Minnesota Soccer Times - July 2018 by Varsity Communications

VOLUME 31VolumeISSUE JULY 30 Issue4 2 March 20172018

MINNESOTA

SOCCER TIMES

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STATE CUP, PRESIDENTS CUP PHOTOS INSIDE!

KICKS FOR

IN THIS ISSUE

KIDS

Coaches Corner • Page 4 Space for Rents • Page 14 Scholarships • Page 16

SPORTSMANSHIP Page 19

EXPERIENCE ECLIPSE TRYOUTS ECLIPSE SELECT

ECLIPSE NORTH

U9-U11 • July 20, July 29

U9-U11 • July 21, July 29

U12-U19 • July 29-30, August 1

U12-U19 • July 29, August 1

West St. Paul Dome and Sports Complex

Century College

2018 - 2019 Eclipse Expansion Continues! Follow us @eclipseselectmn Tryout/Evaluation Registration DOES NOT BIND THE PLAYER to the Club.

JULY 2018

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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

Announcing Minnesota Youth Soccer’s New Executive Director By Steve May | MYSA President

n behalf of Minnesota Youth Soccer Association Staff and Board of Directors, we are excited to welcome Matthew Madeira as our new Executive Director. Matt officially joined us on June 15, 2018. Through an extensive, four-month, nationwide search, we received an overwhelming response for the Executive Director job opening and feel fortunate to have had such a rich pool of applicants. We conducted a thorough vetting process by current and former board members, including staff engagement and outside parties with expertise in executive hiring and onboarding. “I am very excited for the opportunity to work with the staff, the board, and the membership at Minnesota Youth Soccer,” says Matt Madeira. “Minnesota has a reputation for great programs, events and a forwardthinking culture. MYSA’s Core Values are serving the soccer community, play the right way, seeing all possibilities and listening to all voices. I am eager to travel the state and meet our membership, work with coaches and clubs, and join staff in our efforts to take youth soccer in Minnesota to the next level.”

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 Matt Madeira - 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

Matt joins Minnesota Youth Soccer after four years as the Executive Director of Cal North Soccer. As Chief Executive and Operations Officer of one of the largest youth soccer associations in the United States, Matt served 150,000 players, 30,000 coaches and 40,000 volunteer administrators, led 62 employees, and managed business and marketing systems, and the deployment of collaborative relationships with Northern California clubs. After becoming the Executive Director of Cal North, Matt developed and strengthened critical relations with current, past and future members of the association, resulting in the first growth of membership at Cal North in seven years. The previous 28 years, Matt worked in the private sector as a business owner. He managed, mentored and worked as a leader for employees and was responsible for all levels of business finance and structured growth. Matt’s business success and passion for soccer led him to the Executive Director position at Cal North. Matt’s volunteer involvement with nonprofit soccer organizations began when

he coached his son’s soccer team in Oregon. He became involved in the local soccer club as a Board Member, served as a community recreational Board President, became a Board Member of Oregon Youth Soccer, and was the state representative to the State Referee Committee. In 2010, Matt became the President of Oregon Youth Soccer and served for four years before moving to California. We are confident that Matt’s leadership, experience, knowledge and integrity will be a great match for the members, staff and volunteers of Minnesota Youth Soccer. Please join me and the Minnesota Youth Soccer staff and Board of Directors in welcoming Matt. We look forward to introducing Matt Madeira to you in the coming months.

CONTENTS Departments

Features

President’s Message.................................................. 3 Coaches Corner......................................................... 4 Honor Rolls................................................................ 5 Competitive News....................................................13 Space for ‘Rents.......................................................14 Referee Report.........................................................15 Tournament Calendar............................................... 18 Kicks For Kids............................................................19

MYSA Annual Awards................................................5 Minnesota State Cup.................................................8 Minnesota Presidents Cup.........................................9 Mike Warter Scholarship Recipients.........................16 District Select Identifications...................................16 Tournament Planning...............................................18

Production Varsity Communications, Inc Editor Brian Beaky 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

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COACHES CORNER Bringing the Streets to Soccer By Andy Coutts | MYSA Director of Education

emember learning about syllogisms? I vaguely did, and had to look up what it meant to be sure. It’s when you take two propositions that are assumed to be true and apply deductive reasoning to arrive at a conclusion. Here’s a soccer syllogism example: • The best players in the world develop by playing soccer in the streets in their youth. • American kids don’t play soccer in the streets for a variety of reasons. • Therefore, the U.S. won’t develop worldclass players. At least, on the men’s side — credit to the women for creating an exception.

