Minnesota Soccer Times March 2018

VOLUME 31 Volume ISSUE 2 2 MARCH 30 Issue March 20172018

MINNESOTA

SOCCER TIMES

Soccer Times Minnesota Youth Soccer Assoc.

10890 Nesbitt Ave. S. Bloomington, MN 55437

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IN THIS ISSUE Coaches Corner • Page 4 Competitive News • Page 13 Space for ‘Rents • Page 16

KICKS FOR KIDS

Dou lele bb Dou lezle zz PuPzu Page 19

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

MINNESOTA

SOCCER TIMES The entire contents of this publication are copyrighted; all rights reserved. Articles may not be reproduced without written permission. The advertising space provided in Soccer Times is purchased and paid for by the advertiser. None of the products or services are necessarily endorsed by MYSA or its affiliates.

The opinions and views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of its advertisers or MYSA. Printed in the United States of America.

Minnesota Soccer Times Official Publication of the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association is published six times per year

by Varsity Communications, Inc. U.S. Subscription Rates: $9.95 for 1 year; $19.95 for 2 years; Single copy: $2 Minnesota Youth Soccer Association Officers: Steve May – President Dave Geary - Vice President John Conte - Treasurer Mark Mahowald - Secretary Member Representatives Marty McDermott - East District John Kinsey - North District TBD - Northwest District Todd Loose - South District TBD - Southwest District Susan Farbo - West District Minnesota Youth Soccer Association State Office 10890 Nesbitt Ave. S., Bloomington, MN 55437 Tel.: (952) 933-2384; (800) 366-6972 Fax: (952) 933-2627; www.mnyouthsoccer.org State Office Staff TBD - Executive Director Chato Alvarado - Coaching/Player Dev. Administrator Andy Coutts - Director of Education John Curtis - Dir. of Coaching & Player Development Katie Flakne - Manager of Special Events Sue Gjerset - Website/Technology Manager Ayla Lokkesmoe - Member Programs Specialist Norine Olson - Financial Specialist Cam Stoltz - League Commissioner Iván Woyno - Director of Member Services Production Varsity Communications, Inc Editor Brian Beaky

Soccer in the United States

By Steve May | MYSA President

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.S. Soccer is the governing body for everything soccer in the United States, and on Saturday, February 10, the 2018 Annual General Meeting was the beginning of change for soccer in America. Sunil Gulati, the president of U.S. Soccer for 12 years, did not run for re-election and eight candidates — Paul Caligiuri, Kathy Carter, Carlos Cordeiro, Steve Gans, Kyle Martino, Hope Solo, Michael Winograd and Eric Wynalda — competed for the position.

This was a great moment for soccer, with eight great platforms all calling for change in how soccer is governed and supported in the U.S. The campaigning was intense and each candidate carried a message that needed to be heard for the good of soccer.

Minnesota Youth Soccer is a state youth association member of the Federation and a direct member of US Youth Soccer. Throughout the process, there were caucuses of the pro council, athlete council, adult council and youth council. The election votes were cast over three rounds, and between each round the councils would gather to discuss who they would throw their support behind. I am proud to share with you that Matt Hawkins, the president of Minnesota Soccer Association (adults), and myself held our own caucus to discuss which candidate of those remaining would be the best for Minnesota. We had a total of nine votes and voted for our state, not our national affiliation. A majority of the membership made a decision to elect Carlos Cordeiro in round three with 68.6 percent of the votes cast. Whether we feel Carlos is best for soccer or not, we must unite in support and hold Carlos Cordeiro accountable to move soccer forward in the best interest of all levels of participation.

The 2018 AGM ended with a very proud moment as Minnesota’s own Briana Scurry was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Briana is one of the most successful goalkeepers in U.S. Women’s National Team history. Briana was honored with two other goalkeepers, Dr. Joe Machnik and Tony DiCicco. Our congratulations to Briana, we are very proud of you!

CONTENTS Departments

Features

President’s Message.................................................. 3 Coaches Corner......................................................... 4 Referee Report.........................................................12 Competitive News....................................................13 Recreational News...................................................15 Space for ‘Rents..................................................16-17 Infographic................................................................17 Tournament Calendar............................................... 18 Kicks for Kids............................................................19

Coaching Education Journey......................................4 Goalkeeper Focus In June..........................................5 The ODP Experience..................................................6 ODP Registration.......................................................7 TOPSoccer.................................................................8 MYSA Winter Symposium........................................ 10 Woodbury Recreational Program Recognition.......... 11 The Power of Knowledge.........................................14

Graphic Designers Robert Becker, Katie Erickson Advertising Inquiries Ian Civey - (425) 412-7070 ext. 102 ian@varsitycommunications.com Varsity Communications, Inc. Sponsorship Inquiries 952-933-2384 800-366-6972 Printing House of Print

Answers: 1. sleep 2. nutrition 3. water 4. warm-up 5. cool-down 6. listening 7. trying 8. respect 9. having fun 10. winning 11. losing 12. healthy 13. following 14. leading 15. mistakes 16. feelings 17. team 18. fair play 19. trust Mystery Message: Every day is a chance to get better

Soccer Times

MARCH 2018

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COACHES CORNER

New “Grassroots” Courses

By Andy Coutts | MYSA Director of Education

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s of Feb. 1, 2018, U.S. Soccer has created a revamped coaching license pathway represented by the graphic and explained in more detail here.

Gone are the “F” and “E” Licenses as foundational courses. In their place are a series of easy-entry, low-barrier Grassroots (GR) courses based on the game format in which a coach is working: 4v4, 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11. After creating a free profile on the Digital Coaching Center and viewing the 20-minute Introduction to the GR Coaching module, coaches can take any of the eight GR License courses. Each of the four game formats have both an online and an in-person course, and each course results in a U.S. Soccer license. To create more horizontal entry points than the previous single vertical pathway, the eight GR courses can be done independent of each other and in any order. There is no waiting period between courses if a coach wishes to take more than one.

No Waivers or Waiting Periods Waivers to the “D” disappeared a few years ago, and they’re not making a comeback. All coaches enter within the Grassroots pathway, but can start with whichever of the eight courses is most appropriate for them.

There is no waiting period between any of the GR courses, nor between the required three GR courses and the “D.” The first time a coach would encounter a waiting period is the one-year waiting period from the “D” to the “C.”

Advancing to the “D” Prerequisites for coaches looking to move on to the “D” course: • If you haven’t already earned a U.S. Soccer license: Complete the Intro to GR Coaching module, one online GR course, and two in-person GR courses, one of which must be 11v11.

• If you have an “F” License (that counts as the required online GR course): Complete the Intro to GR Coaching module and two in-person courses, one of which must be 11v11.

• If you hold the “E” License: You can go right to the “D” because even though the “E” course is no longer offered, the license is still recognized.

• “D” course: Rewritten to be a culmination of the new GR courses, addressing all four game formats. The “D” remains a two-weekend course with a development period in between, to allow coaches to complete assignments in their team environment. Cost via MYSA is $400, which includes a $25 fee to U.S. Soccer.

Course Formats • GR Courses: Each in-person course comprises four hours of contact time. The online version is expected to take two hours to complete. Each GR course includes a $25 fee to U.S. Soccer and the in-person courses include additional fees collected by MYSA or another delivery organization.

• “C” course: Underwent major changes over a year ago and is a split course, with a week of instruction, a development period and a testing weekend. Cost varies based on the hosting organization, and does not include any travel, housing or meals. MYSA may try to host the “C” every three years

like we used to, but the logistics have become much more challenging with our soccer season calendar.

Course Content All U.S. Soccer courses are based on the Profile of a Coach, including the Six Tasks, Key Qualities of a Player, Play-PracticePlay Methodology and U.S. Soccer Roadmaps.

For questions or guidance on these courses or other coaching education options, feel free to reach out to me via email at andycoutts@mnyouthsoccer.org.

The Coaching Education Journey

By John Curtis | MYSA Director of Coaching & Player Development

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ll great journeys start with the destination in mind. The coaching education journey is no different. When we are planning a training session, our weekly sessions, or our season, we think about what we want to achieve, identify our objective and plan accordingly.

Questions arise along the way. Can I do this without attending a coaching education course? Probably. Will I need to have a coaching license or certificate to coach an MYSA recreational or competitive league team?

