Touchline - Winter 2022 by A.E. Engine

PENNSYLVANIA’S LEADING YOUTH SOCCER PUBLICATION

WINTER 2022

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH SOCCER NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #15 MONROE, GA

THERE’S STILL TIME

FOR THE SOCCER FAN & PLAYER IN YOUR LIFE

FOOTWEAR

FAN GEAR

OUTERWEAR

& MORE

Wishing Everyone a Very

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

CREDITS 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 EXECUTIVE BOARD President - Jeff Sommer First Vice President Lennie Brown Second Vice President Bill Fuller Treasurer- Jim Brown Secretary Melissa Murphy Weber Registrar - Jim Christian State Youth Referee Administrator - Jeff Tener District 1 Commissioner Becky Barlow District 2 Commissioner Geoff Andrikanich District 3 Commissioner Bill Ross District 4 Commissioner Eric McKitish District 5 Commissioner Scott Merritt District 6 Commissioner Phil Frederick OFFICE STAFF Chief Executive Officer – Chris Branscome Chief Operating Officer – Kelly Connor Technical Director – Mike Barr Director of Soccer Development & Performance – Gary Stephenson Marketing & Events Manager – Kelsey Tepel Director of Membership Services – Marisa J. Pigeon Member Services Manager – Courtney Chinworth Coaching Department Administrator – Gabrielle (Bree) Benedict Grassroots Soccer Manager – JT Dorsey Communications Manager – Joe Cicchino TOUCHLINE Editor-in-Chief Chris Branscome Editor - Kelsey Russo Writer – Joe Cicchino Printed and designed by A.E. Engine, Inc. www.ae-engine.com

50 YEARS OF YOUTH SOCCER MEMORIES

SOCCER THROUGH THE YEARS

TOM DOUGHERTY REFLECTS ON 50 YEARS

4 HEART, SOUL, & SOCCER

2 Let’s Make 2022 a Great One!

20 50th Anniversary Coloring Page

8 50th Anniversary Best of Awards

22 Heather Mitts’ 10 Offseason Training Tips

12 Player Profile: Daniel Dixon

24 Common Soccer Injuries

13 Player Profiles: Megan Steinbach &

26 2022 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth

14 Officiating as a Family

28 Quarterly Calendar

Casey Sabolsky

Soccer State Cups

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

Let’s Make 2022 a Great One! 2021 HAS BEEN AN INTERESTING YEAR FOR SURE, AND I THINK

Chris Branscome

Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

Since 1972, this association has been serving and supporting the soccer community and advocating for its players, coaches and referees. This year we’ll celebrate in style.

“

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mostly a good one. I’ve been proud and impressed by everyone’s enthusiasm and efforts to return our soccer world back to normal. But I’m really looking forward to 2022. It’s not to put the past behind us so much that it is the amazing opportunities and events that are before us. 2022 will be very exciting and full of promise. The current excitement is focused on our USMNT and their drive to Qatar and World Cup 2022. Sparked by some homegrown talent in Pulisic and Steffen, we should see our team competing on the world’s stage this November. And then there’s the next World Cup -- 2026! What I’ve been talking about, writing about and focused on the most is Philadelphia’s bid to host the 2026 World Cup. This year is it -- a decision will be made. No more postponing. We had a great visit with FIFA in September and I don’t know how they could say no. FIFA has announced they will make their choices known in either the first or second quarter of 2022. That gives us six more months at the most. We will wait patiently, but we have plenty to keep us occupied until that announcement is made. A great focus for us is the celebration of 50 great years of youth soccer. This year, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will celebrate its 50th Anniversary! Since 1972, this association has been serving and supporting the soccer community and advocating for its players, coaches and referees. This year we’ll celebrate in style. On April 2, we will host our annual awards and anniversary celebration at Lincoln Financial Field, home of many world class soccer events and hopefully, the 2026 World Cup. All are welcome to attend, and we hope to see all our friends from five great decades of youth soccer. Between now and April 2, we’ll be collecting stories, memorabilia, photos and videos to re-tell the history of this great organization. Soccer has been played in the area for over 100 years, but not until 1972 was an emphasis put on the youth. We’ll share the stories of names you might know, and some you never knew. We’ll reminisce about the builders and shapers of soccer from the old days up to the present. Some of these folks are still kicking, some have gone too soon. If you didn’t realize we had such a long and storied history, we’ll toss out names and events for you to Google. Really, you may be surprised by what you learn. Surf the internet over the holidays and Google our history. We all stand on the shoulders of people like Dr. Tom Fleck, Werner Fricker, Hank Leung, Jeff Tipping, Ron Quinn, Barry Gorman, Betty Ann Kempf Townsley, Erica Dambach, Betty D’Anjolell, Charlotte Moran, Tim Holt, Richard Groff, Ben Olsen, Bobby Convey, Chris Albright, Kristin Luckenbill, Nicole Barnhart, Sinead Farrelly and Kelly Rowland. Really, Google them all and see where they started. These are just some of the great players, coaches and administrators that all started in Eastern PA, just like you! Eastern Pennsylvania has been at the center of soccer activity over the past fifty years. We’ve hosted US Youth Soccer Regional Championships, multiple NSCAA Conventions, the US Soccer 75th Anniversary Annual General Meeting, US Youth Soccer national workshops, the first international women’s soccer tournament in the US -- the Chiquita Cup -- Men’s and Women’s Olympic Qualifiers, International Friendlies, NCAA championships and more. We’ve grown significantly since 1972. We grew in the number of leagues, clubs, players and coaches. We pioneered the growth of girls’ and women’s soccer. We’ve been leaders in coaching education and we’ve grown our corps of the most dedicated and passionate people the game has ever known. As we look forward into 2022, we can only have excitement and hope. We still have the best and most dedicated people and players. And if some of those other things we hope for happen, it’ll make the start of the next 50 years take off like a rocket. Enjoy your holiday with friends and family and get ready for this truly exciting new year.

