Touchline | Spring 2015 by Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

PENNSYLVANIA’S LEADING YOUTH SOCCER PUBLICATION | SPRING 2015

eastern pennsylvania youth soccer

e a s t e r n p e n n s y lva n i a y o u t h s o c c e r

eastern pennsylvania’s JIM curtin leads union p.6

Rec Soccer p.9 Spotlight

Conshohocken, PA

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CONTENTS

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eastern pennsylvania youth soccer

Volume XLVIII | Spring 2015 Touchline is published quarterly. Published by: Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer 4070 Butler Pike, Suite 100 Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 Phone: 610-238-9966 Fax: 610-238-9933 E-mail: info@EPYSA.org Website: EPYSA.org EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President: Jim Kuntz Vice President, Travel: Michael Finnegan Vice President, Recreation: Dwight Wilkinson Treasurer: Nicole Posillico Epps Secretary: Melissa Weber Registrar: Jim Christian

2 From Our President

16 Olympic Development Program in 2015

3 Attention High School Seniors! Scholarships Available

18-19 Annual Awards Reception and AGM

9 Rec Soccer Spotlight: Nazareth Soccer Club

14 Indoor Cup Gallery

23 Youth Soccer Profiles 24 ACL Injury Prevention 27 EPSA 100

10 Horizon Services Indoor Cup Champions 11 Indoor Cup Championship Profiles

TOUCHLINE Editor-in-Chief: Chris Branscome Editor: Dillon Friday Printed by: The Pearl Group at CRW Graphics, 9100 Pennsauken Highway, Pennsauken, NJ 08110

20 Quarterly Calendar

6-7 Profile: Former EPYS Player Jim Curtin Leads Hometown Philadelphia Union

STATE OFFICE STAFF Chief Executive Officer: Chris Branscome Technical Director: Mike Barr Assistant Technical Director: Gary Stephenson Director of Soccer Operations: Frank Olszewski Marketing & Communications Manager: Dillon Friday Assistant Director of Coaching: Gary Stephenson Membership Services Specialist: Beck Kleinert Business Administration Manager: Kelly Connor Administrative Services Specialist: Sheila Molyneaux Accountant: Judy Curran

28-29 Gold Cup Final Comes to Philadelphia 31 Coaching Education

Touchline is © Copyright 2015 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. The entire contents of this publication are copyrighted; all rights reserved. Articles may not be reproduced or reprinted without written permission of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. Advertising space in Touchline is purchased and paid for by the advertisers. None of the products or services is necessarily endorsed by Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer or its affiliates. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer or its advertisers. Printed in the United States of America

32 Exercise from U.S. Soccer’s Digital Coaching Center

keeping kids safe is our priority Chris Branscome, Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

As an association, we have been very diligent in working to keep our kids safe in Eastern Pennsylvania. We view safety from both a medical and social perspective. We believe we have taken great strides in recent years to provide legislation and education to provide as safe and productive of an environment as we can. Through our policy on mandatory background checks, our concussion program or the creation of our medical advisory committee, we stand to serve and protect our players and coaches. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is taking further action in this realm as well. In 2014 the state legislature enacted 23 bills to update and improve our child abuse and child welfare laws. In this legislative package, all adults who work

with children will be required to have clearances from the State Police and the Department of Human Services. Some individuals may require an FBI clearance. This includes the world of youth sports and its volunteers. Basically, all of our coaches, trainers, referees, and those supervising children need these specific clearances. The law will not subject one-time volunteers to these requirements. The staff and I have been working with several members of the General Assembly (special thanks to Rep. Todd Stephens) and the Department of Human Services as well as our counterpart, the PA West Soccer Association. We are providing input to the program as well as being given assistance on how to best direct

and educate our membership. As per the new laws, each member organization will be responsible for managing this program locally. To all volunteers and potential volunteers: please have patience this year. And please, by all means, remember that any thoughts of inconvenience to you as an adult should be strongly tempered by the need for safety for our children. Do not let this deter you from providing our kids the opportunity to play. We need everyone’s help and participation. For more in-depth information, please visit our website as well as www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov. Thank you for your continued support of the children of Eastern Pennsylvania.

EPYSA.org

FROM OUR PRESIDENT Jim Kuntz, President, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

It is finally spring with outdoor cup, league and tournament games beginning. We are all looking forward to some quality outdoor time. Over the past winter, your state staff has been busy planning for the next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities, including organizing all three State Cups. This is no small task as this year we have over 1,000 teams participating. Please be aware of the concussion policies that have been implemented over the past two years. These policies are there for a reason: to protect the health and well-being of our players.

Our game is expanding more now than ever with new players being added continually. It is important that this continues as parents who have played are now coaching and managing their children who will carry on the legacy. It has been my pleasure to have served you the past two years, and I am looking forward to the next two years. As always feel free to contact me with any concerns. May you have a successful spring and summer season.

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Attention High School Seniors! S

ince 1990, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has awarded more than 100 students with four-year college scholarships equaling almost $400,000. The purpose of this scholarship program is to encourage qualified high school seniors registered in Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer to further their education in a four-year college program.

Amount and Detail of Each Scholarship Award: 1. Each scholarship award will be in the amount of $1,000 per year, renewable each year, for four years, payable jointly through the university or the college in one installment at the beginning of the fall semester. 2. The scholarship award is used to help defray cost of tuition and fees at any accredited college or university. 3. While at college, the recipients are expected to maintain good academic and disciplinary standing. They also must show a commitment to promote soccer by volunteering, coaching, refereeing or playing in a soccer program at college or a local community.

Applicant Eligibility: 1. High school seniors attending public and non-public high schools within Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer who are registered players, coaches or referees in the association will be eligible to participate in this program. 2. Applicants must meet scholarship and other entrance requirements for entrance into any accredited college or university.

