Touchline Fall 2014

PENNSYLVANIA’S LEADING YOUTH SOCCER PUBLICATION | FALL 2014

eastern pennsylvania youth soccer

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

TWO SOCCER VETERANS HONORED p.11

p.9 REC SOCCER SPOTLIGHT summer round-Up p.14

SEPT: youth sOCCER SEE P. 16 MONTH GET INVOLVED !

Conshohocken, PA

Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID Permit #110

Thanks to all Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer players, Thanks to all and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer players, parents coaches for your support in 2014! parents and coaches for your in 2014!

Best wishes for a successful fall season.

Playsupport hard, play fair, and have fun!

Best wishes for a successful fall season. Play hard, play fair, and have fun!

* *

CONTENTS

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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

4 Fall Tournament Guide

20 Quarterly Calendar

5 Meet the 2014 Scholarship Recipients

21 Medical Advisory Committee Created

6-7 Don Smolenski, From Soccer to Football

23 Player Profiles

25 Maximizing Your Sponsorships

26 Thinking About the Next World Cup

31 What Parents and Coaches Should Be Doing on the Sideline

32 Coaching: Dribbling for Penetration

9 Rec Soccer Spotlight: Langhorne Neshaminy United Soccer Club 12 2014 Award Nominations

14-15 Summer Recap 16 September is Youth Soccer Month

STATE OFFICE STAFF Chief Executive Officer: Chris Branscome Director of Coaching: Mike Barr Director of Soccer Operations: Frank Olszewski Marketing & Communications Manager: Kylea Meredith Assistant Director of Coaching: Gary Stephenson Membership Services Specialist: Beck Kleinert Business Administration Manager: Kelly Connor Administrative Services Specialist: Barb Budgick Accountant: Judy Curran

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Touchline is published quarterly.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President: Jim Kuntz Vice President, Travel: Michael Finnegan Vice President, Recreation: Dwight Wilkinson Treasurer: Nicole Posillico Epps Secretary: Melissa Weber Registrar: Jim Christian Past President: Bob McDade

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eastern pennsylvania youth soccer

Volume XLVI | Fall 2014

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 2014 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

As you prepare for the new season,

THEY SAID IT BEST…

Chris Branscome, Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

“I don’t believe skill was, or ever will be, the result of coaches. It is a result of a love affair between the child and the ball.”

- Roy Keane, Irish football manager, former Manchester United player and Ireland captain

“Dictators lead through fear; good coaches do not.”

- John Wooden, basketball player and coach

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.”

- Pele, former professional soccer player

“One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than 50 preaching it.”

- Knute Rockne, former University of Notre Dame American football player and coach

“Every single day I wake up and commit to myself to becoming a better player.”

- Mia Hamm, former US Women’s National Team player

“In football everything is complicated by the presence of the opposite team.”

- Jean Paul Sarte, French Philosopher

“I think there are a lot of things that soccer does in the communities that transcend the soccer field.”

- Brandi Chastain, former US Women’s National Team player

“All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.”

- President John F. Kennedy

“Most of us are in this more than just for playing soccer. We’re in it for the bigger goal; to move it along for the next generation.”

- Landon Donovan, US Men’s National Team

“What you are as a person is far more important than what you are as a basketball player.”

- John Wooden, basketball player and coach

“Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.”

- Michael Jordan, former basketball player

EPYSA.org

FROM OUR PRESIDENT Jim Kuntz, President, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

It has been a great summer for the promotion of our sport. The World Cup provided a tremendous amount of exposure for fans who really had no idea what soccer was all about. It is now up to all of us to continue that promotion and build upon its success.

The summer has also been filled with State Cup finals, National Championship Series finals, Presidents Cup finals, and various Kohl’s American Cups. The participation of all the clubs and leagues in these games has been phenomenal.

From your State Office’s perspective, being part of all this is humbling. Please remember that we are here to serve all your soccer needs.

Before you get involved with outside vendors,

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check with us to see if the service you need is available from this office.

The fall season is about to begin. Good luck with training and all of the games you participate in.

Have a safe and productive season.

In closing, I want to congratulate the U15 Girls YMS Xplosion and the U18 Boys LVU team in reaching the finals of the US Youth Soccer National Championships, held in Maryland this past July. Congratulations to coaches John Greaves and Mike Gorni for a job well done, and for your professionalism in representing Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer.

Diego

Marek

Lauren

Nate

Jacinda

WHO’S YOUR TURKEY HILL DAIRY ALL-STAR? Youth soccer teams are filled with All-Star talent.

It’s time for those stars to be recognized.

Turkey Hill Dairy and Philadelphia Union have teamed up again to shine a spotlight on the region’s most remarkable youth soccer players. That spotlight is the Turkey Hill Dairy All-Star Contest. Nominations will be accepted during the 2014 Major League Soccer season (March 8-October 26), and 17 All-Stars will be chosen.

• Four field-level seats at a Philadelphia Union home game • A special post-game autograph session with the players • Special recognition at the game • A feature in the gallery of winners on Philadelphia Union’s Facebook Page

VISIT TURKEYHILL.COM/ALLSTAR TO NOMINATE YOUR TURKEY HILL DAIRY ALL-STAR TODAY! Comments or questions? Call 800 MY DAIRY. Visit our website at turkeyhill.com.