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50 YEARS OF YOUTH SOCCER MEMORIES EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH SOCCER CELEBRATES A HALF CENTURY OF SERVING THE SOCCER COMMUNITY

outh soccer in Eastern Pennsylvania dates back to the early 20th century. In 1913, The Football Association of Eastern Pennsylvania and District became a charter member of the newly founded United States Football Association. Those organizations are now familiar to you as US Soccer and the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association. All soccer -- youth, adult and professional -- was affiliated through one association. The youth game flourished throughout Philadelphia, mainly as part of the many ethnic clubs. The Kensington section of the city was the hotbed for the game throughout the mid-century. The Lighthouse Boys Club, founded in 1897, became the most prominent youth program in Philadelphia and in the United States. Many of the Lighthouse boys went on to promote and develop the sport for generations. They did it as players and coaches. Two of the most well-known Lighthouse boys were Walter Bahr and Benny McLaughlin then continued to be active in coaching and training players and future coaches for the next 50 years. Many

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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more Lighthouse players would go on to have an impactful role in the sport and the history of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. The youth game and high school soccer also developed through the early parts of the last century. The Philadelphia Grammar School League began in 1908. Two other youth leagues, known then as juniors, began play in 1910 and 1912. Soccer started to grow in the suburbs and in other parts of Pennsylvania over this period. In 1935, the USSF established the National Junior Challenge Cup, renamed the James P. McGuire Cup 1973. Lighthouse won the first of its five McGuire Cup Championships for U-19 boys in 1938. From 1900-1950, soccer continued to grow throughout eastern Pennsylvania. The Lehigh Valley, home of fabled Bethlehem Steel SC, traces back to the early 1900s. In 1915, the Blue Mountain League was established, primarily for adults. The name and tradition carries on today as a boys and girls recreational league. In 1974 the Lehigh Valley Soccer League officially formed a youth committee, headed by the legendary Ed Csongradi and Dr. Tom Fleck.

The Reading Leiderkranz German club was sponsoring teams of all ages since the turn of the century. The Reading Berks Junior Soccer League was ultimately created in 1975. By mid-century, many clubs began to operate in Montgomery, Delaware and Bucks counties and brought the game to a new population. The Inter County Soccer League was founded in 1960 by Hand Peters with six member clubs. Two of those charter members, Lower Southampton and Hilltown, are still playing today. Hunter SC began play in 1962. One of Hunter’s founders, Don Byron, was later president of Inter County and later became one of the top referees in the country. Rose Tree SC in Media, started in 1965. The development of more leagues and clubs continued in the late 60s and early 70s. By 1972, the main three youth leagues, ICLS, Delco and United Juniors began talks with the EPSA whose president was Werner Fricker. Mr. Fricker was first elected to the board of USSF in 1974, becoming president in 1984. He oversaw the bid to host the 1994 World Cup which changed the trajectory of soccer in the United States. The wheels were now in motion to begin to separate the youth and become its own state association under the Federation. Then the stars aligned. The North American Soccer League was already in existence and our own Philadelphia Atoms, loaded with local talent, won the championship in 1973. US Youth Soccer was founded in 1974. Then we experienced the big boom. Pele arrived in 1975 and signed with the New York Cosmos. The most famous player in the world decides to bring the “beautiful game” to America. This was perfect timing for the founders of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Assocation. In 1976, new clubs began to surface throughout the state. Membership in the new organization began to grow. Registration jumped from 7,000 in 1974 to 12,000 in 1977 and to 27,000 by 1980. The original three members grew to eighteen. The majority of player registration was what we know today as travel soccer. In-house/intramural and rec

