Mass Youth Soccer Workshop in association
with the New England Revolution
Workshop Parking Map
Donate a new sports bra at: Mass Youth Soccer Workshop - FEB 7 Via Amazon Wish List - Feb 1- Mar 15 https://a.co/63068cB OR Text: MYSA To: 44321
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The Sports Bra Project (TSBP) mission is to increase access to sports, and to normalize the needs and experiences of female athletes at all levels of play and in all areas of sports.
It is a global community effort that makes this project possible. To date organizations, teams, and individuals have hosted a combines 250 sports bra collection and fundraising events These events provide new sports bras to programs that increase sports participation opportunities in communities where the lack of access to a sports bra can be a barrier to sports participation.
The Sports Bra Project (TSBP) is a US based 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to supporting access and athletes in all sports around the world thesportsbraproject.org
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THANK YOU TO OUR VENDORS!
SARAH DACEY
Field Session: Creating and Exploiting Numbers-Up Scenarios
This session builds players’ understanding of how to create and exploit numbers-up moments (2v1s and 3v2s) in possession and in transition. Beginning with a small group possession warm-up, the players will progress into a continuous 3v2, emphasizing how to create and finish in 2v1 situations. The progression will lead into a larger possession “Crossing Game” where players will generate numbers up scenarios with an emphasis on crossing and finishing.
Bio: In just her second year as the head coach for Bentley women’s soccer, Sarah Dacey led the program to its second-ever NCAA Championship berth. That 2025 squad went undefeated at home, and the Falcons placed five AllNortheast 10 honorees.
Through two seasons, Dacey holds a 13-11-11 record at Bentley. The Framingham native is a three-time NCAA champion and former All-American at North Carolina, where she was a four-year starter for legendary coach Anson Dorrance.
Before Bentley, Dacey led successful programs at Curry College, Barry University, Babson College, and Hingham High School, compiling a collegiate head coaching record of 110-58-29 (.649). Her teams have consistently earned postseason berths, conference titles, and academic honors.
A former professional player with the Carolina Courage and Boston Breakers, Dacey also represented the U.S. U-20 National Team and earned All-America honors in both soccer and lacrosse at UNC She holds NSCAA Advanced National and USSF C coaching licenses.
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Creating Overloads - 3v2 emphasis
Presented by: Sarah Dacey
Category: Academy: Attacking transition game
Difficulty: Moderate
Warm-Up 10 Minute dynamic warm-up 1 Warm
up
"2v2 Lightening" 2 teams line up opposite of each other Coach has pod of balls to distribute Grid is 15 x 15 2v2 inside the grid. The objective is for players to advance the ball forward to their teammates on opposite cone. If they do that successfully, they get a point. Anytime they pass the ball, they exit the grid and a new player comes into the grid. they can pass backward to reset and maintain possession(no point). Every time they pass the ball, they must exchange players Points of emphasis- The players inside the grid are looking to pass and move, combine around the defenders, recognize when they have the time and space to pass, find their teammates on opposite cone Transition to defense once their is s turnover Defensively, emphasis on communication, pressure cover, tackling, and transition to offense once there is a turnover Transition is key Looking for quick ball movement, creativity, defensive organization, and ambition to win first team to 10 wins Play multiple rounds 10-12 minutes
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"3v2 Continuous"-Objective is offensively to create overloads but recognizing the 2v1 scenario. Quick ball movement, recognition, creating the overload with movement, overlaps, etc
