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THE OFFICIAL FCUSA MAGAZINE
SPRING 2016
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FEATURES 6 | FOREVER FASTER The 2016-17 season will be a milestone year for FCUSA as the club has entered into a new four-year partnership with soccer manufacturer PUMA. 16 | THE HOST WITH THE MOST This June, The Football Club New Jersey will host the third annual FCUSA Summer Invitational, one of the East Coast’s top events of the season. 18 | GET NOTICED Launching this spring, FCUSA is working with SoccerRecruits.com to offer high school players a unique, easy-to-use recruiting platform and college coaches nationwide at their fingertips.
Photo by Bernard DeLierre
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Around the Pitch 8 | CLUB NEWS 11 | PLAYER SPOTLIGHT 12 | CLUB TRYOUT SCHEDULES 14 | ASK THE ALUM 15 | MEET THE COACH 19 | HOT SHOTS 20 | TRAINING GROUND
SUMMER INVITATIONAL
22 | SIDELINES
Cover photo by Bernard DeLierre FCUSA / 3
LETTER FROM THE
EDITOR THE OFFICIAL FCUSA MAGAZINE
THEFOOTBALLCLUBUSA.COM INFO@THEFOOTBALLCLUBUSA.COM GENERAL MANAGER Craig McGinn NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF COACHING Brendan Doyle TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Paul Turner The Football Club USA HQ 210 Malapardis Road, Suite 101 Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927
EDITORIAL EDITORS Nathan Clinkenbeard Aaron Duckmanton Craig McGinn CONTRIBUTORS Ian Abrey Bill Brady Nick Catt Dave Cornish Rob Jones Steven Macdonald Joe Quigley Steve Roper Richard Scott Paul Turner Glen Waudby
2016 – A New Era WELCOME BACK TO LEGACY MAGAZINE! We hope you are as excited as we are to showcase our club and the wonderful accomplishments of the players and coaches alike. 2016 is shaping up to be a very successful year already, but as parents and players I am sure you are all too familiar with looming changes about to sweep through youth soccer in the United States. If you can rely on one thing in life it’s that change is inevitable. Sometimes we are responsible for it, and other times we are not! The only thing we can control is how that change is implemented and embraced. U.S. Soccer has decided that changes to team structure will benefit the long term future of the game. Regardless of the wisdom of that decision we have to maintain our commitment to you and implement those recommendations. Since the last issue of LEGACY every club now has a fully formed plan to ensure each player within the FCUSA family will not have to worry about how that decision affects them. Please stay up-to-date with all club tryout information online. You can also find a club schedule inside this issue. 2016 will also see FCUSA establish a new look! PUMA is now the club’s official apparel partner. The level of support and connectivity we have already received from PUMA has been overwhelming. In this issue you will get a sneak peak at some of the products and designs that will be available starting this summer. We sincerely hope that you enjoy the Spring 2016 edition of LEGACY. Thank you for your continued support. Sincerely, CRAIG MCGINN FCUSA General Manager #FCUSA #JOINTHECLUB
PHOTOGRAPHERS Bernard Delierre ART DIRECTOR Brian Hostetler The information contained in this publication was compiled by The Football Club USA and is provided as a courtesy to its members. Any commercial use of this information is prohibited without the prior written consent of The Football Club USA.
Steel Sports is dedicated to promoting a lifelong enjoyment of sports while instilling the core values of discipline, teamwork, safety, respect and integrity. 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. The Football Club USA and UK Elite Soccer hold those same beliefs, and together we will use our passion to further our future generations.
© Copyright 2016 The Football Club USA
FCUSA / 5
FEATURE
FCUSA – Forever Faster Starting Summer 2016 By Craig McGinn CEO – The Football Club USA
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he 2016-17 season will be a milestone year for FCUSA as we enter into a new four-year industry leading partnership with soccer manufacturer PUMA. 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 endorsements from 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, Cesc Fabregas and Yaya Toure. The new partnership is reflective of our continued mission to provide FCUSA players and families with the best soccer experience available in the United States. Not only will PUMA provide a true cutting edge design to our uniforms, but they will also provide a key role in growing FCUSA nationally. The partnership includes an option to extend beyond the initial four-year agreement. New player uniforms will be introduced for the start of the 2016 summer tournament season, and club players will quickly follow in the fall. Some teams and clubs will operate on a slightly different timeline depending upon their uniform cycle. For the majority of FCUSA teams the timing coincides with a new uniform cycle, which occurs every two years. Specific club details will be forwarded regionally. Our logistics partners at Soccer.com will fulfill orders, and new online stores for each club program will be released in the coming weeks. Please post your feedback on the club’s new PUMA uniforms via any of our social media channels, and we hope you are as excited as we are with the new unique uniform package.
6 / LEGACY SPRING 2016
Photo by Bernard DeLierre
A full line of club products is scheduled for release this Spring.
Mandatory player packages will include:
Player Uniform Package • Home / Away Shirt • 2 Shorts / 2 Socks • Practice Jersey • Warm up Jacket / Pants • Club Bag
Male Home Jersey
Summer Tournament Team Package
Female Home Jersey
• Home / Away Shirt • 1 Shirt / 1 Socks + Optional items
New Number Style
Practice Jersey
Warmup Pants & Jacket Away jersey, shorts and socks not pictured.