soccer largely remained local. Many soccer programs were being formed throughout the late ‘70s. Expansion would take root in the 1980s. The NASL declared soccer the “sport of the ‘80s.” Professional soccer grew, both indoor and outdoor. College soccer gained popularity as well. The Olympic Development Program, started in 1977, starts to show results as the player development takes on a new role. ODP, or state select as it used be called, brought together the best coaches and players in the state. The original ODP chair was Betty D’Anjolell who, along with Bob Urban, led the charge for girls’ soccer and what became the U.S. Women’s National Team. Betty would go on to be the first female senior executive in Major League Soccer. Our original director of coaching was Hank Leung who became the first coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Other great names such Joe Amorim, Lew Meehl, Jeff Tipping and Barry Gorman served as ODP coaches. Several women had their careers take off through ODP Betty Ann KempfTownsley, Erica (Walsh) Dambach who won a national championship at Penn State and served as an assistant coach for the US at the World Cup and Olympics. Coaching Education was extremely important in the 1980s and still is today. So many parents agreed to take on these roles with little to no experience. Eastern Pennsylvania’s own Walter Chyzowych became the US Soccer Director of Coaching in 1975 and charted a course that helped take the game to new heights, culminating with reaching the World Cup finals in 1990 for the first time in 40 years. Since then, Coaching Education has been at the forefront of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s strategy to grow the game and while providing service to its members. Following Chyzowych’s path, we’ve had Bob Urban, Ron Quinn, Shelly Chamberlain, John Fellenbaum and Mike Barr overseeing tens of thousands of coaches being trained over the last 50 years. It’s been an incredible 50 years of growth, and we look forward to what the next 50 years has in store for our beautiful game. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

SOCCER THROUGH

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH SOCCER

THE FIRST 25 YEARS... Founded by members of the Eastern PA Soccer Association, led by President Werner Fricker and the Inter County Soccer League, United Junior Soccer League and Delco Soccer League to specifically promote the game at the youth level

1972 6

Charter member leagues begin play under Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association.

EPYS Logo, 1970’s

EPYSA registers 7,400 players

Incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

1984 Annual Conference Program

1983 Annual Conference Program

Hans Peters Elected Chairman

EPYS Logo, 1980’s

Ron D’Anjolell elected President

Werner Fricker elected President of US Soccer

US Youth Soccer founded as the official Trevor Hunt youth division elected of USSF Chairman

Olympic Development Program created

John Toutkaldjian elected Chairman

Registration over 30,000 players

1974

1977

1978

1983

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

1976 epysa.org

Registration over 40,000 players

Olympic Games in the U.S

Mike Barr joined the staff at Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

Richard Groff elected President

1984

1985

1987

THE 1998 TO 2022 SOCCER THROUGH THE YEARS TIMELINE

THE YEARS

MILESTONES: 1972 TO 1997

EPYS Logo, 1993-1997 EPYS Logo, 1989-1993 FIFA awards the 1994 World Cup to the United States Registration 52,000 players

USMNT plays Dnepr (Russia) at Franklin Field, sets attendance record

1988

1989

Richard Groff elected Treasurer of US Soccer USMNT Plays 1st World Cup since 1850

1990

Charlotte Moran elected President

USWNT Wins 1st World Cup

USMNT plays Sheffield Wednesday at Veterans Stadium, and sets new attendance record

1991

1993

Registration 76,000 players

WILL APPEAR IN THE NEXT EDITION OF TOUCHLINE.

Fall 1996 edition of Touchline

Eastern PA hosts inaugural Chiquita Cup International Women’s Tournament US Hosts World Cup Registration 99,000 players

Registration over 130,000 players!!

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer turns 25

Rick Tompkins elected President

1994

1995

1996

1997

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is seeking your input in determining some of the notable teams, moments, coaches and players that have defined our first 50 years. Now is your chance to get in the game!

PLEASE USE THE QR CODES BELOW TO SUBMIT YOUR ONLINE NOMINATION.

TOP COACHES

TOP PLAYERS

Being considered a great coach is much more than putting together a starting lineup or making sure a player understands what offsides is. Please nominate a coach who has had an impact on your life.

Who should be considered for the Top 50 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s best players list? Help us compile the list by sending us your nominee!

TOP TEAMS

TOP MILESTONE OR SOCCER MOMENT

There have been so many great teams over the years that it is impossible to count all of them. So, we are turning the decision-making process over to you to nominate the best team that you either played on, coached or watched.

Was the best soccer-related event in Eastern Pennsylvania history the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2003, the Atoms winning the North American Soccer League title in 1974 or something else? Let us know your favorite milestone ever!

