CONTENTS TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT Welcome to GPS
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GPS News
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Tactical Zone
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Technical Zone
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Psychological Zone
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Physical Zone
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Goalkeeping Zone
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Coaching Zone
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Parent Zone.
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GPS FC BAYERN NATIONAL TEAM NEWS Las Vegas Showcase Mediterranean International Cup
COACHING ZONE.12
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GPS SOCCER ASSASSINS Online Academy
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AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT GPS New York
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GPS PDL
GOALKEEPING.11
SOCCER ASSASSINS.20
GPS Portland Pheonix
CREDITS PRODUCER
GRAPHICS TEAM
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT
Lee Moyce
Lee Moyce
Steve Lanou
AUTHORS
Chris Ward-Jones
Adrian Manning
Greg Meehan
Gavin MacPhee
Lee Moyce Iain Martin
Chris Ward-Jones
Craig Von Wielligh
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WHY GPS?
The mission of Global Premier Soccer is to enhance the soccer experience for players and coaches with the club. We provide our players the opportunity to develop as athletes and as people by fostering an identity of excellence. 5 reasons why you should choose GPS: Official North American Partner of FC Bayern Munich Club Style of play and specific age group curriculum Development pathway for players 3-19 years old Tiered structure and player pool systems to monitor and maximize development
Click the image above to view the GPS Tryout Video
GPS College Education program to support and guide our players
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GPS NEWS Adam Norman Signs for International Academy GPS, are pleased to announce that Adam Norman has signed for the GPS International Academy beginning in fall 2016. Norman, from Natick MA, is currently a freshman at University of New Hampshire. He plays left back but can adapt to play in either central midfield or center back. The Academy will provide Norman, a unique opportunity to spend a year in London and train full time in a professional environment under the guidance of UEFA A/B qualified coaches and compete in competitive fixtures on a weekly basis. The Academy is targeted towards male players who are seeking to make a career in the game or those looking for an additional year of intensive training prior to attending college with 24 spots available for the first induction class. The GPS International Academy will be based in North West London at the state of the art Hive Training Center. The Hive is an international football training venue containing located in the shadow of the iconic Wembley Stadium with four full-size grass pitches and two full-size 3G pitches. The venue has recently hosted the Brazilian and German National teams prior to International fixtures. “I’m looking forward to playing and studying with the GPS academy to further both my soccer abilities while studying for an academic qualification. It will be a privilege to work with coaches with the highest level of qualifications in the UK, playing against high quality opposition and working towards an important academic qualification. Originally from the UK, I’m looking forward to spending time back there as well, having the chance to go and watch my favorite EPL team, Southampton!” said Adam. The GPS International Academy attendees will be exposed to professional scouts through regular exhibition games against professional academies and of trial events throughout the UK and Europe. The players will also have the opportunity to attend regular professional fixtures at any of London’s six EPL teams throughout the season. In addition to the soccer component, the Academy players will also be enrolled on to a BTEC Level 3 in sport and performance and gain coaching qualifications from the English Football Association.
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GPS PARTNER WITH SKLZ GPS are pleased to announce an extension to their partnership with leading soccer equipment retailer, SKLZ which will see all GPS members receive reduced pricing to soccer training aids via an online GPS shop. GPS entered an agreement with SKLZ in 2015 which saw the California based organization become the club’s official training equipment provider. SKLZ provide all small sided goals for GPS programs including the EDL, all SAQ equipment for the club’s sports performance department and finally, all portable nets for team training. Significantly, SKLZ equipment has been incorporated into the training of the GPS Soccer Assassins, online skills specialists who provide individual, small group and online training options for players of all ages and abilities. GPS players will be provided a 15% Discount on Selected SKLZ Equipment. The GPS Official Store can be accessed here. “The SKLZ training equipment and specifically, the Quickster Soccer Training, provide a great option for individual first touch and control for players outside of practice,” said Soccer Assassin, Danny Gildea. “The SKLZ training aids have been a great addition to the training sessions we run and have been very popular with our players,” said Gildea. “At GPS we have always strived to create a program that inspires players to take control of their own development,” said Director of Coaching Peter Bradley. “Whilst there is no substitute for the game itself, the SKLZ products allow players to work on such essential skills as receiving and control in their own time and home,” said Bradley. The GPS Soccer Assassins have become one of the go to Instagram soccer accounts with over 60,000 followers. Their group and individual sessions will begin in April in Sherborn and Waltham. In addition their online academy is available to players located anywhere around the world and will feature a personalized weekly program of skills, control and speed exercises, feedback and advice on how to improve technique and the opportunity to feature on the Soccer Assassins page. For more information on the GPS Soccer Assassins and to book your session contact Danny Gildea at dgildea@ globalpremiersoccer.com or call 781-385-0206.