those who have tried it in and gotten good results. One coach said at the “D” course, “I’ve tried this with my team and they come running out of the van to get to practice.” Another who has used it with her teenagers pointed out that after playing at the beginning of training, they’re eager to learn and improve in the middle “Practice” phase. A summary of the benefits, from U.S. Soccer: What players need: Learning transfer, with little gap between training and the game. What players want: Intrinsically motivated to learn through play.

Here’s another one: • We won’t get soccer back into the streets on a large scale. • Most player development in the U.S. happens in formal training sessions. • Therefore, if we can’t get soccer to the streets, we’d better bring the streets to soccer.

How players learn: To experience the game, reflect and use those experiences to improve.

That’s what U.S. Soccer Coaching Education is doing by shifting from the progressive training session methodology to a Play-PracticePlay format. I’ve written about this change in Soccer Times and won’t repeat those details here. Now that we’ve had several Grass Roots License courses and a new “D” License course, participating coaches are seeing the change brought to life on the field. While there is the usual healthy skepticism about a major change, most coaches seem to be buying in, especially

For years, we’ve been moving away from coach-choreographed drills to more dynamic, “player-centered” activities. Now, U.S. Soccer is pushing the pendulum even further, to make the philosophy behind training more player-centered and game-centered. Does that mean less coaching? Not necessarily, but if street soccer is a key component of joy and development, it does mean that coaches should be mindful of how to bring more of the streets to the soccer they are leading.

What we want: To develop creative players who can read the game and solve problems, and to have players take initiative for their own development

Player Tryouts 2018 JULY 29-30

2019

AUGUST 3-4

AND at Kingston Fields

Check calendar on website for age group times

www.cottagegrovesoccer.org Any Questions or interested in trying out for CGU competitive program, please email Director of Coaching, at doc@cottagegrovesoccer.org

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MYSA HONOR ROLLS By Chato Alvarado | MYSA Coaching/Player Development Administrator

YSA is proud to present the Club and Coach Honor Rolls. The Club Honor Roll lists the clubs that have recently offered coaching education courses for their coaches. The Coach Honor Roll includes coaches who have recently completed a USSF or USC (formerly NSCAA) Coaching License in Minnesota. Thank you all for your efforts to improve the level of soccer for all players in Minnesota. Congratulations to all clubs and coaches for making the MYSA Honor Rolls!

CLUB HONOR ROLL Club Alexandria Cambridge-Isanti Central Minnesota Central Minnesota Monticello Waseca Woodbury

No. of Coaches 15 23 18 25 28 24 34

Coaching Education Course Technical Certificate Youth Module Technical Certificate Youth Module Youth Module Technical Certificate Youth Module

COACH HONOR ROLL: 9v9 License (45) Ahmed Abdiwahed Tyler Ake Mario Aleman Eray Alemdar Graham Alme Walter Ayala Mike Aydt Alex Balfour Chris Bisanz Andrew Bradley Daniel Connolly Brian Crane

Paul Cronin Jordan DeGuzman Kent Disch Eric Euteneuer Akin Falade Renan Freitas Gaid Gaid Emily Goeppinger Chris Gudrais Samuel Hildebrand Kari Isaacson Hannah Johnson

Kent King Bryan Kinkel Emily Kirby Abby Kirsch Kelly Lattner Maxwell Lom Mario Lone Calvin Mai Kenneth McCarthy Katy Moen Sarah Moonr Curtis Neuenschwander

John Niday Brian Raney Scott Rhodes Chris Rothstein Jesse Timmerman Ian Toledano Henry Torres Allison Woodwick Jeremy Zahn

Angel Dominguez Reyes Adam Edwards Aaron Frederickson Gaid Gaid Samuel Hildebrand Joel Juni Alex Kapolka Emily Kirby Abby Kirsch Kelly Lattner

Kim LaValle Maxwell Lom Mario Lone John Niday Joshua Okoampa Trai Oliver Mary Pipenhagen Brian Raney Chris Rothstein Jennifer Smith

