs in 2010 and 2014 (let’s forget about 2018). They too have played here at the Linc and in Chester. The U.S. was victorious in Philadelphia appearances at the 2016 Copa America Centenario and in the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The USMNT is on target to be here again in June for the 2019 Gold Cup (tickets on sale soon!).

Back in 2009 and 2010, Philadelphia was in the final U.S. bid to host the 2022 World Cup. I remember standing next to Mayor Nutter when disgraced former FIFA President Sepp Blatter read the contents of that envelope. “Qatar!” said Blatter.

“What the (blank)?” said the Mayor. A decade later, I anxiously watched the FIFA Congress at five o’clock in the morning. This time FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the results of the first ever member vote to host the event. He said the magic words “The United Bid.” I was proud to stand with Mayor Kenney and several other members of our community to celebrate the World Cup coming again to America. We are working diligently towards 2020 when we hope to hear Mr. Infantino proclaim Philadelphia has been selected as one of the 10 U.S. cities.

A decade ago, Philadelphia had no professional soccer team. In 2010, we were introduced to the Philadelphia Union. Since then, Talen Energy Stadium was built and has hosted the MLS All-Star Game, Glasgow Celtic, Eintracht Frankfurt, Crystal Palace and Swansea City and a couple of NCAA College Cups. The Union also played Real Madrid with Ronaldo at the Linc. We’ve also seen our homegrown talent become leaders for the Union on and off the field: Technical Director Chris Albright; Head Coach Jim Curtin; center back Auston Trusty. Professional and international soccer is now a regular part of our lives. As I grew up with it coming and going, let’s not take it for granted. Let’s support it now and forever.

The last 10 years have certainly not been boring or standard. Something new comes our way every year, often by design, sometimes by luck, sometimes from beyond our control. It keeps it interesting to say the least. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer turns 50 in a few years. I hope we can hit some more high water marks by then—maybe another Women’s World Cup; maybe a Men’s World Cup; maybe an MLS Cup. Hopefully, we’ll learn Philadelphia will host a World Cup. At the end of the day, the game is about the players. Our players are children. Let’s do everything we can to keep them safe, healthy and happy so they can turn in to outstanding adults with a love of the game and take our places moving soccer forward.

STAND & BE COUNTED JOIN THE TEAM TO BRING THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP™ TO PHILADELPHIA! Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is proud to be part of the host committee working to bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ to Philadelphia.

Want to help the movement? Head to Philadelphia2026.com and sign up today!

From Our New President Michael H. Finnegan

Michael H. Finnegan, previously the Vice President of Travel, was elected President of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer at the 2019 Annual General Meeting.

I

want to thank everyone for their support in electing me as your new President at our Annual General Meeting in February. Also, welcome new board members Fran Burns as Vice President of Travel and Scott Merritt as District 5 Commissioner. If you did not get the opportunity to attend the meeting, or the wonderful Awards Banquet the night before, you should definitely plan on attending next year. It was one of our largest banquets, and certainly the best produced ever. My sincere thanks to all of our staff for their hard work, and especially Krissy Woods for all of her planning and coordination of the event.

Many of you have known me for years, and those that don’t, I hope to get to know you better going forward. You can always reach out to me with any questions, and if I can’t answer, I will make sure that the appropriate staff member addresses your concerns.

I would like to recognize our departing President, Jim Kuntz. Six years ago, Jim took me under his wing, so to speak, to show me the ropes and mentor me along at regional and national meetings. I appreciate the introductions that he made for me and wish him luck in whatever he does next.

Anyone that has attended our meetings knows that I have always strived for transparency and inclusion in all decisions.

This is your association: initiatives should come from you, not us. This should not be a top down organization.

“

IN MY ADMINISTRATION, YOU WILL SEE A LOT MORE TRANSPARENCY & INCLUSION. I WANT TO BUILD ON THE SUCCESSES WE’VE HAD IN RECENT YEARS.

In my administration, you will see a lot more of this transparency and inclusion. I want to build on the successes we have had in recent years. The fee increase the membership gave us last year has allowed us to add the staff and program support to do the things the membership asked for. We need more of your input.

I tried to get more of the membership involved in committees to help codify and harmonize how we operate. While several great changes to policies and by-laws were made with the help of some of you, member involvement was at a minimum.

It shouldn’t be that way. You need to let us know what we can do to help you and be involved in the process of developing those initiatives. Again, this is your association.

“

One of the first things we will do is develop a way for members to answer an online survey and let us know what areas of our operations they want to be involved in and what other new areas we need to address. I will then form sub-committees and reach out to the people interested in those subjects and help get members, as part of official sub-committees, to bring recommendations to the board for approval. Board and staff members will be assigned to every committee, either as a chair or liaison.

We want Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer to be the best state soccer association in U.S. Soccer. We already have a good board and the best professional and office staff. We want all kids to have the opportunity to play, regardless of gender, color, disability, location, or financial means. We are your association. Let us know what you need and we will send staff to give you guidance, coaching education or street soccer festivals. It shouldn’t matter what part of Eastern Pennsylvania you are in. You are all part of us. We can help you; we want to help you.

Get ready for things to be done a little differently and thanks again for your vote of confidence.

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Jack Of All Trades:

Jack Cunningham’s Budding, Remarkable Athletic Career

By Dillon Friday, Communications Manager, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

A

t a recent training session with his Rose Tree Soccer Club Raiders team, Jack Cunningham stumbled and rolled the ball out of bounds during a two-vs-one activity. As Jack laughed and tilted his head back in an “I can’t believe I just did that” manner, his teammate on the other side walked to the back of the line.

“I’m not mad,” this teammate said to the players waiting their turn. “It happens to me all the time.”

It was a scene common on a youth soccer field, or at least an exchange one would hope to see more often: a player makes a mistake and his or her teammate offers encouragement and understanding.

Jack is different. There’s no getting around that--he has prosthetic legs. But with the Raiders he blends in. When Jack gets beat one on one, he receives playful ribbing. When he scores a goal, as he did during the scrimmage to end the aforementioned training session, he gets cheered on.

“We kind of don’t act like we’re different,” Jack said of his teammates. “We always have each other’s back.”

In that sense, he is a typical 12-year-old soccer player, which, in the context of his life, is remarkable.

Krista and Tim Cunningham just hoped Jack would walk. His twin brother, Liam, passed away unexpectedly from a heart defect

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at 26 days old, and Jack, diagnosed with bilateral fibular hemimelia, was born missing bones in his legs.

“We were given a choice: he could live his life in a wheelchair or he could be amputated,” Jack’s mother, Krista, said. “I didn’t realize he would do all this.”

Jack was amputated at one and spent the next eight weeks in a body cast. His athletic career, in some ways, began as soon as the cast came off. He started climbing steps and then, within two weeks, he was running on his prosthetics.