©2014 Turkey Hill Dairy

WINNERS WILL RECEIVE:

EPYSA.org

Tournament Guide Fall 2014

October 2014 LDC Coppa Classico

Lower Dauphin Soccer Association 10/10 – 10/13, 2014

Upper Moreland Soccer Club 11/02 – 11/02, 2014

Ukrainian Nationals Columbus Cup Tournament

HHSC Intramural Select Tournament

Western Lehigh United Fall Fest

29th Annual Hempfield Adidas Fall Classic

YMS Columbus Cup

CRUSA/FC Bucks Adidas Classic

31st Annual Soccer Blast

2nd Annual Boyertown Blast Soccer Tournament

Ukrainian Nationals 10/10 – 10/12, 2014

Western Lehigh United Soccer Club 10/10 – 10/12, 2014 Yardley Makefield Soccer 10/10 – 10/12, 2014 Lebanon Valley SC 10/11 – 10/12, 2014

Dale Marsh

Keystone Athletic 10/11 – 10/12, 2014

Dillsburg Dual Shootout

Dillsburg Area Soccer Club 10/11 – 10/12, 2014

Whitewater Cup Classic – Columbus Day Weekend

Mountain Top Youth Soccer Association 10/11 – 10/12, 2014

Halloween Boooot-out

Williamsport Soccer Booster Club 10/18 – 10/18, 2014

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November 2014 UMSC Intramural Select Tournament

Hatboro-Horsham Soccer Club 11/09 – 11/09, 2014

Penn Legacy/Hempfield Soccer Club 11/21 – 11/23, 2014

Council Rock United Soccer Association 11/21 – 11/23, 2014

Boyertown Soccer Club 11/22 – 11/23, 2014

6th Annual Lower Merion Soccer Club Thanksgiving Classic Lower Merion Soccer Club 11/22 – 11/23, 2014

HSC Welsh Cup

Haverford Soccer Club 11/22 – 11/23, 2014

December 2014 The 2014 PA Classics Winter College Showcase – Boys Weekend Pennsylvania Classics AC 12/06 – 12/07, 2014

The 2014 PA Classics Winter College Showcase – Girls Weekend Pennsylvania Classics AC 12/13 – 12/14, 2014

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ny club, league or association affiliated with Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer may be granted permission to host a tournament. In order to be eligible to host tournaments or games a club, league, or association must be in “good standing.”

Clubs, leagues, or associations are considered in “good standing” if all of its players have been properly registered with Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer or other US Soccer organization member. In addition, the team or organization is not subject to any disciplinary penalties prohibiting hosting imposed by Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, affiliate, organization member, US Youth Soccer, or US Soccer.

Visit EPYSA.org for more information on these Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Sanctioned Tournaments.

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Meet the 2014 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

Scholarship Recipients

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ach year, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer receives nominations and seeks leaders from those about to graduate high school. Four $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually to individuals who exemplify strong leadership abilities, maintain high academic performance, and seek financial support. Since 1990, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has awarded 100 students four-year college scholarships. Meet the 2014 class of scholars!

Steven McFarland, a 2014 graduate of Coatesville Area Senior High School, has played soccer since he was four years old. His travel soccer career began at age nine, when he joined the Spirit United Striker U10 team and played through the U13 season. He spent his U14- U17 years with the West Chester United SC Predators and, this past year, played for the Continental FC Strikers U18 team. At Coatesville High School, he was a four-year Varsity player, selected All Ches-Mont his junior and senior year; as a senior, he had the honor of being chosen captain of the team.

A member of the National Honor Society from 2012-2014, Steven has seen success in the classroom, but also enjoyed making a difference in his Coatesville community. He mentored youths in the classroom and on the field, was an active and involved member of his high school booster club, and volunteered for many local events and causes throughout the years.

Steven will be attending Widener University in the fall as a Mechanical Engineering major. He is excited to further his education at Widener, and is looking forward to the outstanding co-op opportunities available. He plans on giving his all on the Widener University Men’s Soccer team, and is eager to continue his community service and involvement in Chester, PA.

Alyssa Blair took seven AP classes throughout high school and maintained a cumulative GPA of 5.0452. Academically, she was a member of the Math and Science Honor Society, Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society, the Historian of National Honor Society, the Treasurer of Spanish Honor Society, the Student Council Representative for Community Service, and President of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). For her

academic achievements and service activities, Alyssa received the Student Services Award, the Sun East “People Helping People” Award, the FBLA Service Award, the Chichester Education Association Scholarship, the Widener University High School Leadership Award, Rotary Student of the Month, and Superior Honor Roll for all four years of high school. She was also awarded the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association Good Citizenship Award and attended the Union League of Philadelphia Spirit of America Youth Leadership Program at the Freedoms Foundation, the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program (HOBY), and the Delaware County Council Youth Leadership Academy. As a four-year varsity starter and two-year captain, Alyssa’s athletic achievements include All-Delco Second Team for both 2012 and 2013 soccer seasons, as well as All-Delco Honorable Mention in 2011. She currently holds the honor of a two-year Eagle Award recipient and Chichester High School Girls’ Varsity Soccer All-Time Scoring Leader – in addition to leading in assists and total points. Alyssa is attending Pennsylvania State University as a Finance and Economics major, and plans to continue soccer in the intramural league, participating in a THON committee, and joining various business clubs.

Kyle Bulgarelli started playing soccer at four years of age with his local club team, the Trojan Soccer Club. He joined the FC York Gunners when he was 11 and played until this past May. In addition to his club team, Kyle played soccer all four years at York Suburban High School, as well as kicking for the football team and playing in the school’s marching band. During his career at York Suburban, he was named First Team All-County for soccer and First Team All-County for football as kicker and Second Team All-County as punter.

Kyle was in the top 10% of his class all four years and a member of National Honor Society, German Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society. He had lead roles in the musical his

junior and senior years, and was involved in Link Crew and York Suburban’s first THON. He volunteered as a catechist aide for St. Joseph’s Church throughout high school and has been a camp counselor at Penn State-York’s soccer camp the past three years. Most recently, Kyle worked as a soccer referee this spring and summer. He will be attending Hood College to study Environmental Science and Policy, and plans to continue to play soccer for the Blazers.

Eventually he wants to coach a soccer team either at the high school or club level.

