Touchline | Winter 2016 by Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

P E N N S Y LVA N I Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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

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WINTER 2016

THE KIXX AT 20 Page 6

Save The Date: AGM & Awards

Page 11

Small-Sided Game Formations Page 36

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CONTENTS

CREDITS

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EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH SOCCER VOLUME LIII | WINTER 2016 TOUCHLINE IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY PUBLISHED BY: Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer 4070 Butler Pike, Suite 100 Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 Phone: 610-238-9966 Fax: 610-238-9933 E-mail: info@EPYSA.org Website: EPYSA.org Executive Committee President: Jim Kuntz Vice President, Travel: Michael Finnegan Vice President, Recreation: Dwight Wilkinson Treasurer: Nicole Posillico Epps Secretary: Melissa Weber Registrar: Jim Christian 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 Business Administration Manager: Kelly Connor Program Manager: Meridith Crowell Accountant: Judy Curran Touchline Editor-in-Chief: Chris Branscome Editor: Dillon Friday Printed and designed by A.E. Engine, Inc.

2 From Our CEO: Sideline Behavior Must Improve

20 Fair Play Awards at 2016 Philadelphia International Unity Cup

3 Who We Are

23 Youth Soccer Stars

5 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Outreach: A Reintroduction

25 AAA Start Your Journey: Alan Roeder

6-8 Profile: An Oral History of the Philadelphia Kixx 10 Our 2016 Award Winners 11 Save The Date: Annual General Meeting & Awards Banquet 12 The Union League of Philadelphia’s Good Citizenship Award 15 ODP: An Interview with West Virginia University’s Carly Black

27 2017 Outdoor Cups 29 Tournament Sanctioning Tips & Procedures 30 TOPSoccer Spotlight: Lower Dauphin 32 From the Bench: Meridith Crowell on ACL Injury Recovery 34 Mike Barr: US Soccer & Youth Development 36 Formations for Small-Sided Play

17 Quarterly Calendar 18 Sleep Deprivation’s Effect on Athletes 19 What to look for

On the cover: Some action from the 2016 SISL’R Slam, Souderton Area Soccer Association’s annual jamboree. Photo credit: Chris Markley.

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

This has been a year of great change for U.S. Soccer, even before Jurgen Klinsmann was let go as Men’s National Team Manager and Technical Director. The Player Development Initiatives put a strain on the youth game, which we felt in the months leading up the 2016-17 season and during the season itself. Field- and roster-size changes, small-sided games, the build out line and new heading rules all challenged our clubs and leagues. This burden was particularly felt by our smallest members. And yet, for the most part, we enjoyed

a successful fall campaign with limited incidents. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank those behind the scenes who made it all possible. We often don’t realize just how much volunteerism goes into making our game work, whether it’s at the youth, professional or amateur level. I was happy to attend the Philadelphia International Unity Cup Final to hand out Fair Play Awards and was struck by the effort put in by not only the Mayor’s Office but also the immigrant communities themselves (Page 20). You’ll find stories similar to it throughout this issue. J.T. Dorsey highlights our Outreach Program, which seeks to bring soccer to every corner (Page

5). Lower Dauphin Soccer Association has been one of the best TOPSoccer Programs in the state for some time, and you’ll see how two teenagers make a difference in the lives of special needs youth (Page 30). Or maybe you’ll take something from our story on the Philadelphia Kixx, a venture driven in part by Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer CEO Chris Branscome. He and his colleagues worked to bring professional soccer back to the City of Brotherly Love. I hope you enjoy the stories. More importantly, I hope you take the time to thank those around you who make your soccer dreams possible. Let’s have a great 2017.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

SIDELINE BEHAVIOR MUST IMPROVE Chris Branscome, Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

This past fall, I did not coach a team for the first time in 30 years. It was the appropriate time for a break for a number of reasons. I wanted to experience soccer in the way a typical parent would. I wanted to focus on my own children for a change. I thought I could relax and enjoy a season as a fan. Well, what a surprise I had… I’ve heard many stories over the year, and certainly in my role, I’ve been involved in some disciplinary issues. The terrible accounts make their way to me, and they seem to be the exception anymore. But I’m shocked how common poor sideline behavior is. In the interest of space, I won’t share my exact horror stories from the past season. What I can say is I’m embarrassed for the children on the field, and I’m concerned that we’re not doing a good enough job educating parents on the rules, nuances or expectations of the youth game. The expectations parents have

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

epysa.org

when watching a youth game are simply too high. This has been documented by too many media outlets and specialists. The fact of the matter is most kids aren’t capable of performing at the level the fans want. Many adults seem to forget that the view of a 10, 12 or 14 year old from the top of the box with a defender charging at them is far different from the view they have from a folding chair on the sideline, 40 yards away. The child simply doesn’t process things the way an adult does, but the adult seems to forget and shout comments that just aren’t fair or accurate. No child should have to respond to their parents’ or other fans’ frustrations from the sidelines during a game. It’s a distraction that young players are not mature enough to handle. They shouldn’t have to handle it. Young players make mistakes. They’re expected to, yet parents and fans feel the need to draw attention to their player’s errors. To which I say, please watch a pro game. No player has ever played the perfect match. Mistakes are made consistently. Part of the game is to force errors and take advantage of them when they happen. Fouls are also part of the game. Some fouls are errors on the player’s part. Some fouls are accidental.

Some fouls are intentional. Some fouls are tactical. Not all fouls are malicious. Most fouls are not committed with an intent to injure. The referees are there to protect the players. Referees are not perfect either and may not make every call correctly, but they don’t try to make incorrect calls. Regardless, no parent or fan should ever call for physical retaliation, or insinuate violent conduct towards another player or referee. That’s wrong. Period. I heard such comments on more than one occasion. It needs to stop, and I call on parents and fans to self-police each other. The majority of parents, family and friends on the sidelines are positive. Some leagues have hosted Silent Saturdays, and others have recommended we try it statewide. Maybe we should. I was hoping we didn’t have to consider it anymore, but I need to rethink that. This isn’t a new problem, and it may never go away, but we will keep addressing it. I humbly ask that everyone please consider the kids. The kids just want to play. Game time is their moment each week to be free and in control their actions. Let’s give them what they want. Maybe that’s a holiday gift we can all give them. Maybe that’s a New Year’s Resolution we can all make in 2017.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Explained Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is the largest youth sports organization in Pennsylvania, registering nearly 130,000 players ages five to 19. The organization is a member of U.S. Youth Soccer, the largest member of the U.S. Soccer Federation. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer strives to promote and perpetuate the game of soccer, while fostering the physical, mental and emotional growth of Eastern Pennsylvania youth at all levels of competition. Our job is to make it fun and instill in young players a lifelong passion for the sport. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program provides supplement training and competitive opportunities for players with the goal of advancement to US Youth Soccer Region I teams and ultimately, national team selections. Since 1977 Eastern Pennsylvania’s Olympic Development Program has identified and trained players at the elite level.

FIFA

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Cup Competitions offer four statewide competitions that allow clubs to test themselves against Pennsylvania’s best teams. The Indoor Cup takes place across the winter months in various indoor facilities. Each age group, under-9 to under-19, completes its championship in one day. The National Championship Series (NCS) State Cup, Presidents Cup and Turkey Hill Challenge Cup begin in March and conclude in May (Under-18 and 19 State Cup teams play in May and June). All three are open competitions with State Cup and Presidents Cup winners advancing to regional and possibly national championships.

U.S. Soccer

US Youth Soccer

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Coaching Education seeks to provide state coaches with the best resources available to help them and their teams improve season to season. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer hosts US Soccer National Coaching License courses throughout the year. Interested parties can check the US Soccer Digital Coaching Center for schedules. In addition, our Coaching Education department sends out The Evolving Game Coaching Education each month, a newsletter that encompasses the coaching world in Eastern Pennsylvania and beyond. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer TOPSoccer is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, organized by youth soccer association volunteers. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girls, age 4 and older, who has a mental or physical disability. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Outreach supports programs that work to install soccer in disadvantaged communities. These programs work in conjunction with our mission to promote and facilitate the game of soccer for all youth at all levels of play in Eastern Pennsylvania. Please see page 5 for more information. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s recreational and intramural players account for nearly 65 percent of the state’s total participation. In recent months, we have worked to better reach these players and coaches. We introduced the State Coaching Certificate in the fall and will host the first annual Winter Festival intended for recreational teams in February.

Learn more at EPYSA.org

Where do I Fit In?