Defensively, pressure, cover, communication and isolate attacking players into a 2v2. Two teams. Big goals are double 18. Coach has the pod of balls in the center of the drill. 2 defenders and 2 attacking players in opposite zones. Coach plays a ball into attacking players. Third player joins into the 2v2 making it a 3v2. attacking players looking to find extra pass and create the 2v1. Quick ball movement, recognition, and creating the #'s up scenario once shot, goal, or miss happens, Coach immediately plays other teams attacking players in opposite zone and third player joins to make ti 3v2 Players stay for time After 2 5 minutes, rotate attacking and defensive players in zone Play to 20, play to win
"Crossing Game" Field is divided into 2 zones 3v2 in each zone 2 "Bumpers" on outside of attacking teams zone. Ball starts with GK every time. GK can't play wide players. Can only play opposite zone attacking players, and defenders. Players are creating the 2v1 in the attacking zone they can use bumpers to maintain possession, or for crosses in the box Emphasis on timing proper runs in bos, scoring, moving ball, finding extra man 2 minute games Keep score then rotate
"West Ham" 4 v4 unlimted on the inside Free play Going to goal Attacking team has "bumpers" and "targets" ONLY in the attacking end Players with the ball can utilize the bumpers and targets to create overloads on the attacking half of the field. Combination play, 2v1's, third man runners. Free play with bumpers and targets. Goal is to score and win. by utilizing the overloads. 2 minutes games, Rotate and play to win
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THOMAS GRØNNEMARK
Throw In Academy
Classroom Session: How to Win a Match with a Throw-in
Thomas Grønnemark will, in his Mass Youth Soccer Workshop, do a throw-in talk and coaching on the pitch. The talk is called “How to Win a Match with a Throw-in,” and here you get the secrets to having throw-in success with your team.
During the talk, you will hear about the biggest throw-in mistakes players make, how players can improve their throw-in actions, and how coaches should coach the throw-ins.
The talk will be illustrated with models and clips from Liverpool FC
Field Session: The Fast and Clever Throw-in Session
Thomas is working with his “Long, Fast and Clever Throw-in philosophy” in his professional clubs around the world. In this on-pitch session, he will show how you as a coach can work with throw-ins at all levels of soccer.
The focus will be on the fast and clever throw-in, and the intensity will go from low to high. The coaches can use the drills to build up a full throw-in session, and the single drills can also be used in different parts of normal soccer training.
Bio: Thomas Grønnemark is a professional throw-in coach and has been part of 15 titles in international soccer – including the Premier League and Champions League trophies. He’s coached clubs like Liverpool FC, Dortmund, and Philadelphia Union, and is working with his “Long, Fast and Clever Throw-in philosophy,” where he tailormakes the coaching to the club’s playing style and formation.
Thomas Grønnemark
T H R O WI N D I L L S M A S S Y O U T H Throw-in basics Throw-in intervalgame
Returnpass+good distanceBigspace+side passBasicspacecreation
-5vs5+goalkeepersonbig goals
NOAH BUSHÉY
New England Revolution Academy
Field Session: Creating and Finishing the Attack
Bio:
Hometown: Spokane, WA
Played 3 years for the Colorado Rush DA
Played college soccer at University of New Mexico, Florida Gulf Coast University, and Gonzaga University
Been at the New England Revolution for going on 2 years now
Serve as the U13 Head Coach & a Residency House Guardian for Academy
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION PRO PATHWAY TRAINING
SESSION
Presenter:NoahBushéy
Receivingontherun drving bodyshape; scannng;fnshing kneesbent;arrveundercontrol blockng
PATRICK FÄHNRICH
Association Sports Instructor & Coach
Educator - Württembergischer Fußballverband (wfv)
Field Session: Joy, Intensity & Repetition – The German Training Approach: Win the Ball. Score a Goal.
Bio: Patrick Fähnrich is an association sports instructor and coach educator specializing in youth coaching concepts, coach development, and training design. He is passionate about creating engaging learning environments and connecting theory with on-field practice
ALEXANDER STOPPEL
Association Sports Instructor & Coach EducatorWürttembergischer Fußballverband (wfv)
Field Session: Joy, Intensity & Repetition – The German Training Approach: Win the Ball. Score a Goal.