Milena Nino always stepped off the soccer pitch after a hardplayed game or intense practice relaxed and with a clear mind. She found that running up and down the soccer field was a way of relieving the stress that comes with being a high-achieving and ambitious student. Playing sports developed Milena’s competitive and disciplined character, which translated into her academic endeavors.

Throughout high school, she maintained High Honor Roll and received membership into the National Honor Society as secretary, Spanish National Honor Society as vice-president, and Mu Alpha Theta as vice-president and ambassador. Additional honors include the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award, the Cohen and Feeley “Best of the Best” Award, and the Donley Award of Excellence. Milena can recount the exhilarating experiences of her high school’s varsity team qualifying for the State Championships and then making school history by becoming Conference and District champions.

Playing soccer on a competitive level has instilled in her the importance of overcoming any adversity and always moving forward. Those values will help to guide her this fall in her studies at Johns Hopkins University as a Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering major.

As Milena says of her opportunity: “I aspire to grow academically as well as athletically, playing the beautiful game of soccer for the University’s club level team.”

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EPYSA.org

Profile: Don Smolenski From Soccer to Football

By Rick Woelfel

“Soccer opened avenues for me.”

A

t this time of year, Don Smolenski’s time and energy is devoted to the Philadelphia Eagles. But Smolenski, president of the Eagles organization, has a deep and abiding passion for soccer. The game has been an important part of his life since childhood.

rewarding,” he says. “And there were some players who were more talented than me, but mentally couldn’t handle that. As a result, they did not blossom; they actually wilted. “[Gooding] thought the game was about mental toughness as much as it was physical toughness.

That was his way of challenging somebody.

Those who rose to the challenge earned a level of his respect.”

Smolenski moved around a lot growing up. He was born in Rochester, NY, where his father, who worked for Xerox, received regular promotions that often necessitated relocating.

The family lived in Dallas, Illinois, Rochester again, and Kansas City before settling in Pittsford, a Rochester suburb, when Don was in the seventh grade.

“Soccer opened avenues for me,” he says.

“Every time we’d move, I joined a soccer team,” he recalls, “and instantly I had a group of friends.

Soccer was always a common bond for me when we moved to a new city.”

Smolenski’s bachelor’s degree from Amherst is in biology, and he subsequently earned a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Hartford, entering the business world as a CPA.

Smolenski first played soccer at age 5. His team was the Dallas Nitros. Living in Texas, he became a fan of Kyle Rote, Jr., who at the time was playing for the Dallas Tornado in the North American Soccer League. Rote had created something of a stir in the Lone Star State when he gave up a promising football career to focus on soccer.

Throughout, he maintained his connection with soccer. In 1994, he even served as a volunteer runner at the World Cup at the Pontiac Silverdome, assisting photographers by running their film from the pitch to the media center.

Rote went on to earn five cups with the U.S. Men’s National team, and was a 2009 inductee to the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

“He was my favorite player,” Smolenski recalls.

“I attended his soccer camps.”

Smolenski played club soccer for the Pittsford Panthers of the Pittsford Mustang Soccer Club.

The team competed up and down the Eastern Seaboard, even taking trips to Toronto, Ont., to play in The Robbie Tournament, still a major showcase.

He also played two years of varsity soccer as an outside back and sweeper for Pittsford Mendon High. As a junior, Smolenski’s team reached the state championship game. The following year he served as captain and led the team to the state quarterfinals.

After high school, Smolenski moved on to Amherst College. He had no illusions about playing professionally: as a freshman, he stood 5’6” and weighed all of 118 pounds. But he

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By the third game of his freshman season, Smolenski was starting at outside back. For his last three seasons he started at sweeper and, as a senior, was voted second-team All-New England.

Don Smolenski in 1974 as a member of the Dallas Nitros wanted to get a good education and stay connected to soccer. Today, Smolenski calls his decision to attend Amherst one of the most significant of his life: “I met my wife there,” he says, “and my closest friends to this day are my roommates from Amherst.

Eventually he made the transition into professional sports by serving as the Chief

“The education I got there prepared me for where I am today. I don’t know if any of that would have happened had I chosen someplace else, where perhaps soccer could not have been a part of my life.”

At Amherst, Smolenski was coached by Peter Gooding, who he had first encountered at one of Gooding’s soccer camps. An English émigré, Gooding would go on to serve Amherst for four decades as a coach and athletic director.

“I respected him tremendously,” Smolenski recalls, “and worked hard to never let him down.

He challenged me and pushed me to draw out my the best.”

Smolenski admits that Gooding wasn’t always easy to play for. “You wanted to earn his praise and that was very hard to do. But, by the same token, when you earned it, it was extremely

In 1980, at 13 years old, as a member of the Palantine, IL, Celtic travel soccer team

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Financial Officer for the International Hockey League, a top minor league at the time.

In 1998, Smolenski joined the Eagles organization as CFO. Over the years, his responsibilities expanded and, in June of 2012, he was named President of the franchise. In that role, he oversees the team’s business, sales, marketing and communications efforts.

Smolenski has also been instrumental in bringing international soccer to Lincoln Financial Field. In fact, the first event ever held in the stadium, on August 3, 2003, was an international friendly featuring Manchester United and FC Barcelona. Subsequently, the stadium has hosted the Women’s World Cup, the USMNT, Real Madrid and, most recently, a friendly between AS Roma and Inter Milan. The Philadelphia Union, which has a close working relationship with the Eagles, has also utilized the stadium for international friendlies. The Eagles also make their practice facilities available for training sessions.

Memories of these occasions bring a smile to Smolenski’s face. “The Eagles are number one in my heart,” he says, “but to be able to step out onto the practice field where the Eagles

Don (far right) and his teammates after winning the Section V (NY) Championship play and watch Manchester United practice right there in front of you is truly special.

“You have Sir Alex Ferguson pacing the sidelines and coming over to thank you for letting them use your facility, and telling the media that the grass that they’re playing on is one of the finest surfaces he’s played on in the world. You’re like ‘Wow! This is Sir Alex Ferguson; he’s royalty!’ Earning that kind of praise makes you feel good about everything you’re doing.”