Basis of Selection: 1. Applicants must complete and submit the application form, which can be found at EPYSA.org, along with a transcript of their high school records on or before May 1, 2015 to this address: Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, Attn: Scholarship Committee, 4070 Butler Pike, Suite 100, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. 2. Applicants must obtain a statement from their guidance counselor or their high school principal regarding their scholastic ability, leadership, and character, and mail it under a separate cover to the above address. Applicants may also submit a maximum of two letters from church and community leaders to validate qualities in leadership and character. Please include your name on all material sent to the committee. 3. Applications must be accompanied by a signed photocopy of just the first page of the Federal Student Aid Report (FAFSA). 4. Selection of the winners will be based on financial need, scholastic achievement, and leadership ability. Selection to be made by a committee that consists of people who are not relatives of any of the candidates and will also consist of people outside of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. 5. Scholarship winners will be notified by June 15, 2015.

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EPYSA.org

Profile: Union Manager Jim Curtin

Takes Pride in Leading His Hometown Team By Dillon Friday, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, Marketing & Communications Manager

hen Philadelphia Union manager Jim Curtin walks through his neighborhood in Center City a funny thing happens: he gets recognized. Most professional soccer players, not to mention coaches, carry anonymity in the sports world at large, never mind in the streets of the East Coast metropolis. But Curtin is different. “Well, I’m 6-4 and blonde,” he jokes. The blonde locks he speaks of, which made him a fan favorite for the Chicago Fire as much as his hardnosed play, have been sheared off in favor of a shorter, sharper, more professional hairdo. Curtin has serious business to take care of: he’s the first Philadelphia native to coach a modern professional team in the city, a tremendously unique position that the 35-year-old embraces. And so, he chats with locals who offer laments when things go poorly or voice support when they go well. The impromptu talks add pressure to what is already a stress-filled job. But it’s nothing new to Curtin. He knows this city. “I understand the Philly fan base,” Curtin explains. “I’ve been a fan of all the sports teams—the Eagles, the Phillies, the Flyers, the Sixers—my entire life. I want to please these fans.”

More informal games were staged in the Curtin backyard between Jim and younger brother Jeff. The rivalry spilled into conversations that continue to this day about whose ODP team— Jeff’s with Bobby Convey and Dan Gargan—or Jim’s was superior. Even as his professional career took him to Chicago, where the siblings played together for two seasons, and Los Angeles, Philly remained home for the elder Curtin. Jim was named interim manager of the Union in June 2014 Curtin spent the entirety of his youth soccer career in and around the Philadelphia area, from clubs like Buckingham United, Hunter Soccer Club and Council Rock Dynamo to Bishop McDevitt High School and Villanova University, where he was Big East Rookie of the Year and a two-time All-Conference selection. As an Eastern Pennsylvania Olympic Development Program player, Curtin teamed with fellow defender Chris Albright, another Major League Soccer veteran and the current Technical Director of the Union, to string together a twoyear unbeaten streak.

“Anyone who knew me as a player knows I always wanted to play in Philadelphia,” Curtin admits. He nearly got his chance when he left Chivas USA at the close of the 2009 season. Curtin, married and with a baby daughter, packed his bags with the hopes of catching on with the expansion Union. For various reasons, the dream return didn’t work out. “I was disappointed,” Curtin recalls, “but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. I look at it as a positive thing, because it launched my coaching career.” The former MLS All-Star joined the Union Academy coaching staff in 2010. Curtin rose through the ranks to eventually secure an assistant coach position alongside then Union manager John Hackworth in 2013. When Hackworth was let go 16 league matches into 2014, Curtin assumed managerial duties on an interim basis. Under his tutelage, the Union closed with a 10-6-7 run to surge back into the playoff race. The club also reached the U.S. Open Cup final, which it hosted at PPL Park. Although the Union fell 3-1 in extra time to the Seattle Sounders, the five-month whirlwind from midway June to October proved surreal for the rookie manager. His initial success brought him notoriety as a hometown kid turned savior. When Curtin was announced as the permanent manager in November, his family, whom he calls his biggest fans, could hardly believe that his name appeared next to Chip Kelly’s on Comcast SportsNet.

Jim (pictured far right) poses with his Council Rock Dynamo teammates

“It’s exciting,” Curtin says. But he also approaches the challenges at hand. The Union have reached the postseason just once in its five seasons of existence. “We need to get back

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He’ll have local help now too. Lancaster’s Andrew Wenger, a 24-year-old former ODP player who came over from the Montreal Impact last spring, and Dresher native Zach Pfeffer have each earned significant playing time in front of the PPL Park crowd. “You feel a little more weight, a little more pressure,” explains Curtin. “We’re playing in our city, in front of our fans. At the same time, it’s very special.” Curly blonde locks and success defined Jim’s stint with Chicago. into the playoffs. That’s my main goal. I’m very serious about bringing this city a trophy.” To do that, his teams will reflect the city’s style, a trademark of the great champions of past. “If you look at the Broad Street Bullies or the (1980’s) Sixers they replicated the blue collar, hardworking nature. That was their identity,” Curtin pauses. “But you have to have success to claim an identity.”

Wenger and Pfeffer are both young, creative, attacking talents whose rise coincides with soccer’s boost in popularity. There are more fans than ever—and more players to idolize. “When I was growing up, we basically only had European teams to follow on TV,” Curtin recalls. “Now MLS has national broadcasts on two networks. It’s great for young Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer players to have people to look up to.” People like Curtin himself.