FCUSA / 7
FCUSA NEWS
TEXAS
FCUSA Texas 01 Girls on the Path to Development
FCUSA Texas 01 Girls
Three FCUSA 98 Players Make their Decisions on National Signing Day Goalkeeper Tyler Hofmann, defender Landon Crossley and forward Billy Burford, all players on FCUSA TX 98, signed to play collegiate soccer at their prospective schools on Feb. 3. Crossley will be playing at Division I Georgia Southern University and will be majoring in business, while both Hofmann and Burford will be heading to Division II Dallas Baptist University and studying sports management and business, respectively. “I’m extremely blessed to be able to play at the next level and continue my soccer career,” Crossley said. “I want to thank my coaches Dan and Sam for all of their hard work and hours of training. They really shaped me into the player I am today and I would be no where close to where I am now without them, so I am very thankful for all they have done for me!” Hoffman put in a lot of hours training, researching schools and even creating YouTube videos with his dad to send to college coaches. “I worked so hard to get the chance to play college soccer – 6 a.m. weight training sessions, goalie practice three nights a week and club practice twice a week,” Hoffman said. “I’m working even harder now to challenge for the starting goalkeeper position next year. I expect there will be lots of late nights and early mornings trying to juggle school and soccer, but I’ll be playing the sport that I love at a school that I’m excited about, and I can’t wait for it all to begin.” Burford will once again be teammates with Hoffman at Dallas Baptist. Said Burford: “I am very excited to play college soccer for DBU, and I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing more and better players at the next level.” All three boys are very excited to continue their soccer careers at the collegiate level and are prepared to give everything they can to impress going into freshman year.
8 / LEGACY SPRING 2016
Tyler Hofmann
Landon Crossley
Bill Burford
During the June-July 2014 open practice/tryout time a group of young female soccer players were looking to bring their skills to a new home and team, while at the same time FCUSA Texas was forming for their first competitive season. After a number of sessions over the summer weeks, enough players committed to the club to form FCUSA Texas 01G, one of the first teams to wear the FCUSA uniform in Texas. Over the following year, the team ran up a very even 5-7-5 league record and won their first tournament in the 2015 Premier Copa. During the summer of 2015 the FCUSA Texas 01G Black squad was added, formed from an equally committed group of players that were looking to join the club. Both teams have continued to progress throughout this current soccer year and went into this past fall’s final weekend fighting for a promotion spot in their respective divisions. From the pool of players, 30 made high school teams. Coach Paul Land and Glen Waudby are confident of their squads and said, “If these girls continue to commit to improving every day on and off the field, making the mistakes in practice necessary to learn and putting the good work in on game days, we will continue the positive development which will see these girls achieve all they want in their soccer lives.”
NEW JERSEY
MARYLAND
Player Selected to Attend FC Cincinnati Training Camp FCUSA New Jersey’s Ben Deeming was selected as one of only 18 players to attend the Super Y League’s inaugural USL Experience on April 14-17 in Cincinnati, Ohio, home to one of the USL’s newest and most highly anticipated franchises, FC Cincinnati. Through the Super Y League’s relationship with USL, Deeming will get unprecedented, behind the scenes access into the life of Ben Deeming a professional soccer player in North America and will prepare, train, and compete like a pro. This event provides the opportunity to interact with professional players and coaching staff and gain access to professional training facilities. “My mum received an email and my name was on the initial list,” Deeming said. “A week later we received the official offer. I was really excited and knew this was a good opportunity for me and my soccer career. I will be travelling on my own. I’m a bit nervous, but I know I’ll be okay. It’s my first time travelling to Cincinnati and I’m really looking forward to playing with other top players from around the country.” Ben, along with his brother Owen, have been a part of FCUSA since 2012.
West Morris Mendham Wins State Title with FCUSA Loaded Roster
U16 Green Boys Win CHAMPIONSHIP in First Tournament FCUSA Maryland’s U16 Green boys had a strong showing in their inaugural outing as a team, winning the Hempfield Adidas Fall Classic on Nov. 19-20 in Lancaster, Pa. As one of Maryland’s new teams for the 2015-16 season, the boys, coached by David Obeng-Darko, won all four games on the way to their tournament win, which began with a 2-1 win against the PA Scorpions. A 1-0 win against Continental FC Arsenal ‘99M closed out Saturday, before a 4-2 victory over the Salisbury United Gunners the following morning sent the boys into an all Maryland final. The boys sealed a 1-0 victory against Baltimore Bays Chelsea United 99 for the title and capped off a strong defensive display throughout the weekend, conceding just three goals in their four games. At the same tournament, the U16 Black boys made the final in their respective bracket, losing narrowly against the Henlopen SC Dynamos, 2-1. On the same weekend, Maryland’s U12 Black boys were successful in the U12 8v8 Gold bracket at the Fallston Cup, with two notable performances against Kirkwood SC Academy helping them on the way to victory.
