TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SEASON
Club Spotlight
SPRINGFIELD SOCCER CLUB
Building Mental Strength for Peak Soccer Performance
“WE BELONG” INITIATIVE QUARTERLY CALENDAR FIND THE DIFFERENCE
SOCCER PARENT EXPECTATIONS RESPECTING REFEREE DECISIONS
SOCCER PARENT EXPECTATIONS RESPECTING REFEREE DECISIONS
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Eastern Pennsylvania
Youth Soccer
4070 Butler Pike, Suite 100
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Chris Branscome Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer
Regardless of wins or losses, development is taking place. Let’s bring positivity to the fields for the sake of the kids, and each other.
By the time this Touchline reaches your home, the kids and the coaches have already spent hours in training and probably played in a tournament or two. The season opener has been played, and hopefully you’re off to a great start. The positive attitudes and high hopes in August and early September are always refreshing and welcome. How do we keep that good feeling running throughout the entire season?
This issue will explore some ways to keep everyone moving forward and keeping the focus on every player’s development. In coaching education, we stress the need to develop all players technically, tactically, physically and emotionally. It’s part of what we refer to as a player-centered approach. We also recognize that all players have basic needs. The three primary needs are fun, development and belonging. These basic needs apply to all players of all ages.
It should be the goal of all of us involved in the sport, administrators, coaches, referees, parents and spectators to understand the player-centered focus. We can very simply say this game is about the kids and for the kids. But sometimes, maybe all too often, we lose sight of the fact that these are children playing and they are very much developing in every way imaginable. We sometimes see them as soccer players not as preteens or adolescents, and we make judgements and comparisons that aren’t necessary or fair.
One of our concerns as a sport from US Soccer to member clubs, from state to state, is the amplified pressures on our young players. The chase of a championship or scholarship often outweighs friendship or sportsmanship. We lose sight of the value of sport to focus on the accolades. We fail to see lessons learned in a loss, or we shift responsibility to a coach, or the referee for a poor effort or a mistake. Kids learn from mistakes, whether their own or another’s. The example of what not to can be as strong as any. The opportunity to show resilience or improve is important to a young person’s growth.
Regardless of age or competition levels, kids need support to succeed. Support and success can be demonstrated or defined in different ways. There are different ways to accomplish each, and they don’t need to be exclusive of each other. The ultimate point is that together, clubs, coaches, and parents can provide a healthy space for kids to thrive and grow through soccer. Regardless of wins or losses, development is taking place. Let’s bring positivity to the fields for the sake of the kids, and each other.
Phone: 610-238-9966
Fax: 610-238-9933
E-mail: info@EPYSA.org Website: EPYSA.org
EXECUTIVE BOARD
President - Jeff Sommer
First Vice PresidentLennie Brown
Second Vice PresidentBill Fuller
Treasurer- Jim Brown
SecretaryMelissa Weber
At-Large - Jim Christian
At-Large - John Mickle
State Youth Referee
Administrator - Jeff Tener
District 1 CommissionerJeff Tener
District 2 CommissionerRachel Gallegos
District 3 CommissionerBill Ross
District 4 CommissionerEric McKitish
District 5 CommissionerScott Merritt
District 6 CommissionerPhil Frederick
OFFICE STAFF
Chief Executive Officer –Chris Branscome
Chief Operating Officer –Kelly Connor
Technical Director –Gary Stephenson
Assistant Technical Director –Fernando Carrizo
Assistant Technical Director –Anna-Kate DePaolo
Director of Operations –Leo Kelly
Senior Director of Marketing –Brigid Bink
Registration Specialist –Meghan Petroski
Grassroots Soccer Manager –JT Dorsey
State Cup Manager –David Jones
Director of Communications –Morgan Weindel
TOUCHLINE
Editor-in-Chief –Chris Branscome
Editors – Catie Branscome, Morgan Weindel
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Youth Soccer cares about the future growth of soccer across Eastern Pennsylvania. We understand that growth comes from the creation of safe environments that allow our players the room to develop and foster a love for the game. We also know that parents play the most important role in the leadership and guidance of their child. To that end, we learned that providing our parents with tools that increase engagement and understanding can create a premier experience for parent and child.
Eastern PA Youth Soccer has partnered with the Soccer Parenting Association and The Sideline Project in a multi-year partnership agreement that is aimed at guiding and increasing this parent engagement. Through the partnership, clubs, coaches and parents will receive discounted access to SoccerParentResourceCenter. com.