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

Associations/ Clubs

Outreach

Leagues

Teams

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Reintroducing Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outreach Program By J.T. Dorsey, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Outreach Coordinator

With the help of the J.T. Dorsey Foundation, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer ran a street soccer event in Harrisburg during Youth Soccer Month in September

he game of soccer in this country is growing by leaps and bounds. Many children are getting more and more opportunities to play the game at various levels. Children have access to better training, facilities and competitions. Overall they are provided with a better soccer experience. But that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t occur for all kids. Unfortunately, many children in underserved communities have not been exposed to this amazing game. Some of these children do not have access to mentors and structured after school programming. It is our goal to fill the most vulnerable times of the day from 3-6pm with soccer programming that promotes positive social interaction, mentoring, nutrition education and

healthy living through playing soccer. With the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Outreach program weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to help those kids in communities that are lacking resources. We hope to engage more kids in good, solid and sustainable programming so that soccer can grow. We want to give those families an opportunity to continue to play soccer and create a healthy lifestyle that encourages physical activity. This can occur by providing them with youth development opportunities and to surround these children with caring coaches and mentors on a consistent basis. One of our goals is to help smaller clubs develop good programming that will assist them in developing children who can enjoy the game.

We plan to continue providing help and support to make these programs sustainable members of their community. It is our hope that current members or programs reach out to us. We also want to ensure that kids are provided a great soccer experience. These programs need to be economical and keep families and the communities connected to ensure their success. The Outreach Program over the past few months has been able to help some programs in need. We have met some really passionate and enthusiastic coaches and directors who really care about their players. We have helped set up clinics, coaching education and delivered desperately needed equipment. More programming, education and help for these communities is coming in soon. We are here to help. If you are in need and or willing to help please email JT Dorsey at JTDorsey@epysa.org Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

An Oral History Of The Philadelphia KiXX By Dillon Friday, Communications Manager, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

The Spectrum Crowd

hey had the Spectrum, the most famous arena on the East Coast outside of Madison Square Garden, the home of the Broad Street Bullies and Doctor J, the place where Christian Laettner hit his famous shot at the buzzer to beat Kentucky and where banners hung that commemorated two Stanley Cups and three NBA titles. When the Flyers and 76ers vacated the building in 1996, two new tenants moved in: the American Hockey League’s Philadelphia Phantoms and the Philadelphia KiXX, the city’s first foray into professional soccer since the early 1980’s. The KiXX were a perfect fit for the Spectrum. Indoor soccer borrowed the physicality of hockey and scoring system of basketball to produce a unique game that served, in some ways, as the bridge between the North American Soccer League and the nascent Major League Soccer. More importantly, Philadelphians were eager to maintain the home field advantage they established in decades past. In the KiXX, they found a rooting interest. But it wasn’t all glitz and glamor. The National Professional Soccer League (NPSL), which began as the American Indoor Soccer Association in

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

1984, worked as a major league entity on a minor league budget. Take, for example, the Toronto Shooting Stars who folded after winning just six games in their first season. The KiXX joined the league the same year, 1996. They thrived almost immediately. Twenty years on from that beginning, Chris Branscome (Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Chief Executive Officer), Dave Jones (Rec Soccer Director at Montgomery United), Dave MacWilliams (Head coach, Temple University Men’s Soccer), Omid Namazi (Director of Soccer at Ukrainian Nationals) among others reminisce about getting the KiXX off the ground. With a name that resonated with fans, unique jerseys and a raucous home atmosphere, the KiXX left an indelible legacy on Philadelphia soccer. Professional soccer in the United States was a still an unproven concept and as a result, was marketed as more entertainment than sport. Teams adopted odd nicknames that catered to a younger audience rather than borrow the “United,” “FC,” or “City” monikers that dominated Europe. Philadelphia was no different. Chris Branscome, Vice President of Sales: (It was) Marketing. I think in the times, the soccer tradition wasn’t there yet. You named teams

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after something that was going to get you a good logo and was going to be something that resonated with kids. Dave “Mac” MacWilliams, Head Coach: I think it was more promotional versus thinking out a name, or a culture or whatever. It was just a name that you could identify or sell and do something. Dave Jones, Director of Ticket Operations: You were more promoting entertainment than the sport. Omid Namazi, Starting defender: especially with indoor soccer Jones: It was more the stuff that you did in between the quarters, before the game and all the hype and music. You’re trying to get families to bring their kids and keep them entertained the whole time. Namazi: These were the years when teams tried to go the more traditional way, like United, and they would come in one year and be out the next. There had to be a different way to appeal to kids, to families, and this was it. Jones: We got a letter from MobilExxon, because we used the two x’s. A marketing magazine did an article on it, because they thought we had stolen their trademark on the double x’s. Some attorney said no, because we were a sports organization and had nothing to do with oil. That was a story for a month. The KiXX, which began in a small Montgomery Avenue office, were funded by Philadelphia Area businessman Edward B. “Ed” Tepper, who was awarded a franchise in the NPSL in November 1995. Tepper fancied himself “The Father of Indoor Soccer,” due to his role in outlining some of the rules for the sport and co-founding the Major Indoor Soccer League in 1977. The NPSL, just past its 10th birthday, was going strong by the time the KiXX joined. MacWilliams: It was the NASL and then the MISL. And then the NPSL kind of emerged. Once the MISL folded, then that’s where the NPSL became a lot bigger in more cities. Branscome: Honestly, it was the only pro soccer league in the country for a while. Jones: Mac was still coaching at Baltimore. And my college coach called me up and said, “Look, they’re going to bring a team to Philadelphia.

They’re going to need some employees.” Mac can’t get involved yet, because he’s still under contract with the Baltimore Blast (Ed. Note: the Baltimore franchise was known as the Spirit at the time). “Can you come in and get it off the ground and do the first draft?” So I did that. I brought in Jeff Haines, who was a friend of mine. And that’s how it started. Ed Tepper was a businessman who bought the franchise. The first year we ran out of his office. We had a folding table and two folding chairs. Seriously, that’s how we started. Branscome: I was in Chicago, working for the worst team in the league (Ed. Note: the Chicago Power). I would be going back and forth to Philadelphia, because I didn’t fully move yet. The league owned the team. At the end of the season, there was nothing. I was selling everything off. We were trying to get camps together, but the team officially was going to move to Edmonton. Coming home to the KiXX was the perfect opportunity. The KiXX had their eyes on MacWilliams from the start. Not only was he a respected manager, but he also tied together all aspects of Philadelphia soccer. In his youth, MacWilliams played for the legendary Lighthouse Boys Club and was an All-American at both Frankford High School and Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science. He later starred for the Philadelphia Fury (NASL) and Fever (MISL). MacWilliams wasn’t the only connection to Philadelphia’s soccer past. Beloved mascot Socceroo came back as well. Jones: We spent weeks and weeks coming up with this mascot. The guy who made the mascot, a company in Jersey, makes mascots for people all over the world. We had met with him. We designed it. It was a bear-looking thing. I think we were going to call it “Bearfoot.” So (Ed) decides at the last minute that we were going to keep the name Socceroo, which was from the Philadelphia Fever. But we didn’t change the look of it at all really. So Socceroo was a kangaroo. So we had this thing Socceroo that looked like a bear. Branscome: It looked like Yogi the Bear.

Without a roster in place, Jones, MacWilliams and Branscome, who joined the front office following the 1995-96 NPSL season, set about selling the KiXX to the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area. MacWilliams: I think what we did before the team even got there, we built up the excitement through camps, clinics, we did a lot of appearances during that summer. I mean we worked every day to kind of build it. With all of our contacts in the area, we knew a lot of people in the area. Jones: We had camps that whole first summer, and we didn’t even have a team. We brought guys we thought we were going to get. Some guys weren’t on contracts like Larry Julius. We had some younger guys like Johnny