GLOBALPREMIERSOCCER
2016 FC Bayern Youth Cup Ten lucky youth soccer players from across the US touched down in Munich, to compete in the FC Bayern Youth Cup, as part of the partnership between FC Bayern Munich and Global Premier Soccer. The contest was hosted at the Allianz Arena, home of the German Giants and is open to boys aged 14-16 during the time of the event. Ten players were selected from clubs within the 21 states GPS is active in. The players were selected for their character, commitment and embodiment of the FC Bayern Core Values.
‘The FC Bayern Youth Cup is a once in a lifetime opportunity for ten players from within GPS and FC Bayern affiliate clubs to participate in an overseas trip that not only broadens their horizons, but keeps in line with the objectives of social development which is core to the GPS ethos’ said GPS DOC Peter Bradley. ‘We would like to thank FC Bayern Munich for the opportunity and we look forward to trying to better our fourth place finish of last year," said Bradley. The ten lucky players selected are as follows: Logan Brinsky (Soccer Vision Academy, OH) Andrew Stevens (GPS – Massachusetts) Joseph Borneo (Fury SC, WV) Callahan Boronkay (Almaden FC, CA) Ivan Ramirez Conception (Conquistadores de Guaynabo, PR) Edwin Aguirre (Parsippany SC, NJ) Kyle Morphy (GPS Florida West, FL) John Coleman (United FC, CA) Bobby Cayer (GPS New Hampshire) Mason Stokes (GPS New Jersey) The FC Bayern Youth Cup comprises teams from all over the world, selected through local competitions by FC Bayern Munich. The other teams were: Japan (L3-0), China (W1-0), FC Bayern Guest team (L1-0), Germany (L1-0), Thailand (L2-0), India (W2-0) and Austria (T0-0). Austria deservedly were Champions and USA finished 5th. In addition to playing in the tournament the boys received training sessions from FC Bayern coaches, toured the city and attended in the FC Bayern vs. Hanover 96 Bundesliga fixture which saw FC Bayern lift the trophy for winning the Bundesliga this season.
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TACTICAL ZONE ROLE OF A CENTER BACK Modern day center backs need to be able to do more than just head the ball and make tackles. Center backs of today must read the game and look to intercept more than tackle and then start attacks with intelligent forward play. Below are some of the key attributes needed to play center back.
Tactical Understands how to defend individually and collectively and the concepts of defensive safety and risk.
Technical
Defends with composure and accuracy.
Reads the game well and positions effectively
Reads and anticipates play and makes good decisions.
Understands when to mark opponents from different distances according to game circumstances
Supports, receives and play ‘in’ and from defending third with composure and understanding.
Presses opponents effectively: intercepting passes, spoiling possession and containing attackers.
Can move into midfield areas and combine play intelligently with midfield players.
Can defend in all 1v1 situations, including counter attacks.
Changes the ball position as required.
Tracks opponents movements and can pass players onto team-mates if required. Challenges decisively and fairly. Can cover other defenders and mark space effectively. Runs with the ball into midfield and beyond with composure. Can play accurate passes to forward players in front and behind the opposing defense. Passes the ball with both feet, using any surface of the foot, over a variety of distances with deception and spin. Passing into midfield and forward areas if necessary. 6
Physical Quick and explosive, particularly over a short distance Can compete aerially possessing spring and timing, if not height when jumping to challenge. Possess upper body strength for contact situations.
Psychological Mentally adaptable and tactically capable in a variety of defending circumstances. Courageous and focused throughout the game. Displays composure and competitiveness. GLOBALPREMIERSOCCER
TECHNICAL ZONE
SIDE FOOT CONTROL
Cushion ball with inside of the foot. Open your foot and relax on impact. Cushioning the ball means the ball won’t bounce away on impact.
Judge line and flight of the ball and get body in the flight path of the ball.
Use arms to provide balance and provide protection from pressuring players.
Bend knees slightly to maintain balance and allow explosive movement once ball is under control.