Jim in his youth days with Hunter Soccer Club

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REC SOCCER SPOTLIGHT:

Nazareth Area Soccer Club

Brought to you by

By Rick Woelfel

he Nazareth Area Soccer Club is an organization that’s comfortable with its own identity. Its mission is not to develop a future collegiate standout or a central midfielder for the United States Men’s National Team, but ‘merely’ to provide opportunities for children in Nazareth Boro, Upper and Lower Nazareth Townships, and Bushkill Township to play soccer; and between 650-750 of them do each fall and spring. “We want the kids playing soccer,” says club president Scott Jordan. “We want to be able to provide an opportunity for all Nazareth kids to play soccer no matter what their ability is. If their goal is travel soccer we can definitely give them that. If it’s just to go out and run around for an hour every couple days and just be with their friends, we can do that too.” The club focuses much of its energy on younger age groups.

much as possible,” he says. “You have to make sure the fun is there, otherwise they get bored. They’re playing interactive games with their teammates and friends.” The U4’s have one training session each week. Parents serve as coaches but a trainer works with the parents. By the time the players reach the U7 or U8 level they may be training twice during the week, but the emphasis remains on fun as well as skill development. Games are played on Saturdays, utilizing a 4 v. 4 format on an appropriately sized pitch, with parents serving as coaches. U9 players graduate to the club’s Academy League which features 5 v. 5 games on a slightly larger pitch, but the emphasis remains on enjoyment.

“We’re believers in small-sided soccer,” Jordan says. “It’s basically about getting kids out there and having them run around.”

“There are fun little games that have them moving around and touching a soccer ball as

But Nazareth will field teams in older age groups if enough interest is shown and players are available. And older players are not cast aside, even if Nazareth does not have a team for them to play on. If the club can’t field a U14 travel team for instance, it will reach out to other clubs to try to find a place for those who still have an interest in playing travel soccer. Like many clubs, Nazareth struggles with fieldavailability issues. But longstanding relationships help. The club has access to two regulation-sized fields in Bushkill Township, a short drive to the north. “The town has graciously allowed us the use of a couple fields up there for years,” Jordan says, “as well as Upper Nazareth Township and the Boro of Nazareth.

Indeed, Nazareth’s foundation is its micro soccer program, which last fall featured 39 teams, from U4’s through U8’s with typically between eight and 12 players on each team.

The emphasis from the start is on fun. The U4’s, for instance, spend their weekly training sessions playing soccer-oriented games instead of traditional drills. Jordan calls it a mix of “fun and fundamentals.

middle-school age some are focusing on other sports or other activities. And some will choose to play middle school soccer instead of continuing on at the club level.

The U9 level is also where the transition to a more structured environment typically begins. A collection of perhaps a half dozen Nazareth teams might play a loosely organized schedule among themselves while also including a team or two from other clubs nearby such as Eastern Northampton County or Lehigh Valley United. There has been an effort of late to incorporate this type of ‘light travel’ structure at the U8 level as well, but in any case, the youngsters don’t get involved in full-fledged travel play until they are around 10. Participation generally peaks around the U13 level. Playing opportunities are available for older players, but by the time they reach

“We’re scattered around 10 different field locations. We utilize churches, some of the schools, and some of the township parks. All the townships are very good to us and we in turn try and be very good to them. We invest money in the fields as part of our budget. We make sure those fields are taken care of.” Jordan, and the rest of the dedicated volunteers that oversee the Nazareth Area Soccer Club see it as a community resource, a place where soccer enthusiasts can come together, whatever their age or ability level. In short, there is a place for everyone. “I guess that’s the thing I’m most proud of,” Jordan says. “Every season we’re finding a place for 650-some odd kids spread out over 65-70 teams. We do that twice a year, pull all those kids together and find leagues, fields, and places for them to play. It’s a lot of work for the 13 people that comprise our board.”

EPYSA.org

Girls

2015 Eastern Pennsylvania Horizon Services Indoor Cup Champions

U9 Elite Division

12 Challenge White Division

U15 Elite Division

U9 Challenge Division

U12 Challenge Blue Division

U15 Challenge Division

U10 Elite Division

U13 Elite White Division

U16 Elite Division

U10 Challenge White Division

U13 Elite Blue Division

U16 Challenge Division

U10 Challenge Blue Division

U13 Challenge White Division

U17 Elite Division

U11 Elite Division

U13 Challenge Blue Division

U17 Challenge Division

U11 Challenge White Division

U14 Elite Division

U19 Elite Division

U11 Challenge Blue Division

U14 Challenge White Division

U19 Challenge Division

U12 Elite Division

U14 Challenge Blue Division

Horsham Hurricanes Warrington Red

PSC Coppa Swarm Northeast Tornadoes Rage United Inferno

HMMS Eagle FC Legends HMMS Heat

Whitpain Wonder

HMMS Eagle FC ’02 Impact

Hunter Mustangs TE FCE Attack

Lower Merion SC Herricanes Red Wyoming Valley SC Back Mountain Fury

Parkwood Independence North Union United Rockets Mifflin County Xtreme

Hershey Elite FC ‘99 CASA CAPA ’99 Lightning Parkland Pride

Warminster Warriors White FC Revolution Falcons Haverford Independence LDC Lightning

Panthers United ’96 Xtreme

Cantolao Vipers

Boys U9 Elite Division

U12 Challenge White Division

U16 Challenge Division

U9 Challenge White Division

U12 Challenge Blue Division

U17 Elite Division

U9 Challenge Blue Division

U13 Elite Division

U17 Challenge Division

U10 Elite Division

U13 Challenge Division

U19 Elite Division

U10 Challenge Division

U14 Elite Division

U19 Challenge Division

U11 Elite Division

U14 Challenge Division

U11 Challenge White Division

U15 Elite Division

U11 Challenge Blue Division

U15 Challenge Division

U12 Elite Division

U16 Elite Division

Lower Merion SC 24/7 Lower Merion SC Boom VE Kickers

Lower Merion SC Ding Super Nova

PSC Coppa Hotspur Ukrainian Nationals Zirka White Haverford Torpedo CASA CAPA Vipers

Radnor Samba

Hershey ’02 Orange Skyrush Lower Merion SC Aztecs Lebanon Valley SC

Lower Merion SC Sabertooth Rats FC Providence Athletico PA Mutiny Gold Greater Chester Valley Celtic Colonial SC Rox