No. Should I attend a minimum coaching education course? Yes! The coach is the key to making the athlete experience appropriate, positive and educational. As planners of the journey, coaches identify what they hope their athletes will learn, become and achieve.

Coaching courses have helped me to better identify what is important and how to share the knowledge I’ve learned with my players in an age-appropriate way. This will allow them to truly understand the concepts so that I can not only enhance their experience, but increase the probability for learning and staying in the game. There are different courses that helped me understand what I needed to know based on who I am coaching. What a six-year old needs from their experience is very different from what a 12- or 16-year-old player needs.

The process and planning along the way is, for me, an enjoyable part of the journey. Creating problems in realistic, game-like situations is a skill that an educated coach is better equipped to bring to the table. The coach who is able to assess a team and develop an accurate understanding of each player’s needs will enjoy an easier coaching experience, and the take-away is that the players will be more likely to play longer and enjoy their experience, as well. The interactions, relationships, trainings and games are all things that make coaching fun.

In my first season as a coach, I attended a coaching-license course which opened my eyes to all that goes into putting on a training session.

From that point forward, I never looked back; I was hungry and wanted to know more. That quest for knowledge put me on the coaching education pathway through MYSA, U.S. Soccer and United Soccer Coaches; to this day, I continue to seek out resources to enrich my understanding of the game and how to impact players.

The popularity of soccer has grown, and so, too, has the need for qualified coaches. Coaches of our youngest beginners are often parents selected because they are available and willing to coach.

These volunteer coaches represent a large percentage of our coaching 4

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network nationwide, and they are important to the game’s accessibility to communities around the country. Certainly, we can and should expect that they be entirely committed to their role as coach, but it is not appropriate to assume this ensures they are qualified to coach.

Far too often, coaches rely on their past athletic experience as a form of coaching education, but truthfully, the experience of playing for a team and coaching a team could not be more different. In spite of an individual’s past experience with the game, research continues to validate the many benefits of receiving formal coaching education.

Minnesota Youth Soccer offers formal coaching education programs for coaches of players from age 6 and up. There are day-long courses, weekend courses, week-long and longer courses. These courses are available in-person and online. Courses are sanctioned by U.S. Soccer and United Soccer Coaches and are administered by MYSA. The U.S. Soccer Coaching License Pathway is designed specifically to meet the needs of coaches, ranging from the grassroots, beginner coach with limited exposure to soccer, to former professional players who desire to coach in amateur, professional or international competitions.

The U.S. Soccer coaching curriculum is designed to improve development of players in the organized player base in the United States, concentrating on creating more organized, age-appropriate training sessions, developing coaching practices and creating an environment that is fun for the players.

Minnesota Youth Soccer has also partnered with United Soccer Coaches to provide more options to further education. This partnership will benefit coaches and increase the level of coaches working with players, elevating the experience for everyone.

Through state and national coaching schools, formal coaching education programs are a primary tool for transferring information to new and developing coaches, while also ensuring that practicing coaches acquire and maintain the critical knowledge and skills standards set by their respective club’s leadership. Legendary college basketball coach John Wooden said it best when he stated, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that matters most.”

Formal coaching education programs are essential for coaches to recognize their strengths and address and improve upon their coaching weaknesses, and to positively impact the lives and experiences of youth. When coaches hold true that serving the individual athlete is more important than winning, they are adopting a healthy philosophy

of coaching. If we have better coaching and understand how to create a better environment, the outcome will be better players. There’s an important kind of wisdom in knowing what you don’t know. Too often, we fall into the delusion of thinking we know a lot more than we really do, commonly known as “illusory superiority.” This can often make us stubborn in our beliefs and unwilling to accept new information.

Ultimately, it stagnates our growth.

The benefits of quality trained coaches include: more youth involved in soccer, increased number of coaches, improved retention rate and the delivery of a positive and safer sports experience. Studies have found athletes who played for untrained coaches led to an attrition rate of 26 percent; whereas those athletes who play for a trained coach resulted in a dropout rate of only five percent (Sports Done Right Report, The University of Maine Sport & Coaching Initiative, 2004).

Soccer clubs in Minnesota have always done a good job of expecting the soccer coach to have a formal coaching qualification. Whether a coach is full-time, part-time or volunteer, there should be a minimum certification required. It is proven that athletes that play for trained coaches exhibit higher levels of motivation and increased self-esteem.

One study indicated that 85 percent of youth sports coaches prefer to coach in a league that requires training, and 72 percent feel encouraged to continue coaching through mandatory training. Coaching education programs encourage new coaches to get involved by reducing the barrier created by a lack of confidence in the skills and abilities needed to coach. Coaching education is critically important to help create a more positive environment that is needed to help player development.

Being a great communicator, a positive leader, an efficient teacher, a strong motivator and having the technical knowledge to teach skills — all of these qualities make for a good coach. In fact, these are five important qualities every coach should possess. For the sake of the kids that play, every coach should be looking to get better every day in their role.

Coaches who are motivated by the journey, with an eye ever-focused on the destination, who are always seeking opportunities to learn, grow and develop, have the greatest impact on our sport’s youth competitors.

And in the end, the kids WIN!

FUSION SOCCER CLUB MYSA Director of Education

More college, high school and licensed coaches than any other club in Minnesota!

Rob Walker

Why choose Fusion?

George Kostelis

Goalkeeper Focus in June

By Andy Coutts | MYSA Director of Education

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hen goalkeepers get told to go off by themselves and train, it’s not always a positive thing. But, this June, it will be.

MYSA will once again offer annual development programs for goalkeepers and the coaches who want them to be their best. Eastview High School in Apple Valley will provide the classroom and field space.

• United Soccer Coaches (formerly NSCAA) Goalkeeping Diploma courses (Level 1: June 9 | Level 2: June 9–10) • MYSA Goalkeeper Challenge, June 11-14 (8 a.m.–3 p.m. daily) The Goalkeeper Challenge is for players born in 2005 and older, including collegiate goalkeepers, who seek a unique and challenging training experience. The Challenge brings together top-level coaches and highly committed goalkeepers. In addition to intensive on-field training, a daily classroom session includes the psychology of goalkeeping and college recruiting information, among other topics.

Rob Walker, U.S. Soccer National Staff and St. Martin’s University head coach, will return to direct the Challenge again. George Kostelis, United Soccer Coaches National Staff and University of Rhode Island associate head coach, is also back to head the Shutout Division as well as instruct the Level 1 and 2 Diploma courses. The Shutout Division provides college-age and elite youth goalkeepers a unique opportunity to train together under the leadership of a renowned coach. This is an application-required training group with demands tailored to fit their needs and abilities.

Details and registration are available on the MYSA website at www.mnyouthsoccer.org.

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The proof is in the play • 24+ ODP Regional Showcase Selections • 18 MYSA Summer State Tournament Qualifiers • 8 MYSA State Championships Finalists/Champions • 14 MYSA League Champions • 5 MN United Development Academy Player Selections • 5 MN State Cup Semi Finalists, 2 Finalists • 2 U.S. Soccer Midwest Combine Player Selections • 2 USYS Regional Qualifiers • 1 US Club Regional Champion, 1 Finalist • 1 MN State Cup Champion Please visit our website,

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Soccer Times

MARCH 2018

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THE ODP EXPERIENCE Loren Altman: Boys 2000 (Bradenton, Fla., named to the ODP All-Star team)

I have been participating in ODP for the past two years, and this year was my last eligible year.

In 2011-12, I participated in ODP, going to state camp and making the team, but not making holdovers. That was very upsetting for me. I then ended my ODP career for a little while, since I still played other sports at the time.

Now, 2015-2016 comes around and my coach lets me know that someone from the ODP staff will be watching one of our games. Apparently, I had impressed the staff member enough that I was invited to go directly to the regional camp. I was immediately noticed by the head coach of the 2000s and spoke with him for a little while at camp about my aspirations and how to get there. We made a good connection and that interaction gave me some confidence to just be myself the rest of that camp. I ended up making plenty of new friends and learning about other states. It was a good time at camp.

A few weeks later, I got an email that I was going to Florida with the Region II team. Excited as I could be that I finally made it, I started to prepare in every way I could. The flight from Minnesota went to another state first, to pick up other teammates from

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other states. We all got used to each other again and arrived in Florida as more of a unified group then we otherwise would have.