McIntyre. (Attendance) was pretty good. Most of them were in Jersey. So I had camps at the time, and I just changed all mine to KiXX camps. And then Mac was finishing up. He worked the first year. Then we hired him. Branscome: We really did use the players in the camps. You see a lot of camps that say “learn from the pros.” We really had the guys out there. Namazi: (Current Philadelphia Union Manager) Jim Curtin was at one of our camps. He said he used to come to camps. He also used to go to the games. He remembers all those first year guys. Branscome: the camps were really a big business. They quickly became the biggest camp in the area. We had like 2000 kids. In MacWilliams, a Kensington native, the KiXX had a soccer celebrity who knew the indoor game well and made his name in Philadelphia. But they

still needed to fill out a roster. They emphasized local products and were rewarded when MacWilliams brought Namazi with him from Baltimore in the expansion draft. MacWilliams: You tried to look for the local players. I think our first pick ever was Rob Johnson. He played for Rutgers Jones: You didn’t have a lot to pay. You knew some of these guys didn’t have other options. No one else was going to draft them. Branscome: I thought it helped doing camps and selling tickets, where you could say, “this guy is from your club.” Jones: I give Ed credit. He spent a lot of money that first year. (Current Sporting Kansas City Manager) Peter Vermes came in. We paid him a ton of money. Branscome: He was playing with the US National Team at the time Jones: He grew up in South Jersey, so Ed thought we need a local guy. He’s going to bring in more people. Branscome: The debate was between him and (former national team keeper) Tony Meola Jones: Tony hung out for a couple weeks and came to some games, but we never ended up signing him. Namazi: I was playing outdoors in LA when Dave was coaching in Baltimore. I think from some players who had played with me, and I had played against Mac’s teams outdoors, so he knew me. LA folded, and we’re all looking for the next team we can play on. The connection was made. I went into Baltimore. I think I trained once or twice and Dave signed me in Baltimore. So that was the first time I ever played indoors. I remember I went in, and I never played, but Dave actually gave me the power play to run. So it was good. And then the following year, I ended up coming to Philadelphia. There was no guarantee that players could transition from the outdoor game to the indoor one. In the confined spaces of a hockey rink (with five players and a keeper to each side), the NPSL was a thinking man’s game with a dose of physicality. The challenge added to the professional aspect, and few clubs were Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

KON T I N U E D. . .

An Oral History Of The Philadelphia KiXX

Dave Jones with Socceroo as professional as the KiXX. MacWilliams: Omid adapted to the game very well; the technical ability, the understanding and vision of the game, I think it was an easy transition. You get some players, though, that can’t transition, just because it’s a totally different game. Some guys need a lot of space; some guys don’t need a lot of space. Omid was very good in tight spaces. He could think the game, understand the game. I don’t know how (Baltimore) left you unprotected (in the expansion draft). Namazi: I still talk about it. They claim Lance Johnson couldn’t leave the state, because he had a little daughter, and they had to protect him. They left me unprotected. And that’s how you took me. I don’t believe it (laughs). MacWilliams: They were upset with me in Baltimore. They didn’t think I was taking Omid. But I said I can make the team better, I don’t care about you anymore. We fought over that. Namazi: I mean, again, certain players were able to adapt. We brought a guy in Baltimore that played on the US National Team. He thought it was outdoor soccer. So he’d stay out there for four minutes at a time. The one time he’d have to run

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

back, he couldn’t. So you had to really figure it out and try to adapt. It’s not for everyone. But if you learn it and you get the hang of it, it’s actually a fun game to play. I enjoyed it. Branscome: It was as professional as any other sport. MacWilliams: Everyone in Philadelphia was able to focus (on playing). Namazi: Most of us, we all had a deal for the season. And we had a camp deal. Combined, we made a living. Namazi was one of the team’s best players from the start. With a somewhat ragtag group around him that featured localites Larry “LJ” Julius, Don D’Ambra, Joey Murtagh, Vermes and Frankford High School and Drexel University grad Tony “Chunky” Bono, the KiXX overachieved in season one. The first home game in particular couldn’t have gone better. Jones: We won our first game when LJ hit a three-pointer. That’s how we won the first game. Namazi: (laughing) LJ, I lived in the same complex as him. After that first game, he thought he was the next Eric Lindros. He’s like, “Man, the papers are calling me. They won’t leave me alone.” Branscome: The games were on Prism. They cut the first commercial: “The titanic toe of Larry Julius.” So, I don’t know, but a lot of us joked about it, “the titanic toe.” Jones: Larry could hit a ball. Namazi: That first year, we overachieved. I’m thinking with the players we had? They were decent players. They were local guys, but they didn’t have the experience. And a lot of these guys came here because their teams didn’t want them. Myself, you could include. MacWilliams: We won our first seven games that year and made it to the playoffs. Philadelphia ranked near the top of the league in attendance, and with some quirks in the Spectrum turf, had a home field advantage that carried the KiXX into the postseason. They finished a respectable 17-23, good enough for third

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place in the Eastern Conference. MacWilliams: We probably averaged 8-9,000 (Ed. Note: Officially, the team averaged 7,894 fans that inaugural season). Namazi: It was actually a great atmosphere. Coming onto the field, we had smoke. We’d go through the tunnel. When the smoke cleared away and you saw the crowd, it was awesome. MacWilliams: I think we really worked hard on creating that so the players would want to come there. Back then we were one of the top teams rolling in the league. Jones: And it was loud. When that music was on, you couldn’t hear yourself think. It couldn’t have been louder. MacWilliams: The carpet was a little too big. So (the ball) went up the boards, and if you hit it, the ball would end up right in front of goal. Due to a scheduling conflict with the circus, the KiXX were forced to move across the parking lot to the CoreStates Center, now Wells Fargo Center, for their playoff game with Baltimore. The unfamiliar environs yielded a loss. Still, it was a memorable first season, one filled with incidents on and off the turf including a jersey controversy: Jones: We couldn’t find anyone to do a (jersey) deal with us, so we found this company in Mexico called “Aba.” The deal was for everything: uniforms, practice stuff. We got stuff for practice and all that, but we were waiting on the game uniforms. And a couple days before, they call us and tell us they’re not going to be able to get us the jerseys because the factory burned down. And we were like, “you know, that’s really not acceptable. We don’t care.” They wanted to do like practice uniforms. Somehow, they showed up the day before, and we had to take them and get the names and numbers put on them. But we had them for that first game. They were teal and black and white. A fight: Namazi: It’s a different game. It’s more physical, so every team had some guys that were enforcers. I remember Tampa had Mali Walton (Ed. Note:

N OTA B L E KIXX IN THE PH I L A D E L PH I A AREA

The 1996-97 KiXX

Walton later joined the KiXX). I was walking by their locker room and Mali grabbed me by the chain. Branscome: There’s a gate they used to close for the Flyers, because of the old days. It was the only time they had closed the gate for us. Namazi: Yeah, I was walking in and Mali was sitting on a chair right outside the locker room. As soon as I pass him, he grabs my chain. Something had happened in the game, and he wanted to have the last word. Jones: They got mad at us because there was a fight. And we were like this isn’t the first fight there’s ever been in the basement of the Spectrum. And a perk gone wrong: Branscome: After every goal, we would pass out a mini ball to the guy that scored the goal, and he’d throw it to the fans. Well, we got all these calls for people who wanted to sit in section I (where all the balls seemed to be going). It was where all (the players’) friends and families were sitting. We had to make a rule. The KiXX made the NPSL playoffs each of the five years they played in the league. They would win two MISL titles after the NPSL rebranded in 2001. Despite ceasing operations in 2010, the KiXX’s impact is still felt in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Namazi: The name KiXX, though. I can tell you even today—that was what, 1995?—youth soccer was just growing, and if you say KiXX, they all remember. (Curtin and I) are sitting at a coaching course. ‘Man, I gotta tell you. I used to come to games, and you were my favorite player.’ Bobby Convey went to games. Chris Albright

used to go to games. These guys are all ones that all made it to the national team. Dan Gargan. Branscome: In a short period of time, it really was something. Jones: To me, soccer is soccer. A lot of people don’t give the indoor credit, but look at all those guys who played on that indoor team or had anything to do with that indoor team are now. They are still associated with soccer on some level. Why wouldn’t you tell that story? Branscome: That was the point even in the KiXX days. There are so many guys that were names, but people don’t really know. They’re out in the community just quietly coaching soccer. We had a Hall of Fame night. We had Walter Bahr, (John) Jukey Nanoski and Benny McLaughlin. We had the three most famous names in Pennsylvania, and they’re all national hall of famers. We legitimately had a crowd of 13,000 that night. We were up in the upper decks. Coach Bahr came out and that was big for us. Gary Ross, KiXX Defender: 20 years seem to have come and gone like it was yesterday. I guess as players, we were all stuck in the moment that this was our jobs and losing was not an option. Twenty years later, some of the guys are still in the winning mentality. However, some of us are the grassroots to those programs. We work with the youth today that have the potential to be the pro’s of tomorrow. I guess the Philadelphia KiXX was a great stepping stone for each and every one of us in our careers.

