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Rec Soccer Spotlight p.9

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Published by:Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

4070 Butler Pike, Suite 100Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

Phone: 610-238-9966Fax: 610-238-9933

E-mail: info@EPYSA.orgWebsite: EPYSA.org

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEPresident: Jim Kuntz

Vice President, Travel: Michael FinneganVice President, Recreation: John Lenart

Treasurer: Nicole Posillico EppsSecretary: Jeff SommerRegistrar: Donna Outt

Past President: Bob McDade

STATE OFFICE STAFFChief Executive Officer: Chris Branscome

Director of Coaching: Mike BarrDirector of Soccer Operations: Frank OlszewskiMarketing & Events Coordinator: Kylea MeredithAssistant Director of Coaching: Gary StephensonMembership Services Specialist: Beck KleinertBusiness Administration Manager: Kelly Connor

Director of Camps: Sheldon ChamberlainAdministrative Services Specialist: Barb Budgick

Accountant: Judy Curran

TOUCHLINEEditor-in-Chief: Chris Branscome

Editor: Kylea MeredithAdvertising Sales Rep: Dan Clark

Printed by: The Pearl Group at CRW Graphics, 9100 Pennsauken Highway, Pennsauken, NJ 08110

Touchline is © Copyright 2013 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. The entirecontents of this publication are copyrighted; all rights reserved. Articles may not bereproduced or reprinted without written permission of Eastern Pennsylvania YouthSoccer. Advertising space in Touchline is purchased and paid for by the advertisers.None of the products or services is necessarily endorsed by Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer or its affiliates. The views and opinions expressed in this publicationare not necessarily those of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer or its advertisers.Printed in the United States of America

Volume XLIII | December 2013

9 26

14eastern pennsylvania youth soccer

CONT

ENTS

2–3 Union League’s Good Citizenship Award

6–7 Bill Nuttall, From King of Prussia to the National Team

9 Rec Soccer Spotlight: Co-ed Recreation League Keeps Kids in the Game

10 And the Winners Are…

12 Did You Make the Cut?

14-15 PIAA Championships Loaded with Eastern Pennsylvania High School Teams

17 NSCAA Convention / US Youth Soccer Workshop Coming to Philadelphia

20 Quarterly Calendar

23 Youth Soccer Player Profiles

26–27 Personal Insights into Youth Soccer

AN ACTIVE “OFF-SEASON”by Chris Branscome,Chief Executive Officer,Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

There was a time when the winter months allowed us all to recover from the fall season and rest up for the spring.

There was also a time when kids would communicate by talking rather than texting and face timing. So what was once our off-season is filled with indoor games, futsal, trips to tournaments in warmer climates and so on. This “off-season” brings us even more to fill up our soccer tanks with.The eastern Pennsylvania area, more specifically the Delaware Valley, will host several significant events in December and January that I strongly encourage you to support. The NCAA Men’s College Cup- the division I national championships- will be held at PPL Park in Chester on December 13-15. It’s a great opportunity to see the top men’s college teams compete and another opportunity to visit one of the premier soccer stadiums in the country. Tickets are available online at EPYSA.org. Our region has shown

tremendous support for our professional teams, international games and our US national teams. Let’s continue that tradition and sell out PPL Park!Less than a month from that, Philadelphia will host the world’s largest gathering of soccer coaches. The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and US Youth Soccer will hold their combined convention and workshop at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, January 15-19, 2014. This is one of the best opportunities for coaches, administrators and soccer enthusiasts of all levels to experience our sport. The event features world renowned clinicians with on-field demonstrations, classroom sessions and panel discussions in nearly every imaginable topic. Our own Mike Barr and Gary Stephenson will be among the presenters this year. We will have a booth in the exhibit hall, among hundreds of vendors displaying the newest in gear, gadgets, tours

and educational materials. Special discounts to join the NSCAA are available for our membership, as well as links to the event, at EPYSA.org.This event will be in Philadelphia for an unprecedented two years in a row. In recognition of this opportunity, we have made a decision to suspend our annual workshop for this period. This is a special opportunity and we strongly recommend you take the opportunity to attend. But that doesn’t mean you have off in March…mark your calendars for our Annual Awards Reception on March 8 followed by the Annual General Meeting on March 9. Both will be held at the Radisson Philadelphia Northeast in Trevose, PA. Look for more information to be sent out after the New Year.As you prepare to enjoy your “off-season,” from all of us at the state association office, and from the Board of Directors - Have a safe and happy holiday!

EPYSA.org

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WHO: Current high school JUNIORS ONLY (boys and girls) affiliated with Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer through a club team, ODP team, refereeing, or other.

WHAT: Union League’s Good Citizenship Award is presented each year to boys and girls who exemplify a well-rounded profile of activities. Candidates must demonstrate exemplary qualities of cooperative effort, self-control, perseverance, serious scholarship and good sportsmanship. The student should demonstrate appreciation for America and endeavors to follow and uphold the best traditions and principles of American patriotism.

Up to 21 candidates from Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer are selected.

WHEN: Candidates must submit their profile no later than January 10, 2014.

Mandatory Requirement: Recipients must attend Youth Work Day, Thursday, May 15, 2014, an all-day leadership program and awards dinner at the Union League. If one cannot attend, candidate will not be considered.

WHY: Nomination of this prestigious award will add distinctive value to a student’s resume when applying to colleges/universities. Award winners are also eligible to apply for a college scholarship award of at least $5,000/year in their senior year of high school.

Recipients will also be recognized at the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Awards Celebration, March 8, 2014 in Trevose, PA.

If you feel you meet these requirements, please send your Personal Profile to:Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Attn: Union League Good Citizenship Award 4070 Butler Pike, Suite 100 Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.

Submit the student-athlete’s Personal Profile (1 to 3 pages maximum) with a brief cover letter. The student-athlete should follow the format below when preparing his/her profile:

1. Name, phone number, e-mail address and mailing address2. Academics, including GPA, class rank and SAT scores3. High School Soccer and Athletics including club team(s)4. Extracurricular Activities such as school clubs, elected offices, the arts, etc.5. Community Service such as interact, church groups, volunteer work, etc.6. Awards and Recognitions7. Part-time job(s) and/or other accomplishments

Profiles must have references with phone numbers to attest to authenticity.

Union League’s Good Citizenship Award

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has the second highest number of award recipients than any other participating organization.

2012 Good Citizenship Award recipient, Matthew Kleinhenz received a college scholarship this year. Kleinhenz is continuing his education at Lehigh University.

Good Citizenship Award winners at the 2013 Awards Dinner at the Union League of Philadelphia this October.

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It has been an honor to be a recipient of The Union League’s Good Citizenship Award. The purpose of the award is to encourage today’s youth to value patriotism and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in our country. Being a part of this has reinforced to me the importance of striving to create a better community through helping others.

