Touchline Winter 2013

PENNSYLVANIA’S LEADING YOUTH SOCCER PUBLICATION | WINTER 2013

e a s t e r n p e n n s y lva n i a y o u t h s o c c e r

2013 Award Winners Announced p.10

Rec Soccer Spotlight p.9 High School Soccer Round-up p.14

2014

NSCAA Convention & US Youth Soccer p.17 Workshop

Conshohocken, PA

Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID Permit #110

SOCCER soccercorner.com

HOLI DAY

sale

For the soccer fan in your family, shop Angelo’s this holiday season!

Footwear, Replica, Soccer Balls, Backpacks, Backyard Goals, Gift Cards and more!

SPEND $75 SAVE $5 SPEND $100 SAVE $10 SPEND $150 SAVE $15 FREE TO JOIN! INQUIRE WITHIN

VALID IN STORE ONLY. VALID WITH ALL OTHER DISCOUNTS AND SALE PRICES. NOT VALID WITH OTHER COUPONS. NOT VALID ON TEAM PURCHASES. COUPON MUST BE PRESENT TO REDEEM OFFER. EXPIRES 12/31/13

CONTENTS

Touchline

eastern pennsylvania youth soccer

14

Volume XLIII | December 2013 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 COMMITTEE President: Jim Kuntz Vice President, Travel: Michael Finnegan Vice President, Recreation: John Lenart Treasurer: Nicole Posillico Epps Secretary: Jeff Sommer Registrar: Donna Outt Past President: Bob McDade

26

9 2–3 Union League’s Good Citizenship Award 6–7 Bill Nuttall, From King of Prussia to the National Team

9 Rec Soccer Spotlight: Co-ed Recreation League Keeps Kids in the Game

14-15 PIAA Championships Loaded with Eastern Pennsylvania High School Teams

17 NSCAA Convention / US Youth Soccer Workshop Coming to Philadelphia

20 Quarterly Calendar 23 Youth Soccer Player Profiles

10 And the Winners Are…

12 Did You Make the Cut?

26–27 Personal Insights into Youth Soccer

STATE OFFICE STAFF Chief Executive Officer: Chris Branscome Director of Coaching: Mike Barr Director of Soccer Operations: Frank Olszewski Marketing & Events Coordinator: Kylea Meredith Assistant Director of Coaching: Gary Stephenson Membership Services Specialist: Beck Kleinert Business Administration Manager: Kelly Connor Director of Camps: Sheldon Chamberlain Administrative Services Specialist: Barb Budgick Accountant: Judy Curran TOUCHLINE Editor-in-Chief: Chris Branscome Editor: Kylea Meredith Advertising Sales Rep: Dan Clark Printed by: The Pearl Group at CRW Graphics, 9100 Pennsauken Highway, Pennsauken, NJ 08110 Touchline is © Copyright 2013 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. The entire contents of this publication are copyrighted; all rights reserved. Articles may not be reproduced or reprinted without written permission of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. Advertising space in Touchline is purchased and paid for by the advertisers.

None of the products or services is necessarily endorsed by Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer or its affiliates. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer or its advertisers.

Printed in the United States of America

AN ACTIVE “OFF-SEASON”

by Chris Branscome, Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

T

here was a time when the winter months allowed us all to recover from the fall season and rest up for the spring.

There was also a time when kids would communicate by talking rather than texting and face timing. So what was once our offseason is filled with indoor games, futsal, trips to tournaments in warmer climates and so on. This “off-season” brings us even more to fill up our soccer tanks with.

The eastern Pennsylvania area, more specifically the Delaware Valley, will host several significant events in December and January that I strongly encourage you to support. The NCAA Men’s College Cup- the division I national championships- will be held at PPL Park in Chester on December 13-15. It’s a great opportunity to see the top men’s college teams compete and another opportunity to visit one of the premier soccer stadiums in the country. Tickets are available online at EPYSA.org. Our region has shown

tremendous support for our professional teams, international games and our US national teams. Let’s continue that tradition and sell out PPL Park!

Less than a month from that, Philadelphia will host the world’s largest gathering of soccer coaches.

The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and US Youth Soccer will hold their combined convention and workshop at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, January 15-19, 2014. This is one of the best opportunities for coaches, administrators and soccer enthusiasts of all levels to experience our sport. The event features world renowned clinicians with on-field demonstrations, classroom sessions and panel discussions in nearly every imaginable topic. Our own Mike Barr and Gary Stephenson will be among the presenters this year. We will have a booth in the exhibit hall, among hundreds of vendors displaying the newest in gear, gadgets, tours

and educational materials. Special discounts to join the NSCAA are available for our membership, as well as links to the event, at EPYSA.org.

This event will be in Philadelphia for an unprecedented two years in a row. In recognition of this opportunity, we have made a decision to suspend our annual workshop for this period. This is a special opportunity and we strongly recommend you take the opportunity to attend. But that doesn’t mean you have off in March…mark your calendars for our Annual Awards Reception on March 8 followed by the Annual General Meeting on March 9. Both will be held at the Radisson Philadelphia Northeast in Trevose, PA. Look for more information to be sent out after the New Year.

As you prepare to enjoy your “off-season,” from all of us at the state association office, and from the Board of Directors - Have a safe and happy holiday!

1

EPYSA.org

Union League’s Good Citizenship Award WHO:

Current high school JUNIORS ONLY (boys and girls) affiliated with Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer through a club team, ODP team, refereeing, or other.

WHAT:

Union League’s Good Citizenship Award is presented each year to boys and girls who exemplify a well-rounded profile of activities. Candidates must demonstrate exemplary qualities of cooperative effort, self-control, perseverance, serious scholarship and good sportsmanship. The student should demonstrate appreciation for America and endeavors to follow and uphold the best traditions and principles of American patriotism.

Up to 21 candidates from Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer are selected.

WHEN:

Candidates must submit their profile no later than January 10, 2014.

Mandatory Requirement: Recipients must attend Youth Work Day, Thursday, May 15, 2014, an all-day leadership program and awards dinner at the Union League. If one cannot attend, candidate will not be considered.

WHY:

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has the second highest number of award recipients than any other participating organization.

Nomination of this prestigious award will add distinctive value to a student’s resume when applying to colleges/universities. Award winners are also eligible to apply for a college scholarship award of at least $5,000/year in their senior year of high school.

Recipients will also be recognized at the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Awards Celebration, March 8, 2014 in Trevose, PA.

If you feel you meet these requirements, please send your Personal Profile to: Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Attn: Union League Good Citizenship Award 4070 Butler Pike, Suite 100 Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.

2012 Good Citizenship Award recipient, Matthew Kleinhenz received a college scholarship this year. Kleinhenz is continuing his education at Lehigh University.

Submit the student-athlete’s Personal Profile (1 to 3 pages maximum) with a brief cover letter. The student-athlete should follow the format below when preparing his/her profile: 1. Name, phone number, e-mail address and mailing address 2. Academics, including GPA, class rank and SAT scores 3. High School Soccer and Athletics including club team(s) 4. Extracurricular Activities such as school clubs, elected offices, the arts, etc.

5. Community Service such as interact, church groups, volunteer work, etc.

6. Awards and Recognitions 7. Part-time job(s) and/or other accomplishments Profiles must have references with phone numbers to attest to authenticity.

2

Good Citizenship Award winners at the 2013 Awards Dinner at the Union League of Philadelphia this October.

