TCSL SCOUTING REPORT
TCSL Members,
Happy New Year! Even though you wouldn’t know it by walking outside, the TCSL office is deep in the planning stages of the upcoming summer season. We can’t wait!
Among other things, this edition of the TCSL magazine highlights what has been an incredible Winter season to-date, with more teams than ever before participating in youth soccer during these cold months; plans for the upcoming summer season, including dates and locations for the Twin Cities’ most popular events; and upcoming coach education opportunities aligned with our mission to Raise the Level of all aspects of the soccer experience.
Matt Tiano CEO Dawn Ellerd Member Services Manager
Of particular note, TCSL continues to be a resource and advocate for increasing the referee numbers in the state, which we believe will enhance match quality and experience. The Minnesota State Referee Committee has announced format changes to the requirements to be a certified referee, reducing the in-person five-hour classroom requirement and replacing it with a two-hour, practical field session. TCSL supports these changes, and we hope you consider joining the ranks as an official.
On behalf of all of us at TCSL, we wish you the very best in 2025. Whether you’re a club administrator, coach, manager, player or referee, we look forward to serving you.
Eric Bocan Events & Operations Manager
Joe DeMay Technical Lead
WHAT’S NEW
TCSL Reps 2010’s TO Take on Phoenix Cup
The 2010 age group (boys and girls) will travel to Phoenix to compete in the Phoenix Cup. The teams will face top competition from across the country, with the goal of continuing to grow in their soccer experience and development for the benefit of their club teams.
Girls weekend: March 13-16, 2025
Boys weekend: March 20-23, 2025
TCSL Website Re-Imagined
In December, TCSL launched a re-imagined website that enhances user experience and allows for a better showcasing of TCSL programming and highlights throughout the year. TCSL’s goal is to provide a seamless experience for website visitors while highlighting the accomplishments of clubs, players, teams, coaches and referees.
Advanced Opportunities for Local Coaches
TCSL will host a US Soccer C License course for the fifth consecutive year, and a US Soccer B License course for the third consecutive year. While the B License course is at capacity, some space still remains in the C License course at the time of this publication. Visit TCSL’s Course Education page for more information and to register.
TCSL Winter League Sees Continued Growth
TCSL Winter League kicked off with over 230 teams engaged in indoor play this season, making it out largest Winter League to date. We’re thrilled to see clubs big and small seek competitive winter opportunities to help players hone skills over the winter months.
Highly Competitive Matches Continue to Define the Minnesota NPL
The 13U and 14U age groups saw another exciting fall season with most matches being determined by 2 or fewer goals. Their campaign continues into the Winter, with the 15U-19U age groups joining them indoors for the beginning of their season. Early matches have been similarly close, promising highly competitive matchups throughout the winter and spring seasons.
LEAGUES MINNESOTA NPL
250+ teams took the field in December, either continuing their 2024-25 campaigns begun in the Fall by 13U-14U teams or as the case for 15U-19U teams, beginning them. The Minnesota NPL experience is built upon good competition held close to home, and a soccer calendar that spans the full soccer year, capped by Super division winners advancing to the NPL Finals in Colorado in July of 2025.
SCHEDULE/RESULTS >
16U-19U to Compete, May 9-11, 2025
Girls I All matches held at Fernbrook Athletic Turf Fields in Maple Grove
Boys I All matches held at National Sports Center Turf Fields in Blaine
NPL teams will play two league matches over the course of the weekend, and TCSL invites college coaches to the event.
No extra cost to participate.
winter 2024-25 TCSL
TCSL Winter League’s mission is hitting home with clubs large and small as more teams than ever before are responding to a format suitable even for teams with multi-sport athletes or difficulties securing indoor space. Open to teams 11U-19U, Winter League provides meaningful, local indoor competition featuring six matches spread over four months. Centralized scheduling of match officials and league-driven facility support make Winter League a win for club administration as well.
SCHEDULE/RESULTS >
tcsl winter fests
Winter Fest play dates offer 9U-10U teams a meaningful festival environment to stay sharp during the winter months. Two levels of play are offered with two matches per date.
Winter 2024-25 Events
Date Location
Dec. 7 Sanneh Dome
Jan. 4 Academy of Holy Angels South Dome
Feb. 8 Maple Grove Dome
March 8 Sanneh Dome
March 15 Academy of Holy Angels South Dome
TCSL Fives
8U play dates in a fun, festival environment
Objectives
• Provide a 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 of soccer and should not be 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)
• 5v5: 4 field players + a goalkeeper. Developing thinking players with good technique.