Bio: Alexander Stoppel is an association sports instructor and coach educator with extensive experience in coach education, youth development, and modern training methodologies. His work focuses on player-centered coaching, game-based learning, and long-term development structures. Passionate about developing young talent and empowering coaches with modern training strategies Helping Coaches & Kids Succeed
Presented by: Alexander Stoppel and Patrick Fähnrich
Association (wfv), part of the DFB, oversees around 600,000 members across approximately 1,700 clubs A key focus of our work is talent development and the training and education of coaches, ensuring the sustainable growth of football in Württemberg Our distinctive strength lies in a clear training and playing philosophy, emphasizing a ball-oriented, offensive style of play with a strong focus on scoring goals
Demo Session
This session is based on the Game Competence Model (Communication-Decision-Execution), aiming to develop autonomous decision-makers through game-realistic training We intentionally generate repeated game scenarios to build tactical security and technical proficiency In line with our philosophy, the 1v1 duel is treated as the foundation of the game; by mastering these individual battles, we create overloads near the ball and generate scoring opportunities Furthermore, we integrate Football Fitness (older youth to senior players) directly into these game forms, using high-intensity actions and short, explosive sequences to develop sportspecific endurance and physical robustness within a tactical context
To support this development, we deliberately employ diverse coaching styles We balance direct instruction for technical precision with guided discovery and targeted questioning This methodological mix ensures that players not only execute skills but also understand the underlying tactical solutions, fostering their growth into independent thinkers on the pitch
Specific Warm-up (Müller v Messi)
Procedure and Organization:
For the warm-up phase, players are organized into pairs, with each player having a ball The exercise begins with shadow dribbling, where both pitches are active simultaneously On a specific signal from the coach, the exercise immediately transitions into a 1v1 situation
Variations:
- Scoring options
- From 1v1 to 2v2 to 3v3
Coaching Points (ball-winners) and Objectives:Apply pressure, reduce space and time - Win the tackle - Identify the dominant foot, force the weak side - Anticipate intentions Win the Ball. Score a goal!
Main Part 1 – Play
Procedure and Organization:
Twin-Pitch Game The session is organized on twin pitches running simultaneously On the large field (30x20m), teams compete in a 4v4 including goalkeepers, where goals are only valid if scored from beyond finishing zone Meanwhile, on the small field (25x18m), players compete in a 2v2 focused on dribbling Points are scored by dribbling into the finishing zones, which only become active once the ball is carried inside. For all restarts, players must pass or dribble the ball in On the coach's signal, the teams rotate between the two fields to switch formats
Variations:
- Flying changes (other pitch)
- Goal-player constraints
- Offside rules
- Additional points
Coaching Points (ball-winners) and Objectives: - Apply pressure, reduce space, time, speed and passing options (cover shadow) - Anticipate and intercept the pass or win the tackle - Control and close the goal lanes
Winthe Ball Score a goal!
Alexander Stoppel | a.stoppel@wuerttfv.de
Patrick Fähnrich | p.faehnrich@wuerttfv.de Instagram| wfv_insta Website| www.wuerttfv.de
Main Part 1 – Repetition Procedure and Organization:
The training transitions into a series of isolated 1v1/2v2 and 3v3 duels involving goal-players, designed to maximize individual technical and tactical repetitions The start is on the finishing line Scoring is regulated and only permitted once the designated attacking player has entered the finishing zone The winners move up the losers move down
Variations:
- Changes (other pitch)
- Time constraints
- Bonus scoring rule (win possession in opponent´s half) Coaching Points (ball-winners) and Objectives:
- Apply pressure, reduce space, time, speed and passing options (cover shadow)
- Win the tackle (Position, Moment, Direction, Speed/ Surfer stance and distance to the opponent)
- Control and close the goal lanes
- Focus the ball
Win the Ball. Score a goal!
