HEADS UP! eNews October-November 2012
Coaching
Magazine by: Steve Franklin Director of coaching Education
Table of contents: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
From DOCE Office: Lauren Cheney: Always Indy [Back Home] The Role Model Coach: Pia Sundhage NSCAA and USYA Convention Coming to Indy in January Great Goalkeeping Manual for Youth Coaches: PRINT & GO PRACTICE PLANS & DRILLS
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SEPTEMBER'S YOUTH SOCCER MONTH EVENTS TOUTED AS WILDLY SUCCESSFUL This Months Training Sessions A Photo Gallery of two weekends of ISL Play Students tell Brian Williams 'It is important to fail' WANTED: Soccer Heads Up Articles from You! FIFA Laws of the Game: Law 5 Photos of the Month
Editorial from the Director of Coaching Education – Steve Franklin An open letter to those on the sidelines: I recently had the opportunity to take in a few of the younger ISL Academy games this past weekend in Plainfield. Sporting my new Canon Rebel digital camera, I set out to take a number of photos in which to update my current photo files of Indiana youth soccer players in action. While I came away with some awesome pictures, I also left with a question: Why do all the supporters on the sidelines always yell out loud, telling these young kids everything they should do? Isn’t the game for the kids? I mean imagine if everyone in the sideline were to walk in and set up their folding chairs in your place of work. Every move you initiated was critiqued by those watching. Most everyone screamed in your direction telling you what to do next. You couldn’t take pride in figuring things out on your own. You couldn’t hear your friends/teammates – or in your case co-workers – because the noise was so loud. You had trouble taking time out to laugh with an opponent because they were the enemy. Taking chances or attempting to be creative, heaven forbid! You might make a mistake or not conform. As you can tell by the photos captured on the previous page, I found a ton of positives around the fields. There were Laughs; creative moves; a few spills; parents and older siblings enjoying snacks (and unfortunately, even some constant texting by a few). By and large though – what a great decision to head out to the park and watch the kids play!! Now my challenge to you: take a lesson from the somewhat recent Nike ad campaign for LeBron – Witness”. There is nothing wrong with clapping good play or sportsmanship. But can you imagine how much more enjoyable the game would be if the kids could hear themselves and each other. How much you, as a supporter, could take delight in the joy the players show by their displays of creativity; decisions and trying! Witness what they can accomplish on their own. Let them grow as players. Witness the inspiration they are allowed to provide when you can hear them, rather than you. While we’re all not guilty of broadcasting our thoughts and opinions to those on the field, just imagine how pleasurable game day would be without all the yelling. Let them play!!
Parents displaying Indiana Soccer’s green “Sportsmanship Cards”, honoring displays of good sporting behavior of youth soccer players.
LAUREN CHENEY "BACK HOME AGAIN IN INDIANA" FEATURED CLINICIAN FOR ExactTarget Indiana’s own Olympic gold Medalist, Lauren Cheney, was back home again assisting in a youth soccer clinic for Exact Target employees’ at Kuntz Stadium. Indiana Soccer Director of Education Steve Franklin, along with Cheney, provided area youths with the opportunity to interact and be trained by one of U.S. Soccer’s Women’s National Team members. Indiana Soccer partnered with Exact Target to offer a special night to its employees’ children where they had the opportunity to interact with the most recognized female soccer players in Indiana history. Cheney recently returned from London where she earned her second Olympic gold medal as a starter for the US Women’s National Team. More than 50 enthusiastic children participated in activities, games as well as a Q&A session with the participants where they asked her several questions about her personal and professional life. Cheney then provided each guest the opportunity to pose for pictures with her along with her Gold medal (with kids actually getting to try it on), as well as receive autographs. At the conclusion of the event, Lauren Cheney wanted to leave a short message to all members of the Indiana Soccer Association - hoping it inspired them to continue working on their soccer careers. Click to see additional photos of the event: See Photos
U.S. Soccer Team Sends Coach Off on a High Note
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — On her final victory lap, Pia Sundhage hopped and high-stepped her way around the field.As Sundhage, the United States women’s national soccer team coach, soaked in the cheers from the capacity crowd, her team began serenading her by belting out, “You Are My Sunshine.” A fitting tribute since Sundhage has had the squad in perfect harmony for five years. A fitting way to go out, too. Abby Wambach broke a tie early in the second half and Alex Morgan added two goals and two assists, helping the United States beat Australia, 6-2, Wednesday night in an international friendly that was Sundhage’s farewell game. “Today is Pia’s day,” Wambach said. “We’ve been talking about it all day: What can we do to show her? She’s a passionate woman about this game. We knew the best thing we could do was give her a win.” Sundhage announced this month that she was stepping away after leading the squad to back-to-back Olympic gold medals. She will return home to coach the Swedish national team. Heather O’Reilly, Shannon Boxx and Sydney Leroux also scored for the Americans, who are 21-0-2 against Australia. The Australians went ahead, 2-1, late in the first half on Sarah Walsh’s low shot past Hope Solo. A few minutes later, Morgan tied the score.
