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SPRING 2016
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF UK ELITE SOCCER
EXTRA TIME Features
6 8
FOREVER FASTER UK Elite signs a new four-year partnership agreement with sports manufacturer PUMA.
6
TAKE YOUR GAME TO A NEW LEVEL UK Elite is offering its popular Residential Camps in eight states this summer.
8
GLOBAL 5S Teams are competing across the country to earn a spot in the inaugural Global 5s, a small-sided national championship series for all ages.
10
DISNEY SOCCER ACADEMY UK Elite Soccer joins forces with Disney Sports Attractions to become its official camp provider.
12
WHAT YOU CAN EXPERIENCE THIS SUMMER WITH UK ELITE We give ten reasons why you should register for a UK Elite summer program in 2016.
14
Around the Pitch
12
14
STEEL SPORTS
13
PRESEASON UPDATE
15
MEET THE COACH
16
CHANGE FOR THE GOOD OF THE GAME
18
JUGGLING ROLES – PARENT COACH
19
PLAYER PULSE
20
UKE LIVE
21
EXTRA TIME PETITE
22
UK ELITE / 3
ukelite.TeamSnap.com
LETTER FROM THE
CEO
EXTRA TIME
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF UK ELITE SOCCER
UKELITE.COM SOCCER@UKELITE.COM CEO / GENERAL MANAGER
Mick Smoothey EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Andrew Broadbent Brendan Doyle Craig McGinn Andy Roderick Steve Roper UK Elite Soccer 210 Malapardis Road, Suite 100 Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927
EDITORIAL EDITORS
Nathan Clinkenbeard Aaron Duckmanton Craig McGinn CONTRIBUTORS
Stephen Bird Tim Bradbury Bob Burd Adam Corlett Dave Cornish Tom Holland Christy Irwin Dan Lock Steven Macdonald Caroline Moran Pat Staunton Erica Turner Erin Walsh Daniel Weatherby Tom Williamson PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bernard Delierre ART DIRECTOR
Brian Hostetler
2016 Summer of Soccer As summer is fast approaching we hope you are all looking forward to a fantastic Summer of Soccer! There will be no shortage of soccer on TV with the 2016 European Championships being televised across the world, including in the U.S. on ESPN. A host of soccer stars like Ronaldo, Muller, Iniesta and Vardy, yes Jamie Vardy, will compete for their countries to be crowned European champions. In case you have been living in a cave, Jamie Vardy was the leading scorer as unlikely minnows and 5,000-1 title outsiders Leicester City were crowned 2015-16 Premier League Champions in one of the biggest underdog stories in the history of sports! Add to that Olympic soccer from Rio and the Copa America Centenario here in the U.S.,and you’ll need to hide the remote and make sure you have plenty of space on your DVR! Here at UK Elite Soccer we are also anticipating an amazing summer of soccer. From local camps for emerging stars to advanced level residential camps, it is sure to be another summer to remember. With over 700 options in 20 states we encourage everyone to emulate the stars and take their game to another level with expert instruction from our elite staff of over 300 professional coaches. If Florida is in your plans this summer, join us at ESPN World Wide of Sports. As the exclusive providers of the Disney Soccer Academy, we are excited to offer two weeks of the traditional Disney Soccer Academy, and for the first year the Elite Player Option with our senior staff. Meet and train with Lindsay Tarpley, two-time Olympic gold medalist on the U.S. Women’s National Team! Let us make your trip complete with accommodation packages and park tickets. We are also proud to give a shout out to our six UK Elite representative teams that will be travelling to Spain in July to compete in the 2016 Donosti Cup. Follow their journey with us on Facebook. To our 80 UK Elite summer tournament teams, we also wish you the best of luck as you compete all over the U.S. in domestic summer tournaments. Whatever your plans are this summer, enjoy the break, have an amazing time, and we hope to see you on a soccer field for fun, friendship, development and amazing memories! MICK SMOOTHEY CEO UK Elite Soccer
The information contained in this publication was compiled by UK Elite Soccer and is provided as a courtesy to its members. Any commercial use of this information is prohibited without the prior written consent of UK Elite Soccer. © Copyright 2016 UK Elite Soccer
EXTRA TIME / 5
Forever Faster
UK Elite signs partnership agreement with sports manufacturer PUMA
U
