PENNSYLVANIA’S LEADING YOUTH SOCCER PUBLICATION | SPRING 2016
eastern pennsylvania youth soccer
e a s t e r n p e n n s y lva n i a y o u t h s o c c e r
awards banquet & AGM Recap p.20
Indoor cup champions p.12 gina lewandowski: From Lehigh Valley to Bayern Munich p.6
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CONTENTS
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eastern pennsylvania youth soccer
Volume XLXII | Spring 2016 Touchline is published quarterly. Published by: Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer 4070 Butler Pike, Suite 100 Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 Phone: 610-238-9966 Fax: 610-238-9933 E-mail: info@EPYSA.org Website: EPYSA.org
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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President: Jim Kuntz Vice President, Travel: Michael Finnegan Vice President, Recreation: Dwight Wilkinson Treasurer: Nicole Posillico Epps Secretary: Melissa Weber Registrar: Jim Christian
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2 Letter From Our President 3 Copa America Centenario:
Tournament brings back memories for Mike Sorber 6-7 Profile: Gina Lewandowski stars for Bayern, debuts for USWNT 9 TOPSoccer Symposium Recap 12-13 Horizon Services Indoor Cup Champions & Gallery 15 Proper Nutrition For Young Athletes 16 ODP: Virginia Friendlies Recap 18 Quarterly Calendar
19 Futbol Friday & Scoring Goals for
Autism 20 2016 Annual Awards Banquet & AGM 21 EPSA Hall of Fame 2016 23 Youth Player Profiles 24 AAA Start Your Journey: Keegan Rosenberry 26-27 Soccer Communication 101: Getting Kids to Talk 28 Mike Barr: Bring gender equality to all aspects of Soccer 30: US Youth Soccer Cup Calendar 32 Exercise from US Soccer’s Digital Coaching Center
STATE OFFICE STAFF Chief Executive Officer: Chris Branscome Technical Director: Mike Barr Assistant Technical Director: Gary Stephenson Director of Soccer Operations: Frank Olszewski Communications Manager: Dillon Friday Administrative Services Specialist: Meridith Crowell Membership Services Specialist: Sheila Molyneaux Director of Business Administration: Kelly Connor Accountant: Judy Curran TOUCHLINE Editor-in-Chief: Chris Branscome Editor: Dillon Friday Printed by: The Pearl Group at CRW Graphics, 9100 Pennsauken Highway, Pennsauken, NJ 08110 Touchline is © Copyright 2016 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. The entire contents of this publication are copyrighted; all rights reserved. Articles may not be reproduced or reprinted without written permission of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. 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 publication are not necessarily those of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer or its advertisers. Printed in the United States of America.
On the cover: Montogomery United Rec Players
EASTPA1675 EASTPA16125
TAKE TIME to be a fan of the game
EASTPA16175
Chris Branscome, Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer
EXPIRES 4/30/16
Take time to be a fan of the game. For many of our kids, their parents and even coaches, we’re often too busy to sit and enjoy watching someone else play. When you watch your own children, you tend to focus on how they do individually, and that’s natural. If you’re a coach, you tend to watch and analyze. As youth players, many just simply don’t watch games at all. We need to spend some time watching and enjoying and learning. We need a release from our daily soccer lives where we are responsible for something. It’s ok to be responsible for nothing now and then, so just watch and enjoy. This is a great time to be a spectator. More games than ever are televised live from the best leagues in the world. The MLS
season just kicked off. Internationally, we have the Copa America Centenario, European Championships and the Olympics all being played this summer. In addition, we have plenty of live games to see in our own backyard—Union, Bethlehem Steel, Harrisburg City Islanders, Reading United, the US Women’s National Team this month and the Copa America games in June at the Linc. That’s a lot of soccer to watch, and I encourage you to do it. It’s important for us to support the games for a multitude of reasons, but first and foremost do it because you’re a fan. For anyone younger than perhaps 30, you don’t know a day where soccer wasn’t on TV. Maybe more to the point, live soccer wasn’t on TV or full games weren’t televised. Regardless,
my point is, we spend a lot of time driving to training and games. We spend a lot of time strategizing and planning. There’s an unfortunate grind to our youth soccer lives. Professional soccer is pure entertainment. The skill of the players may be something most will never achieve, but the passion of a fan is something for everyone. For the overwhelming majority of people in the world, there is nothing to be gained from it outside of a couple of hours away from other cares. Watch a game and learn. Watch a game and relax. Watch a game to be with friends. Watch a game to support a friend. When you get the time, or maybe you have to make the time, just enjoy soccer for what it is, a game.
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FROM OUR PRESIDENT Jim Kuntz, President, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer
I always love attending our Annual Awards Banquet. This year’s event, held in March (Page 20), was no different. We were able to recognize and honor the individuals who make our organization go. To have such luminaries as Dave MacWilliams, Ed Leigh, former president Bob McDade and all of our other winners in attendance was truly special.
Our State Cup will take on a new meaning, too. This year for the first time ever, we’ll have four perpetual trophies named for Charlotte Moran, Frank Olszewski, Sr., Werner Fricker, Sr., and Bob Urban. All dedicated large portions of their lives to growing soccer within Eastern Pennsylvania. I look forward to seeing these trophies lifted in jubilation this May.
The Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association also inducted its second Hall of Fame class at the banquet (Page 21). It was great to hear all the names from the past including clubs, leagues and individuals.
Another, more famous trophy will make a stop in Philadelphia this summer when the Copa America Centenario comes to Lincoln Financial Field. The US Men’s National Team plays Paraguay June 11th at the Linc. I encourage you to either make it out to the game or support our Futbol Friday the day prior. The world will be watching and I hope the fans’ takeaway is this: Philadelphia is one of the great soccer centers in this country.
The evening served as yet another reminder of how deep this sport runs in our community. Soccer has long been a part of the fabric of Philadelphia and beyond. We celebrated that history in March and will this spring and summer with the rebirth of Bethlehem Steel FC.
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COPA America Centenario Comes to the United States
For Union assistant coach Mike Sorber, the tournament brings back memories
When the Copa A m e r i c a Centenario kicks off on United States soil this June, it will be the first opportunity for many fans to see one of the world’s most prestigious soccer tournaments up close. The competition, which determines the champion of South America, is celebrating its 100th year by holding a special edition outside of its home region for the first time.
The U.S. opened in style, jumping out to a 2-0 lead over Chile after just 20 minutes and hanging on for the 2-1 win. It was the team’s first Copa America win, and Sorber filled his usual role as a starter in the midfield.
Three matches will be played at Lincoln Financial Field: Uruguay vs. Venezuela on June 9, United States vs. Paraguay on June 11, and Chile vs. Panama on June 14.
“We had an excellent result against a really good opponent,” recalls Sorber. “Anytime you win, everybody feels good about the hard work that was put in. It was a good, collective effort, and we had a good team.”
While most people in the local soccer community will be experiencing the tournament for the first time, Philadelphia Union assistant coach Mike Sorber will be remembering his role 21 years ago in one of the United States Men’s National Team’s great performances. He was a key piece of the U.S. team that turned heads across South America as it earned 4th place at the 1995 Copa America. “We knew we had a good team,” recalls Sorber of the squad that traveled to Uruguay. “We were ready to play against anybody. “ The Copa America had instituted a new format two years earlier, where the 10 South American teams invited two other countries to fill out the 12-team tournament. In 1995, the United States was ready to compete.