Main Part 2 – Play
Description: This phase is a direct repeat of the previous block (Main part 1 – Play) to allow players to apply the feedback/ coaching/ experience received during the first Repetition block
Final Part – Shootout
Procedure and Organization:
The session concludes with a high-intensity 2v2 (without fixed goal-player) Penalty
Shootout as the final game form, with a primary focus on winning the ball Possession alternates with every attack, and players are restricted to forward dribbling or passing
However, the real emphasis lies on the ball-winners: once they successfully win the ball, they are immediately allowed to launch a counter-attack To ensure high pace, goals must be scored from within the designated end zone and each round must be completed within 10 to 15 seconds This forces ball-winners to hunt the ball aggressively and transition instantly to finish
Variations:
-Pass and dribbling constraints (only 2 passes)
-Time constraints
-Bonus scoring rule (winning the ball in the opponent´s half and scoring earns 2 points)
Coaching Points (ball-winners) and Objectives:
-Apply pressure, reduce space, time, speed and passing options (cover shadow)
-Win the tackle (Position, Moment, Direction, Speed)
-Control and close the goal lanes
-Surfer stance and distance to the opponent
-Focus the ball
Win the Ball Score a goal!
Allresults are added up throughout the session. The winning team earns 3 points after each training block. This scoring keeps the intensity high and strengthens the players' mental focus
Alexander Stoppel | a.stoppel@wuerttfv.de
Patrick Fähnrich | p.faehnrich@wuerttfv.de
Instagram| wfv_insta Website| www.wuerttfv.de
MATT CROCKER
Sporting Director - U.S. Soccer
Bio: Matt Crocker is U.S. Soccer’s Sporting Director where he oversees the Federation’s entire Sporting Department, focusing on the Men’s and Women’s National Team programs, Youth National Teams, and the Extended National Teams Matt is responsible for setting U S Soccer’s sporting vision, overseeing the performance of all national teams, implementing the technical development plan, developing sporting culture, philosophy, ensuring greater communication, and the sharing of best practices
The former English Football Association Head of Development Teams and Southampton Director of Football Operations brought more than 25 years of experience in player development and coaching to U.S. Soccer. Matt helped the FA establish the “England DNA,” the playing and coaching styles within the national team setups. His leadership at the English FA coincided with the resurgence of their Youth National Teams. He helped design and implement organizational and development blueprints for both the men and women from the U-15 girls and boys up through the full Men’s and Women’s National Teams. During his time as the Strategic & Cultural Lead, which included National Teams and Coaching Education, England captured both the 2017 FIFA Under-17 and Under-20 World Cup titles. Two years later, England won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
Renowned for its player development model, during Matt’s initial tenure from 2006-2013 at Southampton, he served as Academy Manager and oversaw the development of future international stars like Gareth Bale, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luke Shaw and James Ward-Prowse. Matt was fundamental in creating and implementing the ‘SFC Playbook’, driving alignment with game model, training model, and position-specific characteristics delivered throughout the academy to the First Team
Matt also played a critical role in the development and success of Southampton FC Women, converting the program from part-time to a fully professional team that rose from the FA National League to the Women’s Championship in only two years.
A native of Wales, he holds a UEFA Pro License, the FA Technical Directors License, the FA Academy Manager’s license and has an Honours Bachelor of Science in Sport Pedagogy.
ALLISON REID
Senior Director of Sporting StrategyU.S. Soccer
Bio: Allison Reid is Senior Director of Sporting Strategy at U.S. Soccer, focusing on major initiatives to elevate team success and player development. Prior to joining U.S. Soccer, she was a management consultant at McKinsey. Allison holds a BA from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Dartmouth College.
RANDY WALDRUM
Technical Director - University of Pittsburgh
Classroom Session: Creating a Game Model: A Framework for Coaching Clarity and Consistency
The session to include a playing philosophy, our teaching methodology, and video analysis of the end product
Bio: Randy Waldrum has built a four-decade coaching career across collegiate, professional, and international soccer. He ranks among the top six winningest coaches in NCAA Division I women’s soccer history with over 400 career wins and is a two-time NCAA National Champion at Notre Dame (2004, 2010), leading the Irish to eight Final Four appearances, ten Big East regular-season titles, five Big East Coach of the Year awards, and four National Coach of the Year honors. He also guided Baylor University to its first Big XII Championship in any sport and transformed the University of Pittsburgh women’s program into a national contender, highlighted by its first ACC and NCAA Tournament appearances in 2022 and a 2023 Elite Eight run with a #6 national ranking. Internationally, Waldrum served as Head Coach of the Nigeria Women’s National Team (2020–2024), leading the Super Falcons to the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, CAF National Women’s Team of the Year honors in 2023 and 2024, and qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics after a 16-year absence. His résumé also includes head coaching roles with Trinidad & Tobago, the U.S. U-23 Women’s National Team, and the Houston Dash of the NWSL, along with service as President of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. He holds UEFA and U.S. Soccer “A” Licenses and is a 2026 inductee into the United Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame.