This past November, West Morris Mendham High School captured its first New Jersey Group 3 state soccer title with a 4-0 win over Toms River South, and the team’s roster was filled with 15 current and former FCUSA players. Jack Vispoli has been with FCUSA since 2010 and said he and his teammates didn’t really learn how to control the game until they came over to FCUSA. Said Vispoli: “High school is a physical game so being able to out play our opponents was a big advantage, especially since our team had so many FCUSA players who were comfortable with the FCUSA style of play and we had good chemistry and heart.” FCUSA / 9
FCUSA NEWS
COASTAL MASSACHUSETTS
Coastal Futsal Tournament Takes the Game Indoors It may have been winter, but FCUSA Coastal found a way to keep playing with its in-house Coastal Futsal Tournament for all players U10-U14. For eight Saturdays during the winter they used four courts at Hanover U and formed 27 teams. All teams along with the coach were selected in a random draft, and Coastal used social media – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – to announce the teams live. “It was great to see all of our players play together in a controlled, development setting,” Rob Jones said. “The parents have been outstanding in offering support but letting the coaches deal with the instruction and development of the players.
PHILADELPHIA
U17 Boys Black Claim Indoor State Cup The FCUSA Philadelphia U17 Boys Black won the Elite Division at the Eastern PA Horizon Services Indoor Cup on Feb. 6 with a thrilling 2-1 overtime win against Wyoming Valley. This group finished runner-up in the Outdoor State Cup last year so a state championship accolade has been on the horizon. In their first game, the U17 boys earned a 5-3 win over Montco Alliance Blue before dropping a tight 3-2 game against Wyoming Valley. Philly won 2-0 over Montco Alliance Gold to win Group B and earn a spot in the finals where they turned the tables on Wyoming Valley for the title.
10 / LEGACY SPRING 2016
Over 150 Families Attend Parents Night The Coastal staff held an open night for the parents where they were given information about the club’s development curriculum and plans for 2016 and beyond. Over 150 families came out as Technical Director Paul Turner and Director of Coaching Rob Jones presented their outline and pathways that FCUSA offers for all players to achieve their soccer goals.
Six U18 BlacK Players Sign: to Play Collegiate Soccer Six girls from FCUSA Philadelphia’s U18 Black team committed to colleges during National Signing Day on Feb. 3. Chloe Smith signed with Marshall University in West Virginia, Erica Sieben signed with Longwood University in Virginia, Carly Glassford committed to Maryland’s Salisbury University, Hannah Dodds signed with Washington and Lee University in Virginia, Jesse Rubin inked her commitment to Washington University in St. Louis, and Sullivan Boulden signed with William and Mary University in Virginia.
Sullivan Boulden
Hannah Dodds
Erica Sieben
FCUSA PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
ELI WILSON is a center midfielder for the FCUSA Coastal 01/02 Boys Impact and comes from a soccer family. He is the youngest of four brothers and can always count on an intense game of backyard soccer when they are all home. That sibling rivalry has helped fuel his passion for the game.
ELI
WILSON Hometown: Plymouth, Mass. Team: FCUSA Coastal 01/02 Boys Impact Position: Center midfielder Number: 11
“I love playing soccer because it is a game of emotions,” Wilson said. “During the match you are always physically and mentally attached to the game. Even during training activities, I love pushing myself as far as I can go.” Besides playing for FCUSA Coastal, Wilson was selected for a second straight season to the Massachusetts Olympic Development Program 2001 state pool roster. For the 2014-15 season he was selected to the state’s ODP team, named a co-captain and invited to the Region 1 selection camp in Trenton, N.J. Wilson admits he was nervous at first when he heard Coastal FC was merging with FCUSA because he was having a great experience under coach Paul Turner. However, his fears were soon quelled after his first training session with coach Rob Jones. “The coaching staff, training sessions, and game tactics are the reasons why I love playing soccer for FCUSA,” Wilson said. “First, the coaching staff is amazing. My new coach’s knowledge of the game, combined with my teammates’ quality, creates a phenomenal atmosphere for training sessions. Our 4-3-3 formation is the perfect fit for my team, and our possession style of play suits my game very well.” Wilson missed his first four games last fall after suffering a concussion during preseason. In his first game back he had a stellar assist after beating one player on a 1-2 with a teammate, chopping the ball past two defenders and serving a low cross that was finished by another teammate. FCUSA Coastal made it to the finals of their November 2015 tournament, and Wilson was only subbed out once during the four games the team played. Other highlights that stand out in Wilson’s mind are scoring the equalizing goal against their league rivals in a 4-3 comeback victory and scoring a 30-yard go-ahead goal. Look for Wilson to continue building his highlight reel and resume with FCUSA Coastal this spring.
FCUSA / 11
CLUB TRYOUT SCHEDULES Find the FCUSA club nearest you to learn more about the 2016 tryouts schedule. All tryout dates, times and location are subject to change. Please check your club’s website and/or social media accounts to find out the most up-to-date schedule.
FCUSA MARYLAND
FCUSA NEW JERSEY
Register at TheFootballClubMD.com. Details subject to change.
Register at TheFootballClubNJ.com. Details subject to change.
AGE GROUP
DATE
TIME
09, 08, 07 Boys & Girls
May 15
4-5:15 p.m.
06, 05 Boys & Girls
May 15
4-5:15 p.m.
04, 03 Boys & Girls
May 15
4-5:15 p.m.
