TCSL Scouting Report TCSL Members,
On behalf of our team, we hope you had a relaxing time spent with family and friends over the holiday break. Happy New Year! In 2023, we unveiled a revamped TCSL mission and vision to “Raise the Level” of every facet of the game. Whether it be coach education, referee development and education, player development or evolution of TCSL leagues and cups, we take seriously our responsibility to continuously reflect, improve and progress. As we look back on the past year, we are excited about progress and opportunity heading into 2024. Referee Development: By supporting clubs in referee recruitment efforts, 2023 overall referee numbers surpassed the previous year’s numbers. TCSL will continue to offer on-field referee field training sessions, and for the first time in 2024, will offer tandem field/classroom training sessions (in collaboration with the Minnesota SRC) with the end goal of certifying a more prepared referee. Coach Education: TCSL continues to offer a robust coach education calendar, including consistent offerings of USSF Grassroots, D License, C License and for the second year in a row, a locally-offered B License. We commit to being a leader in the coach education space. Better clubs develop better coaches, and better coaches develop better players. Parent Engagement: For the second year in a row, the Sideline Project received an enormous response from TCSL clubs and families, resulting in over 6,000 parents taking the course about the gameday experience. Stay tuned for more information on the next rendition of the Sideline Project. Leagues: As the Minnesota NPL continues to grow, we’ve seen very competitive matches at both levels of play (Super & Premier). Cups: We believe that a cup event must be meaningful, well-organized and memorable for the players. As we prepare for Minnesota Cup 2023, we’re thrilled with the progress of the Final 4 series as well. Forty clubs were represented in the Fall edition, with 23 clubs crowned champions. As we look forward to 2024, our commitment remains: Raise the Level of your soccer experience. Matt Tiano Peter Reid CEO
Technical Director
Dawn Ellerd Club Development Coordinator
Shayna Salloway Events Coordinator
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Starting Line-up What’s New(s) ................................................... 7 League Updates..................................................8 TCSL Events....................................................... 14 Player Development........................................ 18 Coach Education...............................................22 Referee Corner.................................................23 Admin Corner....................................................24 The Sideline Project.........................................24 Player Health & Safety....................................25 Limelight............................................................26
TCSL Magazine is the official publication of Twin Cities Soccer Leagues. It is published three times per year, featuring content about youth soccer in the Twin Cities and highlighting the many accomplishments of TCSL clubs, players, coaches and referees. Visit tcslsoccer.com for past issues. To advertise, reach out to us at info@tcslsoccer.com.
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TCSL Reps 2009s to take on Vegas
To complete a two-year Reps cycle, the 2009 age group will travel to Las Vegas to compete in the Mayor’s Cup (Boys) and Players Showcase (Girls). The experience will allow these players to continue to grow, develop and seek opportunities out of their comfort zone.
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TCSL MAGAZINE I WINTER 23-24
What’s New(s) Advanced coaching courses to remain local For the fourth-consecutive year, TCSL will host a USSF C License course, and for the secondconsecutive year, a USSF B License course. Both courses are at capacity, and a vast majority of the course participants are local coaches. / / / / / / / / / / /
Minnesota NPL continues tradition of highly competitive matches The 13U and 14U age groups continued their Fall campaigns into the Winter, while 15U-19U age groups began their campaigns indoors. We’ve seen very competitive matches at both levels of play (Super & Premier). Every match matters! / / / / / / / / / / /
TCSL Winter League grows, more teams see value in Winter play With 150+ teams competing in the TCSL Winter League, we’re thrilled to see clubs big and small seek winter opportunities. While it is common for teams to have multi-sport athletes, the League features six matches stretched over four-plus months. In addition, blackout dates provide an opportunity to avoid significant conflicts.
Stay in the game. Follow TCSL on social media.
@tcslsoccer
@tcslsoccer
Twin Cities Soccer Leagues
League Updates Minnesota NPL 250+ teams took the field beginning in November, either continuing their 2023-24 campaigns (13U-14U) or beginning them (15U-19U). With Super Division winners advancing to the 2024 NPL Finals, the NPL experience is built upon good competition held close to home, and a soccer calendar that spans the full soccer year.
> NPL Schedules/Results
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16U-19U teams to compete in NPL Showcase May 3-5 | Boys May 17-19 | Girls All matches held at Fernbrook Athletic Fields (Turf) in Maple Grove. NPL teams will play two league matches over the course of the applicable weekend, and TCSL invites college coaches to the event. NO EXTRA COST TO PARTICIPATE.
