Touchline | Summer 2017

P E N N S Y LVA N I A’ S L E A D I N G Y O U T H S O C C E R P U B L I C A T I O N

Touchline

SUMMER 2017

CUP CHAMPIONS

Profile: Celtic’s Jaclyn Poucel

Page 10-13

Scholarship Recipients

Page 6-7

Page 3

TOPSoccer Spotlight:

Jacob’s Soccer Camp

Page 30

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contents

credits

Touchline

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Volume Lv | summer 2017 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: Warren Beideman Secretary: Melissa Weber Registrar: Jim Christian State Office Staff Chief Executive Officer: Chris Branscome Technical Director: Mike Barr Asst. Technical Director: Gary Stephenson Director of Soccer Operations: Frank Olszewski Communications Manager: Dillon Friday Marketing Manager: Molly Freitag Membership Services Specialist: Sheila Molyneaux Chief Administrative Officer: Kelly Connor Program Manager: Meridith Crowell Accountant: Judy Curran Administrative Assistant: Adam Marianelli Outreach Coordinator: JT Dorsey Intern: Shannon Metzler Touchline Editor-in-Chief: Chris Branscome Editor: Dillon Friday Printed and designed by A.E. Engine, Inc.

2 From Our CEO

3 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Scholarship Recipients 5 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Outreach: The 2017 Cedar Cup 6-7 Profile: Manheim Township’s Jaclyn Poucel Stars for Celtic 9 Rec Soccer Spotlight: West Chester United 10 State Cup Champions 12 Presidents Cup Champions 13 Turkey Hill Challenge Cup Champions 15 ODP: An Interview with Sydney Mitchell 17 Quarterly Calendar 18 Perpetual Trophies: Richard Groff on hand to present inaugural Richard Groff Cup 21 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Medical Advisory Committee:

Recapping Rothman Institute Youth Sports Safety Symposium

23 Youth Soccer Stars 25 What To Watch 26 AAA Start Your Journey: Julian Anderson 30 TOPSoccer Spotlight: Jacob’s Soccer Camp 32 Coaching Education: A coaching life with racecar driver, builder Mike Dicely 34 Mike Barr: In Praise of U.S. U20 star Josh Sargent 35 Futbol Friday 2017 36 Training Session: Penetrating off the dribble On the cover: A Harleysville player attempts to tackle the ball away from Lower Merion in the U13 Boys Eastern Pennsylvania State Cup Final.

Photo credit: Chloe Elmer

From Our President Jim Kuntz, President, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

For all the perks of warm weather, vacations and, for our youth players, time off from school, the summer is always great for soccer. This June, Philadelphia will host major international soccer for the third consecutive summer as two games in the Gold Cup Quarterfinals will take place at Lincoln Financial Field July 19. I would encourage you all to consider attending so we can continue to show that Eastern

Pennsylvania is a leader in soccer in this country.

But on the youth level, the season allows us to celebrate teams who have accomplished great things this season. We watched in May as clubs from all over the state, won Presidents Cup, Turkey Hill Challenge Cup and State Cup titles. Some of those teams will advance to regional play, where they will compete for a spot in the national championships. We had two national champions last year and hope to have more this summer.

It’s also a time to rest. There’s nothing wrong with taking a break from soccer in between seasons—in fact, we encourage it from time to time. Go watch a match or two. Or follow events like the Gold Cup, World Cup Qualifiers or Confederations Cup on television. Even just playing a pickup game or attending a camp can be a refreshing change of pace from the sometimes demanding conditions of a club game.

Please have a safe and enjoyable summer. I hope to see some of you along the way.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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The “We” Aspect Of Governance Chris Branscome, Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

In May, members of our staff and the Board of Directors hosted focus groups made up from a cross section of our membership. The organizations selected were a mix of travel-only and multi-purpose community clubs. The purpose of the meetings was to engage the members in discussions on current events and topics, with a goal of improving programs and services.

The overarching goal is to make the organizations within our borders, and our state association, the preeminent youth soccer organizations in the United States.

Over four consecutive nights we met with organization presidents, executive directors, directors of coaching and other delegates to discuss a variety of topics and learn from each other. Many of the organizations in attendance were travel-only, so they don’t participate at the Annual General

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

Meeting. They aren’t voting members, yet they have a major impact on our soccer community.

We discussed the crowded spring schedule, tryout dilemmas, State Cup scheduling, the U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiatives, US Youth Soccer programming and events and some other directives from U.S. Soccer and FIFA. We discussed the process of governance: how do we take a thought and evolve it into a proposal or amendment, and how do we seek a positive vote?

The consensus from the group was that the meetings were quite positive and constructive.

And, I think, attendees gained a better understanding of their responsibility and opportunity.

The challenge posed to the group was to be a part of the governance process. This is a “we” thing. The association is made up of all of us, with different roles. Now that we’ve discussed the issues openly and prioritized them to a degree, how do we address and improve our circumstances? As a staff and board, we consider these issues daily.

But the best way for us to make necessary adjustments, perhaps the only way, is to collaborate. The

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focus group members understand and have committed themselves as individuals, and club leaders, to participate in the governance process. They will meet in small groups, research and refine their proposals. Some may find traps and pitfalls along the way; others may find a direct and smooth road. Some ideas may make it to a final presentation toward a bylaw amendment; some may need further research and development. Either way, they know this is extra work, but it will pay off in the long run and benefit the sport.

Governance isn’t easy. It’s often not very exciting, but it’s necessary and important. Participating in governance is also open to all. You don’t have to be elected or hired.

You don’t have to be an adult either.

I for one would be interested in our children’s and players’ perspectives.

Perhaps that’s the next focus group… stay tuned. I look forward to the process and the collaboration. I can’t predict the end results, but I believe trying to get there will make us better and that for sure is positive.

If you’re innovative, creative and willing to work with others toward solutions, give us a call. We’d love to have you.

2 0 1 7 scholarship recipients

Meet the 2017 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Scholarship Recipients

Each year Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer awards four $1000 scholarships, renewable for up to four years, to high school seniors affiliated with the state association as players, volunteers or referees. More than 100 scholarships have been awarded since the program’s inception. This year’s recipients were selected from over 50 qualified applicants. We congratulate them and look forward to following their promising careers in and outside of soccer.

Alexis Schneider

Mark Battle

Margaret Daeche

William Nicholl

Upper Dublin High School

Penn Manor High School

Neshaminy High School

Council Rock HS South

Alexis Schneider, a three-year member of the Eastern Pennsylvania ODP team, is a 2017 graduate of Upper Dublin High School. Schneider was also a part of the Warrington Soccer Club for six years and a three-sport varsity athlete at Upper Dublin, including soccer, pole vault and basketball. During her soccer career she earned First Team All-League twice and also made the Southeastern Pennsylvania All-Star Team. Her success off the field is even greater.

Schneider has earned numerous scholastic awards, which include Upper Dublin Public Library 2017 Teen Volunteer of the Year, Coca-Cola Scholar, Yale Book Award, and NCWIT National Winner (2017).

Schneider also made time in her busy schedule to get involved in her community by volunteering with the Upper Dublin Reading Buddies and STEAM Lab. Alexis will be attending MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).

Mark Battle, a 2017 graduate of Penn Manor High School, has played for Penn Legacy for eight years.

