Touchline | Spring 2024

PENNSYLVANIA’S LEADING YOUTH SOCCER PUBLICATION

SPRING 2024

GROWING THE GAME Allentown’s Grassroots Program Flourishes

2024 AWARDS BANQUET LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD

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Finding the Right Place to Play

W

elcome to try-out season! For some kids, this can be an exciting time to test yourself, whether it’s moving from recreational to travel soccer, or possibly trying a new club. For many others, it’s a time of anxiety and uncertainty. Will I or won’t I make it? Which team do I choose and why should I choose them?

I’d like to keep my advice simple. First, at any tryout, be yourself, be relaxed, and play to the best of your ability. Tryouts are subjective, meaning it’s up to the coach and their selections can be based on multiple concerns- filling certain roles or positions, and preferences for certain types of players that may fit the coach’s style of play. You may be the perfect fit, you might not. Do your best, play how you know how, and give your all. Regardless, there is always a team for you.

The next concern, is if you have more than one team Chris Branscome to choose from, how do you pick? My advice is simple Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer again, where will you get the best opportunity to play?

Play is the keyword. Why do you join a soccer team- to play? Not everyone gets to start, but you should get to play. Are you joining a team to train? Sort of. But you join a team so you can play in games. And the more time you spend on the field, the more opportunity you have to become a better player and enjoy yourself doing it. I’d advise this regardless of your age or level of play.

Back to the question of joining a team to train…who the coach is can often be a deciding factor. There are many very good, capable, qualified, and caring coaches throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. One of our roles, with US Soccer, is to train coaches. Many dedicated coaches go through the process to obtain their license through US and US Soccer. As you review your potential new coach, consider their soccer education, but also try them out while you are trying out. What do you like, or not, about their coaching style? How do they talk to and relate to players? Will they teach you new things and help you become a better player?

The majority of all soccer players, youth and adult, in Eastern Pennsylvania are below the age of 14.

These are very important developmental years. This time in a child’s soccer life is no different from other aspects of their development emotionally, psychologically, and physically. There is no perfect predictor of what a child will become as a player. But the only way we can find out is if they play the game. Great training is wonderful, but if you never get enough game time to test yourself, you’ll never know. US Soccer standards are that all players U12 and below play 50% of each game. Even as you progress to 11 a side, that should be a consideration for any player. The point of playing soccer is to play, not to train and watch.

Playing is fun. Soccer should be fun.

I know other variables may go into these decisions for a family, but I wanted to keep this to on-field concerns. I hope this helps when decision time arrives. Remember there is a team for every player. I wish you the best in finding the right fit for you.

CREDITS 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 - Jeff Sommer First Vice President Lennie Brown Second Vice President Bill Fuller Treasurer- Jim Brown Secretary Melissa Weber At-Large - John Mickel State Youth Referee Administrator - Jeff Tener District 1 Commissioner Jeff Tener District 2 Commissioner Rachel Gallegos District 3 Commissioner Bill Ross District 4 Commissioner Eric McKitish District 5 Commissioner Scott Merritt District 6 Commissioner Phil Frederick OFFICE STAFF Chief Executive Officer – Chris Branscome Chief Operating Officer – Kelly Connor Technical Director – Gary Stephenson Director of Operations – Leo Kelly Director of Marketing & Events – Kelsey Tepel Registration Specialist – Meghan Petroski Grassroots Soccer Manager – JT Dorsey State Cup Manager – David Jones TOUCHLINE Editor-in-Chief – Chris Branscome Editors – Kelsey Tepel Designed and printed by A.E. Engine, Inc. www.ae-engine.com

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INSIDE ALLENTOWN’S

Grow the Game Program

By Joshua Lipowski

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Promoting ‘The Beautiful Game’ begins with grassroots efforts in communities across the United States.

CHRIS HENDRICKS, FROM ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA, has been some of those boots on the ground through the “7 Week Grow the Game Program,” in partnership with Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. He is a former player with a fervent passion for sharing the beauty of soccer with kids across Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The program was inspired by reconnecting with his old high school soccer coach, Fernando Carizzo. The goal was to create a program showcasing the diverse youth of Eastern Pennsylvania, with over half of the kids being Hispanic/Latino, and introducing them to the sport of soccer.