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TCSL MAGAZINE I WINTER 23-24
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
*This is a paid advertisement
TCSL Winter League More teams than ever before are participating in the TCSL Winter League, which aims to provide meaningful competition in a format that is suitable even for teams with multi-sport athletes. Open to teams 11U-19U, clubs big and small are enjoying a season that features six games over four months. To accommodate clubs/teams that do not have readily available indoor space, TCSL provided space for those that needed it.
> Winter League schedules/results
TCSL Fives (8U) Back by popular demand, TCSL will offer three play dates for 8U teams this Winter. All teams play two matches, most often completed in a 2-3 hour block of time. January 13 | Full February 4 | Limited spots remaining March 3 | Limited spots remaining Interested? Email info@tcslsoccer.com with date and gender requested.
> More information
TCSL Winter Fests (9U-10U) 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; two matches per date. December 9 | Complete January 6 | Full February 10 | Waitlist March 9 | Waitlist
> More information
TCSL Player Pathway A home for every player
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now enrolling S O C C E R S T U D E N T- AT H L E T E S AT B R E A K A W A Y A C A D E M Y ™
LEARN AND TRAIN SMALL CLASS SIZES HIGH ACADEMIC STANDARDS CHARACTER-BUILDING CURRICULUM ELITE SOCCER TRAINING
TOP-LEVEL SOCCER TRAINING INCLUDED IN A REGULAR SCHOOL DAY *This is a paid advertisement
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 cancelations). 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).
TCSL Events Minnesota Cup (US Club Soccer State Cup) May 29-June 2, 2024 After a record 2023, we look forward to welcoming teams in 13U-19U boys and girls age groups to the 2024 edition of Minnesota’s marquee event! 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 Regionals in Libertyville/Waukegan, Illinois.
cup
/ / / / / / / / / / /
> Register & information Registration deadline March 31, 2024
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Summer Festival (presented by TRIA) 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! / / / / / / / / / / /
June 29, 2024 – Boys 9U/10U June 30, 2024 – Girls 9U/10U and TCSL Fives
All matches played at Kingston Park (Cottage Grove, Minn.)
> Register & information Registration deadline June 1, 2024
TCSL Summer Final 4 (presented by TRIA) July 12-14, 2024 The Final 4 event is back! Top league teams compete for a chance to be crowned Final 4 Summer League Champions. Celebrate your season with good competition for all ages and divisions, music, food, awards, and fun! The top 4 teams in each age/gender/division are automatically qualified based on standings in League play at season’s end. Semi-Final winners play in the Final 4 Championship, while Semi-Final losers play in the 3rd Place match.
> Event information 16
TCSL MAGAZINE I WINTER 23-24
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Player Development 2010 and 2011 Boys and Girls squads REPresented at Midwest Select Games
TCSL Reps traveled to Illinois again to compete against NISL (Illinois), Ohio (GLA), and Iowa (CDL). Reps teams were competitive and, more importantly, players will grow as individuals from this high-level competition. Special mention to the 2010 Boys who won their first two matches and were level at halftime before the weekend caught up with them, eventually losing to a very good NISL squad. / / / / / / / / / / /
Winter Pool program to get underway in January Reps players will enjoy a series of trainings and local matches against appropriate competition.
Age group calendars
Talkin’ REPS
“...two of the TCSL Reps made the MNUFC U15 Academy team. I wanted to thank you because the TCSL Reps experience was one of the factors that helped them develop into the players they are. You guys do good work. Well done...” — 2009 Parent
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“...she really enjoyed her experience. She made so many friends via the program and the ability to train and compete I believe helped her make her varsity team in high school...” — 2010 Parent TCSL MAGAZINE I WINTER 23-24 I
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id2 Selection Event We were thrilled to host, alongside Club Development League (Iowa), an id2 Selection Event on December 2, 2023, in Maple Grove, Minn. • Approximately 38 2010 boys and 30 2010 girls from both Minnesota and Iowa attended a day of training and match play (Minnesota vs. Iowa). • Players attended at no cost. • Thank you to the scouts from local colleges for your time evaluating the players. • Top performers were invited to the National Camp (West) in Irvine, Calif., January 12-14, 2024. Congratulations to Vivian Ferris (Keliix-Intra Soccer Club) and Christopher Zanudo Sanchez (Wave SC) for your selection to the National Camp!
