USYS' October Full Circle

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TABLE OF CONTENTS OCTOBER 202�

NOTE FROM LEADERSHIP...

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NOVEMBER QUARTERFINALS SCHEDULE...

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PLANS FOR THE GAME FORMAT PROJECT...

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TREATING REFEREES DIFFERENTLY...

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ALUMNAE AT PARIS OLYMPICS...

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COLLEGE GAMES OF THE MONTH...

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CAL NORTH'S Q&A WITH KENDALL CONWAY. ..

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NOTE FROM LEADERSHIP Welcome to the newly designed USYS Full Circle magazine. With this debut, the magazine format shall replace our past newsletter design. Many of you that have been with USYS a long time will remember our Fuel Soccer magazine that was published monthly and mailed to all 2.6 million player families. I loved it and I'm glad to see we're bringing a version of it back, just in digital form.

One of the key features that we hope to highlight each month are great stories, videos, and pictures from our USYS Family. If you or someone you know has done something extraordinary within the game as a player, coach, referee, club administrator or parent, please share it with us by sending what you have to: flombardo@usyouthsoccer.org.

As we enter October, we hope that everyone's fall season is off to a great start. Win, lose or draw, it's great to be back out on the fields and for me, fall was always my favorite season to play.

Skip Gilbert US Youth Soccer Chief Executive Officer

LATEST NEWS SCHEDULE SET FDR NOVEMBER 2024 NATIONAL LEAGUE QUARTERFINALS The November Quarterfinals will feature boys and girls teams, primarily from Elite 64, in the 13U through 19U age groups. The boys will take the fields first, with games scheduled for Nov. 1-4, and the girls will compete the following weekend, Nov. 8-11.

All games in Mesa will be played at the Arizona Athletic Grounds. The 14U-19U teams playing in Arizona will be competing for an opportunity to advance to the National League Semifinals for a chance to ultimately qualify for the 2025 USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life.

"It is always great bringing such talented teams and players together, and the Quarterfinals in November will provide a fantastic setting for high-level youth soccer," said Marc Frankland, USYS National League General Manager. "With each team playing meaningful games and having opportunities for advancement, we know the atmosphere in Arizona will be fun and memorable for all participants."

The field of teams competing in Arizona features two teams that won titles at the 2024 USYS National Championships - Las Vegas Surf Elite 64 DSG and Strikers Miami Elite 64 06/078.

Teams playing in the November Quarterfinals are divided into pools within each age group, with pool placement dependent on Elite 64 performance from last season. The Champions Pool features last season's top-performing teams, followed by the Silver Pool (in applicable age groups) and then the Wildcard Pool.

See the schedules and read mare at USYSNatiana/League.cam

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LATEST NEWS PLANS FDR USVS' 'THE GAME FORMAT PROJECT' UNVEILED The project's focus is supporting USYS member clubs by providing resources to apply a new game model to their U5 and US recreation age groups. Utilizing research from Europe and a U.S. Soccer pilot program, the project shifts these age groups to a model utilizing smaller fields with games of 2v2 or 3v3.

Participating clubs can select the game format they like to implement based on researched-informed recommendations for field size, team size, length of games, restarts, etc. The smaller fields and fewer players lead to more touches on the ball, enhanced decision-making, increased scoring opportunities, and greater enjoyment.

"The goal is to foster the most positive and effective learning environment and the 2v2 or 3v3 game models will allow us to create a more developmentally appropriate format for these ages," said USYS Chief Soccer Officer Tom Condone.

The initiative is funded in part by the U.S. Soccer Federation's Innovate to Grow grant. Organizations selected for this project commit to implementing the game model for two seasons consisting of a minimum of six weeks each season. US Youth Soccer is dedicated to learning from the organizations, parents, and coaches participating in the project, and will work with participants to collect survey data from coaches and parents.

See the clubs and read mare at USYauthSaccer.arg

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THE THIRD TEAM TREATING NEW REFEREES DIFFERENTLY THAN THEIR PLAYING COUNTERPARTS There's only one way that referees avoid making mistakes - they officiate fewer games or quit.

The latter is becoming more common with a decline in referee participation at nearly every level of the sport throughout the world. A major factor of washout and decrease in participation: The poor treatment referees receive and the negative experience that causes.

Even at the very top - professional and international soccer - VAR is needed; so why do we demand perfection from our newest and least experienced referees?

There is a daunting cycle present in our game: There aren't enough officials to oversee games, and the ones willing to are overworked - resulting in more mistakes.

How can we reverse that trend? One easy solution: Treat and develop referees the same way we do players - especially new ones. There should be no difference in treatment between new players and new referees when either join the sport, even though there is typically an age gap associated with the two. It would be a much different landscape if we were able to mirror the effort and commitment to officials that we give to growing our players.

