Touchline Spring 2013 by Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

PENNSYLVANIA’S LEADING YOUTH SOCCER PUBLICATION Spring 2013 | Volume XL

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH SOCCER

2013 Horizon Services Indoor Cup

ESSENTIAL FEATURES

Award Winners Announced

2013

WORKSHOP & AGM RECAP p11 NIKE PARTNERSHIP A New 4-year partnership that will provide exclusive, apparel and equipment. p27

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Vol. XL | April 2013 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer 4070 Butler Pike, Suite 100 Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 Phone: 610-238-9966 Fax: 610-238-9933 info@EPYSA.org EPYSA.org

Mike BARR INTERVIEWs

Jimmy McLaughlin, Philadelphia Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Second Homegrown Player

Recognizing Our Achievements & Our Friends................ 3 Message from Chris Branscome, Chief Executive Officer

ThinkTaylor.org............................................................... 5 C.A.R.E. - Concussion Awareness Recogniition Education

Association Calendar...................................................... 7 A look at upcoming events

Workshop & AGM Recap................................................ 9 A look back at an action-packed weekend

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Jim Kuntz Vice President, Travel Michael Finnegan Vice President, Recreation John Lenart Treasurer Nicole Posillico Epps Secretary Jeff Sommer Registrar Donna Outt COMMITTEE CHAIRS Arbitration & Risk Management Rick Tompkins TOPSoccer Program Diane Spencer Soccer Across America John Kukitz Cup Commissioner Dave Ash Rules & Revisions Tom Doughtery Scholarships Dave Edgecombe STATE OFFICE STAFF Chief Executive Officer Chris Branscome Director of Coaching Mike Barr Director of Soccer Operations Frank Olszewski Communications Manager Rob Brown Marketing & Events Coordinator Kylea Meredith Assistant Director of Coaching Gary Stephenson Membership Services Specialist Beck Kleinert Business Administration Manager Kelly Connor Director of Camps Sheldon Chamberlain Administrative Services Specialist Barb Budgick Accountant Judy Curran TOUCHLINE Editor-in-Chief Rob Brown Consulting Editor Jim DeLorenzo Touchline is ÂŠ Copyright 2013 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 from 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.

Horizon Services Indoor Cup Champions......................... 14-15 Another great year of indoor cups comes to a close

Social Media Corner....................................................... 13 A quick look at everything social

Nike Partnership............................................................. 13 A beneficial four-year partnership

Youth Soccer: The Game for Chosen Kids?...................... 10-11 A look at youth soccer from Mike Barr, Director of Coaching

Award Winners.............................................................. 17 Congratulations

E-College Counselor, powered by The Sport Source......... 21 Supporting youth in sports and education

Children, Sports and Concussions................................... 25 April 22nd in West Conshohocken

Player Profiles................................................................ 27 Five players are highlighted from around Eastern Pennsylvania

Coaching: Basic Possession............................................. 28 Promoting Diamonds & Triangles

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Pennsylvania’s Leading Youth Soccer Publication

Spring 2013 | Volume XL

Recognizing Our Achievements & Our Friends by Chris Branscome, Chief Executive Officer

n March, we celebrated so many great things about youth soccer. We held our 27th annual Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Workshop, our Awards Reception and Annual General Meeting. Over the course of 48 hours, people had the chance to learn new things, meet new people, see old friends, congratulate some, and thank many. The weekend gave us all the opportunity to reﬂect on the many positives throughout Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. The most positive of all, is the people who make up this organization and have served it in various capacities. First, I need to thank our state ofﬁce staff. Their efforts are sometimes public but not always noticed or fairly recognized. The work they do year-round to help us move forward is tremendous. The additional effort required to plan and execute the Workshop/AGM weekend was outstanding. There are many moving parts to those events, some overlap and some are exclusive, but they were all kept in order and on schedule. Ticket sales, vendor sales, demonstrations, classroom speakers, ODP games, hotel reservations, dinner reservations, awards engraving, delegate registration, set-up and tear down. And everyone was back to work at 9 a.m. Monday morning. Thank you.