TOMMY GEIS
Technical Director - Mass Youth Soccer
Bio: Tommy Geis joined us in 2010 after spending twenty years as an Assistant Director of Coaching in Western PA and four years, as a Director of Coaching for an Anchorage, AK club. He holds his USSF A License and National Youth License. Tommy earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Communications in 1992 from La Roche College in Pittsburgh. He has worked as a coach in both the Alaska and PA West Olympic Development Programs and has worked as an ODP Staff Coach at the regional level in both Region II and IV In 2012-13, Tommy is the Head Coach of the Massachusetts Youth Soccer ODP Under 13 (2008) Boys teams.
DAVID NOLAN
PT, DPT, MS, OCS, SCS, CSCS
Director of Continuing EducationBay State Physical Therapy
Classroom Session: Staying in the Game: Reducing Injuries, Elevating Performance in Soccer Presented by Bay State Physical Therapy and MCR Chiropractic
Presentation objective(s):
Review common injuries in soccer athletes
Identify key risk factors in the soccer athlete contributing to injury
Demonstrate effective dynamic warm up strategies to reduce injury risk
Provide practical tools coaches and athletes can implement pre-game or in training
Bio: Dr. Nolan is an Associate Clinical Professor at Northeastern University in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. He is also a Lecturer at Harvard Medical School in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Division. David is a Clinical Specialist at the Mass General Sports Physical Therapy Service and the Director of the Mass General Hospital / Northeastern University Sports Physical Therapy Residency Program.
David is a board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and Sports Clinical Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. In 2019 Dr. Nolan was the recipient of the Lynn Wallace Clinical Educator award from the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy. He is a past recipient of the “Excellence in Clinical Teaching” award from the New England Consortium of Academic Coordinators of Clinical Education as well as the award for Outstanding Achievement in Clinical Practice by the Massachusetts Chapter of the APTA. In 2022, Dr. Nolan received the Richard Kessler Memorial Award from the APTA of Massachusetts. Dr. Nolan was also presented with the APTA Academy of Physical Therapy Education Distinguished Mentor in Residency/Fellowship Education Award in 2022.
REBEKAH ROULIER
Managing Director - Doc Wayne
Classroom Session: Juggling It All: Coach Mental Health and Wellness Amidst Competing Demands
Coaches often serve as mentors, motivators, and role models, balancing the needs of their athletes, teams, and communities all while managing their own well being and personal lives. This interactive workshop explores the mental health challenges that come with “juggling it all” in coaching and youth development management roles. Through a trauma-informed lens, participants will:
Identify common stressors and mental health risks faced by coaches and youth serving professionals
Learn practical, evidence-informed strategies to support personal wellbeing while sustaining effectiveness, connection, and their own performance as a coach and a person
Explore tools for setting boundaries, managing burnout, and fostering supportive team cultures that prioritize care, for both athletes and the adults who guide them.
Bio: Rebekah Roulier, LMHC, serves as the Managing Director of Doc Wayne, where she leads strategic partnerships, organizational communications, and initiatives that expand awareness and access points to Doc Wayne’s unique suite of service offerings. Rebekah began her journey at Doc Wayne in 2011, initially working as a coach during the organization’s early days, when it operated as a therapeutic and competitive athletic league within residential treatment programs. Drawing upon those formative experiences as both a clinician and coach, she supported and led respectively the design of some of Doc Wayne’s most influential programs, including Chalk Talk® Sport-Based Therapy, Kids & COVID, and The Champions Network®.
