The evolving game | november 2017

E M A G G N I V L O THE EV November, 2017

Issue 43 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Coaching Newsletter

Get Set …For New Grassroots Coaching Courses To Come In 2018 U.S. Soccer will be rolling out the new Grassroots Licenses as well as the new National D License in January of 2018. Here are the major changes and expectations coaches, especially recreation coaches, will find: A) A format that will guide new coaches with a simple training progression of play, practice, play; an explicit manual for all coaches who attend the course; coaching points and an abundance of exercises within the U.S. Soccer Digital Mike Barr Coaching Center realistic to coaches working with teams playing 4V4, 7V7, Eastern Pennsylvania 9V9 and 11V11 Youth Soccer Technical Director B) A more player and game driven environment C) A Grassroots Training Session Manual that will provide guidance for the coach throughout each training session D) Reflection and a book of experiences as the coach evaluates himself or herself on the following six tasks: training, coaching games and game management, leading the team, leading the player, developing a strong relationship with club administrators, fellow coaches and parents by managing the overall environment and developing leadership skills E) From 4V4 through the A License, the curriculum will contain those same tasks, as well as a continued curriculum that a coach will feel comfortable and be familiar with as they pursue further licensing F) Recognition of the key qualities of a soccer player G) A definitive road map for attacking, defending and transition

The game is the greatest teacher and this new curriculum will enable children to learn through the game and not the tedious drills or exercises so prevalent with many sessions I observe when watching rec. players and travel players at practice. The other objectives of the new curriculum will be helping players at all ability levels to develop a love for the game, as well as a drive to participate. If that objective is met we will not see the huge drop-out rate of players beginning at U12. U.S. Soccer’s Education Department is driven to make soccer the preeminent sport within the United States, to be enjoyed by players at any age.

Inside: An Interview

Aaron Jones & James Chambers

Saturday, November 11 at 6 PM.

Lincoln Financial Field

Liberia vs Sierra Leone Game Watcher NATIONAL TEAMS

Nov 12, 7:00PM WNT v Canada

EPL

MLS

COLLEGE

Nov 18, 7:30AM Leicester v Man City

Nov 4&5 Conference Semi-finals

Nov 9 PAC12 Championship

Nov 25, 12:30PM Liverpool v Chelsea

Nov 21&30 Conference Championship

Nov 12 ACC Championship

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MEET THE COACH

Professional players James Chambers & Aaron Jones work with Whitpain Recreation Association soccer One is an elder statesmen with Bethlehem Steel, the other a 23year-old who just completed his first professional season. Still, both James Chambers, 30, and Aaron Jones have found time to give back to one of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s local clubs. Chambers, a Dublin, Ireland native and 13-year veteran of professional soccer, started working with Whitpain Recreation Association in 2016.

He was joined this season by former Steel teammate Aaron Jones, now a free agent, who graduated from Clemson in 2016 after developing in the Ipswich Town Academy in England.

Chambers and Jones spoke with the Evolving Game prior to a recent training session with Whitpain.

How did you end up working with Whitpain?

James Chambers: Through a friend of ours last year—Ryan Richter, who knew one of those guys. I coach the U13’s here, and I enjoy it. And obviously I’ve been in touch with (Whitpain coach) Marisa (Pigeon) as well. She was just looking for someone to help coach the team. And it’s

something that we both enjoy and we’ve done in the past.

Thankfully we have the opportunity here. Most of the kids, I think 99 percent of the kids, are really, really good. They learn and listen to us type of thing. They find it a little difficult to understand us at times, but that’s understandable.

Aaron Jones: When I was at home through my scholarship with Ipswich, I did my Level 2 coaching badge. I’ve always had an interest in coaching. When I arrived, James had already been here a year, and he’d been in the coaching system with Whitpain, so I knew Marisa was looking for a coach. James thought I’d be a good fit. Marisa got in touch me, and I’ve been coming out here for a good few weeks now. I really enjoy it and it’s nice to work with some of the kids in the community and really develop their soccer skills.

Did you have an impression of the club when you got here and what is your perspective now, working at a club that is really community-based?

AJ: I didn’t have great knowledge, I’m not going to lie.

I’ve never heard of the area before. James had told me that kids were willing to learn and very keen on playing soccer.

They’ve got a good base of technical skills. I came out here and that’s basically what I’ve seen as well. The kids are very engaged when I’m coaching.