As a senior captain at Penn Manor, he was selected as a First Team All-Star and an Academic All-Star of the Lancaster-Lebanon League. Along with his soccer accomplishments, Battle has earned many accolades in the classroom, including being No.1 in his class. Mark has been on the honor roll all four years of high school and has excelled in both AP Calculus and AP Physics. He is also in both National Honor Society and the Science National Honor Society. Mark will play soccer at the University of Delaware and major in Electrical Engineering. He plans on working with nanotechnology or robotic industries upon graduation.

Margaret Daeche, a 2017 graduate of Neshaminy High School, not only has a stellar academic record but also led her high school team to a PIAA state championship in 2013. Maggie has spent the majority of her club soccer career playing for YMS Premier Xplosion 98 under coach John Greaves, a team that won the 2016 Under-17 US Youth Soccer National Championship. When Maggie isn’t on the soccer field she is excelling in the classroom, being named to the National Honor Society all four years of high school and ranking in the top 5% of her class sophomore, junior, and senior years. Maggie was also the Vice President of the Class of 2017 and an FCA Bible Study Leader.

Maggie will attend Drexel University and plans on majoring in Health Science as an undergrad and continue on to grad school to earn her doctorate in physical therapy.

William Nicholl, a 2017 Council Rock High School South graduate, was a member of the CRUSA Elite 98s and FC Bucks Dynamo. Nicholl’s passion for soccer can be shown by his determination and hard work ethic, for which his teammates recognized and selected him as the captain of FC Bucks Dynamo in eighth grade. He is not only dedicated when it comes to soccer, as his work ethic is also visible in the classroom. William is a part of the Presidents Education Awards Program for outstanding academic excellence (signed by Barack Obama) and an officer in National Honor Society.

When he is not on the soccer field or in the classroom, he is helping his local community by peer mentoring, participating in Special Olympics and also tutoring his peers. Nicholl will be attending Pennsylvania State University in the fall and plans on majoring in Pre-Medicine.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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E astern P ennsylvania Y outh S occer O utreach :

2017 Cedar Cup

By Jackson Corrigan

T

he day started with buses of children arriving at the fields singing and chanting.

The children were full of anticipation for the Cedar Cup. The Cedar Cup is a tournament hosted

by The JT Dorsey Foundation and The Lebanon School District, played between two Lebanon elementary schools, Harding and Northwest.

The tournament is a one-day event, which features 24 teams, boys and girls, from the two schools playing in six games each. This year it was held May 19 across the road from Lebanon Senior High School.

The fifth graders at each school train most of the year at before- or after-school soccer programs in order to prepare for this tournament. The event is a culmination of all their hard work and dedication.

“Playing against another school and with their friends is something that they talk about as soon as they start playing in the fall and is something they are looking forward to in the spring,” said Harding

Students from each school were bused to the fields to cheer on their classmates.

Elementary School principal Mike Reager. He also mentioned the importance of the parental support and that the programs led to increased participation in soccer at the middle school and high school level.

The event also is exciting for the younger kids in the elementary schools as they are bussed out to the fields to cheer on their respective school. Many of the classes arrived chanting for their teams and holding and waving homemade signs and posters.

Boys players from Northwest and Harding Elementary Schools compete in the 2017 Cedar Cup.

The day was full of excitement for players, coaches and fans. Teams were awarded points not just for games won and goals scored, but also for acts of sportsmanship. At the end of the day the kids were reminded the importance of sportsmanship and that they are all Cedars in the end. The overall winner of the tournament was Harding, who won by a very narrow margin. The Cedar Cup was a success once again.

“The event is always a fantastic combination of all the work that the kids and the coaches put in during the school year. Each year it gets better and better. To have the support of the school district and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer really helps this event be spectacular,” said JT Dorsey, tournament creator and founder of the JT Dorsey Foundation. The Lebanon School District and the JT Dorsey Foundation look to continue the event for years to come.

The Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Outreach Program continues to help communities looking to start programs such as the Cedar Cup. If you are interested in getting involved or starting your own program, please email J.T. Dorsey at JTDorsey@epysa.org.

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profile :

Jaclyn Poucel Helps Build Tradition at Celtic FC

By Dillon Friday, Communications Manager, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

Staff and players from the Eastern Pennsylvania ODP U13 Boys trip to Scotland were on hand this April to see Jaclyn Poucel, a Manheim Township native and former Hershey SC player, score her first professional goal for Celtic.

I

f not the world’s most famous club, Celtic FC, based in Glasgow, Scotland, is certainly in the discussion. Celtic boasts a tradition that dates to 1888 and includes 48 league titles—including this season—37 Scottish Cups and the 1967 European Cup, when Celtic became the first British club to claim Europe’s top prize. Eternal clashes with Glasgow neighbors Rangers FC, a derby known as The Old Firm, and a beautiful green-and-white-striped kit that has remained virtually unchanged since 1903 have only added to Celtic’s allure. The name Celtic is synonymous with greatness and greatness in Scottish soccer in particular.

Now, approaching 130 years of existence, Celtic is focusing its attention on building up its women’s team. To do that, the club is relying in part on Manheim Township native Jaclyn Poucel. Poucel, 23, has been playing professional soccer for two-and-a-half years following a four-year career at the University of Pittsburgh. Celtic came calling in 2016.

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

“I played in Finland’s top league and Iceland’s top league,” says Poucel. “Celtic was looking to find some American players.”

It helped that Poucel shares an agent with her American teammate, and roommate, Darcy McFarlane. The duo has brought a unique perspective as Scotland, like so many European countries, continues to evolve on the female side of the game.

“It definitely is different,” Poucel says. “The Scottish Premier League hasn’t had too many foreign players.

For Celtic, this is the first time any player that isn’t a UK citizen has played for them. They’re really trying to expand the women’s side and

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qualify for the Champions League.”

Poucel inherited her soccer talents from her mother, Jill Gaissert.

Gaissert was a promising player who had committed to Rutgers before tearing her ACL. She later became Jaclyn’s first coach, when Jaclyn was just four years old.

Poucel played primarily for two clubs, Baltimore Bays and Hershey Soccer Club. It was at the latter where she developed into a top prospect. Hershey played at various college showcases across the country, including at Disney World.

The club also found success at the Eastern Pennsylvania State Cup, although, in Poucel’s memory, they couldn’t quite get over the hump in a talented age group.

She initially dreamed of playing college soccer in the Big 10. Penn State was on her list as was Indiana.

But two things eventually drew Poucel to Pitt: location—in a big city—and major—Art History.

“I was actually in AP art studio courses in high school and AP history,” Poucel says. “It was something I was always good at and

Playing for Hershey SC, Poucel wins a header against an LDC United opponent. passionate about. And Pittsburgh is a top 15 art history school in the country.”

Poucel excelled on the field and in the classroom for the Panthers. She started eight games as a freshman and continued to be among the team leaders in minutes played. By her senior year, she was a captain, her leadership made more important by Pitt’s transition to the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Poucel thought about being an art historian; she wanted to write, teach or work in a museum. But upon graduation, her passion for soccer came first.

With help from her agent, the centerback landed in Scandinavia, first in Finland and later in Iceland.

Celtic was her biggest move yet and a serendipitous one at that.

“I follow the (English) Premier League a lot. Of course you’ll hear about Celtic and the Old Firm,” says Poucel. “I didn’t know too much.

I just knew of Celtic. I actually watched them play Manchester United in Philadelphia when I was like 13. I learned so much more about the history once I got here.”