A lifelong athlete and advocate, Rebekah is a former two-sport NCAA Division I student-athlete and college soccer coach. Her experience in sport heightened her awareness of the mental health challenges many athletes face. This inspired her to pursue clinical training, earning both an Ed.M. and a CAGS in Counseling—with a sub-concentration in Sports Psychology—from Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education and Human Development
BENNY AMES
Learning Coordinator - Doc Wayne
Classroom Session: Juggling It All: Coach Mental Health and Wellness Amidst Competing Demands
Coaches often serve as mentors, motivators, and role models, balancing the needs of their athletes, teams, and communities all while managing their own well being and personal lives. This interactive workshop explores the mental health challenges that come with “juggling it all” in coaching and youth development management roles
Through a trauma-informed lens, participants will:
a.Identify common stressors and mental health risks faced by coaches and youth serving professionals
b.Learn practical, evidence-informed strategies to support personal wellbeing while sustaining effectiveness, connection, and their own performance as a coach and a person.
c Explore tools for setting boundaries, managing burnout, and fostering supportive team cultures that prioritize care, for both athletes and the adults who guide them.
Bio: Benny serves as the Learning Coordinator at Doc Wayne, where he is a Champions Network® team member, focusing on educating sports coaches and youth development professionals on Trauma Informed practices, creating safe spaces and mental health topics Benny has been at Doc Wayne since August 2023, starting as an intern before joining the team as a full time staff member after graduating with his Master’s in Social Work at Boston University. Prior to BU and Doc Wayne, Benny earned his Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Westfield State University.
Benny has worked with youth in several different roles throughout his educational and professional career. He started as a camp counselor in high school and in college, volunteered as an assistant soccer coach, interned as an elementary school adjustment counselor as well as supported Doc Wayne’s Sport Based Therapy and Recess programs.
TOM CONDONE
CEO - U.S. Youth Soccer
Classroom Session: From Research to Reality: How the Game Format Project Is Reimagining Grassroots Soccer for Ages 4–6
Tom Condone will provide the background of the Game Format Project, outlining its origins, purpose, and connection to national player development priorities. Chris Bentley will then share where the project stands today, including current implementation, data collection, and insights from the first cohorts. Each year, a new group of clubs is selected to participate as a cohort, creating a growing network of clubs helping shape how the game is played and learned at the youngest ages This session will give attendees a clear understanding of the project and how they can get involved in shaping the future of the grassroots game
Bio: Tom Condone is the Chief Executive Officer of US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sports organization in the country, where he leads the strategic direction and daily operations of the organization in collaboration with 54 State Associations and key national partners. He holds a U.S. Soccer A License, Educator License, and Club Technical Leadership License, and has coached at every level of the youth game, from grassroots to elite national programs. This depth of experience gives him a rare, full-spectrum perspective on player development and drives his ability to keep soccer and the players themselves at the center of every strategic decision, uniting the landscape and advancing the game nationwide.
CHRIS BENTLEY
Director of Education -
U.S. Youth Soccer
Classroom Session: From Research to Reality: How the Game Format Project Is Reimagining Grassroots Soccer for Ages 4–6
Tom Condone will provide the background of the Game Format Project, outlining its origins, purpose, and connection to national player development priorities Chris Bentley will then share where the project stands today, including current implementation, data collection, and insights from the first cohorts. Each year, a new group of clubs is selected to participate as a cohort, creating a growing network of clubs helping shape how the game is played and learned at the youngest ages. This session will give attendees a clear understanding of the project and how they can get involved in shaping the future of the grassroots game.
Bio: Chris Bentley is the Director of Education for US Youth Soccer, where he leads national initiatives in coach education, talent identification, and grassroots programming across all 54 State Associations. He holds a U.S. Soccer A License, Educator License, Educator Developer License, and Club Technical Leadership License, along with a Master’s in Education. A former state association executive and experienced coach at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels, MLS youth academies, and grassroots programs, Chris brings a unique perspective that connects “The U.S. Way” Player Development Framework to real-world coaching and player development.
