OREGON YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION’S MONTHLY MAGAZINE
GOAL LINES
ISSUE #17
OREGON YOUTH SOCCER
U9/U10 DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE HISTORY The Oregon Youth Soccer Association Development League started 3 years ago experiencing phenomenal success.
What:
Oregon Youth Soccer Development League
When: Fall 2017 Games: 8
The spirit in which it was created has served hundreds of games, and thousands of kids every Sunday morning.
Where: ALWAYS at Delta Park. No scheduling conflicts, no long drives, plenty of parking
It’s easy for parents. It’s easy for players. Every Sunday. Always on turf, plenty of parking.
Refs:
USSF certified, development level
Who:
All 2008, 2009, 2010 birth year players
Day:
Always on Sundays. No guessing.
Turf:
No. More. Mud. Also, no more flooding, or field closures. The fields are also already setup
How:
Small sided, 25min halves, smaller goals, buildout line, no heading.
Simple rules designed to foster progression within the USSF Player Development Initiatives, and player inclusion, means everyone wins at this critical age group. Delta Park is the host, and nearly every club within driving distance has taken part over the past three years.
Only $475
CORNER FOURTH IN THE WEST!
BY THE NUMBERS:
The Timbers season certainly is an interesting one. Sitting fourth in the western conference is not a
7-7-6 record
bad thing at all. Solidly in the playoff picture (even though it’s early) and only two wins from the top
34 goals for
spot, seems like we are doing well. However, there is an air of disappointment lingering. Not in the performances, or where we sit, but rather in the inability to close out games we’re doing well in.
31 goals against
Costly mistakes, overshadowing a good season so far.
36,863 miles travelled this season so far
Is that a criticism? Perhaps, but there is definitely a fantastic foundation for the team to build on.
for away games (round trip)
International breaks are over, so we can get the team back, and build on the cohesiveness we’ve
Top scorers - Valeri & Adi (10 goals)
seen already.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Check out our favorite Timbers videos this month that you may not have seen
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS Here are the most recent match highlights from our favorite team
NEXT OPPONENT
Saturday July 17
Providence Park
7:30pm PST
WHY YOUR KID IS LIKELY TO QUIT SOCCER (OR ANY OTHER SPORT) BEFORE THE AGE OF 12
There are some staggering statistics about player drop out rates in soccer (and other sports) for youngsters between the ages of 6 and 12. Why are they dropping out? Why are they not continuing on? The Aspen Institute has done a comprehensive study covering this very topic and we’d like to share some of the findings with you in the next few pages, and give you an opportunity to download the entire findings by clicking here or anywhere on the following pages.
SOCCER TOURNAMENTS: THE PLAIN AND SIMPLE TRUTH
There are key moments in adult life that act as epiphany times. Moments when the truth about certain events seem crystal clear. One such moment for myself was the first National Director of Coaching (DOC) meeting I attended which was being hosted by Dave Chesler, the technical director from US Soccer. All such meetings start with some form of ice breaker; I've sat through witty, entertaining, dull and truly educational ice breakers. On this occasion, Dave chose to pass around a magic wand which each DOC could take and announce one soccer wish. I was intrigued and fascinated as the wand passed around the room and 90% of all present wanted the same wish. An entire room of many of the most respected and educated names in youth soccer and almost in total agreement…Soccer tournaments banned. Some wanted this for three or five years and some forever. Thinking that over 90% of the 55 DOCs within the country could not all be wrong, I set about talking to a number of my colleagues to ascertain why this was such a passionate desire within the group. My conversations and research since have led to this article which I share in the hope that team managers and soccer parents can all gain a true understanding of the many issues that tournaments present. From a historical perspective, when there were no regional or sub-regional premier leagues, tournaments were a method by which better teams could play better teams. A good idea that would be supported by any professional coach. The problem at this time was simply the format they used. With all that has been learned about child development, rest and overuse injuries, the two or three games a day format for an incredible two days was the source of the concern. The vast majority of tournaments insist on using a format which ensures the games are simply and truthfully anti-development and dangerous to the players participating within them. If at age 14, a player needs 72 hours to recover before playing or training at maximum ability again, how is it realistic to ask they play four games within 48 hours? To read the full article, click here.
WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S: FANS OF JIMMY CONWAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2017
Dear Friends of Jimmy Conway: It has been 8 years, now, since Jimmy was first diagnosed with ‘Trauma Induced Dementia’. Since that time Jimmy’s path has been similar to others with dementia. While his physical condition has unfortunately gradually deteriorated, he remains strong in spirit. He always finds a smile for Noeleen and those who visit with him and you can still catch a glimpse of that indomitable spirit and his infectious smile. Jimmy’s legacy in soccer lives on. In the Pacific Northwest here in the US, his name is synonymous with the growth of soccer at every level of the game. He worked, tirelessly, and oftentimes without great fanfare or compensation playing, coaching and teaching the game he loved. I think it would be fair to say that most persons involved with soccer in the state of Oregon, are 1-3 degrees removed from his influence. Seeing how successful every level of the sport is today, here in Oregon, is a testament to Jimmy and many other 'pioneers’ in the modern era of the game (1970-present). Youth (boys and girls), high-school, college, amateur (adult) soccer have all greatly benefitted from Jimmy’s passion, commitment to and knowledge of the game. He delivered his message with a fiery passion and an infectious smile. He enjoyed a joke with his players, pupils, friends, team-mates and associates. He demanded the most out of everyone because he only knew one way of participating and that was with every sinew of his being. Over the past 8 years our ‘Friends of Jimmy Conway’ team has raised more than $80,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association to help with their research and support programs. We want to help bring about a ‘World without Alzheimer’s'. We hope, therefore, that you will support us by joining our ‘Friends of Jimmy Conway’ walk team at the Portland International Raceway on Sunday, September 10th to participate in the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual ‘Walk to End Alzheimer’s’ and/or making a donation to our team. You can sign up to walk at the event (free of charge) and/or make a donation at the following address: http://act.alz.org/site/TR?pg=personal&px=5999665&fr_id=10055 You can donate in my name, ‘fund-raise’ in your own name while encouraging family/friends/associates to donate in your name. Or, you can make donations directly to our team ‘Friends of Jimmy Conway’ (button on page - under ‘My team - Friends of Jimmy Conway). Whichever way you to chose to donate your donation will be included as part of our team’s efforts. Thank you, so much, for your consideration of this request. We appreciate your support over the years and hope that, like us, you feel it is appropriate to show our respect and gratitude for the incredible body of work that Jimmy invested in the Pacific Northwest, in England and in his native Ireland. Sincerely, Mick Hoban Team Captain
Overall our teams did well in the Far West Regional Championships in Seattle on June 19th. We had one of the best years we’ve had in recent memory! These are the winners of the State Cup Championship series representing OYSA at Regionals. BOYS
GIRLS
U13: PCU 04B Red
U13: Eastside Timbers 04G Red
U13: Westside Timbers 04B Copa
U14: HSC 03G GPS Oregon Elite
U14: Eastside Timbers 03B Red
U15: WA Timbers 02G Red 1
U15: Westside Timbers 02B Copa Red
U16: Capital FC Timbers 01G Goodwin
U16: Westside Timbers 01B Copa
U17: FCSC 00G Nemesis Ellertson
U17: FC Portland 00B Navy
U18: Westside Timbers 99G Copa
U18: Westside Timbers 99B Copa
U18: Eugene Timbers 99G Athletica Black
U19: Westside Timbers 98B Copa
U19: Bend FC Timbers 98G Red
These are the winners of the State Cup Championship series who went on to represent OYSA at Regionals in Seattle.
E & D LICENSES NOW AVAILABLE Oregon Youth Soccer is the sole provider of USSF coaching education in the state, and we are very proud to be offering both E and D licenses this Summer. Details can be found in the Digital Coaching Center by clicking ‘Register’.
WHAT IS THE DCC? The U.S. Soccer Coaching Department was established in the early 1970s by famed West German teacher and coach, Dettmar Cramer. Each level of the U.S. Soccer Coaching License Pathway is designed to meet the needs of coaches ranging from the coach who is inexperienced in soccer to the former professional player who desires to coach in amateur, professional or international competitions. U.S. Soccer’s Digital Coaching Center (DCC), a state-of-the art online educational platform, allows coaches to create a personal profile, register for courses, communicate with technical staff, take part in online courses, create session plans with an online graphics tool, access an archive of U.S. Soccer training sessions and much more.
REFEREES SELECTED TO NATIONALS!
Please join us in congratulating Paul Woodhead of Eugene, OR for being selected to officiate at the 2017 Presidents Cup National Championships in Auburndale, FL July 12-16, 2017.
Please join us in congratulating Riley Hooper of Salem, OR for being selected to officiate at the 2017 US Youth Soccer National Championships in Frisco, TX July 23-30, 2017.
Paul is a Grade 6 referee and this will be his second time being selected to attend. He was unable to attend last year due to US Coast Guard duties. Way to go, Paul!
Riley is a Grade 7 referee. This is Riley’s first time being selected. Keep up the great work, Riley!
CORNER CONTINUATION!
BY THE NUMBERS:
I think it would be fair to say that the Portland Thorns are going through a rough patch right now.
Record: 5-4-4
Their run of form as of late has been pretty dismal. The last five outings are a draw, loss, win, loss, loss, which has seen them fall to fifth in the rankings, which is a three
Goals For: 16
Goals Against: 12
year low for them at this point in the season.