Past and present converged in April. Poucel was just starting off her season while a collection of Eastern Pennsylvania Olympic Development Program players were touring Glasgow. On the same trip,

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer CEO Chris Branscome discovered a plaque in the Scottish Football Hall of Fame that reads, “Presented to Scottish Football Association by the Football Association of Eastern Pennsylvania and District,” the precursor to Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. The plaque was dated 1935, confirming the PennsylvaniaScotland connection was established long ago.

Poucel is doing her best to prolong it. Celtic is off to a strong start in the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) and finished second in the League Cup to Hibernian, the only team that has beaten Celtic this season.

A personal highlight for Poucel came on April 16, when the women’s team, which calls nearby East Kilbride home, played Stirling University at Celtic Park. In the 51st minute, Poucel scored to double Celtic’s lead to 2-0 with Eastern Pennsylvania ODP players and staff in attendance. CelticFC.net described it like this: “(Heather Richards’) inch-perfect delivery was flashed into the net from the head of Jaclyn Poucel who celebrated her first Celtic goal in some style.”

It was not only Poucel’s first goal for Celtic but her first as a professional in a game that ended 2-1.

“It’s funny,” she says. “One of (Stirling’s) assistant coaches is a former Pitt soccer player, and I’m friends with him. It was a cool moment for that reason.”

Poucel has also found time to pursue her non-soccer interests.

She’s traveled across Europe to England, Sweden, Italy and the Netherlands. Spain is next on her list. Poucel, with help from McFarlane, has contributed writing to Celtic’s website and print magazine as well in a feature called “Ghirls’ Talk.”

“We want to use this platform as a way to create a stronger connection between the Celtic supporters and the women’s side of Celtic football,” she wrote in her initial post.

“I actually asked if there was any way I could contribute or volunteer,” Poucel says, “because writing has always been something I’m passionate about. They told me

A plaque, which now sits in the Scottish Football Hall of Fame, presented to the “Scottish Football Association by the Football Association of Eastern Pennsylvania and District and First German-American Soccer Club, National Amateur Champions.” they’d been trying to find a way to include the women’s team in the magazine so it was perfect timing.”

Topics have included life in Scotland, early experiences with Celtic and lessons learned from the trophywinning men’s team: “Their success and their mentality is something we all aspire to and can learn from. It has been important for us to realise (sic) that it is also something that doesn’t happen overnight.”

A league title would be nice this season. As of this writing, Celtic sits in third place in the SWPL with play continuing into the fall. The Old Firm, not nearly as intense as the male version but still a talking point on the calendar, takes place June 14.

Poucel is looking forward to that fixture as well the rest of her stay in Glasgow. After playing for 20 years, she knows it doesn’t last forever and is happy she landed where she did.

She believes if players have the opportunity to play overseas, they should take it.

“I think I would advise them to use all the connections they have,” Poucel says. “If you want to do it, just do it. But it takes a lot of work.”

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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R E C S O C C E R spotlight

West Chester United

By Shannon Metzler

A collection of coaches in the West Chester United SC Recreation League earned a state coaching certificate this spring through Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

W

est Chester United Soccer Club was only a four-team club that played solely in the fall season when it first started in 1976. West Chester would then continue to add many different programs to their club, which included the recreational league for boys and girls in first grade through 12th grade.

“All my attention is focused on making the recreational side of the club organized and ready for the teams to play on. Our general manager Mark Thomas is also very active and engaged with the recreational side of the club,” says West Chester United Recreation Program Administrator Susan Krause.

Krause has been the Recreation Program Administrator for 15 months but has been a member of the club for 11 years. She has four children

More than 1100 players compete in West Chester United’s Spring Recreation League.

who have all been through both recreational and travel soccer at West Chester United.

“I wanted to be a part of West Chester United because I wanted to be a part of improving and making it more 21st century,” says Krause. “I knew this job would be a stressful one, but I wouldn’t change a thing about it. I love it.”

West Chester United is continuously growing every year and adding many new players every season. In the fall season the club has about 1600 players, and in the spring season they have about 1100 players—overall, they have about 3000 families in their database.

With having so many families a part of the club, Krause tries to keep a good system of organization so everything runs smoothly. The club is always improving digitally which helps them keep up to date with games and training sessions.

“If God and nature cooperate, everything runs smoothly. The software we have has helped with the training schedule, but when it rains it can become stressful with rescheduling,” says Krause. “We go to great lengths to make up missed training and games.”

When it comes to training and coaches, West Chester United has invested in teaching tools. The club hosted an Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer State Coaching Course earlier

this year. This course helps coaches to be successful on the field and better understand the game of soccer and benefit the younger players of the U6-U8 age groups.

“We have found that the parents and kids have a more positive experience when the coaches really know the players. When the kids are just starting out in soccer they feel more comfortable knowing their coach knows they just started,” Krause says.

“Also, with the U6 and U7, we hold a clinic type training, which combines both the 6’s and 7’s, with the parents and trainers being the coaches.”

West Chester United Soccer Club is a non-profit volunteer youth organization, but they do hold events and competitions for recreational players. They have two events they will be working on in the upcoming year.

“We have an end of season tournament, which we hold every year, which is two days long with the age groups U10-U18. This fall we are planning on hosting a ‘rec plus tournament festival,’ which would consist of the tristate area clubs and teams,” Krause says. They are hoping that having these two events will draw new families and players who have yet to try soccer to become a part of their club.

The club has done a lot to bring children from the local community into an environment where they feel safe and have fun. West Chester United, which was once a small club, is growing every year and changing the game of soccer for many young players.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Coaching Education Instructor Don Brady works with coaches from West Chester United SC at the State Coaching Course.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

9

2017 Eastern Pennsylvania Outdoor Cup Champions

For the third consecutive year, more than 1000 teams entered our outdoor cup competitions. In the end, 54 were left to claim winners’ medals. The games were thrilling, the soccer impressive and the emotions very real—we thank everyone for a terrific cup season and wish those teams advancing to regional and national championships the best of luck.

2017 Eastern Pennsylvania State Cup (National Championship Series) Champions State Cup Champions advance to the US Youth Soccer Region I Championships in Spotsylvania, Virginia.

U12 Girls FC Bucks North Black

U17 Girls Lower Merion SC Storm

U12 Boys Continental FC Dortmund

U17 Boys HMMS Titans

U13 Girls PSC Coppa Swarm

U18 Girls FC Pennsylvania Strikers

U13 Boys Lower Merion SC Invictus

U18 Boys Patriot FC Red

U14 Girls Lehigh Valley United Black

U15 Boys Ukrainian Nationals Black

U14 Boys Ukrainian Nationals Black Elite

U16 Girls 1776 United

U15 Girls Lehigh Valley United Black

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

epysa.org

U16 Boys Future Player Academy Premier

U19/20 Girls YMS Premier Xplosion U19/20 Boys Penn Fusion Elite

Photo credit: Chloe Elmer

2017 Eastern Pennsylvania President Cup Champions

The US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup is designed for those teams seeking additional challenges to play against teams of similar abilities across the state. The cup provides a progressive, competitive experience to teams that might not otherwise get the opportunity. The Eastern Pennsylvania Presidents Cup is the first step to a National Presidents Cup Championship. Winning teams below as well as runners-up in U12 Boys, U12 Girls, U14 Boys, U14 Girls, U15 Boys and U16 Girls will advance to play in the US Youth Soccer Region I Presidents Cup in Barboursville, West Virginia, June 17-19.