Wambach deflected in the decisive goal in the 53rd minute when she simply stuck her foot out after Morgan unleashed a shot. And with that, the team was on its way to sending Sundhage out in winning fashion. Sundhage leaves after a highly successful stint, going 91-6-10 in her time on the bench. Besides two Olympic gold medals, she also led the Americans to their first World Cup final in 12 years. “She’s built this game, helped elevate the game to a new level,” said Solo, whose team won its 14th straight match. “So, there’s not too much to be sad about. Of course, we’re heartbroken that she’s gone. But she’s fulfilling her dreams and we’re going to fulfill ours.” As a goodbye present, the team recently gave Sundhage a guitar that was signed by all the players in — surprise, surprise — the color of gold. “It’s the best present I ever got,” she said. They gave her quite a few memories along the way, too. Sundhage’s most poignant? That’s easy: When the team roared back against Brazil in the quarterfinals of the 2011 World Cup. Wambach tied it at 2-2 with a magnificent, leaping header in the 122nd minute. The United States eventually captured the match, 5-3, on penalty kicks. “Better than a movie,” Sundhage said. “That is the moment of my soccer life.” This final performance wasn’t too bad, either. Morgan’s performance against the Australians gives her 63 points this year. It’s the most for a national player in a calendar year since 2004, when Wambach accounted for 75 points. “We wanted to give her a good show,” Morgan said. “We didn’t have the right rhythm in the first half. We’re happy that we got a win in Pia’s last game.” After the match was over, Sundhage hugged everyone in sight. She also began signing through tears — Tina Turner’s classic, “Simply the Best.” It was a day of singing for Sundhage, who performed tunes in the pregame meeting as well. The song list included: “The Times They Are A-Changin” and “Leaving on a Jet Plane.” Sundhage came in singing and left the same way. “When a coach comes in and you don’t know who they are and they start singing songs to you, it’s like: ‘What is this going to be? How is this going to go?”‘ Wambach said. “Thankfully, it went well. It turned out really well for us.” Over Sundhage’s career, she has made a habit of jotting down notes filled with emotions and tactics. Lately, she’s been looking back at those details, to remember how special these players were to her. The feeling was mutual. Midfielder Carli Lloyd is convinced she might not be wearing the red, white and blue if not for Sundhage, who changed the way the team played after taking over. Sundhage emphasized midfield play even more, making Lloyd a vital component.
“When Pia first came on, she saw me play in previous tournaments and said to me, ‘I really like how you play and really believe in you,’ ” Lloyd recounted. “From then on, she preached playing in the midfield, playing possession. That’s right up my alley.” Now, the big question is who replaces Sundhage? Sunil Gulati, the president of the United States Soccer Federation, recently said that a search committee has been assembled — one that includes the former player Mia Hamm — and a replacement could be selected possibly next month. A new voice will take some getting used to for the players. They are used to Sundhage’s fun-loving demeanor. She laughed with them. She played guitar for them. After O’Reilly’s early goal, the team went over to Sundhage on the bench and played air guitar for her. “If you look at her statistics alone, she’s done a fabulous job,” Lloyd said. “But it’s not only stats; it’s the way she is as a person. She brings so much joy and pleasure. It’s contagious, the way she has so much passion for the game.”
NSCAA and USYA Convention Coming to Indy in January The annual NSCAA Convention is just around the corner, with the added bonus of having the US Youth Soccer Workshop join forces with the NSCAA. Two national organizations – one low price – double the benefits and value – in our capital city. Indianapolis, for the second time, will host the national convention January 15-20th, 2013. When it comes to soccer events around the world, few can parallel the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s Convention. The theme of the 2013 NSCAA Convention is “Innovate to Elevate”. Educational sessions at the Convention will focus on innovative and new techniques, training plans and more meant to help coaches elevate their teams and their career. The NSCAA is offering special pricing on weekend packages for Indiana Soccer members, as this is not a free event. Indiana Soccer is very excited to offer this opportunity to all Indiana Soccer members; especially those that have never attended this convention before. Please note the pricing structure below:
Registration for the entire convention is $279 for NSCAA members and $369 for nonmembers. Saturday/Sunday only pass for members is $160 and $245 for non-members. The special Indiana Soccer weekend ticket is $150 for NSCAA members and $235 for nonmembers. This registration also includes admission to the Vendor Show Friday after 12 noon and a ticket to the Indiana Soccer Awards banquet on Saturday night featuring guest speaker Lauren Cheney (a $40 value).