Jerry Snow Jake Swiers Ian Toledano Benjamin Van Offelen Nikola Varbanov Victoria Vargas Sailasa Vave Jeremy Zah

MYSA Annual Awards By Katie Flakne | MYSA Manager of Special Events

o you know someone who has given outstanding service to the Minnesota Youth Soccer community? This is your chance to help recognize that person by nominating them for a 2018 MYSA Annual Award. Minnesota Youth Soccer’s awards are part of the US Youth Soccer recognition program. Coach of the Year: This award is actually four awards — one each for coaches of boys’ and girls’ competitive and recreational teams. These coaches exemplify leadership on and off the field, and go the extra mile to ensure a great soccer experience. Administrator of the Year: This award is given to those that have worked hard within their club to help provide opportunities for children to not only play soccer, but to do so in a safe and fun environment. Volunteer of the Year: This award honors those who are excellent role models for their community, who generously give of their time and talents for the good of the game. TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year: This award is given to an extraordinary individual for their accomplishments as a TOPSoccer Buddy. This person demonstrates patience, understanding, dependability, flexibility and the ability to adjust to ever-changing on-field situations.

2018 Fall/Winter Events in Blaine MN FALL ADULT SOCCER LEAGUE An exciting opportunity to play in the fall. Adult divisions available Non-sanctioned league www.nscsports.org/mnufc7v7

FALL CUP The best tournament to wrap up your season. U9–U15 divisions available www.nscsports.org/fallcup

KICK OR TREAT

COACH HONOR ROLL: 11v11 License (38) Tyler Ake Mario Aleman Eray Alemdar Marcus Anthony Christopher Boyd Joe Braun Marco Campoverde Daniel Connolly Jodie Crutcher Jordan DeGuzman

Play your favorite sport at the world’s largest soccer facility!

TOPSoccer Coach of the Year: This award is given to an individual who facilitates the program by filling many roles, including being a coach, cheerleader and role model, as well as assisting, guiding, directing and teaching the game of soccer and its skills while creating a fun learning experience. Young Referee of the Year: This award is given to a young male and female referee (19 years of age or younger as of August 1 of the current year) who have a strong work ethic, knowledge of the rules of the games and are positive role models to other referees, as well as players. All nominees receive two complimentary tickets to attend the MYSA Annual Recognition Banquet, where each person will be honored for their contributions. This year’s banquet will be held on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. For complete details and applications, visit mnyouthsoccer.org/banquet. The deadline for nominations is Sept. 28, 2018.

Goal & Save of the Year: Send us a video of an amazing goal or an outstanding save to contend for the title of 2018 MYSA Goal and Save of the Year! MYSA is collecting video highlights of great goals or saves from players at any age and level (Premier, Classic 1, Classic 2, Classic 3, Recreation or TOPSoccer). Four finalists in each category will be selected and invited to the MYSA Recognition Banquet, where the winners will be announced. They will win a gift card and their videos will be sent to US Youth Soccer for national consideration! Videos can be sent to Katie Flakne at katieflakne@mnyouthsoccer.org.

Fun indoor 5v5 tournament with all your games on one day. U9–U15 divisions available Non-sanctioned tournament www.nscsports.org/kickortreat

INDOOR SOCCER LEAGUE Three sessions available to make sure your game stays in tune during the long winter. U9–Adult divisions available Non-sanctioned league www.nscsports.org/indoorsoccerleague

HEAT CUP HARVEST CUP 1st annual NSC 3v3 tournament series! U9–U16 divisions available Non-sanctioned tournament www.nscsports.org/nsc3v3

COLLEGE SHOWCASE Showcase tournament for players to be seen by college coaches. U16–U18 divisions available www.nscsports.org/collegeshowcase

HOLIDAY CLASSIC Our most popular indoor soccer tournament has become an annual holiday tradition! U9–U19 divisions available Non-sanctioned tournament www.nscsports.org/holidayclassic

Visit our website to learn more and register

www.nscsports.org/soccer-tournaments 763.785.5600 Soccer Times

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Soccer Times

MINNESOTA STATE CUP By Katie Flakne | MYSA Manager of Special Events

hampions were crowned and regional tickets were booked on the final day of the 2018 Minnesota State Cup. In a tournament that started with 172 teams, 14 were crowned State Cup champions! The Minnesota State Cup is the first leg in the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series and home to the highest level of club soccer in the state. The event concluded on Sunday, May 20, at Kingston Park in Cottage Grove. Winners in the 13U-19U boys and girls age groups will represent Minnesota at the US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional Championships. Those teams competed June 22-27 in Westfield, Ind., with the ultimate goal of heading to Frisco, Texas, to vie for a national title. In the boys division, both the 16U REV and 19U Sporting St. Croix were crowned back-to-back champions. The girls 16U Minnesota Thunder Academy, 18U MapleBrook and 19U Minneapolis United teams also defended their championship titles.