In 1984, as a member of the Pittsford Mendon High School varsity soccer team in Pittsford, NY

Don (top right) and his teammates from the Amherst College varsity soccer team

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REC SOCCER SPOTLIGHT:

Langhorne Neshaminy United Soccer Club

S

occer’s traditions run deep in Lower Bucks County. The region is home to some of the top clubs in the state, if not the country – and high school soccer in the area is some of the best played anywhere in Pennsylvania.

Langhorne Neshaminy United has been part of it all for more than three decades. The club operates year ’round but is at its busiest in the fall: some 350 youngsters, ages U-9 to U-18, compete on the club’s 21 travel teams. An additional 400 or so, ages U-4 to U-16, are part of the club’s in-house program. They also host a spring session and, during winter months, youngsters who can’t get their fill of outdoor soccer can play indoors.

Not surprisingly, finding enough fields to handle all this activity is an ongoing issue. “I think field space is probably the biggest challenge we face,” says club president Dean McDonald.

“We have sufficient field space and we make it work. We have partnerships with both Middletown Township and the County for field access, and we’ve got great relationships with them. We really value those relationships, obviously, because without field space there is no soccer.”

McDonald says the club’s access to current facilities meets its needs, but stresses that it’s important to not overtax them. “That’s always the concern,” he says: “balancing the offer of a program as dynamic as ours with the struggle to maintain the integrity of the fields we’re using. We have to be careful not to overuse them; for example, we have to be cognizant of weather closings so we don’t ruin the fields the first week it rains.”

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wants to play baseball or softball – or get involved in some other non-soccer activity – they can do so without worry of repercussions.

“We are supportive of children getting the opportunity to do other things outside of soccer,” McDonald says. “We don’t take the approach ‘It’s soccer or nothing.’

“We think another one of the things that makes us unique is that we want to develop not just soccer players but well-rounded athletes, by supporting kids who want to be involved in sports besides soccer.”

The club goes to great lengths to provide firstrate training that addresses the youngsters’ enjoyment of the game while developing their skills as soccer players.

At the U-4 level, players take part in small-sided drills designed to ensure they get lots of touches over the course of the session.

Intramural teams in older age groups have a weekly session with a professional trainer that lasts 45-60 minutes, and a second one with their coaches before playing games on the weekends.

The club also works to encourage and develop young referees. It runs two referee-certification courses each year, and McDonald says there’s been so much interest that it might schedule a third. Among the aspiring referees is McDonald’s own daughter who, at age 14, has reached the minimum age for certification.

McDonald says the program is somewhat unique in that regard. “I think we’re one of the few clubs in the area that offers professional training for intramural programs,” he says.

Travel teams are scheduled for two 90-minute training sessions each week with their coach, and professional trainers are available if a coach requests a training regimen for his or her team.

“We have a partnership with two professional training organizations,” says McDonald. “They are approved partners for our travel teams who need them. We also allow travel teams to solicit trainers who are not preferred partners, but those are all subject to board review and approval. We do require professional training for all teams U-13 and under.”

Unlike some organizations, the club encourages players to participate in other sports. The soccer training schedule is relaxed during the spring season, so if a young team member

“We actually have a pretty good crop of young referees,” he says. “We’ve had a number of younger people, in particular, ask: ‘How do I get into refereeing?’ ” McDonald is especially proud of the number of players who started out with Langhorne Neshaminy and later played for local high schools. Club players have gone on to play for teams at Neshaminy, Pennsbury, Council Rock North and South, and Villa Joseph Marie, all of which traditionally field quality sides on a regular basis.

For more information on Langhorne Neshaminy United Soccer Club’s programs, visit www. langhornesoccer.org.

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Local Soccer Legends Inducted into the Montco Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2014

T

he Montco Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (PASHoF, founded in 1962) was chartered in 2009 as a nonprofit organization with the goal of perpetuating the memories of athletes – male and female – who have brought lasting fame to Montgomery County and/or the State of Pennsylvania through their athletic achievements. The Chapter also honors those individuals who have brought similar recognition to the County or State through managerial, promotional or other influential capacities.

Bay Rowdies, Los Angeles Aztecs, and Washington Diplomats, along with a stint on the U.S. Men’s National Team. Garber has continued to make a difference in the youth soccer community, coaching from the youth level to the collegiate level. He is currently the head coach at his alma mater, Abington High School, and has brought his team to the PIAA District 1 AAA finals. Garber also spent many years coaching in the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program. He will be adding this honor to all of the awards he has won over the years.

Two local soccer legends will be inducted into the Class of 2014:

Sheldon Chamberlain started his noteworthy

Randy Garber played soccer at Abington High

School and, after being named a High School All-American in 1971, went on to receive three more All-American titles in ’72, ’73, and ’74 at Mercer County Community College and Penn State University. He then played professionally with the North American Soccer League’s Tampa

soccer career at Bethlehem High School: his team won the 1957 State Championships. He then attended East Stroudsburg University as a 4-year starter, helping his team win the NAIA National Championship. Chamberlain moved into the professional world with the Philadelphia Atoms organization, holding a variety of administrative roles. He has been a fixture in Delaware Valley soccer for over 50 years. As head soccer coach

at Montgomery County Community College – while also serving as a teacher, athletic director and coach of multiple sports teams – Chamberlain steered the men’s team to the league championships each year from 1970-76. He has coached at Springfield, Plymouth-Whitemarsh, and Notre Dame high schools, La Salle and Villanova universities and, most recently, at Spring-Ford High School, a 2013 PIAA Finalist.

Chamberlain started the Montco Indoor League and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s camp program. He has coached in the Olympic Development Program for decades, as well as holding the US Youth Soccer Region I U15 Girls Head Coach position for three years. Chamberlain is entering his sixth decade of serving our soccer community and – thankfully – there is no sign that he’s slowing down.