K Elite Soccer is excited to announce a new four-year partnership with industry leading equipment and sports manufacturer PUMA. The new partnership is reflective of UK Elite’s continued mission to maximize the sporting potential of individual players, teams and coaches. With growth in over 20 states and with a direct impact to over 100,000 families, UK Elite has positioned itself as a pioneering force in youth soccer across the entire United States. In recent years iconic clubs such as Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund have chosen PUMA as their apparel provider, while the Italian national team proudly displays the leaping PUMA cat on its world famous Azzurri blue shirts. Furthermore, the sports giant has also enjoyed endorsement of some famous soccer celebrities like Pelé, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, Enzo Francescoli and Lothar Matthäus. The company’s soccer shoes are known for their durability and groundbreaking designs and are currently worn by hundreds of global superstars including Sergio Aguero, Marco Reus and Yaya Toure. Starting this year, UK Elite staff coaches will proudly wear PUMA’s new 2016 Veloce training line. The new cleats and uniforms have already made an instant impact with the staff coaches. As a global sports brand, PUMA continuously looks to expand its roster of talent on the local and national level as well as providing unique opportunities for the soccer consumer. PUMA sees this new relationship with UK Elite as a great stepping stone to further this goal. “We are tremendously excited for UK Elite to join the PUMA family,” PUMA Senior Vice President, Brand and Marketing, Tara McRae said. “UK Elite’s broad network of youth soccer clubs, tournaments, tours and sporting events across more than 20 states gives us a phenomenal opportunity to continue to influence and grow at a national level. Particularly, it will allow us to continue to impact one of our key target markets, the young American soccer player. We can’t wait to begin a long and successful partnership!” This spring, players and parents can dress like the pros. UK Elite will be launching a new exclusive clothing store in conjunction with Soccer.com. Stay in touch via one of our social media channels for regular updates, and tell us what you think of the new look UK Elite uniforms.
6 / EXTRA TIME SPRING 2016
“In all the years I have worked with UK Elite Soccer, this is by far the best uniform we have worn!” – DEAN WRENCH
“I love the cleats. They are bright and incredibly comfortable on the field.” – STUART MARSHALL
UK ELITE / 7
Take Your Game to a New Level By Aaron Duckmanton
UK Elite offering its popular Residential Camps in eight states this summer UK ELITE SOCCER HAS LONG since established themselves as the leading provider of residential soccer camps in America and will once again be delivering residential camps in eight states this summer. UK Elite has had over 5,000 players come to its Residential Camps with many of them frequent returners 8 / EXTRA TIME SPRING 2016
to sample UK Elite’s unique and proven approach to soccer coaching and development. Throughout the week, UK Elite’s professionally qualified and deeply passionate trainers create the best possible learning environment for them to develop as individual and team players. By providing players with a wide variety of learning tools and exposure to player specific training methodologies, a UK Elite Residential Camp ensures it meets the individual needs of all participants both on and off the field. Thirteen-year-old Katie Ross attended a UK Elite Residential Camp at the University of Washington in Seattle, and it was clear the UK Elite trainers’ positive
attitudes had a tremendous impact on her residential experience. “I loved how the coaches were so enthusiastic and positive,” Ross said. “It really helped me improve my skills, and I can’t wait to go back to camp next year.” With help from their UK Elite trainers, players are responsible for certain aspects of their own preparation and recovery by taking ownership of themselves and their training. Players develop a positive attitude and begin to understand how to be part of a culture that stretches beyond just practice on the field. Players are challenged away from field sessions to evaluate and improve their performance through productive classroom conversation and video analysis, ensuring
“I loved how the coaches were so enthusiastic and positive. It really helped me improve my skills, and I can’t wait to go back to camp next year.” – Katie Ross
Why do Players Choose Residential Weeks? UK Elite Soccer makes players better. Guaranteed. We create the best possible learning environment for youth soccer players. We encourage, motivate and challenge players to maximize their potential. We teach how, when, why and where skills are best used. We provide a true 24/7 opportunity for player development. Click here to view the 2016 Residential Camp brochure!