He hasn’t stopped. Krista and Tim both played sports through college,

Krista field hockey at Cabrini, Tim ice hockey at Drexel. They didn’t put expectations on their son in terms of athletics. Rather, in Tim’s words, “We let him try everything.”

Jack “can ice skate like you can’t believe,” according to Krista. He water skis. He’s played baseball, football and lacrosse. As a swimmer, he holds five national records. He’s also set USA Track & Field Parayouth records in the 200 meters, 800 meters and long jump. Jack dreams of becoming a Paralympian.

But soccer holds a special place for him.

“It’s my most energetic sport

Seated in the front row, second from the right, Jack has always been one of the guys with the Rose Tree SC Raiders (photo courtesy of Krista Cunningham).

epysa.org

JAC K O F A L L T R A D E S besides track,” Jack said. “I’ve been playing since I was four.”

Like so many others in soccer, Jack was simply following an older sibling into the game. Katelin, 15, joined Rose Tree at four. While she was on the field, Jack was on the sidelines, kicking a ball and running around. As he got older, they developed a competitive relationship that has pushed both young athletes to succeed.

“These guys play a lot of soccer,” Tim, who coaches the Rose Tree Raiders, said. “(Jack) would go to (Katelin’s) practices or she would come to his. They just come out and get touches.”

“I think Katelin is very competitive,” Krista added.

“So they always try to outdo one another, which is great for him.”

Indeed, when Jack scored during that scrimmage, Katelin was defending for the opposing team, with Tim looking on as a coach. It was a family affair, something the Cunninghams have always enjoyed at Rose Tree, 2018 recipient of the D’Anjolell Award as Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer club of the year. “(Rose Tree SC Director of Coaching) Fred Potts was one of the first ones who saw Jack play. When we showed up, Fred didn’t treat him any differently,” Tim said. ““He let him go out and play.”

That support has continued as Jack progressed from intramural and recreational level play to travel soccer.

According to Krista and Tim, no one notices Jack’s legs until they do—like when he removes them to the surprise of other parents on the sidelines.

“Oh, he has prosthetic legs. How did you not know that?”

Krista recalled telling them. “I don’t even think about it until someone points it out. Everybody, even other teams, I don’t know if they get it or they just don’t care.”

Some of that stems from Rose Tree’s acceptance as well as the league’s. The Raiders compete in the Central League, whose mission, in part, is to “create an overall positive competitive environment that allows for appropriate levels of competition for all players.”

“The bottom line is we take a common sense approach,” Central League Director of Operations Jeremy Brodovsky said. “We have eight-, nine-, 10-, 15-year-old kids playing.

If it makes sense for the families, that’s what we’re trying to achieve.”

Jack faces challenges on the soccer field he doesn’t in his other chosen sports. He’s forced to make quick turns of direction and step into tackles. And without ankles, he struggles to curl his foot around the ball to add spin on passes or shots. “Trying not trip,” Jack admitted, is the obstacle he thinks of most.

But rather than dwell on what he can’t do, Jack has turned shortcomings into strengths. Because he avoids crowds where his legs can get tangled in others, he’s developed spatial awareness.

“One of the things about Jack, is he’s really good at positioning,” Tim said. “He learned that really young.

He’s always in the right spot at the right time. Anytime you need an outlet pass, he knows exactly where to be.”

Jack, primarily a midfielder and defender, also possesses an impressive first touch, especially in an

indoor setting where the ball tends to bounce erratically.

Practices and games have helped in that regard as have solo sessions: “I keep trying against the wall,” Jack said.

“I don’t know how to specifically coach him,” Tim said.

“He does things completely different, but he figures it out.

He learned it. He learns how to adjust.”

As Jack has excelled in athletics, organizations have taken notice. He’s been featured twice on camera by the Challenged Athletes Foundation, once as part of the Nike Athlete Path Program and once in a story titled “Jack Cunningham was born to run.”

“I think he’s gotten used to it,” Krista said of Jack’s comfort in being an inspiration. “He’s come a long way. I think he realizes he has younger friends who are double amputees who live around here. And then I’m like, you’re just opening gates for them.”

Able-bodied athletes follow his lead as well, not just with the Raiders but also in other sports, such as cross country.

“Kids are trying to get up this hill,” Krista said. “And here Jack comes with prosthetic legs. Kids are like, ‘Oh my god.’ And he’ll say, ‘Come on. You can do this.’ They keep running. I just think he likes to be one of the guys. He likes to be a team player.”

Jack Cunningham pulls the ball away from a defender during a recent Rose Tree SC training.

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“It’s an exciting time for girls playing soccer, especially for youth players in Eastern Pennsylvania” Kelly Connor, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Chief Operating Officer and a former player with the U.S. Youth Women’s National Team, said. “Having the USWNT play in our backyard is so important for young girls to know and believe this could be them some day.”

Dylana Shearer and Michelle Young female players from Eastern Pennsylvania Rogers, both 13 and players with Youth Soccer clubs relish opportunity to see Langhorne Neshaminy United, and Angelina Daino, 12 and a U.S. Women’s National Team up close player with Philadelphia Soccer Club, all made the trip to Chester

By Dillon Friday, Communications Manager, to see the USWNT play. Dylana Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and Michelle were most excited to see Alex Morgan in action-and scoring no doubt--while Angelina had her eyes on Mallory Pugh. t’s almost fitting the SheBelieves Cup game between “She’s a young athlete,” Angelina said. “And she the U.S. Women’s National Team and Japan ended just inspires me because she joined the U.S. Women’s in a 2-2 draw. After all, these two teams have met in National Team at an earlier age.” each of the last two Women’s World Cup finals, with When asked what SheBelieves means to them, all three each coming out with a win. girls used the word “strong.”

With 100 days to go before France 2019 kicks off, “You’re strong and powerful,” Michelle said. two of the World Cup favorites, the U.S. is ranked No. “They’re strong and they’re playing the sport at a high 1 in the world, Japan No. 8, provided the 14,555 fans level as women,” Dylana said. in attendance at Chester’s Talen Energy Stadium an Brynn Dempsey of Continental FC shared a similar exciting finish. sentiment. She was in attendance with Megan Rapinoe scored in the first half her younger sister, Bridget, and family. for the Americans off a slick pass from “Coming to the SheBelieves Cup Tobin Heath. Japan equalized in the 67th shows that women can do anything,” ““Having the USWNT minute through Emi Nakajima before Brynn said. “And girls are strong, and play in our backyard Alex Morgan scored career goal number you can do anything you put your is so important for 99. That 2-1 American lead held into the mind to.”