My appreciation goes out to all of the guest lecturers and coaching presenters who appeared at the Workshop. All of them are leaders in their fields, and lent their time and expertise to us, for our collective benefit. Experts in medicine, administration and finance, risk management were on hand and accessible to all in attendance. As always, the best in the coaching profession, led by US Soccer National staff members, presented new ideas and reinforced important standards. Over 1,500 people came through the doors at United Sports in Downingtown to take part in the offerings of the Workshop -- thank you for attending.

The Annual General Meeting capped off the weekend. Although it is a required meeting for members, I thank everyone who attended as their organization’s delegate. Once a year we gather to discuss our business and it is where your vote counts. Thank you to all who voiced their opinions and entered into the debate. It’s truly a necessary part of governance and provides direction for the future. Governance and direction took form in our annual elections. We enter a new era, as you elected three new executive board members and a new president. I look forward to working with them and the returning board Congratulations to our many award members over the next year. winners. Each winner was deserving of their honor, and then some. It The bittersweet part of the AGM is was a privilege to be among so many that it represents the end of terms for proud family members and friends at some of our elected ofﬁcials. They the awards reception. A highlight is deserve our appreciation and our always to review our Union League thanks. These people have dedicatGood Citizenship Awards winners. ed and donated their time to serve They are our future, they are our reour association and advocate for the placements. We should feel good membership. Please join me in givabout that. Plus, those kids were ing thanks to Bob McDade (Presiable to see what may be their future, as some of our organization’s ﬁnest dent, 2009-13); Brian Talerico (Vice were presented awards for their vari- President- Recreation, 2009-13); ous achievements, and how many Herb Maguire (Treasurer, 2010-13) keep giving back to the game. A and John Campbell (State Youth Refcommon theme from acceptance eree Administrator, 2010-2013). speeches was the support from family and friends -- a welcome reminder Here’s to a great spring season for all that, of what also matters in sport. of us in Eastern Pennsylvania.

page 3

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Pennsylvania’s Leading Youth Soccer Publication

aylor Twellman, former fivetime MLS All-Star, founded the ThinkTaylor Foundation in 2011. Taylor retired from professional soccer in 2010, due to complications from multiple concussions. He suffered five documented concussions throughout his professional playing career. However, on August 31, 2008, Taylor suffered a concussion that many believe ended his storied career. As Taylor and his family later realized, his brain injury was far more than a career-ending injury, rather, it was a life-changing event. For over four years, Taylor has suffered from the effects and symptoms of postconcussion syndrome (“PCS”). While his recovery has improved and progressed, he has yet to fully recover – a common story for many. Taylor’s injury has profoundly affected his family as well. Initially, his family struggled to understand Taylor’s concussion. His injury was invisible to them and there was no easy, tangible “fix,” like other injuries. They struggled to find the answers needed to help Taylor. Over time, Taylor’s family recognized the seriousness of this brain injury; more importantly, they realized that Taylor was in need of greater emotional support and compassion. After all, this injury had taken a deep emotional toll on Taylor. Through this experience, Taylor and his family realized that there was a real social need to provide support and compassion to individuals, like Taylor, that have experienced the pain and suffering of post-concussion syndrome. As Taylor and his family struggled to find answers for his condition, they encountered an underground community of individuals that shared in Taylor’s struggle, a community of people that were suffering like he was … people that needed help … and, people that no one knew about.

Thus, the ThinkTaylor Foundation was born. The mission of the ThinkTaylor Foundation is to create social change in the world of Traumatic Brain Injuries, by generating increased awareness, recognition and education. In other words, ThinkTaylor’s mission is to C.A.R.E., or rather, to create Concussion Awareness Recognition & Education for the kids, the families, the teams and the organizations that no one knows about. ThinkTaylor knows that there are individuals with stories similar to that of Taylor Twellman – and ThinkTaylor wants to provide compassion and support to these people, the people that are not featured on the nightly news or in their daily newspaper. ThinkTaylor knows all too well that concussions affect more than just highprofile athletes; in fact, everyone, on some level, has been affected by concussions. ThinkTaylor is the FACE, the VOICE and the ADVOCATE for all of these people. Inspired to make a difference in the world of concussions, the ThinkTaylor Foundation is driven and dedicated to changing the concussion culture. Within the past year, ThinkTaylor has received and read the stories of kids, athletes, parents and coaches that are either suffering through their concussion or know of someone that needs help. In 2013, ThinkTaylor has launched three new initiatives, not only to raise awareness for the foundation but also to help fulfill its mission and to C.A.R.E for the suffering. ThinkTaylor’s Join the Movement initiative is a simple and straightforward online program to raise awareness and create an online community for those that are suffering. ThinkTaylor encourages everyone to Join the Movement by submitting their picture (FACE), their personal statement (VOICE) and by spreading the word and being an ADVOCATE for this cause. ThinkTaylor wants to start a nationwide