“It all started from the need across Allentown, given our diverse cultures, backgrounds, and skill levels,” Hendricks explained. “Just to have an open skills and drills place centralized in Allentown, so that kids can come out, brush up on some skills and drills, learn some stuff, and express themselves.”

While this is the inaugural year for this recurring program, Hendricks has previously organized soccer clinics. The positive reception from those events bolstered his confidence to initiate the “7 Week Grow the Game Program.”

“Every time we’ve done a one-time clinic, everyone seemed very receptive and eager to ask, ‘What’s the next thing?’”

Hendricks remarked.

The program offers free sessions for various age groups. Held at J. Birney Crum Stadium, the seven sessions span eight weeks, with kids in grades K-4 participating from 6-7 PM and 5th to 8th graders taking the field from 7-8 PM. The program has been a resounding success within the local Allentown community. Hendricks noted that over 100 kids registered within the first 48 hours, and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer reported an attendance of over 120 kids for the inaugural session.

Additionally, the program has garnered support from coaches across different soccer levels in Eastern Pennsylvania, from local high schools to NCAA Division 1. Hendricks attributes the program’s success to this collaborative effort.

“It’s been a balance of Fernando [Carizzo], who runs clinics, connecting with the coaches he’s got, and my connections with the schools.” Hendricks said, “Talking to some of the players and athletes in the schools, inviting them to come out to help out and check it out. They jumped right in and were eager to help out and assist.”

Looking ahead, Hendricks aims to connect kids with local soccer organizations throughout Allentown, including the Allentown Youth Soccer Club, the YMCA, Midway Manor, the Lehigh Valley Youth Soccer League, and local high school coaches.

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Four Players from Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Make National Team Roster EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH SOCCER IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE that four of their players who participate in their Olympic Development Program (ODP), Traci Byers (13), Lilah Helwig (15), Kiera Sleicher (15) and Kherington Yezik (15), have made it to the National ODP in their respective age groups. This is an incredible opportunity for these youth soccer players who have risen to elite status in the soccer community and will represent Eastern Pennsylvania on a national level.

The girls were chosen from a regional team they made following initial participation in Eastern Pennsylvania’s Youth Soccer’s Olympic Development Program. There are 54 state Olympic Development Programs like Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s program across the country. Scouts select the players who make the regional teams which train over the summer and then national teams are chosen during a tournament in Florida in December. Next up for these girls are trips to play tournaments in Las Vegas and Dallas on the National team.

Kiera Sleicher plays locally in Philadelphia for the Philadelphia Ukrainian National Soccer Club (PUNSC) which is based in Horsham. PUNSC offers youth programs starting with their developmental academy for ages 5-8 and travel teams ranging from U8 through U18 competing in the most competitive local and regional youth leagues.

“I am very excited to be selected this year,” said Kiera. “It has been a goal of mine and I’ve been working hard to be able to achieve this. The feedback that I have received from my ODP regional coaches has helped me improve my play to be able to accomplish this. I feel honored to be a part of the team and to play with so many talented players.”

Kherington Yezik and Lilah Helwig also play locally in Philadelphia for the FC Delco Soccer Club which is based in Conshohocken and Downingtown. FC Delco is a Nationally recognized program, having won eight national championships, and many regional and state titles, and has placed more players in NCAA collegiate programs than any other club in Pennsylvania. The club also has multiple alumni playing in the MLS and professional women’s leagues.

Traci Byers plays for the PA Classic Club located in East Petersburg, Pennsylvania near Lancaster. PA Classic club is most known for one of their alum, soccer superstar Christian Pulisic who plays for AC Milan and serves as the Captain for the United States National Team.

Eastern Pennsylvania ODP identifies and trains players at an elite level. The program provides supplemental training and competitive opportunities for players with the goal of advancement to US Youth Soccer Regional teams, top-level colleges, and ultimately national teams. Participants receive quality coaching and competition, having the opportunity to play in games and elite tournaments against other state associations both regionally and nationally.

Eastern Pennsylvania ODP has been highly successful at the national level winning several US Youth Soccer ODP Championships. Most of our players successfully transition to college play and several have developed into professional players and have represented the United States in the Olympics and World Cup.

For more information about Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer,

visit epysa.org/east-pa-odp/

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Leading the Way to Access

Equity

Inclusion

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2024 AWARDS Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer celebrated the year in soccer at the 2024 Annual Awards Banquet on Friday, February 23 at the Double Tree Hilton. The event celebrated the exceptional skills, teamwork, and dedication of Pennsylvania's soccer stars.