The first day in Florida was taxing. We had to get off the plane, get to IMG Academy, get our rooms sorted, get dressed for practice and head out to the training fields. We were training right next to the other age groups and regions, which really drove a competitive spirit in trainings. The group felt and thought that we needed to intimidate the other regions now so we could come out on top in the upcoming days.

Game one came around, and I was named one of the co-captains along with another Minnesota boy. I felt nervous, but I put on a game face and the battle began. The weekend didn’t go as well as we had wanted, but we fought every minute of every game and it was a great experience.

By the time this most recent year came around, 2016-2017, I was a veteran. People knew who I was, looked up to me from day one at camp in the summer, and followed my lead at the tournament in Florida. I wasn’t nervous this time around. I was excited to give and share my past experiences with the newcomers and make more memories with other returning players. ODP was a route for me to meet tons of new people, make connections with new coaches, demonstrate my skills in front of college coaches, and, most importantly, demonstrate the power of persistence. I may not have been adequate my first year, but eventually, I worked hard and I became the

Special to Soccer Times

T

he Olympic Development Program offers great competition for all the Minnesota players to develop their soccer experience. Because of their hard work and perseverance, several players from Minnesota were invited to travel and play with the ODP Midwest Regional Teams (best ODP players in the 13 States that form the Midwest Region). These teams traveled to different areas of the country to play against the other ODP Regional teams at the following age groups: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. We asked them to tell us about their ODP experiences; here is what they said.

top dog. ODP is something most kids should do for the experience, and most high-schoolers should do for the exposure and lessons they learn.

Dara Andringa: Girls 2002 (Boca Ratón, Fla., named to the ODP All-Star Team)

I had an exceptional experience at the regional event. The coaches were both knowledgeable and inspiring. I got to play highlevel soccer and improved my skills. Additionally, the camaraderie with the other girls was very positive. The chemistry with the other girls on the field was wonderful.

Finally, the gift of meeting Olympian Brandi Chastain and hearing her message was an incredible part of the week! It makes my dream of being on the National Team that much more achievable!

Cooper Bollinger-Danielson: Boys 2004 (Casa Grande, Ariz.)

Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Arizona and participate in the Interregional camp for ODP. We

played at nice fields and stayed at a nice hotel, but that is not what I will remember. What I will take away from this camp is what I learned. I learned so much about soccer and about myself. I became friends with new people and I got closer with others. I came into this camp loving soccer, but if it is possible, I left loving soccer so much more.

Payton Cahill: Girls 2003

(Boca Ratón, Fla. and Phoenix, Ariz.)

My experience with MYSA and ODP has been great My favorite part about ODP is that you get to play with top-end soccer players from all over the country, and you get great exposure to top coaches who teach you so much. This experience has help me become friends with people from all over the United States! I would recommend everyone to try ODP at least once. It’s so fun, and you get even closer with the girls from your state then you were before. Lastly, what I have learned from all of this is that no matter what happens, move on and work harder; be uncomfortable, this will push you to become a better

player! Meet new people, try something that may or may not work, and just have as much fun as you can!

Kennedy Josephs: Girls 2004

lot about myself and soccer. It has been awesome to play soccer outside in January. This experience has given me a lot of practice at soccer and at getting to know other people. I am very grateful for all ODP has done for me.

(Boca Ratón, Fla., and Phoenix, Ariz.)

I arrived in Florida the Wednesday before camp with three of my friends from Minnesota. On Thursday, after breakfast, we drove to the camp where we all checked in.

There were almost 100 girls checking in. I ended up rooming with three other girls from Region II (the Midwest). I was nervous before the practice that evening. We worked on possession, but the practice was short. We then relaxed the rest of the day. The next morning, we woke up early at 7 a.m. and had breakfast. We had two practices that day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Saturday’s schedule was similar to Friday’s.

On Sunday, we played our first game against the West. I was nervous, but once the game started, I felt relaxed. It was a fun game and we tied. My team got a penalty and I was told to take it; I was not nervous and I scored. My coaches said I took a great penalty. My coaches were proud of how we did and my teammates were all excited.

The next day was one of my favorite days because, in addition to practice, we got to go to the beach that evening. On Tuesday, we had our second game against the South. I did not start that game, but it gave me an opportunity to watch my teammates play and cheer them on. I also got to watch the girls from the South team. They were the best team in the tournament; they were very fast and they possessed very well; we lost to them. We got to go to the beach after, which I think made everyone feel a little better about losing.

Practice on Wednesday was light. That night, we had a talent show and had lots of fun. My group won the talent show, as we did a dance to the song, “Gucci Girls.” The last day was Thanksgiving Day, and we played our third game in the morning against the East. Everyone was sad that the camp was over.

Overall, this camp was a lot of fun. It was challenging because all the girls were very good soccer players. I learned a lot from my coaches, too.

They made it challenging for us, but they also made it fun. I especially enjoyed the frozen yogurts and smoothies that we had after practices, because it was so hot in Florida. I also enjoyed the nights spent chatting and watching movies on Netflix with the other girls from the Midwest Region. This is one of the best things about ODP, that you get to hang out with girls from other clubs in Minnesota that you may consider rivals. I learned that they are fun people to hang out with and I have become friends with all of them. In fact, I now keep in touch with all of them!

Molly Knoblauch: Girls 2004 (Boca Ratón, Fla., and Phoenix, Ariz.)

I don’t know who first said it, but my motto over the years has become: “Don’t practice until you get it right. Practice until you can’t get it wrong.” These words are relatable to me and my soccer experience. Last year, in June, I traveled to St. Louis with my ODP state team and, in July, to Michigan for the ID Regional Camp. Because of how I performed at the ID Regional Camp, I received an invitation to travel to Boca Raton, Fla., with 17 others from my region (Midwest Region) to play against some great players from the other three regions of the country. I really liked Florida. In January of this year, I went to Arizona for the National Training Camp.

Overall, soccer has given me opportunities to meet so many players. I have been coached by different coaches from all over and I am learning a

Cameron Kor: Boys 2003 (Casa Grande, Ariz.)

When I was at the Thanksgiving Interregional in Arizona, it was one of the best soccer experiences of my life. It was amazing to meet new people and players, as well as seeing old friends. The experience of playing with such high-level players and coaches was terrific. The coaches were very nice and were great teachers of the game. They were knowledgeable and helpful in explaining what they wanted us to execute on the field and how to individually improve. With this experience, I was able to bring that mentality and leadership back to my club team, which improved the quality of my play and my teammates. The level of competition pushed me to be a better player, and playing on the field with such high-quality players is something I will always remember.

Eric Lagos: Boys 2000 (Bradenton, Fla.)

It’s an incredible experience to be able to play with and against great players who constantly challenge you to become better. The guys from all over the Midwest become not only your teammates, but your friends. The coaching instills a lot of lessons that leave a lasting impact on your game and your life. And, I’ll be honest, it was nice to be in Florida when it was below freezing back in Minnesota.

Jake Ogle: Boys 2001 (Bradenton, Fla.)

I have learned a lot from ODP, both as a soccer player and as a person. My journey to Region Camp started years ago. I participated in ODP hoping that one day I would be able to attend the Regional Camp and, ultimately, make the Regional team. The first three years I tried out, I didn’t make it. During my first year of ODP, I remember talking to my coach before the final game. He said I needed to play well and get a goal or two to be able to put myself in position to make Region Camp that year. I fell short.

This past year, I finally made the Regional team for the first time. Both ODP and the Regional camp added a ton to my soccer experience. I could play and compete with kids from all over the region and all over the country. This year, we traveled to Tampa, Fla,. for an interregional event. In addition to playing a ton of soccer, I learned from each of my teammates about their college-recruiting experiences, which is now helping me to navigate my own.

We played three games in three days and many college scouts, DA team scouts and MLS DA team scouts were present. I made new friends, learned a lot about soccer and found lots of opportunities that were not available to me prior to making the team.

This will always be one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

2018 Minnesota US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program FOR BOYS & GIRLS BORN IN 2001, 2002 OR 2003 ONLY

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oys and girls born in 2001, 2002 or 2003 are eligible for participation in the 2018 Minnesota US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP). The program is open to all players; however, competition for selection is tough.

There will be two identification sessions. Players are encouraged to attend both sessions. At the conclusion of the process, approximately 24-30 players will be selected for each (birth year and gender) state pool for further ODP training. More information can be found on the MYSA website at mnyouthsoccer.org/odp.