“I enjoyed all the great training and fields and getting to stay at a college for the week.” – Hudson Furness
players develop the confidence and awareness to find ways to develop their own performance and game. Stephen Jones, regional director for UK Elite Residential Camps in New Jersey, believes the structure of a UK Elite Residential Camp ensures players build a relationship with their coach that allows for the best possible learning environment. “The environment allows players the time to develop a positive relationship with their coach,” Jones said. “This goes beyond improving their physical and technical performance by addressing their mental toughness and positive attitude both on and off the field.” Each day players will participate in a combination of individual, technical instruction and functional training in a player centered environment. Players go through individual ball control, attacking and defending techniques and principles, game day management, nutrition, match analysis and functional patterns of play – all geared toward making players the best they can possibly be. New to residential camps this year, players will be educated and taught how to use the latest SKLZ equipment to go through recovery and activation programs to enhance their performance and aid in their recovery. UK ELITE / 9
UK Elite Aims for National Championships at Global 5s UK Elite Soccer, in partnership with Global Team Events, is proud to be involved in the first inaugural Global 5s National Youth 5-A-Side Championship. Global 5s is the first national tournament of its kind and allows UK Elite trained teams to test themselves against the very best America has to offer at 5v5. 10 / EXTRA TIME SPRING 2016
SMALL-SIDED SOCCER PROVIDES YOUNG players with more opportunities to pass, dribble, shoot and over 300 percent more touches of the ball compared to its fullsided counterpart. Global 5s is a fast, exciting and competitive tournament that allows children to maximize their development in a fun and challenging environment. With regional qualifiers running across 10 states there is plenty of opportunity for teams to get involved. UK Elite trainer Stuart Sharples took his team to the New Jersey Regional Qualifier in Hoboken and was extremely pleased with the experience. “The tournament was fantastic; it was well organized and ran smoothly,�
UPCOMING GLOBAL 5S REGIONAL QUALIFIERS May 14 Delaware
Maplezone Sports Institute
May 15 Pennsylvania
Maplezone Sports Institute
June 4 Texas
Plano Campus
June 11 Maryland
Cedar Lane Park
June 18 Virginia
Flint Hill Park
June 25 New York
Hofstra University
June 25 New York
Westchester County
Limited space remaining. Sign up today!
GLOBAL 5S REGIONAL CHAMPIONS MASSACHUSETTS GIRLS: U9: PAWTUCKET U10: CSU REDS U11: FC BOSTON WHITE U12: FCUSA IMPACT U13: SANDWICH U14: FCUSA IMPACT U15/U16: SPIRIT OF LIVERPOOL
Sharples said. “It allowed everyone to showcase what small-sided soccer is about. The Global 5s concept is brilliant. It’s fast paced and allows players to receive many more touches and make more decisions than they would during a full-sided game.” With each regional winner qualifying for the Global 5s National Finals to be held July 29-30 at the fantastic Sinarta Park in Hoboken, New Jersey there is still plenty of time to enter your teams and compete to be a national champion. With a grand prize package presented by event sponsors PUMA, SKLZ, and Soccer.com, speak to your UK Elite trainer about entering a Global 5s qualifier near you today. Go online to Global5s.com for more information including schedules, news, recaps, photos and team registration.
