April 2024 Touchline

VIRGINIA YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION

VIRGINIA ODP TAKES PORTUGAL!

WRITTENBYVYSATECHNICALDIRECTOR,GORDONMILLER

From March 26th to April 4th, four VA ODP teams visited Portugal for the 18th annual ODP International trip. The 2010 and 2009 boys teams along with the 2010 and 2008 girls teams spent four days in the northern town of Braga and four days in the capital city of Lisbon. All teams played four games with the added bonus of a boy’s game in the NW Spanish city of Vigo.

The four teams, with 16 support staff, were able to experience a beautiful culture with different customs. The players were exposed to new foods, a different language, and in between matches, some history of the region. The teams had a unique experience where they traveled, stayed, and ate together. After each game the Virginia teams met with their opponents for pictures and social media exchanges (the girls were much better at it than the boys!) where “language” never seemed to be a barrier.

BRAGA

LISBON

2008 girls play match against Union Deportiva MOS in Baiona, Spain

2009 & 2010 Boys visit to Curuxo Futbol Club of Vigo, Spain

The games were valuable as each team played against opponents that offered different systems, formations, and tactical nuances that they otherwise hadn’t seen before. Each player had the opportunity to start a game and were given significant playing time.

This ODP International trip is unique due to the presence of an exceptional support staff. The traveling party included a certified athletic trainer and the nationally renowned sports psychologist, Dr. Freigang. “Dr. Dan” helped teach the players resilience and coping skills as well as strategies and techniques that helped them deal with anxiety and overcoming adversity. Fortunately this Dr. Tom Weber was on the trip. Dr. Weber is a GP from Charlottesville who also doubled as the 2010 boy’s administrator.

These trips are valuable for the Virginia ODP players and staff. The players come back wiser, more mature, and a little more independent from the lessons and experiences learned both on and off the fie

2024INTERNATIONALTOUR

2009 Boys play match against Coruxo FC.

All 16 staff members posing in front of famous Benfica FC stadium in Lisbon, Portugal.

2008 Girls play in match against Union Deportiva MOS in Baiona, Spain.

2009 Boys training in Braga, Portugal.

2008 & 2010 girls site seeing in Braga, Portugal.

2009 & 2010 boys touring Benfica stadium in Lisbon, Portugal.

Recognizing the candidates from the 50:50 Fall C License course

Phil Adams, Virginia

*Kate Alonso, Virginia

Anthony Araujo, Virginia

*Amanda Armstrong, Virginia

Greg Cullison, Virginia

*Olivia Elliott, Virginia

Brandon Fern, Virginia

Jaime Franco, Virginia

Jonathan Gannon, Virginia

*Laura Glew, Virginia

Moauyed Idris, Virginia

*Janice Johnson, Virginia

*Melissa Jung, Virginia

Pradeep Karki, Virginia

Thomas Kelly, Virginia

*Jillian Maslyn, Virginia

Ahmed Mohamed, Virginia

*Sarah O'Reilly, Virginia

*Kateri Pineda, Virginia

Pedro Power Melgar,

Washington, DC

*Jennifer Smithson, Maryland

Schaeffer Somers, Virginia

*Alyssa Tallent, Virginia

VYSA just completed this first ever unique National Coaching course where exactly half of the candidates were female, and the other half were male. In addition to that, of the two Coach Educators, one was female and the other male.

By all indications from the participants, this unique format of learning was a huge success. Due to the generous ITG Grant from US Soccer the entire registration fee of every female participant was covered.

WHYDOPARENTS ENROLLTHEIR CHILDRENINSOCCER?

U.S. Soccer is conducting a research project in collaboration with Northwestern University. The purpose of the project is to learn about parents' reasons for enrolling their children in soccer

The information gathered from your participation will help the US Soccer Federation promote soccer’s popularity in the United States by highlighting the benefits of playing and participating in soccer. More interest in soccer will lead to easier access to play, elevation of the standard of play in the United States, and a number of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial benefits for those who choose to play soccer.

If you participate in this research project, the data submitted will be anonymously analyzed and will be used for research purposes only.

View the consent form above for full details about the study

If you have any questions about the study, please contact the Director of Research and Innovation at U S Soccer, Dr José M Oliva Lozano, at jlozano@ussoccer.org.

Get On The Bus (GOTB) is a FREE after-school youth soccer program that breaks down financial and transportation barriers so that kids can play soccer on a team in their community, while learning valuable life skills and good study habits. GOTB provides all players with a full soccer kit including: jersey, shorts, shin guards, socks, soccer cleats and soccer ball.

Two teams from Woodburn Elementary School will participate in the McLean Recreation program this spring through the Get on the Bus program. The funds from the grant will cover the costs of transportation, facilities, equipment, league feeds, food, and coaches and teachers.

For more information contact Tim Ryerson at tim@gotbsoccer.org

A Typical Week for GOTB players

*Every GOTB Chapter’s schedule is different

Attend school.

Check-in to afterschool program.

Players eat a healthy snack distributed by after school mentor.

Players change into soccer uniform and gear.

Players work on homework with a GOTB Staff.

Players learn a life skill with GOTB staff.

Players and GOTB staff ride bus to soccer field for practice.*

Participate in team soccer practice with GOTB staff/coaches. Ride bus back to school.*

Players are picked up from school by parent/guardian.

GOTB Staff manage and oversee the player check-out process.

On Saturdays, the players participate in a local recreational soccer league.*

*If practice is held at school, then bus will be provided to players for Saturday games.

MOJO MAKES PARENTS BETTER COACHES, KIDS BETTER ATHLETES, AND YOUTH SOCCER MORE FUN.

EXPLORE MOJO