02, 01 Boys & Girls
May 15
5:30-6:45 p.m.
00, 99 Boys & Girls
May 15
5:30-6:45 p.m.
02, 01 Boys & Girls
May 16
6:30-7:45 p.m.
00, 99 Boys & Girls
May 16
6:30-7:45 p.m.
09, 08, 07 Boys & Girls
May 17
6-7:15 p.m.
06, 05 Boys & Girls
May 17
6-7:15 p.m.
04, 03 Boys & Girls
May 17
6-7:15 p.m.
NOTE: All tryouts will be 1 hour and 15 minutes in length at Oldfield’s School. *In the case of inclement weather, a makeup tryout date will be added on Monday, May 23.
12 / LEGACY SPRING 2016
PURNELL SCHOOL AGE GROUP
DATE
TIME
98, 99 Boys
April 22
7:30-9 p.m.
00 Boys
April 20, 27
7:30-9 p.m.
01 Boys
April 19, 26
7:30-9 p.m.
02 Boys
April 18, 25
7:30-9 p.m.
03 Boys
April 18, 25
6-7:30 p.m.
99, 00 Girls
April 20, 27
6-7:30 p.m.
01, 02 Girls
April 22, 29
6-7:30 p.m.
03, 04 Girls
April 19, 26
6-7:30 p.m.
AGE GROUP
DATE
TIME
04, 05 Boys & 05 Girls
April 19, 26
6-7 p.m.
06, 07, 08 Boys
April 18, 25
6-7 p.m.
06, 07, 08 Girls
April 18, 25
5-6 p.m.
WILLOW SCHOOL
FCUSA COASTAL
FCUSA PHILADELPHIA
Register at TheFootballClubCoastal.com. Details subject to change.
Register at FCPhiladelphia.com. Details subject to change.
COASTAL SOUTH – SOUTH SHORE, KINGSTON AGE GROUP
DATE
TIME
08, 07 Girls & 09/10 Academy Girls
June 6, 8
5-6:30 p.m.
06, 05, 04 Girls
June 7, 9
5-6:30 p.m.
08, 07 Boys & 09/10 Academy Boys
June 6, 8
6:30-8 p.m.
06, 05, 04 Boys
June 7, 9
6:30-8 p.m.
03, 02 Girls
June 13, 15
5-6:30 p.m.
01, 00, 99 Girls
June 14, 16
5-6:30 p.m.
03, 02 Boys
June 13, 15
6:30-8 p.m.
01, 00, 99 Boys
June 14, 16
6:30-8 p.m.
COASTAL NORTH – BLUE HILLS CANTON AGE GROUP
DATE
08, 07, 06 Girls & 09/10 Academy Girls June 6, 8 05, 04 Girls
TIME
AGE GROUP
DATE
TIME
09, 08, 07 Boys & Girls
April 11, 21
6:30-8 p.m.
05, 06 Boys & Girls
April 12, 20
6:30-8 p.m.
04, 03, 02 Boys
April 13, 22
6:30-8 p.m.
01, 00, 99, 98 Boys
April 14, 18
6:30-8 p.m.
04, 03, 02 Girls
April 15, 19
6:30-8 p.m.
*All tryouts held at The Shipley School.
5-6:30 p.m.
June 7, 9
5-6:30 p.m.
08, 07, 06 Boys & 09/10 Academy Boys June 6, 8
6:30-8 p.m.
05, 04 Boys
June 7, 9
6:30-8 p.m.
03, 02 Girls
June 13, 15
5-6:30 p.m.
03, 02 Boys
June 13, 15
6:30-8 p.m.
COASTAL CAPE COD – OSTERVILLE AGE GROUP
DATE
TIME
08, 07 Girls & 09/10 Academy Girls
June 6, 8
5-6:30 p.m.
06, 05 Girls
June 7, 9
5-6:30 p.m.
08, 07 Boys & 09/10 Academy Boys
June 6, 8
6:30-8 p.m.
06, 05 Boys
June 7, 9
6:30-8 p.m.
FCUSA TEXAS Register at TheFootballClubTX.com. Details subject to change. AGE GROUP 10AP, 09AP Boys & Girls
DATE
TIME
June 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 27, 30 5:30-6:30 p.m.
08AP, 07AP, 06AP Boys & Girls June 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
5:30-7 p.m.
05AP, 04AP Boys & Girls
June 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 27, 30
7-8:30 p.m.
03AP Boys & Girls
June 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
7-8:30 p.m.
02AP, 01AP Boys & Girls
June 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 27, 30
7-8:30 p.m.
00AP, 99AP Boys & Girls
June 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
7-8:30 p.m.
98AP Boys & Girls
June 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 27, 30
7-8:30 p.m.
*Open practices will be held at: Richardson, Keller, McKinney, Frisco and Prosper Fields. Official signing day will be July 1 at FCUSA Texas Richardson Training Fields. FCUSA / 13
ASK THE ALUM FCUSA: How did your coach influence your soccer career?