“ODP has been an outstanding program. Our daughter has enjoyed her time with the girls from around the state, received great coaching and a soccer experience that is second to none,” said one parent of an ODP player.

“The level of coaching and the growth that our son experienced as a player has been very positive. He feels challenged and feels that he gets good feedback during each session,” said another.

Players agree: “As a player ,I had an incredible experience. The expertise of the coaches, especially coming from a smaller town, made me such a better player. The stiff competition in tryouts taught me many important lessons like hard work, focus and determination. As this was my first time in any type of setting like this, my confidence was very low. As time went on, however, the positive environment helped me settle down and perform better. Everyone was so kind in every moment, which reflects very well upon the program. I can’t wait for next year.”

Below is a brief overview of how many players, and number of clubs that have players, that are involved in the program along the way as they progress from District Select to the State Pool, State Team and Regional Pool during the course of 2016-2017: • 1,350 total players registered • 800 total players selected for state pools • 324 total players represented Minnesota, traveling to the Region II Showcase (St. Louis, Mo.) • 112 total players attended the Region II ODP ID Camp (Saginaw, Mich.)

• 37 players invited to travel and represent Region II • 4 players selected to represent their respective age group’s all-star team selection • 1 former player selected to National Team Camp The Olympic Development Program has played a meaningful role in player development in the United States by providing top players valuable experience and a platform to improve. This is an excellent opportunity for each player to challenge themselves by playing with and against other players from different parts of the state, region and, for a selected few, nation. There is always good competition, and when you’re able to evaluate players in these scenarios, you have a better idea of how they will fare as they attempt to reach the next level in their soccer career.

Benefits of participation in the ODP are: 1. Development as a player; the opportunity to train and play with the best players in one’s age group.

2. Quality instruction from nationally licensed coaches.

3. Quality competition; games against other state association teams.

4. Exposure to regional- and national-team coaches.

5. The opportunity to represent one’s state, region or country in competition.

6. Exposure to college coaches.

Identification Dates and Times Girls

Monday, April 23 Monday, April 30

6- 8 p.m.

6- 8 p.m.

Coon Rapids Soccer Complex Coon Rapids Soccer Complex

Boys

Tuesday, April 24 Tuesday, May 1

6- 8 p.m.

6- 8 p.m.

Coon Rapids Soccer Complex Coon Rapids Soccer Complex

Online registration and payment of $85 must be received by Friday, April 13, 2018. Payment includes two tryout shirts. Questions may be directed to Chato Alvarado at 952-252-1688 or chatoalvarado@mnyouthsoccer.org.

Refund Policy Refunds are granted if requested by Friday, April 13, 2018, minus a $25 processing fee.

Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing refund check. Refunds are not granted for no-shows.

Want to be a part of the next Minnesota ODP State and Regional teams? For more information and to register, please visit the MYSA website!

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TOPSoccer Coming to a Field Near You!

By Ivan Woyno | MYSA Director of Member Services

T June 22-24, 2018 Registration Is Now Open

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MARCH 2018

Soccer Times

he Outreach Program for Soccer (TOPSoccer) has been serving the needs of athletes with physical and/or mental disabilities since its inception in 1991. By placing players on teams based on ability rather than age, TOPSoccer uses the game of soccer to build fitness, a sense of belonging, self-esteem and social skills in athletes ages eight and older.

Understanding that there are multiple paths to achieve success, the TOPSoccer program is designed with the goal to overcome long-term limits and ensure new friends are made, while having fun in a safe environment.

TOPSoccer Minnesota is hosted by eight geographic sites: Detroit Lakes, Mankato, Northfield, St. Cloud, Owatonna, Metro East, North, South and West. This strategic program placement helps ensure that athletes around the state are afforded the opportunity to play TOPSoccer and enjoy all the benefits this program and the game of soccer offers. The newest two sites, Detroit Lakes and St. Cloud, will start participation in 2018 and look forward to growing over the next few seasons as more and more families learn about the benefits of participating in TOPSoccer.

As a trusted and valuable partner of MYSA, Minnesota United FC will also partner with the TOPSoccer program starting in 2018 to elevate the experience of its athletes.

The TOPSoccer season runs May through August, with games and practices held on Sunday afternoons to avoid conflicts with other leagues

and tournaments. Although athletes are the focus of this program, it is not rare to see every member of the family be an active TOPSoccer participant, be it as a volunteer, coach, buddy, referee or spectator. Matches and special events are hosted in two above-mentioned locations to provide a fair balance of driving necessity for all families.

Utilizing an alternating practice/game weekend format, TOPSoccer athletes and coaches can fine-tune their skills on a weekly basis and work on development all throughout the season!

In July, the TOPSoccer World Games will take place at the National Sports Center in Blaine, alongside the Schwan’s USA Cup Tournament. During this fun event, athletes are assigned to new teams, proudly wearing the colors of various countries from around the world in an exciting, round-robin tournament.

During the TOPSoccer regular-season games, each geographic site plays as a team versus one another. At the TOPSoccer World Games, however, players from each geographic site are randomly assigned based on their ability onto teams representing a different country. Under this format, previous teammates may now be competing with new friends and coached by a different coach than they are used to. Each player is given a new shirt at check-in representing one of the participating countries and players are also presented with a gift courtesy of the Schwan’s USA Cup. Spectators and coaches are also always welcome. But, more importantly, if you know

of a player that is not currently participating in soccer because they are not aware that there is a program that is open to any athletes with a disability, please share this article with them.

Any athlete with a disability including but not limited to: A.D.D., Autism, Hearing Impaired, Sight Impaired, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, Cystic Fibrosis, Down Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Seizure Disorder and Spinal Bifida are eligible to participate.

MYSA subsidizes this program to make it affordable for all participants and scholarship funds are available to ensure that no athlete is denied the chance to play the beautiful game.

Come join us in 2018 for what is guaranteed to be a fantastic display of TOPSoccer at its finest!

To become involved as an athlete, volunteer, referee, coach or fan, please contact me at 952252-0226 or ivanwoyno@mnyouthsoccer.org.

Soccer Times

MARCH 2018

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2018 MYSA Winter Symposium

By Katie Flakne | MYSA Special Events Manager Norine Olson | MYSA Financial Administrator

Tim Carter

Ruth Nicholson

Frank Tschan

Simon Almaer

his year, the MYSA Winter Symposium took on a new look because of scheduling and facility conflicts related to the NFL Super Bowl. Two sessions were hosted at the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association state office, one designed for club leaders and another for coaches. As in the past, the symposium gave attendees the opportunity to meet and share with other participants, and to experience the enhanced facilities at our office in Bloomington.

The first session was held on Saturday, Jan. 27, and focused on the business of soccer, with topics including current issues in board governance and the youth sports culture. This session was led by Ruth Nicolson, MPA, an internationally certified professional facilitator.

Ruth is the founder of GO!, an on-demand resource library and training platform offering sports organizations pragmatic leadership and administrative tools. After working with youth soccer organizations for over 25 years, her areas of specialization are operations, administration, funding support and governance.

Topics discussed in this session included secrets of successful clubs, building a board of directors, working with a board of directors and planning and facilitating effective meetings.

Club administrators enjoyed the opportunity to discuss challenges and ask questions in a group dialogue. Towards the end, a “show of hands” survey was circulated to catalog how clubs handle certain situations.

The second session, for coaches, was held Saturday, Feb. 3, and was led by Frank Tschan, U.S. Soccer Director of Coaching Administration; Tim Carter, Minnesota United FC Academy Director; and Simon Almaer, Premier Sports Psychology Mental Skills Coach.

Carter outlined key ingredients of a highperforming soccer culture, weaving in his own coaching experience with that gained from several international club visits. In addressing the winning versus development debate, Carter pointed out that the best cultures have technical

staff members who see themselves as educators of players, not just coaches of teams. Clubs and staff with an educational mission help players see a longer-term vision of where they can go.

Tschan echoed some of these points in his presentation on coaching methodology. He noted that in average clubs, one coach develops a group of players, but in an exceptional club, a group of coaches develops a player. Frank provided details and rationale for U.S. Soccer’s shift to a Play-Practice-Play coaching methodology, and many of the tools that U.S. Soccer coaching education is providing to grassroots coaches, local clubs and state organizations.

Almaer came at coaching from a psychological angle and discussed how coaches can nurture a player’s mindset as a key to learning and growing. He personalized the information by having coaches consider players they have a harder time reaching and identifying potential root causes and solutions.