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Coach Education More Courses, More Opportunities Improve as a coach and improve your players! Take a look at upcoming courses! USSF 7v7* USSF 9v9* USSF 11v11* USSF B License USSF C License USSF D License
January 10 (Virtual) January 13 (In-person) January 11 (Virtual) January 13 (In-person) January 18 (Virtual) January 20 (In-person) January 10-June 21 Waitlist January 16-April 23 Waitlist February 7-April 3 Includes two in-person meetings
*Serves as pre-requisite for the D License
> View all courses
Congratulations to these coaches for earning their D License.
> U.S. Soccer Learning Center
Referee Corner Now is the time to become a referee! • Flexible, work-as-much-or-as-little as you would like. • Earn good money being around the sport you love. • Learn time management, communication, life skills. • Referee with your kids! This is a great family activity! Returning referees Did you know that your re-certification may be completed entirely online? Recertification process
New referees Register for an account on the U.S. Soccer Learning Center, take five hours of online material (at your own pace) and attend an inperson (4-5 hours) clinic.
New referees process Already certified? Connect with an assignor! Use the TCSL Club Directory which lists a Referee Assignor for each member club.
TCSL club directory
Admin Corner Administrator work days Have questions as you prep for summer submissions? Join us in the TCSL office for collaborative sessions with other club administrators. Need help with GotSport, want to walk through the team submission process or even just need a quiet space to focus on getting your season set up? These sessions are for you! There is no formal agenda for these sessions. TCSL staff will be on hand to answer questions and help problem-solve GotSport issues that may come up.
> Sign up here
Can’t make one of the office dates? Reach out to dawn@tcslsoccer.com to set up a virtual session. / / / / / / / / / / /
Need a review of registration and rostering tasks? Visit the TCSL Support Center to browse tutorials just for our member clubs. Club administrator resources
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 Stay tuned for Sideline Project announcements in early 2024.
> Take the course
Player Health & Safety
Preventing hamstring injuries Hamstring strains are one of the most common muscle strains in soccer players. Whether it is from sprinting after an opponent or passing a long ball to a teammate, a strain can be season ending. It often becomes a repeat injury the next season as well. The good news is soccer players can help prevent strains from occurring. TRIA’s physical therapist, Abby Graham, shares some exercise tips to help prevent hamstring injuries. • Eccentric hamstring strengthening, or lengthening strengthening, is a proven way to help reduce hamstring injuries. • It also helps strengthen up hamstrings after an injury. Soccer players demand a lot out of their hamstrings. Most hamstring injuries in soccer players occur when the hamstring is lengthened (i.e. kicking a ball or sprinting down the field). • Because of this, soccer players need to have strong hamstrings in a lengthened range. Check out a few eccentric hamstring strengthening exercises at TRIA’s blog. TCSL MAGAZINE I WINTER 23-24 I
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Limelight Congratulations 2023 TCSL Fall Champions 11U National: Bracket A - Lakeville Soccer Club 2013 Girls - Academy 1 Bracket B - Try-City United 2013 Girls TCSL 11U Regional: Bracket A - CC United Soccer Club 2013 Girls Regional Bracket B - Park Valley United FC 13 Girls Black 11U State: Bracket A - Orono Westonka Soccer Club 2013 Girls Premier Bracket B - Waconia SC 13 Girls Purple McVey Bell Bracket C - United FC Rush 13 Girls Select Bracket D - HFC United 13 Girls(U11) White 11U Cities: Bracket A - Twin Cities Rush Soccer Club 13 Girls EDT 3, Bracket B - BV United 13 Girls Volt Ericksen Bracket C - MapleBrook SC 2013 Girls Jr Championship Bracket D - St. Croix 2013 Girls Academy 3 Bracket E - Legacy FC 2013 LFC Girls Classic 12U National: Manitou FC 2012 Girls Manitou 12U Regional: Bracket A - Wave SC 12 Girls Porter Bracket B - MN Thunder Academy 2012 Girls Swoosh