CATCHING UP WITH WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY DEFENDER AND FORMER FCUSA PHILADELPHIA PLAYER DANNY RUBENSTEIN Interview by FCUSA Philadelphia
Danny: Coach Brady had, and still has, a profound impact on my soccer career as well as my development as a man. He always instilled the correct ways of doing things. He consistently preached professionalism and camaraderie, which are with me daily on and off the field. He also assisted me in making the most important decision of my life to this day. I was lucky enough to have him as a resource, and I made sure to utilize him. Coach Brady referred me to the coach of Wesleyan University men’s soccer team, Geoff Wheeler. At the time, I had never even heard of Wesleyan, but he knew better than anyone that this was the place for me, and he did everything he could to help me in the process. I am forever grateful for my relationship with coach Brady, and I wish I got to spend more time with him while at Haverford. FCUSA: How was your experience with FCUSA that year?
Danny Rubenstein only had the opportunity to spend one season with FCUSA, but he is part of the family, nonetheless. He moved on to Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut after high school, and he has been a starter since he arrived on campus. Rubenstein is currently a co-captain for the Cardinals and plugs into his left back position every game. FCUSA’s LEGACY magazine caught up with Danny following his junior season to talk about his season with Philadelphia.
Danny: For me, the experience with FC Philly was fun and necessary for me to continue playing before I arrived at college. Although I did not get to play in games due to eligibility, I received good training at a competitive level. It kept me sharp and fit for the summer ahead, and I also got to meet people I had never gotten to play with before. Overall, I enjoyed my time with FC Philly and appreciated the opportunity they gave me. FCUSA: Tell us how life and soccer is treating you at Wesleyan.
FCUSA: Why did you come to FCUSA?
Henry: Wesleyan University is a great institution. There are so many opportunities available for each individual at all times. Personally, I have spent most of my time on the soccer field when not in the classroom. My experience so far has been amazing. I was lucky enough to start from my freshman year on, and I’m now co-captain with my friend and roommate Charlie Gruner. I have been playing left back for the past three years, which was an adjustment for me, but I have adapted and even began to really get used to the position. Aside from soccer, I am an economics major. Wesleyan offers an array of eclectic courses, from Macroeconomics to Introduction to Dance (I have taken both), and I am happy to be at such a fantastic place.
Danny: I came to FC Philly because during my senior year of high school the Academy system implemented a new rule in which a decision needed to be made. I could have either continued to play for FC Delco Academy and forgo my final season at The Haverford School, or I could play high school and no longer participate with the Academy. I chose the latter, which ended up being a rewarding decision. At the time, coach Brady was my high school coach. He approached me about joining FC Philly, along with a few other FC Delco Academy players, and we decided to join the club for the spring season of my senior year. 14 / LEGACY SPRING 2016
Photos courtesy of Wesleyan University
As FCUSA continues to grow, The Football Club is always looking to recruit more ambitious, passionate soccer coaches to work with its teams. FCUSA Texas coach Paul Land discusses fulfilling his dream of coaching in the United States, what it’s like dealing with the unpredictable Texas weather and being a part of FCUSA.
FCUSA: Talk us through your journey and how you ended up with FCUSA Texas?
velopment all the time.
Paul: I had always wanted to coach in America. Being offered to coach there by UK Elite, I originally moved to New Jersey but went to Texas for a summer and decided it was what I wanted and joined the FCUSA Texas coaching staff.
Paul: Adjusting to the inconsistent Texas weather in the colder months is something to adjust to. Being on your toes to plan classroom and chalk ’n’ talk sessions so you’re not missing out on developing players even when bad weather strikes. Obviously dealing with the 100+ degree heat every day throughout the summer is unreal.
FCUSA: What has been a highlight of coaching with FCUSA Texas so far?
FCUSA: How is the soccer culture in Texas?
FCUSA: Have you encountered any challenges so far in your time with FCUSA Texas?
FCUSA: How does FCUSA Texas differ from other clubs and teams you have worked with? Paul: The clear structure and definition of what is expected through our coaching sessions is superb. The ability to be able to bounce ideas with coaches at FCUSA New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, etc., through the sports session planner has allowed us all to learn and optimize player de-
FCUSA: What is it like coaching in Texas?
Paul: Soccer in Texas is taken very seriously and is competed all year round. Particularly in the spring, summer and fall months fields are filled every weekend with games from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and of course, we have the Dallas Cup here where teams from all
over the world attend. Last year our FCUSA 98 Boys had the privilege of competing in it.
Paul: Definitely having the opportunity to work with athletes that show the dedication and desire to fulfill their potential. But also having the opportunities to travel in state and out of state to compete in tournaments and college showcases.
MEET THE COACH with FCUSA Texas’
PAUL LAND Interview by Aaron Duckmanton
Paul: Acquiring new teams, understanding their learning preferences and working out what approaches and methodologies work best with them. But seeing the development happen shows that it is all worth while.