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PSYCHOLOGICAL ZONE If you are a serious athlete and have ever had an experience with an injury, then you know that the physical hurt you feel is only one very small part of the overall pain that you have to go through in the rehab process. The psychological pain caused by your injury and the temporary or permanent loss of your sport can be far more devastating than pulled muscles or broken bones. Coaches and parents who are sensitive to the issues of the injured athlete help speed up the rehab process and significantly lessen the mental anguish that the athlete must struggle with. To better understand what happens psychologically when an athlete is kept out of action because of an injury, it's important to briefly examine the three major functions that sport plays in the athlete’s life. THE FUNCTION OF SPORT IN YOUR LIFE SENSE OF IDENTITY If you are a serious athlete and have been practicing and competing long enough, then you will soon come to see yourself in terms of your sport. As a soccer player it becomes part of who you are and what you do. GPS becomes part of the player’s identity. MAJOR SOURCE OF SELF-ESTEEM Large parts of a child and young person’s life can be challenging, difficult, a burden and un-enjoyable for them. For most serious young athletes, sport provides them with a continual source of positive reinforcement and feedback A CONSTRUCTIVE WAY TO COPE WITH STRESS (CATHARCISM) It is widely recognised that physical exercise helps you handle stress of all kinds. Individuals who have no physical outlets in their life tend to internalize their stress and fail to resolve the negativities in their lives. Many players recognize that their involvement in their sport is a constructive way to escape from the stressors in their everyday routine. THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF INJURY LOSS OF IDENTITY Young players may begin to feel that they are losing their sense of sporting identity. They will begin to question their continued role in the team if they are sidelined for a long period of time. They will question their worth to the team - particularly if it continues to succeed without them LOSS OF HEALTH AND ‘INVINCIBILITY’ Many players are used to being independent and relying upon their bodies to respond as trained and directed. With the injury, players are forced to face the fact that their body has somehow failed them. This can be a major source of anger and frustration – particularly for young or immature players. Furthermore, injuries frequently make you dependent upon others, i.e. doctors, trainers, physical therapists, etc.;
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LOSS OF SELF ESTEEM Players can be used to being rewarded with victories, trophies, MVP awards and other positive rewards, but can suddenly be left watching the action, plagued with self-doubts and have to struggle with questions of your own self-worth. If players are not able to push others in practice, work hard on their game, and help their team in competitions, then they question what real value they have on the team. LOSS OF CATHARCISM The final loss that accompanies a physical injury lies in the player’s inability to constructively cope with stress. If soccer has been a vehicle for them to tame chronic low self-esteem or manage psychological stress, an injury suddenly removes this familiar and comfortable coping mechanism. PLAYER STRATEGIES FOR COPING WITH INJURIES 1. BE SAD – Do not hide feelings. Allow yourself to feel honest emotions so we can move forward. 2. DEAL WITH WHAT IS – Players will reflect on “could of” or “should of” scenarios that do not help. 3. SET NEW, MORE REALISTIC GOALS FOR YOURSELF – Recognize how goals will need adjusting 4. MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE, NO MATTER WHAT – View injury as a challenge to overcome 5. TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN YOUR HEALING – Be involved in creation of fitness plans or prehab. 6. SEEK OUT THE SUPPORT OF YOUR TEAMMATES – They can still work in groups including you. 7. BE PATIENT– Do not rush recovery. Re-introduction too early can make injuries worse or career ending. COACHING STRATEGIES 1. BE EMPATHIC- Showing that you care as a coach will go a long way to engaging the player early in your plans for their long term recovery. Taking the time to understand how they feel and how it affects their life routine will help them trust you when it comes to recovery. 2. WORK WITH THEIR SELF-ESTEEM – Let the player know they are still a valued member of the team and feature in all team plans, even when they are injured. 3. GIVE THEM A ROLE ON THE TEAM- Off field roles are still vital for the teams’ success – so give them added responsibility in this area. Te pictures below show an injured GPS player working with a head coach to train and educate younger players in the club during their recovery period. 4. DON’T ALLOW THE ATHLETE TO ISOLATE HIMSELF FROM THE TEAM - Take it upon yourself as the coach to actively reach out to the injured individual. The coach can have a powerfully positive impact on the injured athlete’s feelings of inclusion. ** TURN INJURY INTO A POSITIVE CHALLENGE ** – Injury can be viewed as just a small hold up in what will be a long and potentially successful active playing career. The ability for a player to process and overcome an injury can be a hugely powerful motivator moving forward. Coming out of an injury with the knowledge they were strong enough to do so is a huge psychological weapon for a competitive player. They can play with a sense of freedom; safe in the knowledge they can cope again with playing to the edge of their limits. GPS GU15 Player Abby Gerdes coaching the GU11 girls team during her recovery from a broken collar bone. She assisted the head coach for a few weeks to remain engaged and give her something to focus on during recovery.
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PHYSICAL ZONE
Header’s in Competition The table below shows the heading statistics from all major European leagues over the course of the 2015/2016 season. It is specific to positions, and is based on the average number of 50-50 headers per player per match. Note that 50-50 headers are determined by 2 opposing players challenging for a ball. Statistics provided by Prozone
US Soccer Concussion Guidelines As of January 2016, the USSF introduced the Recognize to Recover program which includes the US Soccer Concussion Initiative – providing information and guidance relating to head injuries, while implementing specific rules changes for certain age groups. The goal is to educate players, parents and coaches of the importance of early identification and proper management of a concussion.
Rules Changes: • Substitutions – players can be evaluated without it counting as a substitution • Eliminating headers for players U11 and younger • Limiting amount of headers in training for players U12 – U14 (30 minutes per week) GPS is using the guidelines provided by US Soccer to continuously educate its coaches, as well as implement training methods to improve our players’ heading technique, landing technique and composure when jumping with contact from another player. All GPS coaches are certified with the Heads Up! Concussion Training
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Avg 50/50 aerial challenges per game
All major European competitions
Position
90 minute average
Centre Forward
7.08
Central Defender Left
6.92
Central Defender Right
6.85
Center Forward Right
5.78
Center Forward Left
5.45
Left Back
4.23
Right Back
4.22
Sweeper
3.63
Supporting Center Forward
3.55
Holding Midfielder
3.42
Central Midfielder Left
3.30
Central Midfielder Right
3.28
Central Midfielder
3.00
Wide Forward Right
2.88
Wide Forward Left
2.84
Wing Back Left
2.52
Wing Back Right
2.30
Goalkeeper
0.27
Overall Average
3.85
GLOBALPREMIERSOCCER
GOALKEEPING ZONE Modern Day Goalkeeper
The position of goalkeeper has evolved tremendously over the last 2 decades. The modern goalkeeper has truly developed into an all round soccer player who needs to be able to play a good brand of passing soccer while also being able to utilize, to the maximum, the advantage of being able to use their hands.
