TCSL Magazine - Summer 2023

SUMMER 2023

>> MISSION, VISION AND VALUES

>> LEAGUE

UPDATES

>> COACH

EDUCATION

>> REFEREE NEWS AND NOTES

>> ADMIN

UPDATES

RAISE THE LEVEL www.tcslsoccer.com

FROM TCSL

TCSL Members, As we gear up for another Summer of soccer, we are excited to continue supporting clubs in many areas – coach education, referee education, player development, parent engagement, cups and of course, leagues. This issue of the TCSL Magazine provides a glimpse to the many accomplishments of our members in each of these areas.

Recently, TCSL office staff went through an exercise to re-define our mission, vision, and values as an organization. As we enter our sixth summer of operation, we are excited to share with you who we are and what we hope to be. It’s our vision to collaborate with our members and partners to raise the level of every facet of the game.

On the field, we welcome back approximately 1,500 teams to the field this Summer, each competing in a division that is appropriate to their level of play. In the TCSL league, 11U-19U qualifying teams will meet at season’s end at the prestigious league championship event, the Final 4. The Minnesota NPL, meanwhile, continues its spring portion of the schedule, where 13U-19U teams in the Super division battle for the right to attend the NPL Finals, held in July in Colorado.

Minnesota Cup, US Club Soccer State Cup, has grown for a third year in a row. We can’t wait to welcome your teams to compete for a State Cup Championship.

TCSL has been busy supporting coaches in their desire to learn and grow as coaches. This past winter, we hosted several U.S. Soccer Grassroots courses which serve as pre-requisites for the ‘D’ License, which is ongoing. For the third consecutive year, TCSL is hosting a ‘C’ License. And finally, we’re assisting U.S. Soccer with the hosting of a ‘B’ License course, held locally for the first time in many years. Our goal: provide routine, accessible, affordable and local coach education opportunities for coaches of all levels.

Parents: in case you missed it, the Sideline Project course, “Winning on Gameday!”, is now available to you. We hope you take the course and pledge!

We’ll see you on the field soon!

Matt Tiano CEO

Peter Reid

Technical Director

Dawn Ellerd

Club Development Coordinator

Shayna Salloway Events Coordinator

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Click the section below to jump-to-page.

A Word from TCSL................................................................... 2 What’s New............................................................................... 6 Winter League Recap.............................................................. 8 The Sideline Project is Back!................................................ 10 Staffing Updates...................................................................... 12 League Preview........................................................................ 14 Cups Preview............................................................................ 18 Player Development................................................................ 20 Coach Education...................................................................... 21 Player Health & Safety............................................................ 23 Referee Development............................................................. 24 Admin Corner............................................................................ 25

PH OS OT OF U YO RP YE LA

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WHAT’S NEW

6 | TCSL MAGAZINE | Summer 2023

Mission, Vision, and Values MISSION Twin Cities Soccer Leagues sets the standard for youth soccer, on and off the field, creating an exceptional league experience for all.

VISION To collaborate with our members and partners to raise the level of every facet of the game.

TCSL VALUES Collaboration Listening first, we make shared decisions based on trust and transparency. We are as strong as the relationships among our staff, member clubs and partners.

Sportsmanship We encourage and celebrate respect among clubs, players, parents, coaches, and referees.

Competition We believe that appropriate competition is a cornerstone of player development and a sound soccer environment.

Excellence We evolve and grow, on and off the field, to raise the level of the game for all.