Help to honor these two soccer heroes on Friday, September 26, 2014, at the Radisson Valley Forge Hotel & Casino. Visit www.montcosportshof.org for more information.

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EPYSA.org

Nominate Someone Today!

Administrator of the Year

Recreational/Intramural Coach of the Year

Travel Coach of the Year

Travel Coach of the Year

TOPSoccer Coach of the Year

Volunteer of the Year

2014 Award Nominations ENTRIES for consideration MUST submit the nomination form and any supporting documents to Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer on or before September 22, 2014.

Visit EPYSA.org for nomination information.

The winner of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s award will be honored at the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Annual Awards Reception in March 2015. Those winners will also be forwarded for regional nomination and possible national nomination. Regional Nominees will be brought in and honored at the 2015 US Youth Soccer Awards Gala in Philadelphia, PA on January 16, 2015.

The Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Indoor Cup is turning 27 years old this year!

– NEW FOR 2015 – ALL AGE GROUPS from U13 to U19 U19 Age Group Only: U19 Teams may (no U18 Age Group) may ‘split’ their team now enter Tournament Teams. rosters and enter two individual teams. (see current rules for more details)

This January and February, don’t get stuck out in the cold... play in it!

Register NOW at EPYSA.org 12

EPYSA.org

What We’ve Been Up To‌ Development Grants Program 10 member organizations benefit from the funding which is intended to go primarily, but not limited to, fields and facility improvements.

The total amount awarded was $85,000.

2014 US Youth Soccer National Championships Two Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer teams competed in the Championship in Maryland in July.

Both the U18 Boys Lehigh Valley United and U15 Girls YMS Premier Xplosion 98 took home silver.

2014 US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer sent six teams to the National Championships in South Carolina in July. Two of the teams lost in the finals in penalty kicks and brought back the silver.

Coaching Education 19 courses, 375 coaches certified

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What You Missed if you weren’t at the

2014 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Resident Camp at Immaculata University

E

astern Pennsylvania offers players from 10 to 17 a chance to be trained by ODP coaches, our education staff, as well as college and high school coaches at our residential camp at Immaculata University each year. The camp runs for two weeks in July. The camp schedule includes: technical training in the morning, technical-tactical training in the afternoon and team matches in the evening. In addition, the players attend various lecture series, participate in yoga sessions, are introduced to a Brazilian style warm up, play street soccer to music and have the opportunity to play futsal, swim, and other activities. Eastern Pennsylvania is the only state in Region One that runs an overnight camp.

Residential Camp Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer teams were extremely successful at the 2014 Region I Presidents Cup Championships. Throughout the tournament Eastern Pennsylvania teams went 45-9-10. An Eastern Pennsylvania team was in the finals of every age group except U17 Boys and Girls and we even had two teams playing each other in the U14 Girls division.

Street Soccer fields U12 Boys Champions

48

FC York 01 Elite U12 Girls Finalists

480

minutes of

CASA Capa 2K United*

U14 Boys Champions

Montgomery United Arsenal*

USSF U14 Girls Champions Licensed Huntingdon Valley AA Freedom* Coaches U14 Girls Finalists Hershey Elite used FC ‘99at camp

580

Keystone Athletic Grifos 98* FC Europa Samba 97/98*

Carlisle Area Revolution*

Campers

U15 Girls Champions

U16 Boys Champions

U13 Girls Champions

30

LYSC Elite 98

Yoga

West Chester United Eagles 01 U13 Boys Champions

U15 Boys Finalists

U16 Girls Finalists

North Union United Lady Cannons

1400

*Teams will be representing Eastern Pennsylvania in the National Presidents Cup Championships in Greenville, SC July 10-13.

Ice Creams Donated

Two 40 Support

weeks

Mmmmmm

2

Player appearences

800+ Games of Bean Bag Toss Played

15

EPYSA.org

September is Youth Soccer Month!

In September 2014, the National Youth Soccer Month campaign celebrates its twelfth year of educating the public about the joys, rewards and benefits of playing youth soccer, and offers a variety of resources to get involved.

Soccer ENTER NOW! Ball-a-Day Log on to Giveaway EPYSA.org Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer gives away one Nike ball each day of Youth Soccer Month‌ and the 30 daily winners will be entered into a drawing for a Grand Prize! You must be 14 years old to enter; limit of one daily prize per household.

Week 1: Fun

Whether recreational or competitive in nature, involvement in soccer is easy, affordable and rewarding.

Week 2: Family

Playing soccer ties families together as schedules, vacations and family time are coordinated.

Week 3: Friendship

The relationships and fun generated through playing soccer and their extension beyond the field.

Week 4: Fitness

Win a VIP Experience!

The health and fitness (physical, psychological and social) benefits of playing soccer.

Visit EPYSA.org for more information about events and promotions happening throughout Youth Soccer Month.

Package for Four (4) Includes: Sideline Tickets, Field Access for Warm-Ups, and Post-Game Autographs

Saturday, September 20 Union vs Dynamo at PPL Park, 7:00 PM

ENTER NOW! Log on to

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EPYSA.org

Quarterly Calendar September 2014 Youth Soccer Month*

October 2014

1

Seasonal Year Begins

1

Labor Day, State Office Closed

2 2015 Horizon Services Indoor Cup Application opens

13 Columbus Day, State Office Closed

7

15

Fall Registration Payment and Database Due

November 2014

21

ODP Tryouts | Various Locations

27-28 Thanksgiving, State Office Closed

ODP Tryouts | Various Locations

1 Annual Concussion Education and Training Certification Due

*Visit EPYSA.org for additional information

Visit any of Angelo’s Soccer Corner’s four locations on Tuesday, September 23 for 20% off all non-sale itemsH. Just mention that you’re a member of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer!