Being a good goalkeeper is no longer simply about being a good shot stopper, that is now the minimum requirement a coach will look at when searching for a high quality goalkeeper. Since FIFA implemented the rule which no longer allowed goalkeepers to pick the ball up, when it was passed to them by a team mate, goalkeepers have needed to focus a lot more of their attention on their foot skills and have effectively become the 11th outfield player. A great example of this is Bayern Munich and German number 1, Manuel Neuer. Neuer is arguable the best sweeper keeper in world soccer at the moment. He is extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet and is capable of covering for his defense as well has using his footwork and passing ability to build up play from the back. The ability of a goalkeeper to play as a sweeper allows the defenders to play an attacking brand of soccer when the team has possession of the ball. The goalkeeper thus stays higher up the field, and does the job of a sweeper by clearing long balls or defense splitting balls, which could cause damage. Sweeper keepers are generally preferred when the back four plays a high line and they have to react quickly and play as an extra defender and stifle the opposition forwards, if they beat the offside trap. They also come in handy when the center backs are not very quick across the turf. In that case, the keeper has to come rushing out of goal to stop an attack which automatically makes him a ‘fifth defender’. Being a fifth defender automatically means that the keeper has to be good with his feet and he should also have the vision to read the game and release his players during the counter attack.
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COACHING ZONE FOCUS: Attacking with an overload At GPS we run regular Professional Development sessions for our staff to maintain high standards and reinforce alignment with the GPS philosophy. This also gives the opportunity for our staff to share and discuss new ideas about player development. This months session is based around attacking with and overload.
Warm Up - Double Rondo Set Up/Rules
3v1 in each square with a neutral yellow on middle line. Yellow player acts as the 4th attacker for both boxes. Yellow player must be aware of both areas and join in when possible. If defender clears the ball from the box they switch with player who gave up possession Coaching Points Quality of 1 touch passes Decision to play 1 touch or take a touch to draw defender in. Awareness of next pass before receiving. Movement to create passing lanes.
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Progression Now have 1 ball between boxes. Yellow player acts as neutral and creates 1v2 in the central area. Outside players have 1 touch and try and combine with central player to keep possession.
GLOBALPREMIERSOCCER
Exercise 1 - 2v1 Attacking Set Up/Rules
Set field out as shown, each zone 12x10 yards. 1 defender in each zone. Defenders are restricted to zone. 2 attackers enter the area and try and get past the 2 defenders into the end zone to score. Attackers move to next channel once ball is out of play or goal is scored. Coaching Points Attack at speed. Positive forward play. Decision making between beating defender 1v1 or passing to a better positioned team mate. Combination play to beat defender. Check position of GK Decision making on type of finish.
Progressions Teams now only have one touch in end zone to score
If defenders win the ball they try and dribble to start line to gain a point.
3v2 Counter Attacking Set Up/Rules
2 defenders and a neutral player start in the area. Coach starts play by passing into one of the reds to join the attack. 2 reds from one end attack to create 3v2 with N player. Once goal is scored or ball crosses end line 2 reds from opposite end attack. Coaching Points
Attack at speed. Positive touch into space. Change of speed or direction to beat defender. Decision of when to dribble or when to pass.
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If defender in possession they look to pass to coach at halfway line as quickly as possible.
Progressions Change start point for each attack: Rotate defenders every 3 mins GK distributes to either attacker. GK starts by distributing to N player
GLOBALPREMIERSOCCER
PARENT ZONE Pre-match You should never place demands on your kid prior to a match like “score me a goal” or “get stuck in”. Instead send them off with “have fun” or “enjoy yourself”. That way they go into the match in a relaxed state of mind and with zero expectations placed on their young shoulders – which is very important. Post-match When a match has finished tell your child how well they played and that you are very proud of them. Never be critical or offer analysis. Sometimes kids will know exactly how well they did or how well they didn’t do and don’t need you to remind them of a poor performance or equally to indulge them if they had a great game. Kids have naturally high expectations of themselves and can be their own worst critics. If your child comes off the pitch critical of their performance and upset you must LISTEN first and foremost. Kids know when they are being lied to so it would be wrong of you to tell them they played great when they know themselves that they didn’t. Instead, again tell them how proud you are and try explain to them that everyone has good days and bad days, that they can’t always be the best player on the pitch every week and that you have every confidence in them. When this happens it is vital to NOT allow your child or the child to dwell on such matters. If your child or the child has had a great game, it is just as important that you don’t indulge them. Simple praise and acknowledgment will suffice. Many parents or guardians often go over the top with praise and can indeed get caught up themselves and the last thing any kid needs regardless of their ability is to be told that they are going to be a star – or worse – a professional footballer!
