PLAYER HEALTH & SAFETY TIPS COACHING EDUCATION
‘OF THE YEAR’ ANNUAL AWARD NOMINATION
ALLASPECTSOF RECREATIONAL SOCCER
Feeding their success.
Publix is a proud sponsor of Virginia youth soccer.
KICKING OFF THE FALL 2025 RECREATIONAL SEASON
It’s that exciting time of year once again in Virginia—the start of the recreational soccer season!
Each edition of Foot Notes will spotlight stories from VYSA Member Clubs, celebrating the impact of recreational soccer across Virginia. Foot Notes will feature resources, updates, and upcoming events so you can stay connected to all the great things happening around the association.
Looking forward to an incredible season full of growth, friendship, and fun!
ANNUAL AWARDS
'OFTHEYEAR'
Virginia Youth Soccer Association is now accepting award nominations for the 20242025 Season! VYSA encourages Member Clubs and Leagues to nominate individuals who went above and beyond for the good of the game during the 2024-2025 Season.
Award Categories
Administrator of the Year
Boys Competitive Coach of the Year
Girls Competitive Coach of the Year
Boys Recreational Coach of the Year
Girls Recreational Coach of the Year
TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year
TOPSoccer Coach of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Young Male Referee of the Year
Young Female Referee of the Year
Team Manager of the Year
The deadline to submit nominations is September 30, 2025.
First Touch Sports receives funding from U.S. Soccer for "Get on The Bus" program!
Students at Ecoff and Elizabeth Scott Elementary are playing soccer for free this fall—no costs, new gear (cleats, shin guards, jerseys, balls included!), and even transportation covered.
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.
PARENTS CORNER
SupportingYourChild'sRecreationSoccerJourney
By:GordonMiller,VYSATechnicalDirector
Recreationalyouthsocceroffersawonderfulopportunityforchildrentodevelop physically,socially,andemotionally,asstatedbytheNationalAcademyofAthletics.A parentsroleiscrucialinshapingthisexperience.Byfocusingonfosteringapositive environment,encouragingeffortoverresults,andrespectingthedifferentroles involved,parentscanhelptheirchildrenthriveanddevelopalifelongloveforthe game.
Prioritizeenjoymentandskill development
Recreationalsocceremphasizesparticipation, skill-building,andfuninalow-pressuresetting Encourageyourchildtofocusonenjoyingthe game,developingfriendships,andlearning basicskills-likedribbling,passing,and shooting.Avoidfixatingonthescoreand insteadcelebratetheirefforts,improvements, andsportsmanship.Researchshowsthat childrenpraisedforeffortaremoreresilient andenjoylong-termsuccess.Parentscan reinforcethisbyaskingwhattheirchildren enjoyedorlearnedafteragame,ratherthan focusingontheoutcome.
Beapositivesidelinepresence
Parentsbehavioronthesidelinessignificantlyimpactstheirchild'sexperience Cheer forgoodplaysfrombothteamsandofferpositive,non-directiveencouragementto yourchildandtheirteammates Avoidcoachingfromthesidelines,asthiscanconfuse andfrustrateyourchild,potentiallyunderminingthecoach'sauthority.Phraseslike “Greathustle!”or“Keepitup!”offersupportwithoutgivingspecificinstructionsthat couldbeconflicting.Childrennoticehowadultsreacttowins,losses,andreferee decisions,soitisimportantforpatentstomodelsportsmanshipandrespectfor everyoneinvolved.
Respectcoachesandreferees
Coachesareresponsibleforinstructing anddevelopingplayers,whilereferees ensurefairplay,statestheMendocino CountySoccerAcademy.Trustthe coach'sexpertiseandallowthemto guidetheteamwithoutinterference.If parentshaveconcerns,theyshould addressthemrespectfullyand privatelywiththecoach,awayfrom thefieldandteamactivities.Similarly, showrespectfortherefereesandtheir decisions,evenifyoudisagree. Remember,manyyouthrefereesare youngandlearning,notestheSoccer Parentingblog
Encourageresponsibilityand independence
Fosterasenseofownershipby encouragingyourchildtotake responsibilityforaspectslikepacking theirgear,stayinghydrated,and preparingforpracticesandgames. Allowingthemtomanagethesesmall tasksbooststheirindependenceand self-confidence,accordingtothe AmericanPsychologicalAssociation. Encouragethemtocommunicatedirectly withtheircoachesaboutdifficultiesor questions,furtherdevelopingtheplayers self-reliance.
