ALBERTA SOCCER NEWSLETTER
Issue 25
Off the Post
October-December, 2013
IN THIS ISSUE
Alberta Soccer Launches New Provincials Logo After never previously having a logo for one of Alberta Soccer’s most popular programs, the Association put out a call for logo ideas for the Youth and Senior Provincial Championships. Two versions of the logo will be seen across soccer facilities across the Province starting with the 2014 Indoor Provincial Championships. The first version is Alberta specific and features two identifiable features: the Wildrose and the Rocky Mountains. The second version will be used at competitions that determine which teams will proceed to National Championships. It maintains the Rocky Mountains but also features the Maple Leaf. These new logos will be most noticeable on Official Provincial Championships Merchandise that will be sold at all Competition sites this coming year (also new for 2014).
Need a Hotel? Alberta Soccer is working to make the Provincial experience more seamless and enjoyable for teams and families alike. Last year, Alberta Soccer secured
special rates at a multitude of hotels across the Province. This year, Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed on as the Official Hotel Supplier for Alberta Soccer and will block rooms for each competition. Alberta Soccer Members will receive better than the best available rates as well as other perks if they reserve at an IHG Hotel (Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express). With 40 IHG properties in 18 different cities across Alberta, Alberta Soccer members can expect consistent and high quality standards for accommodations at every Alberta Soccer event. The partnership will officially kick off at the 2014 Indoor Youth Provincial Championships. More information and the link to book rooms will be provided just after the New Year for teams to start booking their hotels. For a complete listing of all IHG hotels in Alberta, please visit: http://www.ihg.com/hotels/us/en/hd/can ada/alberta-hotels
Club Nationals Results 12 Alberta Club Teams qualified for the National Championships across the country. Find out how all of our club teams did!
Page 2
In the Community Find out what’s going on in the soccer community around the Province.
Page 5
OFF THE POST
| Issue 25
2
Edmonton Victoria AMSL Women Win Nationals! The 2013 Alberta Major Soccer League and Provincial Women’s Champions Edmonton Victoria returned to the Club National Championships in Halifax this year with only one goal in mind: to bring back the Jubilee Trophy. After three wins and one draw in their group, it was good enough to advance the team straight to the finals to face Royal-Select Beauport from Quebec. After a very tiring group stage and having played consecutive games to reach the final, the game started slow between the two teams. Quebec has one of the only real th opportunities of the first half in the 37 minute when a dangerous cross was sent through Victoria’s box and a last minute stretch from Quebec’s striker was not enough to get a foot on the ball and put it in the back of Victoria’s net. The second half saw two more opportunities ’ for Quebec to clinch the game in the 83 and 84’ minutes and only a last minute goal-line
clearance from Victoria’s defense as well as the crossbar saved the Edmonton team from th allowing goals. It was only in the 88 minute that Nicola Weber of Victoria jumped for joy after scoring what would be the winning goal after a one-time shot from a tough angle that surprised the Quebec goalkeeper. A few minutes later the Referee blew the final whistle and a flood of Victoria players swarmed the field with the realization that they would be bringing the Jubilee Trophy back to Edmonton.
EDMONTON VICTORIA RECORD AT NATIONALS 4th National Championships in 10 Years Past Championships Years: 2009 2005 2004
Clubs Represent Alberta at Nationals October always presents an interesting time for Club Nationals to be held as the weather is hard to predict across the country. 2013 was no different and Alberta sent 10 teams to the National Club Championships. With 5 teams bringing medals home including two silvers, two bronze and one gold medal, Alberta Soccer is incredibly proud of the way our club teams represented the province
Club Results at Nationals U14 Boys: Foothills (Silver Medal), Inter (4 Place)
th
U14 Girls: SWU Napoli (Bronze), Blizzard th Ajax (5 Place) U16 Boys: Foothills (Bronze) U16 Girls: SWU Premiers (Silver) th
U18 Boys: Warriors (5 Place) th
Alberta Soccer would like to congratulate all of the clubs who represented Alberta Soccer at Nationals and a special thanks to Lethbridge Soccer who hosted a very successful U-14 Nationals Competition!
U18 Girls: Blizzard Juventus (7 Place) Challenge Trophy: Edmonton Scottish (7 Place)
th
Jubilee Trophy: Edmonton Victoria (Gold Medal)
OFF THE POST
| Issue 25
3
TECHNICAL PROGRAMS CONTINUE IN 2014
Soccability Open for Registration in 2014 in Calgary and Edmonton Information on this program for Players with Disabilities is now available at www.albertasoccer.com by clicking on the Player Tab > Players with Disabilities
RPC Players Called Up Andreas Charles Barrera (pictured left) and Caniggia Elva (pictured right), both from Calgary and the Alberta Soccer/FC Edmonton RPC have been offered opportunities with the Whitecaps Residency and FC Stuttgart respectively. The RPC’s provide 15-17 year old players in Alberta an opportunity to train and showcase themselves to national and professional team coaches. Congratulations boys!