Tschan closed the day by addressing individual coach responsibility to take ownership for their continuous self-improvement through a process of reflection. He provided the audience with some practical whys and hows before giving them a chance to practice the principles discussed in small groups.

All of us at MYSA were happy to showcase our facility and eager to display how it can be used to enhance our education mission. We are excited to bring national and regional experts to our constituents and hope to continue doing so in the future so the sport can continue to benefit the players, parents and professionals who love soccer in Minnesota.

T

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Soccer Times

Woodbury Recreational Program Receives Region II Five Star Award

By Ayla Lokkesmoe | MYSA Member Programs Specialist

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or the second year in a row, Woodbury Soccer Club has been recognized by Region II and US Youth Soccer for its commitment to excellence in recreational programming with the Region II Five Star Recreation Award. Woodbury is one of just seven clubs throughout the region to achieve this honor, the only representative from Minnesota, and is the only club to accomplish this twice. So, what is it that makes Woodbury’s recreation program stand out from the crowd?

Sean McKuras, Director of Youth Development for Woodbury Soccer Club, has designed his recreational programming with a straightforward ideology: “Recreation soccer shouldn’t be an afterthought.”

Through thoughtful, organized development of recreational curriculum and standards, his club has seen a double-digit percentage increase in coach, player and referee retention, a hurdle that many clubs struggle with. His perspective is always from the frame of mind of, “Can we get the kids to want to come back to the next soccer practice, and the next soccer practice?” If players are returning, the club becomes more whole.

Woodbury completed the five points of the star by meeting the following standards used to evaluate a recreation program: • Coach Education: Programs seeking accreditation must have 30 percent of the coaches in their program obtain US Youth Soccer or state association-approved Coaching Certificates or licenses. Between 60-70 percent of Woodbury’s coaches are licensed or certified, which makes for more confident and effective coaches.

• Referee Development or Mentoring: Program

certifies to their state association that 90 percent of their referees are USSF certified (Grade 9, 8, or higher).

• Full Participation in Kid-Safe (Background Checks): All coaches complete a background check and registration with MYSA. • Goal Safety (Inspections and Anchoring): Program certifies to the state association that all goals in its possession or use are anchored/secured 100 percent of the time, whether in use or not.

• Sideline and Parent Behavior and Education: Program certifies and provides documentation to the state association that it has a parent behavior program in place.

John Curtis, MYSA Director of Coaching, certified Woodbury’s application for the award and had this to say: “The Recognition Award is a great way for clubs to promote their program at a local and national level.

I like that the program recognizes all of the people involved in making the experience for the player a great one.”

Ultimately, setting these standards as a club provides an elevated recreational experience and increases retention for all participant groups. MYSA encourages all its recreational programs to strive for this accreditation and will assist any clubs who want more information.

Soccer Times

MARCH 2018

11

REFEREE REPORT

The Coach-Referee Relationship

By Bob Petersen | State Director of Assessment

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ow many times do you hear coaches unhappy with the referees? What do we think of these coaches when they can be heard saying bad things, or even when we just see them from the other side of the field? On the other hand, how many times do you hear referees that are unhappy with coaches? Do you think that occurs only when referees yell back at the sidelines? What do you think is happening when the referee goes over to talk to an unhappy coach?

Referees are expected to always take the higher road, even when coaches make them upset. Referees are expected to be more respectful, even if they are being yelled at.

This may not seem fair, but it is the reality that much of our society has led us to believe

is appropriate behavior. If a referee makes a mistake, there are many who feel a coach has the right to be upset and misbehave. But, what if a coach makes a mistake? What if a coach makes a fool of themselves because they do not understand what a referee is deciding or does not even know the Laws of the Game, nor how they are applied to the game?

Referees have a tough time dealing with adult behavior, especially when the large majority of referees are minors. Yelling at referees is not okay. It is even more appalling when you are yelling at kid referees. They are far from perfect and referees of all ages are trying to be better.

Seeing this happen is just awful.

Coaches, if there is something that does not make sense during a game, calmly ask the

referee if they can give you an explanation during a long stoppage, halftime or the end of the match. If a referee is approached respectfully, the chances of a referee cooperating are much higher than reactive yelling or gesticulating.

The other part is that coaches need to be accepting of the referee having a different viewpoint, or that the referee may indeed have made a mistake. In the end, referees are usually more right than you think. But, there are times when referees have made a mistake. How you respond speaks volumes. If you try to be calm with a referee and then blow up at them or demean them in any way, expect to be dealt with harshly. The Laws of the Game have no rule that referees must explain their decisions.

If you want information from the referee, help

www.footholde.com

the referee help you. Approach the referee respectfully. Also, if you hear parents yelling at the referee, tell them they must stop, because they are making the environment that much worse. Referees are not expected to be cooperative in tough environments.

Referees, if a coach kindly asks for a response, try to give it to them. Working with respectful coaches is a good part of our game.

Do not go out of your way, if it will hold up the game, but allow for a question to be given to you and try to respond the best you can. If you find out that you made an error, correct it if you can, and move on. If you can’t correct it, learn from it.

On the other hand, if a coach is not respectful, then they do not deserve your time.

Asking for information from you is one thing.

Using that time to be mean to you is something completely different, and the coach has just lost their ability to work with you. Should you be or feel threatened at any time, that is not okay. That behavior needs to be dealt with.

More Referee Training We still need referees. If you have any interest in taking part in our game while getting paid as well, sign up! Sign up a friend or another family member, too. The schedule is flexible and you can make it what you want.

For those referees who want more training, there is more out there. Advanced mentoring sessions will be held through the end of April in St. Paul. These sessions are optional classroom topics taught by Paula Hildman, the State Referee Administrator, and current and past National Referees and National Referee Coaches. It is an open environment where you can learn many new and more advanced things from our top referees.

Look for more referee academies this spring and summer. The MNSRC is planning on a few that include games you referee and review of game situations on those games. Instructors include current and past National Referees, National Referee Coaches and State Assessors.

This is a great opportunity to increase your on-field skills and receive very good feedback.

To sign up to referee or for the advanced mentoring sessions, visit the MNSRC website at www.minnesotasrc.com. Referee academies will be posted there as they are scheduled.

For all the latest Minnesota Youth Soccer news visit

mnyouthsoccer.org

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Soccer Times

Competitive News 2018 MYSA Summer Leagues Updates and Reminders

By Cam Stoltz | MYSA League Commissioner

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ummer is right around the corner and preparations for the soccer season are well underway. As most in our soccer community are aware, the landscape of youth soccer continues to evolve. In recent years, many factors, including mandates and rules changes, have impacted the MYSA membership. Because of this changing landscape, MYSA Leagues have updated rules and policies designed to better serve our members. Below is a summary of updates and reminders that are in effect for this summer season: “Play-up” is now “Club Pass”: A Club Pass will allow more player movement and guest play for teams in leagues, tournaments and State Championships. In the past, a team could use three “play-ups” from a lower level or lower age. The new Club Pass is considered a player development tool to help clubs properly roster players in-season and is based on the unique player and team situation. Up to five ageeligible players may now be used in place of the traditional three play-ups in MYSA competition.

Promotion/Relegation is no longer in effect for Classic 2 and Classic 3. Clubs can now self-select team placement in any Classic 2 and Classic 3 league. The Promotion/ Relegation system is still in effect beginning with competitively appropriate 14U results in C1 and higher-level leagues.

League schedules for Classic 2, Classic 3 and all levels 12U and younger will have 10 game dates in the 12 weeks after May 1. A 2017 MYSA survey of clubs revealed that a 10-game table is desirable for routine training and to help de-condense busy team schedules. Balanced schedules of equal home and away games will be assigned in Classic 1, Premier II and Premier I at ages 13U and older as season results are used to determine Promotion/Relegation the following year.

In-season re-scheduling will be allowed if both teams agree and the home club can accommodate (fields and referees). MYSA will continue to oversee and rule on conflicts due to weather or a lack of referees.

League travel has been a concern for MYSA members, particularly weeknight travel in the younger ages and in all Classic 2 and 3 leagues.

MYSA may use the following options to form some league brackets to address travel challenges: • In non-metro areas, to create additional and closer opponents, some league brackets may be formed in double-birth-year bands at 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U. • When team entries are limited in any single flight and longer travel is unavoidable, self-scheduling and re-scheduling freedom will be allowed (weekends, neutral site and multiple games per day options).