OMID NAMAZI: Currently Director of Soccer at the Ukrainian Nationals and Head Coach of US Under-18 Men’s National Team DAVE MACWILLIAMS: Head Coach of Temple University Men’s Soccer GARY ROSS: Academy Director at Penn Legacy PTAH MYERS: Head Coach of Philadelphia University Men’s Soccer & coach with Continental FC WOODY HARTMAN (ASST. COACH): Former Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer ODP Coach SAM LEE (ASST. COACH): President of Lighthouse SC and Superintendent of Bensalem School District DON D’AMBRA: Head Coach of St. Joseph’s University Men’s Soccer PAT MORRIS: Assistant coach of St. Joseph’s University Men’s Soccer TONY “CHUNKY” BONO: Member of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Union League Good Citizenship Committee and national champion with Radnor over-50 team PAUL ROYAL: Head Coach of La Salle University Women’s Soccer TODD HOFFARD: US Youth National Team Staff, Head Coach of Lebanon Valley College Women’s Soccer DAVID CASTELLANOS: Head Coach of Penn State-Abington Men’s Soccer KEVIN SLOAN: Head Coach of Neumann University Men’s Soccer, 2006-2015 JOHN MCINTYRE: Coach with Philadelphia Soccer Club, Council Rock United

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

2016 Award Winners

astern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is proud to announce its 2016 Award Winners. These men and women were nominated by their peers and selected by the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Awards Committee. They will be honored at the 2017 Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, February 25 at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square.

Administrator of the Year

Volunteers of the Year

Capital Area Soccer Association

Lehigh Valley Youth Soccer League/Annville-Cleona Youth Soccer Club

BILL ESTERLY

Boys Travel Coach of the Year

DEAN COSTALAS Palumbo Soccer Club

Girls Travel Coach of the Year

TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year

NICOLE BOYD

Lower Dauphin TOPSoccer

JOHN GREAVES

Young Male Referee of the Year

Yardley Makefield Soccer

MICHAEL GRELLO

Boys Recreational Coach of the Year

Young Female Referee of the Year

GERALD B. MCCALL, JR. Aston Youth Soccer Association

Girls Recreational Coach of the Year

STEVE BRENENBORG Hellam Eastern

KEVIN & CARRIE WAGNER

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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COURTNEY BROWNING

1776 United FC • Abington SC • Abington Youth SL • AC United • Academy Sports Association • ACFC Soccer • Allentown Youth SC • Alliance FC • American SC • Amity AC • Anderson Monarch SC • Annville Cleona Youth SC • Ardsley-North Hills • Aston Youth Soccer • Athens Soccer Academy • Athletes For The Cross • Athletico Soccer Academy • Atlantic Premier SL • Back Mountain Youth SA • Balls Mills SC • Barrens SC • Bear Creek Bobcats • Benton SC • Berks Ajax FC • Bethlehem SC • Bethlehem Township • Big Spring Youth SA • Black Diamond SC • Blinders FC • Bloomsburg Trappers SC • Blue Mountain SC • Blue Mountain Youth SL • Boyertown SC • Brandywine United SC • Bridesburg Fathers Club • Broome County SL • Bucks Community SA • Bustleton Bengals • Camp Hill SC • Cantolao USA • Capital Area SA • Capitolo SC • Carbon United SC • Carlisle Area Youth Soccer • Catasauqua Youth SA • Cathedral SC • Central Bucks Athletic Association • Central League Soccer • Central Penn Youth SL • Central Susquehanna SC • Chambersburg Youth SA • Champions League • Cheltenham Jayvees • Chester City United • Chester Springs United • Chestnut Hill Youth Sports Club • ChiChester • Cione SC • City FC • City of Easton Rec. 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Penn SC • Muhlenberg SA • Multicultural United SC • Myerstown SC • Nazareth SC • Nether Providence AA • New Covenant Christian School • NorCenPenn SL • Norristown SC North Parkland A A • North • Penn Small Sided • North Schuylkill YSA • North Union United SC • Northeast Bradford Area YSA • Northeast Optimist (NEO) • Northeast Tornadoes • Northeastern Youth Sports Assn • Northern Lebanon SC • Northern Lehigh SC • Northern Valley Youth SL • Northumberland-Sunbury SC • Northwestern Youth AA • Octorara SC • Oley Valley Youth League • Olmsted Regional SA • Our Lady of Perpetual Help • PA Classics • PA Mutiny Gold • PA Rush •• Palisades Youth SA • Palmer Township SC • Palumbo SC • Panther Valley YSA • Panthers United SA • Parkland Area SC • Parkwood Youth Organization •Penn Academy AA • Penn Athletics Club of Bucks County • Penn Fusion Soccer Academy • Penn Legacy • Penn Manor SC • Penn United Force FC • • Reading-Berks Jr. Recreational League • Reading-Berks Jr. Travel League • Rebels FC • Red Lion Youth SL • Region 1 Premier League • Ridley United SC • Rising Star FC • Rock SL Roxborough United SC • Salisbury Youth Assn. Soccer • Samuel FC • Saucon Valley SL • SC of Reading • Schuylkill County Youth SA • Schuylkill Haven YSA • Schuylkill Valley Youth Soccer • Sharks SC • Shippensburg SC • Skyline United Youth Sports Assoc. • Slate Belt Youth SA • Solanco Youth SA • Solebury SC • Souderton Area SA • South Central PA Soccer Academy • South Middleton SA • South Parkland Youth • South Philly SC • South Wilkes-Barre Skyhawks • Southampton SA • Southeast Youth Athletic Association • Southern Chester County SA • Southern Lehigh SL • Spring Grove Soccer • Springfield FC • Springfield SC • St. Jane's SC • St. Joseph the Worker SC • St. Thomas More SC • Suburban Counties SL • Super Nova FC • Susquehanna SC • Susquehanna Valley SC • Swarthmore SC • Tamaqua Area Youth SA • Topton SC • Torresdale Boys Club • Towamencin Youth Assn. • Towamensing SC • Towanda Area Youth SA • Tredyffrin-Easttown Youth SA • Triboro SC • Triboro Soccer of Northeastern PA • Tri-Valley Youth SC • Trojan SC • Troy Area Youth Soccer • Tulpehocken SC • Tuscarora SC • Tuscarora Youth SC • Tuzos Capitolo SC • Twelv2Athlete • Twin Valley SC • Ukrainian Nationals • UMNSC/Patriot FC • United Friends • United German Hungarians • United Junior SL • United Parishes SC • Upper 90 Soccer Training Academy • Upper Darby FC • Upper Dublin SC • Upper Milford Youth Assn. • Upper Moreland SC, Inc. • US Youth Soccer National League • Valley Athletic Association • Valley SC • Valley Youth SA • VE Club • Vincent United FC • Vitesse FC • Warminster SC • Warrington SC • Warrior Run SC • Waynesboro Youth SA • West Chester United SC • West End SL • West Philadelphia Soccer Org. • West Find more information at EPYSA.org Schuylkill FC • West Side United SC • West York SC • Western Lehigh United SC • West-Mont United SA • White Clay SC • Whitpain Recreation Assoc. • Wild Cats Soccer • Wilkes Barre Cosmos Soccer INC • Williams Valley SA • Wilson Junior SC • Wilson Youth SC • Wind Gap SC • Windsor Township Rec • Wyalusing Area Youth Soccer • Wyoming Valley SC • Wyoming Valley Youth SA • Wyomissing Area SC • YMS • York USA • Proud Members of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

SAVE THE DATE

AGM 2017

& Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Awards Banquet February 25-26, 2017 Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square

Union League of Philadelphia’s Good Citizenship Award

The 2016 Union League of Philadelphia Good Citizenship Award Winners

astern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is currently accepting resumes from high school juniors active within the association for consideration for the prestigious Union League of Philadelphia’s Good Citizenship Award. Winners of this award are eligible to apply for a college scholarship during their senior year

worth at least $5000 per year. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer was the recipient of the 2014 Agency of the Year Award, which goes to the youth agency that demonstrates exemplary performance in selecting the best high school juniors for the Good Citizenship Award. Interested candidates for the Good

Citizenship Award must show evidence of good citizenship as manifested by their attitude, sportsmanship, serious scholarship, cooperative effort and perseverance. Each year, the Union League of Philadelphia awards this honor to 20 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer boys and girls who demonstrate those qualities. The deadline for application is no later than January 2nd, 2017. Visit EPYSA.org for more information on the application process. The Union League of Philadelphia was founded in 1862 as a patriotic society to support the Union and the policies of President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War. The league laid the philosophical foundations for other Union Leagues across the nation. The Union League has hosted US Presidents, heads of state, industrialists, entertainers and visiting dignitaries from around the globe. It has also given loyal support to the American military in each conflict since the Civil War and continues to be driven by its founding motto, “Love of country leads.”