SKYE EDDY
Founder - Soccer Parenting
Classroom Session: Establishing a Sense of Community & Collaboration with Parents to Promote Player Development and Health
Parents, coaches, and leaders collaborating supports player development and health. In sport, knowledge on how coaches and parents can successfully coordinate their behavior and work together to inspire players is lacking.
Soccer Parenting is here to help. Attendees will walk away with a plan for steps they can take on their teams and clubs to establish a sense of community and cooperation
Bio: Skye is the founder of Soccer Parenting and The Sideline Project, aimed at engaging parents to make youth sports better. Skye is a sought after speaker for parents, coaches, clubs and players. A former professional player, Skye was a collegiate and youth All-American goalkeeper, Defensive MVP of the NCAA Final Four (1993) and State Champion track athlete. Skye has coached extensively at the grassroots, youth, and collegiate levels. An MBA graduate of the University of Richmond, Skye has earned her USSF “B” License, the National Goalkeeper License and is a Coach Educator for U.S. Soccer and United Soccer Coaches.
IAIN MARTIN
Certified Trainer - Positive Coaching
Alliance / Regional ManagerNew England Revolution Academy
Classroom Session: Developing Competitors and Mental Wellness through Positive Coaching
This workshop provides coaches with tools to create a positive sports environment that encourages athlete mental wellness. It does not provide tools for diagnosing or treating your athletes who may be struggling with their mental health.
Topics Covered: • Building trusting relationships • Coaching for skill development • Creating a positive and supportive environment • Competing with dignity
In addition to advice from pro coaches and athletes, the workshop content includes: • Research-based insights from experts in coaching, education, mental wellness, and sports psychology • Hands-on training in field-tested, practical, proven tips and tools that coaches can implement simply – but with profound results • The application of PCA tools and principles through activities and discussions to equip coaches to handle common challenges in youth sports
Bio: Iain Martin has a wide variety of experience in sport ranging from professional to youth development – specializing in soccer. Iain has had the experience of working in and around professional athletes at soccer clubs in England, as well as working with youth Academy teams at clubs such as Crystal Palace FC. In the United States, Iain has led programs spanning the nation and more concentrated community organizations; valuing and nurturing cultures and environments to help develop people as well as players. Currently, Iain is a soccer leader as Regional Manager for the New England Revolution Academy.
DR. SARI ROSE
Soccer ForwardSenior Manager Growth
Classroom Session: Stronger Together: Supporting Soccer at Schools: U.S. Soccer and Soccer Forward are engaging with clubs and community organizations to support soccer programs in schools across the country. After launching the Resource Hub and Soccer at Schools Starter Kit, U.S. Soccer is now working with organizations to pilot programs around the country to continue to develop best practices to grow in the game in communities. This session will provide information on Soccer Forward initiatives around schools and other community engagements.
Bio: Dr. Sari Rose served as the Interim Chief Soccer Officer for US Youth Soccer prior to joining U.S. Soccer. She was instrumental in launching various grassroots initiatives that supported the growth of the game, coaching education and the creation of the Grassroots Symposium In addition to her role on the Growth Team, she is also a coach educator and coach educator developer for U.S. Soccer.