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The New Medical Advisory Board I

n youth sports we face an ever-widening range of issues regarding the health and safety of our young athletes. Regardless of the issues being simple or complex, it’s the mission of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer to provide the necessary services and education to our constituents. With that being said, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has formed a Medical Advisory Committee so that we can provide the necessary education to our families and our coaches. The goal is to enhance player safety, promote health and wellness, and reduce the incidents of injury to the best of our ability. We seek to provide guidance to our member organizations and to the individual families on trending and impactful issues such as concussions, overtraining, nutrition and safe return to play protocols, as well as assist with creation of curriculum, policy and procedure. Our committee includes members who are experts in a variety of areas that can affect the health of our athletes.

Meet the Committee: • Chair, Medical Advisory Board Kevin Freedman, M.D. (Rothman Institute) • Robert Franks, D.O., F.A.O.A.S.M. (Rothman Institute) • Matthew Grady, MD, FAAP, CAQSM (CHOP) • Kathleen O’Brien, M.D. (Nemours) • Glen Feltham, M.D., FAAOS (Geisinger Health System) • Sommer Hammoud, M.D. (Rothman Institute) • Jeremy Close, M.D. (Jefferson Family Practice) • Matthew Silvis, M.D. (Hershey Medical Center) • Linda Mazzoli, MS, LAT, ATC, PTA, PES • John Moyer, LAT, ATC • Chrissy Biele, PT • Ciarán Dalton, Psy. D. The Medical Advisory Committee’s purpose is to deliver positive, health and safety messages and improve the landscape of youth sports. We plan to provide educational messages for our members throughout the year to provide a safe environment for all of our players. If there are particular health concerns or educational programs for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer members or individual clubs, please contact Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer for guidance. Visit EPYSA.org for more information.

21

EPYSA.org

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? When you open the next issue of Touchline magazine, you could find yourself staring back at you!

To register go to:

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

22

FC REVOLUTION

FC DANUBIA

EAST PENN PANTHERS UNITED

YOUTH SOCCER PLAYER PROFILES

Franny Wolos

Alexa Johnson

Marina Messner

Team Name Eagles Organization/Club FC Danubia

Team Name Lady Jaguars Organization/Club East Penn Panthers United

Team Name Dynamo Organization/Club FC Revolution

What is your nickname?

Franny

What is your nickname?

I don’t have one

What is your nickname?

Messi

Who is your role model? Why? Wayne Rooney because he is a team player.

Who is your role model? Why? Hope Solo because she’s not afraid to go and get the ball

What is your favorite soccer team?

Manchester United

What is your favorite soccer team?

The Harrisburg City Islander’s

Who is your role model? Why? Messi because he is a really good soccer player and that is where my nickname comes from.

What is your favorite movie?

The Blind Side

What is your favorite movie?

Catching Fire

What is your favorite song?

Teach Me How to Dougie

What is your favorite song?

You Don’t Know your Beautiful by One Direction

Age: 9

What is your favorite book?

Kickers What is your favorite food?

Ribs What is your favorite sport outside of soccer?

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

When no one passes the ball.

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

Tampa, Florida because it is warm.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A pro soccer player What position do you play or what do you do on your team?

Right Wing

Age: 9

Age: 9

What is your favorite soccer team?

FC Revolution What is your favorite movie?

Despicable Me What is your favorite song?

Payphone by Maroon 5

What is your favorite book?

The Harry Potter Series

What is your favorite book?

The Book Thief

What is your favorite food?

Pizza

What is your favorite food?

Ham

What is your favorite sport outside of soccer?

Flag football

What is your favorite sport outside of soccer?

Basketball

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

Not stopping a simple goal

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

None

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

Hawaii because there would be a lot of things to do

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

Hawaii because it is hot and I can surf in the ocean.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A pro soccer player

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A graphic designer

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

Goalkeeper

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

Midfield/Defense

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Touchline

Maximizing Your Sponsorships

By Caitlyn Margusity, beMarketing | www.bemarketing.com

B

etween club fees, equipment, uniforms, tournament fees, traveling and more, soccer can be a very expensive sport. There are many instances in which passionate and talented soccer players have to not only step away from their club team, but from incredible opportunities that could lead to an amazing future in soccer – because they were unable to afford the costs of being on a club team. This is why sponsorships are extremely important. They can help create scholarships for players who have difficulty making payments and assist with other expenses within the club. With a strong marketing strategy, desirable sponsorship packages, and incentives that are valuable to sponsors, you can maximize sponsorships for your club.

Acquiring sponsorships can be difficult and time consuming, so hiring a marketing team to assist in this process can be very helpful. If you plan on doing this yourself, start by defining your club’s short- and long-term goals. Once you’ve defined those goals, you’ll want to create a

strong marketing strategy to help achieve your objectives. Communicate with the parents: networking is your best friend when it comes to finding sponsors, and you never know who has what connections.

After developing a marketing strategy, you’ll want to define what your club offers. Telling businesses that you have “a great group of kids” or how “this player is going to go pro one day” won’t always work. Businesses are not looking to recruit your players; they want to know how your club can benefit them. You want to offer quality sponsorship packages with different price ranges. This will help increase the number of sponsors, since some businesses that might not be able to make a major financial commitment can still donate.

Sponsorship packages should have valuable incentives that are appealing to businesses. This can include advertising their business on your website; placing sponsor banners around the field; putting company names on uniforms;

inviting them to cater tournaments or team events; even creating promotional events with exclusive or shared sponsorship. For example, if you have a local pizza shop that sponsors the club, it could offer discounted pies when players come in with their team jersey. In return, you can do an email blast advertising the promotion, which will not only spread brand awareness but also bring in more foot traffic for the restaurant.

Your club can also take photos with your sponsors and share them on the website and through social media.