FCUSA / 15
FCUSA SUMMER INVITATIONAL NEW JERSEY
The Host With the Most The Football Club New Jersey set to host third annual FCUSA Summer Invitational on June 25-26, one of the East Coast’s top events of the season By Aaron Duckmanton
T
he Football Club New Jersey will play host to the third annual FCUSA Summer Invitational on June 25-26, a tournament which saw over 120 East Coast teams compete last year in one of the hottest youth soccer festivals of the summer. FCUSA New Jersey is delighted to be able to host the event for a third straight year and hopes to build on the success of the last two years. The club is expecting 2016 to be the biggest and best to date with the addition of the beautiful turf fields at Mountain Park attracting more high quality teams. Joe Quigley, FCUSA New Jersey director of coaching, is thrilled the club’s event has become a staple in the region. 16 / LEGACY SPRING 2016
“The FCUSA Summer Invitational is a huge event on the soccer calendar for teams on the East Coast, and we are delighted that The Football Club New Jersey can host it again this year,” Quigley said. “Over the last two years the tournament has grown rapidly, and we expect this year to be the biggest to date.” The move to Mountain Park’s turf fields will keep all the teams in one central location, which Quigley believes will only help the tournament grow. “Last year we used the turf fields at Newark Academy in addition to the Pingry School,” Quigley added. “Whilst the facilities at Newark Academy are fantastic, the move to Mountain Park, which neighbors Pingry, ensures that everyone is in a
similar location, which is great for clubs and families with children at multiple age groups.” The tournament not only attracts teams from New Jersey but also from New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and the surrounding area which makes it one of the summer’s largest on the East Coast. The tournament is powered by Global Tea Events, one of the nation’s premier event managing companies, and tournament director Jebreel Bubtana is looking forward to another successful event. “The FCUSA Summer Invitational is certainly one of the marquee tournaments on our calendar, and we are delighted to be involved once again,” Bubtana said. “The facilities are brilliant, and the ability to play both small sided and full sided games at two sites allows for a larger number of teams to enter. Bubtana continued: “The level of play is always high at the invitational. It attracts a high number of quality teams not just from New Jersey but from the surrounding states also. It really is one of the more competitive tournaments we run.” With many age groups having multiple brackets, the tournament caters to a multitude of teams of varying levels, and this standard of competition is a reason so many premier and top level teams attend. Every FCUSA New Jersey team will be entering the invitational and will be joined by fellow FCUSA clubs from New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland as they look for a successful start to their summer programs. This tournament also provides a unique opportunity for teams from different FCUSA clubs to play against each other in competitive play. The Football Club USA Assistant Director of Coaching Richie Scott relishes the chance to play against his FCUSA counterparts and peers. “The invitational is always a great tournament, and the teams love the chance to play against fellow FCUSA teams,” Scott said. “We are a great organization to be involved in, and the invitational is a chance to show other top sides on the East Coast what FCUSA is all about.”
This will be the first tournament of the summer that will comply with the new U.S. Youth Soccer mandate regarding field sizes and small sided games, which means teams will have the opportunity to play 7v7, 9v9 or 11v11 depending on which is appropriate to them. – Jebreel Bubtana
FCUSA Summer Invitational Tournament Director
The 2016 FCUSA Summer Invitational will be held June 25-26 at the Pingry School and Mountain Park in New Jersey. For more information and to register, please visit http://goo.gl/ozOHJJ FCUSA / 17
Get Noticed FCUSA working with SoccerRecruits.com to offer high school players an easy-touse recruiting platform
T
he Football Club USA has entered into a partnership with SoccerRecruits. com to help high school players achieve their dreams of moving on to the next level to play collegiate soccer. SoccerRecruits was built by former college soccer players who saw the need to give high school players an easy-to-use platform to get noticed by schools around the country. Through the partnership, SoccerRecruits will provide a unique recruiting platform for FCUSA players where they can register their individual accounts and go through the recruiting process with schools. FCUSA Director of Coaching Rob Jones, who will be heading up the SoccerRecruits relationship with each club, loves the website’s simplicity and believes utilizing this platform will be beneficial to every high school player wanting to play at the next level. “I like the fact that with one click of a button you have access to every college coach in the United States,” Jones said. “There’s such easy access instead of searching through website after website or book after book to find what college you want to go to. It’s an easy search method to simply find size of the school, majors, average scholarship money given, how many players are on the roster, how many seniors. The search engine method is really simple and really efficient for family members to use and do their research. We think SoccerRecruits is going to be a great fit for their child.” In the past, players would have to search college coaches online and send emails, letters and videos to schools in which they were interested. With SoccerRecruits, every school is at a family’s fingertips, and they can put their profile and video in front of a program with just a few clicks. Every interaction college coaches have with a profile and video is tracked, and players can receive instant notifications and in-depth analytics to help gauge the interest of each school. The profiles and interface are similar to social media profiles high school student-athletes are used to navigating on a daily basis. Every FCUSA club will conduct a college workshop this spring with their players, and SoccerRecruits will be a part of that workshop. FCUSA is dedicated to their players and families, and they want to provide the best experience in club soccer. The partnership with SoccerRecruits is just another way to enhance that relationship and help those players reach their dream of playing soccer at the next level. For more information and to take advantage of The Football Club USA’s exclusive partnership with SoccerRecruits, please contact Rob Jones at DOC@thefootballclubusa.com.