All of the awardees attended the annual Youth Work Day on October 3, 2013. The day began at 9:00 AM at the Union League in Center City, Philadelphia. When we arrived we met in groups to explore new and old concepts about government, rights, responsibilities and citizenship. We listened to speakers and participated in workshops. That afternoon we were bussed to the Federal Court House as part of National Law Day. While there we learned about and discussed the case, Gideon v. Wainwright. We were given the opportunity to

speak with judges and lawyers and ask them questions. Along with these meaningful experiences, I especially enjoyed the time meeting new people, learning about their places in life and how they were chosen for this award. This was a truly rewarding experience and I am thankful for that.

I have been playing organized soccer since I was four years old. Playing soccer has shaped me and taught me much more than just the game itself. Playing soccer helps you to make many new friends and meet people you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to meet. It builds confidence; you learn sportsmanship and compassion for others. You learn how to work as a team. These are the same attributes that describe good citizens. When I set foot on the soccer field, I feel a sigh of relief and a freedom that no one can take from me.

2013’s Youth Work DayBy Micaela Maria Rodas, Keystone Athletic 2013 Good Citizenship Award Recipient

Union League’s Good Citizenship Award

FROM OUR PRESIDENTJim Kuntz

As this year’s fall season winds down, I can’t help but reflect on these past few months.

This fall I had the opportunity to travel around our state to watch a number of league games. I experienced a very positive atmosphere with all of the players enjoying the game and the parents & fans cheering on their favorite team or player. Sometimes over exuberance can get in the way of good sportsmanship but I saw very little of that.

As your president I travel extensively for various meetings with other states. I must tell you that Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is a model state that others want to emulate. The state association office staff is second to none that serves you with the utmost professionalism. I have been involved, at the state level, for 15+ years and am proud of the strides we have made to evolve into a service organization that puts our affiliates first. Today, it’s all about service to you, which we have to earn our stripes every day.

The NCAA College Cup is coming to Philadelphia this December 13-15 at PPL Park. Join other soccer fans in support of college soccer to show Philadelphia as a hub for soccer.

EPYSA.org

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WidenerLeadershipWorks

Today leadership is at a premium.

In a competitive world, leadership separates the good from the irreplaceable. Especially real-time, real-life leadership on the playing fi eld and within our communities.

Widener University does more than talk about leadership. Our students experience it daily in nationally-recognized academic, public service, and athletic programs. It’s why Widener is in the top 10%of Academic All Americans in NCAA Division III.

To learn more visit www.widener.edu

Here.

What We’ve Been Up To…Youth Soccer Month 8 events, 6 counties visited, 500 players participated

ODP Tryouts Record numbers:

1900 players, 4 locations, 2 days, 100 coaches

Coaches Workshops Demos by coaches from the NSCAA, US Youth Soccer & Philadelphia Union

Coaching Education 8 courses, 150 coaches certified

WidenerLeadershipWorks

Today leadership is at a premium.

In a competitive world, leadership separates the good from the irreplaceable. Especially real-time, real-life leadership on the playing fi eld and within our communities.

Widener University does more than talk about leadership. Our students experience it daily in nationally-recognized academic, public service, and athletic programs. It’s why Widener is in the top 10%of Academic All Americans in NCAA Division III.

To learn more visit www.widener.edu

Here.

EPYSA.org

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Profile: Bill Nuttall, From King of Prussia to the National Team

By Rick Woelfel

ill Nuttall never stepped on a soccer pitch until his junior year in high school. But the

sport has been at the center of his life ever since.

Nuttall has been involved in the game as a player, coach, broadcaster and administrator. Under his leadership, the United States hosted the most successful World Cup in history, an event that led directly to the launch of Major League Soccer.

All this from a man who grew up wanting to be a high school football player.

Nuttall was raised in King of Prussia at a time when the youth soccer programs so prevalent today didn’t exist. He focused his athletic energy on football and baseball instead. When he enrolled at Upper Merion High School he wanted to be a tight end but his lack of size proved his undoing.

“I played football through junior high,” Nuttall recalls. “When you get to 10th grade the players are bigger and better and I still wasn’t a very big guy at the time.”

As a junior, Nuttall tried out for the soccer team where his hand-eye coordination made him a good fit in the goal. The experience whetted his appetite for the sport and when his high school career ended following the 1965 season his coach, Jim Baxter, encouraged him to play club soccer.

It was there that Nuttall’s game took the great leap forward. He spent time playing for a team in North Wales as well as an all-star side coached by Walter Bahr, who was coaching at Temple at the time.

Perhaps his most memorable experience was playing for the South Philadelphia Italians, a team that featured Walt Chyzowych as a player-coach. It was Chyzowych who handled most

of the instruction, what there was of it, because the head coach spoke very little English.

Playing conditions varied. Some, like the pitches at Danube Swabian and the United German Hungarian club were first rate. Others were less so. Nuttall recalls one site adjacent

to the Walt Whitman Bridge where the pitch was laid out on a baseball diamond.

It was a classic case of on-the-job training for an aspiring soccer player.

“Looking back on it now it was a great experience,” Nuttall says. “I’m positive I never would have been able to elevate my game had I not played in those leagues. There were

quality players from every country. They were very well skilled. There wasn’t a pro league at the time so this was the highest level. It was really a fun time.”

Amidst all this Nuttall enrolled at Brandywine Junior College in Wilmington where, in 1966 he was part of the school’s first soccer team.

The team lost all 10 of its games in its inaugural season, the closest of them by a score of 6-0 but Nuttall was named a first-team Juco All American at season’s end. In addition to being the best keeper in the land he was almost certainly the busiest.

“I would have anywhere between 50-60 saves a game,” he says. “As fast as I could kick the ball out I’d have to turn around and make another save. I looked forward to going to practice because practice was easier than the games.”

From Brandywine, Nuttall moved on to Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia, a NAIA institution at the time.

The world of college soccer wasn’t as structured in those days; NAIA teams regularly scheduled NCAA opponents.

“We played Howard, we played St. Louis University,” Nuttall says. “We played everybody.”

In fact, following his final season with the Senators in 1970 Nuttall was named to a first-team All-American squad that included major-college players.

After college, he returned to Brandywine as an admissions counselor and made a few extra dollars playing for the Delaware Wings of the American Soccer League.

In 1974 he found his way to the Miami Toros of the North American Soccer League, the premier professional league in America at the time.

Three years later however, he was told his services as a player were no longer desired after the franchise, now known as the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, acquired another goalkeeper, the legendary English international Gordon Banks.

Nuttall, who by this time was coaching at Florida International University, became a broadcaster for the Strikers but continued to train with them on occasion. Watching Banks up close was the opportunity of a lifetime.

“I really wanted to get close to him and see what he was all about,” he says.

B

Nuttall was the NASL’s Miami Toros’ Goalie from 1974 to 1976.

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Banks was 39 years old at the time and had lost his sight in one eye after being involved in a traffic accident. But he had a presence about him, on the pitch and off.