BOYS: U9: FC BOSTON BOLTS U10: FC BOSTON BOLTS U11: GREENLIONS U12: FCUSA IMPACT U13: FCUSA IMPACT U14: FC BOSTON BOLTS U15/U16: UNITED FC
NEW JERSEY U10 BOYS: JERSEY CREW U11 BOYS: SCOTCH PLAINS U12 BOYS: BRIDGEWATER U14 BOYS: THE FOOTBALL CLUB OF NEW JERSEY U16 BOYS: THE FOOTBALL CLUB OF NEW JERSEY U11 GIRLS: BRIDGEWATER U12 GIRLS: BERKELEY HEIGHTS U13 GIRLS: SCOTCH PLAINS UK ELITE / 11
UK Elite Soccer now the official camp provider of the Disney Soccer Academy and elite player option UK ELITE SOCCER IS DELIGHTED to announce a new five-year partnership with Disney Sports Attractions. This new deal renders UK Elite Soccer as the official camp provider for the prestigious Disney Soccer Academy held at the fantastic ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. Both companies are industry leaders in their own respects, and this new agreement will strengthen UK Elite’s position as a pioneer in youth soccer coaching while providing the Disney Soccer Academy with high-level professional trainers to deliver elite training during the camps. Disney Soccer Academy will run two separate programs June 20-July 1, 2016. First, Disney Soccer Academy is a four-day instructional summer camp open to anyone ages 5-18. This camp allows any player, regardless of age or ability, to be exposed to an appropriately developmental and challenging level of coaching. This camp has a focus on individual development through smallsided games. Secondly, UK Elite will be running an Elite Player Option, a five-day camp customized for the elite soccer player ages 13-18. Alongside the Disney Soccer Academy curriculum, the Elite Player Option also provides full field tactical sessions, video analysis and small group interaction with the onsite professional players. This option is designed to push the elite player through advanced coaching techniques and give the athletes exposure to some of the best players of the game. Both programs will allow youth players to experience a high level of coaching, complete with the traditional Disney magic. 12 / EXTRA TIME SPRING 2016
UK Elite Chief Operating Officer Brendan Doyle is excited to be working with such a globally recognizable brand in Disney. “UK Elite is very proud to be the official camp operator of the Disney Soccer Academy,” Doyle said. “When one of the most iconic brands in the world asks you to work with them you don’t think twice. The Disney brand is all about magic, fun, kids and great family entertainment. They are best in class and only want to be associated with companies who run their business with the same quest for excellence.” One unique feature to the Disney Soccer Academy is the involvement of
soccer superstars from around the globe. This year, Disney Soccer Academy will feature numerous current and former professional players, most notably former U.S. Women’s National Team player and two-time Olympic gold medallist Lindsay Tarpley. In 2015, current Real Madrid and Brazilian national player Marcelo joined Disney Soccer Academy. His enthusiasm was infectious as he participated in the sessions with children, took time to sign autographs, and posed for pictures, allowing children an up close and personal experience like no other. And you never know which Disney character could appear to share a game of soccer. It’s this complete package Doyle believes makes this camp the ultimate experience. “After running soccer camps for 30 years I see this as a truly unique camp experience for the players,” he said. “The ESPN Wide World of Sports is a world class facility, the coaching staff provided by UK Elite are professional soccer coaches who have dedicated their working lives to developing youth soccer players, and finally, the magic of Disney is provided by Mickey Mouse and soccer superstars from around the world who visit the camp.” The 2016 Disney Soccer Academy program is a can’t-miss opportunity that will provide you not only with the best available summer soccer coaching but also memories that will last you and your family a lifetime.
For more information on the Disney Soccer Academy opportunities go to UKElite.com/products/ disneysocceracademy/.
Julie Foudy slides in hard after the ball in a game against Brazil. The Soccer Hall of Famer recently joined the new Steel Sports advisory board. Photo by AP
Game Changer IN JULY 2013, STEEL SPORTS purchased a majority stake in UK Elite Soccer. This injection has provided UK Elite with valuable resources to expand its reach nationally over the past three years. Steel Sports is dedicated to promoting a lifelong enjoyment of sports while instilling the core values of discipline, teamwork, safety, respect and integrity. The company wants to change the current youth sports landscape by focusing on the enjoyment of sports and creating a positive environment. Sports are a way for kids to grow mentally and socially, as well as physically, and Steel Sports aims to build well-rounded individuals on and off the field. Every player should have the
opportunity to access UK Elite programs locally and nationally, and Steel Sports wants to help ensure this happens. Steel Sports has also brought on soccer legend Julie Foudy to serve on its new advisory board. Foudy won two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles and two Olympic gold medals during her Hall of Fame career, and she is currently an analyst for ESPN and ABC soccer broadcasts. “For nearly 25 years, UK Elite soccer has been committed to growing the youth game here in the United States through creativity, their passion and really a culture that emphasizes a positive approach to training and education,” Foudy said. “They’ve had a direct impact on over 80,000 soccer families, and that’s why I’m very excited to be a part of the team and to help those families develop a love of the game of soccer.” Together, Steel Sports and UK Elite will use their passion to further future generations of soccer players across the country. UK ELITE / 13
What YOU Can Expect This Summer with UK Elite Summer is right around the corner as soccer action is heating up on pitches around the country. UK Elite Soccer has played a major role in the development of young soccer players since 1992, and a big part of that success is its programming during the summer months. UK Elite’s traditional and residential camps during the summer are a great way to further your game both mentally and physically. Here are the top 10 reasons why YOU should attend a UK Elite camp this summer! 1. Unparalleled learning environment UK Elite summer camps are attended by players who want to get more out of their game and are held at some of the best soccer facilities in the country. 2. Physical and mental development Soccer is a game that requires just as much mental strength as physical. UK Elite’s classroom sessions off the pitch prepare you to make better tactical decisions on the pitch. 3. Experienced, passionate staff No other soccer coaching company in the nation can provide you with more consistent high level coaches. UK Elite coaches are dedicated to making you a better player and individual. 4. Lifelong friendships Summer camps are a great place to meet new friends and develop relationships that will last a lifetime. 5. Break time At the Residential Camps, take your mind off the game for a while by enjoying other sports and activities with your friends like swimming, basketball and other fun social events.