U12 Girls CASA Arsenal

U16 Girls PSC Coppa Blue Storm

U12 Boys North Union Adrenaline

U16 Boys Ukrainian Nationals Black Elite

U13 Girls North Union Strikers

U17/18 Girls Ukrainian Nationals Black Vorskla

U13 Boys FC Bucks North United Black

12

U14 Girls Montgomery United Fury

U15 Girls FC York Elite

U14 Boys HMMS Ajax

U15 Boys North Union Cannons

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

epysa.org

U17/18 Boys Southern Chester County SA Dragons

2017 Eastern Pennsylvania Turkey Hill Challenge Cup Champions

The Eastern Pennsylvania Turkey Hill Challenge Cup is a state-wide competition intended to give teams of all levels the chance to compete for a state title. It is not associated with the State Cup. In 2017 a record number of teams (655) entered the Turkey Hill Challenge Cup, by far the most out of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s three outdoor cup competitions. The 26 champions are listed below.

U9 Girls ‘A’ Division PSC Coppa Express

U14 Girls Vitesse FC Wonder

U9 Girls ‘B’ Division PENN Athletics Liberty

U14 Boys Haverford Elite

U9 Boys ‘A’ Division Lower Merion SC Rovers Red

U15 Girls Warrington Wildcats

U9 Boys ‘B’ Division Danubia Gunners

U15 Boys Hulmeville Vipers

U10 Girls ‘A’ Division FC Europa Elite U10 Girls ‘B’ Division West Schuylkill Explosion U10 Boys ‘A’ Division PSC Coppa Young Guns

U11 Boys ‘A’ Division FC Europa Elite U11 Boys ‘B’ Division Danubia Hotspurs U12 Girls FC Revolution

U10 Boys ‘B’ Division Langhorne Neshaminy United Fury

U12 Boys VE Kickers

U11 Girls ‘A’ Division PA Classics Academy

U13 Girls Valley Voodoo

U11 Girls ‘B’ Division Fishtown Fusion

U13 Boys Buckingham United Blue

U16 Girls Quakertown Blue Tigers U16 Boys Lebanon Valley Warriors U17 Girls Southampton Fusion U17 Boys YMS Attack U18 Girls LDC Extreme U18 Boys Phoenix Elite

Photo credit: Hallie Ward

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

13

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Eastern Pennsylvania ODP

An Interview with Sydney Mitchell

Thanks to its position as the world’s most popular team sport, there’s no telling where soccer may take you. Sydney Mitchell, a Media native who played for a number of local clubs as well Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer ODP, landed in New Zealand following a standout career at After graduating from George Mason, Sydney Mitchell decided to continue her George Mason University. Three months into her career on the other side of the globe. first season with Glenfield Rovers of the Northern Football Federation and Lotto NRFL Women’s Premier League, Sydney took time to speak with Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer about her experiences abroad.

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hat inspired you to make Zealand). I think it’s good to start such a big move? getting out of your comfort zone Sydney Mitchell: After at a young age.

I was done playing in Any coaches make a particular college, I didn’t want to be done impact on your path? with soccer yet. I wanted to do SM: I think that every single something cool. I never got the one had an effect on me as a chance to study abroad, so I used player. Every coach had different soccer as an excuse to see the world. approaches and made me learn What’s the level of play like? more about the game. Jason SM: It’s pretty high. It’s not like Luzak (at FC Delco) made me so professional level in the states. But for technical. I know my (ODP) year a country this small, it’s really nice.

“Living the dream,” Mitchell says of playing soccer in New Zealand. with Joe Dizio, we had a really How did you land on New good team. Actually, Emma Starr, Zealand? my roommate in college, was on SM: It was a long line of contact. the dream. that team. ODP reconnected us.

Everyone says how small the soccer How did your ODP experience world is, and it really is. (My coach help your career? and I) just got put into contact SM: When I first started with through that long line.

ODP, I was with (TredyffrinWhat has been the hardest part Easttown Youth Soccer so far?

Association). I do remember SM: It hasn’t been too hard to being nervous. ODP was be honest. The hardest part is so big. You knew it had you’re picking up your whole life all the best players. It was and moving across the world, not pretty nerve-wracking. It knowing what to expect. I wouldn’t helped to have some of my say it’s been too hard, though. teammates try out with me.

What has been the best thing But it’s definitely out of your about the move? comfort zone. I think that SM: Just seeing the world and makes you a better player. seeing a new place. A lot of people It’s like college—you break have never been to this side of the “I think it’s good to start getting out of your comfort zone at a young age”out of your comfort zone.

Sydney Mitchell on playing ODP. world. The fact that I can travel and I was out of my comfort do something I love, it’s really living zone again (going to New Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

15

quarterly calendar June 2017

August 2017

16-18 National E License Course | Red Lion, PA

4-6 National E License Course | Plymouth Meeting, PA

16-18 National D License Part I Course | Hanover, PA

4-6 National D License Part I Course | Plymouth Meeting, PA

17-19 US Youth Soccer Region I Presidents Cup | Barboursville, WV

25-27 National D License Part II Course | Hanover, PA

19-22 Delaware County Day Camp | Chester Park | Wallingford, PA

25-27 National D License Part II Course | Media, PA

23-25 National E License Course | Northampton, PA 24-25 ODP Region I Championships | Kirkwood, DE 30-July 4 US Youth Soccer Region I Championships | Spotsylvania, VA

July 2017

september 2017 1 Seasonal Year Begins 4 Labor Day, State Office Closed

1 Annual Membership Registration & Affiliation Form Due 4 Independence Day, State Office Closed 9-13 Resident Camp | Bryn Athyn College | Bryn Athyn, PA 12-16 US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup | Auburndale, FL 14-16 National E License Course | Allentown, PA 17-21 TOPSoccer: Jacob’s Soccer Camp | Ukrainian Nationals Club | North Wales, PA 19 CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals | Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia, PA 16-20 Resident Camp | Bryn Athyn College | Bryn Athyn, PA 21-23 National E License Course | Fort Washington, PA 23-30 National C License Course (Meeting I) | Manheim, PA 24-30 US Youth Soccer National Championships | Frisco, TX 28-30 National E License Course | Philadelphia, PA

Penn Fusion Elite 98 celebrated its fifth State Cup title on June 4 and will play in the National Championships in July thanks to a US Youth Soccer National League Red Division championship.

31-August 3 Delaware County Day Camp | Chester Park | Wallingford, PA Players from 1776 United celebrate a goal in the U16 Girls State Cup Final.

1776 United defeated PA Classics 4-0 to win the Robert Urban Cup. The Delaware County club will advance to the Region I Championships in Spotsylvania, VA. Photo credit: Chloe Elmer.

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Perpetual Trophie s:

Richard Groff Cup Awarded for First Time

By Dillon Friday

Former Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer President Richard Groff poses with the trophy named in his honor alongside Ukrainian Nationals players Corey Bethel (left) and Joshua Jones (right).

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very time the United States Men’s National Team plays to a capacity crowd on home soil you can thank Richard Groff.

When the Bucks County native was president of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer in the late 1980’s he took in a national team game in St. Louis with 5,000 spectators. He turned to Sunil Gulati, now president of U.S. Soccer, and said, “We can do better than this.”