“I was fascinated by the guy,” Nuttall says. “He was an absolutely fantastic individual and the way he played and commanded himself in the penalty area was just incredible.”

Nuttall spent five years at FIU before returning to the Strikers as an assistant coach. He also did some work for ESPN; he was part of the commentary team for the first soccer game the network ever televised in 1979, a college match between Indiana and Minnesota.

After leaving the Strikers, Nuttall spent two years as the player personnel director for the Major Indoor Soccer League’s Dallas Sidekicks.

He worked for a sports equipment company before accepting the post as general manager

of the U.S. Men’s National Team in 1991.

With the United States scheduled to host the World Cup in 1994, Nuttall was charged with not only assisting with preparations for the event but also fielding a U.S. side that would be competitive in it.

He was successful on both counts. The United States reached the round of 16, but was eliminated by losing 1-0 to Brazil, the eventual champion. The success of the tournament though helped MLS get off the ground in 1996.

“It was the first time the U.S. team had ever shown any respectability at the world level,” Nuttall says, “and the first time our players actually got some credibility at the world level.”

“We put on the most successful World Cup in history. The most profitable, the most organized, the largest attended, and all I can say is I was so fortunate to be in the middle of all that and

be part of that.”

Today Nuttall is the owner of Golden Viking Sports, a sporting goods distribution and marketing company based in Kent, Washington. It’s been nearly half a century since he played his first soccer game.

American soccer has grown exponentially in that span; a circumstance that gives Nuttall considerable satisfaction.

“Kids don’t look at soccer as a secondary sport anymore,” he says. “They’re thinking ‘I can make some money. I see the pro leagues, I see the national team, and I can aspire to that.’ It isn’t a secondary vocation type of thing.”

“I don’t think anybody is kidding each other. The NFL, the NBA, major-league baseball, they’re still the major sports but I think soccer’s found a nice niche.”

Below: Nuttall at the recent Nuttall Field dedication at Davis & Elkins College, where he played from 1967 to 1970.

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Co-ed Rec League Keeps Kids in the Game

ach year tens of thousands of kids drop out of youth sports between the ages of

12 and 14. The reason most often cited for dropping out, it was no longer fun. About 15 years ago, one club decided they would try to change that. They wanted to create an opportunity for kids to remain in the game as long as they wanted to, or perhaps come back to it, because it could be fun again.

In 1999, Dennis Stanton of the Plymouth Soccer Club (now known as Colonial SC) took over the recreation side of the club. The club has always had a strong intramural program and supported travel teams in nearly every age group. Plymouth had offered divisions for teen-aged players, off and on, but had been without a high school age group for a while. Stanton’s son was coming into this age, and knowing that they had strong numbers when they were U14, he figured the time was right to try the older age group again.

“We initially started with 21 male players,” Stanton says. “We played small sided games or played against the travel teams.” The boys wanted more games, so Stanton contacted other local clubs, scheduling games against Upper Dublin and Ardsley.

“It was hard to find the right fit for us. I think rec leagues were just beginning, but eventually we grew to three boy’s teams and teamed up with Whitpain for three years.”

That partnership ran its course, but Stanton’s program continued to grow and he eventually ran a four team league in-house. They ultimately extended their season to the end of November and started a tradition of tournament style playoffs on Thanksgiving Sunday. The girl’s side was growing too, and to keep them moving forward, they joined forces with Montgomery SC.

About five years ago, both the girls and boys groups were both struggling to keep a full league, but there was more than enough total players, so they decided to combine and create a co-ed league instead. It’s continued to be a great outlet for many teens who wanted to continue playing soccer and be around their friends.

“We’re having great success with co-ed. We have four teams, 18 players on each,” Stanton says proudly. Neither Stanton nor some of the others, who coach in the program, have kids participating anymore, but they keep coming back year after year. “There are no trophies or awards. The players really just play because they love it.”

“I have so much fun playing soccer still,” says Emma Lepore, a sophomore and former travel player “and it’s cool competing with and against the boys. It’s good competition and the boys and girls both play tough against one another.”

Ninth graders, Molly Raimondo and Michael Simons have been friends since kindergarten, and are now able to be teammates for the first time. Simons hasn’t played soccer in a few years, and Raimondo is a former travel player who concentrates on volleyball now at school. “It’s just fun to be on a team and be with friends. This league lets me still play soccer and gives me the time to focus on school and other activities. You get the best of all worlds,” Raimondo states.

The kids play hard, but Stanton works to maintain fair play and respect. “I try to keep

a lid on the physical nature of the boy’s game because we’re co-ed. I also work with the refs to monitor foul play.” As a rec league, players are divided as evenly as possible to keep each team competitive. Stanton feels being proactive in this regard helps to boost the players’ confidence and allows them to improve their skills. The league has also gained the attention of more travel players and high school players who love the social aspect of the league and the ability to play for the pure enjoyment of the game.

“The families tell me how much they love rec soccer. And the players just get better each year.”

REC SOCCER SPOTLIGHT:

E

EPYSA.org

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And the Winners Are…

TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year

Danielle Albrecht Aston Youth Soccer Association

Volunteer of the Year

Victor & Jackye Pazmino Southern Chester County Soccer Association

Administrator of the Year

Connie Buzzard Penn Legacy/Hempfield Soccer Club

Girls Recreation Coach of the Year

Michelle Bates Northern Lebanon Soccer Club

Boys Recreation Coach of the year

Dennis Stanton Colonial Soccer Club

Girls Travel Coach of the Year

Frank Omlor North Union United Soccer Club

Boys Travel Coach of the Year

Mark Thomas West Chester United Soccer Club

Young Referees of the Year

Jessica Moretti Female

Patrick Casey Male

Young Referee of the Year

Admin. of the Year

Rec. Coach of the Year

Travel Coach

of the YearVolunteer

of the Year

Buddy of the Year

Awards ReceptionSaturday, March 8, 2014Radisson Northeast PhiladelphiaTrevose, PA

Annual General MeetingSunday, March 9, 2014Radisson Northeast PhiladelphiaTrevose, PA

SAVEDATES!THESE Visit EPYSA.org

for more information and to purchase tickets!

Please help us celebrate our 2013 award winners at our Annual Awards Reception being held this year at the Radisson Northeast Philadelphia in Trevose, PA on Saturday, March 8, 2104. Visit EPYSA.org for more details regarding the event and purchasing tickets.

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The Lightweight Soccer BallFrom US Youth Soccer’s Director of Coaching, Sam Snow’s blog on usyouthsoccer.org

ew in the American soccer marketplace is the availability of lightweight size 4 and 5 soccer balls. They are the same circumference as regular soccer balls of those sizes, but not as heavy. Now that has some intriguing possibilities for youth soccer player development.