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WINTER LEAGUE RECAP

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CONGRATULATIONS to all Winter League division champions! ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

BOYS WINTER LEAGUE DIVISION CHAMPIONS 11U Boys 11U Boys 12U Boys 12U Boys 13U Boys 14U Boys 15U Boys 16U Boys 19U Boys

Lakeville Soccer Club 2012 Boys – Academy 1 Shakopee SA 2012 Boys Regional Edina Soccer Club 2011 Boys Green Fusion Soccer Club Boys 12 Academy 1 Fusion Soccer Club Boys 11 Academy 1 MN Thunder Academy 2010 Boys ECNL MapleBrook SC 2009 Boys - Browne Shakopee SA 2007 Boys Regional MapleBrook SC MPB Boys 2006 Lee

GIRLS WINTER LEAGUE DIVISION CHAMPIONS 11U Girls 11U Girls 12U Girls 12U Girls 13U Girls 15U Girls 16U Girls 17U Girls 19U Girls

Fusion Soccer Club Girls 12 Academy 1 North Suburban SA 2013 Academy Plus Girls Edina Soccer Club 2011 Girls Green Salvo SC 11G South Steel MN Thunder Academy Girls Pre-ECNL Boreal FC 2008 White – Klink East Ridge Soccer Club 07 Girls Elite CC United Soccer Club 2007 Girls Premier Lakeville Soccer Club 2004/2005 Girls – Select

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TCSL MAGAZINE | Summer 2023 | 9

THE SIDELINE PROJECT

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After an incredible response last summer, we are thrilled to roll out an additional Sideline Project Course: WINNING ON GAMEDAY! TCSL is asking ALL youth soccer parents to complete a 22-minute course leading in to the Summer 2023 season.

By working together and being good stewards of the experience, we can create lasting change. YOU can be a difference maker.

COURSE COMPLETION CLUB LEADERBOARD All TCSL clubs are engaged in a friendly competition to improve game day experiences! The club with the highest completion rates will be recognized and rewarded with a VEO 2 camera.

TAKE THE COURSE TODAY

TCSL MAGAZINE | Summer 2023 | 11

STAFFING UPDATES

TCSL welcomes Shayna Salloway as its Events Coordinator!

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SHAYNA SALLOWAY EVENTS COORDINATOR

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We are thrilled to welcome Shayna Salloway as the new TCSL Events Coordinator.

“Similar to playing on a sports team, I enjoy collaborating with others in a fun and dynamic atmosphere that’s constantly changing and strive to bring creativity to my daily work. I can’t wait to work with you!”

Shayna comes to us from the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, where she was an Event Lead and responsible for execution of many large events. In this newly-created role, Shayna will be responsible for planning and executing all TCSL events.

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With a soccer playing background herself, we are excited for Shayna to improve the TCSL events experience.

“Having spent over half my life playing competitively on the soccer field, I’m eager to return to the sports world and bring my years of event management experience and planning knowledge to the team at Twin Cities Soccer Leagues.”

Welcome Shayna!

SEVEN INTERNS JOIN TCSL FOR THE SUMMER! The TCSL internship program is for current college students looking to gain experience in the sports or events fields, and we are thrilled to welcome such a great staff this Summer! /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// NAME

SCHOOL

MAJOR

Ava Barnett

St. Olaf College

Biology/Studio Art

Derek Berg

Minnesota State Mankato

Sports Management

Katherine Ekman

Beloit College

Creative Writing/Literary Studies

Zach Frantzen

St. Mary’s (MN)

Sports Management/Marketing

Abby Gunderson

University of Minnesota

Communication Studies

Minjun Kang

University of Minnesota

Sports Management

Cullen McSweeney

St. Cloud State

Leadership Organization and Communication

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TCSL MAGAZINE | Summer 2023 | 13

LEAGUE PREVIEW

A record number of teams are competing in meaningful matches this Winter season!

FERNBROOK ATHLETIC FIELDS: State of the art facility is our home for the 2023 NPL showcases!

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TCSL LEAGUE We are excited to welcome back 1,200+ teams to the field this summer! » 11U-19U – top four teams in each age/gender/division advance to the Final 4.

How much travel is there in TCSL? Our team recently conducted an analysis of the average travel for each away match that is scheduled as part of the Summer 2023 league schedule. We found that, on average, teams travel 16.24 for each away match. Reducing travel, as much as possible, is a priority for TCSL and its members.

SCHEDULES & RESULTS

MINNESOTA NPL Minnesota NPL teams continue campaign with sights on league titles!