“Can you get me a game in Philadelphia? It was as simple as that,” Groff recalled at the Eastern Pennsylvania State Cup Finals in Downingtown. “They agreed to let us have a game in Philadelphia, and that game in 1989 was spectacular. We drew 40,000 people. It was different.

We made a change.”

Groff’s contributions to soccer raised the level of the sport at both the state and national level. He was elected treasurer of U.S. Soccer in 1990 and later served on its Board of Directors.

Throughout his career, he worked to drive the popularity of a sport he felt deserved better.

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

“It all started when I ran for vice President of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer,” said Groff, who played soccer at Pennridge High School and Lafayette College, “and my whole belief was it was a great sport that could be better and make it more important.”

He certainly accomplished that.

On May 20, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer awarded the Richard Groff Cup for the first time. The cup, part of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s perpetual trophies which also include the Frank Olszewski Cup (U17 Boys), Charlotte Moran Cup (U17 Girls), Werner Fricker Cup (U16 Boys) and Robert Urban Cup (U16 Girls), goes to the champion of the Under-15 Boys Eastern Pennsylvania State Cup. Ukrainian Nationals defeated Penn Fusion Elite, 5-4 in penalties to lift the inaugural trophy. The two teams were tied at one after extra time.

Groff, a 2014 recipient of the Werner Fricker Builder Award--U.S. Soccer’s highest honor-- was on hand to present the cup named in his

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honor to the winning captains.

“It’s just an honor to be chosen to do this,” said Groff. “I knew all four other people (Charlotte Moran, Frank Olszewski, Robert Urban and Werner Fricker) personally. And to be in that group with them is fantastic.”

Groff’s credentials were read off prior to the Ukrainians accepting the championship trophy. He posed for a few pictures as well. Ukrainian Nationals coach Shane Rineer relished the opportunity to have his young team learn an important history lesson.

“Whenever you can honor people of the past and bring them back for these guys to know and understand the tradition of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer,” said Rineer, “and knowing that these guys weren’t even born when (Richard Groff) was (president) of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, is great for them.”

2017 Perpetual Trophy Champions: Werner Fricker Sr. Cup (U16 Boys): Future Player Academy Premier Frank J. Olszewski Cup (U17 Boys): HMMS Titans Robert Urban Cup (U16 Girls): 1776 United Charlotte Moran Cup (U17 Girls): Lower Merion Storm

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From the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Medical Advisory Committee Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Medical Advisory Committee, CEO Chris Branscome Take Part in Second Annual Youth Sports Safety Symposium

By Dr. Kevin Freedman Kevin B. Freedman, MD, is a Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Surgeon with the Rothman Institute in Bryn Mawr. He is Chair of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Medical Advisory Committee and Director of the Injury Prevention Program for the Rothman Institute.

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n May 20, Rothman Institute hosted the second annual Youth Sports Safety Symposium at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Catered towards youth and high school coaches, athletic trainers and parents, the event featured a variety of sports medicine professionals from across the region.

The day was a great educational event for coaches at all levels. It is the goal of the Injury Prevention Program at Rothman Institute and the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Medical Advisory Committee to spread the message of safety for all athletes through both community education and ongoing research.

After a short Q&A and autograph session with former Philadelphia Eagles Barrett Brooks and Jason Avant, the symposium returned to a panel discussion on keeping our kids safe in sports. The panel included several local physicians specializing in sports medicine, athletic trainers, and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer CEO Chris Branscome. Topics from the panel included single sports specialization, safe return to play after injury, and governance in sports.

Some of the other topics from the symposium included: • On-field Management for Basic Injuries • Psychological Effect on the Injured Athlete • When to Worry About Aches and Pains

• ConcussionWise Certification Program • Nutrition’s Influence on Injury Prevention & Recovery • ACL Injury Prevention Program (FIFA 11+) The morning portion of the symposium began with a video presentation by Philadelphia 76ers Head of Strength and Conditioning Todd Wright on dynamic exercise and the importance of movement on athletic performance at all age groups, from youth to professional athletes. This was followed by series of lectures for coaches on injury management and prevention. This included on-field injury management for coaches, and common overuse injuries in the upper and lower extremities.

One of the highlights of the event was the keynote speech given by long time Saint Joe’s Hawks men’s Basketball Coach Phil Martelli.

He offered a somber story about the importance of coaches as mentors not just on the field or court but in life and how one of his biggest regrets in life is not thanking his mentor before he passed away.

Following Coach Martelli’s address the attendees reviewed the ConcussionWise video. The video offers a comprehensive review of concussion prevention, management, and return to play guidelines. Each attendee received a certificate of completion for the short course.

The final presentation of the day focused on the psychological aspect of injured athletes and the

Chair of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Medical Advisory Committee Dr. Kevin Freedman, at the podium, and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer CEO Chris Branscome, third from left, took part in a panel on keeping kids safe in sports. roles coaches have in keeping them optimistic during their recovery.

The program concluded with breakout sessions on a variety of topics including: • Interval Overhead Throwing Programs with demonstrations • ACL Prevention Program with a FIFA 11 demonstration • Nutrition’s Influence on Injury Prevention & Recovery • Shoulder Tackling and a review of youth football initiatives “Rothman Institute is proud to host this kind of event,” said a spokesman from the Rothman Institute.

“Education is the key to prevention.

If we can educate coaches on techniques to prevent injury we can keep youth and high school athletes out of our office and on the playing field. We are looking forward to presenting this symposium for many more years.”

If you or a member of your organization is interested in attending or sponsoring next year’s event please email Tim Jones: tim. jones@rothmaninstitute.com.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

21

® Coupon valid valid for for multiple multiple purchases be combined with any Not Coupon purchases during during your your Team Team Weeks Weeks® shopping shoppingperiod. period.May Offernotcannot be combined withother any offer. other offer validison or price match purchases.

Salesprice tax ismatch not included in the total purchasepurchased calculation. discount will be and notprior validpurchases on previously purchased merchandise, purchases or merchandise for This resale purposes. allocated on a pro rata basis to all valid items. If you return a portion of your purchase, the prorated discount associated with those Sales tax is not included in the total purchase calculation. This discount will be allocated on a pro rata basis to all valid items. If you items will be lost or forfeited. Cannot be redeemed for cash or used as a payment on a Modell’s Credit Card account. Reproductions return a portion of your purchase, the prorated discount associated with those items will be lost or forfeited. Cannot be redeemed of the coupon will not be accepted. Offer applies to store stock only and excludes clearance items, gift certificates, gift cards, baseball for cash or used as a payment on a Modell’s Credit Card account. Reproductions of the coupon will not be accepted. Offer applies & soccer packages, tennis balls, treadmills, elliptical machines, exercise bikes, home gyms, backboards, Swagway/SwagTron to store stock and excludes clearance items, giftBrookstone, certificates, Drones, gift cards, tennis balls, treadmills, elliptical UA machines, exercise products, Fitbitonly products, iFit products, Acton, Altec, Speakers, As Seen on TV products, Healthbox, Yuneec, bikes, home gyms, backboards, Zumba products, Nike Free, Flex Run 14, Nike Hero products (ACG Goadomes, Force, DJI products, Oakley, Ray-Ban, Maui Jim, Nike Eyewear, BlinkNike Skateboards, EcoReco Scooters, Soccer Jerseys, all NikeAirmerchandise, LeBron, Jordans & KD), NikeRawlings watches,Premium Nike fleece product,select all Under Armour merchandise, Rawlings products, all UnderAir Armour merchandise, products, Rawlings gloves & bats, select EastonPremium bats, select Wilson gloves Antigua apparel, New Era-On Field hats, MLB, NFL, NBA & NHL jerseys, Stanley Cup merchandise, Nike Pro Combat, Timberland & bats, Antigua apparel, New Era On Field hats, MLB, MLS, NFL, NBA & NHL jerseys and Timberland 6” Premium Boots #10061 & 6” Premium Boots #10061 & 12909, and WorldAdditional Cup Brazuca balls & may national team soccerhas jerseys. if copied or 12909.