NORA DOOLEY
Soccer Forward - Director of Impact Programs
Classroom Session: Stronger Together: Supporting Soccer at Schools: U.S. Soccer and Soccer Forward are engaging with clubs and community organizations to support soccer programs in schools across the country. After launching the Resource Hub and Soccer at Schools Starter Kit, U.S. Soccer is now working with organizations to pilot programs around the country to continue to develop best practices to grow in the game in communities. This session will provide information on Soccer Forward initiatives around schools and other community engagements
Bio: Nora has worked in the sport-for-development sector since graduating from Columbia University in 2012 after 4 years on the pitch. Starting with Grassroot Soccer in South Africa, she then spent the next decade at Coaches Across Continents supporting community-based organizations through coach education, curriculum innovation, and organizational development. She later joined Soccer Without Borders as Director of SWB Assist, leading global capacity-building partnerships with professional clubs and local organizations. In June 2025, Nora began working with the U.S. Soccer Federation and the Soccer Forward Foundation, contributing to national efforts to expand access to equity-centered soccer programming in the lead-up to the 2026 Men’s World Cup and beyond. Passionate about shifting inequitable systems in sport, she brings deep experience using play to foster safer, healthier, and more inclusive communities, speaks Brazilian Portuguese and Spanish, and remains an active player and supporter of the game.
DOUGLAS MARQUES
Director of Admissions & Enrollment
Support - The Shirley Aninias School
Classroom Session: Play for Everyone: Universal Design that Elevates Players, Coaches, and Outcomes
What if the key to meaningful player engagement wasn’t found in a specific curriculum or coaching methodology, but instead in a shift in how we set up the environment? This workshop will introduce the concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how it can be used as a powerful framework for creating environments where all players can thrive. Participants will explore how a player-centered approach can build confident coaches, leadership amongst youth, and support overall organizational outcomes. Attendees will leave with an understanding of what UDL is, along with an adaptable toolkit of strategies and practical tools that support making the game accessible to all.
Bio: Douglas Marques is an educator, behavioral specialist, and training facilitator with over 13 years of experience supporting children of all abilities across educational and recreational settings He currently serves as the Director of Admissions and Enrollment Support at The Shirley Aninias School in New York City, a behavior-based school serving neurodiverse students with complex learning and behavioral needs.
Douglas began his career as a soccer and gymnastics coach, working with children ages 18 months to 14 years He went on to leading a soccer program for disabled athletes and later served as President of the Soccer Stars Foundation, where he collaborated with families, coaches, and community organizations to promote inclusion in sport. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from New York University as well as additional certifications in Sensory Processing, Executive Functioning, Social Skills Intervention, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and Crisis Prevention and Intervention.
DAVE SIMEONE
Director of Education ProgramsUnited Soccer Coaches
Classroom Session: Breaking Lines in Player Development
This presentation will provide coaches information to examine the impact of the abundance of games scheduled for the U13 and older player on the effectiveness of the training environment, player development 13 to 17 years of age and player health. Compare and contrast with other environments abroad. The result of modifying training to accommodate the overabundance of games in a congested schedule. What is driving this? The desired impact of training on emerging youth player development The cause, cost and implication of injury attributed match overload Awareness, how do we effectuate change?
Bio: USSF “A” License
Premier Diploma United Soccer Coaches
Former National Staff Coach – US Women’s Natl Team
2002 U19 FIFA Women’s WC & 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Former State DOC / NTX & STX / Prolific in Developing Talent for youth and senior US Natl
KARI SEITZ
US Soccer Vice President for Refereeing
Session Topic: U.S. Soccer Refereeing – Where We Are and Where We’re Headed
Bio: Currently US Soccer Vice President of Refereeing. Previous job was as the FIFA Head of Refereeing, Women
4X World Cup Referee 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 (more than any male or female official)
3X Olympic Referee 2004, 2008, 2012 (more than any male or female official)
FIFA Referee 1999-2013
More than 200 professional matches
50+ USWNT matches and has also officiated 45 different women’s national teams in 20 countries.US Soccer Vice President for Refereeing
GREG BARKEY
PRO Manager of Video Review, former MLS & FIFA Assistant Referee
Session Topic: Referee / AR Communication
ALAN KELLY
PRO Director of Senior Match Officials, former Irish / UEFA FIFA & MLS Referee
Session Topic: Referee Movement In The Penalty Area: Where To Be When They Try to Shoot And Score
JOHN COLLINS
National Coordinator of NCAA Officials, US Soccer National Referee Coach
Session Topic: Refereeing Is Thinking –What’s On Your Mind?
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