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“We had played a lot of [South American] teams in friendlies,” says Sorber of the team’s preparation. “Coming off of the World Cup where we had some success against Colombia, winning the U.S. Cup in ’95 [a four-team tournament held immediately before the Copa America], this was another tournament where we were able to perform and get some really good results that surprised a lot of people.”
Three days later, the U.S. lost 1-0 to Bolivia, which set up a battle with Argentina (who were coming off a 4-0 battering of Chile) for a spot in the tournament’s quarterfinals. The Americans took full advantage of the opportunity. Frank Klopas gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes, Alexi Lalas scored a second goal 11 minutes later, and Eric Wynalda closed the scoring in the 58th minute to seal the shock win of the tournament.
The result meant that the U.S. had won its group, and would square off in the quarterfinals against its archrival: Mexico. After a hardfought 0-0 draw, the U.S. players kept their nerves and prevailed on penalties. Sorber sums up that win simply: “It’s always good to beat Mexico.” The victory put the U.S. in the semifinals against Brazil, who held off the Americans for a 1-0 win. A loss to Colombia in the consolation match meant that the United States finished in 4th place. While the results were impressive, Sorber also remembers the experience of setting up camp in the small town of Paysandu, Uruguay – where the team played its first four games – as a highlight. He was recently reminiscing with Philadelphia Union sporting director Earnie Stewart, a teammate from the 1995 Copa America squad. “Earnie and I were talking the other day,” Sorber says. “The people there were fantastic. There was a meal room where we ate and hung out, and the town would show up and look in the window. They just wanted to see
the Americans. It was a really great, friendly environment for us.” This year, people in the Philadelphia area have a similar opportunity, to welcome the national teams from Uruguay, Venezuela, Paraguay, Chile, and Panama, in addition to the home squad. The Copa America Centenario will feature 16 teams: 10 from South America and six from CONCACAF, the region that encompasses North America, Central America and the Caribbean. While an “invited” team has never won South America’s biggest tournament, this year’s edition could change that balance. “One thing that will be different because it’s in the U.S. is you don’t have that South American sort of advantage,” says Sorber. “There’s prestige in the Copa America because of the teams that are in it: Uruguay and Brazil and Argentina that have won World Cups.” Sorber sees all three matches being held at Lincoln Financial Field as exciting encounters. He cites Uruguay as having among the best technical ability in the world and Chile as a country with “great team spirit, dangerous players, and great work rate.” Their opponents, Venezuela and Panama, have their work cut out but are capable of upsets. Some of the excitement of having the United States play in Philadelphia will be seeing which players are selected for the squad and how the team does against difficult opposition. Ultimately, Sorber sees the opportunity for the soccer community around Philadelphia to be a part of one of the world’s great soccer events. “It’s always best to see a game live rather than on TV,” he says. “There’s always stuff you can learn, players you can watch. I hope to be at those games for sure.” More information on the Copa America Centenario, including details on purchasing tickets, can be found at www.ca2016.com.
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Profile: Gina Lewandowski — From Lehigh Valley to Bayern Munich By Dillon Friday, Marketing & Communications Manager, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer
W
watch a lot of games that are streamed online. They’ve encouraged me to seek my dreams to play.”
hen you hear the name Lewandowski, you think Bayern Munich. Polish striker Robert Lewandowski has cemented his reputation as one of the best players in the world by scoring 61 goals in two seasons for the reigning German champions.
Because the season ends in spring, Lewandowski even got a chance to play stateside in the Women’s Professional Soccer League in 2011. Perhaps unsurprisingly, she won the league championship with the Western New York Flash.
But there’s another Lewandowski who wears the striped red and blue kit of Bayern Munich. And she’s the only one who has suited up for a World Champion. In her ninth full season as a professional, Gina Lewandowski enjoyed a new personal highlight. She earned a call-up to US Women’s National Team during the post-World Cup celebration tour last fall. On October 25, at the comparatively advanced age of 30 (which was no secret—she wore the number on her back), Lewandowski entered the game against Brazil as a 74th-minute substitute. She finally collected her first cap. “It was long overdue,” says her former college coach Manny Oudin. In fact, Lewandowski has been somewhat overlooked for most of her soccer career. She was born in Coopersburg, a small town in the Lehigh Valley, and grew up playing all sports. At Central Catholic High School in Allentown, Lewandowski played for three PIAA State Championship basketball teams. She was even more prolific on the pitch. By the end of her senior season, Lewandowski had broken school records for goals (79), assists (41) and points as she spent most of her time as an attacking player. She also competed for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer ODP teams in addition to her local club play. And yet despite those accolades—including being the named Allentown Morning Call’s 2003 Girls High School Player of the Year— Lewandowski received minimal interest from college programs. She ended up staying near her home and enrolling at Lehigh University. Oudin, prior to his time with the Mountain Hawks, had coached against Lewandowski in high school. He knew what kind of player she was.
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Lewandowski played at local clubs growing up in the Lehigh Valley “She was extremely athletic, but I felt she had some great potential,” recalls Oudin. “She played girls basketball, she played for a smaller club and the ECNL wasn’t around yet. She kind of flew under the radar.” Lewandowski quickly emerged as one of Lehigh’s best players. She scored 15 goals her sophomore season and displayed leadership that made her an important cog in the Mountain Hawks’ program. “She had a unique quality,” Oudin says. “When things weren’t going well offensively, she was always contributing defensively, because that was something she could control.” As she continued to succeed, Lewandowski started to believe that maybe soccer was something she could pursue beyond college. “One of my dreams was to play pro soccer,” she remembers. “Was it something that I thought could really happen? I don’t know. It’s something that I dreamed about. At the end of my college career I wanted see if that was an option.” An assistant coach who had played professionally in Germany encouraged Lewandowski to explore her own playing options. With family just outside Frankfurt, Germany became the destination. “She recognized she was an advanced player,” Oudin says. “Her family opened up a door.”
Lewandowski made her US Women’s National Team debut in a 3-1 victory over Brazil Once she got in, Oudin knew she would thrive. “You kind of don’t know the caliber of play (of the league),” he says. “But I knew if she got a foot in the door, she was going to do what was necessary to be successful. She’s got a great work ethic, and she’s humble.” Lewandowski proved her coach right almost immediately. After a trial with 1. FFC Frankfurt, she signed a contract with the club. Alongside USWNT star Ali Krieger, Lewandowski and Frankfurt won the 12-team Women’s Bundesliga, the domestic cup and the Women’s Champions League in 2008. But the transition wasn’t necessarily an easy one for Lewandowski. She switched positions as a professional from an attacking midfielder to an outside fullback. Then there was the obvious cultural shift.