FC Philadelphia FC Revolution

ACFC Manchester United FC Revolution United FC Philadelphia Green

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Indoor Cup Championship Profiles By Dillon Friday Philadelphia Soccer Club Coppa Swarm ‘05, U10 Girls Elite Division PSC Coppa Swarm ’05 coach Charles Ritter knew his girls had an advantage entering the U10 Horizon Services Indoor Cup. The Swarm returned as champions after winning the U9 Elite Division in 2014. They claimed the U.S. Youth Futsal Regional title as well. The quick-passing, fast-paced indoor game suited the Swarm better than most. “The girls have a lot of success, mostly due to our focus on futsal,” Ritter said. “Over the last two years, playing and training in futsal helped prepare us for the Indoor Cup. It gave us the edge that we needed.” The Swarm cruised through the U10 Elite bracket at Body Zone Sports and Wellness

Complex on January 4th. The club outscored its opponents 23-2 over five games, including a 5-1 romp in the championship match. According to Ritter, his girls embraced the challenge of playing five times in one day. “They thrive in it,” Ritter said. “We do a lot of small-sided training. They’re prepared physically. And the unique thing for them is they just love to play.” Expect PSC Coppa to go for the three-peat in 2016. “There’s a lot of good competition,” said Ritter. “I feel it’s important for us to defend our title.”

FC Philadelphia, U16 Boys Challenge Division Sean Pearson called it “the easiest game” he’s ever coached. He split his FC Philadelphia side in half to enter two teams, Silver and Green, into the Indoor Cup U16 Challenge Division bracket. Lo and behold, both reached the championship. “My final was the semifinal,” said Pearson. The Silver team won its group with a 2-0-1 record that included a dramatic 2-2 tie with CASA CAPA 98 White in the last game. Green had more trouble. It started off the day with a 2-1 loss to Berks Ajax United. But as the competition went on, the pressure to perform increased. “It became a bit of a rivalry,” explained Pearson, whose U18 FC Philadelphia side took the Challenge Division title at U19. “Both teams wanted to get to the finals, and I wanted to get both to finals so I wasn’t concentrating on one team.” He relaxed once that feat was accomplished, but not before issuing a pregame speech: There

would be no gloating, no showboating, and no trash talk. A competitive, clean match ensued. “Credit to the boys,” Pearson said. “They got on with it.”

“We win together, we lose together,” said Pearson in a statement that has rarely been more accurate. “We all came together as a team that day.”

Green beat Silver 3-1 in the final, although the coach insisted the team that played better lost. At any rate, the result was always secondary.

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EPYSA.org

2015 Horizon Services Indoor Cup T

he Horizon Services Indoor Cup was a huge success with 49 champions emerging from 469 entered teams. Check out some of the best shots from the competition below, from a young boy juggling in a snowy parking lot to championship squads proudly displaying their scarves. Thanks to everyone who participated.

Photos by Linda Cuttone/Sportsvue Images

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Scoring Goals for Autism Scoring Goals for Autism is an annual soccer tournament fundraiser that benefits the Autism Science Foundation. Scoring Goals for Autism will take place at YSC Sports in Wayne, PA on April 24-25, 2015. This one-of-a-kind indoor soccer tournament offers both competitive team play for adult players as well as a TOPSoccer skills and drills clinic for children and adolescents with special needs including autism. The mission of Scoring Goals for Autism is to bring the beautiful game of soccer to all athletes and to raise much needed dollars for autism research. All proceeds from Scoring Goals for Autism benefit the Autism Science Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity, which supports evidence-based research into better understanding autism. The Scoring Goals for Autism TOPSoccer program is a friendly, non-competitive soccer program designed for soccer players with special needs including Autism Spectrum. Each TOPS player is assigned a buddy/coach to assist with ball work, changing skills stations and participating in drills during the program. Trained volunteers and coaches support development of soccer skills and create opportunities for socialization. Director of Coaching, Mike Barr will be instructing a TOPSoccer coaching course as well. For more information visit EPYSA.org.

See page 19 for a closer look at SGFA >>

EPYSA.org

ODP in Eastern Pennsylvania 2015 By Mike Barr, Technical Director, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

he Olympic Development Program of Eastern Pennsylvania has gone through changes in recent years with the intent of improving our product. We provide quality coaching to our players, strong competition, new insight into the game, a pathway to college or the professional level, and a maturation process in working and playing with new teammates.

in regard to ODP, limited opportunities for training or matches. Working within these narrow parameters means we must innovate when it comes to scheduling games, tournaments, and practices without losing the significance and purpose of the program. We also take the impact of overtraining into consideration as well as sufficient recovery time.

The challenges seem to be growing each year as the playing and training calendar for most club players leaves little time for outside activities. These include participation in other sports, friendship with non-soccer players, and,

The dreadful weather this year caused the cancellation of the Virginia Friendlies and one training session thus far. We have added or plan to add friendly matches to compensate for Virginia Friendlies and are looking forward

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer INDOOR CUPS Eastern PA Youth Soccer has with

4 cup competitions

1442

teams participating

Coaches Administrators Volunteers

2 weeks of overnight

camp

580 campers

6 weeks of Day of Camp

Olympic Development Program

880 22 teams

players 640 Slices coaches 50 1900 tried out Eaten

EST. 1972 21152 118

Champions 16,500 CLUBS TEAMS

337 469 16

Camps

Leagues Intramural

Games in

1 Day

128,000 players 0.3 Events

30 TOPSoccer Snowed Programs Out!!

15 Travel Events Recreational 231 8 Girls Teams

238 Cup McGuire Champions

Boys Teams

to the Region One ODP Tournament the first weekend of June. Eastern Pennsylvania ODP takes pride in being recognized as one of the top programs in the country. We have taken steps each year to make sure we remain at the top. In the 2014-2015 season we had more than 1900 players from U12 to U17 try out. We currently have 700 players in the Olympic Development Program on 24 teams. We have a coaching staff of 49 field coaches and eight goalkeeping coaches. Twenty-one of those coaches have their National A License, and 11 have their B License. The remainder has National C or D Licenses. Ten of our coaches are currently coaching in college and, 18 coach at the high school level. Fortyseven of our ODP coaches are also coaching at elite clubs throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. Six of the ODP coaches are also on the Eastern Pennsylvania Coaching Education staff. Fifty-two of our coaches played in college. We welcome any new coaches who may express a desire to become involved in ODP, if they currently have a National D License or higher. We have also managed to create a working relationship with Developmental Academies in Eastern Pennsylvania through playing friendlies and setting up matches for possible identification purposes. ECNL players still participate and utilize ODP as an extra avenue for college recruiting. We continue to offer up to $20,000 in ODP scholarships based on need. We attempt to create a professional environment within every training session and match. Every player receives an evaluation from their ODP coach at the conclusion of the season. We are willing to assist our ODP players in letters of reference to college coaches and advice on college selections. Within the Olympic Development Program we are always willing to give honest answers to parents regarding any question they may raise regarding their child and soccer choices. We have no agendas attached to our decisions, only the playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; best interests.