Touchline

2013’s Youth Work Day

By Micaela Maria Rodas, Keystone Athletic 2013 Good Citizenship Award Recipient It has been an honor to be a recipient of The Union League’s Good Citizenship Award. The purpose of the award is to encourage today’s youth to value patriotism and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in our country.

Being a part of this has reinforced to me the importance of striving to create a better community through helping others.

All of the awardees attended the annual Youth Work Day on October 3, 2013. The day began at 9:00 AM at the Union League in Center City, Philadelphia. When we arrived we met in groups to explore new and old concepts about government, rights, responsibilities and citizenship. We listened to speakers and participated in workshops. That afternoon we were bussed to the Federal Court House as part of National Law Day. While there we learned about and discussed the case, Gideon v.

Wainwright. We were given the opportunity to

speak with judges and lawyers and ask them questions. Along with these meaningful experiences, I especially enjoyed the time meeting new people, learning about their places in life and how they were chosen for this award.

This was a truly rewarding experience and I am thankful for that.

I have been playing organized soccer since I was four years old. Playing soccer has shaped me and taught me much more than just the game itself. Playing soccer helps you to make many new friends and meet people you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to meet. It builds confidence; you learn sportsmanship and compassion for others. You learn how to work as a team. These are the same attributes that describe good citizens. When I set foot on the soccer field, I feel a sigh of relief and a freedom that no one can take from me.

FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Jim Kuntz

As this year’s fall season winds down, I can’t help but reflect on these past few months.

This fall I had the opportunity to travel around our state to watch a number of league games.

I experienced a very positive atmosphere with all of the players enjoying the game and the parents & fans cheering on their favorite team or player. Sometimes over exuberance can get in the way of good sportsmanship but I saw very little of that.

As your president I travel extensively for various meetings with other states. I must tell you that Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is a model state that others want to emulate. The state association office staff is second to none that serves you with the utmost professionalism.

I have been involved, at the state level, for 15+ years and am proud of the strides we have made to evolve into a service organization that puts our affiliates first. Today, it’s all about service to you, which we have to earn our stripes every day.

The NCAA College Cup is coming to Philadelphia this December 13-15 at PPL Park. Join other soccer fans in support of college soccer to show Philadelphia as a hub for soccer.

3

EPYSA.org

What We’ve Been Up To… Youth Soccer Month

8 events, 6 counties visited, 500 players participated

ODP Tryouts

Record numbers: 1900 players, 4 locations, 2 days, 100 coaches

Coaches Workshops

Demos by coaches from the NSCAA, US Youth Soccer & Philadelphia Union

Coaching Education

8 courses, 150 coaches certified

4

Widener Leadership Works

Here.

Today leadership is at a premium.

In a competitive world, leadership separates the good from the irreplaceable. Especially real-time, real-life leadership on the playing field and within our communities.

Widener University does more than talk about leadership. Our students experience it daily in nationally-recognized academic, public service, and athletic programs. It’s why Widener is in the top 10% of Academic All Americans in NCAA Division III. To learn more visit www.widener.edu

EPYSA.org

Profile: Bill Nuttall, From King of Prussia to the National Team

By Rick Woelfel

B

ill Nuttall never stepped on a soccer pitch until his junior year in high school. But the sport has been at the center of his life ever since.

Nuttall has been involved in the game as a player, coach, broadcaster and administrator.

Under his leadership, the United States hosted the most successful World Cup in history, an event that led directly to the launch of Major League Soccer.

of the instruction, what there was of it, because the head coach spoke very little English.

Playing conditions varied. Some, like the pitches at Danube Swabian and the United German Hungarian club were first rate. Others were less so. Nuttall recalls one site adjacent to the Walt Whitman Bridge where the pitch was laid out on a baseball diamond.

It was a classic case of on-the-job training for an aspiring soccer player.

All this from a man who grew up wanting to be a high school football player.

“Looking back on it now it was a great experience,” Nuttall says. “I’m positive I Nuttall was raised in never would have been King of Prussia at a able to elevate my game Nuttall was the NASL’s Miami Toros’ Goalie time when the youth had I not played in those from 1974 to 1976. soccer programs so leagues. There were prevalent today didn’t exist. He focused his quality players from every country. They were athletic energy on football and baseball instead. very well skilled. There wasn’t a pro league at When he enrolled at Upper Merion High School the time so this was the highest level. It was he wanted to be a tight end but his lack of size really a fun time.” proved his undoing.

Amidst all this Nuttall enrolled at Brandywine “I played football through junior high,” Nuttall recalls. “When you get to 10th grade the players are bigger and better and I still wasn’t a very big guy at the time.”

As a junior, Nuttall tried out for the soccer team where his hand-eye coordination made him a good fit in the goal. The experience whetted his appetite for the sport and when his high school career ended following the 1965 season his coach, Jim Baxter, encouraged him to play club soccer.

It was there that Nuttall’s game took the great leap forward. He spent time playing for a team in North Wales as well as an all-star side coached by Walter Bahr, who was coaching at Temple at the time.

Perhaps his most memorable experience was playing for the South Philadelphia Italians, a team that featured Walt Chyzowych as a playercoach. It was Chyzowych who handled most

6

Junior College in Wilmington where, in 1966 he was part of the school’s first soccer team.

The team lost all 10 of its games in its inaugural season, the closest of them by a score of 6-0 but Nuttall was named a first-team Juco All American at season’s end. In addition to being the best keeper in the land he was almost certainly the busiest.

“I would have anywhere between 50-60 saves a game,” he says. “As fast as I could kick the ball out I’d have to turn around and make another save. I looked forward to going to practice because practice was easier than the games.”

From Brandywine, Nuttall moved on to Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia, a NAIA institution at the time.

The world of college soccer wasn’t as structured in those days; NAIA teams regularly scheduled NCAA opponents.

“We played Howard, we played St. Louis University,” Nuttall says. “We played everybody.”

In fact, following his final season with the Senators in 1970 Nuttall was named to a firstteam All-American squad that included majorcollege players.

After college, he returned to Brandywine as an admissions counselor and made a few extra dollars playing for the Delaware Wings of the American Soccer League.

In 1974 he found his way to the Miami Toros of the North American Soccer League, the premier professional league in America at the time.

Three years later however, he was told his services as a player were no longer desired after the franchise, now known as the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, acquired another goalkeeper, the legendary English international Gordon Banks.

Nuttall, who by this time was coaching at Florida International University, became a broadcaster for the Strikers but continued to train with them on occasion. Watching Banks up close was the opportunity of a lifetime.

“I really wanted to get close to him and see what he was all about,” he says.

Touchline

Banks was 39 years old at the time and had lost his sight in one eye after being involved in a traffic accident. But he had a presence about him, on the pitch and off.

“I was fascinated by the guy,” Nuttall says. “He was an absolutely fantastic individual and the way he played and commanded himself in the penalty area was just incredible.”

Nuttall spent five years at FIU before returning to the Strikers as an assistant coach. He also did some work for ESPN; he was part of the commentary team for the first soccer game the network ever televised in 1979, a college match between Indiana and Minnesota.

After leaving the Strikers, Nuttall spent two years as the player personnel director for the Major Indoor Soccer League’s Dallas Sidekicks.

He worked for a sports equipment company before accepting the post as general manager

of the U.S. Men’s National Team in 1991.

be part of that.”

With the United States scheduled to host the World Cup in 1994, Nuttall was charged with not only assisting with preparations for the event but also fielding a U.S. side that would be competitive in it.