90th minute when Yuka Momiki and Yui Brynn and Bridget’s father, Jason young girls to know Hasegawa combined to knot things at Dempsey, braved the chilly weather to and believe this could two. make sure his girls got an up close look The U.S. outshot Japan, 13-5, for at their heroes. be them some day.”” the match and had eight corner kicks “I think it’s really important for -Kelly Connor to Japan’s four. Soccer is like that the girls to have positive female sometimes. role models,” Jason said. “What the But the tournament, and the game, women’s team has been able to achieve was so much more than the result for the sets a really good example for them. spectators, many of whom were youth players from the This is what they look forward to.” greater Philadelphia area and beyond.

So then, on nights like this, the final score may From U.S. Soccer, “SheBelieves started as a hashtag be secondary. in 2015 leading up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Your The Americans finished second in the SheBelieves U.S. Women’s National Team shared a call to action Cup behind England. The U.S. Women’s National Team for young women to set high goals and work to be the drew with the Lionesses, 2-2, before closing out the best on the field, or in their chosen field, whether it was tournament with a 1-0 victory over Brazil. academics, the arts, finance, technology or wherever The American’s World Cup defense begins June 11 their interests led them.” against Thailand.

They Believe:

I

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USWNT

#SheBelievesCup: Lessons from the USWNT’s trip to Talen Energy Stadium The U.S. Women’s National Team opened 2019 SheBelieves Cup play against Japan at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, Pa., on February 27. 14,555 fans braved temperatures in the 30’s to see the dramatic 2-2 draw. The match produced goals, highlights and lessons for youth players and coaches alike.

Tobin Heath #17 On deciding when to take defenders on

Frederick Breedon/Getty Images

Tobin Heath’s reputation as the U.S. Women’s National Team’s best one-onone attacker is well established. With sharp foot skills and a quick turn of pace, Heath often leaves defenders in the dust. On the USA’s opening goal against Japan, Heath blew by her Japanese defender before setting up Megan Rapinoe for a tap-in. The play, which came in the 23rd minute, was notable not just for the result, but because Heath had spent the first quarter of the game sizing up the backline. Her patience paid off.

“I think it was a little learning process,” Heath told Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. “I had a couple of opportunities right before that. I just learned from those and was able to do that. If have a couple of chances, I’ll get one right.”

Emily Sonnett #2 On being ready for difficult situations

Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Coaches, especially in tournament play or big games, rarely substitute defenders. Instead, they emphasize shape, communication and organization among their backline players, things that are difficult to adjust to with substitutes. As a result, when defenders do enter the game as substitutes, as Emily Sonnett did at halftime, they have to be all the more prepared. What’s the secret? Get a good warmup (particularly on a cold night) and know exactly what the coaching staff expects of you.

“I think it’s, one, always staying ready. Always staying warm,” Sonnett told Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. “Having the team game plan and knowing what your role is. If that’s your role for the day, it’s always being ready for it.”

Coach Jill Ellis On valuing performance when the result doesn’t go your way

Frederick Breedon/Getty Images

Japan equalized in the 91st minute to spoil an otherwise good night for the Americans. The USWNT outshot Japan, 13-5, and had eight corner kicks to Japan’s four. So, rather than dwell on the late goal against, USWNT head coach Jill Ellis chose to praise her team’s performance.

“I actually thought the result was disappointing, but the performance, in both halves, I thought there were some really good things,” Ellis said. “For sure we left things on the table, but in terms of our team play, what I asked the team to do defensively, the work ethic, the attacking...In terms of performance, first half to second, we created chances in both halves. I think they gave a lot. I wasn’t disappointed in the players, wasn’t disappointed in the performance, obviously disappointed in the result.”

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2019 Eastern Pennsylvania Indoor Cup Recap

F

rom January through February, 320 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer teams competed in the 2019 Eastern Pennsylvania Indoor Cup. The U9-U19 age groups completed one-day championships in venues across the state, from Riverfront Sports Complex and the Wyoming Valley Sports Dome in northeast Pennsylvania to United Sports in Downingtown to In The Net in Palmyra. In total, 45 different clubs claimed either a title or runner-up finish in what was a widely-participated, competitive 2019 Indoor Cup.

THE MEDAL COUNT LOWER MERION SC

TOTAL MEDALS

NORTH UNION UNITED

9

FC EUROPA

9 6

HMMS

3

DANUBIA

3

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CHAMPIONS

FINALISTS

U11B Challenge White U12G Elite U19G Challenge

U10B Elite, U11G Elite, U12B Challenge White, U13G Elite, U15B Elite, U19B Elite

U11G Challenge U16G Elite

U10G Challenge Blue, U12G Challenge White, U15G Elite, U15G Challenge, U16G Challenge White, U16G Challenge Blue, U19B Challenge

U13B Elite

U9B Challenge White, U9G Challenge White, U13B Elite, U14G Elite, U14G Challenge

U17B Challenge U17G Challenge

U10B Challenge

U9B Challenge White U13B Challenge Blue

U11B Challenge White

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Returns or exchanges where a ScoreCard Reward or other discount was applied may result in an adjusted refund amount. Excludes clearance items. Clearance items have .X3 or .X7 endings. Some exclusions apply. See store and DICKS.com/exclusions for details.

Charlotte Moran Memorial Scholarship Recipient Lexi Schneider is thriving at MIT

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t’s safe to say Alexis “Lexi” Schneider is making the most of her Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer college scholarship. The former Eastern Pennsylvania ODP player (with clubs stops at Ukrainian Nationals, Southampton, FC Europa and most recently Warrington SC along the way) is currently a sophomore at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Lexi carries a 5.0 grade-point-average and is working to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioengineering. We spoke to Lexi about her scholarship experience, youth soccer and life at MIT.

How did you approach the scholarship application process and what sort of things did you want to emphasize in your personal statement?

When I was going through the whole scholarship process, any sort of application where I fit what they were looking for, I tried to apply, just because it doesn’t hurt to submit an application, try to get a little bit more help paying for college. I tried to highlight most of my different interests and activities in

each of the applications. I tried to give the scholarship committee a good idea of who I actually am as a person. I think specifically the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer scholarship was a really good match for me, because I play a lot of soccer. And soccer is a big part of my life.

Why was MIT the right fit for you?

MIT is a pretty unique school.

I’ve always loved math and science, and I knew I wanted to do scientific

At MIT Lexi Schneider has pursued two of her passions: soccer and science. Here, she shows off a LEGO DNA model with some classmates at the MIT Museum.

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research. MIT also is a bit of a quirky school. In my experience, if you have a cool idea, you’re encouraged to take it and do it. Whatever sort of original idea you have, the school will be there to help you. That’s one of the things I really like about MIT. Also, what I’m studying, Bioengineering, MIT is kind of like one of the biggest schools in Bioengineering, just in terms of the faculty here and the research going on here. Finally, there was a campus preview weekend where we got to visit campus and meet the other students.