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EPYSA.org

2015 Annual Awards Reception and O

n Saturday, March 7th Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer celebrated the 2014 year at our Annual Awards Reception held at the Holiday Inn Conference Center-Lehigh Valley. Eighteen individuals—in addition to the 20 Good Citizenship Award winners (see next page)—were honored as award recipients. Special distinction must go to Kevin Lock. Lock was named Young Male Referee of the Year in December. He went on to win the Region I award as well, earning a place at the U.S. Youth Soccer National Awards Gala in January. Lock was just happy to be there. “I did not think I had a shot at the national award,” he remembered. “I figured I’d get recognized for my regional award and that would be it.” Instead, he took home USYS Male Referee of the Year. “It was just an awesome feeling and an excellent experience,” Lock recalled. “So many people have helped me along the way.”

Quakertown Soccer Club received the D’Anjolell Award as Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s club of the year. The club brought a large contingent to the event to not only celebrate the win, but to also promote its community efforts. Each year Quakertown SC hosts the Sarah Parvin SoccerFest in honor of a young girl who died from cancer at the age of 12. Sarah’s mother joined club president Jeffrey Geiser on stage to discuss the impact of the SoccerFest. The tournament is a 6 v 6, 24-hour event that donates 100 percent of all proceeds to childhood cancer research. Needless to say, Quakertown received a standing ovation as its representatives left the stage. Other major awards handed out included Excellence in Coaching, which went to the venerable trio of Sheldon Chamberlain, John Oberholtzer and Ed Townsley, and the Service to Youth Award, which went to Monica Chrisanthon, Nick Cirilli and Dave Ash. To find out more about the event and award winners please visit EPYSA.org.

Annual General Meeting

ollowing the Awards Reception the night before, some 200-plus members of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer gathered for the Annual General Meeting on Sunday, March 8th. Among the topics covered were amendments to bylaws, the state and health of the game, and goals for the upcoming 2015-16 season. A partnership with non-profit organization Red Card Cancer was announced, the Philadelphia Union handed out signed jerseys and field-side tickets, and a Wilson Trophy Company

representative presented a lucky winner with a pair of cleats signed by Pele. All Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Board Members retained their positions including President Jim Kuntz, who will serve a second two-year term. Of the nine District Commissioners elected, five are new to the job: Lonnie Cohen in District 1, Ed Toy in District 5, Cathy Arndt in District 7, Eric McKitish in District 11, and Randy Willan in District 13. We

look forward to meeting again in 11 months. Until then, check out more information on the AGM at EPYSA.org.

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Annual General Meeting Scoring Goals for Autism Wins Inaugural Service to the Community Award

he biggest round of applause at the Awards Reception was reserved for Erin Lopes and Tim Bak, who accepted the inaugural Service to the Community Award for their terrific annual event Scoring Goals for Autism.

wanted to create a place where all kids could play soccer. “His vision in bringing the beautiful game to all athletes has brought light to many,” Lopes said of Tommy, now 15. “His courage and strength

inspires all of us.” The fifth annual Scoring Goals for Autism Tournament will take place April 24th and 25th at YSC Sports in Wayne. More information can be found at scoringgoalsforautism.org.

Since 2011, Scoring Goals for Autism has raised more than $100,000 for autism research. The April tournament features 7 v 7 competition for adults, as well as games for some 75 kids and teenagers involved in TOPSoccer. Scoring Goals for Autism proves to be a highlight for the TOPSoccer participants. “Many of our TOPSoccer players proudly share with their friends and families, ‘I played at YSC Sports (where Scoring Goals for Autism is held),’” Lopes said. “And if you spend a day with these kids and walked a mile in their shoes, you understand why that’s a big deal.” It was Bak’s and Lopes’ son Tommy, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, who came up with Scoring Goals for Autism. He

Union League Good Citizenship Awards

he 2015 Union League of Philadelphia Good Citizenship Award winners were honored at our annual Awards Banquet on March 7th. Each year, 20 high school juniors involved with Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer receive the prestigious Good Citizenship Award. A committee

led by 2015 Service to Youth Award winner Nick Cirilli chose the winners after a rigorous review process. The committee had its work cut out this year. A record 126 students applied in 2015. The 20 recipients distinguished themselves from the

group with qualities of cooperative effort, good sportsmanship, self-control, perseverance, and serious scholarship. The list of winners includes Lindsay Ayers, Henry Bluestein, Brady Boylan, Margaret Cameron, Catalina Cardelle, Josephine Cardelle, Mary Claire Casey, Logan Cho, Katie Fisher, Taylor Flynn, Nicholas Gigliotti, Annika Kruse, Jared Lawler, Julia Lynch, Megan Lynch, Alexandra Meisse, Sean Rich, Felix Serlin, Christopher DeHaven, and Alexander Wilson. Congratulations to all.