Today Nuttall is the owner of Golden Viking Sports, a sporting goods distribution and marketing company based in Kent, Washington.

It’s been nearly half a century since he played his first soccer game.

He was successful on both counts. The United States reached the round of 16, but was eliminated by losing 1-0 to Brazil, the eventual champion. The success of the tournament though helped MLS get off the ground in 1996.

American soccer has grown exponentially in that span; a circumstance that gives Nuttall considerable satisfaction.

“It was the first time the U.S. team had ever shown any respectability at the world level,” Nuttall says, “and the first time our players actually got some credibility at the world level.”

“We put on the most successful World Cup in history. The most profitable, the most organized, the largest attended, and all I can say is I was so fortunate to be in the middle of all that and

“Kids don’t look at soccer as a secondary sport anymore,” he says. “They’re thinking ‘I can make some money. I see the pro leagues, I see the national team, and I can aspire to that.’ It isn’t a secondary vocation type of thing.”

“I don’t think anybody is kidding each other.

The NFL, the NBA, major-league baseball, they’re still the major sports but I think soccer’s found a nice niche.”

Below: Nuttall at the recent Nuttall Field dedication at Davis & Elkins College, where he played from 1967 to 1970.

7

EPYSA.org

PLUMBING



HEATING



AIR CONDITIONING



DRAIN CLEANING

EXPERIENCE STRESS-FREE

SERVICE

How do we FLAWLESSLY manage over 8,000 service calls a month? It’s all in the systems.

When you first call in, you’ll be greeted by a knowledgeable, friendly HUMAN (not computer voice mail) who will answer your questions. Then we’ll schedule an appointment whenever it’s convenient for YOU: Early morning? No problem.

After work? We can do that. Weekends? Holidays?

Late At Night? We’ll be there… at no extra charge.

We have over 200 trucks and technicians, so we always have someone at your house ON TIME, EVERY TIME. In fact, if we’re even one minute late, your service call is 100% free. Having a heating, air conditioning, or plumbing problem is stressful enough. Don’t get more stressed out by dealing with lousy service. Call Horizon and EXPECT STRESS FREE.

Proud Partner Of The Philadelphia Union

Delaware, Chester, Bucks, & Montgomery County 8

(610) 491-8800

We Go To Extraordinary Lengths To Ensure Your Service Is Stress-Free Any Time, Day Or Night We never charge extra for “after hours” jobs. To us, all jobs are the same regardless of time of day.

Mandatory, On-Going Training All of our technicians are required to participate in 150 hours of training per year, regardless of their experience.

Iron-Clad, Up-Front Pricing Never get “sticker shock” after the job.

We’ll tell you exactly how much the repair will cost before we ever start.

Lifetime Warranties

As long as you are a Service Partner, most repairs come with a lifetime warranty.

If any repair fails, we’ll fix it for FREE.

PLUMBING  HEATING  AIR CONDITIONING

$50.00 OFF

Dispatch fee additional. Coupon must be presented at time of service. Residential customers only. May not be combined with any other offer or used toward existing charges on account. Limit 1 per household.

ANY SERVICE CALL Exp: 6/30/14 | 296197

HorizonServices.com

Copyright © 2013 By Horizon Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contractor Reg. # PA017876, PA057742.

Spectacular Service Doesn’t Happen By Accident...

We Sweat Every Single Detail So You’ll Never Have To.

Touchline

REC SOCCER SPOTLIGHT:

Co-ed Rec League Keeps Kids in the Game E

ach year tens of thousands of kids drop out of youth sports between the ages of 12 and 14. The reason most often cited for dropping out, it was no longer fun. About 15 years ago, one club decided they would try to change that. They wanted to create an opportunity for kids to remain in the game as long as they wanted to, or perhaps come back to it, because it could be fun again.

In 1999, Dennis Stanton of the Plymouth Soccer Club (now known as Colonial SC) took over the recreation side of the club. The club has always had a strong intramural program and supported travel teams in nearly every age group.

Plymouth had offered divisions for teen-aged players, off and on, but had been without a high school age group for a while. Stanton’s son was coming into this age, and knowing that they had strong numbers when they were U14, he figured the time was right to try the older age group again.

“We initially started with 21 male players,” Stanton says. “We played small sided games or played against the travel teams.” The boys wanted more games, so Stanton contacted other local clubs, scheduling games against Upper Dublin and Ardsley.

“We’re having great success with co-ed. We have four teams, 18 players on each,” Stanton says proudly. Neither Stanton nor some of the others, who coach in the program, have kids participating anymore, but they keep coming back year after year. “There are no trophies or awards. The players really just play because they love it.”

“I have so much fun playing soccer still,” says Emma Lepore, a sophomore and former travel player “and it’s cool competing with and against the boys. It’s good competition and the boys and girls both play tough against one another.”

Ninth graders, Molly Raimondo and Michael Simons have been friends since kindergarten, and are now able to be teammates for the first time. Simons hasn’t played soccer in a few years, and Raimondo is a former travel player who concentrates on volleyball now at school.

“It’s just fun to be on a team and be with friends. This league lets me still play soccer and gives me the time to focus on school and other activities. You get the best of all worlds,” Raimondo states.

The kids play hard, but Stanton works to maintain fair play and respect. “I try to keep

a lid on the physical nature of the boy’s game because we’re co-ed. I also work with the refs to monitor foul play.” As a rec league, players are divided as evenly as possible to keep each team competitive. Stanton feels being proactive in this regard helps to boost the players’ confidence and allows them to improve their skills. The league has also gained the attention of more travel players and high school players who love the social aspect of the league and the ability to play for the pure enjoyment of the game.

“The families tell me how much they love rec soccer. And the players just get better each year.”

“It was hard to find the right fit for us. I think rec leagues were just beginning, but eventually we grew to three boy’s teams and teamed up with Whitpain for three years.”

That partnership ran its course, but Stanton’s program continued to grow and he eventually ran a four team league in-house. They ultimately extended their season to the end of November and started a tradition of tournament style playoffs on Thanksgiving Sunday. The girl’s side was growing too, and to keep them moving forward, they joined forces with Montgomery SC. About five years ago, both the girls and boys groups were both struggling to keep a full league, but there was more than enough total players, so they decided to combine and create a co-ed league instead. It’s continued to be a great outlet for many teens who wanted to continue playing soccer and be around their friends.

9

EPYSA.org

SAVE THESE DATES!

EPYSA.org

Visit for more information and to purchase tickets!

Awards Reception

Annual General Meeting

Saturday, March 8, 2014 Radisson Northeast Philadelphia Trevose, PA

Sunday, March 9, 2014 Radisson Northeast Philadelphia Trevose, PA

And the Winners Are‌ Rec. Coach of the Year

Young Referee of the Year

Admin. of the Year

Buddy of the Year

Travel Coach of the Year

Volunteer of the Year

TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year

Girls Recreation Coach of the Year

Boys Travel Coach of the Year

Aston Youth Soccer Association

Northern Lebanon Soccer Club

West Chester United Soccer Club

Danielle Albrecht

Michelle Bates

Mark Thomas

Volunteer of the Year

Boys Recreation Coach of the year

Young Referees of the Year

Southern Chester County Soccer Association

Colonial Soccer Club

Female

Victor & Jackye Pazmino Administrator of the Year

Connie Buzzard

Penn Legacy/Hempfield Soccer Club

Dennis Stanton

Girls Travel Coach of the Year

Frank Omlor

Jessica Moretti Patrick Casey Male

North Union United Soccer Club

Annual Awards Reception

Please help us celebrate our 2013 award winners at our being held this year at the Radisson Northeast Philadelphia in Trevose, PA on Saturday, March 8, 2104. Visit EPYSA.org for more details regarding the event and purchasing tickets.