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Click the image to hear US National Team player Sydney Leroux’s views on pushy parents. Back to the game During the match every kid looks out to see a familiar face if their parent, guardian or someone they know is in attendance and therefore a little smile, a nod, a wink or a thumbs up is all that is needed instead of shouts of “well done” which can distract a kid and make them very self conscious of themselves and that you are somewhere in the crowd watching their every move. That can, believe it or not, have a negative impact on their game and attitude during the game. Via subtle encouragement and recognition your child will eventually stop looking for you in the crowd safe in the knowledge that you are there and they don’t need to impress you or look for your approval. This will allow them to concentrate on the game and play an unpressurized match, free to express and to enjoy themselves, to have fun. And for kids, fun is the name of the game, always remember that!
Don’t be this guy (Click Image)
GLOBALPREMIERSOCCER
GPS FC BAYERN NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM The GPS U15 Girls National Team returned victorious from the Las Vegas Players Showcase this weekend. Please see below the review of the the weekend from Coach Josh Thornton of GPS Maine.
Game 1 GPS vs Strikers EGSL With the game being a 2pm kick off and on turf, the heat was always going to be an obstacle the team had to overcome. Subs were used quickly in order to keep energy high on the field. The first 10 minutes were a little shaky as the team worked on figuring each other out, however after that the girls eased in to the game and came out with a 6-1 win. Striker and Captain, Maggie Struble got herself on the score sheet early and looked dangerous going to goal. Her power and pace proved to be too much for the opposition. Game 2 GPS vs Santa Monica United NPL Even though the game was an 8am kick off, the team seemed awake and alert and came out of the blocks flying. Full backs, Georgia Schoen, Bri Coco, Abigail Dobies and Maia Madison had major success overlapping on the outsides and giving us numbers up situations in attack. A hat trick from NH player Lilly Proulx and a late second half Brace from Audrey Lavey were amongst the goals in this 7-0 game. The team were in good form and looking forward to finishing their group undefeated later that day. Game 3 GPS vs Rogue Valley At this point both teams had won both games so the winner of the game would be going through. Rogue Valley came out with a point to prove and pressed hard as GPS FCB spent some time trying to figure out the change from turf to grass. A huge early save from Katie Moore on a break away proved valuable and set the tone for the team as they started to pick up their play. Maggie Struble broke free and managed to run the ball down the field and slot the ball back across the goalkeeper. The score at half time was 1-0 and the game was going to be hard. Grace Devanny pressed hard for a goal and did get one 10 minutes into the second half but unfortunately this was given as offside. GPS continued to press and it was Audrey Lavey who finally broke the lock with a beautiful finish into the bottom left corner. Some terrific defending from center backs Kayla Jose, Molly Lunsford, Bri Coco and Maia Madison helped the team to hold on to the lead. Late in the game Rogue were handed 3 free kicks outside the box but Katie Moore was able to push or see them over the goal. 2-0 win and on to the semi finals early Saturday morning.
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Game 4 (semi final) GPS vs CDA Some great early pressure and play saw Leah Wengendena get an early goal to put the team ahead. A second goal was quick to follow. Later in the half a CDA break away resulted in a goal and the game was closed back to 2-1. Quickly Georgia Schoen was able to drive the ball in from the wing and slow the ball across the goalkeeper to put GPS FCB 3-1 up. In the second half Grace Devanny again caused many issues with her power and pace upfront and GPS were unlucky in front of goal, hitting both the post and crossbar. Later in the half CDA were awarded a Penalty and finished it very well. The game finished 3-2 but GPS FCB were frustrated with their performance in front of goal.
Game 5 (final) GPS vs MTA from Minnesota Minnesota had a small squad and with both teams playing 5 games in 3 days and this being another middle of the day match up in hot conditions, both teams battled to see out the game with players fatigued and tired. Goals from Delaney Markham and Leah Wengendena were important and a great performance from Jenny Mandarano in Holding midfield in order to keep the ball and keep possession to keep unnecessary running to minimum was important. Kelly Murray, Gaby Paradis and Lilly Proulx, dug deep to continue to get up and down the field from Center midfield in order to continue to attack. Near misses and some good compact defending from MTA kept the score at 2-0 but the tournament was done. 5 wins in 3 days, 20 goals and only 3 conceded. The team had come out on top The weekend had seen 16 girls from different states come together as friends and team mates and gel together so well that comment from coaches watching often were based on the teams cohesion and ability to know where each other are. The experience of the weekend was fantastic from a social and developmental standpoint and one that I am sure the girls will hold dear for years to come.