18 / LEGACY SPRING 2016
HOT SHOTS We asked four FCUSA NEW JERSEY players 20 rapid fire questions about their lives on and off the soccer field. Let’s see how they handle these Hot Shots!
william mcglynn emma barcelona Alex Lessica U12 Boys
U13 Girls
U14 Boys Black
Kyra hermans
Favorite U.S. player
Clint Dempsey
Alex Morgan
Alex Morgan
Kelley O’Hara
Biggest pet peeve on the field
Lack of support
When people pull my jersey
Getting fouled
When the ball doesn’t get switched
Soccer role model
Cristiano Ronaldo
Pele
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Mia Hamm
One word to describe your style of play
Creative
Thoughtful
Shooter
Persistent
Grass or turf
Turf
Turf
Turf
Turf
Area you want to improve in 2016
Defending
Defending
Heading
Shooting/Crossing
Uniform number and why you picked it
#4. Birthday is 12/4
#4. Brother and sister wear that number
#31. Didn’t pick.
#18. Day I was born.
Best country for soccer
Germany
Germany
Spain
Belgium
Nickname
Billy
Barcy
Skippy
Ky
Favorite TV show
Premier League Live
Full House
The Walking Dead
Modern Family
Favorite place to eat
Home
Panvino
Home
Guiseppe’s Pizza
Where do you want to go to college Notre Dame
Univ. of Portland
MIT
Princeton
Star Wars or Hunger Games
Star Wars
Hunger Games
Star Wars
Hunger Games
Favorite thing to do with friends
Joke around
Go swimming
Play video games
Hang out and eat junk food
Science or math
Math
Science
Math
Math
Dream job
Pro soccer player
Soccer coach
Astrophysicist
Pro soccer/baseketball player
Favorite movie
The Hobbit
The Waterboy
Star Wars
Guardians of the Galaxy
One place in the world you’d love to visit
London (To see Spurs) Paris
Egypt
Australia
Who’s your role model away from soccer
Dad
People who organize events to help others
Dad
My mom
Best thing about soccer
It’s fun
Having fun with teammates
Scoring goals
The team
U14 Girls Black
FCUSA / 19
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TRAINING GROUND Play
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This is a session designed for U14 and older, and it’s based around trying to play forward and break lines through Pro-Club: FCUSA Rob Jones, Plymouth , United States of America passing. It builds from simple to complex and has a very clear technical focus all the way through. Tactical elements RJ Legacy Piece are built in throughout, and the session relates to the game Legacy Piece Category: Tactical: RJ Penetration Pro-Club: FCUSA Category: Tactical: Penetration Pro-Club: FCUSA it Forward! Skill: U14 | Start Time: 10-Feb-2016 11:55h Rob Jones, Plymouth , United States of of America as well as our formations and style of play. Skill: U14 | Start Time: 10-Feb-2016 11:55h Rob Jones, Plymouth , United States America
Lesson by Rob Jones FCUSA Coastal Director of Coaching Technical - Passing and Technical - Passing and Receiving (15Receiving mins) (15 mins) Technical Pass and Receive
Technical Pass and Receive Player 4 passes to Player 2 TECHNICAL PASSING ANDsideRECEIVING Player 4 passes- to Player 2 2 receives Player on and breaks line of flag with 1st touch then turnsbreaks and passes 6 1st touch Player 2 receives side on and line to ofPlayer flag with (15 MINUTES) 6 moves then turns and passesPlayer to Player 6 to support when Player 2 turns and plays a forward pass into Player 9 Player 6 moves to support when 2 players turns and a pass forward Repeat both Player sides but mustplays always to wide player. TECHNICAL PASS AND RECEIVE: pass into Player 9 Equal time left and right sde • Player passes 2. Repeat4 both sides to butPlayer players must Coaching Pointsalways pass to wide player. Strong pass Equal time left and right sde • Player 2 receives side on and breaks line of flag #2 check away and then show Coaching Points Receive back foot with opento body shape and with 1stpass touch then turns and passes Player 6. break line with first Strong touch • Player 6 away moves support Player 2 turns #2 check andto then show When turningwhen protect ball with body - sharp and turn Receive back foot with open body shape and break line with first #6 Movement before the pass Timing plays a forward pass into Player 9. touch Receive the ball centrally with options to pass showing an open body shape. Recieve backturn foot play front foot to for speed of play. • Repeat bothprotect sidesball butwith players must always pass When turning body - sharp #6 Movement wide player. before the pass - Timing Receive the ball centrally with options to pass showing an open body shape. Recieve back foot play-front foot speed of play. Possession 9 and 10for opposites (20 mins)
POSSESSION – 9 AND 10 OPPOSITES (20 MINUTES)
Possession to combine and play forward Greens start with possesion 2 grey defenders can only defend in the front zone or the back Possession - 9 and 101 opposites (20free mins) zone. in each. Green have movement Greens combine together to try and play into Target on other side If grey wins they play into their Target player and exercise Possession to combine and play forward continues with them attacking Greens start with possesion Progression 2 grey defenders can only defend in the front zone or the back Defenders can defend both zones zone. 1 in each. GreenCoaching have free movement Points Greens combine together to try and#9play Target on otherlines? side Can the green andinto #10 play on opposite If grey wins they play into Target team player and exercise Cantheir possession play forward as quickly as possible - speed of play continues with them attacking Open positive body position to recieve Progression Combination plays -Give and Go's, Overlaps Defenders can defendCommunication both zones Coaching Points Movement at angles Can the green #9 and Strong #10 play setson opposite lines? setsas quickly as possible - speed Can possession teamDon't playwatch forward
POSSESSION TO COMBINE AND PLAY FORWARD: • Greens start with possession. • 2 Grey defenders can only defend in the front zone or the back zone. 1 in each. Green has free movement. • Greens combine together to try and play into target on other side. • If Grey wins they play into their target player and exercise continues with them attacking. • Progression: Defenders can defend both zones.