14 / EXTRA TIME SPRING 2016
6. Proven curriculum The UK Elite Soccer curriculum is a proven, tried and tested methodology that will guarantee to leave your child a better, more rounded soccer player. 7. Cabin/dorm life Nothing says “camp” like staying in a dorm, cabin or bunkhouse! Kids never forget the fun times they have with their friends staying on-site. 8. Residential Camp LIVE Get the full unique social media experience of Residential Camp LIVE on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and the live video feed app Periscope! Photos and videos are posted all camp long. 9. Perfect introduction to soccer UK Elite camps are structured to fit all ages and ability levels. We always welcome new players, and you’ll begin to see immediate improvement with the help of our highly trained staff. 10. FUN Last and certainly not least, your player will have FUN at a UK Elite summer camp. Only two things are mandatory: work hard and have fun!
Preseason Update A3 SEAHAWKS REACH PRESIDENTS CUP 13U CHAMPIONSHIP THE A3 SEAHAWKS, A UK ELITE coached team in Maryland, reached the final of the Presidents Cup in their respective U13 Girls bracket. Coached by UK Elite third year coach Kerri-Anne Coombs, the Seahawks reached their first Presidents Cup final as the girls fought off stiff competition from the Perry Hall White Marsh Patriots. The Seahawks won and progressed with a 2-1 victory. Coombs was pleased with her team’s performance and staying poised throughout the semifinal. “The first 10 minutes were difficult for us as we found it hard to get started in the game,” Coombs said. “Perry Hall
started really well and put us under a lot of pressure. After that the girls then began to grow into the game and in the end I felt we were deserved winners.” The Seahawks will battle for a place in the regional finals against a strong SAC side that is a familiar foe. “It will be a tough game,” Coombs said. “We’ve played them once before, and it was a difficult game in which we drew a very close match. I’m sure the girls will be looking to go one better this time and be even more motivated by the idea of getting to the regional finals at the end of May.” Also in the Presidents Cup, the Davidsonville (DAA) Gators U15 Boys made
it to the semifinals where they eventually lost 2-0 to the Calvert United Eagles, the No. 3 ranked team in Maryland. “Although we ultimately lost out on reaching the final to the better team, I was proud of the boys’ efforts and their ability to step up and compete,” UK Elite Regional Manager and Gators coach Steven Macdonald said. “When we look back and reflect on the tournament, although there was immediate disappointment, the Presidents Cup was all about exposing the boys to a higher level of play to further aid their development, so I look forward to the next few months and how this experience can further develop our team.”
MEET THE COACH
with Washington’s Matt Brewer Interview by Aaron Duckmanton
Matt Brewer, now in Seattle, Washington, has been with UK Elite Soccer for five years, and his journey has exposed him to different soccer cultures that have enabled him to progress as a coach both on and off the field.