Spring 2013 | Volume XL

T h i n k Ta y l o r.org

C oncussion A wareness R ecognition E ducation awareness campaign and form a team of individuals that believe in change and want to create change. In addition, ThinkTaylor provides compassion and support to those that are concussed, through the ThinkTaylor C.A.R.E Package program. This program is meant to recognize those that are suffering and to pledge its support for their eventual recovery. And finally, ThinkTaylor wants people to share their story through its website. ThinkTaylor believes that sharing stories is very therapeutic for those that are suffering. ThinkTaylor encourages others to share their story with the foundation. ThinkTaylor’s website also provides educational and medical resources, along with other downloadable materials. ThinkTaylor’s positive message emphasizing awareness, education and putting the health of our youth first will create positive social change and in return a safer, healthier and more compassionate environment. ThinkTaylor believes that this is a cause that every individual can get behind and support. In fact, ThinkTaylor plans to partner with all sports and all organizations that not only believe in its mission but also believe that ThinkTaylor is their FACE, their VOICE and their ADVOCATE.

Taylor will be speaking in Conshohocken on Monday,

April 22 at 7 p.m. See page 25 for more information.

page 5

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QUARTERLY CALENDAR

Spring 2013 | Volume XL

April 2013

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Pennsylvania’s Leading Youth Soccer Publication

May 2013 Cont.

June Cup (U-18 & U-19, Boys & Girls) Registration Begins

June Cup Roster Freeze | U-18 & U-19, Boys & Girls

Spring League Registration Fees Due

18-19

Turkey Hill Challenge Cup Finals | United Sports, Downingtown

Children, Sports & Concussions Symposium | Phila. Marriott West, West Conshohocken

18-19

NCS State Cup Finals | United Sports, Downingtown

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Scholarship Deadline

Memorial Day (Ofﬁce Closed)

May 2013

June 2013

Presidentʼs Cup Finals | Lehigh County Fields, Allentown

June Cup NCS Finals

Scoring Goals for Autism | YSC Sports, Wayne

7-9

U12 ODP Tournament | Wilson, NC

Board of Directorʼs Meeting

7-9

ODP Region I Tournament U13 thru U17 | Rider University,

June Cup Registration Ends

June Cup Draw

Motherʼs Day

27 - Jul 2 US Youth Soccer Region I Championships | Kingston, RI

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Fatherʼs Day

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Spring 2013 | Volume XL

27th Annual Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Workshop and Annual General Meeting Brings Soccer Community Together

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Pennsylvania’s Leading Youth Soccer Publication

The annual Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Workshop, held on March 2nd, was one of the best attended in years. More than 1,500 people gathered at United Sports in Downingtown to receive coaching lessons from area coaches and the highlight was an appearance by U.S Soccer Women’s Youth Development Coach, April Kater. Kids of all ages enjoyed games and prizes.

astern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer today announced the election of Jim Kuntz as the President of the association, as well as the election of three new members to their Executive Board, following voting at Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s Annual General Meeting in Reading on Sunday afternoon.

Kuntz was elected to a two-year term as President of the association, succeeding Bob Mc-Dade, who will now serve as Immediate Past President for the next two years.Also elected to the Executive Board were: Michael Finnegan, Vice President, Travel; John Lenart, Vice President, Recreation; and Nicole Posillico Epps, Treasurer.

page 9

EPYSA.org

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Spring 2013 | Volume XL

Youth Soccer the Game for the Chosen Kids?

believe the architects of the United States Developmental Academies had the best intentions when they initiated their program. Even with the modifications moving forward, by adding younger ages, I am sure their program sounds terrific to every family who will soon have a 12-year-old son training 12 months a year (extra two months for futsal and tournaments), and four nights a week for two hours.

by Mike Barr, Director of Coaching

-- will the decision to accept the new curriculum impact and meet the needs of all children? Will embracing any new curriculums ensure a positive effect on the students’ ability to find quality work, develop skills to adapt to an ever-changing world and prepare them for the future?