MORE INFORMATION >
Winter 2024-25 Events
Date Location
Dec. 15 Braemar Dome
Jan. 11 Academy of Holy Angels South Dome
Feb. 1 Maple Grove Dome
March 1 Academy of Holy Angels South Dome
Collaboration with our members to ensure appropriate competition at every level of play
Scheduling that considers: Coaches coaching multiple teams > Blackout dates > Home venue availability > Matches spaced appropriately throughout the season >
TCSL PLAYER PATHWAY
A home for every player
> Commitment to exceed expectations from start to finish (registration, support, communications, event execution).
> Facilities used meet standards (as much turf reserved as possible to avoid weather delays and/or cancellations)
> Referees assigned are the most qualified in the Twin Cities.
> Events have meaning and are rooted in our developmental principles (as much as possible, one match per day).
MINNESOTA CUP
May 28-June 1, 2025 -Hosted at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minn., (with other metro locations as needed)
After record participation in 2024, we once again look forward to welcoming teams in 13U-19U boys and girls age groups to the 2025 edition of Minnesota’s marquee event, the Minnesota Cup!
As part of US Club Soccer’s National Championship Series, champions advance as follows:
• Super Group teams advance to the US Club Soccer National Cup Finals in Denver, Colorado.
• Premier Group teams advance to the US Club Soccer Midwest Regional in Waukegan/Libertyville, Illinois.
Registration deadline:
February 28, 2025
summer festival
Open to all 8U*-10U TCSL Teams
Saturday, June 28, 2025 –Boys 9U/10U and TCSL Fives
Sunday, June 29, 2025 –Girls 9U/10U
*TCSL Fives (8U) boys and girls will play on Saturday
Celebrate the end of your season at the TCSL Summer Festival!
• Jamboree format, 3 matches (9U-10U) or 2 matches (TCSL Fives, 8U)
• Teams matched up with other similarly skilled teams who they haven’t played in league, as much as possible, so that matches are competitive and enjoyable.
• All players receive a medal!
• Food trucks and fun for all!
With a festival-like atmosphere, the whole family can get involved!
Registration deadline:
June 1, 2025
All matches played at Kingston Park (Cottage Grove, Minn.)
TCSL SUMMER FINAL 4
July 11-13, 2025
Presented by TRIA
The fan-favorite Final 4 event is back again!
Top league teams will compete for a chance to be crowned Final 4 Summer League Champions.
Celebrate your season with good competition for all ages and divisions, photo-ops, music, food, awards, and fun!
The top 4 teams in each age/gender/division are automatically qualified based on standings in Summer League play at season’s end.
All teams will play two matches over July 11-13. Semi-Final winners play in the Final 4 Championship, while Semi-Final losers play in the 3rd Place match.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
TCSL REPS
2011 and 2012 Boys and Girls squads represented at Midwest Select Games
TCSL Reps teams traveled to Illinois to compete in the Midwest Select Games against NISL (Illinois), GLA (Ohio), and CDL (Iowa). The teams were very competitive in the event, and most importantly, represented their clubs and TCSL well throughout the entire trip.
Special mentions for the 2012 Boys and 2012 Girls teams who went undefeated over the weekend against tough opponents, and for Kennedy Killian (2011; St. Croix SC), whose play during the Midwest Select Games earned her an invitation from US Club Soccer to attend their id2 East Regional Training Camp, held in December in Charleston, SC!
Winter Development Training Program to get underway in January
Reps players will enjoy a series of trainings and local matches against high level competition in the Winter Development Training Program, which runs from January – March.
AGE GROUP CALENDARS >
2010 Boys & Girls to travel to Phoenix!
The 2010 age group will travel to Phoenix in March to compete in the Phoenix Cup, a highlevel competition that draws teams from across America.
Boys
• Be recognized for your effort and talent: Standout.
• Become a leader: Excel.
• Leave your comfort zone: Growth.
• Train and compete with and against other high-level players: Develop.
• Represent - Take pride in representing your team, club and league: Honor.
US Club Soccer id2
TCSL was thrilled to host an id2 Selection Event for the 2011 birth year alongside Club Development League (Iowa), on December 7, 2024, in Maple Grove, Minn.
• Approximately 29 boys and 41 girls from both Minnesota and Iowa participated in a day of training and match play (Minnesota vs. Iowa).
• Players attended at no cost.
• Top performers were invited to the West Regional Training Camp, held in Pleasanton, Calif., January 17-19, 2025.
Congratulations to Josie Miller (Minneapolis United SC) and Eloise Danberry (Minnesota Thunder Academy) for your selection to the West Regional Training Camp!
THE SIDELINE PROJECT
TCSL believes that a positive gameday experience is critical to the health of youth soccer.
• A positive sideline culture will keep more players playing.
• A positive sideline culture will keep more referees refereeing.
• A positive sideline culture will keep more coaches coaching.
• Most importantly, a positive sideline culture creates an environment most beneficial to the players.
TAKE THE 15-MINUTE SUPPORTIVE SIDELINES COURSE TODAY >
COACH EDUCATION
More courses, more opportunities
Improve as a coach and improve your players. Take a look at upcoming courses!