Young players whose ball skills are still primitive could use a larger ball. The larger ball has a bigger “sweet spot” and it’s easier to track its movement, especially when bouncing or in the air. These facts are especially true for the U6 and U8 age groups. The problem with them using a size 4 or 5 ball is that it’s too heavy for them to dribble for very long or shoot at the goal from far away, much less to make a pass.

With that in mind we have been using a size 3 ball for the two youngest age groups in organized youth soccer.

With the lightweight ball young players could expand their ball skills at a quicker rate. Take the U10 and U12 age groups for example. With a lightweight size 5 ball they could have that larger “sweet spot” but also be able to play longer passes, shoot from farther away from the goal and make crosses to the far post. With the lightweight size 4 or 5 ball players in these two age groups could add the air game into their repertoire sooner in their developmental timeline. The lightweight ball might alleviate some children’s anxiety with receiving the ball out of the air or to head the ball. Skills such as

chipping and volley shots become more realistic for the U12 player using a lightweight ball.

There may be one pitfall to the lightweight ball though. Because many players will be able to hit the ball farther it may encourage them, and some coaches, to fall deeper into the abyss of kickball style soccer. Kick-n-run soccer is not in the best interest of the American player.

Whether you use the lightweight soccer ball in just your training sessions or in your matches too, I encourage you to give the ball a try as another component of player development.

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Did You Make the Cut?By Gary Stephenson, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Assistant Director of Coaching

he fall season is just now winding down and looking back as a coach the worst

part of the season is in the beginning, tryouts! The job of being the selector of teams or programs is not an easy task and not a job any coach I know takes lightly. No matter how skilled you are or how diligently you perform the task; no coach ever gets it 100% right, just ask the agent that that never signed The Beatles! Now factor in that we are talking about youth players and their future potential and the stakes go way up.

As a parent of three - I am like every parent who always wants ‘what is best for my kids’. I attempt to give them experiences, opportunities and possessions that I never had. After all, that is the role bestowed upon us as parents.

Lately, when I am around other parents at soccer practices and games or school events, I am beginning to witness a scary trend. A tendency that doesn’t reward effort but celebrates everything!

They begin to believe that their child is the best and couldn’t be at a level that precludes them from participating at a higher level. From that mindful declaration, they become the helicopter parent who runs and dictates their child’s life. They talk for them, they defend them, they plan their schedule without input from the child, they complete homework, question grades, select friends and pick and choose teams to assure a successful future. Gone are the days that if a child doesn’t make the grade or the team the parent consoles and helps their child weather through it and understand that not being selected or chosen is common throughout life.

Unfortunately, the helicopter parent makes things more difficult for their child and lashes out at everyone and everything for their child not making the cut. These parents are no different than the little kid who stomps his or her feet until they get their own way.

My children are not perfect nor am I the best parent; in fact I am learning every day. I have no manual to provide or sage wisdom to deliver for parents, but I do feel a need to tell them to step back and examine the direction they are taking with their child.

Examine the following suggestions:

• Don’tblametheprogram,teamorclub.Avoid the common rhetoric of being political, money grabbing, or the club is not good enough for your child.

• Trynottobedisrespectful inspeakingofanother child because they are in competition for a position on your son or daughter’s team.

• Don’tassumebecauseahighlypaidcoachwith an accent told you that your child is amazing and that there are no other players with stronger ability.

• Show respect to individuals makingselections. When the comment is made that an adult does not know what they are doing it carries over to any other event in your child’s future that warrants a selection process.

• Don’tplaceblame; itwill influenceyourchildren to make excuses. It is good to fail; sometimes it helps children grow and develop.

• Allowyourchildrentofail/fallandgrowfromit – being a good parent is not about sheltering our kids but letting them fly and to be there to support and nurture their efforts!

Parents take a look at yourself and determine if you fall into the category of helicopter parent or are you making the cut of being a good parent.

T

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PIAA Championships Loaded with Eastern Pennsylvania High School TeamsBy Rick Woelfel

hen Sheldon Chamberlain came to Spring-Ford High

School in the fall of 2011 girls soccer was something of an afterthought at the school. But Chamberlain had a vision of what a successful program should be.

Two years later that vision has been realized; the Rams are one of the strongest high school sides in Pennsylvania. They bested Seneca Valley 1-0 in double overtime in a Class AAA semifinal game to earn the right to play for the PIAA state title. The Rams were scheduled to face Neshaminy in an all Philadelphia-area final.

Chamberlain has had this kind of impact before. He spent five years overseeing the women’s program at Villanova in the 1990s, winning 47 games and producing three winning seasons. During his tenure the Wildcats were nationally ranked for the first time in school history.

When Chamberlain left Villanova after the 1996 season to retire to Florida he thought he was done with coaching. But he wound up spending five seasons at Venice High School and winning two district titles there.

After returning to the Philadelphia area for family reasons, Chamberlain made a last-minute decision to apply for the vacant position at Spring-Ford.

In 2011, his first season, The Rams won six games. A year later the program took the great leap forward. Chamberlain brought two new assistant coaches on board, Tim Leyland and former Spring-Ford captain Liz Caggiano.

The players began training six days per week. And Chamberlain imparted to his players the importance of setting goals.

“We had a session in the classroom on smart goals,” he says. “We had them write down their smart goals for the season. And we’re constantly reminding them that they can change that goal. It has to be very specific. Can you attain it? Is it realistic? Is it timely? That was the beginning of changing their thinking, changing the whole culture of the soccer team as far as turning it into more of a program.”

The Rams concluded the 2012 season by winning a District One playoff game for the first time ever.

This season they picked up where they left off last fall. Chamberlain and his staff had 44 players to work with, all of whom play club soccer. The veteran coach has a no cut policy.

“I don’t believe in cutting,” he says. “Girls change, they get motivated. There’s development going on all the time.”

Chamberlain, who holds a USSF A coaching license, delegates much of the responsibility for training to Leyland, who holds a USSF B license and Caggiano, a USSF D license.

“I just have to type up the training schedule every day and hand it out,” Chamberlain says. “Coach Tom does this, Coach Sheldon does this, and Coach Liz does this. We have three coaches on the same page, with the same goals.”

Caggiano is quick to point out that Chanberlain’s

involvement goes far beyond ‘typing up the training schedule.’

“Coach Sheldon comes into each day of practice more prepared than any coach I’ve ever known,” she says. “He always has a set plan, geared towards working on specific areas that the girls need to work on. And he’s connected the middle school players to the program. Getting the younger girls excited about what is ahead for them seems to make a huge difference.”

Caggiano says Chamberlain has a knack for adapting his system to mesh with his players’ abilities. “He really knows his soccer,” she says, “and understands each player’s individual skill set through close observation and how they can improve, to overall improve the team.”

Chamberlain says the experiences his players have playing high school soccer have a lasting impact.

“The big payoff is that every girl develops a whole different picture of their role in soccer,” he says. “They can be successful, they have fun, and they make new friends. They win. And

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there’s discipline and there’s commitment. It’s about the development of the whole person.”