At the Soccer Parent Resource Center parents will find courses, videos, monthly live webinars, articles and interviews with tips, advice, guidance, and support – all to help you make sure their child feels inspired by their soccer experience.
Parents will have access to The Sideline Project and Successful Soccer Parenting Courses. Clubs affiliated with Eastern PA Youth Soccer will be able to join the Soccer Parenting Association and provide membership benefits to their coaches and parents for the discounted fee of $250/year.
By Adam Norse, SoccerParenting.com
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Let the coach be the coach. Be respectful of their style. Don’t criticize. Build them up. Coaches are doing their best and need encouragement. If you do need to speak with the coach, be sure to set up a time away from the field (at least 48 hours after a game). Never do this in front of your child, the team or other parents.
2 Encourage your child to work on the things they can control – their effort + attitude.
3 Create a positive, supportive atmosphere encourages your child players to maximize their potential – both on & off the field.
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Give players space – don’t camp out next to the practice field. Let them practice and make mistakes in an anxiety-free environment. Nobody likes to be micromanaged.
5 Do not coach from the sideline during games. This creates confusion for players and actually stifles their development and decision making. It is not helpful.
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Model sporting behavior – respect opposition and officials, congratulate good play by both teams. This sets and example for players and parents.
7 Steer post-game conversations away from the scoreline. Examples: What went well? What didn’t? What did you learn? How you going to respond?
8 Keep it fun – ensure your child is enjoying their soccer experience regardless of the level they are playing at. You can still encourage them to be competitive without it being too intense and serious. I have seen too many young players quit the game because of the pressure often put on them by parents. Youth soccer gets too serious too soon –keep things upbeat and lighthearted.
9 Think Big Picture – statistically very few soccer players receive college scholarships or get pro contracts. If they do then great! Yes, let’s encourage our players to strive to win and be competitive; however, more importantly let’s make the most of all the life lessons and teachable moments that soccer presents us with.
“The coaches, players and parents on my son’s team often yell at the referee about calls. How do I teach my child to respect the referee’s decision, even if he does not agree with it, and his team constantly questions referee decisions?”
“REMEMBER THAT TEACHING RESPECT FOR authority figures like referees is an ongoing process. Be patient and consistent in your efforts, and your child will be more likely to develop the values of good sportsmanship and respect for others on and off the field.
You might have to point out good and bad behavior to help your child see the difference and also the outcome of good behavior and when they do demonstrate good behavior reward them and highlight that you saw it and you are proud of them.
Explain that in game we expect that in soccer players, coaches and parents to lead by example. But sometimes this isn’t the case. Encourage your child not to lower themselves to poor behavior but to rise above it and be a leader. If the child is interested in college soccer, note how this can be an important behavioral change to demonstrate.
You can also explain the referee’s role and make sure your child understands the role of the referee in the game. Explain that referees are there to enforce the rules and you might not like it, but you also might not like that your teammate missed a shot or your coach subbed you, but do you act the same way and berate them? All players and coaches make mistakes, and referees can make mistakes. When a teammate makes a mistake, a good teammate builds them up, doesn’t tear them down. So why treat the referee that way?
Ask your child to focus on positive communication and developing leadership: encourage them to express their thoughts and concerns in a constructive manner. Instead of yelling or complaining, they can ask questions or seek clarification when they are confused about a call. This is an important skill they can learn for life in the work force. Ask them what would happen if at work they berated a fellow employee? They would be disciplined or worse fired. This is no different. The referee will discipline you bad behavior and/ or send you off. So set yourself apart by learning these skills now, not later.
Discuss the consequences of disrespect: explain that arguing with the referee, using inappropriate language, or showing disrespect can lead to penalties or ejections. These actions can hurt the team’s chances and set a negative example. Help your child understand that their behavior affects not only themselves but their teammates as well.
Encourage perspective: remind your child that in the grand scheme of things, youth soccer is meant to be fun and a character-building experience. The outcome of a single game or a few referee decisions should not overshadow this.”