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HEY, KIDS! (And adults, too!)

P e r haps y o u ' v e sa i d t o y o u r s e l f :

“I want to be in touchline magazine!”

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 the quality, the better! If there is not a photo, then we can’t use your entry into 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: epysa.org/communications/player_profiles

p r of i l e s

Future Soccer Stars

Zoie M. Echols

Edward Krause

Evan Krause

Age: 11

Age: 9

Age: 9

Team Name: 2005 Nova Girls

Team Name: Falls Fire

Team Name: Falls Fire

Super Nova FC

Falls Soccer Club

Falls Soccer Club

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

Striker

Goalie

Center defense

What is your nickname?

Zo

Eddie

Ev

Who is your role model? Why?

Christian Pulisic for his moves and skills and making the men’s USA team at a young age

My pop because he shows up and supports us at every game

Cristiano Ronaldo. He is a great soccer player.

What is your favorite soccer team?

USA

FC Bayern

FC Bayern

What is your favorite movie?

Beauty and the Beast

Maze Runner II

Harry Potter series

What is your favorite song?

Closer by Chainsmokers

Believer by Imagine Dragons

Believer by Imagine Dragons

What is your favorite book?

Wonder by Raquel J. Palacio

The Zombie Chasers by John Kloepfer

Harry Potter series

What is your favorite food?

Cake

Lobster tail

Crab legs

What is your favorite sport outside of soccer?

Volleyball

Wrestling

Wrestling

What is your pet peeve (what thing makes you mad or drives you crazy)?

When people keep repeating themselves

None

None

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

United Kingdom. I love the British accent

Germany for gummy bears

Germany for gummy bears

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A Professional Soccer Player

An engineer

MLS player

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

23

Saluting youth soccer

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Th e S t a r t i n g L i n e u p :

What to Watch for this Summer Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Day Camps

E

astern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is hosting several day camps this summer.

Our USSF National Licensed coaches lead each session, teaching techniques for preventing sports injuries.

Instructors utilize modern training methods to give players the self-confidence needed to be successful on the field. All participants will receive a Nike soccer ball and camp t-shirt.

Sign up today online to reserve your spot!

Gold Cup Quarterfinals

F

or the third consecutive year, Philadelphia will serve as home for another international competition.

The CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals will be played on July 19 at Lincoln Financial Field. Make sure to mark your calendars for this doubleheader, it is not one you’ll want to miss!

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Annual Awards

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o you know a coach, volunteer or administrator who went above and beyond in 2017? Nominate him or her for one of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s annual awards. We will be accepting nominations for Travel Coach of the Year (Boys and Girls), Recreation Coach of the Year (Boys and Girls), Administrator of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year. Nomination forms will be available on our website this fall, and are due Friday, September 15.

Philadelphia International Unity Cup

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astern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is proud to have partnered with the City of Philadelphia and the Parks and Recreation Department to support the second annual Philadelphia International Unity Cup. The event was created by Mayor Kenney to highlight the great diversity of the city and promote unity in the community. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will once again be presenting the Fair Play Award to further promote respect and sportsmanship. Although it is an adult-only competition, we have and will continue to work with various communities to assist with programs for their children through clinics and equipment donations. The finals will be held at Lincoln Financial Field in November.

Youth Soccer Month

T

he National Youth Soccer Month campaign will kick off in September to help celebrate youth soccer in America. Youth Soccer Month was established fifteen years ago to help further promote the game at the youth level, through four areas of focus: fun, family, friendship and fitness. Youth Soccer Month celebrations also highlight the various programs available to children interested in playing soccer, including urban, special needs, recreational and elite soccer programs.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is busy at work planning another successful September full of youth soccer month activities, stay tuned for more information and a calendar of events in the coming months.

Army Navy Cup VI: 1st Lt. Manion & Cpl. Crescenz Award

T

he Army Navy Cup will once again return to Talen Energy Stadium! Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer continues to support the First Lt. Manion and Cpl. Crescenz Award, which will be given to two high school students, one boy and one girl, who live by the motto “If not me then who…” The award is open to high school juniors and seniors, and will be presented at halftime of the annual Army-Navy Cup this fall.

Apply online this summer.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

25

presented by spo t l i g h t

AAA Share Your Journey: Julian Anderson

From PhiladelphiaUnion.com

Julian Anderson has made quite an impression in his brief time with the Union Academy

E

verybody remembers their first love. It can start as early as middle school, or maybe in high school, or possibly college.

You carry it for the rest of your life, no matter who it is. But Julian Anderson’s first love isn’t a who, but a what.

Anderson’s first love was, and still is, soccer.

“My first memory of playing soccer was in my backyard, playing with my older sister,” Anderson said. “My dad used to have us run around outside and get all of our energy out, and we’d have fun out there. That’s when it all started.”

Anderson gravitated to the ball, always having it at his feet. Anderson’s journey started with youth soccer in Ocean Township, NJ, and he always wanted to be the one with the ball and score. Naturally, at an age where sharing is regularly taught, Anderson’s affinity for being the star caused some slight problems.

26

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

“I was crazy. I always ran around,” Anderson said. “I loved to get the ball and score a lot of goals. I remember one time I got kicked out because I was so competitive. But I loved it.”

Throughout his time in youth soccer in New Jersey, Anderson and his family would take trips for games and tournaments across the East Coast. While most of them were in North or South Jersey, Anderson participated in tournaments in Pennsylvania, Maryland and even Connecticut. His dad mostly made the trip with him, as his mom stayed home with his sister. Anderson said he loved those trips in the car because it created bonding moments with his dad.

“My dad loves soccer, so he never minded driving me to the tournaments,” Anderson said. “He loved watching me play. We talked about all sorts of things on those trips, soccer related and other things too.

epysa.org

I definitely think on those trips my dad and I formed a stronger bond.”

Anderson continued to grow and excel at the sport. He was always one of the best players out on the pitch, if not the best. And like every kid that grows up playing a sport, he wanted to be a professional soccer play. Eventually, both he and his family realized he had the potential to make that a reality.

In stepped the Union Youth Academy.

“I started looking at the Youth Academy when I realized it could take me to the next step,” Anderson said. “I’ve always dreamed of being a professional soccer player, and I think I have a better chance achieving that goal with the Union Academy.”

The Union Academy started recruiting Anderson in 2016, and eventually he came out for a tryout.

When he arrived, he saw the environment both on and off the field and was drawn to it.