In addition to the Neshaminy-Spring-Ford matchup, five other eastern Pennsylvania-based teams made the trip to Hershey to play for state titles.

Southern Columbia from District Four faced off with Greensburg Central Catholic for the girls Class A title while the Class AA final matched

Trinity from District Three against Central Valley.

On the boys’ side Holy Ghost Prep represented the Philadelphia area in the Class AA final against West Allegheny while in Class AAA Conestoga Valley from District Three was to go against Upper St. Clair. In the Class A finale Mountain View from District Two was matched with Sewickley Academy.

For all the talented teams that qualified for the state tournament (a total of 96) many others fell by the wayside.

Veteran Central Bucks East boys’ coach Mike

Gorni points out that there’s very little separating the top teams in the area.

“There’s just a tremendous amount of parity,” he says. “There are a lot of very good teams in District One (suburban Philadelphia). I think if you look at the number of games that went to overtime and penalty kicks you can see how close the teams are and how the day-to-day games are very competitive. I think there are a lot of very good teams who have solid

technical players, as well as some very good athletes that complete high school programs.”

Gorni, who has had a distinguished career coaching Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer ODP and affiliated club teams, notes that three of the top four seeds in the District One Class AAA field, Lower Merion, Neshaminy, and his own Patriots, were eliminated in the second round on penalty kicks after drawing opening-round byes.

“You saw teams at the top who had great seasons,” he says, “and won their leagues and all went out on penalty-kick losses. Those

games came down to some very critical moments and teams moved on because they handled the situation better.”

Roben Qawasmy, an assistant with the Lansdale Catholic boys who also coaches at the youth level, as well as ODP, says the high-school game is continuing to evolve.

“A lot of local schools have tremendous players. It’s changing from the old high school style of

kick and run, kick and run,” he says. “High school soccer is getting a lot better because a lot more kids are playing club soccer and ODP.”

Qawasmy contends that the caliber of play at the high school level will only improve in the years to come.

“Years ago at ages eight, nine, and 10, a lot of clubs used to have just one team of 10 to 12 players,” he says. “Now, more clubs have a minimum of three teams for eight and nine year olds.”

“The caliber of play today is tremendous. You watch nine and 10 year olds doing a step-over or doing a pullback. Ten or 15 years ago they could barely run on the field. In a few years all these young players will be 14 and 15 years old heading into high school. It’s only going to get better.”

For the 2013 PIAA Championship results please visit PIAA.org. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer wants to congratulate all high school teams on their success this season.

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EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH SOCCER

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Modell’s is happy to offer all participants a 15% Team Weeks discount on regular & sale priced

merchandise several times a year throughout our local stores. Modell’s will also donate 5% of all

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KIMBERTON2222 Kimberton Road

Kimberton, PA 19442

610.935.8145

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BERWYN1049 Lancaster Avenue

Berwyn, PA 19312

610.647.3337

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Call or email to begin your order today!

Be sure to ask about getting your logo on any award

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has created special

available to all of our clubs and teams. The patches can be applied to team jerseys using a standard home iron. The two-inch by two-and-a-half-inch patches can be ironed on sleeves, below the back collar, or even on the front of your jerseys or shorts.

With the launch of our very own Fair Play and Respect program, our mission is to continue to institute the ideals of fair play and respect from the field to the sidelines to the entire community. No person—player, coach, referee or spectator—should ever be the target of bullying, violence, or foul or racist language. Children should be free to play without unnecessary distractions. A simple measure of goodwill and sportsmanship is for teams, coaches and referees to congratulate each other following each game, and for spectators to cheer in a positive manner.

Join us in this program by e-mailing bbudgick@epysa.org or calling our office at 610-238-9966 to purchase patches. They are available in bundles of 20, for $10 per bundle.

“Respect” and “Fair Play” iron-on patches

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1 Low PriceRegister Now and Enjoy the Benefits!

Soccer’s Biggest Party brings together coaches, players, administrators, business leaders, referees and fans from all over the world. Come and be a part of the fast growing soccer community!

US Youth Soccer and the NSCAA, two of the nation’s soccer leaders, merged their respective annual gatherings in January 2013, creating what is now the game’s most influential event of the year. No other event for soccer enthusiasts matches the level and depth of high profile clinicians, variety of networking and continuing education opportunities and the fun and excitement all packed into five days. If

you’re serious about soccer, you need to be at the NSCAA Convention and US Youth Soccer Workshop.

Register today at nscaa.com/convention. If you aren’t a member of the NSCAA yet, don’t worry you can receive a $30 discount if you register for the Eastern Pennsylvania Coaches Association first! Over 200 Eastern Pennsylvania coaches have already cashed in on this incredible offer. Visit EPYSA.org for registration details.

Don’t forget to stop by the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer booth in the Exhibit Hall to say hello during the convention this January!

Join Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer at the 2014 NSCAA Convention and US Youth Soccer Workshop… January 15-19 at the Philadelphia Convention Center!

+

Options shown. 1The back-up camera does not provide a comprehensive view of the rear area of the vehicle. You should also look around outside your vehicle and use your mirrors to con-firm rearward clearance. Cold weather will limit effectiveness and view may become cloudy.

Your local Tri-State Toyota Dealers Association is proud to be The Official Vehicle Partner of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and Philadelphia Union

Forward thinking. Even in reverse.Introducing the All-New 2013 RAV4, with back-up camera1 standard on all models.

Introducing FootGolfrystal Springs Resort – home to seven distinct golf courses just one hour from New

York City – has just launched FootGolf at its Cascades course.

Easy to learn and fun to play, FootGolf is a cross between golf and soccer, and offers the precision, power and passion of both sports combined into one amazing playing experience.

Players “tee off” (or in this case, “kick off”) with a regulation size-5 soccer ball, kicking it down fairways with the objective of getting the ball in a 21-inch-diameter hole in the fewest number of kicks.

As one of the few available places to play the game in the U.S., Crystal Springs Resort is the first facility of its kind in the Northeast, pioneering a sport that’s already captivated Europe! And the Cascades course provides a spectacular setting.

“FootGolf is an excellent way to attract new people to the golf course, and provides a new and entertaining way to experience our Resort” enthuses Art Walton, Vice President of Golf Operations at Crystal Springs Resort. “We’re excited to bring it to our Cascades course, which is already acclaimed as a test ground for golf innovation. This game is going to catch on in a big way, and we’re thrilled to be on the forefront of its introduction.”

Players may wear golf or soccer attire, with turf shoes and sneakers. They may also bring their own ball or use one supplied by the pro shop. A “FootGuide” will greet all players, provide a brief orientation and serve as an escort for first timers. To further their enjoyment, players are encouraged to download the FootGolf App for Apple and Android phones prior to their rounds.