They want to learn the technical skills; they are of a good level. I’d s a y t h e b i g g e s t d i ff e r e n c e between the kids here and maybe in Europe is that the

tactical knowledge isn’t quite there. But I think that’s going to come in the next few years with good coaching and a good education from a young age.

JC: I’ve been here two years now, and the fields are always packed with kids. Always packed.

There are so many teams. It’s great to see the kids enjoying it. I think it’s a little bit different from Ireland or England. Everybody just plays soccer. Here, it’s a lot different. You’re competing with four or five different sports. So when we come, it’s important that —an hour and a half Tuesday and Thursday, maybe three times a week—it’s important that the kids just learn and most of all have fun and enjoy it. Because we are competing with other sports, and that’s the big thing for me. If they can get better three hours a week, at the end of the day, that’s 12 hours a month.

They’re far better doing that than not touching a ball. But the main thing is that—I’ve spoken to Marisa and Coach Mark (Chandler) about this—the kids are having fun and they’re developing. That’s it. That’s all we can ask for. Maybe some of them go on and develop at a different speed and go off and play elsewhere, a bigger club or so be it. But once they’re having fun that’s the main thing.

MEET THE COACH

James Chambers & Aaron Jones How much has the commitment been from you guys? During the season, how often were you out here and how often were you getting to games?

JC: It was pretty difficult for us at times. Both coaches, Mark and Marisa, have been phenomenal.

If we play a Friday evening game away, we travel on Thursday. So Thursday sessions for both of us were difficult to make. Some Tuesdays were tough. Mark and Marisa have been phenomenal.

Obviously, football is our job.

Coaching is kind of secondary to that. But at the moment, now that we have free time, we’re here as much as possible. We’re both getting to games on a regular basis. I was there Saturday.

Aaron was there Sunday. And to see what you’re putting into practice and training in a game, that’s the greatest pleasure you can get from coaching the kids, to be honest with you.

Aaron, you played at Ipswich Town, a pretty big club. How did you evaluate your path as you aged out of the academy?

AJ: In England, you really have two options: You go pro at 17 or 18, or you go into education.

There’s not really pathway that allows you to combine education with soccer. For me, once I heard about the experience of soccer in the collegiate game in America, it was a no-brainer. My mom and dad were very keen on me continuing my education.

Obviously coming to a school like Clemson in the ACC, got a good education and a good degree behind me now, and it also allowed me the platform for

me to continue my soccer career, which is what I’ve always dreamed of doing.

At what point this year, or even coming out of school, did you think “I might want to try coaching”?

AJ: I think you just have so much spare time as a professional athlete. It’s so important that you use that spare time correctly, to rest and recover. But also, it’s not being bored in the evening and to have something to fulfill you in the evenings. For me, Whtipain soccer has fulfilled that void.

Coming out here on Tuesday and Thursday, it gives me something to look forward to and develop my coaching skills and the kids’ skills as soccer players.

Have you guys talked to (Bethlehem Steel coach) Brendan Burke about this, or assistant coach Stephen Hogan, or any of the guys?

What’s the support been like from them?

JC: I speak to them regularly about it, what I’m doing out here.

Ultimately, soccer is all I know. I didn’t go to school. I’m a professional. I’ve devoted my life to it. I want to get in to the coaching side of things. It’s something that really interests me, and hopefully I get the opportunity to do that. It’s just a matter of I’m here and learning the ropes. I’m not going to lie, I’m making mistakes sometimes. I’m learning from them. I didn’t come out of the womb with a coaching license in my hand. I’m learning on the job. That’s exactly how it is.

James, were you expecting a leadership role coming into the Steel and how have you embraced it?

JC: Not originally when I first came in. It was something different than we had in mind. As time has kind of evolved, and stuff like that, it’s something that (Brendan and I) have spoken about. Now I know my role and responsibility in the group. That’s why I’ve committed to Steel long term. I quite enjoy it. I really kind of—I don’t know how to put it—I enjoy it. It’s a lot of fun for me to help the younger guys, because it’s nice to give back. I’ve been lucky enough to play with some really, really top players. It’s nice to learn from them, and even to give a little bit back, it’s nice. It’s really enjoyable.

MEET THE COACH James Chambers & Aaron Jones

If Auston Trusty, Derrick Jones, came to you—and asked, “James, what’s the best advice you can give me?” What would you say?

JC: I think you just have to devote everything to it. You have to be greedy at times, when it’s totally about the game and it’s about you getting better all the time. You’ve got to devote everything to it. At the end of the day, everyone wants to be a football player, or a soccer player. It’s not that easy.