- Laura Halfpenny, Georgia Soccer Association-Executive Director
“I OFTEN RELATE PLAYER DECISIONS ON THE FIELD to a judgment call, and how that is similar to the role of a referee. At each moment of the game, as players and coaches, we make decisions based on the information we have and the knowledge and skills we currently possess. Referees are genuinely in the same situation of making a judgment on a rule and potential infractions based on the information they currently have and the knowledge and skill they possess. Most of us prefer respectful communication when it comes to differing opinions and disagreements, and referees are no different. Language, tone, and body language can show diminished respect for the referee’s judgment and often results in tension and frustration that leads towards very little growth and development within the actual game and skills required to be successful.
With common sense then in understanding that everyone is being asked to make decisions quickly and often, all contributors (players, coaches, referees, spectators) to the match need to show respect in language, tone, and body language to create environments of growth and successregardless of the match score. Everyone is working to make a judgment call on the information they have available to them at that moment, as fleeting as it can be.” - Candice Fabry, Coach & Mentor
THE BEGINNING OF EACH SOCCER season offers every player an opportunity to enhance their skills, contribute to their team’s success and grow both on and off the field. Whether the focus is on elevating skills, growing as a leader, or enjoying every moment on the field, the foundation for a successful season can be found in both mindset and approach.
Success in soccer is not solely defined by the scoreboard. Success can be defined by personal growth, team contributions and a love for the game. Emphasizing personal development, teamwork and a passion for the game can lead to significant growth both on and off the field. With the right approach, players can stay motivated, support their teammates, maintain a positive attitude, and make it one of their best seasons yet.
Here are key strategies from Assistant Technical Director Anna-Kate DePaolo that will help guide players in their journey to a successful and fulfilling soccer season:
Trust the Process: Setting goals is crucial for your growth as a player. Whether it’s practicing dribbling for 10 minutes each day or aiming to score a specific number of goals by the end of the season, goals will help improve skills while growing a love for the game.
Stay Open to Feedback: Embrace your coach’s advice and view it as an opportunity to learn and improve.
Collaborate: Work with your coach to create an Individual Development Plan (IDP). This plan should outline specific areas where you can improve and how you can best contribute to the team.
Focus on What You Can Control: Direct your energy towards things within your control, such as your attitude, effort, and reactions. Don’t stress over factors like weather, referees, or playing time—focus on how you respond instead.
Show Sportsmanship: Be respectful during both practices and games, whether winning or losing.
Bring Positive Energy: Support your teammates by maintaining a positive attitude and working hard. Your enthusiasm can inspire others!
Enjoy the Game: Remember, soccer is about having fun! Don’t get too caught up in the score or the pressure to win. Focus on enjoying the game and improving your skills, and success will follow.
AS THE SEASON continues, it’s important to remember that soccer is more than just wins and losses. Each practice and match offer valuable lessons, opportunities for growth and memories that will last a lifetime. The key to success this season is to consistently practice the strategies found above. Be consistent in setting goals, be coachable during all practices and matches, focus on controlling the controllable, being a good teammate, and having fun! By consistently embracing these strategies, players will not only grow as players and individuals but will also contribute to their team’s overall experience and at the end of the day, the measure of a successful season is defined by a player’s dedication to personal and collective growth, the teamwork built throughout the season and the happiness found in every practice and match. By maintaining a commitment to improvement, players can navigate the highs and lows of the season. Here’s to a season filled with learning, teamwork and above all, a love for the game! Good luck!
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Strengthen your mental game with these activities designed to help you manage goals, conquer pregame jitters, and stay focused on success!
WANT TO BECOME A STRONGER PLAYER BOTH ON AND off the soccer field? It’s not just about being fit – your mind plays a big role in your success too! The ability to stay focused, handle your emotions and stay confident can make a huge difference in how you play. Just like you practice your soccer skills, it’s important to work on your mental game too. With practice and dedication, you can build a strong mindset that helps you grow and have success on and off the field!
• THINK LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM: Set both long-term (seasonal) and short-term (daily, weekly, monthly) goals focused on your personal growth as a soccer player. Focus on things you can get better at, not just winning games.
• USE S.M.A.R.T. GOALS: Set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
• ASK YOURSELF: Is this goal specific to what I want to accomplish? For example, instead of saying, “I want to play better,” identify a specific area to improve. Can I measure progress towards this goal? Do I have control in achieving it? Is it relevant to my personal and team growth? Can I set a clear deadline or timeframe for accomplishing it?