takes place. Planning different variations of sessions, learning different ways to communicate and manage coaches and players has been a great asset to learn, as well as assisting me within my coaching badges within the U.S. EXTRA TIME: Is there any program at UK Elite you really enjoy working on? MATT: Apart from the obvious year round club coaching, I enjoy being part of the U.S. Soccer Federation and Chevrolet Youth Soccer Series; travelling the country and hosting free soccer clinics to children of all ages. As for Washington, I love working in the summer as we are involved in team training for clubs like Cascade FC
EXTRA TIME: Hi, Matt, thanks for taking the time to speak to Extra Time. How long have you been with UK Elite? MATT: Hi, Aaron. I am now entering my fifth year with UK Elite. I started in 2012 and worked for three years in the Texas region on both summer and summer/fall contracts. During this time I was heavily involved with the Chevrolet Youth Soccer Series. Following this, I moved to the Washington region in February 2015 and have been living in Seattle, Washington ever since. EXTRA TIME: How does the soccer culture differ in Washington to Texas? MATT: Texas has some very competitive soccer divisions and features many big name soccer clubs. Washington is a state hugely passionate about the sport. There is an extensive program throughout the summer and fall for recreational soccer. Select players compete across the whole state within the Puget Sound Premier League (PSPL) and a vast amount of premier players within the Regional Club League (RCL). We coach around 4,000 players each summer, and our petite programs are always frequent and full with parents starting children from a young age. Not to mention the growth of the Seattle Sounders, who gather crowds worth 40,000 people and are one of the most followed MLS teams. EXTRA TIME: What’s your current involvement in the Washington region? MATT: I am a year round coach for our 16 / EXTRA TIME SPRING 2016
Washington region, and I am currently involved within our select soccer club, Cascade FC. I currently coach four teams and assist our new Director of Coaching, George Taylor, with any club roles needed. I also oversee all of the individual coaching sessions we offer, as well as design soccer curriculums for our recreational clubs we are involved with. EXTRA TIME: What has UK Elite been able to offer you to develop as a coach? MATT: UK Elite has helped me experience and learn a number of different coaching theories and methodologies through the wealth of knowledge and resources they have, as well as enhance my ability in working with all levels and ages through the vast amount of programs we offer. They have also been able to help me off the field, which where a large part of coaching
and Seattle United. Not to mention the residential programs that are hosted at the outstanding facilities of the University of Washington. EXTRA TIME: How do you want to improve as a coach in the next 12 months? MATT: For me as a coach, I am a huge believer in guided discovery and player led methodologies, so finding different ways to allow children to learn on their own and helping them develop is always a challenge. So looking at mastering these type of sessions and having variation is my main aim at the moment. In addition, with the amount of soccer played here year round, really focusing on managing my practices long term and year round with work-torest ratios, intensity and focusing on the physical side of practice is a big focus and target for me this season.
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Small-Sided Games
Change for the Good of the Game By Tim Bradbury
FOR ANYONE PAYING ATTENTION TO the attrition rates in youth sports, and in soccer specifically, it should come as no surprise that U.S. Soccer has recently mandated new initiatives that will bring great change to the game. For far too long clubs, leagues and state associations have been afraid of making changes even though all were acutely aware of the fact that we lose 70 percent of our players by age 13. Introducing initiatives in four areas, U.S. Soccer is attempting to change the game for the better, and I suggest it is change we should embrace. The initiatives can be broken down into the following areas:
By promoting a progression of 4v4, 7v7, 9v9 and finally 11v11 at an older age the majority of players are guaranteed to be placed in games where they get more touches, make more decisions and have more FUN than ever before. The associated rule changes with no punting and withdrawal lines also help ensure all teams play a possession-based style, great for helping players learn by touching the ball. I am not so convinced the hidden beliefs that parents will scream less and the desire to win at all costs will be diminished at 4v4 and 7v7 games but let’s try it and see.
Birth Year Classification Seldom has one idea caused so much grief and been so poorly understood. Any coach will tell you that mixed ability coaching is a difficult task. Most coaches will also tell you that banding players by chronological age is the worse way to group them. If we could magically group them by developmental age (physical growth, cognitive growth and social maturation), sessions would be easier to plan and run. I suggest that all who truly wish to understand the idea behind this change Google search “bio banding.”
Heading Restrictions I would argue this initiative is the most debatable of all as there is little scientific evidence that heading causes any trauma to the brain. That being said I understand two definite issues: lawsuits in America can be very costly and damaging, and very few coaches teach heading in an appropriate way with a progression of using a beach ball, slightly deflated ball and regular ball for no more than 2-3 minutes a practice.