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Mediterranean International Cup The GPS FC Bayern 2002 National Boys team traveled to Barcelona to compete in the Mediterranean International Cup (MIC) in March 2016. Coach Scott Graham lead a squad of players from across the US to compete against some of the top youth teams from around Europe.
The squad was made up of players from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, Florida, Vermont and Northern Island. The final squad was selected from a pool of players who play for Global Premier Soccer (GPS) or a club affiliated with GPS. The squad met in Waltham MA, GPS headquarters for two days prior to traveling to practice together and sit with the coach in a classroom session going over the tactics for the week. After arriving at the hotel and completed the tournament check-in the players were able to go to their rooms. The team had a walk along the sea front and evening meal followed by a team meeting. Coach Phil Mitchell was excellent in giving his motivational speech before the players departed for an early night after a long day traveling. Wednesday was the opening ceremony followed by game 1 vs Conquest. All games 2x25s. No stoppages for subs, subs are made by coming off when there is throw-ins, goal kicks.
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Game 1 – Group Stage - GPS 10 (ten) - 0 Conquest Academy Game 1 GPS started brightly and played very well in the first half, cruising into 5-0 lead. GPS eased off in the second half, not moving the ball as quickly but still managed to score another 5 and not concede. The level of opposition allowed GPS to give plenty of game time to all and really work on some tactical aspects of the game that would be vital against tougher opposition later on in the event. On Thursday we had two games to complete the group phase. Game 2 – Group Stage- GPS 4 – 0 Sant Feliu Coach Phil Mitchell had watched Sant Feliu play Tutti futbol the previous afternoon to give us a full opposition report. By half time we were 3-0 up but did not show the same quality as game 1 first half. We were slower in our speed of play when in possession. Second half was better and we finished well in last 10minutes creating 3-4 chances. Some of the players that came in from game 1 done well but some did not. I had some concerns on 3-4 players after game 2. Game 3- Group Stage- evening game - GPS 0-3 Tutti Futbol Game 3 was to decide who won the group. Both teams had already qualified. Game 3 was much better opposition from game 2 vs Sant Feliu. Our midfield 3 struggled with the opposition rotation in the first half and didn’t get tight enough. Our center backs didn’t drop with their striker when he dropped short or wide. 1-0 down through a penalty. 1-0 at half time. We missed a one on one at 1-0 but didn’t deserve to get anything from the game. They scored a good second goal after our center back missed the initial header from their goalkeepers long ball. 3-0 late on. We were simply not good enough tactically in this game but with 4-5 easy corrections. A good game to learn from defensively against their rotation and good movement. This style of play would be a common theme for the next two opponents. We went over in detail what is required defensively that night and before game 4. As we lost game 3 we ended up finishing second in the group. We played #1 in Group N. Group N went to game 3 also with all 4 teams able to win the group. FC Martinec beat Torrelevante to win the group. Last 32 - Game 4 FC Martinec 0-0 GPS (GPS win 4-1 on penalties) I started with the same two center backs as the previous night and they were excellent in this game. I asked James to stay tight to the center forward when he dropped short and Andrew to cover a little more. Both were very good on the ball and James won everything in the air. We started the game very well- Nathan and harri getting forward well from right and left back. Padraig was very good in defensive midfield switching the play, Ty and Tobias very good on the ball. We needed to score during our initial dominance in the opening 20 minutes. Last 5 minutes we got a little frustrated because we hadn’t scored yet. Second half we were not as good, we looked a little tired and wasteful in our passes. Defensively however we remained solid. Goalkeepers changed at half time. Game finished 0-0 and went to penalties. We scored all 4. They missed their 1st and connor saved the third. Drew scored to win 4-1 and set up a last 16 tie with Barcelona who had scored over 40 goals in their first 4 games and conceded 0.
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Last 16 - Game 5 FC Barcelona 6-0 GPS GPS set up with a low pressure system for the first half having already watched Barcelona twice, in their first and second group games. and watching the way they play. Having a team that doesn’t practice regularly as a group Coach Graham felt that setting up to play with a low pressure system is much easier to understand and more ‘risk free’than playing a high pressure game. The game took place in front of 2800 spectators and on Live catalan TV. After 19 minutes it was 0-0, Andrew Rosenbaum made a good opportunity for himself but the made a good save after he cut in from the right. Barca were awarded a penalty after 19minutes which was very soft and frustrating. Some of the players struggled with their mentality over the next 6 minutes as they were frustrated with the ref giving the penalty, which they scored. With 30 seconds left in the half they broke down the left and scored. 2-0 at half time and a bad time to concede. Coach Graham made 3 changes at half time and another 2 shortly after to allow everyone the chance to play FC Barcelona. We kept the same line of pressure to try and remain compact and hard to break down. They were very good in their use of the ball and made the GPS boys work hard and eventually tiredness kick in and Barcelona took advantage scoring 4 more. The game was an excellent opportunity for the boys to play against FC Barcelona. Who are probably the best u14 team in the world winning the vast majority of their games vs other European teams in the last few seasons. Game 6 – Friendly USA Soccer Stars 1-2 GPS Last game was a friendly to finish the week. GPS controlled most of the game but didn’t create many clear chances in the first half and then GPS got hit with the sucker punch as they broke to score their goal in the first half with their first shot. At half time coach Graham made 7 changes which proved inspired as the team were excellent for the first 15minutes of the second half turning the score line around to win the game 2-1 GPS tried to get a game with Spanish opposition or another European team but unfortunately most of the European teams left once knocked out.