It takes about two hours to play 18 holes and costs an affordable $20 per person ($25 weekend mornings). Golf carts are available for $10 extra. Remember, you don’t need to be a golfer or soccer player to enjoy FootGolf. Players of all ages – from children to seniors – can rule the green!

Crystal Springs also offers attractive FootGolf packages, perfect for fundraisers and teambuilding. The Charity Kick Package starts at just $25 per person, while the World Cup Package is priced from $50 per person and includes a delicious lunch or dinner.

For more information or to book a FootGolf tee time: Visit www.crystalfootgolf.com or call 973.827.5996.

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Quarterly CalendarDecember 2013 5 Eastern Pennsylvania Horizon Services Indoor Cup

Application Closes at 12:00 Noon

13-15 Sports & Education Expo | Philadelphia Convention Center

24-31 Office Closed, Winter Holiday

26 All U12 Boys & Girls ODP Training | In the Net*

27 All U13 Boys & Girls and U14 Boys & Girls ODP Training | In the Net*

January 2014 1 Office Closed, New Year’s Day

3 2014 Outdoor Cups Registration Opens for U9-U19

4 U10 Boys Indoor Cup | BodyZone

5 U10 Girls Indoor Cup | BodyZone

11 U15 Boys & Girls Indoor Cup | Riverfront Sports

12 U16 Boys & Girls Indoor Cup | Riverfront Sports

15-19 NSCAA Convention/US Youth Soccer Workshop | Philadelphia Convention Center

20 Office Closed, Dr. Martin Luther King Day

25 U17 Boys & Girls and U19 Boys & Girls Indoor Cup | In the Net & U13 Boys Indoor Cup | Wyoming Valley Sports Dome

26 U13 Girls Indoor Cup | Wyoming Valley Sports Dome & U14 Boys Indoor Cup | Lanco Fieldhouse

February 2014*

8 U9 Boys Indoor Cup | BodyZone & U12 Boys Indoor Cup In the Net

9 U9 Girls Indoor Cup | BodyZone & U12 Girls Indoor Cup In the Net

15 U11 Boys & Girls Indoor Cup | The Pocono Dome

17 Office Closed, President’s Day

21-23 U13 through U17 ODP @ Virginia Friendlies Williamsburg, VA

22 U14 Girls Indoor Cup | Lanco Fieldhouse

March 2014 2/28 – 3/2 ODP National Championships-U17 Boys | Phoenix, AZ

3 Outdoor Cups Registration Closes for U9-U17

8 Awards Reception | Radisson, Trevose, PA

9 Annual General Meeting | Radisson, Trevose, PA

21 Outdoor Cup Roster Freeze for U9-U17

* ODP Training, Please check your team page on the website for more details.

ome and experience an event that combines the passion for sports with the importance of

higher education and the commitment to health and wellness. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will be exhibiting during the 3-day event.

Will the advent of professional coaches in youth sports and select programs at younger ages begin to erode free play and the opportunity for children to be exposed to other sports and activities? Come see Director of Coaching, Mike Barr discuss the topic, Re-examining Youth Sports in America on Friday, December 13 at 12:30 PM. This presentation examines the changes now occurring within all sports as parents feel forced to make choices that may hinder their child’s development, result in over-use injuries and place a burden on a family’s finances.

For more details, visit SportsEducationExpo.com

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ALUMNI REPORT

Thomas ShiibaUS Youth Soccer National Champion Thomas Shiiba came back home to play at PPL Park in the Army Navy Cup in November. Shiiba, a sophomore at the Naval Academy, was a member of the Lehigh Valley United ’93 U19 boys’ team that took home the McGuire Cup this past July. The Naval academy defeated Army in overtime with a score of 1-0.

Kaceyanne Cerankowski Elizabethtown women’s soccer sophomore Kaceyanne Cerankowski was named to the All-Commonwealth Conference First Team for the second straight season. Cerankowski, was awarded the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Scholarship in 2012. A graduate of Neshaminy high school, she played club at FC Bucks.

Steve Neumann Georgetown senior Steve Neumann is on his way to the NCAA College Cup. The New Hope native and Council Rock North graduate had his shot to leave college and try the pros out, but decided to stick it out in order to graduate. Neumann who played for YMS Xplosion also played 6 seasons in the ODP. He will be a top MLS prospect in the upcoming MLS Draft taking place at the NSCAA Convention in January.

Taylor Antolino and Jodie Zelenky Virginia Tech teammates and seniors Taylor Antolino and Jodie Zelenky helped Virginia Tech to advance to the ACC finals by defeating Virginia, giving #1 seed Virginia their first loss this season. Antolino is a native of Washington Crossing and played for YMS for 8 years. Mechanicsburg native, Zelenky played 4 years with her club team, Hershey Kickkats.

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Want to appear in an upcoming issue of Touchline?This is an exciting feature in the magazine where Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer players, coaches, and parents get an opportunity to be seen and heard by the rest of our readers.

Well, now is your chance! If you would like to be considered to appear in an upcoming issue, simply answer the 11 Questions that appear on our website (and on page 23 ->), fill in the bio information and email it to info@epysa.org. Most importantly, you need to send a photo of yourself with the email, the higher quality, the better! If there is not a photo, then we can’t use your entry in the magazine. Entering is not a guarantee of getting published.

We wish you luck, and who knows? Perhaps when you open the next issue of Touchline magazine, you will find yourself staring back at you!

To register go to:http://www.epysa.org/communications/player_profiles/

Hey, Kids! { And adults, too! }Perhaps you’ve said to yourself:

Magazine!”eastern pennsylvania youth soccer

“I want to be in

Coming This Spring…

Eastern Pennsylvania Turkey Hill Challenge Cup

•OpentoallteamsplayinginanEasternPennsylvania Youth Soccer Sanctioned League in the U9 to U17 age groups.

•EasternPennsylvaniaYouthSocceroffers two divisions of play in the U-9 to U-11 (8v8) age groups (“A”=Most Competitive and “B”=Competitive).

•Thereisnofurthercompetitionoutsideof Eastern Pennsylvania.

•TurkeyHillChallengeCupisplayedina World Cup format. Teams will need to progress from group play into playoffs being played on May 17-18, 2014.

Eastern Pennsylvania President’s Cup

•OpentoallteamsintheU12throughU17 age groups, playing in an Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Sanctioned League. State finals will be played on May 4, 2014.

•ChampionsintheU13throughU17agegroups will represent Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Presidents Cup Region I Championships in Slippery Rock, PA., May 23-26, 2014.

•EasternPennsylvaniaYouthSoccerteams U13 through U17 who win the Region I Championships will represent Region I in the US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup in Greenville, SC., July 10-13, 2104.

Eastern Pennsylvania State Cup (National Championship Series)

•OpentoallteamsintheU12throughU19 age groups, playing in an Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Sanctioned League with the state finals for U12-U17 being played May 17-19, 2014 and the state finals for U18-U19 being played June 1, 2014.