10

Touchline

The Lightweight Soccer Ball From US Youth Soccer’s Director of Coaching, Sam Snow’s blog on usyouthsoccer.org

N

ew in the American soccer marketplace is the availability of lightweight size 4 and 5 soccer balls. They are the same circumference as regular soccer balls of those sizes, but not as heavy. Now that has some intriguing possibilities for youth soccer player development.

Young players whose ball skills are still primitive could use a larger ball. The larger ball has a bigger “sweet spot” and it’s easier to track its movement, especially when bouncing or in the air. These facts are especially true for the U6 and U8 age groups. The problem with them using a size 4 or 5 ball is that it’s too heavy for them to dribble for very long or shoot at the goal from far away, much less to make a pass.

With that in mind we have been using a size 3 ball for the two youngest age groups in organized youth soccer.

With the lightweight ball young players could expand their ball skills at a quicker rate. Take the U10 and U12 age groups for example. With a lightweight size 5 ball they could have that larger “sweet spot” but also be able to play longer passes, shoot from farther away from the goal and make crosses to the far post. With the lightweight size 4 or 5 ball players in these two age groups could add the air game into their repertoire sooner in their developmental timeline. The lightweight ball might alleviate some children’s anxiety with receiving the ball out of the air or to head the ball. Skills such as

chipping and volley shots become more realistic for the U12 player using a lightweight ball.

There may be one pitfall to the lightweight ball though. Because many players will be able to hit the ball farther it may encourage them, and some coaches, to fall deeper into the abyss of kickball style soccer. Kick-n-run soccer is not in the best interest of the American player.

Whether you use the lightweight soccer ball in just your training sessions or in your matches too, I encourage you to give the ball a try as another component of player development.

11

EPYSA.org

Did You Make the Cut?

By Gary Stephenson, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Assistant Director of Coaching

T

• Don’t assume because a highly paid coach with an accent told you that your child is amazing and that there are no other players with stronger ability.

he fall season is just now winding down and looking back as a coach the worst part of the season is in the beginning, tryouts!

The job of being the selector of teams or programs is not an easy task and not a job any coach I know takes lightly. No matter how skilled you are or how diligently you perform the task; no coach ever gets it 100% right, just ask the agent that that never signed The Beatles! Now factor in that we are talking about youth players and their future potential and the stakes go way up.

As a parent of three - I am like every parent who always wants ‘what is best for my kids’.

I attempt to give them experiences, opportunities and possessions that I never had.

After all, that is the role bestowed upon us as parents.

Lately, when I am around other parents at soccer practices and games or school events, I am beginning to witness a scary trend. A tendency that doesn’t reward effort but celebrates everything!

They begin to believe that their child is the best and couldn’t be at a level that precludes them from participating at a higher level. From that mindful declaration, they become the helicopter parent who runs and dictates their child’s life.

They talk for them, they defend them, they plan their schedule without input from the child, they complete homework, question grades, select friends and pick and choose teams to assure a successful future. Gone are the days that if a child doesn’t make the grade or the team the parent consoles and helps their child weather through it and understand that not being selected or chosen is common throughout life.

Unfortunately, the helicopter parent makes things more difficult for their child and lashes out at everyone and everything for their child not making the cut. These parents are no different than the little kid who stomps his or her feet until they get their own way.

My children are not perfect nor am I the best parent; in fact I am learning every day. I have no manual to provide or sage wisdom to deliver for parents, but I do feel a need to tell them to step back and examine the direction they are taking with their child.

12

• Show respect to individuals making selections. When the comment is made that an adult does not know what they are doing it carries over to any other event in your child’s future that warrants a selection process.

Examine the following suggestions: • Don’t blame the program, team or club.

Avoid the common rhetoric of being political, money grabbing, or the club is not good enough for your child.

• Try not to be disrespectful in speaking of another child because they are in competition for a position on your son or daughter’s team.

• Don’t place blame; it will influence your children to make excuses. It is good to fail; sometimes it helps children grow and develop.

• Allow your children to fail/fall and grow from it – being a good parent is not about sheltering our kids but letting them fly and to be there to support and nurture their efforts!

Parents take a look at yourself and determine if you fall into the category of helicopter parent or are you making the cut of being a good parent.

Touchline

13

EPYSA.org

PIAA Championships Loaded with Eastern Pennsylvania High School Teams

By Rick Woelfel

W

hen Sheldon Chamberlain The Rams concluded the came to Spring-Ford High 2012 season by winning a School in the fall of 2011 girls District One playoff game soccer was something of an for the first time ever. afterthought at the school. But This season they picked up Chamberlain had a vision of what where they left off last fall. a successful program should be.

Chamberlain and his staff Two years later that vision has been had 44 players to work realized; the Rams are one of the with, all of whom play club strongest high school sides in Sheldon Chamberlain soccer. The veteran coach Pennsylvania. They bested Seneca has a no cut policy.

Valley 1-0 in double overtime in a Class AAA “I don’t believe in cutting,” he says. “Girls semifinal game to earn the right to play for the change, they get motivated. There’s PIAA state title. The Rams were scheduled to development going on all the time.” face Neshaminy in an all Philadelphia-area final.

Chamberlain, who holds a USSF A coaching Chamberlain has had this kind of impact before. license, delegates much of the responsibility He spent five years overseeing the women’s for training to Leyland, who holds a USSF B program at Villanova in the 1990s, winning 47 license and Caggiano, a USSF D license. games and producing three winning seasons.

“I just have to type up the training schedule During his tenure the Wildcats were nationally every day and hand it out,” Chamberlain says. ranked for the first time in school history.

“Coach Tom does this, Coach Sheldon does this, When Chamberlain left Villanova after the 1996 and Coach Liz does this. We have three coaches season to retire to Florida he thought he was on the same page, with the same goals.” done with coaching. But he wound up spending Caggiano is quick to point out that Chanberlain’s five seasons at Venice High School and winning two district titles there.

After returning to the Philadelphia area for family reasons, Chamberlain made a lastminute decision to apply for the vacant position at Spring-Ford.

In 2011, his first season, The Rams won six games. A year later the program took the great leap forward. Chamberlain brought two new assistant coaches on board, Tim Leyland and former Spring-Ford captain Liz Caggiano.

The players began training six days per week.

And Chamberlain imparted to his players the importance of setting goals.

“We had a session in the classroom on smart goals,” he says. “We had them write down their smart goals for the season. And we’re constantly reminding them that they can change that goal. It has to be very specific.

Can you attain it? Is it realistic? Is it timely?

That was the beginning of changing their thinking, changing the whole culture of the soccer team as far as turning it into more of a program.”

14

involvement goes far beyond ‘typing up the training schedule.’

“Coach Sheldon comes into each day of practice more prepared than any coach I’ve ever known,” she says. “He always has a set plan, geared towards working on specific areas that the girls need to work on. And he’s connected the middle school players to the program. Getting the younger girls excited about what is ahead for them seems to make a huge difference.”

Caggiano says Chamberlain has a knack for adapting his system to mesh with his players’ abilities. “He really knows his soccer,” she says, “and understands each player’s individual skill set through close observation and how they can improve, to overall improve the team.”

Chamberlain says the experiences his players have playing high school soccer have a lasting impact.