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GPS Soccer Assassins SKILL SPECIALISTS
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? We are technical skill specialists and we believe creativity is at the heart of our program. Having both been victims of a robotic and blood and thunder academy system we are keen to promote expression and imagination in young players in all areas of the pitch. We believe young players can practice anywhere as we demonstrate in all of our videos.
HOW DOES IT IMPROVE MY GAME? The skills and moves performed by the Soccer Assassins are all focused around ball manipulation and close control. They use all surfaces of the feet and various body parts to move and manipulate the ball which will put defenders into a spin. This close control and ability to make the ball do what you want will give you the edge over opponents and bring an unpredictability into your game.
WHERE CAN I WATCH THE ASSASSINS? The Soccer Assassins are blowing up INSTAGRAM with some outrageous soccer skills and tricks and are being followed by thousands of people around the world. Not only do these Assassins have the swagger of the worlds top players they have the skills to match. Follow them on: INSTAGRAM @gps_soccerassassins
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MEET THE TEAM NAME: DANNY GILDEA HOMETOWN:
SCARBOROUGH
SOCCER TEAM:
LIVERPOOL
FAVOURITE MOVE:
SCORPION FLICK
Click on the image to view an example of some Soccer Assassin group sessions.
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AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT
GPS NEW YORK GPS New York is currently made up of three different regions,GPS-New York in Buffalo, Rochester Futbol Club in Rochester, and GPS-Halfmoon in Albany. RFC and GPS-NY continue to grow while in it’s first year GPSHalfmoon are exceeding all expectations. ROCHESTER REGION Rochester Futbol Club was established in 1997 by Nelson Cupello, who is also head coach of Monroe Community College in Rochester. The club had only a few teams in the first few years, but what the club lacked in numbers they made up in talent. In 2008 Dale Jordan started coaching at Rochester Futbol Club. When Dale began coaching at RFC, New York Premier Soccer was just getting off the ground. At the very first NYPS meeting there were 5 members of staff total. General Manager Chris Howard, Technical Director Dale Jordan, Academy Director Jack Barber, Operations as well as Leagues & Tournament Brian Patterson with Karl Southwick office manager. In 2010 GPS announced partnership with RFC, and at that time RFC had only teams of U13. and above at the club. In 2010 GPS -NY supplied RFC with a full time technical director. General Manager of GPS in 2010 was Chris Howard became technical director at RFC. GPS would also supply RFC with coaching staff to coach RFC teams. With GPS now involved with RFC, one of the first courses of action was to establish academy teams at RFC due to RFC only having U13 and above teams at this time. The first incarnation of the academy was in the form of the schools of excellence program. GPS started the SOE program at 5 different locations with RFC being the main SOE. The schools of excellences was to give children more touches on the ball while trying to develop players to play for RFC. In 2011, the second year of the partnership, GPS started controlling the coaching matrix, and curriculum. In 2013 GPS-NY took over the day to day running's of RFC. Since then Rochester Futbol Club has continued the winning tradition. Last season saw the club win two State Cup titles along with four Thruway League Division 1 Titles, which made RFC the most successful club in New York State West last season.
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ALBANY REGION GPS New York expanded to Albany New York in May 2015. The club is called GPS-Halfmoon which started with free clinics followed by tryouts. In year one the club has currently eight teams with six boys teams and two girls teams. The name is GPS-Halfmoon due to the partnership with Halfmoon soccer club. The indoor program is ran out of Halfmoon at the Sportsplex. Teams play in the Capital District Youth Soccer League in both the fall and the spring. The higher end teams will compete in the New England Premiership and New England NPL. Craig Thomas is the Premier Director at GPS-Halfmoon. Another initiative to improve the standard of the soccer in New York West is the Early Development League. The EDL runs through the fall and is supported by the state association. Due to the lack of organized soccer for any premier standard player below the age of 11, GPS NY has stepped in to create a league for U7’s to U12’s to play. The idea is to give competitive games for young soccer players in the state at a younger age which will aid their development and therefore over time help create a higher standard of soccer player long term in NYSW. Another unique GPS-NY event is the Darian Lake residential camp in July. It’s a soccer camp by day, theme park by night. All the kids at the camp stay at the theme park each evening while taking part in different activities around Darian Lake. You can sign up for the Darian Lake camp here: https://www.gotsport.com/ asp/application/reg/?ProgramID=42097&Type=PLAYER GPS-NY currently have 14 full time staff members Dean James, Jaime Phillips, Tyral Hicken, Scott Graham, Jonny Black, Michael Lathe, Lee Rice, Aitor Fuentes, Uktarsh Kaushik, Declan Doherty, Dani Muniz, Craig Thomas and Ryan Louis. GPS-NY have a total of 51 teams and 800 players. The general manager for GPS-NY is Brian Patterson, who oversees all three regions. BUFFALO REGION In April 2010 GPS-NY created the Knights Premier program out of the Buffalo region. Brian Patterson taking charge of one premier team at the BU15 age, and two school of excellence programs in it’s first season. Following a successful year 1 the program continued to grow in size but more importantly started to develop talented young Soccer players. The Buffalo region developed multiple town partners, LDSC, OPSC, Northtowns Soccer Club, Grand Island Soccer Club and Lockport Soccer Club.