FAST FACTS
46
The Number of Indoor Soccer Provincial Competitions taking place in 2014. Find dates and locations now at www.albertasoccer.com Click on the Competitions tab.
9
The Number of Awards being given out at the 2014 Awards Banquet to soccer figures/teams in Alberta who have had impressive achievements in 2013 and beyond.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit www.albertasoccer.com
Putting the Fun Back into when Soccer Soccer is fun – especially just starting out. Alberta Soccer wants to make sure these first steps remain fun and that each child has for Grassroots a memorable first experience playing the game. Players! FUNdamentals Festivals
Going forward, we will be supporting the hosting of local FUNdamentals Soccer Festivals, for players aged 6 to 9 year olds that will provide a positive springboard from which communities may develop their grassroots soccer programs. The Festival will focus on teaching technical skills in a FUN atmosphere for our young players around the province. Our Grassroots program in collaboration with our Districts, Communities and Clubs serve as the entry point for many of our aspiring young soccer players and their families. In many cases, it is a child’s first exposure to the game. It is important that this first experience with the game allows players to enjoy themselves. By creating a FUN atmosphere, and teaching basic concepts and skills, we have the opportunity to instill enthusiasm in our players which may be nurtured into a life-long passion for soccer.
try to alter this natural order, they will reach adulthood prematurely but with neither substance nor strength” – Jean Jacques Rousseau
Mini Stars Showcase The Alberta Soccer Mini Stars program has been operating at capacity again this year in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Red Deer and Chestermere. The program focuses on individual skill development for players born in 2002-2004. The training program will culminate as it typically does with a Showcase in Edmonton on the April 5-6 weekend at the Garrison Military Fitness Centre. For the second year in a row, the program will also offer a Residential Camp over the May long weekend (May 16-19, 2014) at Red Deer College. Only those who are currently registered in the Mini Stars program for the 2013-2014 year will be eligible for the Showcase and the Camp. Registration will be open for the Showcase in February of 2014. Keep updated on registration information by visiting www.albertasoccer.com.
A typical Festival would offer the following sessions: Friday: Parent/Coach Clinic Saturday: Coach the Coaches (Skill Station Format) Festival for Players This Spring and Summer, make sure you look out for these Alberta Soccer supported Festivals in a location near you! “Nature decrees that children should be children before they become adults. If we
Mini Stars players listen to advice from FC Edmonton Coaching Staff at the Mini Stars Showcase
OFF THE POST
| Issue 25
4
Up Close and Personal Nick Goddard has been Alberta Soccer’s Competitions Coordinator for 5 years. As he moves on to a new role with the Women’s World Cup Canada Organizing Committeee (Edmonton), we get some final words from Nick What is the best thing about being Competitions Coordinator for Alberta Soccer ? NG : My favourite part about the job has always been attending the tournaments. Particularly the Outdoor Provincials, travelling around the province, watching great soccer and spending time with the amazing people involved in soccer in Alberta. These weekends always made the long hours worthwhile. Where do you think the Association will be in 10 years time ? NG : I think soccer in Alberta is special and unlke any other province in Canada and I think it is primed to explode. We have the right people in the right positions, not just within the ASA but across Alberta. Province wide we are seeing growth in all aspects of the sport : clubs and districts are growing ; more technical people are being added and programs are being specialized ; and we are building new facilities. Combined with the potential of a High Performance League, growing ties with FC Edmonton and the Women’s World Cup events, the next 10 years are going to be a very exciting and prosperous time for soccer here
What are the best memories you have from working at Alberta Soccer ? NG : Of all the great times I have had with the Association, two in particular stand out as my favourite. The 2011 U16 Club National Championships in Lethbridge and the 2010 Arctic Winter Games in Grande Prairie. The Nationals in Lethbridge are particularly important to me, not only as my first major Nationals in Alberta, but personally symbolized a turning point for the Association. The Arctic Winter Games were my first experience with a major multi-sport event , and the international component of the games made it even better.
Favourite Sports Personality : Ryan Giggs Favourite Sport : Other than soccer, Rugby Favourite Team : Manchester United Most Memorable Sporting Moment : The Flames Stanley Cup run in 2004. I remember the whole city was caught up in the fever and everyone was behind the team. I was graduating high school at the time and our dinner and ceremony was actually delayed while game 3 wwas shown on the big screen. Unknown Fact about Yourself : I am an avid history student, and actually minored in the subject at University
What are your long-term goals for your career ? NG : I honestly have no idea. I would like to continue to be involved in Sport Management and am always looking for a new challenge, however I do not have a specific career path in mind – which is as exciting as it is terrifying.