In their hearts, every mom or dad who has a son in the Developmental Academy sees professional soccer or at least an NCAA Division I scholarship on the horizon. The question many clubs and parents should be asking is, how much research US Soccer utilized, when making these conclusions that will impact soccer and numerous children for years to come? Let’s assume they developed these decisions, the academy schedule and curriculum like a school district would adopt a new math curriculum. Before a decision is made to embrace a new curriculum within a strong school district, a group of educators (parents, teachers, administrators and students) would inspect other curriculums, examine the new content, evaluate trials in other districts, determine the new curriculum’s impact on proficiency requirements, costs to the community, training of instructors to implement the curriculum and most importantly page 10

Will playing for a Developmental Academy have a positive impact on a player’s emotional, intellectual, social and inter-personal development at such a young age? In my opinion, the implementation of the developmental academy structure and the mirrored program on the girl’s side, the ECNL, has successfully left out millions of potential soccer players due to the high costs to participate and the restrictions dictated by US Soccer officials in regard to participation in other sports

and activities. They have eliminated, or attempted to eliminate, the only cost-free, community-based soccer program available to most players in high school ball. In an interview with Soccer America, Tony Lepore, Developmental Academy Director of Scouting stated, “Once we start our U14 program this gets easier, because in most cases it’s a social decision and not a soccer decision. The U14’s will be on this pathway and high school ball is something they won’t get a taste of, they won’t get enough to know if they will miss it.” Another area that US Soccer does not address is the trickle-down effect of pre- academy programs within academies and clubs fearful of losing players. Highprofile clubs in the Philadelphia area have begun to feel pressure to charge players as young as U8 between $1,500 and $2,500 a year for professional training, to make sure they do not lose players to the Developmental pre-academy programs. Jurgen Klinsman’s statement is reflective of the financial issues in youth soccer: “Here in the United States, the pyramid is upside down. The better a kid is, the more you pay as a parent, and it shouldn’t be that way.” Developmental Academy programs realized that by adding pre-academy teams, parents wanting to get their children into the academy or at least have

a better opportunity for future academy play, would be willing to pay whatever costs to give their child a head start. I would never question families who decide to send their children to private schools, over the public schools in the district they reside. Having a higher income provides opportunities for parents to deliver to their children every chance to get a head start and assure success. A part of me even understands a parent’s decision to hold back their child from kindergarten for an extra year, in order to allow them to mature and get a head start on the other children whose parents can’t afford day care or pre-kindergarten education.

to be exposed to quality coaching, a chance to play for National teams, playing in organized leagues, and just playing in soccer games because of financial restrictions or the location of your home. It appears that no one in US Soccer is willing to come forward and to say that their developmental plan for youth soccer has flaws because it caters to only the wealthy. Unless a youth from an urban or poor rural area is identified by a large club willing to find

I do have a serious issue when a family’s finances impact another child’s opportunity to play a team sport. In every country but in the United States, soccer is the sport of the masses. The same opportunities exist for young players no matter what their financial status. Youth Soccer in the United States has become cost prohibitive to a majority of American families, and US Soccer turns their back to the financial segregation it carries. In a country that prides itself in pulling for the underdog, US Soccer has made sure that the “Best in Show,” with groomers and trainers, will prevail and the mutts, who may have the skills and athleticism, are left on their own. This dangerous precedent in youth soccer is even leading other sports to follow the same misguided direction. Imagine segregating up to 60 percent of the children in the United States from an opportunity

transportation and defray the high costs to play, there is no chance of that young player flourishing within the current system of developmental academies within this country. US Soccer made a bold move when it decided to follow the Academy format. In an attempt to replicate academies in Europe, they forgot about the culture of the United States. Even Klinsman offers this statement regarding changing the US style of play. “I have certain experiences in different countries. I can understand many

connections there, but I have to do what is best for the players here, not how I would like to have it if I were somewhere else.”