• Developmental teams in Maroon and Gold (9U/10U) will be placed in leagues with limited travel as a primary principle.

Northern States Soccer League is an alternative to traditional MYSA Leagues and will primarily operate in the MYSA Northwest District. NSSL teams can take part in MYSA State Championships and National Championship Series events.

US Youth Soccer National Championship Series now includes two Minnesota events exclusive to MYSA League teams: • Minnesota State Cup is the most prestigious youth soccer tournament in Minnesota at ages 13U-19U and is a state-to-regional-tonational-level competition. The tournament takes place over several weeks beginning in late April. Pool-play rounds are limited to 12 teams, including those who are seeded based on previous results. Non-seeded teams who

enter State Cup are subject to draw and playin games to reach final pool rounds.

• Presidents Cup is a high-quality state-toregional-to-national-level competition that is catered for Classic 1 teams who may not normally challenge for the traditional State Cup. Presidents Cup serves ages 13U18U and takes place over several weeks beginning in late April. In its first year in Minnesota, the Presidents Cup is limited to eight teams per age and gender.

2018 MYSA State Championships will be organized as one event. Summer league bracket winners will automatically advance into pool play (or semifinals in small statewide flights).

Remaining teams that “option into” the playoffs

will play single-elimination qualifiers or “play-in” games into pool play. The “Option In” deadline for the season-ending playoff, is June 30. The 2018 MYSA State Championships schedule: • Play-In Qualifiers (formally “Districts”): July 12-17 (1-3 single elimination games) • C3 State Championships: July 20-22 (8-12 team format) • C2 State Championships: July 24-28 (8-12 team format) • C1 State Championships: July 24-28 (4-8 team format)

League bracket seeding will be used in the formation of leagues in 14U Classic 1 (based on 13U results) to ensure balanced Promotion/ Relegation into the 15U (initial) Premier leagues. The seeding system will be based on a team’s previous-year league, State Cup and State Championship results, in combination with geographical consideration.

Premier League II is a new, qualified, statelevel league between Classic 1 and Premier I and is subject to Promotion/Relegation rules.

Soccer Times

MARCH 2018

13

The Power of Knowledge Continuing Education by MYSA Staff

By Ivan Woyno | MYSA Director of Member Services

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he Minnesota Youth Soccer Association was founded in 1969 as the Minnesota Junior Soccer League and incorporated in 1987 as the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association. A 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, MYSA’s mission is to promote the game of soccer for all youth in Minnesota, focusing on the importance of education, self-esteem, diversity and teamwork in a safe, fun environment that allows players to develop to their fullest potential in soccer and in life. MYSA is an established, professionally run organization boasting 10 full-time staff with over 180 years of combined soccer administration, coaching, education and playing experience.

As a leader in the youth soccer industry, the MYSA staff are often a point of contact not just by member clubs, parents, referees and players in the state, but also by companies and other youth organizations around the country. In an ever-changing business environment, where youth development and safety is the ultimate objective, it is imperative that the staff serving all the Minnesota communities remain up-to-date in terms of new trends both on and off the soccer field. Compared to for-profit organizations, MYSA continually re-invests earnings into programing that benefits the membership and the youth across all the state, not just the metro area.

To ensure that MYSA continues to be an innovator and leader in the youth soccer world, most of the MYSA staff attended the United Soccer Coaches Convention / US Youth Soccer Symposium in Philadelphia, Pa. Attended by more than 13,000 coaches and administrators from all 55 US Youth Soccer state associations and other soccer organizations, the five-day workshop consists of educational sessions and seminars for both coaches and administrators. Sessions are run by industry experts who share their knowledge and provide engaging strategies that can then be shared with all members of MYSA. Held at the Philadelphia Convention Center, the grueling schedule often requires an individual to make tough choices in terms of which sessions to attend. Having a largerthan-usual group at the convention meant that MYSA staff members could maximize the attendance potential and return on investment of attending such a prestigious event. In the table below, please find a comprehensive listing of all the sessions attended by the MYSA Staff.

Administration sessions were primarily attended by Norine Olson (Financial Administrator), Katie Flakne (Manager of Special Events), Ayla Lokkesmoe (Member Programs Specialist), Cam Stoltz (League Commissioner) and Ivan Woyno (Director of Member Services). Coaching Sessions were primarily attended by Chato Alvarado (Coaching/Player Development Administrator), Andy Coutts (Director of Education) and John Curtis (Director of Coaching & Player Development). In addition to the sessions listed below, each staff member attended regional and national meetings with respective committees or workgroups, either leading the discussion, sharing critical information or gaining valuable insight that will be used at the state level to improve programing for our members.

In addition to the day-to-day sessions, as a member of the US Youth Soccer, MYSA staff was able to meet in-person with each of the candidates for U.S. Soccer president and obtain great information to make an informed decision in the U.S. Soccer elections.

Should you have any additional questions about the sessions, content or links/resources, please contact me directly at ivanwoyno@mnyouthsoccer.org.

TABLE LEGEND:

A-Administration Session • B-Both Coaching/Administration Session • C-Coaching Session TYPE TOPIC A 1-on-1 with Erik Wynalda A 1-on-1 with Hope Solo A 1-on-1 with Tab Ramos A Blue Sombrero – Partnership &

Strategy for Assisting Member Clubs A Coach/Player Development A Community Connection: Why Marketing

Matters to Your Organization A Creating a LGBT-Inclusive Soccer Team A Creating an Accurate Club Budget A Developing a Club Culture Panel A Developing Diverse Leadership A Dick’s Team Sports HQ – Harnessing

the Power of Technology A Effective Background Screening: Navigating

the Challenges & Maximizing the Benefits A Employment Contracts 101 A Executive Director Open Forum A Fiduciary Responsibilities & Financial

Controls within a Club or State Assoc.

A Financial Risk Management

for Youth Organizations A Funding Your Org. Through Relationships A How to Build & Lead a High-Performing Staff A How to Create a Marketing Plan for Your Club A Leaders at Risk: Financial, Fiduciary,

& Legal Responsibility A LGBT & Allies Meeting: Conversations

& Connections A Synergy in Vendor Partnerships A Meetings with State Association EDs

Regarding Background Check Procedures A Mindmapping: A Method to Understand

Your Sports Leadership Vision A Q&A With All the Candidates for

USSF’s President Role A Soccer Club Finances – Best Practices

to Ensure Financial Stability

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TYPE TOPIC A Social Media: How to Use it to Develop

Your Players & Grow Your Program A Sportsmanship: Making an Impact

& the Journey of a FIFA Referee A Strategic Planning – Aligning Your

Organization’s Philosophy A Wilson Trophy B DISC – Foundation for Building Team

Communication Skills B Missing in Action: Overcoming

Mental Lapses Under Pressure B Optimal Recovery Strategies for Pre-Game,

Post-game, Between Games & Traveling C 10 Essential Skills That a Youth Player Needs

to Play in College & Beyond C 11v11 Playbook – Features & Benefits

of Four 11v11 Systems C Efficient Incorporation of Performance

Training Into field Sessions C Foundation Phase Training Session

at Manchester United C Functional Training for Goalkeepers C How to Get Your Players to Make the

Best Decisions On the Field C Midfielders & Forwards Combining to

Make Positive Runs C Play, Practice, Play: A Player

Development Philosophy C Pro-Style Training Session C Scanning: Awareness to Play Away From Pressure C Simple Data for Optimal Training Prescriptions C Strategically Incorporating Soccer Brain

Endurance & “Mental Toughness”

Training into practices C Switching the Point of Attack C The Debrief: Learn the Hows & Whys

of Incorporating Mental Toughness C Watering the Grassroots

RECREATIONal NEWS

MYSA Awards $25K in Grants to Support Recreational Programming and Innovation Statewide

By MYSA Recreation Committee

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he MYSA Recreational Committee, the grantreviewing body for the Recreation Grant program, is pleased to announce that it has awarded grants totaling $25,000 to member clubs serving youth recreational soccer players from across Minnesota.

A record 14 applications were submitted this year, all of which had merit and deserved funding.

The funded programming will provide soccer opportunities for players across the state, many of whom are representative of underserved populations and minority communities. MYSA is proud to be able to give back to our member clubs so that all youth can enjoy the game of soccer.