It’s not as simple as showing up.

It’s a case of working hard, and if you devote your whole life to it, you’re definitely get your rewards.

The one common denominator I see with the Union’s technical staff, they’re all personable guys. And they let their players be themselves, which isn’t necessarily common in American sports. What does that do for you guys, as players, to have coaches that are willing to let you be yourself, willing to let you express yourself on and off the field?

AJ: I think you hit the nail on the head there. It just gives you the freedom of expression. There are certain tactics and formations that we play within. But it’s like, okay, once you’re out there you have the freedom and creativity to make your own decisions and hopefully make the right ones

more often than not. You’re obviously going to make mistakes, but that’s what the Steel is all about. It’s a platform where you can afford to make mistakes occasionally. You’re going to learn from them, grow from them and get better. They’ve been extremely supportive all year, the technical staff. I can’t say enough about them.

James, you’ve had a few more coaching staffs in your day, anything about this staff from the top down that you really like?

JC: Yeah, I just think there are so many different coaches within the Union and within the Steel. It’s important that each person has a different quality or a different trait to bring. It’s not about everyone coming together and doing one thing. Humans aren’t robots. We all have certain aspects, certain qualities, that are completely different. It’s important that our staff—which they do—allow us to go and express ourselves in each way. The difficult part for them, for everybody, is matching all of that together. That’s the hardest part for everybody. But they do a really, really good job. We have no complaints. We’re quite blessed. We’re running the system that both teams try and play, which is the bigger picture and what you need to do.

What are some other qualities that your favorite coaches have had? Or put another way, what are some qualities you didn’t like?

JC: There’s been so many coaches with so many different traits. Some really good man managers; they might not be that tactically aware or technically aware. Some may be really good

at the tactical side and as good hands on with you. To find that balance is the hard part. But I think the biggest and best thing that a manager can be, or a coach, is honest. As simple as that. If you can’t get honesty then you’re laughing. If you can tell a player straight up: listen, I don’t think you’re good enough. That player isn’t going to be happy with you, but at least you’re honest.

You might not fit the mold for him, but you’ll fit somewhere else. I think honesty is the be all and end all for a manager.

AJ: I like when the intensity is there in training, someone who can motivate and not only through shouting, but through their knowledge of the game and the ideas they’re trying to get across.

And echoing what James said about the man management side, I think it’s key. Not all individuals react to criticism the same way, when to put an arm around a player and when to really, you know, get into him and tell him he’s done something wrong and needs to be better.

MEET THE COACH James Chambers & Aaron Jones What does a training session with you look like?

JC: We’re competing with so many different sports, it’s important that we don’t come in and start telling the kids that we want them to play out from the back and all of this sort of stuff.

That’s something we do sporadically as it’s needed, but I think first and foremost, we need to get them on the ball straight away. Getting them technically better in the three hours we have is important. Most of our sessions will include a warm-up with the ball, some technical work, maybe some volleys, half-volleys, some chest and volleys, that sort of stuff. We’ll always do a passing drill because that’s important.

Then we’ll do some possession, and a little bit of finishing, which is always enjoyable. And 90 percent of the time we’ll finish with a scrimmage or a small-sided tournament, just to get them going

to goal. They’re going home happy. We try to give them pointers here and there. That’s a typical session.

Coaching Education in the United States, we’re constantly tinkering with it. How much do you know about it and how much are you looking to continue in it?

AJ: I’ve definitely looked into the structure of the U.S. Soccer Coaching Education system, comparing it and contrasting it to the badges you can take back in Europe with the UEFA licenses. I think it’s just important that you get as many coaches as possible with the highest education available. The more coaches you can get coming through who are highly educated, the better the kids are going to develop and eventually you get more and more quality players, pouring into the national teams, pouring into the

academies. That’s what it’s all about.

JC: I’ve been in a couple. I’ve gone on the C license, stuff like that back home. My next step is to get the B done, hopefully next year, either in the U.S. or back home in Europe. I’m not sure which way to go as of yet, because there’s toing and froing with regards to what’s better. I firmly believe the way Iceland has gone where they have educated coaches…they have far more educated coaches (by percentage) than they do in the U.S. Now Iceland is heading to the World Cup. It speaks volumes.

I think it’s vitally important. I’m not saying everyone needs to come out with a pro license, but you need to have some sort of qualification to give the kids the best possible chance of getting better.