Just coming here for that weekend and meeting all the people, it just felt like a really good fit.

What lessons from soccer have you applied to transferring to a college campus?

Soccer was always something that gave me pure joy. I loved sports and playing games, and it was good exercise. It cleared my mind. And it was good to get out there with the team and have fun with my friends.

I think getting into MIT, which is a pretty academically-rigorous place, sometimes it’s hard to get a moment of relaxation or a moment to rest your mind a bit and go out and have fun. I think playing soccer my whole youth has carried into me continuing to play soccer here. I play on the club team here, and I play a bunch of intramural sports. Every time I go to practice or play a game it’s just a needed break from the academic intensity. I think it’s really important to take a break and live a healthy lifestyle.

L E X I S C H N E I D E R T H R I V I N G AT M I T

Someone with your resume could have played collegiately. Was there a reason you decided to pursue soccer at the club and intramural levels?

I definitely considered playing at the collegiate level when I was in high school. I guess, the thing for me was academics always came first. I do think it’s possible to do both, to play on a varsity sport and have a very enriching academic experience.

I could’ve taken that route. But after coming to college and having all of these opportunities flash in front of my face and wanting to do a ton of different things, it was hard to allow myself to play at a varsity level. It’s definitely doable to do both. It just wasn’t the best option for me. Playing club soccer and intramural soccer and other sports has definitely been a good time balance for me, where I can do the other things I want to do and also have exactly the right amount of competition and athleticism that I still want to have.

“Every time I go to practice or play a game it’s just a needed break from the academic intensity. I think it’s really important to take a break and live a healthy lifestyle.”

What have been some of your highlights from your time at MIT?

Number one, meeting the people that I’ve met here. I’ve made some of the best friends of my life here—people I vibe with and am really close to. I’ve grown as a scientist. I’ve worked in three different labs here. I just started working my third one. I’ve learned so much. That’s been awesome, working on these cutting edge research projects as an underclassman. I feel myself getting more and more legit as a scientist, and that’s really cool. Last month I went to Spain for an MIT program, which was really fun. I was in Barcelona in January. I was teaching a high school over there. I was teaching biology classes to high school kids in Barcelona. I’m a part of some cool clubs on campus. The one I’m most a part of is called “Educational Studies Program.”

So I help run these large-scale educational events.

We have thousands of kids come to our campus, and we match them up with MIT students to teach them classes. It’s really fun to be a part of that organization.

On a recent educational trip to Barcelona, Lexi found time to catch some Spanish soccer at the highest level.

2019 College Scholarship Applications Due April 19 Each year Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer awards four college scholarships worth $1,000 per year and renewable for up to four years to high school seniors within the state association.

In order to be eligible, students must be registered players, referees, volunteer coaches, or work as TOPSoccer buddies with Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer clubs.

Visit EPYSA.org/college_scholarship/ for more information on how to apply!

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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INNOVATE TO GROW: INTRODUCING THE MOBILE EDUCATION CENTER

E

astern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer was one of 17 members of U.S. Soccer awarded a grant through the Federation’s Innovate to Grow Fund. With funds from the grant, the state association will create the Mobile Education Center (MEC). The intention is to give every child the opportunity to have access to a trained coach. Over the next three years Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will look to increase the number of licensed coaches through U.S. Soccer Coaching Education courses, referees, and administrators in our region, ultimately helping increase players and the quality of their soccer experience.

By JT Dorsey, Grassroots Soccer Manager, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

JT Dorsey, here teaching an Urban Soccer Diploma course, will use his expertise in working in underserved communities to help implement the Mobile Education Center.

Recognizing a problem

THE

WHY

School sports budgets are being slashed every day, all across the country, especially in inner cities. Fewer opportunities within schools mean families must pay to play in private programs while also footing the bill for expensive coaches, equipment and out-of-pocket travel requirements. This additional expense is just not possible for many families, and so they drop out of soccer. It is our goal that through the Mobile Education Center, we level the playing field for children of all communities to be able to participate in soccer by educating coaches, referees and administrators within those communities.

Creating a mobile classroom

THE

WHAT

The Mobile Education Center (MEC) will provide opportunities for soccer clubs in need. With the grant, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will purchase laptops to create a literal mobile classroom. Each on-field Grassroots Coaching License course will be completed in conjunction with a classroom session, using the laptops. The Mobile Education Center will help candidates gain skills in order to have highly qualified coaches, referees and administrators. These programs may not have access or quality technology upgrades to access the online platforms. They are left trying to do this on paper or on phones, which is almost impossible.

Breaking down barriers

THE

HOW

Our certified trainers will bring up to 40 laptops with mobile Wi-Fi to the club, recreational center, school or community hub. Instructors will guide each participant through the steps of creating their login, password and base requirements for the coaching platforms, registration or the new online referee courses. We have seen many coaches, administrators and referees miss on getting valuable credentialing because they were not able to navigate through these processes without a higher level of support. By bringing the tools directly to them, we remove a technological barrier that we often take for granted.

More quality programming, more opportunity for players

THE

GOAL 14

Through soccer kids learn important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, positive communication and confidence. Children that participate in sports during their youth are more likely to live healthy lifestyles when they are adults. By starting or rekindling soccer programs where programming has never been in existence or has been lost, we not only grow the game but also help the community. Most importantly, we want all children to have the opportunity to participate in high quality, fun and engaging soccer programming that is accessible and inclusive on all levels.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

epysa.org

Where We’ve Been

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer CEO Chris Branscome (left) and President-elect Michael Finnegan pose with Jim Kuntz, who stepped down as President at the Annual General Meeting after serving for 20 years on the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Board of Directors.

As part of Martin Luther King Day celebrations, youth players from Fishtown AC & Kensington SC met at Towey Recreation Center in Philadelphia. They played friendly games against each other in the spirit of “uniting communities.”

National Soccer Hall of Famer Al Miller accepts the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Service to Youth Award on behalf of the 1973 Philadelphia Atoms, the team he coached to a NASL championship in the franchise’s inaugural season. Miller and the Atoms were honored at the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Annual Awards Banquet on Friday, February 22. Photo credit: Greg Carroccio

Players from Lower Dauphin Soccer Association TOPSoccer chase a loose ball at the club’s first session of the spring season. LDSA has been running TOPSoccer for special needs players since 2005 and will expand to Lebanon in the coming months.

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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A popular coach wherever she goes, Jen Tomlinson was honored with the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Excellence in Coaching Award at the Annual Awards Banquet. Photo credit: Greg Carroccio.