TO REGISTER for this event please note the following:
Registration for the Special Indiana Soccer Weekend Tickets will be handled by Indiana Soccer through a link on the Indiana Soccer Website www.indianasoccer.org Registration for the NSCAA Full Convention Ticket will be handled by the NSCAA through a link at www.nscaa.com/convention Housing is available on the NSCAA website http://www.nscaa.com/convention/registration
You can get full details regarding the convention by going to the 2013 Convention website: http://www.nscaa.com/convention
Great Goalkeeping Manual for Youth Coaches: PRINT & GO PRACTICE PLANS & DRILLS The idea for Print & Go practices came from a recognition that something was missing for soccer coaches amongst all the training materials and resources available. You probably have books and videos full of soccer drills and practice ideas. But what about soccer goalkeeping drills and practice plans? Most coaches have played the game and can pull something together for a regular team practice. However, few coaches have been goalkeepers. Quite often, during team practices, goalkeepers are left to themselves, have someone take shots or they participate in regular drills. Rarely do teams have specialized goalkeeper coaches. Whether you do or not, we thought to help you out by developing complete practice plans for your goalkeeper.
Click on this link to download the manual: http://www.cantonyouthsoccer.com/back/cr/document_2.pdf
SEPTEMBER'S YOUTH SOCCER MONTH EVENTS TOUTED AS WILDLY SUCCESSFUL INDIANAPOLIS- Last month, clubs and teams all across the nation participated in Youth Soccer Month, a national celebration of soccer in America. With Governor Mitch Daniels officially proclaiming September as "Youth Soccer Month", celebrations kicked off in style throughout Indiana. In celebration of this awareness campaign, Under-6 (U-6) players of the Ben Davis Soccer Club accompanied the Ben Davis High School varsity soccer team at the beginning of their match against Washington. At halftime, the U-6 players displayed their talents, scrimmaging a nine-minute game in front of an enthusiastic crowd. "Youth Soccer Month provides an excellent vehicle to bring awareness to the programs Ben Davis Soccer Club has to offer a young soccer athlete," said Chris Williams, president of Ben Davis Soccer Club. "We emphasize having fun, first and foremost, while also developing age appropriate skills of the players." Indiana Soccer’s Director of Education, Steve Franklin and members of IUPUI’s Men’s Soccer team conducted a free youth clinic as part of its National Youth Soccer Month Celebration. The clinic, which was enjoyed by a combined 100+ area youth and parents, allowed players and parents to experience the Fun, Family, Friends and Fitness values of the month long initiative. Participants were then guests of IUPUI, allowing all to take in the Jaguars – Eastern Illinois University match. “In a combined effort with the IUPUI players and Head Coach Isang Jacob, Indiana Soccer was able to connect the youth players and their parents with fun activities which promote the values of US Youth Soccer Association - Youth Soccer month”, stated Director of Coaching Education Steve Franklin. “A fantastic turnout, an excellent match and an opportunity for the kids to enjoy playing on the new surface at Carroll Stadium. That’s what the games all about.” With 19 million children participating in soccer nationally, more children participate in organized soccer than youth football, baseball or basketball. Throughout each week of Youth Soccer Month, participating clubs and teams emphasize one of four messages: Fun, Family, Friendship or Fitness. "Youth Soccer Month activities allow these young athletes to showcase their teamwork and individual skills to an audience outside of normal club activities,” added Williams. "It’s been wildly successful for us and we look forward to it each year!"
Thank you to the cities that proclaimed September as the Youth Soccer Month Indiana - Gov. Mitch Daniels Westfield - Mayor J. Andrew Cook Indianapolis - Mayor Gregory A. Ballard Bedford - Mayor Shawna M. Girgis Warsaw - Mayor Joseph M. Thallemer Terre Haute - Mayor Duke A. Bennett Bloomington - Mayor Mark Kruzan Kokomo - Mayor Greg Goodnight See more pictures of events / activities during the: Youth Soccer Month in 2012
A Photo Gallery of two weekends of ISL Play
Students tell Brian Williams 'It is important to fail' Some schools are trying a provocative new approach to education called "grit." Teachers at some schools, including Kipp schools, are emphasizing the importance of character skills like persistence and resilience as being crucial parts of a child's education. The idea makes it acceptable for students to fail so they can grow. The same can be said about how children are treated on the competition field in soccer. Rock Center Anchor and Managing Editor Brian Williams reports.
Click here to watch the Rock Center segment
WANTED: Soccer Heads Up Articles from You! The Indiana Soccer Association membership is encouraged to submit articles/editorials for consideration. Subject matter that is important to one club is very likely important to several others and can help to initiate discussion and/or facilitate resolutions. Human interest stories involving individuals, players or teams are greatly appreciated. The Heads Up eNews Magazine is a statewide publication (circulation = 65,000) full of information and resources for players, parents, coaches, team managers, club administrators and referees. All articles will be reviewed for usefulness and relevance and are subject to available space. The more input you provide us, the better we can make our publication. Simply email your articles or ideas to Steve Franklin – steve@soccerindiana.org
Photo of the Month
PORTLAND, OR - AUGUST 25: Fans of the Portland Timbers raise a tifo before the game against the Vancouver Whitecaps on August 25, 2012 at Jeld-Wen Field in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) 2012 Getty Images