Spring 2013 | Volume XL

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Pennsylvania’s Leading Youth Soccer Publication

We pride ourselves in the United States as innovators who boldly take steps to make things better and provide opportunities for all. The United States Soccer curriculum was developed by a Spanish coach, the US Developmental Academy system is based on academies in Western Europe, and American culture was ignored. The rest of the world marvels at our college, high school and middle school sports programs, the amazing facilities we possess and the opportunities we provide our children. What if school districts were challenged to hire the best coaches in all sports including soccer, the same way they search for top level teachers? What if the high school soccer coach was actively involved with the local club on a yearly basis and worked to develop all players from U6 to the elite players? What if each club and each high school had the same goal to get their players to the MLS Academies and took pride in their players being selected? It seems peculiar to me that Developmental Academies take credit for their players being selected in the MLS draft or receiving scholarships to NCAA Division I colleges, when up to one or two years earlier they were being coached by another coach at a local club. To me, the US Soccer Developmental Academy System makes sense if delivered only by MLS clubs at no cost to participants, but again there are no guarantees attached to the outcome of a player’s participation. Every family’s goal should be a quality education for their child.

page 11

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Pennsylvania’s Leading Youth Soccer Publication

here are many different types of social media and all of them have something specific and unique to offer. The most popular across the boards for the past several years has been Facebook. Twitter is a close second, with LinkedIn and YouTube not too far away. One social media website that may be forgotten or not typically considered as “social media” might become one of the most important: Pinterest. What is Pinterest? Pinterest is a content sharing service that allows members to “pin” images, videos and other objects to their “pin board.” You can follow your friends, just like you can on Twitter, and see all

the things they post organically and repost, or “re-pin”. You don’t have to just follow your friends though, you can follow “Everything”, which is a random assortment of images and links on Pinterest, or you can just browse by categories. You can also divide the things you pin and re-pin into separate boards by category as well. Last November, Pinterest began permitting companies to set up official business accounts. These will help businesses by putting their products or pictures online in hopes that they will be re-pinned and seen by a much greater audience. Plus, as opposed to other image search engines, it takes out irrelevant pictures and allows your photo to be seen. This type of social media is heavily based on word-of-mouth, which is proven to be a great way to sell any product. To spread the word,

like you do with the other types of social media, you can put a link to Pinterest in your signature or email newsletter for people to easily see, access, and share your latest updates.

Spring 2013 | Volume XL

by Jackie Freiberg, BE Marketing

Pinterest is another great social media tool for youth soccer players, coaches, administrators and enthusiasts to share their information, results, photos and ideas about the sport. For more information or if you have any questions on the article above, please feel free to contact Jackie Freiberg (jackie.freiberg@ bemarketingsolutions.com).

Nike Partnership Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and Nike, Inc. have entered into a new, four-year partnership that will provide exclusive, apparel and equipment coverage for all of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer programs. Financial terms were not disclosed. Nike will be the official supplier for apparel and equipment for all programs highlighted by the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Olympic Developmental Program and Coaching Education program. Also benefitting from the partnership are the state association’s residential camps, day camps and technical training as well as outreach programs. Nike will also supply the official game ball of the Eastern Pennsylvania State Cups, the crowning achievement for youth soccer teams each spring.

Development Program. Eastern Pennsylvania ODP has produced several US National team players over the years including current US Women’s National Team goalkeeper, Nicole Barnhart and former players such as Bobby Convey and Ben Olsen. Teams from Eastern Pennsylvania consistently reach the finals at the US Youth Soccer National Championships, including current U18 Girls Champions, FC Pennsylvania Strikers. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has designated Angelo’s Soccer Corner, one of the country’s leading soccer specialty stores, as the exclusive retailer partner for this agreement. Angelo’s, based in Lancaster, PA, has six locations throughout the eastern part of the state.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer emphasizes player development, identification, inclusion and advancement of the top male and female soccer players in Eastern Pennsylvania through the Olympic page 13

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page 14

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page 15

AT T E N T I O N !