Promoteahealthybalanceandopencommunication
Ensuresoccerispartofabalancedlifestylewithpropernutrition,rest,andhydration topreventburnout.Encourageotheractivitiesanddowntime.Maintainopen communicationwithyourchild,listeningwithoutjudgmentandvalidatingtheir emotionsthroughtriumphsandchallenges.Askopen-endedquestionstoencourage reflection.Considerhavingaballinyourbasementoroutsidethehousetohelpboost skilldevelopmentandconfidence.Don’ttellyourchildthattheyMUSTgooutsideand practice.CreateanenvironmentwhereTHEYaskyoutocomeoutwiththemandkick theballaroundandplay.
Celebrategrowthandprogress
Focusonyourchild'sindividualprogressandeffort,ratherthancomparingthemto others Acknowledgetheirimprovementstofosterself-worthandapositiveselfimage.Youcantracktheirprogressinajournalandreflectontheirjourneyattheend oftheseason
Byfollowingtheseprinciples,youcanhelpyourchildhaveafulfillingrecreational soccerexperienceanddevelopvaluableskillsonandoffthefield.
RECENT COACHING COURSES
BLUE RIDGE UNITED TRAVEL COACHES CLINIC
NORTHERN VIRGINIA SOCCER CLUB COACH FOR COMMUNITY
CLARKE COUNTY SOCCER LEAGUE COACHING CLINIC
H O S T A C O U R S E
COACHING COURSES ON THE BOOKS
UPCOMING COACHING COURSES
October 2, 2025
C4C Hosted by Alexandria Soccer Association
LEARN MORE
December 14, 2025
9v9 Hosted by Virginia United
LEARN MORE
December 14, 2025
11v11 Hosted by Virginia United
LEARN MORE
October 20 - December 15, 2025
D License Course hosted by Braddock Road Youth Club
LEARN MORE
December 8 - February 9
D License Course hosted by Colonial Heights
LEARN MORE
DMV Athletics Impact Foundation, in partnership with the AC Milan Academy DMV, kicked off their new TOPSoccer program for athletes with special needs on June 21st at Chantilly High School. Coach Will Pulisic, plenty of enthusiastic volunteers, and over 40 registered athletes with disAbilities celebrated Virginia’s newest TOPSoccer program with a morning of soccer fun.
For more information about this new Northern Virginia based TOPSoccer program, please send a message to acmdmvtopsoccer@gmail.com or visit their website at www.dmvathleticsfoundation.org/top-soccer
LEARN
DEAN MCDANIEL, CEO OF AC MILAN ACADEMY DMV
"AC Milan Academy DMV was proud to support TOPSoccer Virginia in their mission to create an inclusive, empowering soccer experience for athletes of all abilities It was a joy to be part of a day filled with teamwork and community We look forward to continuing this meaningful and very needed partnership in the future.”
WILL PULISIC, AC MILAN ACADEMY DMV TOPSOCCER
DIRECTOR
“I am so proud to help start the TOPSoccer Program for AC Milan Academy DMV. Soccer has given so much to my life, including experiencing new cultures, learning different perspectives, and creating lasting relationships. So, I feel very passionate about every kid having the opportunity to have similar experiences through soccer as I did. Soccer is an amazing teacher of skills I use for all aspects of my life.”
JERRY SULLIVAN, NEW TOPSOCCER PARENT
"Thank you very, VERY much for this incredible TOPSoccer experience! I was amazed to see how much effort my son put into it we couldn't be happier with the outcome and are looking forward to the next TOPSoccer practice!"
RECOGNIZE TO RECOVER
Recognize to Recover is aimed at promoting safe play and reducing injuries in soccer players of all ages. The first-of-its-kind, the program was developed with the help of medical experts to provide coaches, players, parents and referees with information, guidance and additional educational materials to improve the prevention and management of injuries.
Recognize to Recover covers a wide range of topics, including:
Concussion Awareness & Brain Health: Learn how to recognize symptoms, manage recovery, and understand age-appropriate heading guidelines.
Emergency Action Plans: Templates and checklists for handling medical emergencies, from cardiac events to severe weather.
Injury Prevention & Recovery: Resources on ACL injury prevention, foot care, and proper return-to-play protocols.
Environmental Safety: Guidelines for heat, cold, lightning, and air quality to ensure safe playing conditions.
Nutrition & Hydration: Tips on fueling athletes and staying hydrated before, during, and after games.
Mental Health Support: Tools to help players manage stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being.
Let’s work together to keep all players safe, informed, and thriving - on and off the field!
EXPLORE RECOGNIZE TO RECOVER
COACH FOR COMMUNITY 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!
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