PLEASE WELCOME MOLLY FREITAG

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is proud to announce the hiring of Molly Freitag as Marketing Manager. In this role, Freitag will maintain the state association’s relationship with our strategic partners and sponsors. She will also be responsible for the overall marketing of the organization and its programs, including overseeing branding, advertising, merchandising and special events. She previously worked in the

same position for US Youth Soccer, where she handled marketing for the largest youth sports organization in America. As part of her duties with US Youth Soccer, Freitag managed the Kohl’s American Cup, a 45-event, traveling recreational tournament that focuses on providing players with the opportunity to compete in a fun, friendly environment. She also served as the day-to-day contact for 17 national partners, including Kraft Foods, Nestle Nesquik, the Army National Guard and Kohl’s Department Stores among others.

During the annual US Youth Soccer National Championships, Freitag was the national office point of contact for the local organizing committee in addition to her various marketing roles. Freitag, a Bridgeton, New Jersey native and lifelong soccer player, graduated from Boston University with a degree in Communications and Advertising and earned her Master’s in Sport Management from Drexel University. She later served as a Men’s Basketball Intern at St. Joseph’s University prior to heading to US Youth Soccer.

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EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA ODP

An Interview with Carly Black

West Virginia University’s Carly Black has earned her fair share of accolades. As a senior captain, the centerback led the Mountaineers to a Big 12 title and the number Former Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer ODP player and current WVU centerback takes one ranking in the country. A Horsham native, Black has on an Oklahoma defender in Big 12 play. Photo credit: WVU Athletic Communications also excelled in the classroom. She has been named Academic All-Big 12 and to the Capital One Academic AllAmerica Second Team. Black took some time before West Virginia started its NCAA tournament run to discuss her experience in ODP, her time in Morgantown and how she thrives academically with such a hectic schedule.

hat’s it been like to be a part of such a successful period in WVU soccer? CB: It’s been awesome. When I visited here, they were right on the cusp. They were really close. I wanted to go somewhere where I could contribute to moving the team to the next level. We’ve won the Big 12 every year I’ve been here, but we had early exits from the NCAA’s—first round, second round, first round and then last year we made the Elite Eight. I think just realizing we were building something is special. I’m glad I’m still here experiencing it. What do you remember about ODP? CB: I first started ODP when I was 12. I wanted to try to do it. You had to do it if you wanted to be noticed. I wanted to get started as fast as I could. Each year, just because I saw it with regional camps, I could see the exposure. Once I made the regional team and travelling all over, that’s what made me comfortable getting to a toplevel program. You made the National Team Pool a couple of times. How did those experiences influence your career? CB: Honestly, it helped me see what was out there. I could now play with confidence. Obviously,

you know you’re a decent player, but when you get called up to a regional team or national team, it gave me a boost. That’s when I started thinking about D-I soccer. Whenever I felt like I wasn’t getting pushed, I moved on to challenge myself. You’ve unfortunately missed significant time with injuries. What advice would you share about the recovery process? CB: I’ve torn my ACL twice, my freshman year and last year. My freshman year, it was the most distraught I’ve ever been, because I worked so hard, and I did it three days before our first game. (I thought) I can’t control what happened. But I can control how well I can come back. Every day is important. I was lucky to have topnotch rehab. What you do every single day will set you up for success. How have you balanced academics and athletics? CB: It’s definitely hard. I love school. I don’t mind doing that stuff. I would say when I get into periods where I don’t want to do anything, I try to get (work) done as early as possible. I make sure I wake up and get as much done in the morning, because after practice, I’ll just want to lay in bed and watch TV. Knowing what your day looks like and forming relationships with your teachers is so important.

Teachers are understanding. That was one of the questions I asked on my visit. Teachers are willing to explain things. If you’re willing to work with them, they’re willing to work with you. What are your plans for the future? CB: When this season’s over, I’m going to PA School in Philadelphia. I’m going for a dual Masters in Public Health and to become a Physician Assistant.

Black back in her ODP days

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Celebrates Futbol Friday Assistant Technical Director Gary Stephenson

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Staff

astern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer hosted the second annual Futbol Friday on October 7 to raise awareness and money for cancer research. In partnership with Red Card Cancer and the Fox Chase Cancer at Temple University Hospital, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer encouraged its members, families and friends to wear their favorite soccer jerseys to celebrate Futbol Friday. More than $3,000 was raised

in support of the fight against cancer. We thank everyone who participated and made donations. If you wish to find out how you can partner with Red Card Cancer, a soccer-based cancer charity, visit RedCardCancer.org. Please email Dillon Friday at dfriday@epysa.org for information on how you can get involved in the next Futbol Friday.

Gwynedd Mercy University Women’s Soccer

NYU Abu Dhabi Men’s & Women’s Soccer FC Europa

Aidan, a Philadelphia Union supporter A young FC Barcelona fan

Rob Oldfield of VE Majors & family

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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QUARTERLY CALENDAR DECEMBER 2016

FEBRUARY 2017

9 2017 Eastern Pennsylvania Indoor Cup Application Closes @ 12:01 AM, E.S.T.

4 U13 Girls & U13 Boys Elite Indoor Cups | Wyoming Valley Sports Dome

15 Fall Registration Payments Due

4 U17 Girls & Boys, U19 Girls & Boys Indoor Cups | In The Net

16 2017 Outdoor Cup Registration Opens

5 U13 Boys Challenge Indoor Cup | Wyoming Valley Sports Dome

24-31 Office Closed, Winter Holidays

5 Futsal Tournament Series Qualifying Event | Bryn Athyn College

26 Futsal Tournament Series Qualifying Event Presented by Philadelphia Union, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer & United Sports | United Sports

11 2017 Winter Recreational Festival (U10, U12 Boys & Girls) | The Pocono Dome

27 U12 Boys & Girls, U14 Boys ODP Training | In the Net*

18 Futsal Tournament Series Championship | United Sports

28 U13 Boys & Girls, U14 Girls ODP Training | In the Net*

19 U9 Boys Indoor Cup | United Sports

29 U15-U17 Boys & Girls ODP Training | In the Net*

20 Office Closed, Presidents Day

30 New Year’s Classic 3V3 Tournament | United Sports

20 Outdoor Cup Registration Closes for U9-U17

18 U9 Girls Challenge Indoor Cup | BodyZone

23-26 U13 through U17 ODP @ Virginia Friendlies | Williamsburg, VA

JANUARY 2017

25 U10 Girls & Boys Indoor Cups | Wyoming Valley Sports Dome 25 Awards Banquet | Lancaster Marriott @ Penn Square

1 Office Closed, New Year’s Day

26 Annual General Meeting | Lancaster Marriott @ Penn Square

7 U11 Girls & Boys Elite Indoor Cups | Riverfront Sports

26 U9 Girls Elite Indoor Cup | United Sports

8 U11 Boys Challenge Indoor Cup | Riverfront Sports 8 Futsal Tournament Series Presented by Philadelphia Union, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer & United Sports | Lou Ramos Center 11-15 NSCAA Convention/US Youth Soccer Workshop | Los Angeles, CA 16 Futsal Tournament Series Qualifying Event | United Sports & BucksMont Indoor Sports

MARCH 2017 15 Outdoor Cup Schedule Release (U9-U17) 15 Outdoor Cup Roster Freeze (U9-U17)

*ODP Training. Please check your team page on the website for more details

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

Sleep Deprivation & The Athlete

From the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Medical Advisory Committee Dr. Ciaran Dalton

e live in a culture that takes pride in being sleep deprived. People, soccer players included, brag about getting only four, five or six hours of sleep a night. College and high school students will talk about pulling all-nighters as if it’s a badge of honor. We take pride in our ability to tolerate suffering, and yes, being sleep deprived is a form of suffering. But when we brag about it, are others really impressed? Are the negative side effects of sleep deprivation worth it? Another factor that prevents soccer players from changing their sleep habits is poor judgment. When we’re sleep deprived, our judgement deteriorates. We fail to recognize how poor sleep significantly negatively

Dr. Ciaran Dalton is a sport psychologist who has worked with athletes at the club, high school, college, and professional level. He runs a private practice in Media, PA that specializes in using sport/performance psychology to improve performance, confidence, mental toughness, focus, being in the zone, and motivation. He played soccer for Strath Haven High School, Millersville University and for the Cobh Ramblers in Ireland. He has been the assistant men’s soccer coach at Swarthmore College for the past 14 years.

impacts performance and emotional regulation. In addition, exhaustion causes the body to crave unhealthy food, which is something all athletes need to avoid. Teenagers seem to be the most sleep deprived population. Eight to nine hours of sleep is recommended for the average adolescent in order to function properly. Unfortunately, 70% of teens fail to get this much sleep, while half of them are getting less than seven hours of sleep a night. Some experts report that sufficient, restful sleep can increase one’s ability to store memories between 20-30%, increase learning capacity 40%, and increase creativity up to 60%. The aforementioned information describes the average adolescent. Soccer players are likely to be more sleep deprived because of the time demands of the sport. As a result they start and finish homework and studying later. On the bright side of things,

improvements have been made to help soccer players better take care of themselves. In its Player Development Initiatives, U.S. Soccer has discouraged teams from playing more than one full game in a day. There have also been discussions in the college ranks to move soccer to a full year sport with one game a week instead of the grueling two games, four training sessions, and one day off weekly schedule. Parents also might want to concern themselves with the potential long term effects of ongoing sleep deprivation, not only for their children but also for themselves. New research is beginning to connect chronic sleep deprivation with Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists are learning that toxic proteins (Amyloid Beta) naturally build up in our brains throughout the day. Sufficient, restful sleep allows our brains to be flushed or cleared of this protein. Insufficient sleep prevents this “flushing” process. Experts believe that these proteins might contribute to that foggy feeling and when sleep deprivation is chronic it can eventually to Alzheimer’s disease.