2017 PHILADELPHIA UNION

GROUP TICKETS SCHEDULE & PRICING FRIDAY

SATURDAY SATURDAY WEDNESDAY SATURDAY

APR 14 APR 22

SUNDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MAY 20 JUNE 18 JUNE 24 JULY 2

MAY 6

MAY 17

7:00PM

1:00PM

7:00PM

7:30PM

7:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

5:00PM

TIER B

TIER D

TIER A

TIER D

TIER C

TIER A

TIER A

TIER C

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

SUNDAY

SATURDAY WEDNESDAY SATURDAY SATURDAY SATURDAY

JULY 15 JULY 26 AUG 5 7:00PM

7:30PM

7:00PM

TIER D

TIER D

TIER C

AUG 12 AUG 26 SEPT 23 OCT 1 8:00PM

7:00PM

7:00PM

1:00PM

TIER B

TIER B

TIER B

TIER C

OCT 22 4:00PM TIER B

VIDEO BOARD CLUB

123

110

107 309 308 307 306

106 105 104

RIVER DECK

124

109 108

103

125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132

SUPPORTERS GATE

139

138

137

136

135

134

140

102

1 10

GATE

(Standing Allowed in Sections 134-140)

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3

320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 329 330 331 332 333 334 335 336 337 338 339

2017 GROUP TICKET PRICES

BRIDGE DECK

TIER A

TIER B

TIER C

TIER D

FIELD LEVEL

$139

$122

$121

$121

CLUB GREEN

$89 $53

$80 $51

$80 $48

$72 $45

BLUE

$42

$39

$39

$38

LIGHT BLUE

$40

$37

$35

$32

YELLOW

$26

$25

$23

$22

RIVER END

$26

$25

$23

$22

CATEGORY

Commodore Barry Bridge

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TABLES

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FIELD LEVEL SEATING

314 313 312 311

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112

PLAYER BENCHES

MANAGER’S ROW

SEAPORT DECK

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115 116 117 118 119 120

TABLES

GATE

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Away Supporters

RIVER GATE

Delaware River

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The Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program sponsors two plans–the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) and the PA 529 Investment Plan (IP). The guarantee of the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan is an obligation of the GSP Fund, not the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or any state agency. Before investing in either plan, please carefully read that plan’s disclosure statement (available at www.PA529.com or by calling 800-440-4000) to learn more about that plan, including investment objectives, risks, fees and tax implications.

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At Nationwide®, our number one goal is being there for our members. That’s why we have your back when it comes to protecting what’s most important, like: The car you drive your athletes in to every practice The RV you use for that weekend tournament Join us as we team up with Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer to promote youth safety, especially the importance of concussion awareness and teen driving.

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presented by T O P S o c c e r S po t l i g h t :

Jacob’s Soccer Camp

TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a communitybased training and team placement program for young athletes with special needs. Each issue of Touchline, we’ll feature conversations with TOPSoccer Buddies and players who epitomize the spirit of the program. This issue, FC Montco player and 2017 Union League of Philadelphia Good Citizenship Award winner Jacob Cohen tells us about Jacob’s Soccer Camp, an annual event that welcomes TOPSoccer players from around Each summer dozens of TOPSoccer players take part in Jacob’s Soccer Camp. the Philadelphia area. This year’s camp will take place July 17-21 at the Ukrainian Nationals Club.

W

hat inspired you to start Jacob’s Soccer Camp?

I am passionate about soccer. So when I was 12 years old, I began volunteering at the Variety Club of Philadelphia, where I played soccer and basketball with children with special needs. I was having a great time playing with the kids, but one thing I noticed was that the soccer practices were not very instructional. Of course, the ultimate goal is for the kids to have fun, but I wanted to give the kids an opportunity to both have fun and learn new soccer skills. That summer, I started my own camp for children with special needs, and many of my friends, teammates and past coaches volunteered.

What are a few highlights of your experience of starting and hosting a camp?

Something particularly significant over the years has been the impact of the camp on not only the campers but the volunteers. I didn’t necessarily

consider the effects of camp on the volunteers when starting it, but after running it, friends, teammates and coaches have told me how the program had positively impacted them. Beyond that, I’d say the biggest highlight of my experience is the pizza party that takes place on the last day of camp. Each year, by this point in the week, the campers and volunteers have become very close, and ending the week with a fun pizza party serves as a very nice goodbye for everyone.

How do you go about getting your peers and teammates involved?

In Philadelphia, I have not had much trouble getting volunteers. To get my teammates involved, I send out an email to my team, and typically I get quick responses. The kids who are home during camp always come out for at least a day and seem excited to help out. Fortunately, I have several very supportive friends, and so when I told them about my camp, they volunteered without me even asking. Now, many

of my friends ask me throughout the year when camp will be, as they enjoy volunteering. Last year, Jacob’s Soccer Camp expanded to Bethesda, Maryland.

A friend of mine, Hale Lieberman, who is also a 17-year-old soccer player, was the camp director in Bethesda and helped get volunteers and campers there. He had similar experiences in getting volunteers, which was very helpful. I would not be able to run camp in Bethesda if it weren’t for him, so I am very thankful for his help.

What advice would you have for someone interested in starting a TOPSoccer program?

Starting your own program may seem like a tall task, but if you break it down into small steps, it is very manageable.

For example, in order to start Jacob’s Soccer Camp, I knew that I needed to arrange a field, get campers, coaches and volunteers, and have equipment. Those are the basics that I believe are necessary in running camp. After that, you can focus on the extra, smaller details (at my

p l ay e r p r of i l e Eric Salomon Experience in soccer: Eric, 20, has played for Upper Dublin’s TOPSoccer since he was five. He also played at the Variety Club for nine years.

What is your favorite thing about soccer? I like to kick the ball and have fun with the guys.

Eric Salomon has been attending Jacob’s Soccer Camp for years in addition to playing for Upper Dublin and the Variety Club.

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

epysa.org

What is your favorite activity or game at Jacob’s Soccer Camp? I like to play all the games at camp.

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E a s t e r n P e n n s y lva n i a C o ach i n g E d u ca t i o n :

A Coaching Life with Mike Dicely

Not everyone who coaches soccer does so on a full-time or even part-time basis. Most, in fact, volunteer their time while maintaining professional lives outside the sport. One such person is Mike Dicely, who coaches his daughter Madison’s U16 Fusion FC team. Mike splits his time between two passions: coaching soccer and racecar, specifically dirt track car, building and driving.

Mike Dicely (back row, left) says he gets a similar adrenaline rush He owns and operates Hyper Racing in Lewisberry, which coaching as he does when he’s racing. ships cars all over Pennsylvania and the world. Mike also found time to earn his U.S. Soccer National E License and Photos courtesy of Mike Dicely is in the process of getting his “D.” He spoke to Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer about his experiences in both soccer and racing.

H

ow did you get introduced to soccer?

Mike Dicely: I only ever played in high school for Manheim Township. In 2012, my club needed a coach for the rec league.

Because I’m a business owner, I reluctantly did it. I was busy all the time and racing on the weekends.

My wife convinced me this was something I needed to do. I coached the one year of rec. Then Fusion dropped its rec program. There were all these girls that had to quit playing at 11 years old or form a travel team.

So we formed a team, the Fusion C team, and that’s when I really fell in love with coaching. I went and got my E License then really studied the game. I started watching pro soccer, really learned a lot about the game.

We progressed. We started out at Division 4 of CPYSL and progressed up to Division 1. We did very well.

It confirms that you’re teaching the right things.

And racing?

MD: I grew up at the dirt track.

My dad was a racecar driver.