Licensing Pathway Education is a process and should take time. By expanding the time required to take a license, and therefore ensuring that learning is a process where coaches learn skills, practice them over time and eventually perfect them, U.S. Soccer is definitely improving the level of coaching within the game. When a large number of players quit the game due to dissatisfaction with a coach they do not believe can teach the game in the right way, this change is a must. I understand the human tendency is to resist and be weary of change. I encourage all to recognize that all who love the game must work hard to both protect it and help it grow. At this moment in time understanding U.S. Soccer’s new initiatives is a key factor in helping change the game for the better. 18 / EXTRA TIME SPRING 2016
Haverford SC Fusion U12 Girls
Juggling Roles
Inside the life of a parent coach I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH soccer on and off since I was 7 years old. I played in school and then pick up games at college. After graduation from college, I was away from the game for several years until my oldest daughter started to play when she was 5. I knew at that point I wanted to be the one that coached her. As they have grown up, I’ve had the pleasure of coaching both my daughters who are now 12 and 16 years old. I have been coaching with the Haverford Soccer Club for 10 years, and I have coached at both the intramural and travel level. I am also a Grade 8 USSF Referee and a board member with the club, currently serving as the field coordinator. Coaching my children was both a rewarding and tough experience filled with its ups and downs. You find yourself in a constant battle between being dad
Bob Burd
Haverford Soccer Club Havertown, Pa.
and coach. My best moment was when I realized my daughter’s skills had reached the point where I could no longer teach her. She had turned into the player I wanted her to be, and it was now time for her to be coached by a professional. Although I was no longer her coach, I
had the same enjoyment standing on the other sideline cheering her along with the other parents. UK Elite has had a big influence on me as a coach. For years I watched and studied how their trainers planned and executed a training session. I couldn’t help but notice the preparedness and professionalism of each and every one of their trainers. I tried to emulate that as a parent coach when I ran my own training sessions. Each trainer from UK Elite has been fantastic in working with me as a parent coach. We talk weekly about the expectations from both the team and individual perspectives. At the end of the day, we are working together to gain the same goal of creating the best soccer players we can while maintaining a fun, enjoyable atmosphere. UK ELITE / 19
PLAYER PULSE We asked four UK Elite players from our Coastal region 20 rapid fire questions about their lives on and off the soccer field. Let’s check our Player Pulse!
TEAGAN LIND
AIDAN CERRITOS
AYAH ARESKI
AYLA FLOCKTON
U11
U11
U13
U10
Favorite soccer position
Defense
Center attacking midfielder
Midfield
4 position. Just like my jersey!
Favorite UK Elite coach
Emma Hankins
Adam Corlett
Emma Hankins
Emma Hankins
Celebrity look-a-like
No comment
Mario Gotze
Ariana Grande
My dad
Favorite all-time player
Julie Johnston
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo
Julie Johnston
Favorite soccer team
2015 U.S. Women’s World Cup
Real Madrid
Wydad
U.S. Women’s World Cup Team
Describe yourself in three words
Strong, kind, athletic
Fun, energetic, athletic
Athletic, intelligent, actress
Hardworker, adorable, funny
Age when you started playing soccer
3
6
4
3
If you could have any super power
Read opponent’s mind Super speed.
Ability to fly
Super speed!
Best soccer moment playing soccer
Blocking a winning goal on defense
Joining FC Coastal or scoring a goal with my back heel
Joining an amazing brand new team with an amazing coach
Undefeated season last year
Dream travel destination
England
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Spain
Morocco
California
Messi or Ronaldo
Messi
Ronaldo
Ronaldo
Messi
What would be in your dream sandwich
Beef, cheese, lettuce, rice
Buffalo chicken
Cheese. Just plain cheese.
Cheese, pickles and pita bread
Best sport other than soccer
There is no other sport.
Are there other sports?
Figure skating
Gymnastics
What dinosaur would you be
“Tee-Rex” (he he)
Velociraptor
Pterodactyl
Pterodactyl
Best attribute as a player
Strength
Accurate passing
Very determined
Work hard and nice to teammates
What league do you want to play in the most
World Cup
Premier League
La Liga
U.S. Women’s World Cup
Dream job other than soccer
Teacher
Team owner
Broadway actress or neurosurgeon Kindergarten teacher
Your Global 5s team roster
Emma, Chris, Tom and Ashley
Myself, Ronaldo, Ozil, Neuer, Hazard
Ronaldo, Messi, Bravo, El Haddadi, Ramos
Tell us your favorite joke
What do you call a cow that can’t give milk? A milk dud.