“The big payoff is that every girl develops a whole different picture of their role in soccer,” he says. “They can be successful, they have fun, and they make new friends. They win. And

Touchline

there’s discipline and there’s commitment. It’s about the development of the whole person.”

In addition to the Neshaminy-Spring-Ford matchup, five other eastern Pennsylvaniabased teams made the trip to Hershey to play for state titles.

Southern Columbia from District Four faced off with Greensburg Central Catholic for the girls Class A title while the Class AA final matched

Gorni points out that there’s very little separating the top teams in the area.

“There’s just a tremendous amount of parity,” he says. “There are a lot of very good teams in District One (suburban Philadelphia). I think if you look at the number of games that went to overtime and penalty kicks you can see how close the teams are and how the day-to-day games are very competitive. I think there are a lot of very good teams who have solid

Trinity from District Three against Central Valley.

On the boys’ side Holy Ghost Prep represented the Philadelphia area in the Class AA final against West Allegheny while in Class AAA Conestoga Valley from District Three was to go against Upper St. Clair. In the Class A finale Mountain View from District Two was matched with Sewickley Academy.

For all the talented teams that qualified for the state tournament (a total of 96) many others fell by the wayside.

Veteran Central Bucks East boys’ coach Mike

technical players, as well as some very good athletes that complete high school programs.”

Gorni, who has had a distinguished career coaching Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer ODP and affiliated club teams, notes that three of the top four seeds in the District One Class AAA field, Lower Merion, Neshaminy, and his own Patriots, were eliminated in the second round on penalty kicks after drawing openinground byes.

“You saw teams at the top who had great seasons,” he says, “and won their leagues and all went out on penalty-kick losses. Those

games came down to some very critical moments and teams moved on because they handled the situation better.”

Roben Qawasmy, an assistant with the Lansdale Catholic boys who also coaches at the youth level, as well as ODP, says the highschool game is continuing to evolve.

“A lot of local schools have tremendous players.

It’s changing from the old high school style of kick and run, kick and run,” he says. “High school soccer is getting a lot better because a lot more kids are playing club soccer and ODP.” Qawasmy contends that the caliber of play at the high school level will only improve in the years to come.

“Years ago at ages eight, nine, and 10, a lot of clubs used to have just one team of 10 to 12 players,” he says. “Now, more clubs have a minimum of three teams for eight and nine year olds.”

“The caliber of play today is tremendous. You watch nine and 10 year olds doing a stepover or doing a pullback. Ten or 15 years ago they could barely run on the field. In a few years all these young players will be 14 and 15 years old heading into high school. It’s only going to get better.”

For the 2013 PIAA Championship results please visit PIAA.org.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer wants to congratulate all high school teams on their success this season.

15

EPYSA.org

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH SOCCER

Proud Sponsor of

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH SOCCER

15

%

OFF

Bring in this Coupon to Receive:

YOUR TOTAL PURCHASE

of Regular & Sale Priced Merchandise

EARN A CASH DONATION FOR YOUR TEAM, SCHOOL OR ORGANIZATION! ®

YOUR TEAM RECEIVES 5%

Modell’s is happy to offer all participants a 15% Team Weeks discount on regular & sale priced merchandise several times a year throughout our local stores. Modell’s will also donate 5% of all Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Team Weeks sales directly to their scholarship and outreach programs!

16

Of Purchases Made with this Coupon

COUPON VALID ONLY AT FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

EARN MVP AWARDS While Supporting Your Team!

PA TRI-STATE

Offer Valid on In-Store Purchase at Modell’s Sporting Goods only Coupon valid for multiple purchases during your Team Weeks® shopping period.

Offer cannot be combined with any other offer and is not valid on previously purchased merchandise or merchandise purchased for resale purposes. Offer applies to store stock only and excludes clearance items, tennis balls, gift certificates, gift cards, UnderArmour products, Nike Hero products (Hyperize, Air Force, Shox, Air Jordans & LE), Timberland Men’s 6” Premium Boots, Skechers Shape-Ups, Reebok Easy Tone, New Era On-Field Fitted headwear. Additional in-store exclusions may apply. Void if copied or transferred.

Organization must spend a minimum of $500 to receive a 5% donation.

15% OFF



Coupon Valid Dates: *June 14th - July 11th * July 26th - Aug. 29th

*Sept. 6th - Oct. 3rd *Dec. 6th - Jan. 2nd

*Team Weeks dates subject to change.

Some restrictions apply. See store for details

Touchline

Join Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer at the 2014 NSCAA Convention and US Youth Soccer Workshop…

January 15-19 at the Philadelphia Convention Center!

Soccer’s Biggest Party brings together coaches, players, administrators, business leaders, referees and fans from all over the world. Come and be a part of the fast growing soccer community!

US Youth Soccer and the NSCAA, two of the nation’s soccer leaders, merged their respective annual gatherings in January 2013, creating what is now the game’s most influential event of the year. No other event for soccer enthusiasts matches the level and depth of high profile clinicians, variety of networking and continuing education opportunities and the fun and excitement all packed into five days. If

2 Memberships

+ 1 Low Price Register Now and Enjoy the Benefits!

CROWN TROPHY Proud supplier of awards for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

Your League’s One Stop Shop Custom Awards - Sportswear - Promotional Items

The BEST Selection The BEST Prices The BEST Service Call or email to begin your order today!

Be sure to ask about getting your logo on any award

BERWYN 1049 Lancaster Avenue Berwyn, PA 19312 610.647.3337 pagifts@aol.com

you’re serious about soccer, you need to be at the NSCAA Convention and US Youth Soccer Workshop.

Register today at nscaa.com/convention. If you aren’t a member of the NSCAA yet, don’t worry you can receive a $30 discount if you register for the Eastern Pennsylvania Coaches Association first! Over 200 Eastern Pennsylvania coaches have already cashed in on this incredible offer. Visit EPYSA.org for registration details.

Don’t forget to stop by the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer booth in the Exhibit Hall to say hello during the convention this January!

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has created special

“Respect” and “Fair Play” iron-on patches available to all of our clubs and teams. The patches can be applied to team jerseys using a standard home iron. The two-inch by two-and-a-half-inch patches can be ironed on sleeves, below the back collar, or even on the front of your jerseys or shorts.

With the launch of our very own Fair Play and Respect program, our mission is to continue to institute the ideals of fair play and respect from the field to the sidelines to the entire community. No person—player, coach, referee or spectator—should ever be the target of bullying, violence, or foul or racist language. Children should be free to play without unnecessary distractions. A simple measure of goodwill and sportsmanship is for teams, coaches and referees to congratulate each other following each game, and for spectators to cheer in a positive manner.

Join us in this program by e-mailing bbudgick@epysa.org or calling our office at 610-238-9966 to purchase patches.

They are available in bundles of 20, for $10 per bundle.

KIMBERTON 2222 Kimberton Road Kimberton, PA 19442 610.935.8145 crown30@comcast.net

crowntrophy.com

17

Forward thinking.

Even in reverse.

Introducing the All-New 2013 RAV4, with back-up camera1 standard on all models.

Your local Tri-State Toyota Dealers Association is proud to be The Official Vehicle Partner of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and Philadelphia Union

Options shown. 1The back-up camera does not provide a comprehensive view of the rear area of the vehicle. You should also look around outside your vehicle and use your mirrors to confirm rearward clearance. Cold weather will limit effectiveness and view may become cloudy.