We’ve had some injuries, and the ever-problematic international breaks are not helping the roster continuity, but if we know anything about these women in red, they have the talent and the fortitude to get things turned around.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Check out our favorite Thorns videos this month that you may not have seen
NEXT OPPONENT MATCH HIGHLIGHTS Here are the most recent match highlights from our favorite team
Saturday, July 15th
Providence Park
12:30pm PST
POSITIVE COACHING ALLIANCE RESOURCES FOR SOCCER PLAYERS, COACHES AND PARENTS
Like many coaches and parents, you probably wonder how to help young soccer players get the most from the sport. Positive Coaching Alliance – a national non-profit organization developing “Better Athletes, Better People” through youth and high school sports – is here to help. Starting from the premise that youth sports (i.e., organized sports for children from pre-school through high school, whether at a school, a youth sports organization, park-and-rec, or club) should be fun, healthy, competitive, and character-building for youth, Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) provides training and education for coaches, parents, student-athletes and school/organizational leaders. Much of the training and education comes in the form of live, group workshops and online courses delivered in partnership with a given school or organization. OYSA member clubs that are among the roughly 3,500 that have partnered with PCA nationwide include Hollywood Soccer Club and Westside Timbers. PCA-Portland, the organization’s local Chapter, launched in 2015 with financial support from the Timbers and Thorns among others. Live workshops are facilitated PCA Trainers with a deep background in coaching and other related specialties, such as education and sports psychology, and comprise leading research in the field and advice from a National Advisory Board of 100-plus top pro and college coaches, athletes and academicians. The all-volunteer Advisory Board includes long-time PCA National Spokesperson Phil Jackson, as well as recognizable Oregonian sports figures, such as Lionel Hollins, Mallory Holtman-Fletcher, Rob Mullens, and Mike White. The Advisory Board also includes many soccer luminaries, including those you will see below, who appear within the collection of 1,500-plus free resources at www.PCADevZone.org. For more information on partnering a school or organization with PCA-Portland, email Jack Hendrickson or phone 503-444-3344. For now, though, enjoy thee following videos that are rich with information, inspiration, tips and tools to help you make youth soccer great for kids throughout the state!
These are the winners of the Presidents Cup who went on to represent OYSA at Regionals in Salt Lake City.
WHAT’S HAPPENING NEAR YOU? Looking to improve your coaching knowledge base? Thinking of moving onto the next level, or maybe just a refresher course before the season? What about other soccer-related events?
Check out the schedule of events near you. Coaching and referee courses are asterisked in red!
To register for a coaching course, simply click the course listing to be taken to the registration page
PORTLAND METRO AREA ★ Portland, OR, 8/11 E-License (Women Only)
★Portland, OR 9/1 D-License - Performance Wknd
SOUTHERN OREGON ★E-license 8/25-27 South Medford HS
CENTRAL OREGON ★E-license 7/14 - 16 Eugene, OR
★Corvallis, OR 7/28 D-License - Performance Wknd
Click team badge for their full game schedule
“I CAN DO BETTER!” YOUTH SOCCER REFEREES NEED SUPPORT - NOT HARASSMENT
“Call it both ways!!” “You’re blind!!” “Blow your whistle!!” “Open your eyes!!” “You need glasses!!” Do these phrases sound familiar? They probably do if you’re a referee, or if you’re a parent trying to enjoy your child’s soccer game on the sidelines. Contempt and disrespect towards game officials continues to plague both sidelines, from disgruntled spectators who feel that everything is being called against their team; to screaming coaches who seem to have a better view from 60 yards away. Needless to say, there is a very high probability that the majority of these “sideline officials” have never bothered to take a referee class, or made an attempt to read the Laws of the Game. Being a sports referee is not an easy task; it is something that requires concentration, patience, excellent communication skills, fitness, and most of all judgement based on the rules of the sport. It is this judgement that usually comes under extreme criticism often regardless of the level of competition. Youth soccer referees arguably have one of the toughest officiating jobs in comparison with basketball, football, baseball, or hockey officials. This is due to the number of players involved (assuming an 11v11 game), the large area to cover, the continuous action, and the split second decisions which are usually correct only 50% of the time based on sideline remarks. To read the full article, click here.
What are you doing around the state? What does your team look like? Got a crazy picture for us? Want everyone to see what it’s like playing at your club? Well, now’s your chance! Click the submit button and send us your pics.
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) 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 girl, who has a mental or physical disability. Our goal is to enable the thousands of young athletes with disabilities to become valued and successful members of the US Youth Soccer family. How do you participate? Check out the list below of areas where clubs already have a TOPSoccer program running or contact your club about starting one. We can help you, too, to set up and run a program within your club, and ALL FEES ARE WAIVED for the TOPSoccer program by the Oregon
EXISTING PROGRAMS Click on any name to email the director of that program.
Albany
Beaverton
Clackamas
Eugene
Gresham
Medford
Milton Freewater
St Helens
State Chair (OYSA)
Youth Soccer Association.
WHERE’S VINNY? WHAT’S VINNY BEEN UP TO THIS MONTH? Vinny has been all over the place this month. It’s been a busy month full of more State Cup semi finals, Presidents Cup finals, and then the actual State Cup Finals. He was also at the Regional Championships in Seattle, and the C-License. This time he had the Executive Director of the Positive Coaching Alliance, Ben Dudley in for an interview. Very cool piece on how to treat kids, parents, coaches, and spectators in every day sports.
ROAD LOG So far this month Vinny has logged over 400 miles visiting different places around the state.
CLUBS/PLACES VISITED:
Scappoose, Liberty Stadium, THPRD
Hillsboro, Providence Park, and Washington Timbers.
FOLLOW VINNY ON TWITTER