Read mare at USYauthSaccer.arg

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FORMER FACES EIGHTEEN ALUMNAE FUEL GOAL MEDAL WIN AT PARIS OLYMPICS The United States Women's National Team added to its record number of soccer gold medals this summer in Paris, earning its fifth in Olympic Games history with a 1-0 win over Brazil at the famed Pare des Princes. The victory marked the third time (2004 and 2008) the Stars and Stripes have beaten the Selegao in a gold medal match.

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Two US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program ( □ DP) alumnae - Korbin Albert and Mallory Swanson - combined to break the deadlock in the 57th minute, with Swanson's fourth goal of the Olympics being her most important. Albert split the Brazilian defense with a pass that found Swanson and put her through on goal, with a clinical finish slotted in the far corner being the contest's lone score.

The United States' roster of 18 featured USYS heavily, with 17 of the players - including Albert and Swanson - as well as head coach Emma Hayes, having ties to the largest youth sport organization in the country.

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FORMER FACES Throughout its triumphant six-game run in Paris, the United States' balanced roster - led by former regional USYS □ DP coach Hayes - stood out on the world stage. Its defense, anchored by Olympic Development Program alumnae Alyssa Naeher, Crystal Dunn, Naomi Girma, and Emily Fox, earned four clean sheets, including one during every stage of the knockout rounds.

With an impenetrable backline behind them, the United States' front three of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson put the finishing touches on each opponent, with the US Youth Soccer alumnae combining for 10 goals during the event.

For Dunn, Naeher and Lindsey Horan, the Paris Olympics marked their third time representing the Stars and Stripes at the Olympic Games after previously competing in Rio and Tokyo.

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Emma Hayes

Emily Bonnett

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Emily Fox

Casey Krueger

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Rose Lavelle

Casey Murphy

Read mare at USYauthSaccer.arg

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STATE ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT Q&A WITH KENDALL CONWAY □

Kendall Conway is a player that has been with the Cal North DP program since 2020. Her standout performances and talent have put her on the U.S. Women Youth National Team's radar, getting called up for camps and even winning her first major tournament with the U.S. Under-15 Women's Youth National Team during August in Costa Rica.

Cal North caught up with Kendall, a promising and rising star that has developed tremendously the last several years with the Cal North Olympic Development Program, her current club, Lamorinda Soccer Club and now with the U.S. Under-15 Women's Youth National Team.

Cal North: Let's kick things off by telling us and the Cal North community a little bit about who Kendall Conway is?

Kendall Conway: I am 15 years old and a sophomore at Justin Siena High School in Napa. A fun fact about me is that I am a triplet so that's pretty cool. My older brother (by a minute) is Jack and my younger sister (by a minute) is Kaitlyn. They are my best friends and we are very close.

Cal North: When did you get started playing soccer and how do you remember first getting involved in the sport?

Kendall Conway: I first started playing soccer when I was three years old when I lived in New York City. I loved to kick the ball in Central Park. My parents got us involved with every single sport when we were younger to try and tire us out.

Cal North: When did you first join Cal North □ DP? How has the experience been playing Cal North □ DP? Kendall Conway: I first joined Cal North □ DP in 2020. It has been a wonderful experience as I have had outstanding coaches and developed great friendships with my teammates who come from all over northern California. I remain in touch with my □ DP coaches and they have been very helpful with my development as a soccer player and as a person. I also remember being really, really nervous because □ DP was my first big tryout, but it helped me learn to prepare and practice on my own. I really enjoy playing with Cal North □ DP because I get to play more soccer and I get the exposure to different playing styles rith high-quality players from all over northern California.

STATE ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT Cal North: How has it been adapting to your new teammates at the national level?

Kendall Conway: It has been easy because we all share the same passion - we all love the game of soccer! I am in awe of all of them and it has been so much fun getting to know them and learn about their different backgrounds and pathways. The bond between everyone is just amazing and these relationships, like the ones I have developed through □ DP, will last a lifetime. Everyone is so funny, loving, caring and welcoming - like your sisters, and it's just so much fun.

Cal North: How did the Cal North □ DP help you prepare to then be identified by the US Women's Youth National team?

Kendall Conway: □ DP is a terrific organization and has an extensive network. Some of the □ DP coaches are U.S. National Team scouts or have connections to the different U.S. National Teams. □ DP has helped prepare me to play in high-pressure situations and in big tryouts over an extended period of time.

Cal North: What advice would you give to everyone in Cal North □ DP that is looking to break into the US Youth National Teams?

Kendall Conway: I would say if you are already in □ DP, you are on the right path as you have already proven that you are a really good player. Keep working hard and it is the practice you do on your own when nobody is watching that can really help you improve. Work on your conditioning, learn to be technical and watch a lot of soccer. Also, take advantage of what people are willing to help you with. Finally, the most important is to have fun playing the greatest game in the world!

Read mare at Ca/Narth.arg

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