With the rise in interest for soccer, businesses can really benefit from these grassroots marketing ideas. Not only is sponsoring a soccer club a great way to get involved in the community, but an inexpensive way for businesses to target specific groups that can help spread their message to larger groups. By offering advertising resources that are appealing to businesses, you can maximize your sponsorships to help increase your club’s revenues and decrease out-of-pocket pay for your club members.

Like Us! See Us! Follow Us! Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/EPAYouthSoccer and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @EPAYouthSoccer!

25

EPYSA.org

Thinking About the Next World Cup

By Mike Barr, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Director of Coaching

W

ith the 2014 World Cup a pleasant memory for many of us, it’s time for some reflection.

Without doubt, I derived a great deal of pleasure hearing sports talk radio pundits and ESPN analysts bemoan the fact that America has a love for soccer, and adults in their twenties and thirties identify with soccer probably more than they do with baseball.

Baseball may be on a downturn because of the length of the games and the lack of action, and children are opting for sports like soccer, with its constant movement and the opportunities the game presents. It’s a chance to capitalize on the interest of even casual fans.

The U.S. Men’s National Team getting to the knockout rounds was a huge step, but we’ve made that step before. The accolades given to Jurgen Klinsman were well deserved, and I believe the country is in good hands moving forward. He proved himself a strong tactician and a good judge of talent – yet there are questions that must be raised and addressed in the years to come. I believe Klinsman is well aware of what our country’s needs are for the future, but the question arises: will U.S. Soccer address these concerns? Will there come a day when all our players are products of our developmental system, with the MLS a major force behind their success? The recent World Cup also begs the question: how can Costa Rica and Belgium achieve success when their populations are smaller than that of the United States?

The U.S. Soccer Academy System was to have provided inroads to the international scene, yet its impact is non-existent. Other countries are producing amazing young talent and replenishing their national teams while we seem to be treading water. Our national scouting system is weak and relies on a small number of clubs throughout the United States to provide players. A national scouting system should be truly national – looking at every club, not just the wealthy premier clubs or academy programs that sometimes coach improvisation and personality right out of young players. We

26

are definitely missing the millions of young immigrant players who don’t get recognition or don’t feel the need to play for academies and leave their friends. Many times, their families simply don’t have the means to get their sons to academy training centers or the premier clubs in their state. Often, players opt for their local clubs and the fun of continuing with high school ball. The way the system is set up, many of those fine players will never be recognized, and will continue playing in adult leagues for the sheer joy of playing without realizing their true potential. Only the MLS teams should be responsible for identifying and training academy level players.

Urban African Americans are pretty much shut out of playing this wonderful sport. The cost to play, lack of facilities, equipment and available coaches make for a situation that results in many of our country’s top athletes never being exposed to the sport – and having little interest in following soccer as they grow older.

If the United States is to share on an international basis in the success of the next World Cups, U.S. Soccer and Nike should come up with a plan to provide all interested athletes

the opportunity to play and flourish. They must bring in people who are not just “yes” men to the administrators. Bring in outliers who have new perspectives and want the game to be available to all people, not the select few who are currently dictating the parameters of youth soccer. Listen to new voices throughout the country, and bring together a national symposium to address the needs and come up with refreshing ideas. We should be on the same stage as Germany, Holland, Argentina, Brazil and Spain. Why not think big with dreams of amazing heights?

Yes, soccer may be on a huge upswing – but United States fans will want more. Unless we have plans

that incorporate all players, we will have to be satisfied with just making it to the World Cup and again getting to the knockout round.

Maybe that’s not so bad… Think about England: a strong league with foreign greats, but a national team that will never compete for a world title.

Touchline

COACHING EDUCATION E

astern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer in partnership with the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer aims to provide the highest level of quality coaching education for coaches in Eastern Pennsylvania and beyond. We are committed to certifying as many coaches as possible including beginners who are simply moms and dads volunteering to help their youth soccer community and those with no or very limited playing experience to those coaches who played at a high level and are full-time soccer coaches or part-time soccer coaches looking to increase their knowledge of the game and how to pass it along to players. The ultimate goal is to promote and improve player development through smallsided games and a coaching methodology that creates an environment for learning the game and life skills that is fun and competitive.

Quick Tips

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Director of Coaching, Mike Barr created a video series demonstrating exercises for 5-8 year olds, combination plays & proper techniques. Along with these videos, additional videos of symposiums and workshops are available at our website, EPYSA.org.

The Evolving Game A Monthly Coaches E-Newsletter available to coaches of all ages and levels. Within this newsletter we strive to make resources available to improve teams through pertinent articles and training exercises. The ever- changing soccer landscape within our country and Eastern Pennsylvania creates a need for coaches to keep well informed of new methodology, training schedules, exercises, player development, injury prevention and match analysis.

VISIT

Session Plans Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer now offers all our members a curriculum with age appropriate exercises for their upcoming season.

U.S. Soccer Educational Courses U.S. Soccer Coaching certification begins at the state level. The “F” License targets the parent coach. The National “E” license is an 18hour course, which covers the elementary principles of coaching and prepares interested coaches for the “D” license course.

The National “F”, “E” & “D” course are administered and instructed

by Eastern Pennsylvania.

EPYSA.org FOR MORE INFO 27

EPYSA.org

CHALK TALK

COACHING INSIGHT

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and the Philadelphia Union join forces in a partnership...

to bring coaching education topics to the fans and coaches who are supporters of the Union. This partnership is unique to most state associations but both parties in Eastern Pennsylvania see numerous benefits to working together. These "Chalk Talks" will bring the latest methodology from US Soccer's Coaching Education Department and provide correlating information from a Union's professional perspective.

After the Chalk Talk, watch the team run through their warm-up as they get ready to bring the US OPEN CUP HOME and march into the playoffs…

Hear the line-up & thoughts from the Union coaching staff, before the game, before anyone else!

Team talk ahead of kick off...