• EXAMPLE OF A S.M.A.R.T. GOAL: “I want to improve my goal-scoring ability by practicing shooting and finishing both during practices and on my own, aiming to increase my number of goals by the end of the season.”
• NIGHT BEFORE THE GAME: Hydrate well and get a good night’s sleep.
• DURING WARMUPS AND BEFORE THE GAME: Check in with yourself—take a few deep breaths to calm any jitters and visualize yourself succeeding in the game.
• JUST BEFORE YOU STEP ON THE FIELD: Use positive self-talk and team affirmations like “I’m ready” or “We’ve got this!”
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• CELEBRATE PERSON AND TEAM SUCCESSES: Write down three things you or your team did well.
• IDENTIFY AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Note three things you want to improve or work on for the next game.
Using these tips consistently can make a big difference in your game. Building mental strength helps you stay focused and confident, making you better both on and off the field. Keep practicing these strategies and you’ll see improvements on the field and in your daily life!
Disclaimer: The tips and resources provided here are intended for general educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical or mental health advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please seek support from a licensed mental health professional, a counselor, or a trusted adult. For immediate help, contact a mental health hotline by dialing 988 or your local healthcare provider.
The “We Belong” Initiative marks an important evolution in the organization’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity within the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer community. The initiative reflects a broader, more collective approach to creating a welcoming environment for all participants, regardless of their background or identity.
In Spring 2023, the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association launched the “I Belong” initiative, aimed at combating discrimination and fostering inclusion among youth soccer players. The introduction of “We Belong” represents a more collective vision, highlighting the importance of fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect among all members of the soccer community, whether it’s players, coaches, managers, administrators or parents.
“The initiative is extremely important to the game,” said JT Dorsey, the association’s Grassroots Programs manager. “I hope all of our members join us in continuing to make soccer a game for all kids.”
The “We Belong” initiative is built on four core values: welcoming, community, safety and fun. Welcoming reflects a strong commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels embraced and valued within the Eastern Pennsylvania soccer community. Community emphasizes the importance of building strong, supportive connections among players, coaches, managers, administrators or parents. Safety is one of the most important values, ensuring that all members can enjoy the game in a secure and respectful environment, free from discrimination, bullying or other unsafe behaviors. Lastly, fun emphasizes Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s commitment to ensuring that soccer remains an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for all.
The addition of “We Belong” serves as a powerful symbol of unity within the Eastern Pennsylvania community. It reinforces the idea that success and growth of youth soccer depend on the involvement and contributions of all its members.
As Dorsey puts it, “Each player, coach, referee, administrator, parent or fan should feel a sense of belonging when participating in our sport.”
SPRINGFIELD SC HAS BEEN A cornerstone of the Montgomery County soccer community for over thirty years. In recent years, the club – which fields teams from U5 to U18 – has experienced a surge in participation and is achieving competitive success.
Andrew Hubley was the club president from 2014 through 2019 and helped to reinvigorate the club both on and off the pitch. Springfield was known as a solid community club with a solid recreational base. As Hubley took the reins, there were roughly 250 kids playing on 20 teams in the club. By the end of his term five years later, the club grew to 370 boys and girls playing on 29 travel soccer teams ranging from U9 to U15.
Today, there are now over 600 kids registered for the club on 30-plus teams.
Hubley said part of Springfield’s success is that the soccer club has always been about whatever one wants it to be. Flexibility and inclusiveness allow kids to participate in the way that best suits them.
By Joshua Lipowski and Terry Jacoby
“It’s about what each individual player wants to get out of the experience,” said Hubley, who still coaches the highly successful U19 boys team. “Some just want to go out and have fun playing this great game and we have opportunities for them. Others take it more seriously and want to get better and maybe play at the next level.
“We made a change to put a little more focus on being more competitive while at the same time not losing sight of the fact that some kids just want to go out and play. From 2016 to 2018, we saw a tremendous increase in the overall enthusiasm for soccer as well as the skill level and success of several of our teams.”
In 2016, the club underwent a rebranding, introducing a new logo, updated uniforms, and, most importantly, a renewed focus on fostering a more competitive soccer culture. This helped to usher in an era of excitement and new energy. At the same time, the club remained committed to offering opportunities for players of all skill levels, ensuring that every child could enjoy the experience of participating in travel soccer.
One reason Hubley wanted to rebrand the club was to create something special for the players, coaches, parents, and supporters.