As of now, however, Lewandowski has no plans Lewandowski & Lewandowski: The two Lewandowskis to make a move back just exchange jerseys yet. “I have another year left “(It) took me a year or two to get comfortable on my contract,” she says. speaking (German),” Lewandowski says. “I “Coming back to the states is an option if it think, as Americans, it’s harder to pronounce works. I will make a decision when the time some words. And the German mentality is a comes. See how I feel.” Besides, she’s carved little different. It’s like in any country. You have out a nice career in Germany. After moving to to adjust.” Bayern Munich, Lewandowski watched as the One of the benefits of playing in Germany is that women’s team gained popularity in a soccerthe season allows for time to rest. The league mad city. takes a two-month long break during the winter, “It’s growing,” she says. “We shifted our which Lewandowski takes advantage of to visit stadium into the city. I think average her family back in the Lehigh Valley. (attendance) numbers are growing. Germany “I try to get home a little bit,” she says. Her is doing a good job of developing the women’s parents have supported her, too. “They’ve been game.” Bayern has also taken more of an out a couple times throughout the years. They interest on the female side. While the men and
women play at two different arenas, they train at the same location. Lewandowski marvels at the skill level of Pep Guardiola’s men in particular Arjen Robben. Recently, she finally met the more famous player with whom she shares a surname. They exchanged jerseys, shook hands and smiled for the television cameras. Lewandowski is enjoying another fine season as well. As of this writing, Bayern sits in first place in the Women’s Bundesliga with an undefeated 15-2-0 record. Lewandowski has been part of a defense that has conceded just six goals in those 17 matches. A 2014 Vice Sports article called her the most decorated American in Germany, male or female, and maybe Europe. It’s hard to dispute that claim. In her first and so far only match with the US Women’s National Team, action shots show Lewandowski battling for head balls and getting into tackles. The Americans beat the Brazilians that day 3-1. Every now and then Lewandowski gets put in touch with young players who, like she did at Lehigh, want to establish a European career. “Anything is possible if you’re open for change and willing to learn to better yourself,” she tells them. “You just have to have the determination to get to that level and you will.”
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s Outreach Program Adds JT Dorsey JT Dorsey, a former professional soccer player with the Reading Rage and Harrisburg City Islanders among others, has joined Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer to help facilitate its Outreach Program. A Coatesville native, JT played college soccer at Loyola University (MD) where he earned a degree in Elementary Education and his certification in Special Education.
JT is a USSF National “C” License coach, an Urban Soccer licensed coach and a certified Soccer for Success trainer. He is the Executive Director of the JT Dorsey Foundation and an Excellence in Education Award winner. He will help Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer fulfill its mission to promote and facilitate the game of soccer for all youth at all levels of play in our communities.
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T HE ONLY A L L- IN - ONE SER V ICE T H AT EQUIP S A ND S UP P OR T S S P OR T S L E A GUE S W I T H E V ER Y T HING T HE Y NEED T O S UC CEED
2016 US Youth Soccer Region I & III TOPSoccer Symposium T
OPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, organized by youth soccer association volunteers. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl, who has a mental or physical disability. This year marks the 25th anniversary of TOPSoccer. Thirty-six representatives from Regions I and III attended the 2016 TOPSoccer Symposium in Tampa, Florida. The agenda consisted of spectacular speakers, engaging
activities, and stimulating conversation. Topics of discussion: Growing Your Club Through TOPSoccer, Strategies, Activities and Tools for the Autistic Child in a TOPSoccer Environment, Sensory Issues and Difficult Behaviors in a TOPSoccer Environment, Situational Awareness in a TOPSoccer Environment, and Best Practices for Grant Writing. Representatives from Family Network on Disabilities (FND), Easter Seals, and Special Olympics held a panel discussion on outreach programs. US Paralympic Head Coach Stuart Sharp gave an informative presentation about the
Paralympic National Team. US Paralympic player SSG (ret.) Seth Jahn shared with us his remarkable story and how the game of soccer has saved countless lives. We will have the materials and experiences we gained at the symposium on our website soon. Until then, we hope your club considers starting a TOPSoccer Program if it hasn’t already. If you are looking to get involved with TOPS as an athlete, buddy or coach, please reach out to the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer office.
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Girls
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2016 Eastern Pennsylvania Horizon Services Indoor Cup Champions
U9 Elite Division
PSC Coppa Swarm
U11 Challenge White Division
West-Mont United Union
U15 Elite Division
Lower Merion SC Storm
U9 Challenge Blue Division
U12 Elite Division
U15 Challenge Division
U9 Challenge White Division
U12 Challenge Blue Division
U16 Elite Division
U10 Elite Division
U12 Challenge White Division
U16 Challenge Division
U10 Challenge Blue Division
U13 Elite Division
U10 Challenge White Division
U13 Challenge Division
U11 Elite Division
U14 Elite Division
U11 Challenge Blue Division
U14 Challenge Division
Eastern Pike Revolution PSC Crunch
Lower Macungie Kixx Ukrainian Nationals Zoriany Black Upper Dublin Black Magic PSC Coppa Swarm Whitpain Wild
HMMS Eagle FC Legends Central Susquehanna Lady Strikers Wyoming Valley SC
HMMS Eagle FC Impact North Union United Strikers FC Revolution Force
Montgomery United Spirit FC Pocono Elite Deep Run Valley FC Bucks North Strikers U17 Challenge Division
North Union United Lady Cannons
2016 Eastern Pennsylvania Horizon Services Indoor Cup Gallery T
he 28th annual Eastern Pennsylvania Horizon Services Indoor Cup concluded February 28th after two full months of play. More than 400 teams competed from U9 to U19 at five different facilities around the state. All in all, 48 champions were crowned (see their names on the facing page). Thank you to all the players, coaches, parents and managers who took part in the longest-running indoor tournament on the East Coast. Check out some of the best pictures from the competition‌
U19 Elite Division
North Union United Dynamo U19 Challenge Division
NSSC Strikers
Fairmount Falcons
Boys U9 Elite Division
U12 Challenge Blue Division
U17 Elite Division
U9 Challenge Blue Division
U12 Challenge White Division
U17 Challenge Division
U9 Challenge White Division
U13 Elite Division
U19 Elite Division
U10 Elite Division
U13 Challenge Division
U19 Challenge Division
U10 Challenge Blue Division
U14 Elite Division
U10 Challenge White Division
U14 Challenge Blue Division
U11 Elite Division
U14 Challenge White Division
U11 Challenge Blue Division
U15 Elite Division
U11 Challenge White Division
U15 Challenge Division
U12 Elite Division
U16 Elite Division
PSC Coppa Young Guns Deep Run Valley Vipers Blue TE Bruins
Lower Merion SC Balos HMMS Red Devils
Buckingham United Gunners Lower Merion SC Ding North Union United Crew North Union United Raptors Lower Merion SC Legends Red
Cantolao Jaguars
Lower Merion SC Little Liverpool Lower Merion SC Fire - Red Montco Alliance
FC Philadelphia Black TE FC Europa Elite
FC Revolution Vipers Saint Thomas More Black
North Union United Cannons Blue ENCO Boys Red LVSC Warriors
Lower Merion SC Sabertooth Rats FC Providence Athletico Liverpool Celtic White U16 Challenge Division
Phoenix Elite White 12
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From our Medical advisory Committee:
Sports Nutrition
By Matt Grady MD and Kim Cover MS, RD, CSSD, LDN Q. What are the general nutrition requirements for a growing young athlete? A. General nutrition requirements change a lot during growth and development. Variables include body size, body composition, amount and intensity of physical activity and stage of puberty. Before puberty, the nutrition requirements for boys and girls are about the same. Between ages 7-10, the average dietary needs are about 2000 calories per day (Cal/d). This should be about 50-65% carbohydrates, 30-35% fat and 10-15% protein. In children who are exercising a lot, those daily caloric needs may increase a little (10-20%). During puberty, the daily requirements change a lot. Because girls hit puberty about two years earlier than boys, a girl’s requirements will start to increase around 10 or 11 years old. Boys can start to hit puberty as early as 10 or as late as 14-15. During a growth spurt, there can be an additional 500 Cal/d requirement. In exercising high school athletes, calorie demands vary widely based on body size, amount of physical activity and stage of puberty. Requirements can be 2200- 4000 Cal/d in females and 3000- 6000 Cal/d in males. It is important that the amount of calories eaten each day match up to the calories needed. Too many calories end up being stored as excess fat. Not enough calories lead to decreased energy, slow recovery from exercise, slower healing and in severe cases restricted or stunted growth. Q. What are good pre-game meal choices?