QUARTERLY

CALENDAR APRIL 2019 6

U.S. Soccer 7v7 Grassroots License Course | Aston

7

U.S. Soccer 4v4 Grassroots License Course | Horsham

12-14 National D License Course Part I | Harrisburg 13

U.S. Soccer 4v4 Grassroots License Course | Philadelphia

14

U.S. Soccer 7v7 Grassroots License Course | Harrisburg

14-22 ODP International Trips | Scotland, England, Spain, Italy 24

U18-U19 NCS State Cup Application Deadline

26-28 National D License Course Part I | Media

MAY 2019 3

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Business Summit | King of Prussia

3-5

National D License Course Part I | Plymouth Meeting

18

NCS and Presidents Cup Finals | Downingtown, PA. (United Sports)

19

ODP Round Robins | Downingtown, PA. (United Sports)

19

U.S. Soccer 9v9 Grassroots License Course | Mountain Top

27

Memorial Day (Office Closed)

JUNE 2019 1-2

National D License Course Part II | Harrisburg

1-2

NCS and Challenge Cup Finals | Manheim, PA. (PA Classics Park)

7

FIFA 2019 Women’s World Cup begins | France

7-9

East Region ODP Preliminary Tournament | Kirkwood, DE. & Lawrenceville, N.J.

14-18 Presidents Cup East Region Championships | Barboursville, WV. 15-16 National D License Course Part II | Plymouth Meeting 20-23 PA West ODP Friendlies U12-U14 Teams | Edinboro, PA. 22-23 East Region ODP Semifinals and Finals | Kirkwood, DE. 22

U.S. Soccer 4v4 Grassroots License Course | Souderton

28-July4 National Championship Series East Region Championships | Charleston, WV. 29

U.S. Soccer 11v11 Grassroots License Course | Roslyn

29

Maryland ODP Friendlies U12 | Columbia, MD. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

17

HONOR ROLL

A quick rundown of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer players & alums who are doing big things in the game.

Daniel

Lovitz AGE:

27

HOMETOWN:

Wyndmoor

TEAM:

Montreal Impact, U.S. Men’s National Team YOUTH CLUBS:

Lower Merion SC Christian Petersen/Getty Images

A US Youth Soccer National League champion with Lower Merion SC Velez in 2009, Daniel Lovitz has enjoyed a steady climb up the pro ranks. After joining Montreal Impact in 2017, he locked down the starting left back position and hasn’t left. This past January, he was one of five former Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer players invited to the U.S. Men’s National Team camp. Lovitz picked up his first two caps against Panama and Costa Rica.

Kalea

Gregoris

De’Andre

Oliver

AGE:

AGE:

HOMETOWN:

HOMETOWN:

YOUTH CLUBS:

YOUTH CLUBS:

After a series of concussions forced Kalea Gregoris to stop playing soccer, she didn’t stop contributing to the sport. Kalea has coached and works as a referee.

“The kids really liked having a younger coach they could talk to and play with,” Kalea, a Union League of Philadelphia Good Citizenship Award recipient, said.

“As a referee, I am able to teach and talk to players from all over Berks County and be a young female role model in the soccer community.”

De’Andre Oliver’s been a fixture on fields, streets, sidewalks, gyms and driveways since he could walk.

Where ever there’s soccer, you can find De’Andre. That includes his apartment complex, where he’s set up practices and games for his friends. “I love soccer and play it as much as I can,” De’Andre said. “I can’t get enough of soccer. I was setting up a practice session to see if any of the neighborhood kids wanted to practice with me.”

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Wernersville Conrad Weiser Soccer Club

8

Camp Hill CASA Arsenal

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Kelly Connor, Don Brady To Be Inducted Into SEPA Soccer Hall of Fame

T

he Southeastern Pennsylvania Soccer Hall of Fame (formerly the Philadelphia Oldtimers Soccer Association) has announced its 2019 class of inductees and award winners.

Among those being honored is Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Chief Operating Officer Kelly Connor. Prior to entering the business side of soccer, Kelly, a Wallingford native and Strath Haven High School grad, was an accomplished player. She was invited to train with both the under-19 and under-21 U.S. Women’s National Teams and was an All-American at Florida State. In 2005, Kelly was a candidate for the MAC Hermann Trophy, given to the nation’s best college soccer player.

After graduating from Florida State with a degree in Business Management, Kelly completed her Masters of

Business Administration (MBA) and Masters of Sport Business Management (MSBM) at the University of Central Florida’s DeVos Program.

Kelly worked as the Director of Outreach for the former Women’s Professional Soccer team, the Philadelphia Independence before joining Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer in 2011.

She is a member of the FC Delco Hall of Fame and Delaware County Athletes Hall of Fame.

In addition to Kelly, several other soccer figures with ties to Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer are included in the 2019 class. Don Brady, current coach of the U16 Boys (2003) Eastern Pennsylvania ODP team, has won three US Youth Soccer East Region ODP titles since 2015 and spent 14 seasons as head coach of the Central Bucks High School South boys teams. Don, who

holds a U.S. Soccer National A License, is a coaching instructor on the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Coaching Education staff. He graduated from William Tennent High School (Warminster) and Florida Southern College (Lakeland, FL). Don played amateur soccer locally for the United German Hungarians and Phoenix Soccer Club.

The class also includes current ODP staff coach Tom Creighton, former ODP coach Dave Urbach and former La Salle University standout Tracey Spinelli. Bree Benedict, a current ODP coach, will be recognized with the Charlotte Moran Award as the girls high school coach of the year for her success at Lansdale Catholic.

The SEPA Hall of Fame will honor 2018 US Youth Soccer national runner-up Philadelphia Soccer Club Coppa Swarm as well as part of a special celebration.

Kelly Connor (nee Rowland) enjoyed a standout career at Florida State University.

MIKE

BOESS MICKEY

MCGROARTY KELLY TOM

STEVE “NORKEY”

TOM

JOHN

KOSCHEWITZ

epysa.org

RENNY

PAPENDICK

KEHAN

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

TIM

OSWALD

CONNOR CREIGHTON

20

DON

BRADY

SMITH

TRACEY

SPINELLI DAVE

URBACH

Longtime Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer ODP & Coaching Education staff member Don Brady evaluates 2018-19 ODP tryouts. Don was inducted into the Southeastern Pennsylvania Soccer Hall of Fame as part of its 2019 class.

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Follow us @EPAYouthSoccer on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, where we post stories, share pictures and host contests for our member families.

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important and what I take away the most. The soft skills of being motivated and self-driven, and the people skills you develop, are key in your everyday life.

How do you handle nerves before particularly big games?

Meet the Ref: Zachary Smith

2018 Eastern Pennsylvania Young Male Referee of the Year

The way referees handle their nerves is going to be different for everyone. But the way I handle my nerves before every game and in particular big games is I listen to music beforehand and think about what I am going to work on in that game. I pick three things in particular to focus on. When I get to the field, I meet with my crew and talk about the teams and specific players. I also will talk to the coaches and possibly the players to develop a relationship and also getting an understanding of their personality.