CONSIDER THESE NOTES BELOW: Studies show that poor sleep can contribute to a 15-20% decrease in the following competencies, all of which are vital to athletic performance: Reaction time Decision making Situational awareness Communication Judgment Memory When mice were injected with cancer, regular sleep led to a slow growing cancer. Ongoing disrupted sleep led to fast growing, invasive cancer Most of the information reported in this article can be found in the National Geographic documentary, “Sleepless in America.”

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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Increased general health/academic concerns with sleep deprivation Diabetes Poor diet choices, your body craves unhealthy food Mental health triggers Poor emotion regulation Increased susceptibility to stress Crankiness, increased irritability and anger Poor sleep is associated with most forms of mental illness: anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder Cognitive impairment Decreased memory capacity/poor memory storage Poor focus/concentration/judgment Difficulty with or slow decision making Slower foggy thinking Poor visual attention Poor situational awareness Poor creativity

T H E S TA R T I N G L I N E U P :

What to Watch for this Winter WINTER RECREATIONAL FESTIVAL

astern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is proud to introduce the inaugural Winter Festival intended for recreational teams. The festival is a one-day competition similar to the Indoor Cup that will be played at the Pocono Dome on February 11. There will be two age groups: U10 and U12, boys and girls. Each team is guaranteed three 24-minute games. The cost is $200 per team. Space is limited, so act quickly. To sign up, head to EPYSA.org/Cups/Winter_Festival/.

FUTSAL TOURNAMENT SERIES

he third annual Futsal Tournament Series kicks off in December and runs through February. Presented by the Philadelphia Union and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and run by United Sports, the tournament offers teams a chance to test their mettle in soccer’s cousin, futsal. There will be five qualifying dates, at which the champions and runners-up will advance to the Championship Series held on February 18 at United Sports. There will be prizes for the winners! Find out more information at EPYSA.org/events/ futsal_tournament_series/.

DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

he application period for 2017 Development Grants opens in January. The funding is intended to go primarily, but not limited to, fields and facility improvements. The Development Grant Committee has the discretion to award the grants as it sees appropriate based on the general criteria. However, grants may not be used to fund positions, travel expenses or registration fees.

ODP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

he Eastern Pennsylvania Under-17 ODP Boys team will compete at the 2017 US Youth Soccer ODP National Championships in Phoenix, March 2-5. The U17 boys earned their place last summer when they won the Region I ODP Championships as a U16 team. Good luck to the 18 young men who will represent Eastern Pennsylvania and take on the nation’s best players.

OUTDOOR CUP REGISTRATION

egistration for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s three outdoor cup competitions opens on December 16 and closes February 22. Once again, there will be three tournaments to choose from: the State Cup (part of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series), the Presidents Cup and the Turkey Hill Challenge Cup. Play in all three starts on March 25. We look forward to the competition. Visit EPYSA.org/Cups/ for all cup related news and information.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

Philadelphia International Unity Cup Fair Play Award By Dillon Friday

Representatives from Team Indonesia, the Philadelphia International Unity Cup Fair Play Award winner, pose with Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, Bill Salvatore from the Mayor’s Office, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer President Jim Kuntz and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer CEO Chris Branscome.

astern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer presented the Fair Play Award at halftime of the inaugural Philadelphia International Unity Cup final between Ivory Coast and Liberia on Saturday, November 5 at Citizens Bank Park. Indonesia was the winner as the team that exhibited the most gentlemanly play throughout the competition. The Fair Play Award was voted on by participating teams, referees and tournament administrators. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer President Jim Kuntz and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer CEO

Chris Branscome were on hand to present the award to representatives from the Indonesian team. “We are proud to recognize Indonesia as a team that plays soccer the right way: by showing respect to opponents, referees and the game in general,” said Branscome. “The Indonesian players are quality role models for the thousands of youth that play soccer in Eastern Pennsylvania.” Group Fair Play Awards were given out as well to Cambodia (Group A), Lithuania (Group B), Myanmar (Group C), Nigeria (Group D), Vietnam (Group E), India (Group

F), Haiti (Group G) and Bhutan (Group H). All received commemorative plaques, while Indonesia, as the overall winner, got an equipment donation courtesy of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and Angelo’s Soccer Corner. “This has been a tremendous event, and I’ve enjoyed following it from afar,” said Kuntz. “I want to thank Mayor Kenney and the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation for putting it on and allowing us to be involved.” In addition to the donations, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will run a clinic for youth players in Philadelphia’s Indonesian communities. This will be similar to the event the state association hosted at the Ramp Athletic Complex, which featured more than 100 kids from the participating countries. “The tournament’s goal to bring together members of Philadelphia’s different immigrant communities was achieved,” said Bill Salvatore of the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Department. “Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s assistance was amazing. To have 100 kids come out for the one-night clinic was great. I’ve gotten emails and phone calls about how we can host more.” Ivory Coast defeated Liberia 1-0 in the final. The Ivorians scored in the first half and held on during a late flurry from the Liberians.

ABOUT THE PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL UNITY CUP The Philadelphia International Unity Cup is a soccer tournament that celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the City of Brotherly Love through the worldwide appeal of soccer. It is a 32-team, World Cup-style tournament composed mainly of diverse immigrant groups across Philadelphia. The tournament is a cooperative effort among several municipal departments, chief among them the City of Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.

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3/4/16-5/6/16 • •6/10/16-7/7/16 • 7/22/16-8/25/16 • 9/2/16-10/13/16 • 11/25/16-12/29/16 3/14/14–4/24/14 6/13/14–7/10/14 • 7/25/14–8/28/14 • 9/5/14–10/2/14 • 12/5/14–1/1/15

HEY, KIDS! (And adults, too!) PE R H A P S YOU ' V E SA I D TO YOU 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

PROFILE S

Future Soccer Stars

Andrew Newton

Benjamin Villegas

Kendall Posey

Age: 9

Age: 7

Age: 10

Team Name: Predators

Team Name: Keystone FC Klose

Team Name: FC Bucks North 06 Thunder

Falls Soccer Club

Keystone FC

Pennsylvania Rush Soccer Club

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

Midfield

What is your nickname?

Spike

Bemma

Kendall

Who is your role model? Why?

My parents because they encourage me.

My big sister because she looks out for me and loves me.

My dad because he believes in me and gives me good advice.

What is your favorite soccer team?

Nottingham Forest

Real Madrid

US Women’s National Team

What is your favorite movie?

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows

Cars 2

Harry Potter series

What is your favorite song?

Watch Me by Silento

Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake

Hall of Fame by The Script

What is your favorite book?

Knights of the Lunch Table

The World According To Humphrey Series

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

What is your favorite food?

Shrimp

Pizza

Mashed potatoes

What is your favorite sport outside of soccer?

Basketball

Lacrosse

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

When my friends yell

When I get bored

When someone else scoops my ice cream.

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

Wrestlemania because it would be fun

Spain to see Real Madrid play

Stonehenge because it’s inspiring

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Math Teacher

A professional soccer player

A professional soccer player or teacher

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

April 2 – June 4, 2017 7-game league Sunday afternoons u9 - u19, Boys and Girls Rock League matches can be used as State Cup Qualifiers. For more information and registration visit:

www.RockLeague.net

KNOW THE SCORE. REACH YOUR GOALS. HEAR THEM SING! #DOOP Happy Holidays from the PA 529 College Savings Program. The PA 529 College Savings Program offers two great plans to help families save for college–the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP), in which growth is tied to the rate of college tuition inflation, and the PA Investment Plan (IP), in which investment returns are determined by financial markets. Both PA 529 Plans offer tax advantages–including being able to deduct contributions from your Pennsylvania taxable income (limitations apply) and the ability to use at most schools nationwide. Open an account or contribute by December 31 to maximize your Pennsylvania state tax deduction! As an added incentive to help you save, the Pennsylvania Treasury is offering free online enrollment in the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan–a $50 savings–when you use the enrollment code UNION. Go to PA529.com to read important disclosure statements and to learn more about the PA 529 College Savings Program.