HEAD OVER TO EPYSA.ORG/NEWS/50TH-ANNIVERSARY-NOMINATIONS-/ TO VOTE FOR YOUR ALL-TIME COACH, PLAYER, MOMENT AND TEAM! 8

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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Past President Tom Dougherty Reflects on the Evolution of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer By Joe Cicchino

om Dougherty began his tenure at Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association in the outset of the 1990’s. Over time, Dougherty went from District 01 Commissioner to Vice President of Travel (‘99-’05) and then President from 2005 to 2009. While the span of time may not seem so distant, the changes that occurred in that span significantly shaped soccer in the area for years to come. In his roles, Dougherty oversaw any rules or regulations handed down from U.S. Soccer and had some duties with the Olympic Development Program. However, he said that a lot of it was speaking with the different leagues and bringing them up to date on what was happening. Meanwhile, the President position was also somewhat of the Chief Executive and the Chairman of the Board. At the time, according to Dougherty, the organization was still very small and being run largely by volunteers and that for the times, the staff did a “wonderful job,” but that it was obvious that the model would not work going forward. “The biggest challenge when I was there was that the

Tom Dougherty served as president of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association from 2005 to 2009.

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board was too cumbersome, too big,” Dougherty said. “We started to phase out some of the positions, we started to reorganize the districts. We laid the groundwork to condense them and change some of the districts, basically to make the board more manageable. In my opinion, the board is now professional and professionally run.” “It was significantly different,” Dougherty added. “Not better – trust me – but different. That was a cumbersome way to run a large and already growing organization. The game grew so much, that was the big thing. It was just evolving out of basically a mom-and-pop thing into an actual organization and what it is today. Today, under [Chief Executive Officer] Chris [Branscome]’s leadership, it is truly a first-rate, first-class operation. We had far more volunteers than we had employees and that’s not a way to run an organization.” Dougherty believes that two changes that he saw – and two of the biggest reasons that Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer was expanding -- was the explosion of women’s soccer and the idea of small-sided games, even though the latter was not welcomed warmly at all. At one point in time, large teams and groups pulled out of the organization, but after a number of years everyone came back. Dougherty likened it to “a big, happy family,” and added that most people have no idea that it ever happened because of how generations change. However, he remembers the resistance that he and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer faced. “One of the other big things was the introduction of small-sided play,” Dougherty said. “That was one of the catalysts for trouble. Small-sided play was not accepted because it wasn’t understood. People set their fields up

Tom Dougherty said that one of the biggest changes that he witnessed during his tenure on the board at Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association was the explosion of women’s soccer. Dougherty said at first there were not many teams, but that changed in a very short period of time.

and now you’re telling them to set up fields within the field. The logistics and dynamic of it, people weren’t used to it.” With the help of U.S. Soccer – who mandated small-sided games -- “the world changed,” according to Dougherty. “I became President during that, and we ironed it out. What you see as small-sided now -- a huge part of the organization -- it’s hard to imagine how it was not accepted. If you look about 10 years, 15 years later, it’s such a dynamic part of the organization.” As for women’s soccer, Dougherty said that at first there were not many teams and that the quality was not there, but in a very short period of time, “boy, did that change.” While the game itself was changing, so were the athletes that participated. Dougherty said that the game is “completely” different, adding that players are now bigger, stronger and faster now and that they are better trained than in the past. He credits this to the advent of academy teams and the quality of coaches. “It is completely different than what I would’ve known, even into the 90’s,” Dougherty said. “It just didn’t exist. There were two or three guys making a living through the game. You worked for a living and then you went and coached. You got a couple dollars to put gas in your tank and it didn’t matter because it was about the game.” The game took an even bigger step when Philadelphia Union of Major league Soccer was founded in 2008 and a new professional team in town meant a new opportunity for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. “There was a lot of different things happening,” Dougherty said. “We laid some of the groundwork for sponsorships. Things we had never done before – good, bad or indifferent

– we were probably a little overwhelmed with what was going on and today that wouldn’t happen. That’s a prime example. It would be more sophisticated.” Through time, the way that things were handled at Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association changed, and according to Dougherty, those changes were needed. Whether it was moving to have more employees and fewer volunteers in the office or the make-up of the board, the idea was to make everything easier. Dougherty said that he believes most people did not and still do not even know that the team they represent either today or in the past fell under the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer umbrella. He explained that the majority of the kids, volunteer coaches and an everyday person probably does not know that information. However, he did add that the organization is one that is not known about until someone absolutely needs it, and that it is “probably better known now” and “certainly better run.” Through all of the changes though, the purpose and mission of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has stood the test of time. “I think the goal has always been the same,” Dougherty said. “It’s the love of the game. The game itself gets faster, but it’s always the same. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association is about the core of the game, to make sure it is running smoothly and that everyone plays on a fair field, and I think that wouldn’t happen if there wasn’t an organization like Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. Personally, it was a great learning experience. It was a great experience. Meeting people from all over the country through the association, but the common goal was the game and the kids and that was very rewarding.”

Tom Dougherty reflected on how smallsided soccer was originally a point of contention. Dougherty said small-sided games were not accepted because it was not understood.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

PL AY E R S P OT L IG H T

DANIEL DIXON

YARDLEY MAKEFIELD SOCCER

What position do you play:

I play Center Mid. I feel like I control the game when I play center mid.