High School Seniors 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. There wll be four scholarships awarded to high school seniors. Applicants must complete and submit the application forms along with a transcript of their high school records on/or before April 30, 2013 to this address: Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, Attn: Scholarship Committee, 4070 Butler Pike, Suite 100, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. Scholarship winners will be notified by June 15, 2013. For more information and the application, please visit: http:// www.epysa.org/programs/ college_scholarships.aspx.

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Mike Rose, Recreation Coach of the Year, Girls................... Parkland Area SC

Spring 2013 | Volume XL

And the Winners Are... Richard Zeiglar, Recreation Coach of the Year, Boys............ RLYSA Shawn Ferris, Competitive Coach of the Year, Girls............. Penn Fusion SA Greg Ramos, Competitive Coach of the Year, Boys.............. Lehigh Valley United Inga Maric, Young Referee of the Year, Female................... Reading Berks Cavan Irvine, Young Referee of the Year, Male.................... York Area Rebecca Barlow, Volunteer of the Year............................... Central Bucks AA Anne Noel, Administrator of the Year................................. United Juniors SL Diane Spencer, TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year..................... Eastern Pennslvania Youth Soccer Chair

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is extremely proud to announce the winners of the 2012 Annual Awards. Each award winner was recognized at the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Awards Celebration on March 2nd. We would like to congratulate the following Union League of Philadelphia 2012 Good Citizenship Award winners: Keara Ashworth, Mackenzie Bento, Alyssa Blair, Samuel Blanchet, Connor Bradley, Jack Brake, Allison Graul, Drew Mahoney, Fran McAllister, Delia McDade, Geoff Merz, Kristen Miller, Alex Prugh, Micaela Rodas, Paul Selling, Matthew Shirey, Matt Skwirut, Andrew Stanko, Kyle Stengel, Chris Tacca and Josh Tacca.

page 17

EPYSA.org

eastern pennsylvania Youth soccer Spring 2013 | Volume XL

interview with a ‘Homegrown player’ Mike Barr, Director of Coaching Talks With Jimmy McLaughlin, philadelphia union.

immy McLaughlin was signed to a contract at age 18, as the philadelphia union’s second homegrown player. He played one season at Colgate, where he was the 2011 patriot Rookie of the year award winner. Jimmy played for Lower Merion, Greater Chester Valley, FC Delco, Great Valley High school as well as the eastern pennsylvania Olympic Development program.

o you have any regrets about your decision to sign as a home grown player?

“

I have no regrets about my decision to leave Colgate after my freshman season. My parents and all my friends were very supportive. I knew giving up college was a risk, but it was always my dream to play professionally. My year at Colgate was successful. I played outside midfield, but the style of play was more defensive than I expected. My intention is to take college courses and get my degree no matter what happens to me professionally.”

hat is the biggest diﬀerence between the college and the pro game and how were your first few weeks of training?

“

When I arrived at pre-season with the Union, I was blown away by the speed of play. It took me a couple of weeks to adjust. It was a humbling experience, and at times I did question

page 18

Photo Courtesy of PhillySoccerNews.com

my decision. Rookies earn their place on the team, but most veteran players were generous with comments and suggestions. Danny Califf (former Union captain) was especially helpful to me during that first year.”

i loved high school soccer. i had a great coach in Dave Moﬀet.

W “

hat role have your parents played in your soccer career?

My parents were never negative to me in any way. They knew of my love for the game and how motivated I was about the game. I think my motivation was intrinsic and I never swayed from my desire to be successful. As a youth player, I saw how parents who pushed their sons had a negative impact on their playing and this later came

back to haunt them. Many of my former teammates decided to stop playing or not pursue playing in college.”

ou played high school soccer at Great Valley. How was that experience?

“

I loved high school soccer. I had a great coach in Dave Moffet. He really helped me on and off the field. It was really cool to play in front of community and friends. All the players were really close.”

id you play varsity as a freshman in high school and how was playing against players three years older?