of play Open positive body position to recieve Combination plays -Give and Go's, Overlaps- Attacking MOVEMENT PATTERNS – ATTACKING PATTERNS (15 MINUTES) Movement Patterns Patterns (15 mins) Communication Movement atPATTERNS: angles Movement Patterns TARGET FOR RUNS MOVEMENT 1 - 11 plays into farside holding midfielder. 8 plays into 9 who sets Strong sets for 10.holding 10 plays wide to 7(ENABLES who delivers a cross. US TO HAVE • 1-11 plays into far side Don't watch sets 2 - 7 plays near holding midfielder. 8 hits 9 who sets 10. 10 plays
A PLAYER ON EVERY midfielder. 8 playsout into who to 7 9 again to cross. OF 3 - Wide midfielder playsLAYER closest CM whoBOX): opens up and plays a sets for 10. 10 playsdiagional wide switch to 7 to opposite winger • Opposite side midfielder Target for runs (enables us to have a player on every layer of who deliversPatterns a cross. Movement (15 mins) box) - Attacking Patterns (7/11) towards back post, • 2-7 plays near holding - opposite side midfielder (7/11) towards back post, level with 6 level with six-yard box. Movement Patterns yard box midfielder. 8 hits 9 who (9) sets 10. post across GK inside 6 yard 1 - 11 plays into farside- Striker holding front midfielder. 8 Striker plays into(9) 9 whobox setspost • CM (10) aims to be at PK spot asfront cross arrives. 10 out to 7 again todelivers cross. for plays 10. 10 plays wide to- Attacking 7 who a cross. Coaching Points across GK10inside 2 - 7 plays near holding midfielder. 8 hits 9 who sets 10. plays six• 3-wide midfielder plays closest Quality forward thinking passing out to 7 again to cross Movemnt . yard box. of 9 and 10 to split CM whomidfielder opens up and plays plays closest up and plays a 3 - Wide Strong sets CM who opens • Attacking CM (10) aims switch to opposite winger Timing of movments adiagional diagonal switch to opposite at PK spot Quality Target for runs (enables us delivery/crossing to have a playerto onbe every layer of as winger. Timing of runs box) cross arrives. Quality finishing
- opposite side midfielder (7/11) towards back post, level with 6 yard boxSPRING 2016 20 / LEGACY - Striker (9) front post across GK inside 6 yard box
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SIDELINES By the Numbers
Word Scramble
Scoring goals is the name of the game in soccer. Check out these six awesome goal scoring records!
Unscramble these well-known soccer teams to help solve the soccer riddle!
1,279 Most Career Goals
LCSHAEE NRLEAAS
PELÉ (BRAZIL)
124
Most Goals Scored by a Goalkeeper ROGÉRIO CENI (BRAZIL)
89
Most Goals Scored in the Champions League CRISTIANO RONALDO (REAL MADRID)
10.8
Fastest Goal Scored (in Seconds) in the World Cup Finals
UJTVENUS ERIMACHYST NCTE BCUYEN RMNAIH NALRCBOAE TETEWAUSL CNNIDE
HAKAN SÜKÜR (TURKEY, 2002)
90
Fastest Hat Trick (in Seconds) TOMMY ROSS (ENGLAND, 1964)
114
Fastest Shot on Goal (MPH) by a Premier League Player DAVID HIRST (SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY, 1996) 22 / LEGACY SPRING 2016
DIAM EDARLR OOURSUIA DSBTMRND In which state is the FCUSA Summer Invitational being held?
Trivia
SPRING 2016 CROSSWORD
1. Who won the 2014 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil? a. Brazil b. Germany c. Spain d. United States
2. How many yards is the penalty spot from the goal line on a standard field? a. 10 b. 11 c. 12 d. 13
3. How many times has the U.S. Women’s National Team won the FIFA Women’s World Cup?
a. No minimum b. 5 c. 6 d. 7
DOWN 1 Pass that results in a goal 2 Color of card shown to player being sent off 4 Only player who can use their hands 5 Word used when a manager is fired 6 New FCUSA apparel partner 10 Barcelona all-time scoring leader
5. According to FIFA, which is the oldest football club in history? Trivia 1. b 2. c 3. c 4. d 5. a
a. Sheffield F.C. (England) b. TSV 1860 München (Germany) c. The Football Club of Edinburgh (Scotland) d. Melbourne Football Club (Australia)
ANSWERS
4. What is the minimum number of players per team that FIFA allows during a soccer game?
ACROSS 3 Protection for lower legs 7 2018 FIFA World Cup host country 8 Another term for field 9 Current MLS champions 11 England’s top league
Word Scramble Chelsea Arsenal Juventus Manchester City Bayern Munich Barcelona Newcastle United Real Madrid Borussia Dortmund
a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4
FCUSA / 23