That was my passion since I was three years old. I always wanted to become a racecar driver. I went to Millersville University and got my degree in hands-on mechanical engineering. Worked in Baltimore as a mechanical engineer and gained a lot of experience. My wife convinced me to quit my job and start my own business building racecars. That was in 1994. We now

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

have 13 employees, and we ship a difference. First of all, they’re racecars all over the world. volunteers. My rates are one-third What type of racecars does your the rates of bigger clubs. The club business produce? fees are very low. And my team is MD: The main part of our business, very competitive. So a good parent they’re called mini sprints. We use coach can offer something that a 600 cc motorcycle engines. A lot professional can’t: the high quality of of people don’t know this, Central play without all the costs. We may Pennsylvania is the dirt track capital also be more invested. When you of the world. There is a ton of dirt have multiple teams, it’s hard to give track racing in Central Pennsylvania.

100 percent.

Thirty percent of our sales are in Would you encourage other parent Pennsylvania, but we ship all over. or volunteer coaches to pursue What similarities do you see in coaching education? dirt track racing and soccer, if any?

MD: Absolutely. I loved it a lot. You MD: The individual have to go there wanting to learning competitiveness and the adrenaline and wanting get something out of it. rush. As a coach and a driver, I love But it’s a great resource. the adrenaline rush and competition. I get pumped up to go to practice and a game.

That’s when I realized I don’t have to race as much. Coaching is a great thrill.

How does being part of a team differ from racing?

MD: That’s the one thing I get out of soccer that I didn’t get out of racing. It’s not about me. It’s about them. And that’s more fulfilling.

What are your views on parent and Dirt track racing, prevalent in Central Pennsylvania, was Mike Dicely’s volunteer coaches? first passion.

MD: A good parent coach can make

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Y o u t h Sp o r t s :

The Next Great American Sports Star

By Mike Barr, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Technical Director

Josh Sargent, 17, recently became the youngest ever American scorer at the U20 World Cup.

I

magine if you had the chance to watch the career from age 16 of sport standouts such as Michael Jordan, Jim Brown, Willie Mays, Lionel Messi, Jack Nicklaus or Serena Williams. You could take satisfaction in knowing that you began to follow a superstar before most people were aware of him or her, and you could have a unique relationship as you followed that individual’s career into the pressurefilled cauldron of professional sports. I am writing to tell you there is a young, gifted soccer player who may provide followers with incredible soccer for years to come.

I had the pleasure of seeing Josh Sargent play for the U-17 U.S Men’s National Team in December of 2016 against Turkey and Brazil. These games turned out to be real confidence boosters for the U17’s. From those dominant wins and exciting play and with strong guidance from coach John Hackworth, our U17’s qualified for the U17 World Cup by finishing runner up to Mexico in the final in CONCACAF play. The 2017 U.S. team has quality players with a firm grasp of believing in

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

themselves and their play. This team may be stronger than the 1999 U17 team composed of U.S. Soccer greats Landon Donovan, DeMarcus Beasley, Oguchi Onyewu, Kyle Beckerman and Eastern Pennsylvania native Bobby Convey. But the one player on the U17 team who just seems to rise to every occasion and has a flair for the game that is unmatched is Josh Sargent.

His play is so strong he was recently selected to play for the U20 team at the Under-20 World Cup in South Korea even though he just turned 17. Sargent has excelled thus far, scoring three goals in group play as the U.S. advanced to the knockout stages as Group F winners. In October, Sargent will be back to the U17’s as they open World Cup play in the United Arab Emirates, quite a huge role for a player so young.

The Scott Gallagher Developmental Academy product, who hails from the St. Louis area, has an intensity, maturity and confidence that belies his age. At 5 feet 11 inches and 174 pounds, he brings skill, speed and strength to his forward position. The five

epysa.org

goals he scored in the CONCACAF qualifying rounds were examples of not only his amazing ability but his consistent effort to be the best.

The goal he scored against Mexico in the opening rounds was one for the ages. I suggest you search out the goal on YouTube, but let me share Soccer America’s Mike Woitalla’s thoughts as he describes Sargent’s goal on May 4: Blaine Ferri’s long, high pass from inside the U.S. half flew diagonally toward the corner as Sargent chased it down with defender Carlos Robles on his shoulder…Normally, one would have expected the forward (to) keep going with the direction of the ball and try to swing in a cross. Certainly, Robles was well positioned to prevent Sargent from getting a shot off. But with his first touch, Sargent tapped the ball up, behind his own body and toward the middle. The second touch came off his head, and Robles slid to the ground in vain as Sargent’s third touch, with his left foot, set him up for a right-footed shot that nutmegged goalkeeper Cesar Lopez.

Sargent’s mom and dad are former collegiate players. Josh began playing soccer at age three. He believed even at a young age that he would someday play for the USMNT and even envisioned himself playing in the EPL. He attended St. Dominic’s High School in O’Fallon, Missouri for two years before heading to the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He started as a point guard as a freshman on the St. Dominic basketball team, another example of a multi-sport athlete who is achieving success. He never played soccer for the Crusaders, choosing instead to play at the academy level for Scott Gallagher. Sporting Kansas City has the signing rights to Josh in the MLS, but he has received strong interest from PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Eredivisie and FC Schalke 04 in the German Bundesliga.

With his long red hair and Norman Rockwell-type All American looks, he has a future that could be amazing in terms of marketing. Coach Hackworth describes his captain as “a leader on and off the field who looks to do the right thing.”

Get on the Josh Sargent band wagon. I think he will take us for an incredible journey.

Futbol Friday is coming On Friday, October 6th, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer in partnership with Red Card Cancer encourages all soccer fans to wear their favorite jerseys to raise awareness for cancer research.

A cure is our goal!

Post pictures of you in your jerseys and we'll share them!

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YO U’ VE TH O UG HT AB O UT TH EI R

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SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST

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An automated external defibrillator (AED) is the only tool that can save someone in cardiac arrest.

The Philadelphia Union, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, and Simon’s Fund are joining forces to encourage clubs and teams to get an AED device.

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To get started, visit www.GotAED.org

.

training session

Penetrating Off The Dribble To Create Scoring Chances

By Mike Barr, Technical Director, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

Small-sided Game: 3 v 3 Description

Set up two 3v3, 20 yards by 25 yards grids with a goal at each end. Play 20-minute games. At break, explain the value of getting the ball forward off the dribble and when to penetrate at speed. Emphasize the value of being able to beat a defender in a 1v1 situation.

Coaching Points

During 3-minute breaks, provide feedback through open-ended, guided, discovery-type questioning. What did you see? What can you do better to help attacking players?

1 v 1 Attacking & Defending Description

Set up a 10 yards by 15 yards grid with 5x10 end zones. Have the players play 1v1 with the attacking player trying to control the ball into the end zone. Play begins with a server playing a ball into the attacker who is attempting to dribble into the opposite end zone by beating the defender. If the defender wins the ball, he/she attempts to dribble into the opposite end zone to score. Players rotate when the ball goes outside the touchline or a goal is scored.

Coaching Points

Encourage the players so they’re confident in dribbling forward to create opportunities to score goals.

3 v 2 Attacking Description

Set up a 20x25 grid with a 5x10 end zone on either side. The drill will include three attackers, two defenders and a server. Players are now forced to recognize when to penetrate off the dribble or pass. After a goal is scored or ball goes out of play, the server joins the two defenders and one attacker becomes the server. The team that defended first will now attack.

Play for 20 minutes.

Coaching Points

“That’s not bad, but can you think of anything else you can do to create space behind the defenders?”

Progression

Move from the third activity into a 9v9 game, watching for the coaching points from the three drills.

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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