Game photos courtesy of Bethlehem Steel FC

Philadelphia International Unity Cup: The Latest Chapter In City’s Great Soccer History Between the arrival of the postprocess Sixers and the exploits of Carson Wentz and the Eagles, Philadelphia is decidedly painted in shades of blue, red and midnight green.

The sports fans in the city are partying once again, reaffirming its stance as a haven for hoops and football. And, frankly, good teams or not, Philadelphia will always be, and has always been, a great basketball and football city. That reputation is national, not just local.

Philadelphia has also always been a great soccer city.

Perhaps it gets lost with the history of the other sports, or maybe the pathos of soccer doesn’t quite mesh with Rocky or the Broad Street Bullies, but Philadelphia’s standing as a leader in American soccer is strong. It goes back to the founding of the sport in this country and to the nation’s greatest soccer moment: upsetting England in the 1950 World Cup with a squad that included three members of the Philadelphia Nationals, Walter Bahr most famous among them.

Now, the city is redefining its relationship with the sport, or rather returning to its roots. Long after the German Hungarians and Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals established themselves in the Delaware Va l l e y, n e w i m m i g r a n t populations are taking to the pitch. The Philadelphia International Unity Cup debuted in 2016, spurred on by Mayor Jim Kenney, with Ivory Coast taking the inaugural title. On Saturday, November 11, Liberia will face in Sierra Leone for the 2017 championship at Lincoln Financial Field.

In just two years the Unity Cup has become a highlight of the

Philadelphia soccer calendar as well as the soccer calendar at large. No other city in the United States puts on a tournament like it, at least not at this scale. Part of the appeal of the Unity Cup is in discovering how many immigrant populations call Philadelphia home: Bhutan entered team as did Togo and Myanmar. Africa by itself is represented by 14 different nations.

The amount of diversity is incredible, but so too is the soccer. Many of these teams compete regularly outside the Unity Cup, and the intensity of the World Cup-style competition raises their level of play. Last year’s final produced a dramatic 90 minutes at Citizens Bank Park despite the smaller pitch size. With a full field at Lincoln Financial Field, not to mention a d e e p e r fi e l d o f t e a m s , Saturday’s championship match promises to set the bar even higher.

Of course, it’s not just about that. Soccer is one of the few great unifiers in the world. And as debate rages on immigration at a national level, Philadelphians can point to the Unity Cup as a celebration of diversity and embracing new Philadelphians as Philadelphians just the same.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is lucky enough to be a part of the festivities as the presenter and sponsor of the Fair Play Award. There will be a winner from each group as well as an overall winner. The state association has also worked closely with administrators from the Office of Immigration and Department of Parks and Recreation to run clinics for the youth of these immigrant populations. A Unity Youth

Dillon Friday Sports Journalist Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Marketing Coordinator

League has been established as well. What we’ve seen with our involvement is what we’ve always known: soccer is alive and well in this city, and new neighborhoods are eager to take up the game.

That’s important to remember as we move forward. In the last several years, Philadelphia has hosted Gold Cup and Copa America Centenario matches.

The U.S. Women’s National Team has been here for the CONCACAF Championships and friendlies. This December, the Men’s College Cup comes to Talen Energy Stadium. But it’s events like the Philadelphia International Unity Cup that add new chapters to the city’s soccer history.

Created by Stephanie Gover

Last Update: Jul 27, 2017

TRAINING SESSION: DRIBBLING TO SET A PASS Objectives To improve passing from #11 and #7 after dribbling on attack.

Warm-up: Dribble to Pass Players 5 caps, 5 balls Intensity: 4 18:00 min (3 x 05:00 min, 01:00 min rest)

Coaching Points Dribbling with head up. Accurate passing.

First Touch on Receiving.

Description Groups of 3 players. Cone in each group set at 25 yards. First player in each line dribbles around cone. After getting 5 yards back around cone, player passes to the next player in line and sprints to the back of the line. Next player repeats. Go for 5 minutes then player must touch ball around cone with outside of dominate foot. After 5 minutes switch to dribble and passing with non-dominate foot.

Small-Sided Activity: 3 v 2 Dribbling to Set a Pass 3v2 8 cones, 1 ball Intensity: 5 15:00 min (1 x 15:00 min, 00:00 min rest)

Coaching Points Accuracy and Pace of Pass. First Touch.

Movement off the ball.If drill becomes too easy, change to 3 v 3 adding, 1 defensive player.

Description 20 W x 30 L field. 2 Cones for goals. 2 goals on each end line on opposite sides.Offense has 3 players. Defense has 2 players.Offense scores by dribbling or passing through a goal to a teammate.