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A. The choice of a pre-game meal is in part related to digestion time. Carbohydrates (sugars) are the main fuel for exercising muscles. Carbohydrates can be stored in the muscle (as glycogen) and used while the muscles are working. Exercising muscles can also take digested sugars from the blood stream during exercise. Complex carbohydrates (low glycemic foods) are types of sugar that get absorbed slower and provide the blood stream a steady amount of sugar over a longer time. Complex carbohydrates are best used to help keep muscle sugar (glycogen) stores
Matt Grady MD is a pediatrician with additional formal training in sports medicine. His interests include pediatric and adolescent sports concussion, musculoskeletal injuries and the medical care of pediatric and adolescent athletes. He works for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia at the Sports Medicine and Performance Center. maximized prior to competition. Simple carbohydrates (high glycemic) can be digested within an hour and are good choices to add during exercise or immediately after exercise to replenish muscle glycogen stores. Proteins and fats take longer to digest. Proteins are helpful after competition to help rebuild muscle mass. Fats are good long term fuel sources but take about three hours to digest. Fiber is good for regulating digestion but may cause a bloating sensation if consumed too soon before a game. A meal 4-5 hours before a game should be a full meal with a complement of complex carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats and fiber. This helps the muscles fuel up. A meal 1-2 hours before a game should be light and be mostly carbohydrates and fluid. Good half time snacks include simple carbohydrates such as white bread (bagels), fruit (oranges, strawberries, grapes, melons). Sports drinks are not needed for a single game event but may be helpful if playing multiple games on the same day.
Kim Cover MS, RD, CSSD, LDN is a licensed sports Dietician. She works for The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia at the Sports Medicine and Performance Center and has served at the Director of Nutrition at YSC sports for the past 4 years. Q. What are good Post-game meals? A. Immediately after exercise the body needs carbohydrates to replenish the muscle glycogen stores and some protein to help rebuild the exercising muscles. Good post-game snacks include bagels, soft pretzels, chocolate/low fat milk, fruit, low fat cheese sticks. For all day events where dehydration can be a problem, water, sodium and carbohydrates are important, especially early in the day. In general, for every pound of fluid (sweat) lost during exercise, 20-24 ounces of water needs to be replaced. At 3% dehydration, athletic performance starts to decline. Since the thirst mechanism does not “kick in” until about 5% dehydration, by the time an athlete gets thirsty, it is too late. On hot days, high school athletes can lose up to 5 lbs. of fluid during a full soccer match. Athletes need to try to match fluid loses by drinking small amounts regularly, starting with about 16 oz. of fluid 1-2 hours before the game on hot days. Good snacks include both sodium and simple carbohydrates such as pretzels, salty crackers, or sport drinks. Flavored water is fine as long as the athlete is getting sodium and carbohydrate from other sources.
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EPYSA.org
ODP: 2016 Virginia Friendlies Recap
KICK OFF THE SEASON
IN A BRAND-NEW
E
arly in the second half of their game with Maryland, the U13 Philadelphia Boys ODP Team, one of two that made the trip to Williamsburg, trailed 4-0. The result was out of reach. Or so most everyone in attendance thought.
2016 RAV4 HYBRID
Then the Philadelphia boys got a couple of breaks. Maryland’s keeper fumbled a ball that led to a goal. An errant cross went clear into the net moments later. Pretty soon it was a 4-3 game and there was real belief among a group that was dejected just minutes before. The comeback bid ultimately came up short, but it showed what the Virginia Friendlies were all about. This is a chance for these kids to play the best competition Region One offers, with nothing to lose. Head coach Chris DePeppe walked across the field smiling after the frantic final ten minutes. “That was fun,” he said. DePeppe was far from alone in his assessment. Eleven coach buses filled with more than 400 players departed the Springfield Mall at dawn on Friday, February 19th. By the end of the four-plus hour ride they were singing. Or at least, the U14 Girls bus was. The players engaged in a makeshift karaoke session that set the tone for the weekend. Not everyone won all their games. Not every team even won one. But most everyone enjoyed their stay and got better at the same time.
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THE HIGHEST CITY MPG ESTIMATE OF ANY VEHICLE IN ITS CLASS.*
The U13 Lancaster County Boys toured Colonial Williamsburg and completed a scavenger hunt in the process. The Philadelphia Boys explored historical Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement on American soil. The Philadelphia Girls enjoyed another pillar of American culture: laser tag. Still, there was soccer to be played and Eastern Pennsylvania teams played it well. The U15 Boys defeated the Region One ODP Team by a resounding 8-0 score, maybe the most impressive result of the weekend.The U16 Boys, after two nights in a hotel, defeated New Jersey 3-0 Sunday morning, the 21st before heading home. The Philadelphia Girls, prior to laser tag, added to the excitement with a 3-1 victory. It was a bonding trip, and it was a soccer trip. The next time the ODP teams get together they’ll have something to talk about on and off the field.
We look forward to it. To see all that went down at the 2016 Virginia Friendlies visit our YouTube page at “Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer.”
Prototype shown with options. Production model may vary. *2016 EPA 34/31/33 city/highway/combined mpg estimates. Actual mileage will vary. Does not include vehicles with fuel efficiency rated by the EPA in mpge (miles per gallon equivalent).
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Quarterly Calendar April 2016
3
10
May 2016 continued ODP Training, All Teams*
22
ODP Training, U12 & U13 Teams
US Women’s National Team vs. Colombia @ Talen Energy Stadium
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TOPSoccer Meeting, 7 PM | State Office
28-30 Region 1 Presidents Cup | Reistertown, MD
30
16-17 NCS State Cup & Presidents Cup Quarterfinals
17
23-24 Turkey Hill Challenge Cup Quarterfinals & Presidents Cup Semifinals
June 2016
30
NCS State Cup Semifinals
3
Copa America Centenario Begins
30
Scoring Goals for Autism | YSC, Wayne
3-5
U12 ODP Tournament | Wilson, NC
5
NCS June Cup Finals
9 Copa America Centenario: Uruguay v. Venezuela | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
10-12 ODP Region 1 Tournament
10
11 Copa America Centenario: United States v. Paraguay | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
14 Copa America Centenario: Chile v. Panama | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
6/30-7/5 US Youth Soccer Region I Championships | Barboursville, WV
*Please visit EPYSA.org for details and locations
ODP Training, All Teams*
May 2016
1
NCS State Cup Semifinals
1
ODP Training, All Teams*
1
Presidents Cup Finals | Lehigh County Fields
2
Board Meeting
7-8
Turkey Hill Challenge Cup Semifinals
14-15 NCS State Cup & Turkey Hill Challenge Cup Finals | United Sports
15
NCS June Cup Quarterfinals
15
ODP Training, All Teams*
20 Outreach Program: 2016 Cedar Cup | Lebanon High School
Please Welcome Meridith Crowell
Meridith Crowell joined Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer on a fulltime basis late last fall. She’s since become an integral part of the office, answering phones and planning the 2016 Awards Banquet and Annual General Meeting. If you joined us at either event, much of what you saw was her doing.