Touchline

Introducing FootGolf C

rystal Springs Resort – home to seven distinct golf courses just one hour from New York City – has just launched FootGolf at its Cascades course.

Easy to learn and fun to play, FootGolf is a cross between golf and soccer, and offers the precision, power and passion of both sports combined into one amazing playing experience.

Players “tee off” (or in this case, “kick off”) with a regulation size-5 soccer ball, kicking it down fairways with the objective of getting the ball in a 21-inch-diameter hole in the fewest number of kicks.

As one of the few available places to play the game in the U.S., Crystal Springs Resort is the first facility of its kind in the Northeast, pioneering a sport that’s already captivated Europe! And the Cascades course provides a spectacular setting.

“FootGolf is an excellent way to attract new people to the golf course, and provides a new and entertaining way to experience our Resort” enthuses Art Walton, Vice President of Golf Operations at Crystal Springs Resort. “We’re excited to bring it to our Cascades course, which is already acclaimed as a test ground for golf innovation. This game is going to catch on in a big way, and we’re thrilled to be on the forefront of its introduction.”

Players may wear golf or soccer attire, with turf shoes and sneakers. They may also bring their own ball or use one supplied by the pro shop. A “FootGuide” will greet all players, provide a brief orientation and serve as an escort for first timers. To further their enjoyment, players are encouraged to download the FootGolf App for Apple and Android phones prior to their rounds.

It takes about two hours to play 18 holes and costs an affordable $20 per person ($25 weekend mornings). Golf carts are available for $10 extra. Remember, you don’t need to be a golfer or soccer player to enjoy FootGolf.

Players of all ages – from children to seniors – can rule the green!

Crystal Springs also offers attractive FootGolf packages, perfect for fundraisers and teambuilding. The Charity Kick Package starts at just $25 per person, while the World Cup Package is priced from $50 per person and includes a delicious lunch or dinner.

For more information or to book a FootGolf tee time: Visit www.crystalfootgolf.com or call 973.827.5996.

19

EPYSA.org

Quarterly Calendar December 2013

January 2014

1 Office Closed, New Year’s Day

5 Eastern Pennsylvania Horizon Services Indoor Cup Application Closes at 12:00 Noon

3 2014 Outdoor Cups Registration Opens for U9-U19

13-15 Sports & Education Expo | Philadelphia Convention Center

4 U10 Boys Indoor Cup | BodyZone

24-31 Office Closed, Winter Holiday

5 U10 Girls Indoor Cup | BodyZone

26 All U12 Boys & Girls ODP Training | In the Net*

11 U15 Boys & Girls Indoor Cup | Riverfront Sports

27 All U13 Boys & Girls and U14 Boys & Girls ODP Training | In the Net*

12 U16 Boys & Girls Indoor Cup | Riverfront Sports

15-19 NSCAA Convention/US Youth Soccer Workshop | Philadelphia Convention Center

20 Office Closed, Dr. Martin Luther King Day

25 U17 Boys & Girls and U19 Boys & Girls Indoor Cup | In the Net & U13 Boys Indoor Cup | Wyoming Valley Sports Dome

26 U13 Girls Indoor Cup | Wyoming Valley Sports Dome & U14 Boys Indoor Cup | Lanco Fieldhouse

February 2014*

C

ome and experience an event that combines the passion for sports with the importance of higher education and the commitment to health and wellness. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will be exhibiting during the 3-day event.

Will the advent of professional coaches in youth sports and select programs at younger ages begin to erode free play and the opportunity for children to be exposed to other sports and activities? Come see Director of Coaching, Mike Barr discuss the topic, Re-examining Youth Sports in America on Friday, December 13 at 12:30 PM. This presentation examines the changes now occurring within all sports as parents feel forced to make choices that may hinder their child’s development, result in over-use injuries and place a burden on a family’s finances.

For more details, visit SportsEducationExpo.com

20

8 U9 Boys Indoor Cup | BodyZone & U12 Boys Indoor Cup In the Net

9 U9 Girls Indoor Cup | BodyZone & U12 Girls Indoor Cup In the Net

15 U11 Boys & Girls Indoor Cup | The Pocono Dome

17 Office Closed, President’s Day

21-23 U13 through U17 ODP @ Virginia Friendlies Williamsburg, VA

22 U14 Girls Indoor Cup | Lanco Fieldhouse

March 2014 2/28 – 3/2 ODP National Championships-U17 Boys | Phoenix, AZ

3 Outdoor Cups Registration Closes for U9-U17

8 Awards Reception | Radisson, Trevose, PA

9 Annual General Meeting | Radisson, Trevose, PA

21 Outdoor Cup Roster Freeze for U9-U17

* ODP Training, Please check your team page on the website for more details.

Touchline

ALUMNI REPORT Thomas Shiiba US Youth Soccer National Champion Thomas Shiiba came back home to play at PPL Park in the Army Navy Cup in November. Shiiba, a sophomore at the Naval Academy, was a member of the Lehigh Valley United ’93 U19 boys’ team that took home the McGuire Cup this past July. The Naval academy defeated Army in overtime with a score of 1-0.

Kaceyanne Cerankowski Elizabethtown women’s soccer sophomore Kaceyanne Cerankowski was named to the All-Commonwealth Conference First Team for the second straight season.

Cerankowski, was awarded the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Scholarship in 2012. A graduate of Neshaminy high school, she played club at FC Bucks.

Steve Neumann Georgetown senior Steve Neumann is on his way to the NCAA College Cup. The New Hope native and Council Rock North graduate had his shot to leave college and try the pros out, but decided to stick it out in order to graduate. Neumann who played for YMS Xplosion also played 6 seasons in the ODP. He will be a top MLS prospect in the upcoming MLS Draft taking place at the NSCAA Convention in January.

Taylor Antolino and Jodie Zelenky Virginia Tech teammates and seniors Taylor Antolino and Jodie Zelenky helped Virginia Tech to advance to the ACC finals by defeating Virginia, giving #1 seed Virginia their first loss this season. Antolino is a native of Washington Crossing and played for YMS for 8 years. Mechanicsburg native, Zelenky played 4 years with her club team, Hershey Kickkats.

21

EPYSA.org

Coming This Spring…

Eastern Pennsylvania Turkey Hill Challenge Cup

Eastern Pennsylvania President’s Cup

• Open to all teams playing in an Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Sanctioned League in the U9 to U17 age groups.

• Open to all teams in the U12 through U17 age groups, playing in an Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Sanctioned League. State finals will be played on May 4, 2014.

• Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer offers two divisions of play in the U-9 to U-11 (8v8) age groups (“A”=Most Competitive and “B”=Competitive).

• There is no further competition outside of Eastern Pennsylvania.

• Turkey Hill Challenge Cup is played in a World Cup format. Teams will need to progress from group play into playoffs being played on May 17-18, 2014.

• Champions in the U13 through U17 age groups will represent Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Presidents Cup Region I Championships in Slippery Rock, PA., May 23-26, 2014.

• Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer teams U13 through U17 who win the Region I Championships will represent Region I in the US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup in Greenville, SC., July 10-13, 2104.

Registration for these competitions will open in January.

For more information and to register visit EPYSA.org.

Eastern Pennsylvania State Cup (National Championship Series) • Open to all teams in the U12 through U19 age groups, playing in an Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Sanctioned League with the state finals for U12-U17 being played May 17-19, 2014 and the state finals for U18-U19 being played June 1, 2014.

• Winning Teams will represent Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer at the US Youth Soccer Region I Championships in Kingston, RI., June 26-July 1, 2014.

• Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer teams U13 through U19 who win the Region I Championships will represent Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and Region I in the US Youth Soccer National Championships in Germantown, MD., July 21-27, 2014.

Hey, Kids! { And adults, too! } Perhaps you’ve said to yourself:

“I want to be in

Magazine!” eastern pennsylvania youth soccer

Want to appear in an upcoming issue of Touchline?

This is an exciting feature in the magazine where Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer players, coaches, and parents get an opportunity to be seen and heard by the rest of our readers.

Well, now is your chance! If you would like to be considered to appear in an upcoming issue, simply answer the 11 Questions that appear on our website (and on page 23 ->), fill in the bio information and email it to info@epysa.org. Most importantly, you need to send a photo of yourself with the email, the higher quality, the better! If there is not a photo, then we can’t use your entry in the magazine. Entering is not a guarantee of getting published.

We wish you luck, and who knows? Perhaps when you open the next issue of Touchline magazine, you will find yourself staring back at you!

To register go to:

http://www.epysa.org/communications/player_profiles/

22

Touchline

GCVSA

LOWER MERION

WEST-MONT UNITED

YOUTH SOCCER PLAYER PROFILES

Grace Grube

Ari Kasman

Brandon Adams

Team Name Thunder Organization/Club

GCVSA

Team Name Sarsfield Organization/Club

Lower Merion Soccer Club

Team Name United Organization/Club West-Mont United Soccer Assoc.

What position do you play or what do you do on your team?

Defender.

What position do you play or what do you do on your team?

Right Wing/Center Mid.

What position do you play or what do you do on your team?

Center-Mid/Center-D.

What is your nickname?

Groovy.

What is your nickname?

Nani.

What is your nickname?

Adams.

Who is your role model? Why? My grandmother because she is so kind and cares about everyone so much.

Who is your role model? Why? Nani because I look like him and I play like him.

Who is your role model? Why? Messi, because he gives his full effort during games.

What is your favorite soccer team?

Manchester United.

What is your favorite soccer team?

Philadelphia Union.

What is your favorite movie?

Remember the Titans.

What is your favorite movie?

The Lord of the Rings Series.

Age: 12

What is your favorite soccer team?

Mine!

What is your favorite movie?

Despicable Me, because the little minions make me laugh.

Age: 11

What is your favorite song?

Enchanted by Taylor Swift

What is your favorite song?

Old McDonald.

What is your favorite book?

The Harry Potter series.

What is your favorite book?

The Tale of Despereaux

by Kate DiCamillo.

What is your favorite food?

Our homemade apple pie… yummy!

What is your favorite food?

Pasta.

What is your favorite sport outside of soccer?

Volleyball

What is your favorite sport outside of soccer?

Basketball.

What is your pet peeve (what thing makes you mad or drives you crazy)?

The hiccups because I always get them!

What is your pet peeve (what thing makes you mad or drives you crazy)?

Soccer players not trying and quitters.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I would go to Italy because it seems pretty there and I am Italian.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Hawaii because I’ve never been there and it’s beautiful and I can chill on the beach.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a lot of things: a florist, a chef, a painter, a teacher.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A doctor or a professional soccer player.

Age: 11

What is your favorite song?

Feel This Moment by Pitbull.

What is your favorite book?

The Harry Potter Series.

What is your favorite food?

Pizza.

What is your favorite sport outside of soccer?

Karate.

What is your pet peeve (what thing makes you mad or drives you crazy)?

Cracking knuckles.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Australia, because it has exotic sights and animals .

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Athlete or Lawyer.

23

EPYSA.org

Meet the Coach: Mike Barr An excerpt from Eastern Pennsylvania’s coaching newsletter, The Evolving Game Visit EPYSA.org to sign-up to receive the monthly newsletter

A

s Director of Coaching for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer your job entails an awful lot. How would you sum up what you do in a few sentences?

“My role is sometimes very complicated because I am serving not only players and coaches but parents as well. With so many constituents throughout Pennsylvania I have to focus on all their needs. One day it may be rec players from Montgomery County and the next ODP players who may be underserved in the Lewisburg area. I have to make sure the information I provide is not only relevant but worthwhile.

I have to keep up with new coaching methodology and be ready to address any issues that arise. In addition I have to keep a strong relationship with Region I, US Youth Soccer and US Soccer.”

What is the most important advice you could give to up and coming coaches?

“Never become complacent in your role.

Coaches should approach coaching the same way gifted teachers approach their class. A quality teacher provides what is needed to their entire class in an interesting and sometimes fun environment.

A soccer coach should be no different. A coach’s responsibility is the development of each and every player not just the elite players. There should be growth on the field as well as a progression socially in handling pressure, developing positive relationships with other players and time management.”

What advice or words of wisdom would you give to the young soccer player?

“Don’t lock yourself into one sport or activity when you are young. Many of the American MLS players played other sports growing up. Get involved with music and the arts.

Too many parents are forcing their children

24

into one sport and preventing their children from becoming well rounded. Playing soccer may assist you in getting into a college but your academics determine the quality of the college you attend.”

Who is your favorite player to watch and why?

“Watching Messi, Iniesta and Xavi provide me with more pleasure than any one player

or one team in any sport. If young players were to consistently focus on the technical, tactical and unselfish play of these three players; it would provide as much understanding of the game as any training activities. I am not sure we will ever see a team with such clear understanding of how to play the game as Barcelona over the last few years.”

EDUCATION

770 Coaches passed their Certification this past year.

Instructors used!

42 session plans...

5yr - 6yr and 7yr - 8yr curriculum/guidelines were released to very positive enthusiastic clubs across the state.

32 skill videos on the website at EPYSA.org

The coaching education newsletter was launch with 11 issues since Nov 2012. It has had over 1500 reads per month with 6000 more people seeing each issue.

41 COUNTRIES read The Evolving Game

Licensed Courses

Touchline

COACHING EDUCATION

uPCOMING COACHING COURSES

National E License

National E License

Elizabethtown Area HS Rheems AA January 10 – 12, 2014

Lampeter Village Park Lampeter-Strasburg YS March 7 – 9, 2014

National E License

National D License Part 1

Pottsgrove MS Pottsgrove SC March 7 – 9, 2014

English/Spanish Plymouth Meeting March 7 – 9, 2014

NATIONAL E & D LICENSE For more information, details and registration, please visit EPYSA.org

BLACK FRIDAY 3v3 TOURNAMENT November 29, 2013 U9-U13 Boys & Girls NEW YEAR’S CLASSIC 3v3 TOURNAMENT Presented by Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

December 29, 2013 U9-U13 Boys & Girls

PHILADELPHIA UNION FUTSAL TOURNAMENTS December 27, 2013 & January 20, 2014 Boys & Girls U9-Adult INDOOR STATE CUP TUNE-UP TOURNAMENT January 18, 2014 U11 Boys & Girls

FC EUROPA TURF CUP - BOYS WEEKEND March 1 & 2, 2014 U9-U16 Boys FC EUROPA TURF CUP - GIRLS WEEKEND March 8 & 9, 2014 U9-U16 Girls

25

EPYSA.org

Personal Insights into Youth Soccer

By Mike Barr, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Director of Coaching

T

here must be a strong correlation between children playing soccer on their own, with little coaching from adults at young ages, and success on the field as an adult. The problem facing strong economic countries is how to implement programs that can replicate free play and allow children to use their creativity and imagination when learning the game.