How have mentorship and peer relationships helped you along the way?

achary Smith got started refereeing in 2014 with Aston Youth Soccer, officiating intramural games. He became a U.S. Soccer Federation Grade 8 referee in 2017 and was named 2018 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Young Male Referee of the Year.

Z

Mentorship and peer relationship are paramount in developing and growing as a successful official. Without my mentors and peers I would not be where I am today. They give me the advice and guidance to develop and improve as a referee. With knowledgeable and experienced mentors along with selfdrive and motivation, you will become a successful official.

At What point did you feel settled as a referee?

What events do you look most forward to?

Zach Smith: I think after my first year and a half as an official I felt comfortable with some of my skills, such as my foul recognition and communicative skills. But every official is going to be different and develop some skills faster than others. I don’t think there is ever a point where I will feel settled, though. It takes a lot of time, experience and guidance from others to develop these skills, and these skills will never stop developing as long as you are an official.

Were you surprised by how much you enjoyed being an official? If so, what things make it worthwhile?

ZS: Yes, I was surprised on how much I enjoyed being an official, because I didn’t expect how intuitive and involved an official is in the game. The experience you get as not only an official but as a person is what is

Some events I currently look forward to are tournaments and the Development Academy season. I can work and improve as an official at tournaments and develop key relationships with coaches, players, and other officials.

The DA season is where I can apply the skills I work on, while at the same time still learn from these games. Also, the US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup and US Youth Soccer National Championship Series are competitions where I get diverse feedback from national coaches and mentors as well as officials from all over the region.

Interested in Becoming a Referee?

Visit EPSARC.org to find all the information about picking up the whistle.

Before registering for a course, be sure to complete all the prerequisites including Pennsylvania state background checks and clearances.

24

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

Entry-Level Field Sessions

Mentor Events

HAVERFORD SOCCER CLUB

WEST-MONT COLLEGE SHOWCASE

++ Date/Time: April 6, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM ++ Location: Bryn Mawr

++ Dates: May 3-5 ++ Location: Pottstown, Limerick, Phoenixville

KINGSTON YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA PRESIDENTS CUP FINALS

++ Date/Time: April 6, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM ++ Location: Edwardsville

++ Date: May 18 ++ Location: Downingtown

epysa.org

RED CARD CANCER

between two state associations, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will issue a challenge to another state association to keep the money coming in for Red Card Cancer.

“The youth soccer community is going to be massive to this effort,” James Pepe, Community Development Manager for the American Cancer Society – Northeast, said. “Getting youth players, their parents, the administrators on board, they’re going to help raise cancer awareness for various things and provide a significant amount of dollars that is Eastern Pennsylvania Youth going directly to research.”

Soccer partnered with Red Card Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Cancer in 2014. Since then, the Soccer encourages local clubs to get state association has centered its involved as well. Red Card Cancer fundraising efforts on “Futbol Friday,” has numerous tools on its website, an annual celebration when Eastern RedCardCancer.org, including a Pennsylvania Youth playbook and sample encourages people fundraising events. to wear their favorite Individuals can “The youth soccer soccer jerseys and also make online donate to Red Card donations at the community is going Cancer. website. to be massive to When Red Card “You can do a Red this effort.”

Cancer partnered Card Cancer weekend with the American with your club. You -James Pepe Cancer Society in can just do an online August 2018 the push, something as two organizations simple as that,” Pepe reached out nationally to get other said. “With questions, contact your state associations involved. local American Cancer Society office.

Connecticut Junior Soccer They will have different avenues that Association took up the cause. At have worked in sports and outside of its AGM in January, CJSA raised sports just to generate ideas. There $8,850 and then took to social media is no bad idea when trying to think to challenge Eastern Pennsylvania of a fundraiser to plug into Red Card Youth Soccer to beat that number.

Cancer and the American Now, with more $20,000 raised Cancer Society.”

A Cure Is Our Goal:

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Raises $12,000 for Red Card Cancer

E

astern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and its membership raised $12,000 for Red Card Cancer throughout the month of February. The state association collected donations at various events, including the Keystone Diamond Showcase and Directors of Coaching Summit. The real push, however, came at the Annual General Meeting on February 23. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer member leagues and clubs wrote checks or pledged money totaling more than $5,300 at the AGM alone.

All $12,000 will go to Red Card Cancer, a soccer-based cancer charity and partner of the American Cancer Society, to fund cancer research.

“I’m grateful for the support of the membership in this cause,” Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer CEO Chris Branscome said. “All of us have been touched by cancer in some way, and to see our soccer community come together is inspiring.”

ABOUT RED CARD CANCER

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer CEO Chris Branscome presents a check for $12,000 to James Pepe, Community Development Manager for the American Cancer Society – Northeast, on behalf of Red Card Cancer.

Red Card Cancer began in the fall of 2009 on the campus of Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania.

What started as a tribute to founder Paul Payne’s long time friend and mentor, Joe Bochicchio, has grown into a 501(c)(3) organization with national reach and a growing impact on all levels of soccer in the United States. Since 2010, RCC has been closely affiliated with the internationally renowned Johns Hopkins’ Sidney Kimmel Cancer Research Center.

In 2018, RCC entered into a new partnership with the American Cancer Society.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

27

Exclusive savings for your love of rewards side.

As part of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, you may be eligible for a discount on your insurance.

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See how we can help protect your life’s many sides.

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*Savings compared to stand-alone price of each policy based on national sample customer data from 2017. Discount amounts do not apply to all coverage or premium elements; actual savings will vary based on policy coverage selections and rating factors. Nationwide has made a financial contribution to this organization in return for the opportunity to market products and services to its members. Products are underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Insurance Company. © 2019 Nationwide AFO-1106AO (06/18) 9632917

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Spring 2019 Tournaments Looking for a local tournament to fill out your spring 2019 season?

Check out information on five that are coming in May and June.

To see a full list of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer sanctioned tournaments, and for all information on how to get a tournament sanctioned, visit EPYSA.org/tournaments2019.

2019 Wyomissing Quarry Classic Hosted by USL2 club Reading United AC, the Wyomissing Quarry Classic is one of the longest running tournaments in the greater Reading area. Entry teams are guaranteed a minimum of three games, with individual prizes going to first and second place finishers.