•WinningTeamswillrepresentEasternPennsylvania Youth Soccer at the US Youth Soccer Region I Championships in Kingston, RI., June 26-July 1, 2014.

•EasternPennsylvaniaYouthSoccerteams U13 through U19 who win the Region I Championships will represent Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and Region I in the US Youth Soccer National Championships in Germantown, MD., July 21-27, 2014.

Registration for these competitions will open in January. For more information and to register visit EPYSA.org.

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What position do you play or what do you do on your team?

Defender.

What is your nickname?Groovy.

Who is your role model? Why?My grandmother because she is so kind

and cares about everyone so much.

What is your favorite soccer team?Mine!

What is your favorite movie?Despicable Me, because the little minions make me laugh.

What is your favorite song?Enchanted by Taylor Swift

What is your favorite book?The Harry Potter series.

What is your favorite food?Our homemade apple pie…

yummy!

What is your favorite sportoutside of soccer?

Volleyball

What is your pet peeve (what thing makes you mad or drives you crazy)?The hiccups because I always get them!

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I would go to Italy because it seems pretty there and I am Italian.

What do you want to bewhen you grow up?

I want to be a lot of things: a florist, a chef, a painter, a teacher.

Team NameThunder

Organization/ClubGCVSA

What position do you play or what do you do on your team? Center-Mid/Center-D.

What is your nickname?Adams.

Who is your role model? Why?Messi, because he gives his full effort

during games.

What is your favorite soccer team?Philadelphia Union.

What is your favorite movie?The Lord of the Rings Series.

What is your favorite song?Feel This Moment by Pitbull.

What is your favorite book?The Harry Potter Series.

What is your favorite food?Pizza.

What is your favorite sport outside of soccer?

Karate.

What is your pet peeve (what thing makes you mad or drives you crazy)?

Cracking knuckles.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Australia, because it has exotic sights and animals .

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Athlete or Lawyer.

Team NameUnited

Organization/ClubWest-Mont United Soccer Assoc.

What position do you play or what do you do on your team? Right Wing/Center Mid.

What is your nickname?Nani.

Who is your role model? Why? Nani because I look like him

and I play like him.

What is your favorite soccer team?Manchester United.

What is your favorite movie? Remember the Titans.

What is your favorite song?Old McDonald.

What is your favorite book?The Tale of Despereaux

by Kate DiCamillo.

What is your favorite food?Pasta.

What is your favorite sport outside of soccer?

Basketball.

What is your pet peeve (what thing makes you mad or drives you crazy)?Soccer players not trying and quitters.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Hawaii because I’ve never been there and it’s beautiful and I can chill

on the beach.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A doctor or a professional soccer player.

Team NameSarsfield

Organization/ClubLower Merion Soccer Club

GCVS

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YOUTH SOCCER PLAYER PROFILES

Grace Grube Age: 12

Ari Kasman Age: 11

Brandon Adams Age: 11

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Meet the Coach: Mike BarrAn excerpt from Eastern Pennsylvania’s coaching newsletter, The Evolving GameVisit EPYSA.org to sign-up to receive the monthly newsletter

s Director of Coaching for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer your job entails

an awful lot. How would you sum up what you do in a few sentences?

“My role is sometimes very complicated because I am serving not only players and coaches but parents as well. With so many constituents throughout Pennsylvania I have to focus on all their needs. One day it may be rec players from Montgomery County and the next ODP players who may be underserved in the Lewisburg area. I have to make sure the information I provide is not only relevant but worthwhile. I have to keep up with new coaching methodology and be ready to address any issues that arise. In addition I have to keep a strong relationship with Region I, US Youth Soccer and US Soccer.”

What is the most important advice you could give to up and coming coaches?

“Never become complacent in your role. Coaches should approach coaching the same way gifted teachers approach their class. A quality teacher provides what is needed to their entire class in an interesting and sometimes fun environment. A soccer coach should be no different. A coach’s responsibility is the development of each and every player not just the elite players. There should be growth on the field as well as a progression socially in handling pressure, developing positive relationships with other players and time management.”

What advice or words of wisdom would you give to the young soccer player?

“Don’t lock yourself into one sport or activity when you are young. Many of the American MLS players played other sports growing up. Get involved with music and the arts. Too many parents are forcing their children

into one sport and preventing their children from becoming well rounded. Playing soccer may assist you in getting into a college but your academics determine the quality of the college you attend.”

Who is your favorite player to watch and why?

“Watching Messi, Iniesta and Xavi provide me with more pleasure than any one player

or one team in any sport. If young players were to consistently focus on the technical, tactical and unselfish play of these three players; it would provide as much understanding of the game as any training activities. I am not sure we will ever see a team with such clear understanding of how to play the game as Barcelona over the last few years.”

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41COUNTRIES

readThe Evolving Game

EDUCATION

770Coaches passed their Certification this past year.

5yr - 6yr and 7yr - 8yr curriculum/guidelines were released to very positive enthusiastic clubs across the state.

The coaching education newsletter was launch with 11 issues since Nov 2012. It has had over 1500 reads per month with 6000 more people seeing each issue.

32 skill videos on the website at EPYSA.org

42 session plans...

LicensedCourses

Instructors used!

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BLACK FRIDAY 3v3 TOURNAMENT November 29, 2013 U9-U13 Boys & Girls

NEW YEAR’S CLASSIC 3v3 TOURNAMENTPresented by Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer December 29, 2013 U9-U13 Boys & Girls

PHILADELPHIA UNION FUTSAL TOURNAMENTS December 27, 2013 & January 20, 2014 Boys & Girls U9-Adult

INDOOR STATE CUP TUNE-UP TOURNAMENT January 18, 2014 U11 Boys & Girls

FC EUROPA TURF CUP - BOYS WEEKEND March 1 & 2, 2014 U9-U16 Boys

FC EUROPA TURF CUP - GIRLS WEEKEND March 8 & 9, 2014 U9-U16 Girls

COACHING EDUCATIONuPCOMING COACHING COURSES

NATIONAL E & D LICENSE

National E LicenseElizabethtown Area HSRheems AA January 10 – 12, 2014

National E LicenseLampeter Village Park Lampeter-Strasburg YS March 7 – 9, 2014

National E LicensePottsgrove MS Pottsgrove SC March 7 – 9, 2014

National D License Part 1English/Spanish Plymouth Meeting March 7 – 9, 2014

For more information, details and registration, please visit EPYSA.org

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Personal Insights into Youth SoccerBy Mike Barr, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Director of Coaching

here must be a strong correlation between children playing soccer on their own, with

little coaching from adults at young ages, and success on the field as an adult. The problem facing strong economic countries is how to implement programs that can replicate free play and allow children to use their creativity and imagination when learning the game.

Look no further than the strong clubs within European Nations and see where the most successful players are coming from and making an immediate impact on these teams. Using the English Premier League as an example; 37 players who were born in Africa and 6 players who were born in Caribbean countries are currently on EPL rosters. The MLS has even more striking numbers. On Major League Soccer rosters there are 25 players born in Africa and 49 players born in Caribbean countries. Most of these countries do not have any form of coaching education or organized youth leagues.