Offense should look to find the #10 player for give and go. Offense should dribble but determine when to pass when pressured by defense.Defense can score by dribbling

Expanded Activity: 5 v 5 Dribbling to Set a Pass Coaching Points First Touch. Check in to Receive the ball.

Accurate Passing. Dribbling and passing before heavy pressure.

5v5 1 Large Goal, 2 Mini-Goals, 1 Ball, 5 Blue Pinnies, 5 Red Pinnies Intensity: 6 26:00 min (2 x 10:00 min, 03:00 min rest)

Description 5 Offense, 5 Defense.#10 will start with ball and dribble up field. Other offensive players should be moving off the ball to create a pass from #10. Offense dribbles and creates passes to shoot on large goal. If Defense wins possession of ball they can score in mini-goals. Offense #10 restarts with ball after each goal from the end line with the mini-goals.

Game: 6 v 6 Dribbling to Set a Pass Coaching Points Dribbling into space. Check to receive pass.

Movement off the ball. First touch. Passing Accuracy.

6v6 2 large goals, 1 ball, 6 Blue Pinnies, 6 Red Pinnies Intensity: 7 39:00 min (3 x 10:00 min, 03:00 min rest)

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Description 6 offense, 6 defense.Offensive goalie starts with ball and rolls out to #10. Players move off the ball to create space for a pass from #10. Offense should dribble and pass when pressure is heavy. #11 and #7 should create give and go opportunities to score on big goal. If Defense gains possession of ball, they can counter attack at opposing big goal.

Created by Willie Whitty

Last Update: Oct 11, 2017

TRAINING SESSION: IMPROVING BUILD UP FROM THE MIDDFIELD THIRD TO THE ATTACKING THIRD IMPLEMENTATION PHASE

Objectives The goal is to the in middle third of the field, improve the build up of the offensive team to unbalance the defensive side and create passing lanes and channels of penetration to create scoring chance and opportunities by high tempo ball movement, positive runs by the midfield and outside backs and good hold up play by the attacking players to delay the

Improving build up from the middfield third to the attacking third of the field. "Warm Up" Players 8 cones to establish the boundaries Intensity: 6 12:00 min (3 x 03:00 min, 01:00 min rest)

Coaching Points Tempo of play is important as the ball should move in 2 - 3 touches of receiving it. Maintaining the space of the positions is important as it helps to create passing lanes through defensive pressure.

Anticipating forward movement with penetrating passes which will help to establish the offensive in the attack area of the field along with create passing opportunities around the defensive players.

Description In a 35 x 35 yd box the players are aligned such that the midfielders and backs are on

Improving build up from the middfield third to the attacking third of the field. Orientation Phase 8v8 3 Goals, balls, ppinnies to differentiate teams Intensity: 8 19:00 min (3 x 07:00 min, 02:30 min rest)

Coaching Points Tempo of play (2 - 3) touches by the players will help to unbalance the defense and not allow them to squeeze the offensive team and keep passing lanes open.Supportive runs forward to help build the attack by the outside back will create offensive options that should lead to creating more chances in the attack.Go forward. Even while trying to posses the ball, the penetrating pass is key to putting the defense under pressure and not allowing them to get comfortable.

Description In a playing are of 40 x 60 yds there will

Improving build up from the middfield third to the attacking third "Implementation phase" 10 v 9 1 large goal 3 small goals playing area of 75 yds x 65 yds Intensity: 8 35:00 min (2 x 15:00 min, 05:00 min rest)

Coaching Points Tempo of play: encouraging players to pass the ball within 2 - 3 touches of receiving it to keep defensive players unbalanced and unable to compact their lines.Offensive spacing: the attacking players maintaining their special discipline in order to spread the defense a part and expose the passing lanes and channels of penetration.

Description In a playing area that is 75 yds by 65 yds wide the attacking team of 10 players is going towards the "Game Size" goal. The defense team of 8 players and a goalie are

Full Sided Match Improving Build up 11 v 11 1 Ball 2 Game size nets and full field Intensity: 10 25:00 min (2 x 20:00 min, 05:00 min rest)

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Coaching Points Tempo and speed of play through 2 - 3 touch play. Spacing of the offensive team to expose passing lanes and channels along with taking chances to move the ball forward into the attack.

Description On a full sided field 120 yds x 65 yds have two 11 v 11 teams to play with standard soccer rules with a focus on building through the midfield with numbers to unbalance the defense into the attacking third of the field.