MAY

+ + Dates: May 10-11, 2019 + + Age Groups: U6-U17

+ + Entry Deadline: May 5, 2019 + + Contact: Colin Kent, Colin@ReadingUnitedAC.com

Whitpain Spring Classic The Annual Whitpain Spring Classic will be taking place at the brand new Centre Square Park located in Blue Bell. This is a one-day tournament. Boys will play on Saturday, May 18 and girls will play Sunday, May 19. All teams are guaranteed three games. + + Dates: May 18-19, 2019 + + Age Groups: U9-U14

+ + Entry Deadline: May 1, 2019 + + Contact: Chad Mascitelli, ChadMascitelli@gmail.com

York Cup/Red Rose Classic York USA and the Lancaster County Soccer League merged their two spring events to create the new York Cup/Red Rose Classic, a two-day tournament open to travel teams. The tournament expects more than 100 teams from central and southeastern Pennsylvania as well as northern Maryland. + + Dates: May 18-19, 2019 + + Age Groups: U9-U19

+ + Entry Deadline: April 15, 2019 + + Contact: Stephen Clever, President@YorkUSA.org

JUNE

40th Annual LVYSL Tournament The 40th Annual Lehigh Valley Youth Soccer League Tournament expands in 2019 to include not only travel divisions, but recreational divisions and a non-competitive, coed, U8 division. All games will take place at the Lehigh County Fields in Allentown. + + Dates: June 8-9, 2019 + + Age Groups: U8-U19

+ + Entry Deadline: May 22, 2019 + + Contact: Gary Blockus, info@LVYSL.org

Hershey Summer Classic The Hershey Summer Classic offers multiple levels of competition to allow travel teams of all abilities a chance to compete. The proximity to HersheyPark and Hershey Chocolate World doesn’t hurt either when it comes to off-hour team activities. + + Dates: June 15-16, 2019 + + Age Groups: U9-U19

+ + Entry Deadline: May 15, 2019 + + Contact: Anthony Potter, APotter@offitkurman.com

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

29

Building Confidence In Goalkeepers

By Matthew Hood, M.S. Matthew Hood, M.S., is a doctoral candidate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Sport and Performance Psychology at the University of Western States. He is studying to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. He is also the Girls Varsity Goalkeeper Coach at The Episcopal Academy and an Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer ODP Goalkeeper Coach with the U-12 Philadelphia District.

Confidence is a belief that you can successfully perform a desired behavior or action. Goalkeepers can make impressive saves throughout the game and then make one wrong decision and feel like they have let down their teammates and coaches. In the case with young goalkeepers, they may feel they let their parents down, too. Building and maintaining confidence in goalkeepers does not happen overnight and should be addressed as early as possible in training.

Here are some simple ways a coach and goalkeeper can begin to build and start to maintain the confidence needed for a very stressful position.

FOR COACHES Praise Technique Done Well For example, if you are working on building out of the back do not only correct or praise the field players, but also praise and correct the goalkeeper in his or her decision making. Making a point to the goalkeeper allows the goalkeeper to know he or she is doing things the right way.

Set Up A Proper Warmup Warmup for the goalkeepers should prepare them for the game with many opportunities to catch the ball, distribute with hands and feet, as well as work on footwork and dynamic movement.

Here is an example of a pre-game warmup: Start with 5-6 minutes of dynamic stretching that includes jumping, arm and hip rotations. Move on to a back-pass activity that requires the goalkeeper to open up and switch the field. Then move on to a sling throw activity similar to the previous activity. Next, begin to work on handling the ball (volleys, collapsed dive,

30

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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mid-range saves, etc.). After handling activities, the goalkeeper can move on to crossing and catching/punching high balls (make sure you add distribution if the ball is caught out of the air). Finally, the goalkeeper can begin a shooting activity that allows him or her to work on footwork and angle play.

Finish Training Or Warmup With A Save This allows the goalkeeper to walk to the bench to get water with his or her head held high. Coaches should avoid setting up shooting activities right in front of goal. If the players take 20 shots and the goalkeeper only saves five, what does this do to his or her confidence? I encourage coaches to set up shooting activities at or near the corners of the penalty area. The players can still drive towards the middle, but the shot is taken from a location that is easier for the goalkeeper to save, while warming up the field players.

BUILDING CONFIDENCE

FOR GOALKEEPERS Practice Positive Self Talk What you say to yourself before taking the field can have a drastic effect on your confidence. If you think confidently, you will act with confidence.

What is the first thought that comes into your mind when a goal is scored? Is it negative or positive? The key is to replace the negative thought with a positive message. Choose a mantra that you can start working on in training like “I feel big and strong” or “Let’s Go!” Goalkeepers at some point will make a wrong decision.

So, learn from it, but first change the negative thought.

For example, replace “I cannot believe I let that go in” with “I have made that save before and can again.”

Map Out Your Goals A goal map is a personalized plan that contains various types of goals and goal strategies, as well as an evaluation procedure for assessing progress towards goals. Goalkeepers should set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timebound) goals that focus on performance and process rather than outcome. Performance and process goals can be controlled by the goalkeeper and enhance the attention to the task. For example: A goalkeeper sets an outcome goal of being the most dominant goalkeeper in the air. The goalkeeper must set performance goals, such as winning 100% of balls at the highest point, that allow him or her to achieve the outcome goal. Now, the goalkeeper must set process goals that support the performance goal, such as increasing his or her catching technical training every week.

Use Imagery To Build Confidence “Desired outcome” imagery is when goalkeepers paint an image of a specific skill or sequence of events in their mind in order to build confidence. Keepers should be as detailed as possible, including using all their senses. If the goalkeeper is imagining a free kick or a breakaway scenario, it is important for the goalkeeper to imagine himself or herself doing everything perfectly and making the save. Imagery can correct poor decisions, too. Take the situation and imagine yourself making the better decision. . Take the situation and imagine yourself making the better decision.

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Q&A

HELPING PARENTS

NAVIGATE THE ROADMAP OF TRAVEL SOCCER

The following is an excerpt from a series Coach Barr is writing on helping parents make the best decisions for their kids as it pertains to youth soccer. You can follow Coach Barr on twitter @DOCEPYSA or send him an email at mbarr@epysa.org.

Mike Barr

Technical Director, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

S

occer is unique to other sports in its simplicity. It would be difficult to recreate any other sport at such young ages, and yet, incredibly, within small sided soccer games there is movement, scoring, attacking and even in some instances what appears to be defending. Any perceived effort, like a touch on the ball, brings shouts of encouragement from parents as they begin to visualize their child’s future around the world’s game.

Some parents simply appreciate seeing their child enjoying the game and experiencing the opportunity to play with others. Other parents see a prodigy in their child and start to determine how they can assure he or she gets off to a good start or, better yet, begins to surpass the play of the other children. They soon realize there is no shortage of adults willing to sell them on the dream. Surprisingly this brings

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into play a subtle competition between parents as they race to find the best club with the best instructors, facilities and guarantees for the future, though there are no guarantees attached.

I am urging parents to take a long look at their decisions when their children hit the age when travel soccer is an option.