Congratulations To The Following Teams: Age Group 13U Boys. . . . . . . . . . . . 14U Boys. . . . . . . . . . . . 15U Boys. . . . . . . . . . . . 16U Boys. . . . . . . . . . . . 17U Boys. . . . . . . . . . . . 18U Boys. . . . . . . . . . . . 19U Boys. . . . . . . . . . . .

Champion Runner-Up Tonka Fusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sporting St. Croix Tonka Fusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sporting St. Croix Minneapolis United PR. . . . . . . . . Minneapolis United PR-2 REV SC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minneapolis United Minneapolis United. . . . . . . . . . . . Twin Stars Academy Prior Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minneapolis United Sporting St. Croix . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blackhawks

Age Group 13U Girls. . . . . . . . . . . . 14U Girls. . . . . . . . . . . . 15U Girls. . . . . . . . . . . . 16U Girls. . . . . . . . . . . . 17U Girls . . . . . . . . . . . . 18U Girls. . . . . . . . . . . . 19U Girls. . . . . . . . . . . .

Champion Runner-Up Minnesota Thunder Academy. . . . REV SC Minnesota Thunder Academy. . . . Eclipse Select MN MapleBrook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . REV SC Minnesota Thunder Academy. . . . North Metro MapleBrook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eclipse Select MN MapleBrook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eclipse Select MN Minneapolis United. . . . . . . . . . . . Tonka United

We are also excited to extend Tonka Fusion 2005 Boys and the Minnesota Thunder Academy 2002 Girls the opportunity to compete in the new, elite Minnesota United FC Division of USA Cup. The MNUFC Division will be offered to two age groups in 2018. Minnesota State Cup Champions and teams selected from the US Youth Soccer Minnesota Olympic Development Program will compete in this select tournament with international teams.

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MINNESOTA PRESIDENTS CUP By Katie Flakne MYSA Manager of Special Events

he Minnesota Presidents Cup is our new, statewide championship tournament that is part of the US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup. This spring, Minnesota Youth Soccer hosted this inaugural event as an alternative to the Minnesota State Cup. The tournament gives boys and girls teams in the 13U–18U age groups the opportunity to compete for state, regional and national titles. Play-in games were scheduled to start April 28-29, but that schedule was interrupted by record-breaking snowfall across the southern half of the State that made fields unplayable. The initial games of Presidents Cup were postponed to May 4-6 and hosted by the Coon Rapids Soccer Club. During the first weekend, three teams — Blackhawks 04 Boys and 00 Girls, and the REV 02 Boys — punched their tickets to Regionals. After a weekend of group play, 20 teams representing 18 different clubs were still alive and headed to Cottage Grove for the semi-finals. Cottage Grove United hosted the semi-finals and finals, May 18-20, at Kingston Park. This year, MYSA is proud to send 11 teams to represent Minnesota at the 2018 US Youth Soccer Midwest Presidents Cup. The regional event took place June 14-18 in West Chester, Ohio. Minnesota Presidents Cup is designed for those teams seeking additional challenges to play against teams of similar abilities. The Cup provides a progressive, competitive tournament to teams that might not otherwise get the opportunity to participate in a series of unique experiences focusing on highlevel competition, camaraderie and community. Here are a few statements from teams that participated in the event this year. “Coaches from other states have made positive comments about Presidents Cup, which encouraged me to sign my team up. Presidents Cup has a very similar feeling to State Cup. Winning teams have the ability to advance on to the Regional and National level and MapleBrook is proud and excited to represent Minnesota,” said Stuart Trench, head coach of the MapleBrook 16U girls. Fusion Select 14U Girls coach Chris Gudrais agrees: “Presidents Cup was a great experience for my team. With [the] level of my team, the competition was a perfect fit. The girls are really looking forward to the regional tournament.” Thank you to the teams, the State Referee Committee, Coon Rapids Soccer Club, Cottage Grove United and the Cup Committee for making this a successful inaugural year. We look forward to watching this event grow in the upcoming years.