Look no further than the strong clubs within European Nations and see where the most successful players are coming from and making an immediate impact on these teams.

Using the English Premier League as an example; 37 players who were born in Africa and 6 players who were born in Caribbean countries are currently on EPL rosters. The MLS has even more striking numbers. On Major League Soccer rosters there are 25 players born in Africa and 49 players born in Caribbean countries. Most of these countries do not have any form of coaching education or organized youth leagues.

I had the privilege to watch a group of Latino players between the ages of eight and sixteen playing at a recent Youth Soccer Month event at Fourth and Washington in South Philadelphia in late September. I came away with mixed emotions. On one hand, a sense of dismay at how we as coaches work with young children within the guidelines of youth soccer but also feeling a sense of rejuvenation in seeing kids playing the game with laughter, intensity and no fear of criticism. The players’ touches were cleaner and they had a stronger repertoire of moves that they were not afraid to try. In addition, they would be relentless in winning the ball back if it was lost. Scoring a goal was a chance to celebrate even in small sided games. These characteristics are rarely seen in most of our youth players within our state and in our country.

Unfortunately it begs the question; has overcoaching made soccer more like a job for millions of children and does constant training produce cookie cutter players, who have no flair or pure joy in their game? Keep in mind that the 10,000 hour rule does not apply to

26

kids who have an adult standing over them providing constant direction.

I feel strongly that players should have the chance to play on their own within a coach’s training session and even introduce them to games they can play on their own. If we can alter this culture of coach driven training and demonstrate how kids can play on their own, quite possibly we could produce a Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic, Messi, Toure or Neymar. Below are descriptions of games you seldom see kids play but were played twenty years ago. It comes from excerpts from a Best Practice article I wrote about how clubs can provide alternative training to their youth players.

It is rare to see children or adults playing pickup soccer in the suburbs but this is not exclusive to soccer. Basketball courts and baseball fields remain empty unless there is an adult to organize or the children participating are part of an organized league. Children have to be shown that it is OK to play without adults directing or supervising. The bottom line appears to be that kids today have no idea how to use their

imagination to play any type of game involving a ball; either individually or in small groups or even with enough children to field two full teams.

Initially it may mean you have to demonstrate to children in your club the games they can play individually or with others, without adult supervision. It could also mean that to get things started, you expect them to play these games by themselves outside of practice. It will not take long to find the soccer enthusiast who is constantly utilizing the games you introduced to become a better player. They realize that television or computers are not alternatives if they want to achieve success in soccer.

Touchline

You may not find a kick board near fields (a common occurrence 15 years ago) but there are walls in every community that have no windows that are dying to have a young player bang a tattered ball against it. Full volleys with both feet, a strong first touch, collecting air balls or bouncing balls, and dead ball serves can be practiced until it becomes second nature. Bring another player and you can play simple games. One player drives a ball against the wall and the other player has to get the ball back to the wall in two touches, one touch or only with their weak foot. A player drives the ball against the wall and the other player has to return it with various foot surfaces called out by the server. When a player does not reach the wall during play he or she receives a point or a letter much like horse in basketball. When horse is spelled out or a player hits five points, that player bends over at the wall and the winning player has the opportunity to hit the ball at the target from twelve yards away. The target should be obvious. If the player hits the target he or she goes again. Once the player misses the human target the game begins

possession of the ball. Each made penalty shot also counts one point. Chipping balls against the cross bar or into a barrel or trash can from various distances improves serving flighted balls. Keepers should work on goal kicks in front of batting cages or back up netting to soccer or lacrosse goals.

again. You could actually play these games with a wall with up to four players.

If players have access to a goal why not 1v1 play, the same way you would play 1v1 in basketball. The defender checks with a pass at the top of the eighteen and play begins. With three players, you could play the soccer form of hustle. Two defenders check the ball and the attacker goes against the two defenders.

If a defender wins the ball he goes on attack.

You play to 15 with each time a player gets to five or ten he or she has the opportunity to take three penalty shots against one designated keeper. If the player taking the penalty shot makes three in a row he or she regains

There is no reason why kids cannot play 1v1, or 2v2 to puggs, cones or t-shirts. Looking at children today, especially those raised in the suburbs, creativity and imaginative play are at a minimum. It may be necessary to demonstrate the activities to your players and offer them the opportunity to even make up their own games at a training session. Coaches, feel an obligation to offer free play sessions, where the players set up their own matches or training games. The coaches provide equipment and silent supervision.

Probably the most valuable tool clubs could provide to replicate free play is to provide field space to any player interested in playing. The serious player or players will show up when given the opportunity to play against older more experienced players, even adults. This could take place on Sunday mornings or Saturday evenings to ease any conflicts or a scheduled one to three nights each month. Clubs can also utilize a gym in your school district for futsal, before the school day actually begins or late in the evening during the winter months. This could attract youth players and even adults to the gym and why not have players compete against older players.

27

EPYSA.org

POSSESSION

By Gary Stephenson, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Assistant Director of Coaching

Roxbourgh Circle Organization

• Set up a 30yd circle with a 1yd by 1yd box in the middle • One ball per player on the outside of the circle • 1/3 of the team in the circle, the rest outside the circle with a ball

Sequence & Progression

• Player in the center of the circle checks through the box and runs towards a player with a ball. The player controls the ball and passes back to the server, turns

checks through the circle and on to another server.

• Limit touches, max. 2 touches, left foot, right foot, aerial services.

Coaching Points

• Communicate and ask for the ball • Open body to receive the ball, surface ready to receive the ball • Control the ball into a position that can be played back to the server

2 v 1 with 2 servers Organization

• Limit touches, max. 4 touches, add another defender to the grid to play • Set up a 10yd by 15yd grid 2v2 • Two servers - one on each of the 10yd. sides (with balls) Coaching Points • 3 players inside the grid, 1 defender • Communicate and ask for the ball and 2 attackers • Open body to receive the ball, surface ready to receive the ball Sequence & Progression • Server plays the ball to either of the • Checking to lose defenders or make space attackers in the box. The attackers • Use combination play, wall passes, must then get the ball to the other overlaps server without the defender stealing • Head up to know location of the ball. The attackers can choose defender and target player to combine with each other or play the ball directly to the target server.

3 v 3 to Goal with Counter Goals Organization

• Goal with 2 small counter goals • 40yd by 30yd grid • 1 goal keeper, 1 server (balls with server), 3 attackers and 2 defenders

play the server plays a new ball to the attacking team.

• Limit touches, max. 4 touches, allow the server to receive pass backs • Play off side rules

Sequence & Progression

Coaching Points

• Server plays the ball to any of the 3 attackers in the grid. The attackers must then try to score on the goal.

The defenders and goal keeper must try to stop them from scoring and try to score on the small counter goals. If the ball goes out of

28

• Communicate and ask for the ball • Checking to lose defenders or make space • Use combination play, wall passes, overlaps • Head up to know location of defender, teammate and goal • Look to set up a scoring chance

Are you coming to

SOCCER’S BIGGEST

PARTY?

2014 NSCAA Convention January 15-19, 2014

Register today!

NSCAA.com/convention

THE REVOLUTIONARY NEW NIKE HYPERVENOM IS DESIGNED FOR PLAYERS LIKE CLINT DEMPSEY WHO STRIKE FEAR INTO THE HEARTS OF DEFENDERS EVERYWHERE WITH DECEPTION AND DEADLY AGILITY.

NIKESOCCER.COM

ns_touchline_mag_full.indd 1

7/24/13 12:28 PM