FIFA announced Luis Suarez will be banned for 9 games. Or as Suarez put it, 9 meals.
Best I can do is knock What do you call a dog knock jokes. that takes a shower? A shampoodle!
20 / EXTRA TIME SPRING 2016
Hohulin, Connors, Kudrikow, Solo and Lloyd
UK Elite Soccer Leading the Way in LIVE Content Since 1992 UK Elite Soccer has placed themselves right at the forefront of youth soccer development in America. Through the years UK Elite have been ahead of the curve when it comes to keeping up with coaching techniques and industry changes, and this proactive approach has now extended into digital media with UK Elite LIVE. UK ELITE LIVE IS A new initiative aimed at bringing unique visual and video content to UK Elite customers. Making use of the latest live streaming technology and software, UK Elite debuted this new arm of the company with the highly successful “Residential Camp Live” campaign during this past summer’s residential camp at the University of Washington in Seattle. UK Elite prides themselves on their ability to provide soccer players and families with the best possible experience, and in UK Elite LIVE, the pioneering soccer company sees the perfect vessel to deliver
such as the summer tournament teams, staff training, and it even features an endorsement from U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame inductee and Steel Sports advisory board member Julie Foudy. Digital Content Manager Aaron Duckmanton is heading up UK Elite LIVE, and he believes that the use of visual content and specifically, live video streaming, is just another way in which UK Elite can deliver its message and share knowledge with its parents and player base. “UK Elite Soccer has always been a progressive company,” Duckmanton said. “We are constantly evolving and keeping up with the ever changing trends in youth soccer, and our approach to new media and the ever growing social media landscape is no different.” By participating in UK Elite LIVE, Duckmanton hopes the families will be able to see more of what makes UK Elite the best at what it does.
Follow UK Elite on Facebook! Facebook.com/UKEliteSoccer
unique program insight, engagement and interaction with parents and players. Patrons of UK Elite Soccer can now expect to have content broadcast directly to the UK Elite social channels and feeds, with live video footage and content being broadcast directly to their mobile device, ensuring everyone can keep up with proceedings no matter where they might be. UK Elite LIVE is also now featured on the UKElite.com homepage with short video clips of UK Elite programs in action,
Follow @UKElite on Twitter!
Said Duckmanton: “By using new software such as the live streaming feature on Facebook and Periscope on Twitter, we are able to take our UK Elite Soccer families behind the scenes and into the workings of what makes this company great.” Keep up to date with everything UK Elite LIVE by liking the UK Elite Facebook page, following the UK Elite Twitter feed and keeping a regular eye on UKElite.com. UK ELITE / 21
EXTRA TIMEPetite For more information on UK Petite sessions and camps, please head to UKElite.com/petite!
Design Your Own UK Elite Uniform! UK Elite players will have a new look on the pitch this year thanks to a new partnership with PUMA! Put your creative mind to the test and design a new UK Elite uniform for you and your teammates!
Word Find
Circle the following soccer terms in the puzzle. See if you can find all 10!
BALL FORWARD GOALIE HEADER PENALTY PETITE PUMA SCORE SOCCER TEAMMATE 22 / EXTRA TIME SPRING 2016
C X R P E N A L T Y W D
D J S T T U S A T D C R
T W C E L E F O X P Z F
E R O A F P O H C Q S Z
Q B R M K B R E N C P H
L Q E M B A W A S O E U
E M N A L L A D S X T R
B Z E T G L R E G P I S
A U O E H K D R U D T D
S G O A L I E M V B E V
W J V Q Y Y A P K D W A
E U H V X A E N A B H A
UK ELITE / 23
Solutions
Photo Hunt: #44’s number is missing, #13’s jersey is a different color, goal is missing, grass is a different color, #2 & #4 switch jerseys, #54 is wearing long pants, #27 wearing white socks, #24’s number is missing
Can you spot eight differences between the two photos of the Haverford SC 2004 Girls tryout?
Photo Hunt