Congratulations To The Following Teams: Boys Champion Runner-Up 13U no bracket no bracket 14U Blackhawks Rochester 15U North Metro Tonka United 16U REV SC Prior Lake 17U Keliix-Intra No. Suburban 18U Edina Blackhawks Girls Champion Runner-Up 13U MN Thunder North Metro Academy 14U Fusion REV SC 15U MN Thunder Lakeville Academy 16U MapleBrook Gitchi Gummi 17U No. Suburban North Metro 18U Blackhawks Northfield

Soccer Times

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Soccer Times

COMPETITIVE NEWS

New MYSA Programming, Events and National League Options REFEREE REPORT By Cam Stoltz | MYSA League Commissioner

s the landscape of soccer in Minnesota continues to evolve, MYSA is proud to announce new programs, competitive events and league options. This next soccer year will offer new experiences for our teams!

MYSA Academy Futures League Beginning in Fall 2018, the MYSA Academy Futures League (AFL), a progression extension of the MYSA Youth Academy Program, will be offered for the 11U and 12U age groups in boys and girls flights. The AFL will combine a development-focused model for training with competitive play. This new MYSA program will focus on club, team and player development and include coaching education specific to the environment. Entry into the AFL will require a club-submitted application with standards set forth for the AFL. MYSA Teams in the US Youth Soccer National Leagues MYSA teams have a new and exciting league option in the US Youth Soccer National Leagues and Conferences. Minnesota teams must apply and be endorsed by MYSA in this new structure, which is replacing the former Midwest Regional League. The US Youth Soccer National Leagues and Conferences will provide the best pathway to the highest level of youth soccer for the 13U through 19U boys and girls age groups. The league will offer additional exposure to collegiate, professional and U.S. National Team coaches. Beginning this next season, the program will include the national tier, called the National League, which will feature a total of 352 teams, as well as

the multi-state tier, which is comprised of several high-level competitive conferences throughout the country. The US Youth Soccer National Leagues Program recently announced that it will feature a network of Conferences (formerly known as Regional Leagues) that are geographically focused, under one leadership and management structure, and linked into the highly successful National League and National Championship Series. Conferences are now under the management umbrella of the US Youth Soccer National League. Minnesota’s teams will be administered through MYSA and belong to the “Midwest Conference” and the “Great Lakes Conference.”

from any MYSA club. Teams reaching the semifinal and championship rounds of the 12U Junior State Cup will be directly seeded into the top four of the 13U Minnesota State Cup the following year. Visit the MYSA website (mnyouthsoccer.org) or contact the state office for more information on any of these new MYSA programs, events and leagues.

Vice Presidents Cup Vice Presidents Cup will be the 9v9 version of the “Presidents Cup,” which played its inaugural tournament last May as part of our MYSA Cup Series. The Vice Presidents Cup will coincide with the MYSA Presidents Cup (for 13U and older) to provide a cup-like experience in May of each year. This first-year event will be offered at 11U and 12U in 9v9 games and will provide a single-elimination style format, playing down to a Championship Sunday. The Vice Presidents Cup will be open to all Classic league teams but is designed for higher competitive levels and only the top-level team of a club.

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12U Junior State Cup The inaugural 2019 MYSA 12U Junior State Cup will be the 9v9 sibling of the Minnesota State Cup. This event will mirror the Minnesota State Cup (for 13U and older) and is designed to provide a similar cup and competitive experience in May of each year. The 12U Junior State Cup is designed for high-level committed Classic 1 teams and will be limited to the top 12U team

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2019 TRYOUTS July 29th - August 1st

Tr a

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YOUTH SOCCER PROGRAMS

ALL AGES

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15 TO 18 YEARS OLD

U12 – U18 PLAYERS SUNDAY, JULY 29TH 8-9:30am - U12 Boys & Girls (2007) 9:30-11am - U13 Boys & Girls (2006) 11am-12:30pm - U14 Boys & Girls (2005) 12:30-2pm - U15 Boys & Girls (2004) 2-3:30pm - U16 Girls (2003) 2-3:30pm - U17 Girls (2002) 3:30-5pm - U18 Girls (2001) 3:30-5pm - U16/U17 Boys (2003/2002)