“We look forward to this event every year as it's our opportunity to acknowledge the people who have stood out in the soccer community and truly made an impact over the past year,” said CEO of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Chris Branscome.

Following is a list of award winners who were celebrated during an awards ceremony at the Banquet.

Union League Good Citizenship Award Winners

TEAM OF THE YEAR (BOYS)

Ballyhoo 07 Black

TEAM OF THE YEAR (GIRLS)

FC Revolution Reds COACH OF THE YEAR (GIRLS)

Holly Hoy

Xavier Chanoine

COACH OF THE YEAR (BOYS)

Bret Altimore

FUTURE PLAYER ACADEMY

Lily Wilden

Charlotte Williams

Alexander Dubbs

Ethan Beede

HUNTER SC

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

Sarah Thomas

PENN FC

SERVICE TO COMMUNITY

JT Dorsey Foundation

Sean O’Donnell

HUNTER SC

Hailey Groff

PENN FUSION

YMS

Timothy Reimer

HERSHEY FC

FUTURE PLAYER ACADEMY

Tejas Sasan

Chloe Tsai

Ben Stein

Emma Hampshire

Reading Berks, Junior Soccer League

Joshua Becher

Cooper Lechtman

YOUTH REFEREE OF THE YEAR (GIRL)

Gray Collins

Riley Lukach

Sophia Donnelly

Kathryn Lukens

SERVICE TO YOUTH

Barry Gorman MIKE BARR EXCELLENCE IN COACHING AWARD

Gary Ross

TOWAMENCIN

D’ANJOLELL AWARD

Kylie Ridilla

Andrew Daoud

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

STEEL

LOWER MERION

YOUTH REFEREE OF THE YEAR (BOY)

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YMS

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epysa.org

TREDYFFRIN

UNITY

LOWER MERION

HEX

COLONIAL

BANQUET

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association Launches “I Belong” Initiative To Promote Inclusivity Within the Sport

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH SOCCER Association Launches “I Belong” Initiative To Promote Inclusivity Within the Sport Aimed at combating discrimination and fostering inclusion among soccer players, the governing body of youth soccer in Eastern Pennsylvania partnered with the Anderson Monarch’s club to produce a video entitled, “I Belong,” kicking off a series of steps being taken by the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer organization to improve inclusion among players.

The “I Belong” initiative comes in response to recent reports of children not always feeling welcomed when they play teams in our region. Experiences of name-calling and bullying have taken place among children of color or other differences and both leaders within the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association and parents are making efforts to reinforce that all players should feel welcomed when they hit the field.

Amos Huron, Executive Director for the Anderson Monarchs, emphasizes the significance of this initiative, stating, “Step one was just acknowledging the reality of discrimination in soccer. It’s vital for our families to feel heard and supported. We’re amplifying the message that racism exists, and we’re committed to addressing it head-on.”

“We at Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association believe that every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, or background,” said JT Dorsey,

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the association’s Grassroots Programs Manager. “We’re actively engaging with our community to listen and learn.

Our goal is to create tangible changes, such as implementing pledges before games to promote inclusivity and respect for all players, regardless of race or background.”

The “I Belong” initiative marks just the beginning of the association’s efforts to promote diversity and acceptance within the region’s youth soccer clubs. Dorsey emphasizes the initiative’s inclusivity, stating, “This isn’t just about black and brown kids; it’s about all kids. We want every child to feel safe and welcomed, whether they’re transgender, of color, or from any background.”

The association is also taking internal steps to ensure equity, with plans to establish an Equity Change Team that includes representatives from their membership. This team will focus on addressing internal issues and supporting organizations seeking to create positive change. They will also continue to work with the state and governing bodies in taking steps to ensure zero tolerance for any actions that do not create a welcoming atmosphere among their clubs.

Ultimately, the “I Belong” initiative aims to create a soccer community where every child can thrive and enjoy the game without fear of discrimination or exclusion.

As Dorsey aptly puts it, “At its core, soccer is about recreation and fun. We want to instill a love for the game in all children, creating a future generation of players who champion inclusivity and equality.”

