E M A G G N I V L O THE EV April 2020
Issue 49 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Coaching Newsletter
Go for the REAL WIN What’s Important Now We’ve never been through a pandemic. It is a time of fear and negativity. We may feel helpless. Yes, we are forced to stay home, but let’s find a new way to provide our youth players a chance to play the game and have fun. Let’s focus on the WIN. I believe this can be a time of self-reflection and change. Let’s take a look at how we can change things that have repeatedly been done over the years. Have we created have a difficult environment for kids to play and enjoy sports? We can’t afford to get back to playing soccer and do the
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer
same old things..
Grassroots Soccer
Let’s challenge youth soccer programs to make the following changes:
Manager: JT Dorsey
1) Rebuild and strengthen programs that put the development of the whole child first. Programs that are child centered and aren’t worried about winning, but also discover the value in losing. 2) Recognize programs that make decisions for their membership putting health and safety first. 3) Programs should consistently be based on the growth and development of each child, family, and community. Effective programs create a physically and emotionally safe environment for their kids. They do things that build self-esteem and confidence in youth players. They are concerned about the child off the field and in the classroom. Practices, games and activities are fun. Programs that intentionally teach appropriate social skills. The programs are inclusive and promote the development of all kids; not just the “top players.” They involve the community in a meaningful way and create a space where volunteers are welcome and become pillars in their sustainability. They build a community within the community that players and coaches alike can count on each year. If we want to make change, we need to focus on these elements and use the acronym WIN.
What’s Important Now. It’s time to evolve the game differently.
Let’s work together so that when this pandemic
ends we can create a safer, more productive environment for kids to play soccer. With so many problems that need to be answered, let’s start by finding solutions to the simple ones. WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS?
Inside: Lancaster Inferno
Inside: Teresa Rook Player and Coach
US Soccer Education License Pathway (In Person Courses) suspended until July
Online Licenses Open to Registration Game Watcher or NOT as the case ! LIGUE
EPL
Canceled
June 8 Behind closed doors
EREDIVISIE
SERIE A
MLS
Canceled
Individual training May 4th
Target date May 10
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BUNDESLIGA
Plans to return early May
MEET THE COACH - PLAYER TO COACHand Every Journey in Between Teresa Rook, LANC Inferno, ODP & PA Classics Soccer is a way of life for me and I can honestly say, I have a complete love for the game. It is competition, rivalries, friendships, travel, education and full of life lessons. At a young age, I never thought soccer would take me where it did. Growing up, I enjoyed competing for my local club team and playing in 3v3 tournaments. Fundraising for special causes and picnics with my friends were also memorable experiences. I eventually started to travel more to play soccer and I became a student of the game. I relished every opportunity to compete, improve and learn. I played soccer at Division One James Madison University. One of my highlights while competing included playing against WNT star Alyssa Naeher in goal at Penn State. Winning that game was a memory I will have forever. What a rush for me to compete against Megan Rapinoe in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament! I ended my college career playing against the great coach Anson Dorrance and Meghan Klingenberg at UNC. After college, I was drafted by the Philadelphia Independence in the WPS where I did not make the cut. Instead of quitting, I continued my career and played professionally in Sweden and Iceland. I continue to play today in the United Women’s Soccer league with my local team, Lancaster Inferno!
Teaching became a passion of mine, and I was convinced that my college degree in Elementary Education was the perfect choice for me. I began to coach at the club level and then for the Eastern Pennsylvania Olympic Development Program, where I personally benefited from many great experiences. My passion for soccer intertwined with my excitement to teach elementary education. I push my students and players to be their best because my coaches did the same for me from a young age. My playing experience taught me life long lessons, such as respect for coaches, referees, o p p o s i n g players, sportsmanship and humility. Work hard and never give up on your dreams, despite the many defeats and setbacks that will surely be encountered.
All of my experiences led me to coaching. I want to provide the same opportunity coaches gave me. I want to mentor and lead a team to success. Success means reaching a goal, overcoming defeat, learning a new skill, and making a personal connection. Every player will have different experiences with soccer, depending on their commitment, opportunities and talent level. Soccer or any sport should be a positive experience for everyone. Winning is fun, but it is not the only reason to play the great game of soccer. It has been, and always will be for the love of the game!
Modifications announced this month with our National League and Showcase Series.
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Filling the gap in Women’s Soccer Thanks to Stephanie Cleaves
Based in Amish Country, Pennsylvania, resides a women’s soccer team helping to fill the gap that exists between college and the professional ranks. The Lancaster Inferno, also known as Lanc Inferno, is entering its fourth season in the United Women’s Soccer (UWS) national pro-am league. Lanc Inferno happens to be the only team in Pennsylvania that is part of UWS, making them a sought after team to be part of for the vast majority of high level college players & aspiring professionals - some players commuting as far as two hours each way.
The mission of the team is to advance women’s soccer by establishing a high caliber team in partnership with multiple sectors. Lancaster Inferno operates as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with grassroots efforts to provide positive role models for youth in the community. “We strive to give our players and fans an exceptional experience by operating with professional minimum standards,” said Lanc Inferno Assistant Coach/GM Stephanie Cleaves. “Many amateur teams overlook the importance of having professional minimum standards such as
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providing access to trainers, health screenings, and quality training/game venues. Our focus & passion has always been on advancing the women’s game, which I believe has been a huge reason for our success.”
Filling the gap in Women’s Soccer Lancaster Inferno is back to back UWS East Conference Champions (2018 & 2019), and made it to the UWS National Championship Final Four the last two seasons. This past season, the team competed against Canadian host team Calgary Foothills WFC in the national semifinal, resulting in a 2-0 loss against a very strong team with five U20 CANWNT players & NCAA standouts. Lanc Inferno is led by Head Coach Francisco Cleaves, 2018-2019 UWS East Conference Coach of the Year, and Associate Head Coach Rob Smith, current Board Member at Philadelphia Union Foundation and FC DELCO. Other coaching staff includes Assistant Coach and General Manager Stephanie Cleaves, Goalkeeper Coach Jamie Kuntz (ODP, Elizabethtown
College), and Strength/Speed Coach Chris Weibel. The season runs from May through July, ideal for current collegiate players to improve their game. The roster is composed of aspiring professionals 8 of which have moved onto professional careers in the past 3 years. The team also includes former professionals who want to continue to compete at a high level. Lancaster Inferno has a reserve squad competing in the newly formed UWS League Two. The roster for the reserves consists of primarily college players & high school standouts, providing a pipeline to the first team. “We’re in this for the long haul”, Cleaves says. “Currently, there aren’t many options for female soccer players after college. We’re going to continue to provide
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opportunities for players and give the women’s game the respect it deserves.” For more information, visit the official website LancasterInferno.com. You can also follow @LANCinferno on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. For more information on UWS, visit uwssoccer.com and follow @UWSsoccer on social media.
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