Favorite drill or exercise?

At YMS we usually focus on crossing and finishing and counter attacking. We usually do crossing and finishing drills and those are my favorite.

Any nicknames?

My coach, he’s from Scotland, and he calls me Danny Boy.

When did you start playing?

Any pre-game routines?

I just like getting touches on the ball so I can get used to it before a game.

I started playing when I was three. My dad brought me into the backyard, and I liked playing.

Favorite song?

Favorite team?

I like to listen to FIFA music. I like playing FIFA a lot, so I like to listen to all that music a lot. Heat Waves (Glass Animals) and Ticket to Ride (Kawala), those are my favorite songs.

Chelsea

Favorite soccer moment?

My favorite moment was going to the Delaware camps. I thought that was a really good experience, I played with some really good players.

Favorite Player?

My favorite player right now is Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City.

Favorite Vacation Spot? LBI, Long Beach Island.

Favorite place to travel for soccer?

Favorite non-soccer athlete? LeBron James

Favorite Aspect of your game? I think that my speed and dribbling with the ball.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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We’ve went to the Jefferson Cup in Virginia. We play in that every year and it’s a really fun experience because obviously I get to play, but I get to stay in a hotel with all my friends and that’s really fun.

Favorite sport besides soccer? Basketball (Philadelphia 76ers)

Favorite School Subject? Science.

Favorite TV Show? Ted Lasso

Favorite Book?

I always read biographies about players. I had this one Messi book and I read it like, four times.

Favorite Movie?

My favorite movies are probably “The Conjuring” series.

Who would play you in a movie?

Dwayne Johnson, I think he’s pretty cool.

What would you bring on a deserted island?

My XBox, a ball and some food.

Favorite Meal?

Steak, like filet mignon. I like steak.

PL AY E R S P OT L IG H T

MEGAN

STEINBACH AND

CASEY

SABOLSKY WARRINGTON SOCCER CLUB

Do you have any nicknames?

Megan: My nicknames would be ‘Little Meg’ or ‘The Chef’ because my coach always says I’m cooking stuff up when I’m dribbling or have the ball. Casey: My nickname is Case.

When did you start playing soccer?

Megan: I started playing around four or five years old for my dad at Warrington. Casey: I started playing at four or five at my local club, Towamencin.

What positions do you play?

Megan: I play forward or sometimes in the middle of the field. For club I normally play outside mid and then for high school it switches around. Casey: I play outside forward and sometimes center back. For club I play outside back.

What is your best skill on the soccer field?

Megan: I’d say my best skill is dribbling around people, getting to the endline and then crossing it in. Casey: My best skill is winning balls out of the air.

What is your favorite drill? Casey: Over the River

Megan: Over the River or anything that has to do with shooting.

What’s your favorite soccer memory?

Both: Winning the state championship our freshmen year. The whole school came, and it was a really cool experience to be freshmen and be state champs.

Do you have any pregame routines?

Casey: Before every half, Meg and I fist bump.

What was a cool ODP experience?

Casey: I played ODP for four years. My favorite memory is going to the Virginia friendlies because we got to take a bus down and stay in a nice hotel.

Favorite Team?

Megan: If I had to pick one, it would be Manchester United because my dad and I watch the games together. Casey: My favorite team is the United States Women’s National Team.

Favorite school subject?

Megan: Physical education and health. Casey: History

Favorite Meal?

Casey: My favorite meal is a grilled chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A. I like Chick-fil-A sauce. Megan: I get a regular chicken sandwich with fries. No sauce.

Favorite TV Show?

Casey: I like to watch “One Tree Hill.” I have the DVDs. Megan: My favorite TV show is “All American”.

Who is your favorite soccer player or professional athlete? Casey: My favorite soccer player is Christen Press. I think she’s underrated.

Megan: I like Julie Ertz. She’s like a hometown hero.

Favorite Movie/Movie you’ve seen recently: Casey: Halloween. All of them.

Megan: Jaws. All three of them.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