SCAN HERE TO WATCH THE ANDERSON MONARCH’S VIDEO,

“I BELONG”

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH SOCCER ANNOUNCES THE DISTRIBUTION OF $50,000 TO AREA CLUBS TO GROW THE GAME OF SOCCER THROUGHOUT THE REGION

E

astern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is excited to announce that 20 area soccer clubs will be given monetary support for their programming through the “Grow the Game” fund, which is designed to support projects at the local level with a primary focus on fostering the long-term growth of soccer in the region.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer believes in the transformative power of soccer and its ability to unite communities. The Grow the Game Fund is a testament to this commitment to creating a soccer culture that is inclusive and accessible. Through this initiative, the aim is to empower local projects that align with our core values.

The following clubs were chosen based on community involvement, accessibility, education and training, and innovative programming.

Panther Valley Youth Soccer Association

Cheltenham Jayvees

Jeffersonville Soccer Club

Colonial Soccer Club

Jim Thorpe Youth Soccer

Dillsburg Area Soccer Club

King of Prussia Soccer Club

Phoenixville Area Soccer Club

East Penn Soccer Club

Mason Dixon Soccer League

Schuylkill Valley Soccer Club

Ephrata Youth Soccer Club

Norristown United Futbol Club

Southern Lehigh SL

Fusion FC

PA Rush

Tuscarora Soccer Club

Iron Valley United Soccer Club

Palumbo Soccer Club

West-Mont United SA

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DATE

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EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH SOCCER HAS A RICH HISTORY OF fostering soccer talent through its dedicated youth soccer camps. These programs have played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s soccer landscape, offering aspiring young athletes a platform to hone their skills and passion for the game. With a commitment to excellence, these camps provide a holistic approach to player development, emphasizing not only technical prowess but also sportsmanship and teamwork.

Over the years, Eastern Pennsylvania’s youth soccer camps have become renowned for their experienced coaching staff, state-of-the-art facilities, and a curriculum designed to cater to various skill levels. As a result, the region has consistently produced skilled and disciplined soccer players who not only excel on the field but also carry the values instilled during their formative years into their broader communities. The legacy of Eastern Pennsylvania youth soccer camps endures as a testament to the enduring commitment to nurturing the next generation of soccer players.

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JUNE 10-14 JUNE 17-21

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SCAN HERE FOR DAY CAMP REGISTRATION 14

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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LOCATION

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

Leveling the Playing Field

Staff from Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association spent the morning inventorying and sorting equipment at Level the Playing Field, a non-profit organization that redistributes equipment to expand access and equity within youth sports and recreation programs in under-resourced communities.

JT Dorsey, the Grassroots Soccer Manager for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, set up this opportunity so that the team could lend a hand to such an important organization for area youth as well as to bring awareness to the non-profit. There are youth athletes both within Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association’s clubs as well as countless other youth sports organizations who can play the sport they love because of Level the Playing Field.

MORE ABOUT LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD: LPF opened its inaugural warehouse in Washington DC in 2013 and successfully replicated our model in 2018 when we expanded into Baltimore. Four years later, we opened the doors to our third warehouse in Philadelphia to serve under-resourced communities in and around the City of Philadelphia. As a city with a deep passion for not only its local professional sports teams, but also, its community youth sports organizations, we saw an opportunity to make sure as many kids as possible growing up around the city would be able to get on the playing field. Our program has the opportunity to help local students experience a childhood full of positive youth sports memories and take advantage of the physical and mental benefits youth sports have to offer.

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Greener G

oals with

Operation Warm with Alejandro Bedoya, March 2023

Phang, Apri

l 2023

Making sandwiches with Quinn Sullivan September 2023

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Can you find all 7 differences between photo A and B?

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CALENDAR TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE MAY 18

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NCS STATE CUP

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DISTRICT MEETINGS

Scan the QR Code to find out the dates and locations for the meetings near you!

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Teaming up for the good of the community.

Subaru and the Philadelphia Union created the Gear for Good initiative to provide soccer equipment to Philadelphia communities that need it most. To date, Subaru and it’s Philadelphia-area retailers have collected and donated over 1000 pieces of gear and equipment. Join us by donating your soccer equipment at Gear for Good collection bins located at Subaru Park or your local participating Subaru retailer.

Learn more at PhiladelphiaUnion.com/Subaru

Subaru is a registered trademark.