What’s Going On in Your District Edmonton Interdistrict Youth Soccer Association (EIYSA) For the first time ever, EIYSA will begin to offer a U6-U8 program through all EIYSA Member Clubs. Some of the program benefits will include: - players will be trained by certified coaches and qualified Technical Directors - endorses the principles of CSA's Wellness to World Cup, Long-Term Player Development Plan apply appropriate training-to-game ratios - games will be festival format, multi games at one facility - program is developmental, no try-outs, no scores - focus on FUN! Please visit the EIYSA website at www.eiysa.com for more information.
Red Deer City Soccer Association (RDCSA) The RDCSA in collaboration with Alberta Soccer will be offering an LTPD presentation and Coach’s session on January 25, 2014. Coaches, players, parents and administrators who are interested in the FUNdamentals stage of Development (U6-U9) are welcome to attend this session at the Agricentre, Westerner Park Grounds. For more information, please visit www.rdcsa.com.
Fort McMurray Youth Soccer Association The FMYSA in a partnership between MacDonald Island Park and FC Edmonton will host a three day soccer clinic in February, 2014 for youth soccer players in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. The clinic will include a meet and greet and autograph opportunities with players and coaches of FC Edmonton. The partnership also includes delivery of a June, 2015 regular season FC Edmonton game at SMS Equipment Stadium at Shell Place which will be the first regular season professional sports game in Wood Buffalo history. For more information on the clinic, please visit www.macdonaldisland.ca
OFF THE POST
| Issue 25
5
AROUND TOWN
In the Community Arctic Winter Games Teams Selected From March 17-22, 2014 boys and girls soccer teams made up of players from Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray will compete at the Arctic Winter Games in Fairbanks, Alaska. The Arctic Winter Games is the world’s largest northern multi-sport and cultural event. Alberta North will be sending Juvenile Boys and Girls teams who will compete at indoor soccer against other teams from Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Greenland, Sapmi, and Yamal/Russia. The Games serve as a great opportunity to provide high level competition to our Northern players and to further their development. The Juvenile Female Team will be coached by provincial coach Alex Mah and will be comprised of the following players: Jenna Buchart (Fort McMurray) Meghan Dalziel (Grande Prairie) Ashtyn Haycock (Grande Prairie) Shelby Henley (Grande Prairie) Jenai Martens (Grande Prairie) Kya Soper (Fort McMurray) Alexi Watson (Grande Prairie) Kate Winterford (Grande Prairie) Allie Dewey (Fort McMurray) Canada Summer Games Assistant Coach Chris Spaidal will coach the Juvenile Male Team represented by the following players: Jared Larson (Grande Prairie) Luis Blais-Ventura (Grande Prairie) Jared Robinson (Grande Prairie) Carson Coady (Grande Prairie) Austin Couture (Fort McMurray) Zack Fischer (Grande Prairie) Carter Nadkrynechny (Grande Prairie) Alex Pike (Fort McMurray) James McCombe (Fort McMurray) Alberta Soccer wishes both teams the best of luck. We will post results and updates to our Twitter Feed @AlbertaSoccer.
FIFA Women’s World Cup Events The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 and FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ are coming to Edmonton, Alberta! It
was back in 2002 that Edmonton helped ignite the passion of Canadian soccer fans by hosting the final between Canada and the United States at the first ever FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championships in front of a still-record crowd of 47,784 fans at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium. In 2014, a new generation of Alberta soccer fans will have the opportunity to come out and see the stars of tomorrow right in their own backyard. Seven matches of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 will be held in Edmonton, including a quarter-final match.
Get your Tickets! Venue Pack Tickets are now available for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canaada 2014 in Edmonton. Visit www.fifa.com/Canada2014 or call 1-855-915-2015 to purchase your venue pack tickets today!
Venue Pack Tickets are the hottest ticket in town! Starting for as low as $40 for all seven FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 Edmonton matches, Venue Packs allow fans to have the same seat throughout the competition and provide savings of up to 20% off individual match ticket prices, with savings of up to 30% for Groups/Clubs of 11 or more. Fans who purchase FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 Edmonton venue packs can also choose to opt-in to be placed on a priority list to purchase Edmonton venue packs to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ – a once in a lifetime opportunity!
Local Player Recalled to Women’s National Team and NWSL Selenia Iacchelli, last year’s AMSL Women’s MVP and member of Edmonton Victoria, National Champions has been recalled to the Canadian Women’s National Team and allocated to the Western New York Flash of the NWSL. Congratulations Selenia!
Soccer fans won’t want to miss the chance of experiencing international competition that showcases the future stars of women’s soccer! Visit FIFA.com/Canada2014 or call toll free 1855-915-2015 to purchase your venue pack tickets today! Venue packs will be available for purchase until the Competition Draw is held in late winter/early Spring 2014 and will continue to be sold until individual match tickets are available in Spring 2014.