The 2018 grant awards reflect the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association’s commitment to enhancing recreational programming offered by our members. The awards were granted to clubs who demonstrated innovative programming, including coaching-, player- and referee-development projects that will facilitate the continued growth of recreational soccer in Minnesota. Congratulations to the following clubs:

Club Amount Arrowhead Youth Soccer Assn $2,500.00 Blaine Soccer Club $2,000.00 Bloomington Youth Soccer Club $1,800.00 Cambridge-Isanti Soccer Club $1,800.00 Central Minnesota Youth Soccer Assn $2,400.00 Coon Rapids Soccer Assn $1,900.00 Hermantown Youth Soccer Assn $1,200.00 Keliix-Intra Soccer Club $2,000.00 North Metro Soccer Assn $1,600.00 Owatonna Soccer Assn $2,070.00 Pelican Rapids United Soccer Assn $1,000.00 Somali American Youth Enrichment Club $2,500.00 St. Michael-Albertville Soccer Club $500.00 Waseca Soccer Club $1,730.00 TOTAL = $25,000

Soccer Times

MARCH 2018

15

SPACE FOR ‘RENTS

A Soccer Parent for 20 Years: What I’ll Miss Most

By Dave Schechter | This commentary appeared in Soccer America’s January 26, 2018, Youth Soccer Insider. Reprinted with the author’s permission.

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n the pre-dawn damp and cold of a Saturday morning in the fall of 2016, as I drove on a county road south of Atlanta, with my 17-yearold son half asleep in the passenger seat, I understood how much I would miss it. Twenty years as a soccer parent would end with his last club and school games in the spring of 2017.

I would miss the drives to and from their club games, and those precious opportunities for conversation with my daughter and her two younger brothers.

I would miss watching them play, watching their skills improve, watching them succeed and fail, watching them as teammates and leaders.

I would miss shivering in the cold, getting soaked by the rain, being frozen and wet at the same time, broiling in the Southern heat — even the onslaught at a gnat-infested field.

I would miss the post-game meals — fast food if we were in a hurry, or maybe a diner or barbecue.

I would miss the wet, malodorous uniform pieces in the trunk, along with soaked cleats stuffed with newspaper to absorb the moisture.

I would miss Saturday morning’s search for uniform parts (the suggestion that this could be done Friday night having been ignored) and Saturday night’s laundry scramble to wash uniforms for Sunday’s games.

I would miss cringing as my goalkeeper daughter slid feet-first and gathered up a ball, apparently impervious to the possibility of collision with the onrushing attacker.

I would miss my oldest son’s highlight reel of goals, especially the direct kicks, and the field vision that allowed him to direct his teammates’ play.

I would miss my youngest son’s perseverance, never losing his love of the game, as his body finally grew into his abilities.

I would even miss my wife’s dismay about the time soccer took from our family engaging in other activities — though I sometimes wonder whether Audrey wasn’t right. (Note: The same woman who once read the newspaper at her children’s games now wears an Atlanta United FC jersey and stands, cheering, throughout their games.)

As a boy, I read the agate type in the Sunday sports pages of The New York Times and found such exotic names as Manchester United, Borussia Monchengladbach, Real Madrid and

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Juventus. Growing up near Chicago, the first person I knew who played soccer was an eighth-grade classmate. I wrote my first article about soccer at age 14, about the star forward on my high school’s team. My senior year, I called a few games on the high-school radio station, including a 3-2 state championship loss. Soccer on radio, circa 1972. I wrote about the soccer team for my college paper and occasionally turned out for practice, wearing borrowed cleats, doing a passable imitation of an orange cone.

I had little contact with soccer as I started my journalism career and, then, married life. That changed the day my wife registered our 7-yearold daughter to play at the club nearest home.

She saw boys chasing a ball and thought that soccer also would be ideal for our 5-year-old son, a child of above-average size and energy.

Several years later, when our youngest began playing at age 5, he wore hand-me-down shin guards that flopped from his legs.

For 20 years, we wrote checks (the “pay” in “pay-to-play”) to clubs and camps; bought countless uniforms, cleats, shin guards and goalkeeper gloves; penciled in weekday practices and weekend games; did our snack duty when the kids were young and occasionally fed their teammates when they were older. I have not estimated — and frankly am afraid to do so — how much money we spent on soccer over those 20 years.

Hundreds of mini-DVD tapes of the kids’ games are boxed in the basement, waiting to be edited and transferred to a more durable format and then given to them. When he was seven, I asked my oldest son if he could hear the parents hollering from the sidelines. He said that he didn’t want to hear me during his games. So, I sat in my folding chair, restraining (most of the time) any inclination to vocalize. Eventually, I brought ear buds with me and listened to music. When I tired of parents screaming — at their children, at other children (sometimes on the other team) and at referees — I turned up the volume.

I witnessed parents, in club and high school, pick verbal battles with players on the opposing team, in one case even throwing a water bottle at a U-14 boy after he suggested that the woman in question pipe down. I have heard boys and girls tell parents on their own team to be quiet. Maybe there should be a 1,000-game

rule: unless you have watched (in person or on television), played, coached or officiated a total of 1,000 games, hush up and let the referees (men and women, boys and girls, usually being paid $15 to $25 a game) call the game and accept that they will make mistakes.

I never complained to a coach about my child’s position or playing time — not at youth clubs, high school or college. I watched parents move their children from club to club, seeking supposedly greener pastures, and develop reputations that did their offspring no good. When the professional coaches at our first club, a father and his twin sons (whose “development-first” approach we liked), left in a dispute with the board (there are no politics like soccer-club politics), we eventually moved to the club they founded. Our older son, who “played up,” changed clubs when there was no team in his age group, and again as he reached higher levels.

Besides club and high school, our children represented Atlanta in the JCC (Jewish Community Center) Maccabi Games, a national sports festival. Soccer took the older boy on a club trip to England, to a soccer and language camp in Spain, to 3v3 pick-up games in a city plaza before a World Cup game in Germany (beware the Bar Mitzvah present you promise years in advance), and to the NCAA Division II National Championships. He visited Argentina and Brazil with Maccabi USA youth teams at the Pan Am Maccabi Games and played in the quadrennial Maccabiah Games in Israel. You have to catch yourself when your 7-year-old son does a step-over and dribbles past an opponent — and, suddenly, you’re daydreaming. I can count on two hands, with a few fingers left over, the number of players my children played with or against who went on to play professionally.

In the “pay to play” world, the grail is a college scholarship. The recruiting process can be exhilarating, until you discover what an unseemly business it can be, when assurances of scholarship money and starting positions fade, leaving you angry and your child confused.

When they began playing, the kids’ coaches were well-meaning parents whose own children were on the team. Their coaching abilities ranged from the clueless to the reasonably

capable. In hindsight, at the youngest ages, there was too much emphasis on organized drills and not enough time spent letting the kids get comfortable with the ball at their feet. The latter may look less organized to unknowing parents, but in the end, has greater value.

Many of our older son’s skills were developed banging balls off the garage walls. His more professional coaching began about U-8, oddly enough by Scots who had played professionally in England (the aforementioned father having had a distinguished career).

Only a few of the coaches, at the club or high school level, including for our daughter, were women. I have seen too many boys and girls coached by men who berated players during games or whose egos seemingly prevented them from remembering that these were children and this was a game to be enjoyed. We suffered relatively few of that variety.

Along the way, soccer provided life lessons.

Our older son had a club teammate, with whom he had a wonderful compatibility on the field, who came from Mexico at a young age, with his parents ... illegally. Another teammate’s family shepherded him to practice and games and made sure he had uniform parts. His own parents worked seven days a week and never saw him play. I sometimes found the three boys at our house, kicking a ball, ransacking the refrigerator or crashed out in the living room, playing FIFA or watching a game or a movie. When his legal status prevented the immigrant teammate from going on the team trip to England, our son understood that he was fortunate to be living in other circumstances.

With our youngest now a college freshman (still refereeing but no longer playing), this past autumn was the first in 20 years free of soccer — aside from those Atlanta United games (and all the soccer available on television). Years ago, on a website frequented by soccer parents (some clearly over-invested emotionally), I read the thoughts of a mother who was hanging up her cleats, so to speak. Beyond anything else, what she said she would miss most was the drives to and from the games, those chances for one-on-one time with her children.