Parents are making choices that will impact their children’s future, even into adulthood.

As the Technical Director of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and an instructor for U.S. Soccer, I feel comfortable in guiding parents through the array of choices they will face with honest answers.

For parents of children U-6 through adolescence, here are guided questions from a soccer player, coach, dad, and now grandfather, who made many mistakes but found answers later in life by his observations, his failures and long periods of reflecting.

“I am urging parents to take a long look at their decisions when travel soccer is an option for their children.

Parents are making choices that will impact their children’s future, even into adulthood.”

TRYOUTS

TRAINING

My club has tryouts in the spring for eight-year-old players for the upcoming U9 fall season. Should my child try out or continue playing recreation soccer?

Do not be afraid to ask your child’s opinion, even at this early age, but provide the scenarios that may occur based on playing travel. Examine the conflicts with your child and ask the travel team coach for the guidelines he or she has when a player misses a practice or a game. A strong, organized coach will provide this information when your son or daughter is selected or at a pre-season team meeting with parents. This may be the first time you are faced with a coach or club making demands. Keep in mind no one person, especially coaches, should dictate to you what is best for your child.

If your child is happy playing recreation, has a coach who seems to understand child development, still has friends participating, and enjoyed the previous season allow him or her to continue playing. If it appears most of his or her friends are trying out for travel, make sure you make him or her aware. Keep in mind you are your child’s best advocate.

Do not allow a coach or club to interfere in what is best for your child.

TOURNAMENTS What about soccer tournaments? Is there value to participating?

At the younger ages, tournament participation should be minimal: maybe one or two a year. They should be local and reflect the ability level of the team. Do not get caught up in team rankings! Often travel teams enter tournaments to not only compete but receive points just for entering in order to advance in the state, region and national rankings. Examining team rankings at the younger ages only feeds into the egos of parents and coaches. With younger teams, a festival type of atmosphere with no standings provides for a more enjoyable learning experience for the young players. As travel players age, coaches should look for competitive tournaments for their team and strong college showcase tournaments at ages 15, 16 and 17. In pay-to-play clubs, usually the costs of tournaments are built into the overall costs but not transportation or housing.

How often and how long should training sessions be for my 9-yearold child who is now playing travel?

Training sessions should be held no more than two times a week. Sessions should be about an hour and a half long.

One game is normally played on the weekend. There are teams that train three nights a week or even four. Keep in mind that providing new experiences and new opportunities are part of raising a child.

INSTRUCTION Will my child have better instructors within a club that pays their coaches?

No assurances are attached to your son’s or daughter’s development playing for a club that pays its coaches. Most clubs with paid coaches do have a criteria or pre-requisites to be a travel team coach, but a volunteer coach could have the same positive impact on a player’s development and future as a paid coach. U.S. Soccer’s Grassroots coaching model is attaching accountability to the role of a coach much like parents have for teachers. If coaches within a club go through Grassroots Coaching Licenses, parents can be assured their son or daughter is receiving quality training at a lesser cost than the larger pay to play clubs.

These Grassroots Licenses are relatively low cost and easily accessible through the U.S. Soccer Digital Coaching Center.

COACHING What should I look for in a coach and should the coaches have any type of coaching qualifications?

Coaches should have an understanding of the game; a realistic, fun and game-like approach to instruction; a holistic approach to coaching; a real interest in every player; be self-reflective, an active learner, and a role model for players and parents.

Most clubs with paid coaches do have a criteria or pre-requisites to be a travel team coach.

Some require playing experience at various levels and licensing through U.S. Soccer, the United European Football Association (UEFA) or coaching courses or certificates from United Soccer Coaches Association (formerly NSCAA). Some require at least a D License to coach travel teams.

U.S. Soccer will be taking a more active role with all clubs throughout the United States and has shifted its focus away from developmental academies to the clubs where most of its membership players compete. U.S. Soccer believes every player has the right to be developed by a U.S. Soccer-instructed coach. Within this shift, U.S. Soccer is looking to increase the number of United States educational instructors to 1,000 and have at least 300,000 licensed coaches throughout the United States by 2025 and make soccer the pre-eminent sport in the United States.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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Nike Gear Review

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34

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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P L AY E R P R O F I L E S

Jonathan Larbi

Gabrielle Oudin Jonathan (YMS) and Gabrielle (Lehigh Valley United) are two of the most accomplished players in the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program. They each won an East Region ODP Championship in 2018 (Jonathan with the 2002 boys, Gabby with the 2002 girls) and have represented the East Region on international trips.

They’re also standouts in the classroom.

Gabby and Jonathan received the Union League of Philadelphia Good Citizenship Award as part Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s 2019 class.

Best advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t settle for less.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned on the soccer field?

Being humble, accepting defeat and learning from past experiences.

Dream five-a-side team?

Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, Virgil van Dijk, Cristiano Ronaldo

Favorite subject in school?

Math

Favorite soccer player?

Kylian Mbappe

Favorite book?

Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

Dream job?

Chemical engineer

What does it mean to be a good citizen?

Take your talents and use them to benefit others. It motivates you to keep on working better so you can inspire others. It’s not just a personal gain. To see other people grow, too, is the greatest part of being a good citizen.

Favorite part about playing ODP?

It’s allowed me to meet a lot of new friends across the U.S. and internationally.

It’s allowed me to compete globally and at the highest level, find my best strengths and help me improve my game further and further.

How would you describe your fashion style?

I’m modern, but I like gym clothes.

Favorite sport besides soccer?

Lacrosse

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned on the soccer field?

Using your teammates and supporting each other is the best way to be successful.

Dream five-a-side team?

N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, my dad (Manny Oudin), my sister (Chloe Oudin).

What’s your ideal day?

Have the morning easy with my family, watch some soccer.

Go out to lunch with my friends and maybe do like a pick-up soccer game with some of high school teammates and my club teammates

What’s your pregame ritual?

Listen to music in the car.

Wait til the absolute last minute to put my cleats and stuff on.

Favorite subject?

Science. Biology.

Favorite soccer player?

Paul Pogba

Favorite book?

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Favorite part of ODP?

Meeting all the new players and being able to be coached by a lot of different staffs.

How would you describe your fashion style?

Whatever is most comfortable.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

35

CAPTION CONTESTS! Prior to the publication of each Touchline, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will host caption contests on social media with funny pictures.

Kids, post your best comments and we’ll select a winner for each picture to receive an Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer goodie bag.

Congratulations to this issue’s winners!

To infinity… and beyond!

Nathaniel Patla U12 Boys, Cantolao Jaguars

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

I thought I saw a bug!

Ella Zelinsky U7 Girls, Reading Rage & Blue Mountain SC

Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @EPAYouthSoccer, where we’ll announce the winners.

Best of Luck!

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

epysa.org