“

I have always been small in stature, but I took pride in my technical ability and my ability

Touchline

Pennsylvania’s Leading Youth Soccer Publication

Spring 2013 | Volume XL

to avoid hard tackles. During preseason practice we had a one v. one exercise and I was paired up against a senior. I megged him and all the upper classmen laughed and cheered me on because the player I beat was not real popular with the other players. From that moment they were all supportive of me and I started as a freshman. “

n playing for the Union, what has been your best experience so far?

“

Playing against Everton was a huge thrill and playing against my childhood hero Christiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid was unforgettable. The night we played Real Madrid I was warming up with Zach Pfeiffer at half-time when Christiano walked between

us. I couldn’t help myself and decided to push the ball between his legs as he was walking. He looked at me and then performed a trick I could not even think of duplicating. I got into the game the second half and remember being in the wall with Christiano ready to take the direct kick. I never felt so fearful in a match.”

“

I want to be in the best position to succeed and have the opportunity to play with the Union. I know the nature of professional soccer and would have no issues in being traded or sold to another team.”

It would help to have a true reserve league where the reserves played a game for every game the first team played. I remain real positive and still have the goal to make an impact on the whole team.”

Mike Barr noted: Despite Jimmy’s youthful appearance, I was extremely impressed with his maturity and professionalism. Undoubtedly, he will be a successful player one day and just as successful after his soccer career. He has become a fan favorite as a player. He makes appearances at numerous events for the Union and really acts as a strong role model for youth soccer players in the area. He really is an example for young players to live their dream.

Jimmy can be followed on Twitter @J_ McLaughlinIII.

as not playing for the first team hindered your fitness or sharpness?

“

o you have any concerns moving forward as a professional player?

page 19

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EPYSA.org

eastern pennsylvania Youth soccer Spring 2013 | Volume XL EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH SOCCER

Hey, Kids!

... And adults, too!

Want to appear in an upcoming issue of Touchline? 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 below and ﬁll in the bio information, and email it back to rbrown@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 also not a guarantee of getting published. We wish you good luck, and who knows? Perhaps when you open the next issue of Touchline Magazine, you will ﬁnd yourself staring back at you!

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page 26

Touchline

Pennsylvania’s Leading Youth Soccer Publication

Spring 2013 | Volume XL

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Player Proﬁles Gretchen Meyer

Patty Schwab

Age: 11

Age: 8

Age: 9

Age: 8

Age: 41

BLUE MOUNTAIN

LOWER DAUPHIN

Capital Area Premier Academy

Ella Reish

NORTH UNION UNITED

Elaria Gregg

UKRANIAN NATIONALS

Devon Barclay

Team Name Ukrainian Nationals, Vorskla Black

Team Name LD Storm

Team Name NUU Strikers

Team Name Motormouths

Team Name Union

Organization/Club Ukrainian Nationals Soccer Club

Organization/Club Lower Dauphin Soccer Association

Organization/Club North Union United

Organization/Club Blue Mountain Youth Soccer League

Organization/Club Capital Area Premier Academy

What position do you play or what do you do on your team? I play goalie and recently made the U12 ODP team for the Philadelphia Region. I also play Defense when not in goal.

What position do you play or what do you do on your team? I am a Goalkeeper and sometimes Forward.

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

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

What position do you play or what do you do on your team? I am the asst coach of CAPA UNION and I played left striker during my career.

What is your nickname? Bugsy

What is your nickname? Gessa

What is your nickname? ‘E’ Who is your role model? Why? My dad, because he coaches a lot of teams and always teach me things.

Who is your role model? Why? My parents because they’re awesome!

What is your nickname? Dev Who is your role model? Why? My Parents, for giving me love and support What is your favorite soccer team? Portugal National Team What is your favorite movie? Super 8 What is your favorite song? Gangnam Style What is your favorite book? Go For The Goal- by Mia Hamm What is your favorite food? Tacos What is your favorite sport outside of soccer? Softball, Filming What is your pet peeve (what thing makes you mad or drives you crazy)? My Sister If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? L.A. California to make movies What do you want to be when you grow up? Soccer player, Video Editor

What is your favorite soccer team? The Harrisburg City Islanders What is your favorite movie? Hunger games What is your favorite song? Gangnam Style What is your favorite book? Junie B Jones series What is your favorite food? Pizza and Bacon What is your favorite sport outside of soccer? Karate What is your pet peeve (what thing makes you mad or drives you crazy)? When someone scores a goal on me If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Disney, because they have soccer tournaments and all the rides are fun. What do you want to be when you grow up? Teacher

Who is your role model? Why? Abby Wambach, because she is an awesome soccer player.