Officiating as a Family By Joe Cicchino

aving played soccer for most Emily Branchide said as a referee she tries to put herself in the player’s predicament in order to be as fair as possible. of her life, Emily Branchide has plenty of experience with referees. However, she never had any real thoughts of becoming an official. That is until it was suggested to her by her father, Chris Branchide. Emily already had a job at an Italian restaurant near her house but decided to give it a try. She became a referee in the summer of 2017 after she attended in-person classes twice a week for two weeks. “Taking the class, you get to understand all the laws of the game,” Emily said. “They’re basically drilled into you, and there are questions and quizzes to help you understand the game. Each year we get recertified by attending a grassroots clinic to go over new rules or changes.” Recently, Emily was named the 2021 Nick Cinquanto Young Referee of the Year it was like ‘this isn’t bad at all.’ ” by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Soccer Hall of Fame. Emily added that she has officiated games featuring seven-yearSince Emily is away at college, Chris accepted the award olds but has advanced up to games with 23-year-olds. She said she for her, where he revealed that because of Emily, he too had has seen all different levels of play with different age groups and is become a referee. “very comfortable now.” “When Emily decided that she wanted to be a ref, I thought it That comfortability level increases whenever the father and would be something that we could do together since I was going daughter get to officiate a game together. According to Chris, he to have to drive her to most games,” Chris said. “I only really and Emily have worked “at least 20 games together,” and that the considered it because of her deciding to become a ref. Turns out it experience was great, “especially when she does the middle.” has made me a much better spectator and soccer dad.” “Emily and I have always been close, but reffing together has Emily said that the class material came naturally. She added an entirely new dimension to our relationship,” Chris said. “It’s more of a peer-to-peer relationship when it comes to reffing. credited that to her extensive background as a player and And she always keeps me humble. She will tell anyone she is the thinks that it sets her apart from other officials. Emily added best ref in the house, and I never argue that point.” that she tries to put herself in the player’s predicament in There was also one instance in 2020 when Emily, Chris, and Christopher order to be as fair as possible. Branchide – Emily’s younger brother and Chris’ son – got to run a threeWhile Emily has played the game since she was six-years man system at the Colleen Reilly Tournament. Christopher got his referee old and continues to play in college, Chris said he only played license shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic. during his freshman year of high school. However, he has a Despite the challenges, both Emily and Chris expressed how good understanding of the rules, having watched his kids becoming a referee has impacted their view of officials. play for the past 15 years. “Becoming a ref has drastically changed the way I view officials,” In fact, giving back to the game that his children have Chris said. “Some of the guys that I know from when the kids first played is what makes the job worth it, according to Chris. started playing cannot believe I am a ref today. I am sorry to say, I That, and getting paid to exercise. was not always the kindest to refs back then.” For Emily, it is all about being around the game. Emily said that she believes she developed a thicker skin because “I get a lot of enjoyment out of it,” Emily said. “I like the of the job and that she has learned to stand her ground and defend flexibility of choosing when I work. Obviously, the money what she believes is the right call. She added that it has helped her is great, but it’s a job that I do enjoy. I love soccer, I’ve been with communication and being direct on the field. around the sport for as long as I can remember, and I think Others have taken notice as well, and Chris has noticed an reffing has made me a better player because I’m constantly impact. After admitting to not being the kindest to officials, he is watching the game.” hoping that more people get involved.” Of course, it was not always that easy. Emily said that she “We really need to encourage more young ladies to join the was “so nervous” before her first match as an official, even ranks,” Chris said. “It is always great when Emily refs a girl’s game. though it was only 7v7. She does a great job at being a role model for them. Coaches have “You’re by yourself, and you would think that 7v7 would be told me how great it is to have her do their games, and that makes the easiest to ref because they’re younger, but it’s a whole me a very proud dad.” different ordeal,” Emily said. “As soon as I finished it though,

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HEART, SOUL & SOCCER

OMAR GUZMAN IS POURING HIS PASSION FOR SOCCER INTO REVIVING THE READING RECREATIONAL SOCCER PROGRAM by Joe Cicchino

ACK IN 2014, OMAR GUZMAN WAS A KEY COG IN READING HIGH School’s boys’ soccer team recording a school-record 23 wins and earning its first District 3-AAA title. Years later, Guzman is bringing more excitement to the Reading, PA, soccer scene, but in a different way. According to the 2020 census, Reading has the highest percentage of Latinos of any municipality in Pennsylvania (69 percent). Guzman hopes to provide this next generation with an affordable, educational and fun experience playing the game he loves. “I think the reason I got involved in coaching is just the love of the game,” Guzman said. “I truly do love the game. My family could tell you that all I do is watch soccer when I get home. They know what to put on the TV when I get home. How I’ve succeeded, I want others to be able to do the same. Giving back that same opportunity that I got.” Guzman moved to the United States from Mexico at the age of four. He said he does not remember much from that time, other than it being his first time on an airplane and that he did not know what to expect. The family settled in Reading, where Guzman said his father had been working and saving money for years so that he could eventually bring over the family. It was not long before Guzman got exposed to soccer. He said he started playing recreational soccer around the age of six with “a bunch of friends and family.” Eventually, a friend introduced Guzman to FC Revolution out of Reading.