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Memorial Day, Office Closed
June 10, 2016
Futbol Friday (See Page 19)
Meridith, a North Penn High School graduate, played four years of soccer at Temple University, where she earned a degree in Biology while captaining the Owls her senior season. She then began a coaching career that has brought her to various levels of the sport. Meridith is in her sixth season as an Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach at Gwynedd Mercy University. She also enjoyed spells at local clubs Montgomery United and PA Rush. Meridith seamlessly stepped into our ODP Coaching Staff as well. She’s helped out with the U12 Girls Delco team and will continue to do so over the rest of their season. Meridith will be an important contact for TOPSoccer, ODP, marketing and more as the year goes on.
Scoring Goals for Autism Scoring Goals for Autism is an annual soccer tournament fundraiser that benefits the Autism Science Foundation. Scoring Goals for Autism will take place at YSC Sports in Wayne, PA on April 29-30, 2016. This one-of-a-kind indoor soccer tournament offers both competitive team play for adult players as well as a TOPSoccer skills and drills clinic for children and adolescents with special needs including autism. The mission of Scoring Goals for Autism is to bring the beautiful game of soccer to all athletes and to raise much needed dollars for autism research. All proceeds from Scoring Goals for Autism benefit the Autism Science Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity, which supports evidence-based research into better understanding autism. The Scoring Goals for Autism TOPSoccer program is a friendly, non-competitive soccer program designed for soccer players with special needs including Autism Spectrum. Each TOPS player is assigned a buddy/coach to assist with ball work, changing skills stations and participating in drills during the program. Trained volunteers and coaches support development of soccer skills and create opportunities for socialization. For more information visit EPYSA.org.
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EPYSA.org
Touchline
2016 Annual Awards Banquet and Annual General Meeting O n Saturday, March 12th, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer hosted its Annual Awards Banquet at the Philadelphia Marriott West in Conshohocken, with nearly 300 of friends, members and associates in attendance. We honored 2015 award winners including the Young Referees of the Year (Charlotte Elrod and Joshua Encarnacion), TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year (Corinne Mackenzie), Administrator of the Year (Lloyd Faller), Volunteer of the Year (Patty Butler), Rec/Intramural Coaches of the Year (Rocky Rivello and Jim Sponaugle) and Travel Coaches of the Year (Brad Sorkin and Brian Hearn). Excellence in Coaching Awards went to Erica Walsh, Dave MacWilliams and the late Jorge Severini. Ed Leigh and Bob McDade, our former president, were honored with Service to Youth Awards. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Soccer Hall of Fame took home the Service to Community Award for their Coats for Chester Program. Finally, the prestigious D’Anjolell Award was presented to Ukrainian Nationals. Thank you to all who attended and congratulations, once again, to the winners.
Photos by Chris Markley
Current President Jim Kuntz with Former President and Service to Youth Recipient Bob McDade
A
t the Annual General Meeting, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer elected five new District Commissioners. They are Bryan Pollack (District 3), Robert Rooney (District 6), Donna Outt (District 9), Julie Rusak (District 10) and Geoff Andrikanich (District 14). Outt previously served as the State Registrar for 12 years. Two longtime District Commissioners also stepped down, John Kukitz of District 6 and Phil Frederick of District 9. We thank them for their service to our association.
Outgoing District Commissioners John Kukitz and Phil Frederick
O
ur 2016 Union League of Philadelphia Good Citizenship Award winners were also honored at the Annual Awards Banquet. Each year, 20 high school juniors involved with Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer receive the prestigious award. A committee led by Nick Cirilli, Ron Anderson, Anthony Bono, Melissa Weber, Meridith Crowell, Dillon Friday and Union League representative Mitchell Sargen chose the winners after a rigorous review process. Congratulations to our 20 recipients: Ashley Andalis, Thomas Auslander, Joseph Basrawi, Julia Brown, Caleb Clothier, Julia Coco, Jaiden Coyne, Kayla Donnelly, Nicholas Doyle, Ragan Ebersole, Megan Eppley, Benjamin Ferris, Victoria Gillespie, Tyler Goldman, Kelly Hallman, Callum Harding, Daniel Rottenborn, Alexis Schneider, Chad Stout and Caleb Vargo.
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Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association Inducts Second Hall of Fame Class T
he Eastern Pennsylvania Games Commissioner. In 1996 the Soccer Association Philadelphia Old Timers recognized (EPSA) Hall of Fame inducted his hard work and he was inducted its second outstanding class into their Hall of Fame. during the Awards Reception for Eastern Pennsylvania Helmut Schurer (1921 – 1997) was Youth Soccer. The five people the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer honored with induction – Don Association Cup Chairman for the Byron (posthumous), Frank Open Cup from 1961-1971 and the Giancroce, Ralph Hofmann, Amateur Cup from 1961-1971. Helmut Schurer (posthumous) Within EPSA Helmut wore the hats and Len Weckel – are each of the Vice President, Secretary and singly fitting examples of the President. He served various roles character, dedication and for US Soccer as well as Region 1 drive that has fueled the Cup Commissioner, Region 1 storied Eastern Pennsylvania Treasurer, Credentials Chair, and as brand over the past 103 EPSA’s delegate to USSF. Over the years. Each of them wore years, Schurer’s involvement in clubs several hats at once and and leagues provided him contributed not only their time opportunities for committee work, and efforts, but often their management of all-star teams, and own money, too, to keep the Hall of Fame Inductee Frank Giancroce (left) with EPSA President the opportunity to serve as the game afloat when there were Jim Bollinger Photo by Chris Markley President of the United Soccer no resources to do so. Their League of Pennsylvania from 1980contributions and Frank Giancroce put a halt to his amateur 1982. It was in that year that the Old personalities impacted the game at the club, playing career and worked his way through Timer’s Soccer Association named him, “Most league, State, Regional and National levels, ranks to become a state referee assessor and Deserving Old Timer.” especially in the areas of coaching, officiating instructor. Shortly after, Frank was appointed and administration. These five gentlemen to the position of State Youth Referee Len Weckel, early in his soccer career, helped helped to lay the foundation for Eastern Administrator of Eastern Pennsylvania, and just develop the Wilson Youth Soccer Program by Pennsylvania Soccer that continues to benefit two years later, the State Referee Administrator coaching three teams. In 1980 he became a each and every one of us. – a position he still holds today, making him US Soccer referee and continues to officiate the longest serving SRA in the United States. games to this day. Len’s experience as a league Donald Byron (1930-2014) was born and Currently, he is also the Region I Youth Referee administrator made his transition to being the raised in Philadelphia. He graduated from St. Administrator. Frank’s success carries over to first Registrar of the Eastern Pennsylvania Columbus Grammar school, Roman Catholic his accomplishments as both a high school Amateur Soccer League (EPASL) smooth. High School and St. Joseph’s University. Co- and club soccer coach. Shortly after, he became President of EPASL, founder of Hunter Soccer Club, Don served as a position he still holds today. The EPASL grew the club President or Vice President for 22 Ralph Hofmann, a Philadelphia local, coached from six teams that first year to 41 in a short years. He also served as President of Inter- both boys and girls youth teams in Eastern period of time. As an Executive member of the County Soccer League. In 1964, Don began Pennsylvania for more than 25 years. During EPSA, Len has held several positions within refereeing. In 1980, he was presented with the his 28 years at the helm of both boys and girls the organization. For the last 20 years he has “Eddie Pearson Award,” one of the highest programs at Bensalem High School, Ralph won been the General Secretary. honors of the US Soccer Referee Program, for a Suburban 1 Champion title and was his contributions to soccer refereeing in the nominated High School Coach of the Year three United States. He was a national referee times, thereby earning him the Hall of Fame assessor and Instructor and was the Director award in 2003. He served as Inter-County of Referee Administration for the USSF. Soccer League’s President, Treasurer and