What is your favorite soccer team? Galaxy

What is your favorite soccer team? USA Women’s Soccer Team

What is your favorite movie? Ice Age

What is your favorite movie? Standing Ovation

What is your favorite song? Brighter than the Sun

What is your favorite song? Let me kiss you, One Direction

What is your favorite book? Riding Freedom

What is your favorite book? Smile

What is your favorite food? Ice cream

What is your favorite food? Shrimp Scampi

What is your favorite sport outside of soccer? Basketball

What is your favorite sport outside of soccer? Gymnastics

What is your pet peeve (what thing makes you mad or drives you crazy)? My hamster running on his wheel when I’m trying to sleep

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

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Colorado to ski What do you want to be when you grow up? a professional soccer player!

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Australia because it is nice and warm What do you want to be when you grow up? I don’t know yet.

What is your nickname? Coach Patty Who is your role model? Why? My role model is the head caoch Garﬁeld DeSilva who played for his national team in Trinidad and teaches the boys how to make those critical choices. What is your favorite soccer team? Barcelona of course. I studied at University of Barcelona for a semester and played club soccer there so I am extremely biased. What is your favorite movie? Dodgeball What is your favorite song? Don’t Stop Believing by Journey What is your favorite book? To Kill a Mockingbird What is your favorite food? Soft pretzel 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 see a parent make a choice because of how they feel or their ego and disregard what is best for the young athlete. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Brazil for the 2014 World Cup What do you want to be when you grow up? Well, I play with my boys team at every practice and at 11 years old - they are all taller than me (I am only 5 feet tall)- so typically I say I am still growing up. But at the age of 41, having played and achieved as a young adult, I tell my 3 kids and husband I want to grow old with them playing as many sports as we can together.

page 27

EPYSA.org

eastern pennsylvania Youth soccer Spring 2013 | Volume XL

BASIC POSSESSION – PROMOTING DIAMONDS & TRIANGLES By Gary Stephenson, Assistant Director of Coaching

3V1 KEEP AWAY Organization

Coaching points

Field set up in small grids 10yd by 10yd One ball and 1 pinnie per grid 3 offense and 1 defense

Team shape, triangle. Body open to receive the ball. Hips open to the field giving good field vision.

sequence & progression Defender holds the pinnie, the offensive players must keep the ball from the defender. If the defender intercepts the ball then they must dribble out of the grid then the player who either lost the ball or who’s pass was intercepted is now the defender. Limit touches, minimum of 2 touches.

4V2 KEEP AWAY Organization Grid 10yd x 10yd 6 players, 1 ball, 2 pines 4 offensive players on the outside of the grid 2 defenders in the grid

sequence & progression Offensive players play keep-away, trying to split the two defenders when possible. All passes must be on the ground. Offensive players are constantly moving to find open seams (passing lane) to receive the ball. If a defender intercepts the ball they then take the place of the player who’s

pass was intercepted. A 5th player (offensive) can be added in the grid, to add more options and be more game-like.

Coaching points Team shape, players looking for angles and creating space for the ball to be passed through. Pass selection - correct weight and type of pass. Disguise on passes and body feints to unbalance the defenders. Ball is constantly in movement. Hips open to the field giving good field vision.

4V4 KEEP AWAY BUILDING PRESSURE Organization

Coaching points

Grid 20yd x 30yd, with a center line Two teams of 4 Balls at center for quick starts by the coach

Team shape, players looking for angles and creating space for the ball to be passed through. Pass selection - correct weight and type of pass. Disguise on passes and body feints to unbalance the defenders. Ball is constantly in movement. Use the whole of the space.

sequence & progression Each team starts on their half of the field. Team in control of the ball must keep the ball moving and the objective is to make 12 consecutive passes. The team without ball sends a player into the other half to defend after every 3 passes. If the ball is intercepted the team must play the ball into their part of the grid the rest of the team follow the ball and start passing.

page 28

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