Upcoming Chalk Talks Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final Tuesday, September 16 at 7:30PM

vs.

Saturday, October 11 at 7:00 PM

vs

Be a part of the action and register today to be one of 30 coaches to experience a pre-game talk with coaching staff of the Philadelphia Union.

Register for a Chalk Talk at EPYSA.org! To attend a Chalk Talk, you must have a valid ticket to that day’s Philadelphia Union game. Use the discount code “EPYS14” at www.philadelphiaunion.com/promo to purchase a discounted ticket.

The Chalk Talk is open to the first 30 registrants at EPYSA.org. Don’t Miss Out! 28

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What Parents and Coaches Should Be Doing on the Sideline

By Dr. Ciarán Dalton, Psy. D. for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s Coaching E-Newsletter, The Evolving Game

T

here are countless YouTube clips and news stories of parents and coaches berating players, screaming at referees, and getting into fist fights over the outcome of youth sports. We are drawn to these stories much like an accident on the side of the road. The actions and words of those extreme parents and coaches are obviously wrong and damaging to the athletes on the field. Thankfully, most parents can say with a lot of confidence: “That’s not me.” However, we sometimes forget that the more subtle and understated actions, words, gestures, and tone of voice can also have a negative impact on young players and children.

As a college coach, I have learned that constant chirping or screaming from the sideline, even if it is just giving useful instructions, will either get tuned out by the players or it will become a distraction that obstructs performance. The best coaches and most supportive parents are the ones who have taken the time to teach, train and prepare the players prior to the games, while offering support, comfort and appropriate feedback after the game. Consider the following if you are or know a parent/coach struggling with sideline behavior. Adolescents and young adults are keenly attuned to their

social surroundings and how they are perceived by others. Kids are embarrassed when a parent says “hi” to them in a public setting. Think about how embarrassed your child/players might be when you are screaming at a bad call from the referee or telling them to work harder. Now think about how embarrassment leads to poor performance.

Whether you are a parent, coach or spectator, the best thing you can do is monitor your behavior and treatment of the players. This requires one to constantly and honestly ask: “What is motivating my actions and comments?” For example, are instructions hollered to inform or because the adult does not want to be embarrassed when their child/ players fail. Are feelings of anger/sadness or excitement/joy attached to what the child feels or is the adult taking wins/losses way too personally? I’m not saying you have to suppress all of the emotions that come with being on the sideline or in the stands. That’s part of the fun and excitement, but there are times when that fun and excitement lead to poor sideline behavior. Parents and coaches should continuously have to remind themselves that it is about the athletes playing the sport and it is not about the feelings of the adults.

Five Warning Signs for Parents • Neglecting sportsmanship in the face of winning/individual gains • Having different goals than your child • Treating your child differently when they lose • Undermining the coach • Fulfilling your own sports needs through your child Five Positive Signs for Parents • Cheering for everybody • Appropriate role-modeling • Having appropriate boundaries with the coach • Knowing your role • Being a good listener/encourager

For more information regarding Sports Psychology, check out Dr. Ciarán Dalton’s web page at http://www.cdaltonpsychology.com/. To receive Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s Monthly Coaching E-Newsletter, The Evolving Game, visit EPYSA.org/about_us/newsletter

31

DRIBBLING FOR PENETRATION

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

WARM-UP Organization Each player has a ball and moves around the 20yd by 20yd grid.

Coaching Points • Correct surface of the foot

On commands from the coach they toe tap, change balls, use the sole of the foot, speed up, slow down, turn left, turn right and stop the ball.

• Using both feet

• Head up

GAUNTLET GAME Organization Gauntlet Set-up – Two players (defenders) are placed in the grid.

The team has a ball each and must try and dribble through the grid without the ball being touched by the defenders. It they dribble completely through to the end they score a point and must dribble back to the start again (outside the grid) and try to dribble through again – to score as many points as possible.

The game is one minute in length.

The defenders are changed with the dribbles in every new game.

Progression Add two defenders in the defensive grid.

Coaching Points • Head up • Moving into space • Change of speed and center back netting

TWO END ZONE GAME Organization Two end zones are added to the 20yd by 20yd grid. Players are split into two teams of three. A team scores by dribbling the ball into the end zone and stopping the ball.

Nobody without a ball is allowed into the end zone. If needed, add extra balls to increase touches on the ball.

Progression • Finish with a scrimmage – 4v4 no GK • Formation 1-2-1 • Laws of the game apply

Dating back to 1914, the U.S. Open Cup

permanently retired and remains at U.S.

is the oldest cup competition in United States soccer and is among the oldest

Soccer House in Chicago.

in the world. Open to all affiliated amateur and professional teams in the

Since the inception of the MLS in 1996, a MLS team has won the U.S. Open Cup

United States, the annual U.S. Open Cup is a 100-year-old single-elimination

every year, except in 1999 when USL Pro club, Rochester Raging Rhinos defeated

tournament.

the Colorado Rapids 2-0. This year’s

In a nutshell, the U.S. Open Cup is very similar to domestic cup competitions popular throughout Europe, South

Championship will include first-time finalists, the Philadelphia Union taking on the three-time champion, Seattle Sounders. The Sounders have been in

America and the rest of the world.

Cup competitions, which usually run

four of the last five Championships.

concurrent with a country’s league season, are open in the early stages to any club that can qualify; giving local amateur teams a chance to compete against the best teams a country has to

The Philadelphia Union will don their black and white third kits to pay tribute to Bethlehem Steel SC, a five-time champion of the Open cup. The club won in 1915, 1916, 1918, 1919, and 1926 making

offer.

them one of the most dominant in Open cup history.

The winning team of the U.S. Open Cup has their name engraved on the Dewar Challenge Trophy, which has been

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See Sebastien Le Toux, the all-time leading scorer in the modern era of the US Open Cup, take on USMNT captain Clint Dempsey.

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