I had the privilege to watch a group of Latino players between the ages of eight and sixteen playing at a recent Youth Soccer Month event at Fourth and Washington in South Philadelphia in late September. I came away with mixed emotions. On one hand, a sense of dismay at how we as coaches work with young children within the guidelines of youth soccer but also feeling a sense of rejuvenation in seeing kids playing the game with laughter, intensity and no fear of criticism. The players’ touches were cleaner and they had a stronger repertoire of moves that they were not afraid to try. In addition, they would be relentless in winning the ball back if it was lost. Scoring a goal was a chance to celebrate even in small sided games. These characteristics are rarely seen in most of our youth players within our state and in our country.

Unfortunately it begs the question; has over-coaching made soccer more like a job for millions of children and does constant training produce cookie cutter players, who have no flair or pure joy in their game? Keep in mind that the 10,000 hour rule does not apply to

kids who have an adult standing over them providing constant direction.

I feel strongly that players should have the chance to play on their own within a coach’s training session and even introduce them to games they can play on their own. If we can alter this culture of coach driven training and demonstrate how kids can play on their own, quite possibly we could produce a Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic, Messi, Toure or Neymar. Below are descriptions of games you seldom see kids play but were played twenty years ago. It comes from excerpts from a Best Practice article I wrote about how clubs can provide alternative training to their youth players.

It is rare to see children or adults playing pickup soccer in the suburbs but this is not exclusive to soccer. Basketball courts and baseball fields remain empty unless there is an adult to organize or the children participating are part of an organized league. Children have to be shown that it is OK to play without adults directing or supervising. The bottom line appears to be that kids today have no idea how to use their

imagination to play any type of game involving a ball; either individually or in small groups or even with enough children to field two full teams. Initially it may mean you have to demonstrate to children in your club the games they can play individually or with others, without adult supervision. It could also mean that to get things started, you expect them to play these games by themselves outside of practice. It will not take long to find the soccer enthusiast who is constantly utilizing the games you introduced to become a better player. They realize that television or computers are not alternatives if they want to achieve success in soccer.

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You may not find a kick board near fields (a common occurrence 15 years ago) but there are walls in every community that have no windows that are dying to have a young player bang a tattered ball against it. Full volleys with both feet, a strong first touch, collecting air balls or bouncing balls, and dead ball serves can be practiced until it becomes second nature. Bring another player and you can play simple games. One player drives a ball against the wall and the other player has to get the ball back to the wall in two touches, one touch or only with their weak foot. A player drives the ball against the wall and the other player has to return it with various foot surfaces called out by the server. When a player does not reach the wall during play he or she receives a point or a letter much like horse in basketball. When horse is spelled out or a player hits five points, that player bends over at the wall and the winning player has the opportunity to hit the ball at the target from twelve yards away. The target should be obvious. If the player hits the target he or she goes again. Once the player misses the human target the game begins

again. You could actually play these games with a wall with up to four players.

If players have access to a goal why not 1v1 play, the same way you would play 1v1 in basketball. The defender checks with a pass at the top of the eighteen and play begins. With three players, you could play the soccer form of hustle. Two defenders check the ball and the attacker goes against the two defenders. If a defender wins the ball he goes on attack. You play to 15 with each time a player gets to five or ten he or she has the opportunity to take three penalty shots against one designated keeper. If the player taking the penalty shot makes three in a row he or she regains

possession of the ball. Each made penalty shot also counts one point. Chipping balls against the cross bar or into a barrel or trash can from various distances improves serving flighted balls. Keepers should work on goal kicks in front of batting cages or back up netting to soccer or lacrosse goals.

There is no reason why kids cannot play 1v1, or 2v2 to puggs, cones or t-shirts. Looking at children today, especially those raised in the suburbs, creativity and imaginative play are at a minimum. It may be necessary to demonstrate the activities to your players and offer them the opportunity to even make up their own games at a training session. Coaches, feel an obligation to offer free play sessions, where the players set up their own matches or training games. The coaches provide equipment and silent supervision.

Probably the most valuable tool clubs could provide to replicate free play is to provide field space to any player interested in playing. The serious player or players will show up when given the opportunity to play against older more experienced players, even adults. This could take place on Sunday mornings or Saturday evenings to ease any conflicts or a scheduled one to three nights each month. Clubs can also utilize a gym in your school district for futsal, before the school day actually begins or late in the evening during the winter months. This could attract youth players and even adults to the gym and why not have players compete against older players.

EPYSA.org

28

POSSESSIONBy Gary Stephenson, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Assistant Director of Coaching

Organization•Setupa30ydcirclewitha1ydby

1yd box in the middle•Oneballperplayerontheoutside

of the circle•1/3oftheteaminthecircle,the

rest outside the circle with a ball

Sequence & Progression•Playerinthecenterofthecircle

checks through the box and runs towards a player with a ball. The player controls the ball and passes back to the server, turns

checks through the circle and on to another server.

•Limittouches,max.2touches,leftfoot, right foot, aerial services.

Coaching Points •Communicateandaskfortheball•Openbodytoreceivetheball,

surface ready to receive the ball•Controltheballintoaposition

that can be played back to the server

RoxbouRgh CiRCle

2 v 1 with 2 seRveRsOrganization• Setupa10ydby15ydgrid• Twoservers-oneoneachofthe

10yd. sides (with balls)•3playersinsidethegrid,1defender

and 2 attackers

Sequence & Progression•Serverplaystheballtoeitherofthe

attackers in the box. The attackers must then get the ball to the other server without the defender stealing the ball. The attackers can choose to combine with each other or play the ball directly to the target server.

•Limittouches,max.4touches,addanother defender to the grid to play 2 v 2

Coaching Points •Communicateandaskfortheball•Openbodytoreceivetheball,

surface ready to receive the ball•Checkingtolosedefendersormake

space•Usecombinationplay,wallpasses,

overlaps•Headuptoknowlocationof

defender and target player

3 v 3 to goal with CounteR goalsOrganization•Goalwith2smallcountergoals•40ydby30ydgrid•1goalkeeper,1server(ballswith

server), 3 attackers and 2 defenders

Sequence & Progression•Serverplaystheballtoanyofthe3

attackers in the grid. The attackers must then try to score on the goal. The defenders and goal keeper must try to stop them from scoring and try to score on the small counter goals. If the ball goes out of

play the server plays a new ball to the attacking team.

•Limittouches,max.4touches,allow the server to receive pass backs

•Playoffsiderules

Coaching Points •Communicateandaskfortheball•Checkingtolosedefendersormake

space•Usecombinationplay,wallpasses,

overlaps•Headuptoknowlocationof

defender, teammate and goal•Looktosetupascoringchance

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