EPYSA.org

Quarterly Calendar April 2015

May 2015

4-5 No Cup Games, Easter Weekend

12 ODP Training, All Teams*

18-19 NCS State Cup & Presidents Cup Quarterfinals

19 ODP Training, All Teams*

21 Return to Play Health Seminar | Conshohocken

24-25 Scoring Goals for Autism | YSC, Wayne 25-26 Presidents Cup Semifinals, Challenge Cup Quarterfinals

2-3 NCS State Cup & Challenge Cup Semifinals 3 Presidents Cup Finals 16 All U13 Boys & Girls ODP Round Robin Tournament | United Sports

16-17 NCS State Cup & Challenge Cup Finals

17 All U12 Boys & Girls ODP Round Robin Tournament | United Sports

17 U14-U17 Boys & Girls ODP Training | United Sports

26 ODP Training, All Teams*

28 Return to Play Health Seminar | Lehigh Valley

17 NCS June Cup Quarterfinals

30 Return to Play Health Seminar | Harrisburg/Hershey

25 Memorial Day, Office Closed

30-31 NCS June Cup Semifinals & Finals

Visit EPYSA.org to view schedules, standings, and champions for the 2015 Horizon Services Indoor Cup. *Please visit EPYSA.org for details and locations

5/30-6/20 FIFA U20 World Cup | New Zealand

June 2015

5-7 U13-U17 ODP Region I Tournament Lawrenceville, NJ

5-7 U12 ODP Tournament | Wilson, NC

6/6-7/5 FIFA Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Cup | Canada 25-30 US Youth Soccer Region I Championships | Barboursville, WV

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Hey, Kids! { And adults, too! } Perhaps you’ve said to yourself:

“I want to be in

Magazine!” eastern pennsylvania youth soccer

Want to appear in an upcoming issue of Touchline?

This is an exciting feature in the magazine where Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer players, coaches, and parents get an opportunity to be seen and heard by the rest of our readers. Well, now is your chance! If you would like to be considered to appear in an upcoming issue, simply answer the 11 Questions that appear on our website (and on page 23 ), fill in the bio information and email it to info@epysa.org. Most importantly, you need to send a photo of yourself with the email… the higher quality, the better! If there is not a photo, then we can’t use your entry in the magazine. Entering is not a guarantee of getting published. We wish you luck, and who knows? When you open the next issue of Touchline magazine, you could find yourself staring back at you!

To register go to:

http://www.epysa.org/communications/player_profiles/

COLONIAL SOCCER CLUB

FUSION FC

CAPITAL AREA SOCCER ASSOCIATION

YOUTH SOCCER PLAYER PROFILES

Abigail Myers

Hayden Bassoff

Molly Magill

Team Name U10 Dynamite Organization/Club Fusion FC

Team Name Avalanche Organization/Club Capital Area Soccer Association (CASA)

Team Name Union and Select Organization/Club Colonial Soccer Club

What position do you play or what do you do on your team? Midfield

What position do you play or what do you do on your team? Center midfield

What position do you play or what do you do on your team? Back midfield

What is your nickname? Abracadabra

What is your nickname? Little Bass

What is your nickname? Moll

Who is your role model? Why? Abby Wambach

Who is your role model? Why? Clint Dempsey because he plays my position, has my birthday and scored awesome goals in the World Cup by working hard.

Who is your role model? Why? Wayne Rooney because he is a great author and soccer player.

Age: 8

What is your favorite soccer team? Harrisburg City Islanders because they help our soccer club a lot What is your favorite movie? Grown Ups What is your favorite song? Cool Kids by Echosmith What is your favorite book? Fudge-a-Mania by Judy Bloom What is your favorite food? Tacos What is your favorite sport outside of soccer? Basketball What is your pet peeve (what thing makes you mad or drives you crazy)? When I do not score a goal in a game If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? The next FIFA World Cup so I can watch all of the professional soccer players What do you want to be when you grow up? Pro soccer player

Age: 10

What is your favorite soccer team? Chelsea FC What is your favorite move? The Empire Strikes Back What is your favorite song? Unstoppable by Toby Mac What is your favorite book? Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix What is your favorite food? Ham and pineapple pizza What is your favorite sport outside of soccer? Basketball What is your pet peeve (what thing makes you mad or drives you crazy)? When bad weather causes practice to be canceled. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? London, England to see Chelsea play in person What do you want to be when you grow up? Soccer player

Age: 11

What is your favorite soccer team? Manchester United What is your favorite movie? Hunger Games What is your favorite song? Blank Space by Taylor Swift What is your favorite book? The Fault in our Stars What is your favorite food? Ribs and cheeseburgers What is your favorite sport outside of soccer? Volleyball What is your pet peeve (what thing makes you mad or drives you crazy)? When I get the perfect shot on goal, but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make it If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Africa to help all the underprivileged kids that are less fortunate than me What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a professional soccer player or a doctor

EPYSA.org

ACL Injury Prevention Sommer Hammoud, MD, is an assistant professor of Orthopaedics at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. She is the director of the Female Athlete Program at the Rothman Institute of Sports Medicine.

patterns and strength are thought to contribute to the increased risk of ACL injury in females. So when we talk about how to prevent ACL injuries, we are in essence trying to improve the quality of the athlete’s movement off the ball, which involves optimizing strength, balance and flexibility.

n anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a devastating knee injury for any athlete. Treatment typically results in loss of an entire season of play, and long-term effects from osteoarthritis of the knee joint can be a source of permanent disability in adulthood. The ACL is a ligament that connects the femur to the tibia and is located centrally within the knee joint. It is one of four stabilizing ligaments of the knee. The ACL is critical for knee stability in athletes who are involved in pivoting sports like soccer. When athletes injure their ACL, they typically feel the knee give out from underneath them and not uncommonly report hearing a “pop”. Swelling occurs either immediately or within 24 hours. Attempting to return to sports after such an occurrence will likely result in the knee giving way or feeling unstable and risks causing further damage to the other structures in the knee (cartilage, meniscus, other ligaments). Loss of full range of motion of the knee is usually noticed by the following day and crutches may be needed to assist in walking. A doctor will perform a thorough physical examination and can diagnose most ligament injuries in this manner. X-rays are typically performed to make sure that the injury does not involve any broken bones. If an ACL tear is suspected based on physical examination in the office, an MRI scan will allow for confirmation of the diagnosis as well as demonstrate any cartilage or meniscus injuries, which can significantly impact treatment and recovery. Treatment can be nonsurgical or surgical based upon the stability of the knee, associated injuries (cartilage or meniscus), and the desired activity level of the patient. Looking at genders, females have a much higher risk of tearing their ACL in equivalent sports. One in 100 high school and one in 20 college females will tear their ACL per varsity year of sport. In soccer, the increased risk is