Courses
USSF 7v7*
USSF 9v9*
USSF 11v11*
USSF D License
USSF C Licence
USSF B Licence
Dates
January 9 (Virtual) January 11 (In-person)
January 8 (Virtual) January 11 (In-person)
January 16 (Virtual) January 18 (In-person)
January 28-April 8 Includes 2 in-person meetings February 3-June 30
January 6-June 16 Waitlist
REFEREE DEVELOPMENT Minnesota Soccer Referee Committee: Building the Future of the Beautiful Game
Content courtesy of the Minnesota SRC
Soccer continues to grow as one of the most popular sports in Minnesota, attracting players, fans, and officials from all walks of life. At the heart of every successful match lies a team of dedicated referees who ensure the game is played fairly and safely. The Minnesota Soccer Referee Program (MSRP) is a critical part of the state’s soccer ecosystem, offering training, certification, and support for referees at all levels.
Becoming a Referee
Anyone passionate about soccer can join the program, whether they’re a teenager looking for a part-time job or a soccer enthusiast eager to stay involved in the sport. Here’s how to get started:
1. Register for Training: Aspiring referees can sign up for entry-level courses on the MSRP website.
2. Complete Online and In-Person Training: Courses include online modules and in-person field sessions focusing on practical refereeing skills.
3. Start Officiating: After certification, referees can begin officiating youth and recreational matches, gradually working their way up.
Benefits of Refereeing
• Stay Active: Refereeing keeps participants physically fit while engaging in a sport they love.
• Earn Money: Many referees start young, earning competitive pay for officiating games.
• Develop Life Skills: Refereeing teaches leadership, communication, and decision-making skills that are valuable both on and off the field.
• Give Back to the Community: By officiating matches, referees contribute to the growth and development of soccer in Minnesota.
Classrooms replaced by Field Session
Gone are the 4-hour classrooms. In-person soccer referee field training sessions are practical workshops designed to prepare referees for officiating matches. These sessions typically focus on key aspects of refereeing, including positioning, signaling, communication, and rule enforcement. Participants practice game like scenarios to enhance decision-making skills and build confidence. The best part is the sessions are only 2 hours. The training often includes guidance on managing player interactions, recognizing offside, and applying the laws of the game effectively. Sessions may be conducted on an actual soccer field with experienced instructors providing feedback and demonstrations.
Minnesota Soccer Referee Shadow Program: Nurturing
New Referees
The Minnesota Soccer Referee Program (MNSRC) has introduced an innovative Shadow Program to empower aspiring referees and ensure their seamless transition into officiating. By providing hands-on mentorship, this program offers new referees a unique opportunity to learn from experienced officials in real-time game settings.
Mentorship in Action
Program Objectives
The MNSRC Shadow Program is designed to:
1. Enhance Referee Skills: Focus on key aspects of refereeing, such as whistle tone, game management, and positioning.
2. Promote Confidence: Create a supportive environment where new referees can practice and refine their skills.
3. Build Connections: Foster a sense of community among referees and mentors to strengthen the soccer officiating network in Minnesota.
How the Program Works
The program is structured to provide step-by-step guidance throughout a match, ensuring new referees gain comprehensive experience.
The Shadow Program places a strong emphasis on mentorship. Mentors actively guide referees in key areas such as:
• Movement on the Field: Teaching when to run, jog, or walk for optimal positioning.
• Whistle Use: Demonstrating the importance of clear and decisive whistle tones.
• Foul Recognition: Encouraging referees to call at least one foul per game to build confidence.
Impact of the Program
By blending education, mentorship, and real-world experience, the Shadow Program is setting a new standard for referee training in Minnesota. This hands-on approach equips referees with the skills and confidence to officiate effectively, while also fostering a positive and supportive officiating culture.
If you’re interested in becoming a part of this transformative program, visit MNSRC’s website for more details. Together, we can ensure the growth and integrity of soccer in Minnesota. By engaging with MNSRC, individuals contribute to the growth and development of soccer in Minnesota, ensuring that the sport is played fairly and enjoyed by all participants.
For more information or to begin your journey as a soccer referee in Minnesota, visit the MNSRC official website.
ADMIN CORNER
Administrator Work Days & Support
Have questions as you prep for summer submissions? Need help with GotSport, want to walk through the team submission process or even just need a quiet space to focus on getting your summer season set up? We have options for you!
• Join us in the TCSL offices for a Winter Work Day, collaborative work sessions with other club administrators. There is no formal agenda for these sessions, but TCSL staff will be on hand to answer any questions that come up. Sessions will begin in late January, look for additional details coming soon.
• Schedule an Admin 1-on-1 for more in-depth assistance or quick one-off questions at your convenience. Reach out to dawn@tcslsoccer.com to set up a session.