Super Division winners advance to the NPL Finals.

The Minnesota NPL represents the highest level of the TCSL pyramid for 13U-19U boys and girls age groups. Once again, we are excited to send league winners (Super division) to the NPL Finals held in late June (boys) and July (girls). **NPL Finals logo** » 13U & 14U – one continuous schedule September through June » 15U-19U – one continuous schedule November through June SCHEDULES & RESULTS

MINNESOTA NPL SPRING SHOWCASE » May 5-7, 2023 (Girls) | Fernbrook Athletic Fields (Maple Grove » May 19-21, 2023 (Boys) | Fernbrook Athletic Fields (Maple Grove) We are excited to once again provide an avenue for 16U-19U boys and girls NPL players to play league matches in a Showcase environment!

Teams play two meaningful league matches at this event and TCSL invites college coaches to observe.

ATTENDING COACHES LIST (BOYS) ATTENDING COACHES LIST (GIRLS) COLLEGE COACH REGISTRATION (BOYS) COLLEGE COACH REGISTRATION (GIRLS) TCSL MAGAZINE | Summer 2023 | 15

LEAGUE PREVIEW TCSL FIVES 8U play dates in fun, festival environment.

Objectives: » Provide fun, energetic, introductory program for these crucial ages. » Retain players at 9U that are better prepared with a better developed skillset. » 8U soccer should be its own brand and should not be a mini-version of older-aged soccer. » Support clubs by having a standards-driven experience for these young players.

Format: » Festival days – 2 matches on each play date, concluded within 2-3 hour span (convenient for families) » 4v4 with goalkeeper – developing thinking players with good technique DATE

LOCATION

May 7

ALL (Chippewa Middle School, Shoreview)

May 21

North (National Sports Center, Blaine) South (Edina High School Lower Fields)

June 11

North (Chippewa Middle School, Shoreview) South (Lakefront Park, Prior Lake)

June 18

North (Chippewa Middle School, Shoreview) South (Lakefront Park, Prior Lake)

June 25

Summer Festival (Cottage Grove)

REGISTERED TEAMS

MORE INFORMATION

16 | TCSL MAGAZINE | Summer 2023

CUPS PREVIEW

TCSL FINAL 4, PRESENTED BY TRIA July 14-16, 2023 | Various Sites Bringing together the top four teams in the TCSL summer league, we can’t wait to once again crown Summer league champions in this exciting format! » Top 4 teams in each age/gender/division are automatically qualified based on standings in League play at season’s end. Reference the Final 4 Rules for qualification/seeding information. » All teams play two (2) matches.

• Semi-Final winners play in the Final 4 Championship • Semi-Final losers play in the Shield (3rd Place) match.

MORE INFORMATION

18 | TCSL MAGAZINE | Summer 2023

MINNESOTA CUP May 31-June 4, 2023 | Various Sites Open to 11U-19U teams with US Club Soccer passes! » The Minnesota Cup is a statewide championship designed to advance the top 13-U through 18/19-U teams to the US Club Soccer National Cup. » The competition is conducted over a five-day stretch and marks the true start of a campaign where every team shares the same goal; being the last team standing in Minnesota’s most exciting competition! » This event also features a 9v9 version to provide a competitive experience for 11U/12U teams.

VIEW DIVISIONS

SUMMER FESTIVAL, PRESENTED BY TRIA June 24-25, 2023 | Cottage Grove, Minn.

Open to all TCSL 8U-10U TCSL teams. This popular event will fill quickly!

The Summer Festival is a tournament designed to conclude the Summer 2022 League season for 9U and 10U age groups. » Fans will fill the sidelines as hundreds of kids take part in this fun one-day event. » 7v7 teams (9U-10U): guaranteed a minimum of three games with medals, and fun, for all. » 5v5 teams (8U): guaranteed a minimum of two games with medals, and fun, for all. » June 24 – Boys / June 25 – Girls and TCSL Fives

INFO & REGISTR ATION Registration deadline: June 3

TCSL MAGAZINE | Summer 2023 | 19

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

TCSL REPS CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL FIRST SEASON A tremendous TCSL Reps 2022-2023 program has wrapped up for the season and we wish all the participants the best of luck moving forward. Thank you to our clubs, coaches, players and families that supported the program in year one.