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GPS PDL
GPS PORTLAND PHOENIX
The Cape Crusaders were one of the most successful minor-league soccer teams in the United States, having been national PDL champions twice, in 2002 and 2003. The team was also one of the most long-lasting teams, having played in four different leagues, at two different levels, over the course of more than a decade. In 2007, Crusaders striker Ricardo Pierre-Louis was part of the Haiti squad which took part in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Pierre-Louis was the only PDL player to take part in the tournament, coming on as a substitute in the 1–1 draw with Costa Rica, and playing a full 90 minutes in the 2–0 defeat to Canada. GPS Portland Phoenix continues to be Professional player factory, taking over from the former Cape Cod Crusaders (Here are some of their ex players)
Ryan Thompson After graduating from the University of Tampa, Thompson signed with MPS Portland Phoenix in Maine for the 2010 PDL season. Thompson's Portland team finished runners-up in the Eastern Conference Northeast Division. Thompson played 13 games for the Phoenix in his one season with the Maine club. Thompson also has 7 caps for the Jamaican national team.
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Paul Nicholson Played for the phoenix for one season in 2010, he has then gone to play for Wilmington Hammerheads and has recently signed for the FC Cincinnati Charlie Rugg Played for the Phoenix in 2011, Rugg was selected inn the first round (No. 19 overall) of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. Rugg signed with Eintracht Trier 05 in February 2016 and scored twice in his debut against FC Homburg. Jacob Vancampenolle Jacob played for the phoenix in 2014, he went on to make 10 appearance in that season. On 11 February 2015 signed with USL side Oklahoma City Energy, going on to make 23 appearance for them. January 8th 2016 VanCampenolle signed for Sporting Kansas USL Development side Swope Park Rangers
Aaron Schoenfeld After leaving the Phoenix Aaron Schoenfeld has found himself playing the top flight of the Israeli Premier league and is the top scorer in the league . Aaron Schoenfeld recently signed a two and a half year deal with Hapoel Tel Aviv of the Israeli Premier League (IPL) and scored within two minutes of his debut on the team. He was drafted in the MLS Supplemental Draft in 2012 by the Montreal Impact, but in late March, he was traded to the Columbus Crew for a 2013 Supplemental Draft pick. After playing in 34 games for the Crew from 2012-14, he was loaned out to the Dayton Dutch Lions who play in the USL. During the 2014 season, Schoenfeld became the club’s record holder for most goals scored in one season (12). His loan ended at the conclusion of the 2014 season where he was transferred back to the MLS. Schoenfeld completed the 2015 season with the Columbus Crew by appearing in 17 games and scoring one goal as a striker for the Crew. After his contract ended in late 2015, he signed on with the Maccabi Netanya who is part of the IPL. After just two matches with Maccabi Netanya, Schoenfeld drew interest from other teams in Israel and was transferred to the Hapoel Tel Aviv and a teammate in exchange for $1 million. In his first start and match for Hapoel Tel Aviv, he was able to net his first professional goal in the Tel Aviv derby, which is a rivalry match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv, on February 7. Schoenfeld was fed a long ball from midfield. He was able to chase the ball down behind the Maccabi Tel Aviv defensive line and pitched the ball over the incoming Maccabi Tel Aviv goalie. The ball one-hopped into the left side of the net for his first professional goal in the IPL. 25
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R E C C O S R E I S M E I E R R E P S L T A N B E O M L G A N R U O T R E SUMM GPS Summer Showcase
GPS Caribbean Showcase
Date • July 16th-17th 2016 Location • MYSA Complex, Lancaster MA Ages • U10-U19 Boys and Girls
Date • January 27th-29th 2017 Location • Bayamon Facilities, PR Ages • U9-U19 Boys and Girls
Field Sizes (Registration Fee) 7v7 • U10 ($600) 9v9 • U11/U12 ($700) 11v11 • U13-U19 ($800)
Field Sizes (Registration Fee) 7v7 • U9/U10 ($500) 9v9 • U11/U12 ($600) 11v11 • U13-U14 ($700) 11v11 • U15-U18 ($800)
Registration Deadline • June 15th
spend the winter sun 2 caribbean nd at showcase the
in
!
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