“I wanted the players to be proud of the badge and the club and who they represented,” he said. “I wanted them to put the club stickers on their cars and wear their uniforms to Union games and be proud members of the Springfield Soccer Club. And I think getting more competitive helped us accomplish that. People look at our club a lot differently now than they did five or 10 years ago.”
“My U19 team, for example, competes in the more competitive EDP Premier 1, and was part of the (USYS) National League P.R.O. at the U17 level where we competed against the top travel teams in the country,” he said. “In a world where everything is getting more expensive, we have remained pretty much the same. But while the cost is roughly the same, the competition level has greatly increased for those who want it.”
Hubley takes great pride in the fact that Springfield Soccer Club, a nonprofit organization, is run by all volunteers and remains one of the least expensive clubs in Montgomery County if not all of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
“We pride ourselves on keeping one of the lowest registration fees,” he said. “In 2013, we cost $160 + uniform to play for a youth travel soccer club in Southeastern PA. In 2024, we are still one of the cheapest options in the area at $250 per player.”
Each player has different goals, and the Springfield Soccer Club has always been about accommodating those wishes and desires. Some teams just play a 10-game regular season, while others play year-round and travel and play tournaments throughout the year,” says Hubley, who grew up the son of a soccer coach and has always loved the game. “It’s what you want it to be and there are different levels for different goals. It’s been very successful at all levels.”
Patrick McGranaghan, who has been President of the Board since 2022, has also played a pivotal role in this transformation.
Hailing from Delaware County, McGranaghan’s soccer journey began in his youth, where he fell in love with the sport and built lifelong friendships. Though he stepped away from soccer after high school, McGranaghan’s passion for the game reignited when he began coaching his oldest daughter, who was four at the time. By the time
she turned eight, McGranaghan had discovered Springfield SC.
He was immediately impressed by the club’s leadership, especially the vision of then-President Hubley. McGranaghan credits Hubley with laying the foundation on which the club operates today.
“He [Hubley] really was the architect to build and shape the club to what it is today,” McGranaghan said, “Taking it from a really quality program, but, essentially, putting a lot of the necessary structure that you need to put in place in the club, like the size of Springfield, to make it a really quality program.”
McGranaghan deeply respects the contributions of those before him, singling out Hubley and Chris Tomarelli, who navigated the club through the challenges of COVID.
Under McGranaghan Springfield SC’s mission remains clear: commit to the highest standards of sporting conduct, nurture each player’s potential, and sponsor successful teams.
“Like most clubs, we hold our coaches, our players, and our parents to the highest standards of conduct both on and off the field,” McGranaghan said.
“We’ve got fantastic coaches.” McGranaghan said, “We have coaches that have played at all levels and have come with a tremendous amount of experience.”
A crucial element of the club’s success is its focus on developing players and coaches. Springfield SC has enhanced its resources by partnering with the Philadelphia Union. McGranaghan is particularly enthusiastic about the training opportunities this partnership provides.
“Starting last year, we leveraged the Union to come in and spend hours with our teams and our coaches to help them develop,” McGranaghan said, “Whether that is helping them run a session, whether that is having conversations with trainers about things that went right and wrong in a game and helping to remediate that.”
McGranaghan holds a great deal of respect for the history and foundation of Springfield SC. He says it is up to him and the people who volunteer today to “Steward” what those before him built.
“There’s been a lot of people that have come before me to make Springfield soccer what it is today,” McGranaghan said.
Can you find all 5 differences between photo A and B?
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Oct.1 Indoor Cup Registration Opens
Oct. 19 Union vs. Cincinnati @ Subaru Park
Oct. 20 ODP First Training
Oct. 27 U.S. Grassroots 7v7 (Host Lionville SC) – Downingtown, PA
Oct. 27 U.S. Grassroots 9v9 (Host Lionville SC) – Downingtown, PA
Oct. 31 Halloween
Nov. 3 ODP Training
Nov. 10 ODP International Trip Meeting with WorldStrides
Nov. 11 Veterans Day
Nov. 16 U.S. Grassroots 9v9 (Host Real Fútbol Club) – Philadelphia, PA
Nov. 16 U.S. Grassroots 11v11 (Host Real Fútbol Club) – Philadelphia, PA
Nov. 24 ODP Training
Nov. 28 Thanksgiving