I didn’t realize it then, but she was right.

That’s what I would miss most.

SPACE FOR ‘RENTS

This Can’t Be Right

By Andy Coutts | MYSA Director of Education

I

created this infographic on our Minnesota referee population from 2017 data, thanks to Doug Marshak, Minnesota SRC Director of Instruction. The referee population in this state looks much like most other states, but, from what I’ve gathered, not much like other sports. And it doesn’t look anything like it should, assuming we’re not aspiring to a largely teenaged and inexperienced pool with an attrition rate that requires large numbers of new referees each year.

With one out of every three officials entering their first year as an official in 2018, that means that at any youth game, the odds are good that one of the three-person crew has no experience in making the difficult decisions she or he will encounter. However, since we aren’t yet to the point where we have a large pool of adult officials with more officiating experience and greater decision-making skill, we’ll need to get better at playing the hand we’re dealt.

Looking through the lens of a parent or coach, there are some parallels between youth officials and youth players. Neither are very good at what they they’re supposed to do in their first few years of trying. Hopefully, we’ll see glimmers of promise and potential, but dribbling, passing and shooting are refined skills, as are recognizing offside or determining what is or isn’t a push, trip or handball. No one is born being able to do these unnatural tasks.

It takes time and practice, and mistakes and the determination to grow from them. It’s one thing to be knowledgeable about how to do these tasks, and quite another to perform them at pace and under pressure in a game. We have to admit that 12-17-year-old officials aren’t going to be highly capable, just as we know that young players won’t.

However, we’ll show patience with inexperienced players, from laughing at how cute they are when they bunch around the ball to amusement when they whiff on an attempted shot. How much patience will we show to green officials? It won’t be cute or funny when they whiff on a call, and yet they need even more time and support to develop as our young players do. In the long-term view, players tend to peak in their late 20s, if their competitive journey goes that far. Officials, on the other hand, probably peak in middle age, when they can still cover ground but also have logged a lot of miles and hours that serves them well each time out. We need more middle-aged referees, and one way to do that long-term is by keeping the current young ones in the pipeline.

There are some differences, namely that anyone can sign up for a team, but officials have to go through a certification process. In Minnesota, that’s about 18 hours of combined online and in-person training, with an annual recertification process. Both include testing on the Laws of the Game and procedures. All that training and testing means is that they have the right to work as a referee, but it doesn’t mean they’ll be good at it — yet.

When someone passes the test to earn a driver’s license, it doesn’t mean they’re a good driver. It means they’ve cleared the minimum standard for the right to drive, hopefully safely, while they gain experience to make better decisions on the road and develop their skill set to drive under pressure; in Minnesota, that means in snow and in traffic. That doesn’t mean that everyone will develop into great drivers,

but it’s likely they’ll be better drivers at 25 than they were at 16, as insurance company rates would suggest. In any case, teenagers are motivated to keep driving, despite any accidents or moving violations. We need to create an environment where young officials are encouraged to continue on their road to being a competent and experienced official.

Besides showing empathy by not yelling at officials, what are we as parents to do? Here are a few possible action items.

2. Create a simple cue to keep each other in check on the sideline — a tap on the shoulder when someone is overly or negatively vocal with officials, or the “sucker bucket” to be offered as a lollipop hint.

3. This one is big-time: Get certified as an official, along with your child. In addition to your time together as a parent and player, you can bond over officiating games together.

And, there’s no better way to build empathy for officials than to become one yourself.

1. Make a habit of having a team parent welcome and thank the officials. We need to humanize them so that they’re not perceived as just a uniform and whistle.

Our collective challenge is that when I update the infographic in 2019, we can see progress toward a referee population that looks closer to the way it should.

Soccer Times

MARCH 2018

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TOURNAMENT CALENDAR 2018 Invitational Tournaments, Festivals and Jamborees The following tournaments have been approved for sanctioning for 2018. Please refer to the Tournament Center (www.thetournamentcenter.com) for specific tournament information.

DATE(S) EVENT April 7-8 April 14-15 April 27-29 April 27-30 April 28-29 May 4-6 May 4-6 May 5 May 5-6 May 10-13 May 11-13 May 11-13 May 11-13 May 18-20 May 18-20 May 18-20 May 18-20 May 18-20 May 19 May 19-20 May 26-27 June 1-3 June 1-3 June 1-3 June 1-3 June 2 June 2 June 8-10 June 8-10 June 8-10 June 8-10 June 9 June 9 June 9-10 June 15-17 June 15-17 June 15-17 June 15-17 June 15-17 June 22-24 June 22-24 June 22-24 June 22-24 July 12-28 July 13-15 July 17-21 Aug. 4 Sept. 14-16 Sept. 29-30 Oct. 6-7 Oct. 12-14 Oct. 13-14 Oct. 13-14

KEY: Jamboree MYSA Only Recreation National International

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MARCH 2018

Soccer Times

LEVEL

NSC Girls College Showcase National NSC Boys College Showcase National NSC Kick-Off Challenge International US Youth Soccer Minnesota President’s Cup (Play-in) Star of the North MYSA-only Force Annual Spring Kickoff National Runnin’ With Wolves National Faribault Soccer Festival Jamboree NSC Spring Cup International US Youth Soccer Minnesota State Cup (Play-in) Eagan Wave Future Stars Tournament National 2018 Woodbury Summer Classic 13U–19U National North Metro Spring Tune-Up National CR United Boys/Girls Tournament 13U & up National 2018 Lakeville Elite Challenge National REV IT UP Tournament National Rum River Invitational MYSA-only Shakopee Cup International Fairmont Shakeout Jamboree MYSA-only EPSC Spring Kickoff National NSC Cup International Bloomington United Mega Cup National MapleBrook Invitational 2018 National Sporting St. Croix Cup National Three Rivers Cup National Detroit Lakes: Rotary 3v3 National Lakes United FC: 3 Games in 1 Day National Eclipse Select Shoot for the Stars National Head of the Lakes Tournament National 30th Annual North East United Summer Classic National Tonka Splash National Jesse James Shootout MYSA-only Mankato Soccerfest National Albertville Friendly City Days MYSA-only CR United SC Boys/Girls Tournament 9U–12U National 2018 Lakeville Father’s Day Cup National NSC All American Cup International 2018 Rochester Thunder Soccer Tournament National 2018 Woodbury Summer Classic 9U–12U National BVU Cup National Essentia Health Lake Superior Open Soccer Tournament International EPSC Prairie Cup International STMA Soccer Fest MYSA-only MYSA Summer Post-Season Play USA Cup Weekend International USA Cup International 3 v 3 Summer Clash National Prior Lake Soccer Club Fall Finisher Tournament 2018 National Target United Cup NSC Fall Cup International 2018 Woodbury Fall Classic 9U–15U National CR United SC Jamboree 9U–12U National MYSA Fall State Championships

Open to MYSA teams only (no play-off system) Open to MYSA teams only Open to Rec and Rec Plus teams only Open to teams from outside of Minnesota and/or non-US Youth Soccer teams Open to teams from outside of United States

SOCCER TEACHES ABOUT:

KICKS FOR

1

SELPE (nap)

KIDS

2 3

D o u b l e e l b u o D P e u l z z zle z Pu DIRECTIONS

Use the clues in parentheses to unscramble the words at right; you’ll start to see a common theme.

Then, copy the letters in the numbered cells to those with the same number below to reveal the mystery message.

Good Luck & Have Fun!

4 5 6 7 8 9

Answers on page 3

1

NOINRTIUT (food)

15

WATRE

(clear liquid)

17

MAWR-PU

-

(pre-game)

27

LOCO-NWDO (post-game)

12

GIILNTESN (pay attention)

18

NIYRTG (attempt)

5

PERTESC (positive)

23

3

16

AHVGIN NUF (enjoyable)

13

2

10 INGINNW (victory)

9

11 ILOSNG (defeat)

10

12 LAEHYHT (active)

Mystery Message:

21

22

8

13 LILGOOWFN (observe)

19

14 GALDEIN

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

(guide)

6

15 MSKESITA (error)

11

12

20

21

13

22

14

15

B

16

18

17

19

14

16 FESINLEG (emotions)

20

17 MATE

23

24

25

26

27

(group)

25

26

7

18 IFRA LAYP

(sportsmanship)

11

19 RUTTS (believe)

4

24

Soccer Times

MARCH 2018

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