Research focused on improvement of an athlete’s movement patterns, referred to as neuromuscular training, has allowed physical therapists, athletic trainers and sports medicine specialists to be able to quickly recognize and optimize weak muscle groups (hip, hamstring and core) and thus help prevent knee injury.

four to six times more than their male counterparts. Why is there higher risk for females? The answer is likely multifactorial: environmental factors (playing surface, shoe type), anatomic factors (wider pelvis, more knock-kneed, smaller ACL diameter, increased ligament looseness), hormonal factors (high levels of estrogen result in increased ligament laxity and muscle fatigability), and neuromuscular factors (biomechanical, how our bodies move) likely all play a role. Of these, the neuromuscular factors are where we can intervene and make modifications in training to reduce the risk of injury. Contrary to popular belief, most ACL injuries, around 80 percent, are noncontact injuries, meaning they occur when the athlete changes direction, performs cutting maneuvers, suddenly decelerates, lands from a jump, or pivots when the foot is planted on the ground. All of these movements are inherent in the game of soccer and have been shown to differ between male and female athletes. For example, female soccer players may perform these maneuvers in a more knock-kneed position and with a more upright posture (less hip and knee flexion and bending). In addition, females have been shown to exhibit decreased hamstring strength relative to their quadriceps strength. These variations in movement

Contrary to popular belief, most ACL injuries, around 80 percent, are noncontact injuries, meaning they occur when the athlete changes direction, performs cutting maneuvers, suddenly decelerates, lands from a jump, or pivots when the foot is planted on the ground. The FIFA 11+, and other similar injury prevention programs, is a complete warm-up program specifically designed for male and female soccer players. These programs have proven to be extremely effective, with injury reduction rates of up to 50 percent. The program can be incorporated into the beginning of practice sessions two to three times per week, requires no additional equipment, and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. For the exercises, practicing correct posture and body control, including knee-over-toe (avoidance of knocked-knee position) and soft landings (increased hip and knee flexion), is of utmost importance. The essential components of each program include: running exercises combined with planting and cutting movements, active stretching, core and leg strengthening, balance control exercises, plyometric drills, and sport-specific agility drills. Several factors determine an athlete’s risk of ACL injury. Identifying high-risk athletes who would benefit from neuromuscular training programs may be the best way to reduce the risk of ACL injury.

Introducing Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s Safe Return to Play Seminars One of the toughest tasks any coach or parent will encounter is determining when it is safe for a injured player to return to the pitch. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, with the aid of our Medical Advisory Committee, is taking the initiative to educate our members on proper injury protocol. In April, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will host three Safe Return to Play Seminars.

DATES

April 21 : Conshohocken April 28 : Lehigh Valley April 30 : Harrisburg/Hershey

Each seminar will include: • A 90-minute panel discussion featuring members of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s Medical Advisory Committee • A 20-minute lecture from each panelist • An open Question & Answer period Follow our website for updates regarding the series. More information will be provided as we get closer to the events.

Congratulations on A Century of Soccer!

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Celebrating 100 Years of Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer

n Friday March 21st, Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association celebrated its 100th anniversary at the Desmond Hotel in Malvern. Guests were treated to a wonderful evening of stories and pictures from the first century of Pennsylvania soccer. John Motta, president of the U.S. Adult Soccer Association, was on hand to join in on the reflection. The history of soccer in this region runs deep. The Ukrainian Nationals was one of America’s great sporting dynasties as a perennial challenger for the U.S. Open Cup. When the Union reached the finals of last year’s competitions, tales of the Ukes were shared from old and new fans alike. The club is hardly alone in its impact. The Bethlehem Steel Football Club won five U.S.

Open Cups between 1915 and 1926 and finished second in 1917. Then there are the Philadelphia German-American Soccer Club, Reading Americans, and countless others who gave early fans of soccer teams to support. The luminaries of EPSA forged the foundation for not only Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, but U.S. Soccer as a whole. Walter Bahr played in the 1948 Olympics and assisted on Joe Gaetjen’s winning goal against England in the 1950 World Cup, still considered one of the great upsets of all time. He is just one of many who contributed to the growth of the sport. Roger Schott (pictured below with Pele) remains actively involved with soccer administration in Eastern Pennsylvania after a stellar officiating career. Ron and Betty

D’Anjolell together helped establish the women’s game in the United States. The U.S. Women’s National Team owes much of its success to the efforts of the D’Anjolell’s. Bahr, Schott, Betty and Ron are a part of the 2015 EPSA Hall of Fame Class along with Walter Chyzowych, Werner Fricker, Sr., John K. Hunter, Werner Kraheck, Walter McClinton, Charlotte Moran, Hans Peters, Karl Regul, Thomas Sager, Edward Csongradi, Aldo D’Aversa, Gino Ferraguti, Richard Groff, Joseph K. Leitner, and Len Oliver. EPSA’s accomplishments over the last 100 years have been tremendous. Hopefully, the future is just as bright. Congratulations.