ENTER TO WIN

529

at PA529.com/contest

The PA 529 College Savings Program is a proud partner of the Philadelphia Union and youth soccer. 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.

PA529.com | 800-440-4000 | Believe in them. Invest in them. | Timothy A. Reese, State Treasurer |

#PA529 #PlayOn #DOOP

PRESENTED BY SPOTLIGHT

AAA Share Your Journey: Alan Roeder By Tom Via about soccer and life. “I’m happy I can provide the opportunity of soccer in our area, and teach kids the importance of our core values,” Roeder says. In the club’s fourth year, West Schuylkill FC has 100 youth players from the Under-6 level to the U17+ level. The club’s coaches are all volunteer coaches who aren’t parents of the players. All of the coaches reflect the club’s core values and have a passion for AAA Share Your Journey Contest Winner Alan Roeder shows his passion for soccer as a coach with and President of West soccer. So where will this Schuylkill FC. young club be in the years to come? “I would like to have 10 to 12 teams,” says Roeder. “But (I) don’t lan Roeder is the President of Roeder. “We’ll develop skills, but want our culture to change, because I West Schuylkill FC. He created these core values for us are more don’t want it to hurt our core values.” the club in 2013 for youths in important.” West Schuylkill FC is a growing western Schuylkill County West Schuylkill FC is a club that is club that prides itself on its ability to since the closest club to the area was different. Roeder based the club not be like a family. Many of the coaches, more than an hour away. His passion on skill, or pushing for good results, Roeder included, support the local for soccer and developing young but on the concept of being a team. community by running offseason players’ character and teamwork That is the first thing players learn in fitness clinics for youth athletes, not is why he is the AAA Share Your the club’s player development model. just soccer players. They also attend Journey contest winner. From there, players learn to develop their players’ high school matches. Roeder grew up playing soccer. skills and focus on game tactics. The culture that’s been created is He played for Pine Grove Area High Teamwork and character are two one they want to sustain as the club School and other club teams in his aspects Roeder connects to life and moves forward. youth. When his playing days ended, the game of soccer. This story is part of AAA’s “Start he continued his passion for the “Soccer, to me, is the best sport Your Journey” campaign, an effort game by coaching the teams he grew there is,” says Roeder. “One player – in partnership with the Union – to up playing for. In 2013, he had the can influence the game, skill wise, help celebrate families’ journeys in unique opportunity of starting a club but you need a team that plays well support of their young athletes… in Schuylkill County. together to succeed.” the long road trips, all-weekend Before 2013, the western Team sports are a way kids can tournaments, and the special bonds Schuylkill County area had very learn about the realities in life. that are formed from the extensive few youth soccer organizations. All players that are a part of West time on the road. Each month, the Roeder saw the opportunity to Schuylkill FC learn valuable life Philadelphia Union and AAA will begin a club in his own backyard. lessons while playing the game of select an individual within its soccer Roeder began West Schuylkill FC soccer. Learning about the appronetwork to develop a feature story with the hope that the club would priate character one needs in life on their path to success in association embody the ‘no one is better than and how to work well with others with the game of soccer. Additionally, the team’ mentality. are two very important life skills. fans are encouraged to share their “It’s hard to build a team through Roeder is grateful he can be a voice own stories via social media using character and teamwork,” says for youths to listen to as they learn #ShareYourJourney.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

Coming in 2017

Eastern Pennsylvania Turkey Hill Challenge Cup

Eastern Pennsylvania Presidents Cup

• Open to all teams playing in an Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer sanctioned league (Cup-qualifying) in the U9 to U17 age groups. • Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer offers two division of play in the U9 to U11 (8v8) age groups (”A” = most competitive and “B” = competitive).

• Open to all teams in the U12 through U17 age groups, playing in an Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer sanctioned league (Cup-qualifying). • The Presidents Cup is played in a World Cup format. Teams will need to progress from group play into the State Finals being played on May 7, 2017

• There is no regional competition outside of Eastern Pennsylvania.

• Champions in the U13 through U17 age groups will represent Eastern Pennsylvania in the US Youth Soccer Region I Presidents Cup (Hosted by West Virginia Soccer Association).

• The Turkey Hill Challenge Cup is played in a World Cup format. Teams will need to progress from group play into the playoffs. The finals will be played on May 20-21, 2017.

• Eastern Pennsylvania teams that win the Region I Presidents Cup Championship will represent Region I at the 2017 US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup in Auburndale, FL, July l2-16, 2017

Eastern Pennsylvania State Cup (National Championship Series) • Open to all teams in the U12 through U19 age groups, playing in an Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer sanctioned league (Cup-qualifying). • The State Cup competition is a single elimination tournament with the State Finals for the U12-U17 age groups played May 20-21, 2017 and the U18-U19/20 finals played on June 4, 2017. • Teams that win the State Cup will advance to the US Youth Soccer Region I Championships in Spotslyvania, Virginia. • U13-U19 teams that win the Region I Championship will represent Eastern Pennsylvania and Region I in the 2017 US Youth Soccer National Championships in Frisco, Texas, July 24-30, 2017.

A dedicated team working together to protect the planet SCA and the Philadelphia Union share an unwavering commitment to sustainability. We are proud to support their efforts by providing environmentally responsible Tork® towel, tissue and napkin products and waste-reducing dispensing systems. www.sca.com/us • www.torkusa.com © 2016 SCA Tissue North America LLC. All Rights Reserved. ® Tork is a registered trademark of SCA North America LLC or its affiliates

Touchline2016.indd 1

8/3/16 5:35 PM

T HE ONLY A L L- IN - ONE SER V ICE T H AT EQUIP S A ND S UP P OR T S S P OR T S L E A GUE S W I T H E V ER Y T HING T HE Y NEED T O S UC CEED

ONL INE REGIS T R AT ION & W EB SI T E S C US T OMIZED UNIF ORM S & FA N W E A R â&#x20AC;¢ DON AT IONS & SP ONS OR SHIP S

DICKS .C OM / T SHQ

PRESENTED BY T O P S O C C E R S P O T L I G H T:

Lower Dauphin TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based 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, 2016 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year Nicole Boyd, 19, and Mary Parker, 15, talk about their experiences working with special needs players. Thomas Verderame is our featured player of the issue.

hat inspired you to become a Buddy? Mary Parker: It was easy. I had been going to TOPSoccer since I was five years old. My older brother and sister were playing on the team, and I was always going along to practices. I started helping out with arranging the trophies and helping with snacks for a few years and was so excited when I was finally old enough to be a Buddy. My siblings inspired me to become a buddy What is one highlight you’ve had as a buddy? Nicole Boyd: A positive moment

that I had as a buddy is when you see that what you have been working on with the player is put into action. I love the moment when the players know that they are capable of doing so much more than they thought before. What is a challenge you may face as a Buddy and how would you overcome it? NB: A challenge that I faced and many other buddies may face is working with a child who does not want to play or participate. The way I overcame this challenge was to talk with the player and find out what they are interested in. Then when

Our 2016 TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year, Nicole Boyd

they get unmotivated, you can bring up something they like and relate it to soccer. Another way to overcome this challenge is, as the buddy, do the skills with the player and ask them to show you how to do it. What advice would you give to other Buddies? MP: Don’t get discouraged. Stay positive and have patience. I’m a teenager and like most teenagers, love the fast-paced world we live in. In order to have success, I have had to learn how to slow down. Take time. Be patient. Success will come. It sometimes just takes longer.

P L AY E R P R O F I L E THOMAS VERDERAME Experience in Soccer: Thomas, 17, became a TOPSoccer player at the age of five. He has participated in each of the Indoor, Outdoor and Camp Seasons since 2005. “I have been playing organized soccer for 12 years, but my parents tell me I started kicking a soccer ball before I could walk. When I was in elementary school, classmates asked me to show them some of my soccer moves!” What is your favorite thing about soccer? My favorite thing about soccer is scoring goals, because I love to shoot! I am strong and score goals at our team scrimmages and when we have a soccer match with other clubs. What is your favorite game/activity at TOPSoccer? When I go to TOPSoccer sessions, I love to check in with my buddy and have other friends who are players. Thomas in action with his Lower Dauphin teammate

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

epysa.org

How did you find out about Lower Dauphin TOPSoccer? My mom saw a flyer for TOPS summer camp lots of years ago, and I have been playing soccer with people on my team and scrimmaging other teams ever since.