Volunteer Registration Volunteers are being recruited to help deliver these two world-class competitions and they will play an important role in establishing a meaningful legacy for sport and women’s soccer in Canada. Those interested in volunteering should apply online at www.fifa.com/Canada2014/volunteers and www.fifa.com/Canada2015/volunteers.
Support Local Soccer Season Tickets are on sale now for FC Edmonton’s 2014 Season including their home opener vs NY Cosmos. Starting at just $240, you can support the Eddies live at all of their home games! http://www.shopfcedmonton.com/collections/sea son-tickets
OFF THE POST
| Issue 25
6
Coach’s Corner 2013 Success Alberta’s Coaching Program continues to grow and move forward in a progressive manner. Overall, participation is up 30% over 2012 with growth being achieved with a leaner and more productive staff of Provincial Learning Facilitators. Virtually all of this growth has been in the Community Stream where nearly 95% of overall coaching program enrolments are. Accessibility, awareness, & quality have been key factors in this growth so a big shout out is in order: firstly to our Member Organizations for supporting coach education; secondly to our Provincial Facilitators for their commitment to raising the bar; & finally & most importantly the coaches who have engaged in the program.
Coaching the Coaches Facilitator training & professional development for our 2014 staff took place in Alberta’s premier facility at the Commonwealth Community Centre late November. The quality, professionalism, and enthusiasm of our Facilitators are vital to our ongoing
efforts to get to the next level in coaching so we try to create the most realistic environment possible. With this in mind a Special Learning to Train Workshop was hosted in tandem with this year’s LF training creating a unique multi-layered approach.
Online Accounts are included in this list. Licensed coaches who wish to be recognized simply need to complete PTS Tech User Account activation & verify certification history is accurate & complete. Please follow Data Error Reporting procedures to update any certification history errors.
Practice Pitch
Feedback from the participating coaches has been tremendous & gives us confidence to progress and improve this approach in the future.
Defending is hard work but it doesn’t have to be boring! The following Soccer for Life defending practice progresses on our previous session (see previous newsletter) building players individual and collective defending skills.
Recognizing Alberta Coach Achievements
For more information on Sport Session Planner or to subscribe to this service, please visit http://www.sportsessionplanner.com/
We have created a new online tool as a way to recognize & celebrate Alberta’s Licensed Soccer Coaches. Its purpose is to recognize achievements in coach certification & assist Coaches, Clubs, Districts, & potential employers. It represents a record of all Alberta coaches who have achieved certification at the following levels: 1. Provincial “B” Licence 2. National “B” Licence 3. “A” Licence The list of Certified Coaches will be posted on Alberta Soccer’s Website in the early New Year. Only Coaches with active PTS Tech
OFF THE POST
| Issue 25
Extra Time By David O’Neill
CSA U14 Club Nationals were hosted by Lethbridge, AB., from October 9-14, 2013. This was an excellent development opportunity for many of our up and coming officials from around the province. Thirty officials were selected by an application process, and were joined by three National officials supplied by CSA – Steven Pollock (SK), Peter Manastyrsky (MB) and Mike Barwegen (AB). Alberta Soccer also extended invitations to neighboring provinces – BC, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, to send up to two of their best prospects. Manitoba sent two officials – Matthew Tessier and Kevin McEleney. One of our exAlberta officials (Kevin Tupper), who had moved to BC was also invited to attend.
7
Almost all of the officials were available for the entire week of competition, which always increases the overall standard, as the officials are extremely focused, and have the opportunity to bond as a group. As well as a ‘tone setting’ pre-competition meeting, there are nightly sessions held by the CSA Supervisor of Officials, who happened to be Alberta’s Layne Greenway. Layne was expertly assisted by a group of assessors – Dick Derrett (CSA), Stu Murray (AB), Rob Urquhart (AB) and Leo Donlevy (AB). There were some light hearted moments also, and each night Layne Greenway presented a bottle of Umbro (CSA sponsor) shampoo to the official of the day who needed to ‘Clean up their act’, after being observed by an assessor committing an unfortunate error along the way. At all competitions, every official’s goal is to give a level of performance that not only serves the game in the best manner, but puts
Thank you to our Partners!
them in the running for an assignment to one of the final games. The following officials were successful in being appointed to the gold medal games: Girls’ Gold – Ontario v Quebec Referee: Giancarlo Pavone (AB) AR1: Peter Manastyrsky (MB) AR2: Sebastian Richters (AB) th 4 Official: Brad Tannahill (AB) Boys’ Gold – Quebec v Alberta Referee: Kevin McEleney (MB) AR1: Steven Pollock (SK) AR2: Mike Barwegen (AB) th 4 Official: Owen Procter (AB) Congratulations to those appointed to medal games, as well as all officials involved, as it was felt that the standard of officiating was of a very high level overall.