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EPYSA.org
Gianna Rivera
Margot Kuller
Meredith Eisenmann
Team Name Coppa United Organization/Club Philadelphia Soccer Club
Team Name Blue Jaws Organization/Club Camp Hill Soccer Club
Team Name Strykers Organization/Club Parkland Area Soccer Club
What position do you play or what do you do on your team? Midfielder
What position do you play or what do you do on your team? Midfield
What position do you play or what do you do on your team? Stopper & Goalie
What is your nickname? Gigi
What is your nickname? Moo Moo
What is your nickname? Mere Mere
Who is your role model? Why? Alex Morgan because she always plays hard
Who is your role model? Why? My role model is Mallory Pugh, because she is only 17 and she plays on the US Women’s National Team
Who is your role model? Why? Alex Morgan because she never gives up and keeps on trying
Age: 9
Offer valid in-stores or online at modells.com
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® Please cashierpurchases to receiveduring offer. May combined with any otherOffer offer.cannot Not valid on prior purchases or price Couponpresent valid fortomultiple your not TeambeWeeks shopping period. be combined with any other offer match purchases. Sales tax ispurchased not included in the totalprice purchase calculation.orThis discount purchased will be allocated on purposes. a pro rata and is not valid on previously merchandise, match purchases merchandise for resale basis to all items. Ifinyou a portioncalculation. of your purchase, the prorated discounton associated will beIf you Sales tax is valid not included thereturn total purchase This discount will be allocated a pro rata with basisthose to all items valid items. lost or aforfeited. be redeemed for cashdiscount or usedassociated as a payment on a Modell’s account.Cannot Reproductions of return portion ofCannot your purchase, the prorated with those items willCredit be lostCard or forfeited. be redeemed the coupon will not accepted. applies to Card storeaccount. stock only and excludes giftbecertificates, gift cards, for cash or used as abe payment on aOffer Modell’s Credit Reproductions of clearance the couponitems, will not accepted. Offer applies baseball & soccer packages, balls,items, treadmills, elliptical machines, exercise bikes, home gyms, backboards, to store stock only and excludestennis clearance gift certificates, gift cards, tennis balls, treadmills, elliptical machines, Swagway exercise products, Fitbit products, iFit, Brookstone, Oakley, Nike Eyewear, Scooters,AirSoccer bikes, home gyms, backboards, Zumba products, NikeRayban, Free, Nike Flex Run 14,Blink Nike Skateboards, Hero products ecoreco (ACG Goadomes, Force, Jerseys, all Jordans Nike merchandise, Under Nike Armour merchandise, Rawlings Premium products, AntiguaPremium apparel,products, New Era-On LeBron, Air & KD), Nike all watches, fleece product, all Under Armour merchandise, Rawlings Field hats, MLB,New MLS,Era-On NFL, Field NBA hats, & NHL jerseys 6” Premium Boots #10061 & 12909. Coupon is void if Antigua apparel, MLB, NFL,and NBATimberland & NHL jerseys, Stanley Cup merchandise, Nike Pro Combat, Timberland 6” Premium Boots #10061 & 12909, and World Cup Brazuca balls has & national soccer jerseys. of Coupon void if copied or this copied or transferred. Additional exclusions may apply. Modell’s a rightteam to limit the amount items is purchased under transferred. Additional exclusions may apply. Organization spend a minimum of $500 to receive a 5% donation. discount offer to 2 items per customer. Organization mustmust spend a minimum of $500 to receive a 5% donation.
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Hey, Kids! { And adults, too! }
What is your favorite soccer team? US Women’s National Team What is your favorite movie? Hotel Transylvania
Perhaps you’ve said to yourself:
What is your favorite song? Let it Go
“I want to be in
Magazine!” eastern pennsylvania youth soccer
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? When you open the next issue of Touchline magazine, you could find yourself staring back at you!
To register go to:
http://www.epysa.org/communications/player_profiles/
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PARKLAND AREA SOCCER CLUB
CAMP HILL SOCCER CLUB
PHILADELPHIA SOCCER CLUB
YOUTH SOCCER PLAYER PROFILES
What is your favorite book? Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney What is your favorite food? Milkshakes What is your favorite sport outside of soccer? Softball What is your pet peeve (what thing makes you mad or drives you crazy)? Not being able to play soccer because of bad weather If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Hawaii because it is warm and beautiful What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a teacher
Age: 11
What is your favorite soccer team? Portland Thorns What is your favorite movie? Home Alone What is your favorite song? My House by Flo Rida What is your favorite book? Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney What is your favorite food? Lobster What is your favorite sport outside of soccer? Track & Field What is your pet peeve (what thing makes you mad or drives you crazy)? When people fake an injury just to get a free kick If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I would go to Australia, because I want to hold a koala What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a pro soccer player
Age: 8
What is your favorite soccer team? Philadelphia Union What is your favorite movie? Star Wars: The Force Awakens What is your favorite song? Confident by Demi Lovato What is your favorite book? Nancy Drew series 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)? When the boys at recess put the girls at the back of the kickball line If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I would go to France to see the Women’s World Cup in 2019 What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a professional soccer player, coach or teacher
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COACHING EDUCATION AAA Start Your Journey Keegan Rosenberry’s Path to the Pros By Chris Winkler
E
ach day is a gift. That’s what it says on Keegan Rosenberry’s Twitter page and that’s been very true for the brand new member of the Philadelphia Union. The long but surely not easy journey to the pros has helped Rosenberry become the player he is today. “My parents had me playing a variety of sports at a very young age,” said Rosenberry, who said he gradually started focusing more on soccer rather than other sports.
upcoming COACHING COURSES
National D License Part I
National E License
Glen Mills May 13 -–15, 2016
Stroudsburg June 3 – 5, 2016
National E License
National E License
Downingtown June 3 – 5, 2016
Kennett Square June 3 – 6, 2016
NATIONAL E & D LICENSE
At eight years old, Rosenberry was playing at the U10 level and was starting to excel, so much so that he started driving an hour away to participate at a U12 team soon after.
For more information, details and registration, please visit EPYSA.org
The next step in Rosenberry’s career was the Penn Fusion Soccer Academy, which is where he sharpened his skills and started to gain some attention. He was soon called in to the Union Academy. He was part of the Union Academy team that played the Everton Academy in 2011 at PPL Park. Soon enough, it was time for Rosenberry to pick a college. “It was a hard decision,” Rosenberry said. “It had to be the right one. I was going to spend my next four years there.” He picked Georgetown University and never looked back. In the four years that he played there, Georgetown became one of the best programs in the country, reaching the NCAA Tournament four consecutive years where they were never seeded lower than eighth nationally. But prior to that, Rosenberry went through a position change. He played center-mid throughout his youth career but transitioned to the right back role after getting to the collegiate level. While at Georgetown, Rosenberry had the opportunity to claim a favorite player—Javier Mascherano of Argentina. That’s right. When the Argentinian National team trained in
24
Georgetown back in May of 2015, Rosenberry and his teammates got to train with the Argentinian players. After deciding to enter the MLS SuperDraft, Rosenberry felt like he had done everything that he possibly could. “It was an interesting feeling, I told myself it was all out of my hands,” he remembered. “I was nervous, but I was also nervous about giving a speech if I got selected.” Not knowing where he would end up, Rosenberry had mentally prepared to just wait and watch. Luckily for him, he did not have to wait too long, as the Philadelphia Union picked him with the No. 3 overall selection. “I was surprised to be drafted so high up, but I would rather have that than the other way around,” he said.