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“Overall, it was a good experience, knowing the basics of playing soccer and being around your own people,” Guzman said. “I transitioned into FC Revolution at a young age, but overall, it was a good experience. I’m proud we did it for many years before I transferred to FC Revolution.” He then went on to play at Reading High School, where he had an “unforgettable” experience. Guzman said it was probably the best soccer he had played because of the memories that he gathered during his four years at the high school. He added that the friends he made turned into family and that they still play pickup games around the city. Guzman’s playing career did not end once high school was over, however. He played for Penn State Berks for his freshman year of college, totaling 12 goals and five assists. After that, he transferred to Millersville University and got professional spells in Portugal and Spain. Although Guzman has had an incredible soccer journey, his story is still being written. His next challenge is to bring the Reading Recreational Soccer Program back to life. “When I started there wasn’t [a program],” Guzman said. “The original soccer program was running but it started to dismantle over the years from the lack of support from parents and families. My goal overall is to eventually turn the project into a club where we can have a travel club and kids can travel to different areas of the city where they can participate and play against teams other than themselves.” “Omar’s been involved with FC Revolution for a very long time, and we’ve watched him grow as a player – he’s played in college, he’s been over to Europe,” FC Revolution owner Mike Moyer said. “We got him involved as a coach several years ago and the Reading project, he’s been spearheading that thing and it’s going crazy. It’s a fantastic program that he’s leading in the city of Reading.

“Don’t give up on your dreams, no matter what. There are some circumstances where you think it’s over, but if you follow the light at the end of the tunnel, everything will be ok.” -OMAR GUZMAN

Guzman said that the first steps he took involved talking with Moyer. According to Guzman, he would not be where he is right now if not for Moyer’s help. He added that what started as a simple conversation turned into a meeting with Eddie Moran, the Mayor of Reading, in 2020. According to Guzman he did not think of the meeting as a “big deal” at the time, but he got a better hold on the meeting as time went on. Now he believes that the moment was great for the soccer community as not many people have support from the city and the mayor. Moyer added that while he helped in the beginning, Guzman has run with the idea. “We were 100 percent involved with setting it up and getting a meeting with the mayor, and Omar seemed to be the logical person because he had coaching experience and he knows the city well, he lived in the city,” Moyer said. “The actual implementation of everything is Omar. We’d help him with logistics -- they’re setting up a Monday Night Futsal league for the kids like we’ve been running for 14 years --, so there are similarities, but he’s taken it and put his own spin on it.” For now, Guzman says that the program has a “strong foundation.” He added that they have the support of the city and priority with the soccer fields and parks, which he thinks is the most important aspect. Guzman said that since the program started in March, the improvement in the level of play and how big of an impact the coaches have has been evident. While the play has taken a step forward, there is still one lesson that Guzman wants to get across. “Don’t give up on your dreams, no matter what,” Guzman said. “There are some circumstances where you think it’s over, but if you follow the light at the end of the tunnel, everything will be ok.” Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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OFFSEASON TRAINING TIPS

Winter is upon us and the soccer season comes to a temporary halt. We are all forced indoors but don’t let that stop you from progressing. Here are some things to help make the most of this off-season. by H.M.Feeley

TAKE A BREAK

JUGGLING.

HAVE A PLAN

WALL WORK

Taking one to two weeks completely off does your body and brain well. The wear and tear both mentally and physically will eventually take a toll if we don’t take the necessary time to rest. This also helps prevent burnout. When you are ready to start training again have a plan. Start slow. Give it a solid 18 days. That’s how long it takes to make a routine stick. Schedule your days off on the holidays to enjoy the festivities and your family.

GET OTHERS INVOLVED.

We all play soccer because we love that it’s a team sport. Running, strength training and playing are more enjoyable with your teammates, friends or family members. Doing it with someone else makes it more fun and holds you accountable.

GET STRONGER

Off-season is a great time to get stronger in the gym. Even if you use body weight, squats, lunges, single leg and core work makes you more explosive and prevents injuries come spring time.

BUILD YOUR FITNESS BASE.

Longer runs in the beginning help to build your base. After that you can do more short, sprint work or intervals. My favorite cardio machines to use in the winter are either the elliptical or treadmill. A five minute warm up, 20 minutes of one minute jog alternating with 1 minute sprints then a 5 minute cool down. Be sure to mix it up so you don’t get bored.

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This is the easiest way to improve your first touch. It only requires you, a ball and some practice time. Even 15 minutes a day makes a difference. Try five minutes right foot only. the five minutes left foot only then alternate for the last five. Knocking the ball against a wall allows for a great workout and lots of touches. Knock the ball on the ground or in the air using various surfaces of your foot and trapping with different body parts. Great creative!

WATCH HIGH LEVEL GAMES.

Grab a notepad and pen and turn the volume down. Ask yourself what formation is each team playing. Watch the player who plays your position the entire game. Make note of their movements on offense and defense; the moves they use to keep the ball and beat players; the runs they make or spacing when defending. How can you apply these lessons to your own game?

STAY MOTIVATED Off season is your opportunity to get better and push yourself to new heights. Be better than you were the day before. Have fun!

Lastly, make time for fun, friends and family. Happy Holidays from my family to yours.

COMMON SOCCER INJURIES (AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM!)