ENTER TO WIN AN AUTOGRAPHED AUTHENTIC PHILADELPHIA UNION 2016 JERSEY Visit: http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/musselmans to Enter*

*Musselman’s/Philadelphia Union Jersey Sweepstakes: No purchase necessary. Starts 11/28/16. Ends 12/31/16. For full oﬃcial rules, visit philadelphiaunion.com/musselmans

From The Bench: Dealing with an ACL Tear By Meridith Crowell Meridith Crowell is the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Program Manager. She played collegiately at Temple University and serves as an Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach at Gwynedd Mercy University.

njuries can be disheartening, especially ones that keep you off the field for months at a time. Recovery requires both physical and mental strength. Having gone through two ACL reconstructive surgeries myself, I understand the challenges one faces when something that is more than just a game, your lifestyle, is temporarily removed from your routine. PRE-OP STRENGTHENING: After an ACL injury you will lose muscle mass and range of motion in your knee. It is important to begin exercises right away to regain strength and mobility. There are advantages of going into surgery with strong quadriceps and hamstrings. POST-OP EXERCISES: Start basic exercises at home; contracting your quads and leg lifts go a long way. Immediately following surgery the knee is difficult to bend, don’t be discouraged. Every centimeter you gain on those heel slides is an accomplishment. It will get easier, especially when the stitches or staples are removed. I established a routine to complete one set of exercises (leg lifts and heel slides),

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

elevate and ice, then rest during each Netflix show! PHYSICAL THERAPY: Per your doctor’s orders, start physical therapy as soon as possible. Beginning at square one is difficult. I’ve found the best way to stay motivated is to set goals. I had goals set for everything: reach a 90-degree heel slide, leg-press a certain weight, to run, participate in practice non-contact, return to play full-contact. The most important part to physical therapy is proper mechanics. If you do not retrain your muscles to perform tasks in the correct motion, risk for injury increases. Even before I could actually kick, my favorite exercises were ones that I could incorporate a ball with - ask your physical therapist to include some in your workout. POSITIVE ATTITUDE: A positive attitude makes a big difference. Freshman defender at Gwynedd Mercy University, Lexi Palm, had never been injured in her soccer career. Her early season-ending ACL tear was emotionally draining, but Palm said “I learned that I am stronger then I think.”

epysa.org

STAY INVOLVED: My best advice is to stay involved. You are still a valuable member of the team. Continue to attend practices and games. Once you’re able to, ask your coach how you can participate in practice, and offer to keep stats or help with field setup/ breakdown. Observe the game. Palm said through her injury she “learned how to play smarter soccer. I was able to see the game from a different point of view and it will help me for the upcoming season in being a stronger field player and teammate.” RETURNING TO PLAY: The greatly anticipated moment you return to play is closely followed by a mix of emotions. For months thoughts of jealousy creep into your head as your teammates run sprints (believe it). Now it’s time to get out there and ease into sessions. Trust your body. Trust the physical therapy you have done for the past several months. Have fun. A COACH’S PERSPECTIVE: Seasonending injuries happen more often than you hope. Character is revealed when a player goes through the process. I look at: Are they still engaged in practice? How committed to physical therapy are they? Is their attitude positive in supporting the team? For more coaching-related content, subscribe to the Evolving Game at EPYSA.org

When your family is protected, we all win. 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.

To learn more about a special discount for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer members and to get information about youth safety, visit nationwide.com/EasternPASoccer or call 1-888-231-3614.

Nationwide Insurance has made a financial contribution to this organization in return for the opportunity to market products and services to its members or customers. Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2015 Nationwide AFR-0266AO.1 (11/15)

C OAC H I N G E D U C AT I O N

Recent World Cup Qualifying Losses Should Makes Us Rethink Youth Development By Mike Barr, Technical Director, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

The USMNT is in danger of missing the 2018 World Cup after a stunning 4-0 loss to Costa Rica

ith the Americans’ loss to Costa Rica and subsequent firing of U.S. Men’s National Team Manager Jurgen Klinsmann, we should begin to examine the whole youth development system within our country. We have had the Development Academy system since 2007 with the same national support personnel directing the program with little input from others. Could the minimal development be due to academies coaching the creativity and flair out of individual players? Playing not to lose or give up goals? Playing to win matches of little consequence at the expense of development? Players at age 10 or 11 are now part of a system that disrupts a child’s social experience, focuses on sports specialization and tries to predict what players will be national level players or MLS stars in the future. I cannot imagine children never having the joyful experience of free play with their friends, playing for their local

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

club, examining other sports or gaining confidence in their ability through individual success on their own terms. By early identification, we are eliminating players who mature later or were not introduced to soccer at an early age. The maturation difference is often not taken into consideration when you identify one 11-year-old player over another 11-year-old. Once we identify players at younger ages the playing field is never level for those not identified. Shouldn’t there be different pathways to national teams or MLS? High school players, for instance, shouldn’t be off the radar for national teams or Division One Scholarships. Ditto for gifted players who opt for more than one sport. Sure the high school schedule is too compact for the games they play, and the credentials of high school coaches may be lacking in comparison. But there are highly qualified coaches in high school and local clubs who emphasize development as well as winning and have an awareness of periodization. A process that helps identify the top level youth

epysa.org

players in our country should examine all players. Why have only three or four individuals making decisions for a country our size? Why not a national consortium of top level coaches, former national team players, youth coaches, administrators and even parents exploring the needs, costs and infrastructure to give U.S. Soccer a jumpstart with a plan that has a positive end in sight.? Within that consortium, construct a five-year plan to meet the needs of all youth players. There are brilliant minds within the United States who are not being utilized and have various opinions that may offer positive change. Instead of four regions, create 12 regions to better manage and locate talent. Bring players into those 12 regional centers on a consistent basis for training and evaluation. Within that identification process, direct the top level players to MLS academies or send them back to their clubs with a formal evaluation of strengths and weaknesses. As each player is evaluated, keep a profile and create a nationwide data base of players who go through the 12 regional centers. Allow the MLS to run the academies. Wasn’t the original intent of Developmental Academies to develop players for MLS and the national teams? Unfortunately, teams in Developmental Academies are pulling players from smaller clubs with promises to players and parents alike that playing within an academy’s structure of travel teams below the academy-level teams will provide you with a better opportunity to finally make the Academy team. Many of the academy travel teams have three or four teams in each age group as they recruit players from smaller clubs. This recruitment process brings money into the academies, and it is also slowly eroding the value of smaller and less expensive clubs. Get quality coaches with all U12 players. Utilize the new education platform within U.S. Soccer to drive a change to make soccer coaches accountable and confident in their ability, even if a coach is a volunteer. Get grassroots programs into the cities and rural areas of the United States. U.S. Soccer made a major step in their new player initiatives this year. But the impact it could make through thoughtful dialogue and reshaping our youth programs to be uniquely American could bring about the success we all have expected and looked forward to for the last twenty years.

TRAINING SESSION

US Soccer Player Development Initiative: Formations For Small-Sided Play By Mike Barr & Gary Stephenson, Assistant Technical Director, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

7V7 FORMATIONS: U9 & U10

Within the 1-2-3-1 or 1-3-2-1, players should be aware of their positional roles on attack and defense, especially in counterattacking and defending. When the team is attacking from its defensive third or building out from a goal kick or keeper distribution, players should be aware of spacing between lines. The principle of spreading out and body position should be recognized by the players. It brings out triangles in attack. Defensive compactness, both vertically and horizontally, as well as the value of the first defender in pressing the ball throughout the field should be of importance to this age.

9V9 FORMATIONS: U11 & U12

The 1-3-2-3 and 1-3-3-2 organizations are playing systems that should allow players to connect through lines. Players should be aware of the roles of the individuals in two connecting lines. The players should be fluid in mobility between lines on both attack and defense and recognize those roles in transition. In attack, emphasis should be on spreading out, triangulating between lines, creating 2v1 and 1v1 situations and penetrating between lines. Defensively continue to emphasize compactness, outnumbering of the opponent with the ball and providing cover to the pressing defender or defenders and consistently getting numbers behind the ball. 36

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

epysa.org

New Location, Same Great Camp!

High Energy Sessions including Yoga Training Habits to Build Player ConďŹ dence Improved Technical & Tactical Training Injury Prevention Techniques

Nike Ball & Camp Tshirt Player Evaluations U.S. Soccer Curriculum FIFA 11+ warm-up program

Registration opens January 2017

Visit EPYSA.org for more information.