Each day has been a gift for Rosenberry. His next goal is continue his streak of captaining every team he has ever played for. It would be a testament to the leadership skills that he has acquired throughout his young career. This story is part of AAA’s “Start Your Journey” campaign, an effort – in partnership with the Union – to help celebrate families’ journeys in support of their young athletes…the long road trips, all-weekend tournaments, and the special bonds that are formed from the extensive time on the road. Each month, the Philadelphia Union and AAA will select an individual within its soccer network to develop a feature story on their path to success in association with the game of soccer. Additionally, fans are encouraged to share their own stories via social media using #ShareYourJourney
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EPYSA.org
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Communication Breakdowns and Getting Kids to Talk
Soccer Talk 101
By Chris DePeppe, U13 Boys Philadelphia ODP Coach Chris DePeppe played college soccer and studied English at Penn State. He holds a USSF National C License. DePeppe has coached at both the high school and college levels. He recently took over as the head coach of the Montgomery County Community College Women’s Program. DePeppe coaches the U13 Boys Philly ODP Team.
S
occer is a sport with a rich oral history. Hang around the game long enough and you will commit to memory a lot of brilliant quotes, folklore, match memories and anecdotes related to soccer. You will also develop a unique vocabulary of inspired nicknames, creative insults, and vulgar profanities from across the globe. Toss in some classic British fan lyrics and some Zen wisdom from Cruyff, and soccer assumes a language of its own. Gather a few old teammates at a bar and you will hear much of it. Repeatedly. Just ask my wife. But the real language of soccer, the chatter that matters most, is that which is expressed between the lines and between teammates. It is that ongoing exchange of information, that rhythmic give-and-take that helps to establish a team’s identity, control a game’s tempo, and define the roles and responsibilities of every player. And that kind of soccer talk seems to be on the decline at the youth level. In my experience (and from my unscientific poll of many other coaches), this communication breakdown is difficult to overcome and may be part of an endemic problem in the youth game. The fluid and unpredictable nature of soccer, with twenty players in constant motion across a couple of acres, necessitates proper communication and continuous data-sharing by teammates. Without the right talk, purposeful possession becomes difficult and
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TOP TEN THINGS PLAYERS SHOULD SAY EVERY GAME of the game may have as much to do with technology and social media as it does with our coaching methods. Perhaps when one tweets and texts more than one talks, the impulse to speak aloud diminishes. We can leave that question to the academics. But a larger issue is the shift of American soccer from a game that you just went outside and played to a sport that always requires coaches, uniforms, player passes and adult organization/ instruction.
defensive organization nearly impossible. Effective communication is as vital to a team’s success as a well-timed run or a perfectlyweighted pass. But if you stand on the sidelines of a youth game today, you may not hear much at all (from the field, that is). Watch a U14 game and see how rarely a pass is followed by any information to the player receiving the ball, or how often a first defender is not identified and two defenders (or none) go to the ball, or one defender goes quietly without any guidance from his teammates. The only talk you are likely to hear will be reactive rather than proactive and is often a plea for help uttered far too late. I suspect the erosion of this essential element
The freedom and empowerment of free play (or “pick-up ball”) cannot be overstated: The individual audacity it allows, the leadership it demands, the group dynamics it creates – all of that is invaluable to a young player’s development. And communication occurs naturally in that atmosphere. But let’s leave the discussion about causes for another day and focus on the corrections. Because providing young players with a concise vocabulary of that which must be said (and when) will not only improve their performance, it will enhance their understanding AND their enjoyment of the game. And it can start with a simple glossary. Every youth coach should discuss a team vocabulary with their players. It can be a simple list of terms and should be introduced with a primer on the when and why of these basic elements of player communication.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
“Man on” or “Turn” or “Time” “Take ball”, “Challenge”, “Close” “Push up”, “Drop back”, “Pinch in” “Contain”, “Don’t dive”, “Stay on your feet” “Switch it”, “Swing it”
7. “Force him left/right/in/out” 8. “See player x”, “Look left shoulder”, “See the back post” 9. “Get goalside”, “Get numbers back”, “Get behind the ball” 10. “Check to me”, “Play to feet”, “One-two”, “Right back” It is important to note that the words can change from team to team but within a team there should be no confusion. If I say “Force him left”, you know if I mean our left or his.
“Keep it”, “Hold it”
Beyond the basic terms, here are some general guidelines for effective on-field communication
A DOZEN GENERAL RULES OF TALKING ON THE PITCH 1. Give info to player getting the ball always 2. Give info to first defender always 3. Talk to identify dangerous players – coordinate defense and talk through the switches
4. Talk to identify areas of weakness/numbers down – make corrections on the fly and tell your immediate teammate – “whisper down the lane” as a method sometimes
5. Talk to adjust tempo and pressure – esp. Central players 6. Talk to eliminate repeated mistakes and turnovers –“don’t
7. Talk out of empathy, not selfishness!! 8. Talk to keep everyone on the same page and to stay the course or change course
9. Talk to adjust to game situations (injuries, cards, refs, etc) 10. Talk to keep cool heads – use a calm authoritative voice 11. Don’t be chicken little – cannot always yell “drop! Get back!! Help!!!” (esp. Keepers)
12. You are not always open!! But when you are and need the ball, demand it.
do x anymore” or “bypass that” or “quicker with the ball”, “let’s play short”
We also have to do more to empower young players to express themselves and take control of the game vocally. When coaches talk too much during games, they can hamper creativity and deprive players of important opportunities for self-reliance. One way to get the talk started is to demand that certain players handle specific areas of communication and then leave it to them when the game starts. Delegate some of the specific talking mentioned above to your key players and see who takes charge.
In training, be sure to include games and exercises that force communication. One example is a simple 3v2/4v3 two-way game in which the short-handed defenders must clearly identify their roles and both teams have to organize quickly in transition. Simple passing exercises where players have to talk or they have to run can also be effective.
The need for proper communication in soccer cannot be overstated and its decline is worrisome. Every young player should be encouraged to speak up on the pitch because no group of players will ever be able to organize themselves and adjust to their opponent in real time unless they communicate effectively.
For more training suggestions, go to epysa. org/coaching_education.
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EPYSA.org
Bring Equality to All Aspects of Soccer By Mike Barr, Technical Director, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer
T
he recent law suit from members of the United States Women’s National Team has raised a few eyebrows and brought a strange defensive response from the United States Soccer Federation. The USSF examined television ratings between the men’s and women’s games to justify the pay discrepancy.
CHALK TALK
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and the Philadelphia Union join forces in a partnership... to bring coaching education topics to the fans and coaches who
are supporters of the Union. This partnership is unique to most
state associations but both parties in Eastern Pennsylvania see numerous benefits to working together. These "Chalk Talks" will
bring the latest methodology from US Soccer's Coaching Education Department and provide correlating information from a Union's professional perspective.