Youth soccer participation has exploded over the 50 years of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association. Unfortunately, along with increased participation comes an increase in injuries. Player safety and injury prevention remain an important mission of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. Kevin B. Freedman, M.D., Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Institute Sports Medicine, Chair, Medical Advisory Committee

HEAD & NECK INJURIES

Concussion remains the most common head injury in soccer, and can occur from a collision with another player, ball or ground, or a sudden jarring movement. Symptoms can be varied, and include headache, nausea, or confusion, among others. If concussion is suspected, the athlete must be removed from play and seek medical attention. Neck pain is most commonly due to muscle strain. However, if an athlete reports neck pain in the center of the spine, pain with motion, or loss of sensation or motor function, it is a medical emergency. The player should not be moved until medical professionals arrive. PREVENTION: • US Youth soccer rules restricting headers below the age of 12 are designed to minimize the risk of head and neck injury. • Use of proper heading technique and ball contact

UPPER EXTREMITY INJURIES

Wrist and hand sprains and fractures are common in goalkeepers, as well as field players from falling to the ground on an outstretched hand. Many of these injuries are minor and resolve quickly, but suspicion of fracture include tenderness directly over the bone, significant swelling or deformity, and extreme pain. These symptoms should prompt evaluation by a medical professional. Minor injuries can be treated with ice and exercise to restore mobility and strength. Other less common injuries include fracture or dislocation of the shoulder, including clavicle fracture or shoulder joint dislocation. High levels of pain or deformity should lead to medical evaluation. PREVENTION: • Many traumatic injuries to the upper extremity are harder to prevent, but appropriate balance and core muscle control can help prevent falls. In addition, avoidance of airborne activity can control body mechanics

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LOWER EXTREMITY INJURIES Injuries to the ankle, knee, and lower extremity muscles are extremely common in soccer. Ankle or foot sprains (or fractures) can occur when the foot or ankle forcefully turn, contracting the ball or turf. If the athlete is unable to bear weight, fracture must be suspected and medical evaluation is warranted. For minor sprains, rest, ice, and strengthening exercises can speed recovery. Gradual progression to full return to sports is important to prevent reinjury. Knee injuries can occur with contact with another player, the ground, or without contact. Knee ligament injuries, such as ACL tears, frequently occur without contact. If an athlete reports hearing or feeling a “pop”, has swelling, decreased range of motion, or inability to walk, a visit to a sports medicine specialist is warranted. Muscle strains can also occur around the knee and leg in the groin, hamstring, quadriceps, and calf. These frequently occur with a sudden movement such as quick change of direction or speed. After a period of rest, these are typically treated with therapy exercises to increase flexibility, strength, and endurance. PREVENTION: • Warm-up programs designed for injury prevention (FIFA 11+, PEP program) have been shown to reduce the risk of lower extremity injuries, including ankle sprain and ACL tears • These programs are typically performed as warm-up for practice, and only require 10 minutes of time, 2 to 3 times per week • Each program includes components of warm-up running, strengthening, plyometrics, and stretching. These programs are effective at increasing flexibility, balance, agility, and strength.

GUIDELINES FOR RETURN TO PLAY: If an athlete suffers an injury, a general guideline for return to play requires full range of motion and strength of an injured area. A more significant injury requiring medical attention should get clearance from a doctor. Remember the most important adage: When in doubt, keep them out! If there is any doubt about the safety of returning to play, athletes should be evaluated by a sports medicine specialist. Let’s continue to keep our kids safe for many future years of soccer!

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2022 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer State Cups

W O L E B N A C S R TO REGISTE

18U-19U/20 NCS STATE CUP

eams from all over Eastern Pennsylvania will be facing off throughout the spring to have the opportunity to punch their tickets to the Cup Finals in May and June. Matches will be played at United Sports Training Center, Ukranian American Sports Center and HillTop Soccer Complex. We are expecting another year of the high-level competition! The Eastern Pennsylvania Presidents Cup takes place between March and May, and is a statewide championship that is part of the US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup National Event. The cup is an open competition for teams that wish to play in a competition that offers an opportunity at the regional and national level. Winners of the Presidents Cup will represent Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer at the Eastern Presidents Cup. Regional winners in the U12 - U18/19 groups will vie for the National title. The Eastern Pennsylvania Challenge Cup will be conducted during the March to May period and is for U9 – U19 teams. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will have two divisions of play for the U9 – U11 teams at the Challenge Cup, which will allow for balanced competition with opportunity for more teams to participate. This competition ends at the State level, as there are no Regional or National stages for the Challenge Cup. The Eastern Pennsylvania State Cup competition is the first leg of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series. It serves as an open competition that draws teams throughout Eastern Pennsylvania to compete at the highest level. March to May will serve as the time period for the U12 – U17 age groups, while May to June will feature competition for the U18-U19/20 age groups. The winners will advance to the US Youth Soccer Eastern Championships. The winners of the Eastern Championships will go on to represent the region at US Youth Soccer National Championships.

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