The culminating event, Midwest Select Games, saw the TCSL Reps groups compete against other neighboring leagues.

TCSL Reps now takes a break so that players and families can focus on their club season.

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR! TCSL will host Trials for 2011-2009 age groups September 18-21, 2023.

TCSL REPS: YEAR 1 RECAP

COACH EDUCATION

TCSL continues to provide routine, local and accessible coach education opportunities to its members! We’ve been pleased to support a USSF ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’ and Grassroots courses over the past several months.

GANZBERG VISITS TWIN CITIES

INTERESTED IN HOSTING A COURSE AT YOUR CLUB? READ HERE

We were thrilled to welcome Vince Ganzberg, US Club Soccer Director of Coach Education, to the Twin Cities to deliver a session: “Intentional Training Session Design & Implementation”.

Many TCSL coaches attended and learned from the coach education veteran. Thanks Vince for making the trip!

TCSL MAGAZINE | Summer 2023 | 21

COACH EDUCATION

For the third consecutive year, TCSL has hosted a United States Federation ‘C’ License course in the Twin Cities.

Twenty-four coaches are taking part in the course to advance their coaching knowledge! /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// COURSE

DATE & TIME

LOCATION

USSF ‘D’ License USSF ‘C’ License

March 2 – May 4, 2023 February 21 - June 19, 2023

Blended (Virtual + In-Person) Course Blended (Virtual + In-Person) Course

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// UPCOMING Check out Upcoming Courses for an updated listing of what’s to come. We are excited to host more Grassroots courses in July, serving as pre-requisites for a ‘D’ License beginning Fall 2023.

UPCOMING COURSES

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PLAYER HEALTH & SAFETY

SPORTS INJURY

For some of our patients the goal is playing on

the world stage. But you just want your foot pain

to go away so you can take the corner kick on

your high school pitch. At TRIA Orthopedics, we’ll

treat your foot so you can get back in the match.

When that happens it feels like we all win.

It’s why you’re treated and how you’re

treated by TRIA.

tria.com/sportsmed

NO REFERRAL NEEDED | ONLINE SCHEDULING | WALK-IN CARE

SPORTS INJURY

For some of our patients the goal is playing on the world stage. But you just want your foot pain to go away so you can take the corner kick on your high school pitch. At TRIA Orthopedics, we’ll treat your foot so you can get back in the match.

When that happens it feels like we all win.

It’s why you’re treated and how you’re treated by TRIA.

tria.com/sportsmed

NO REFERRAL NEEDED | ONLINE SCHEDULING | WALK-IN CARE

TCSL MAGAZINE | Summer 2023 | 23

REFEREE CORNER

Support the game by becoming a referee!

TCSL is excited to provide referee field training for first, second and third-year officials, a first of its kind in Minnesota, during the month of April. The goal is to provide an environment where referees can learn skills on the field before their first game this summer.

Thank you to the Minnesota SRC for your partnership in making these events happen.

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» Flexible schedule » Good pay » Give back to the game

REFEREE CERTIFICATION PROCESS

ADMIN CORNER

TCSL is so grateful for Club Administrators’ efforts behind the scenes that allows each season to roll out seamlessly for coaches, players and referees.

In the coming months, look for a series of opportunities for club administrators to reflect on the 2022-23 soccer year and prep for the 2023-24 season ahead.

Resources for the coming Summer 2023 season and beyond:

CLUB ADMINISTRATOR RESOURCES

TEAM MANAGER RESOURCES

TCSL MAGAZINE | Summer 2023 | 25

Photos by Christopher Mitchell | sportshotphoto.com