Hear the line-up & thoughts from the Union coaching staff, before the game, before anyone else!
Let’s take a practical approach to this suit and exactly how it may affect the future of not only the Women’s National Team and their pursuit of equal pay but how soccer, including the local programs, is administrated by individuals stuck in the past. Do the readers of Touchline realize that women working full time in the United States typically are paid just 79 percent of what men are paid in similar positions, a gap of 21 percent? Or that 43 years ago 90 percent of all women’s teams in college were coached by women? With the advent of higher paying jobs due to Title IX and better athletes to work with, it seemed male coaches appeared from nowhere to aggressively chase down those jobs.
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V
MLS League Game Saturday, June 25 at 4:30PM KO 7:00PM
Be State a partCup, of the action and register today to be one of 30 coaches to experience a For the 2016 NCS Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will introduce Lauren Sciocchetti is one of several female coaches on our ODP Staff confidence in dealing with adolescent boys and the fact the girls’ side of coaching is less competitive than the male side. It may provide more opportunities and more financial security.
When decisions are made by men, they go after the connections they often know best, in this case other men. Unfortunately, these same decisions are occurring within youth soccer clubs as directors of coaching or club presidents bring in male coaches to coach the girls or, better yet, a male coach with an accent.
If the coaching process was completely fair, shouldn’t women be provided the opportunity to coach girls’ teams as well as boys? Currently, most club programs within youth soccer make little effort to find women or would never assume a woman is qualified to coach a boys’ team compared to a man.
There appears to be a comfort level involved with men coaching a girls’ team. Less criticism is directed to men because of a pre-conceived perception that men are more knowledgeable and a better task master in driving girls to be successful in soccer. I have seen numerous times criticism directed at a coach is more likely to come from a parent toward a female coach rather than a male coach. In what I’m sure is a common scenario, a regional female administrator once told me that she would rather have her daughter coached by a man even if a woman was better qualified.
The cry from administrators is that there are not enough qualified female coaches, and unfortunately this may be true. Very few female ex-players pursue coaching licenses through US Soccer. The reasons, or in some cases, excuses are numerous. They want to raise families. There are traditional social roles within the sport. There’s a belief that men are stronger coaches and stereotypes exist with coaching.
There are male soccer coaches who seem to drift to the girls’ side because a lack of
COACHING INSIGHT
But this doesn’t mean it’s all doom and gloom. We can be better and inspire former players to try their hand at coaching. As you may find out, young girls might be quicker to find a role model in a female coach rather than a male one.
Consider a recent example from inside our office. My coworker Meridith Crowell, a former Division I player at Temple and an assistant coach with the women’s program at Gwynedd Mercy University, took over a U10 girls team at her local club this spring. Meridith told me about how positively her players reacted upon her arrival. “They were so excited to have a girl coach and not another ‘dad coach,’” she said. This is as much a national problem as it is a local one. If US Soccer wants to create a level playing field for men and women, they should be making decisions to provide equal pay, bringing more women into the coaching educational programs and provide more equal opportunities within administrative duties. US Soccer should take the time to consult and seek out advice from women who played or are currently on the National Team. Use the surplus of extra money brought in during both World Cups to pursue methods to bring about needed change in all areas of soccer in the United States. Be the shining example to the rest of the world to show that US Soccer represents the best interest of every player and coach.
pre-game talk with coaching staff of the Philadelphia Union. Perpetual Trophies for U16 & U17 Age Groups
I
n an effort to celebrate its State Champions beyond a single season, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will introduce a new concept for the 2016 NCS State Cup: Perpetual trophies.
These trophies are meant to honor some of the great people who made our association what it is today. We hope the winning teams understand Team talk ahead of kick off... the significance of celebrating a championship in these luminaries’ names. The U16 and U17 age groups in both the boys and girls competitions will play for the trophies.
They are named for the following people:
Bob Urban- Known as Delaware County’s “Mr. Soccer,” Urban worked extensively at both the local and state level to grow the game of soccer. He was fixture at Nether Providence, which quickly became one of Eastern Pennsylvania’s strongest clubs. Urban’s fingerprints are everywhere in our region.
Charlotte Moran- Moran served many roles within Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer including President, Executive Director, Vice President of Travel and Girls ODP Administrator. But her reach extended to the national level as well. Moran acted as the Chairperson for the US Soccer Women’s Committee and the US Youth Soccer ODP Girls National Chair for four years. She was inducted into the US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame in 2013.
Werner Fricker, Sr.- Fricker’s contributions to US Soccer were so immense that the national federation gives out the Werner Fricker Builder Award in his honor. The award is the top honor that can be bestowed upon an individual or individuals by US Soccer. Fricker, a Philadelphian, served as President of the US Soccer Federation from 1984-1990. He was instrumental in bringing the FIFA World Cup to the United States in 1994. He was also President of the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association from 1972-1974, the foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer.
Frank Olszewski, Sr.- Olszewski was the longest tenured Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Board Member. He served as District 6 Commissioner as well as Executive Vice President, the only person to ever hold that role. In addition, Olszewski held a USSF National C License as a coach and was respected referee. He was inducted into the Lehigh Valley Soccer Hall of Fame. See you in May!
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EXERCISES FOR attacking
From US Soccer Digital Coaching Center
By Gary Stephenson, Assistant Technical Director, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer
LAST PLAYER BACK Objective • To develop dribbling to set up a pass. • To develop passing accuracy. • To introduce combination play. • To develop how to attack when there is a numerical advantage. • To develop how to defend when there is a numerical disadvantage. • Transition from attack to defense. • Transition from defense to attack. Description This activity can be played with pairs or groups of three-four. If in pairs, make a small field with goals on each end. The goals should be approximately 5-7 steps apart. Play
like a normal game. The rules: 1) Can only score a goal on the ground. 2) When a team loses possession or is on defense, the last player back must go back and stand and stay on the goal line. They may stop a goal from being prevented. 3) When a team that is defending regains possession they now both attack. Coaching Points • Dribble at a defender to set up a pass to a teammate. • Passing accuracy. • Support in advance of the ball whenever possible. • Create a numerical advantage through spatial awareness.
2V1 IN HALF (4V2) Objective • To develop passing to keep possession. • To develop redirecting the ball to keep possession. • To develop the principles of play: Penetration and support. Description Eight players. Split a playing field into half. Each half is approximately 15x15. Place two players from one team in one half and two of there teammates in the other. One defender is in each half. The attacking team
(4) try to score on the small goal placed in one of the halves. The defending team (2) try to score on two small goals placed in the other half. Attacking players are restricted to their zone. Defending players are not. Rotate players after each interval. Coaching Points • Redirect the ball to keep possession or to pass to a teammate. • Passing to an open player. • Accuracy of the pass.
SMALL-SIDED GAME: MOVE TO SCORE Objective • To teach technical application of dribbling, passing, receiving/ redirecting within a small-sided game. • To develop teamwork in a smallsided environment. • To develop attacking principles: Penetration, support, mobility, width Description Two teams of equal numbers. Set up a small field with goals on each
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end. Normal game rules. The team, however, that gets more players to score in the small-sided game wins. Example: If a team in red has three players score goals and the team in white has only 2 players score then red wins. Coaching Points • Technical application of dribbling, passing, receiving/redirecting, shooting. • Attacking principles