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GIR
RLS
12U State: Bracket A - Shakopee SA 2012 Girls State Bracket B - Legacy FC 2012 LFC Girls Select Bracket C - Salvo SC 12G East Steel 12U Cities: Bracket A - Kickers FC U12 [12] Girls Green Bracket B - Lakeville Soccer Club 2012 Girls - Gold Bracket C - Wave SC 12 Girls Reynolds Bracket D - Richfield Soccer Association 2012 RSA Girls, Bracket E - Park Valley United FC 12 Girls White Nike 13U Regional: Bracket A - EPSC 2011 Girls Red Bracket B - Manitou FC 2012 Girls Orange Edi 13U State: Bracket A - Twin Cities Rush Soccer Club 11 Girls EDT Bracket B - Dakota SC 2011 Girls 13U Cities: Bracket A - EPSC 2011 Girls Grey Bracket B - Western Wisconsin Soccer 2011G WW 14U Regional: Bracket A - St. Croix 09 Girls Fall Bracket B - East Ridge Soccer Club 09 Girls Elite 14U State: Bracket A - Lakeville Soccer Club 2010 Girls - Black Bracket B - Legacy FC 2010 LFC Girls Elite Bracket C - Salvo SC 09G Eau Claire United Red 14U Cities: Bracket A - Dakota SC 2010 Girls Bracket B - EPSC 2010 Girls Grey Bracket C - North United SC NUSC 09 Girls
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Limelight Congratulations 2023 TCSL Fall Champions 11U National: Bracket A - St. Paul Blackhawks 13 Boys Black Bracket B - Twin Cities Rush Soccer Club 13 Boys EDT 1 11U Regional: Bracket A - Wave SC 13 Boys Jumale Bracket B - CC United Soccer Club 2013 Boys Regional Bracket C - Salvo SC 13B East Steel 11U State: Bracket A - Minneapolis United 2013 Boys Copa Bracket B - United FC Rush 13 Boys Select Bracket C - St. Croix 2014 Boys Academy Milbrandt 11U Cities: Bracket A - Minneapolis United 2013 Boys Tango I Bracket B - Legacy FC 2013 LFC Boys Classic Bracket C - Boreal FC 2013 (BU11) Grey - Maldonado Bracket D - Dakota SC 2013 Boys Bracket E - East Ridge Soccer Club 13 Boys Black Bracket F - Western Wisconsin Soccer 2014B WWFC 12U National: Bracket A - Minneapolis United 2012 Boys Academy Bracket B - Keliix-Intra Soccer Club 12 Boys National (U12) 12U Regional: Bracket A - Tri-City United 2012 Boys TCSL Bracket B - Salvo SC 12B East Steel
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TCSL MAGAZINE I WINTER 23-24
BO
12U State: Bracket A - TONKA UNITED SA 12 Boys Academy 2 Bracket B - Bloomington United 2012 Boys Heat Bracket C - Twin Cities Rush Soccer Club 12 Boys EDT 2 Bracket D - Wave SC 12 Boys Berns 2 12U Cities: Bracket A - BV United 12 Boys Volt Richards Bracket B - Fusion Soccer Club Boys 12 Navy 4 Bracket C - Salvo SC 12B East Red Bracket D - Southeast Soccer Club 2012 Boys Scorpions Bracket E - EPSC 2012 Boys Grey 13U Regional: North Suburban SA 2011 Boys Academy Black 13U State: Bracket A - Park Valley United FC 11 Boys Silver Bracket B - Force Soccer Club 2011 (U13) Boys - Bannister Bracket C - Prior Lake SC 2011 Boys Navy 13U Cities: Bracket A - Minneapolis United 2011 Boys Copa Bracket B - Salvo SC 11B Central Red Bracket C - Waconia SC 11 Boys Pozega Bracket D - North East United Soccer Club 2011 Boys 14U Regional: Bracket A - St. Croix 09 Boys Fall Bracket B - Wave SC 10 Boys Boutouli
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14U State: Bracket A - Prior Lake SC 2010 Boys Fall Bracket B - St. Paul Blackhawks 09 Boys Fall Team 14U Cities: Bracket A - Southeast Soccer Club 09 Boys Rovers Bracket B - Prior Lake SC 2010 Boys Navy Bracket C - Salvo SC 10B Eau Claire United Red Bracket D - Twin Cities Rush Soccer Club 10 Boys EDT 1 TCSL MAGAZINE I WINTER 23-24 I
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tcslsoccer.com
Vol. 4 No. 1
Photos by Christopher Mitchell I SportShotPhoto.com