EPSC Hat-Trick Spring 2025 Issue

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HAT-TRICK

CHASING THE GOAL

Get ready for an action-packed season with club updates, player highlights, and upcoming events!

In Off the Post

A Note From Our Director A Note From Our Director

EPSC Players, Families, and Fans, EPSC Players, Families, and Fans,

As we edge closer to the outdoor soccer season, excitement is building for all of us at EPSC! We’re grateful to see so many players returning for another season, and we look forward to a fun and rewarding Summer 2025.

Our club continues to grow, a trend that has remained strong since emerging from COVID in the fall of 2020. In an ever-changing youth soccer landscape, EPSC stands as a symbol of stability—a testament to the dedication of everyone involved.

Looking ahead to 2025, we anticipate new challenges as league structures evolve and our region undergoes transitions. At EPSC, we are committed not just to this season but to laying the foundation for many successful seasons to come. We take pride in our tradition of developing both talented players and outstanding young individuals within our community and beyond

EPSC Goalkeeper Academy

Elite Training for Keepers Elite Training for Keepers

EPSC is thrilled to expand our Goalkeeper Academy with the addition of two dedicated trainers, Cole and Nick Many of our “#1’s” have already experienced their expert coaching this winter, gaining valuable skills and confidence between the posts. With this expanded coaching staff, we’re set to increase training sessions and provide an elite environment for our goalkeepers to excel.

Nick, a former standout goalkeeper at Saint John’s University, brings a wealth of experience, while Cole continues his playing career with local UPSL team, FC Minneapolis. We’re excited to welcome both of them to the club, and can’t wait to see our Goalkeeper Academy reach new heights with their expertise!

This winter, EPSC’s valued partner, Higher Power Training, continued to elevate our players with their premier speed, strength, agility, and injury prevention program. Over the past three years, approximately 70 players have participated, with outstanding results and glowing feedback At EPSC, we are committed to providing top-tier opportunities for player development, and this partnership has been a game-changer. A huge thank you to our friends at Higher Power Training for their dedication to helping our athletes reach their full potential!

Higher Power Training

Nick Cole

Coaching Excellence in Action Coaching Excellence in Action Pitchside

Throughout the winter, EPSC hosted a series of Coach Education events to support the ongoing learning and growth of EPSC coaches. To date, we have conducted four in-house Coach Education sessions for our coaching staff to participate in.

In-House Coach Education Sessions: In-House Coach Education Sessions:

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Tactical Session – Coaches discussed player identification, formations, situational moments in games, analyzed EPSC game footage, and created their own Coach Dossier

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Observe Training – EPSC’s 09B Red team served as the demo group while coaches observed a Shielding & Protecting the Ball session.

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Match Analysis – Coaches attended the EPSC 2011G Red vs Salvo match at the EPHS Dome. The session included match breakdown, tactical discussion, and insights into match-day management led by Kyle Wooten

How to Lead a Team – A classroom session focused on team organization and planning, as well as player and parent communication, goal setting, and handling difficult situations providing valuable strategies for managing a successful team

In addition, as we prepare for the Spring/Summer season, we will host a Coach Symposium in early April to ensure our coaches are fully prepared to hit the ground running.

On Coaching at EPSC: On Coaching at EPSC:

Coaches are the lifeblood of this club, shaping players' experiences on the field every day. We are fortunate to have a group of dedicated coaches who care deeply about player development, making EPSC one of the best clubs in the state Thank you all for your hard work, commitment, and continued education!"

- Chris Bagshaw, 13U-19U DOC

- Chris Bagshaw, 13U-19U DOC

Climbing the Standings Climbing the Standings Champions in the Making

Congratulations to our teams for their outstanding performances this winter season! Several squads are making their mark in their divisions, showcasing skill, teamwork, and determination:

10B Red – Undefeated and sitting in 2nd place with 4 wins out of 4! Team coached by Bradley August

09B Red – Fighting for the top spot in 2nd place with 3 wins out of 4! Team coached by Chris Bagshaw and Matt Coffey

06/07B Red – Leading their division in 1st place! Team coached by Bradley August and Moses Egbi

2011G Red – Currently in 3rd place! Team coached by Kyle Wooten and John Burt 2010G Red – Finished 3rd out 9 in Winter League! Team coached by Chris Bagshaw and Nate Barkley-Allen

A huge shoutout to our players and coaches for their dedication and effort Let’s keep the momentum going into the upcoming season!

SC 2009G Red Team is heading to Oslo, y, at the end of July to compete in the ious Norway Cup! After an incredible run 2024 USA Cup Weekend, where they d as runners-up. The team was entered drawing for a trip to this tournament, and name was pulled from the hat. The y Cup, which hosts over 2,000 teams, is gest youth soccer tournament in the It will also mark the first time an EPSC as participated in the event.

the team is hard at work fundraising and paring for this exciting international experience You can follow their journey by clicking the Archives tab on EPSC’s website, visiting the team’s Instagram page psc.girls.u16), and even support their efforts by donating through their GoFundMe an the QR code to the left) or visiting the Linktree on EPSC’s Instagram page

Norway Bound: A First for EPSC

Breaking Barriers, Embracing the Challenge Breaking Barriers, Embracing the

Challenge

Strengthening Our Squad

Fresh Faces, Big Impact Fresh Faces, Big Impact

EPSC is growing, and so is our coaching staff! We’re excited to welcome the following coaches to our team:

Pedro Gamero - 2011B Grey

Payton Brettin - 2015 Boys Leeds United

Sofanit Fisher - 2015 Girls Brighton and Hove Albion

Beder Mendez - 2014 Boys Gold 1

Drew Engel - 2013 Boys Gold 2

Arnel Johnson - 2014 Boys Gold 2

Owen Rotsch - 2015 Boys Everton

EPSC is excited to announce we are adding depth to our technical staff with Kevin Reid moving from the 11-12U boys Age Group Director position to a fuller role as our Director of Coaching 6-12U

Kevin is well known at the club as he is currently our longest serving coach, having joined the ranks in 2011!