• The TCSL Support Center is here for you 24/7! Full of resources for club administrators, coaches and managers that serve as an overview of registration and rostering tasks.
PLAYER HEALTH & SAFETY Managing muscle injuries
Muscle injuries are common in soccer players. Quadriceps muscle injuries in particular are uniquely common to soccer players because of their large role in kicking and running. This can also make recovery challenging.
Injury prevention
The best way to combat an injury is through prevention. Effective prevention of quad injuries includes an appropriate warmup before playing, flexibility and strength training of quads and hip flexors, trunk control and appropriate kicking mechanics. Learn more on quadriceps contustion treatment and recovery.
Warm up
A good soccer warmup includes dynamic movements through full ranges of motion. It’s also incorporates movements of muscles needed for playing soccer. A well-studied warm-up program that incorporates this well is the FIFA 11+. Passing and shooting warmups are also necessary. They should progress from shorter and lighter passes and shots to longer and harder ones.
Strength training
Most quadriceps injuries occur when the muscles are at their longest and most stretched positions. Strengthening quad muscles and hip flexors should be performed through their full range of motion. If hip flexors muscles are under-trained, quad muscles are forced to perform more work while kicking. This creates greater chance for injury.
Trunk control and kicking mechanics
Good hip and core control are also a necessary part of training. Players should focus on running and kicking without exaggerating the arch of the back. Two other important components of kicking are an appropriate trunk lean and follow through. If done correctly, each of these can decrease the risk of quadriceps injuries.
Here are a few exercises you can do to help warm up your quads:
Reverse Nordic curl
• Start in a kneeling position.
• Make sure your head, torso, hips and knees are all “stacked” – lined up on top of one another.
• Slowly lean back while keeping that “stacked” position.
• Use your quadriceps to pull yourself back up.
Wall drill
• Place your hands at shoulder height against a flat wall.
• Step back until your body is at a 45 degree angle and plant your feet hip-width apart.
• Raise each knee in fast succession. You are essentially sprinting at maximum effort.
• Repeat for sprints of 10-12 seconds each.
Kneeling quad/hip flexor stretch
• Kneel on one foot and the other knee so that you feel the stretch in your quad and hip flexor. If
• needed, you can hold on to something to keep your balance.
• Push hips forward or backward to regulate the intensity of this stretch.
• Hold stretch for 20 seconds and repeat on the opposite side.
For more information, visit the Return to Soccer Program web page or call 952-993-5900 to schedule a soccer evaluation.
FALL FINAL 4
LIMELIGHT CHAMPIONS
St. Croix SC
2014 Boys Academy 1
11U BOYS NATIONAL
Western Wisconsin Soccer 11U BOYS REGIONAL
2014B WWFC
Centennial SC 11U BOYS STATE
14 Boys Black
Shakopee SA
2014 Boys Cities
North Suburban SA
2014 Boys Academy Black
Western Wisconsin Soccer
2013B WWFC
Salvo SC
13B Eau Claire United Red
North East United SC
2013 Boys
Centro de Formación Cobra
11U BOYS CITIES
12U BOYS NATIONAL
12U BOYS REGIONAL
12U BOYS STATE
12U BOYS CITIES
13U BOYS REGIONAL CFC (2012)
Bloomington United 13U BOYS STATE
2012 Boys Heat
Shakopee SA
2012 Boys Cities
Edina Soccer Club
2010 Boys Platinum
St. Croix SC
2010 Boys Fall
North East United SC
2011 Boys Azul
13U BOYS CITIES
14U BOYS REGIONAL
14U BOYS STATE
14U BOYS CITIES
CHAMPIONS
St. Croix SC 11U GIRLS NATIONAL
2014 Girls Academy 1
Boreal FC 11U GIRLS REGIONAL
2014 (GU11) Green - Johnson, B
EPSC 11U GIRLS STATE
2014 Girls Red
Shakopee SA 11U GIRLS CITIES
2014 Girls Cities1
Lakeville SC 12U GIRLS NATIONAL
2013 Girls Academy 1
HFC United 12U GIRLS REGIONAL
13 Girls (U12) Red
Minneapolis United SC 12U GIRLS STATE
2013 Girls Copa
Maplebrook Soccer Club 12U GIRLS CITIES
2013 Girls Jr Championship - Carey
Waconia SC 13U GIRLS REGIONAL
12 Girls Heyrman
Maplebrook Soccer Club 13U GIRLS STATE
2012 Girls Academy - Paye
North Suburban SA 13U GIRLS CITIES
2012 Girls Academy Carolina
Bloomington United 14U GIRLS REGIONAL
2010 Girls Heat
Twin Cities Rush 14U GIRLS STATE
11 Girls EDT 1
Salvo SC 14U GIRLS CITIES
11G Eau Claire United Red