EPYSA.org

Gold Cup Final: Another Great By Mike Barr, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Technical Director

fter attending the Gold Cup press conference on Thursday, March 12th with dignitaries from numerous countries of CONCACAF present and television cameras filming from all angles, I realized the city of Philadelphia is rapidly becoming one of the prime locations and center points for international matches and soccer growth in the United States. With Philadelphia hosting the Gold Cup Final on July 26th at Lincoln Financial Field and the Third Place Match at PPL Park on the 25th, all eyes in North America will be focused on the Philadelphia area. It is not a fluke that these achievements in hosting many of U.S. Soccer’s major events within CONCACAF coincide with the Philadelphia Union’s emergence in MLS and the club’s management pushing to bring games of this level to the Delaware Valley. Both the Philadelphia Eagles and Mayor Nutter also see the significance of partnering with the Union

in bringing international soccer matches to Philadelphia. In years past, we have been treated to Women’s World Cup qualifying games, pre-season friendlies between top European clubs, and the U.S. Men’s National team in various matches. All are great events, but the Gold Cup offers something different: a bona fide international championship. The tournament will bring visitors and money into the city and provides the perfect opportunity to highlight two top class matches in two top class venues for soccer. The best four teams from CONCACAF, a region that sent three nations to the knockout stages at last summer’s World Cup, will compete in Philadelphia. The financial effect may be significant but will appear marginal when compared to the new soccer fans that will be created by the Union and Philadelphia’s effort to bring the Gold Cup

to Philadelphia. No other sport has the wide base of passionate fans that are familiar with professional players from around the world thanks to television and EA Sports’ FIFA 15. The opportunity to see the top players from

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Soccer Event for Philadelphia

the 12 elite CONCACAF nations provides young players in the area a chance to not only see players with whom they already may be familiar, but also the next generation of superstars on the international scene. The implications for the U.S. Men’s National Team, the prohibitive Gold Cup favorites, are huge. A win in this summer’s tournament will automatically give the U.S. a berth in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia. Participation in the Confederations Cup will provide USMNT manager Jurgen Klinsmann the chance to prepare for the 2018 World Cup by observing and evaluating young talent who may prove vital to the team’s success. A Gold Cup championship, however, is no longer a given for the Americans. Remember that Costa Rica reached the quarterfinals in Brazil,

while Panama, a team that failed to qualify for the World Cup, finished second to the U.S. at the Gold Cup in 2013. These nations, as well others in CONCACAF, have small populations, a serious lack of coaching education programs, and limited youth leagues. Their passion for soccer and constant free play from an early age more than compensates for a lack of resources. There also seems to be a unified effort on the part of many CONCACAF countries to get their national team players competing and training with the best clubs in Europe. Klinsmann has shared this view publicly on multiple occasions. The Americans—fans, players, and coaches— will hopefully adapt as everyone takes notice. The success of the Gold Cup and the crowds it will likely draw may force the media to talk about five major professional sports teams in

the city instead of the usual four. The competition also offers the youth players a unique geographic and cultural experience. They’ll observe the visiting fans and take note of how the Caribbean and Central American teams play the game. My advice is to get your tickets early for this special weekend and bring the whole family. Take note of young players on the various teams who may be the impact players at the 2018 World Cup. Examine the subtleties in the styles of play and appreciate and befriend the visiting fans. Most importantly, enjoy the fact you are watching an international soccer event in Philadelphia.

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upcoming COACHING COURSES

National E License

West-Mont Utd. SA Limerick April 17 – 19, 2015

Langhorne Neshaminy Utd. SC Neshaminy Maple Point Middle School May 22 – 24, 2015

National E License

Brandywine YC BYC Field House May 29 – 31, 2015

Nether Providence AA Strath Haven High School June 5 – 6, 2015

NATIONAL E LICENSE For more information, details and registration, please visit EPYSA.org

Coming Soon… NCS State Cup Spotlight

s the NCS State Cup competitions kick off this spring, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer wants to keep you updated from the first weekend to the finals in May. Starting with the opening round games, our website EPYSA.org will have a spotlight on the featured match of the week.

Important Cup Dates: March 28

First round games

April 18 – 19

Quarterfinals

May 2 – 3

Semifinals

May 16 – 17

Finals at United Sports

The recap will include a game story, quotes from each team, pictures, other cup results and videos on our Facebook page. We encourage teams interested in having their games covered to reach out to Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s Marketing & Communications Manager Dillon Friday at dfriday@epysa.org. We want to wish the best of luck to all teams competing in the State Cup. This year, we have a record number of participants. We’re trying to offer the best experience possible to ensure that the competition remains one of the most prestigious in American youth sports.

EXERCISE FROM U.S. SOCCER’S DIGITAL COACHING CENTER By Gary Stephenson, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, Assistant Director of Coaching

BODY PARTS Organization Each player has a ball and is inside a playing area. When the coach calls out a body part, they stop the ball with the called part. Example: Coach says “knee”, all players try to stop the ball with their knee.

B) Coach is silent but nominates one player to stop the ball. Whatever body part that player uses, everyone else uses the same part.

Coaching Points • Keeping the ball within reach while dribbling. Variations • Keeping the head up when A) Call two body parts they have to dribbling. use both. Example: knee, foot. They • Using the inside or outside of the touch the ball with their knee and foot when turning a ball. then stop it with their foot. • Using the laces or pinky toe when running with the ball.

THE NETWORK Organization Place different colored cones if available. Each player starts at a cone. Starting cone is called “home”. Ask players to move from cone to cone in a variety of ways. At first try the activity without the ball.

Progression A) Dribble from cone to cone. Don’t touch the cones. B) Dribble around a cone and then go to a new one. C) Dribble around a cone and then go to a different colored cone.

Consider the following movement actions: A) Run and touch a cone. See how many they can touch before “home” is called. B) Run and hop over a cone with 2 feet. C) Run and touch a cone with their hand. Then add a ball.

Coaching Points Running with the ball using pinky toe or laces. Turning the ball with the inside or outside of the foot.

SMALL-SIDED GAME TO TWO GOALS (3V3 OR 4V4) Organization Play two teams. Each team attacks one goal and defends another. Numbers may vary. Both teams play to score. Normal laws of the game. No restrictions. Let them play and enjoy.

Visit EPYSA.org/coaching_education for more information and to register for courses today.

Coaching Points • Principles of attack • Principles of defense • Techniques of dribbling, passing, shooting. • Techniques of pressure (closing down), cover (body position), tackling