On Being Promoted at EPSC:

On Being Promoted at EPSC:

Having been at the club in various capacities, I am incredibly excited to move into an expanded role after becoming an Age Group Director in 2023. I look forward to working with our coaches and young players. It will be rewarding to help them along their respective developmental pathways - Kevin Reid, 6U-12U DOC - Kevin Reid, 6U-12U DOC

EPSC is thrilled to welcome Shayna Salloway as our new Communications Director! A former EPSC player, Shayna is excited to return to the club, leading the charge in marketing and social media efforts This Spring and Summer, you’ll likely spot her on the sidelines capturing all the action - so if you see her with a camera, be sure to say hi! Welcome back, Shayna!

On Returning to EPSC in a New Role: On Returning to EPSC in a New Role:

Returning to EPSC feels like coming home. I feel so grateful to be able to give back to the club that played such a big role in my soccer journey growing up I can't wait to share the stories, successes, and energy of this amazing community in new and exciting ways!

- Shayna Salloway, Communications Director - Shayna Salloway, Communications Director

Here’s to an exciting season ahead with our newest team members!

Connecting Parents to the Game Connecting Parents to the Game The Sideliner

Youth soccer is about more than just the game - it’s a journey filled with valuable life lessons Through soccer, kids learn teamwork, perseverance, leadership, and accountability, all while making lifelong friends. While these lessons naturally unfold over the season, parents play a key role in shaping how their children experience and grow from the game. Based on our work with Soccer Parenting, we’ve noticed a few standout habits from parents who truly maximize these learning moments.

Encouraging Autonomy

Great soccer parents understand the importance of giving their child ownership over their soccer experience. When kids feel in control of their choices - both big and small - they develop confidence, independence, and a sense of responsibility.

Autonomy can be as simple as letting them decide whether to practice on their own or as significant as allowing them to choose their level of play. It’s about trusting them to pack their own bag, fill their water bottle, and take responsibility for their gear. Encouraging autonomy ensures they feel supported, not pressured, in their soccer journey.

Establishing Family Standards

Successful soccer parents also set clear family standards or guidelines that help children navigate the emotional and behavioral aspects of the game. Instead of post-game lectures, these families focus on reflection and self-assessment.

For example, rather than telling a child to “always try hard,” these parents establish what trying hard looks like and check in with questions like:

“On a scale of 1-10, how do you think you did today in terms of effort?” This encourages self-awareness and growth, rather than a one-sided critique.

Common Family Standards Include:

Thanking coaches after practice and games

Showing respect to referees

Helping with equipment when needed

Being a good teammate

The Takeaway

Asking questions when unsure

Paying attention and showing respect to adults

Always giving your best effort

By fostering autonomy, setting clear expectations, and guiding meaningful conversations, you’re helping your child get the most out of their soccer experience. More than just players, they’re learning how to be leaders, teammates, and lifelong fans of the game. That’s parenting done right.

The Inside Scoop

Key News from EPSC Admin Key News from EPSC Admin

Welcome to this edition of Admin Corner, where we answer your top questions and help you prepare for the season ahead!

Uniforms – All players should have received an email from Stefan’s Soccer with a uniform order link. If you haven’t ordered yet, do so ASAP to ensure delivery before the first game on April 28th.

Volunteer Hours – Need to fulfill your volunteer requirement? Visit the Volunteer Corner on the EPSC website under Member Resources for current opportunities. New postings will be added throughout the season, so check back regularly!

Schedules – April schedules are now in PlayMetrics. The May schedule will be uploaded after the game schedule is finalized on April 10th. Please check your account regularly for updates and to stay informed about any changes.

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EPSC Summer Camp – Save the date! Our EPSC Summer Camp runs June 1619th. More information can be found on the EPSC website.

Thank you for your continued support - we’re looking forward to an exciting season ahead!

Train, Compete, and Have Fun Train, Compete, and Have Fun Summer on the Pitch

Get ready for an action-packed summer with EPSC’s Soccer Camps! Whether you're looking to refine your skills, experience club soccer for the first time, or prepare for tryouts, there's a camp for you.

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EPSC Summer Camp (June 16-19, open to 2017s-2009s)

Everybody’s favorite week of the year! Campers (8U-16U) will develop key skills while enjoying exciting activities like Goalie Wars, World Cup, Penalty Shootouts, Skills Competitions, and a 5v5 tournament with prizes. Don’t miss out on the fun!

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EP Open Soccer Camp (June 23-25, open to non-club players 2018s-2013s)

This camp is perfect for non-EPSC players looking to experience structured training, meet coaches, and improve their skills Players will enjoy small-sided games, a World Cup Tournament, Skills Competitions, and prizes all while getting a taste of what EPSC is all about!

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Elite Prep Camp (July 7-9, open to 2013s-2007s)

With tryouts around the corner, this camp is designed to sharpen technical skills through ball mastery, competitive activities, and small-sided games Players will stay sharp, build confidence, and be fully prepared to bring their best on tryout day

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FPA Skills Camp hosted by EPSC (July 8-10, open to 2018s-2014s)

A Foundation Phase Academy camp that helps players build a technical skills foundation for now and the future Focus is on the individual and small group activities

No matter your goals, EPSC’s summer camps are the place to train, compete, and have fun - Register your player on PlayMetrics today!

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EPSC Hat-Trick Spring 2025 Issue by edenprairiesoccerclub - Issuu