By Paul Shaw
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REACHING THE END OF THE SPRING 2025 RECREATIONAL SEASON
Teams have reached the end of the Spring 2025 Recreational Soccer Season!
From the first kickoff to the final whistle, teams across Virginia have shown incredible growth, teamwork, and spirit. Players have sharpened their skills, coaches have inspired, and countless memories and friendships have been made along the way.
Way to finish the season on a high note!
Fall Season REGISTRATION
COACHES CORNER
InvestinginVolunteerDevelopment:TheKeytoSustainableImpact
By:PaulShaw
VolunteercoachesarethebackboneofsoccerclubsacrossVirginia.Ourfocustendstobe recruitmentandretention,withinvestinginsomethingjustascritical:volunteer development.
WhyVolunteerDevelopmentMatters
EnhancesSkillsandConfidence
Volunteerscomefromallwalksoflife.-somehaveplayedthegame,whileothersoffertime andpassionasaparent,grandparent,brother,sisterorhighschoolintern Itisimportant tobuildavolunteersconfidencetocreateasenseofbelongingtoaclub.
IncreasesEngagementandRetention
Volunteerswhofeelsupportedandchallengedaremorelikelytostay.
BuildsLeadership
Manyvolunteershavethepotentialtotakeonleadershiproles.Boardmemberswhoat onetimewerevolunteers,oftenbecomedirectorswithinclubs Thispathwayforgrowthis suchanimportanttoolforthelongevityofaclub.
ImprovesProgramQuality
Bettercoachesequalbetterplayers.
StrengthensClubCulture
Volunteerswhoareinvestedinfeelingmoreconnected tothemission,theteam,andthe long-termgoals
VirginiaYouthSoccerRecreationDirector’sWorkshop|Wednesday,20August2025
Volunteerdevelopmentisn’taluxury it’sanecessity.JoinusinFredericksburgVirginia from10:00AMto2:00PM(lunchprovided),tospendsometimetogetherwithprofessional speakers.Topicswillinclude:USSoccerandVirginiaYouthSoccercoachingcourse administration;Bestpracticesinleadingvolunteers;Howtocreateafunexperiencefor childrenandtheirfamilies;Othertopicstobeannounced.
ContactVYSAAssistantTechnicalDirector,PaulShawtoregisterorformoreinformation (paul@vysa.com).
Upcoming Coaching Courses
UPCOMING COACHING COURSES
August 09, 2025
7v7 hosted by Virginia Soccer Association
*CONTACT VSA
August 09, 2025
9v9 hosted by Virginia Soccer Association
*CONTACT VSA
Agust 09, 2025
11v11 hosted by Powhatan Soccer Association
LEARN MORE
August 30, 2025
9v9 hosted by Fairfax Police Youth Club
*CONTACT FPYC
WOMEN’S ONLY
July 19, 2025
9v9 hosted by Beach FC
LEARN MORE
July 26, 2025
7v7 hosted by Skyline Elite Soccer Club
LEARN MORE
July 26, 2025
7v7 hosted by Richmond United
*CONTACT RU
Player Health & Safety Tips
Virginia Youth Soccer Association provides members with a wide array of player safety resources to ensure young athletes are prepared for injuries and stay healthy on and off the field The Player Health & Safety section of Foot Notes will feature important articles on various topics such as injury prevention, concussion awareness, proper nutrition and more
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Environmental conditions can significantly impact player health and safety Extreme temperatures, severe weather and the integrity of the playing field and its equipment all impact players’ ability to practice and compete safely. U.S. Soccer’s Recognize to Recover program gives players, parents, coaches and referees information and guidelines to make sure the desire to play does not cloud the decision-making process when it comes to evaluating environmental conditions to ensure the safety of those on the field.
HEAT & HYDRATION
Extreme heat can impact players' health and safe play. Proper hydration and knowing when you need to drink are critical, to help prevent many injuries and illnesses, from muscle cramps to heat stroke. Players should drink water before, during and after a game or practice, which means coaches should make sure there is adequate water available. U.S. Soccer’s Recognize to Recover program gives players, parents, coaches and referees information and guidelines to make sure the desire to play does not cloud the decision-making process when it comes to evaluating environmental conditions to ensure the safety of those on the field
RECOGNIZE
Thirst is a warning that your body is already in an early stage of dehydration. Drink when you are thirsty. Recognizing the signs of dehydration are important because the amount of water required will vary from player to player.
Dry, sticky mouth
Sleepiness or tiredness
Headache
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Rapid heartbeat
Rapid breathing
Fever
In the most serious cases, delirium or unconsciousness
LEARN MORE ABOUT
RECONGNIZE TO RECOVER
recover
Add hydration breaks
Shorten practice
Practice early or late in the day when temperatures are lower
Use less-strenuous training activities during practice
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer or The Outreach Program for Soccer is a recreational sports program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities offered only through local US Youth Socceraffiliated soccer clubs.
TOPSoccer provides people with diverse abilities an opportunity to play soccer in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive.
COACHING COURSE FOR THE RECREATIONAL COACH
The Coach For Community (C4C) is a FREE two-hour course that is designed to help prepare entry level coaches with practical and theoretical knowledge. This course is conducted by a qualified US Soccer/VYSA Coach Educator and can be requested by VYSA member clubs at the U6, U8, U10 and/or U12 levels.
The First hour is classroom presentations:
Player Characteristics
Age-Appropriate Games
Running a Practice
Role of the Coach
Tips to Survive
The second hour is field/gym demonstration: Age specific players will participate in an organized practice session.
ContactJessicaatjessica@vysa.comtoday!
US SOCCER SAFESPORT QUICK GUIDE
What is SafeSport
Safesport is a comprehensive program of policies and processes through education and training to help participants detect and report abuse, respond to it, and prevent future occurrences.
Required By:
Congress and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC)
Who Completes It:
Participants who come in contact with a minor (Club staff & ALL coaches)
Frequency: Completed annually
How To Report a Concern
To make a report, either fill and submit the form below, or call the US Soccer Integrity Hotline at (312) 528-7004 to leave a voicemail. Please provide as much detail in your report as possible, including contact information, should you wish to be contacted concerning your report. U.S. Soccer does not retaliate and does not tolerate retaliation against any individual who makes a report in good faith. Please see below for more information.
CLICK HERE TO REPORT A CONCERN
For More Information
Information on Safesport for parents can be found at the US Soccer Safeguarding Hub as well as the VYSA website for more detail on what Safesport is and how to report a concern.
US SOCCER SAFEGUARDING HUB
SAFESPORT GUIDE
Coming together for the win.
Publix is a proud sponsor of youth soccer.