U11 PLAYERS MONDAY, JULY 30th 6-7:30pm - U11 Boys & Girls (2008) U9/10 PLAYERS TUESDAY, JULY 31st 6-7:30pm - U10 Boys & Girls (2009) WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1st 6-7:30pm - U9 Boys & Girls (2010) *Times subject to change*

TO REGISTER TO RECEIVE MORE INFO CONTACT US AT: facebook.com/stmasoccer

www.STMAsoccer.org Soccer Times

JULY 2018

SPACE FOR ‘RENTS

A Final Game of H-O-R-S-E By John O’Sullivan | Reprinted with permission of the author. | Find more from John at www.changingthegameproject.com

few years back, my wife Lauren and I took our kids back for one final visit to her childhood home in Fairport, N.Y. Lauren’s parents were preparing to sell their house and move to a warmer climate, and we took the opportunity to fly across the country to say some final goodbyes to the home they had lived in for nearly 40 years. On our last afternoon, as the kids played with Grandma in the backyard and I was enjoying some quiet time, I glanced out the front window. There, I saw Lauren and her father, Bruce, deeply engaged in conversation, shooting at their old driveway basketball hoop. They were playing HORSE, a game familiar to most, where you get a letter if your opponent sinks a shot and you miss it. Once you get H-OR-S-E you are out, and you lose bragging rights until the rematch happens. As I watched them shoot, and rebound, and talk, and laugh, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was watching their final game of HORSE on that childhood basket, a basket that had seen thousands of those games over the previous decades. I was witnessing a moment that had been relived countless times over the years. Bruce and Lauren were not talking about keeping your elbow in, or the release point of the shot. They were just being present. Connecting. Laughing. Even talking a little smack as they fought for the

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Soccer Times

final set of bragging rights, on that final evening, in the driveway of their lives. A game of HORSE at the end of the day was the way a father and his daughter carved out time for each other in their busy lives. For 40 years, it was their medium of connection, their place to put everything aside and be present for each other. It was beautiful. When it comes to youth sports, we need more of that. I recently saw this incredible video of 51-yearold Steve Peters and his 80-year-old father, Dennis, who still get together three or four times a week for a game of catch. It is their game of HORSE, their way of cutting through the clutter of the world and making time for each other. Watch it (link: https://bit.ly/2J0ipw2) and try not to tear up. I know I did. I teared up because it made me think of all those countless nights I had a catch with my dad. Just the two of us, out in the backyard, my dad tossing me grounders and pop flies, me imagining I was making that great catch in Yankee Stadium. I remember him inviting me into the outfield of his softball games between innings to throw a few, and always making time after the game to toss a few more. I certainly do not remember every detail of those conversations we had, but one thing seems clear as day. I never remember my Dad telling me, “No,

son, I don’t have time.” My father was a business owner, a landlord, a coach, a husband, an avid gardener, and a guy who just loved to jump on his sailboat and head out into Long Island Sound. But, he always found time to be a father first; to have a catch, to kick a ball, or play nine holes at our local golf course. As a father myself, now living my own busy life running a business, coaching teams, getting dinner on the table, and trying to be a good spouse, I really appreciate how tough it must have been for him to say, “Sure, grab our gloves and I will meet you out back,” after a long day of work. He probably had a dozen more pressing things to do, but he always chose me. I only hope my kids feel the same about me, as I know I could do better. I know there have been afternoons when my two kids wanted to go kick a ball, or shoot hoops, and I said no because I was too tired. Or I had to do something “important” like check the comments on our last Changing the Game Project Facebook post, or see if that “important email” arrived. What am I thinking? Has any dad, anywhere, ever said: “I regret all that time I spent tossing the baseball with my kid?” I share this because in our fast-paced, outcomefocused youth sports world these days, where we are led to believe that we must maximize every second of our young athletes’ lives to achieve that mythical “10,000 hours,” I wonder, are we finding enough time to play HORSE? As we rush our kids from a private training session to their strength coach, from one college showcase to the next on the opposite coast, are we making time to have a catch? Do we ever take a break from the “Race to Nowhere in Youth Sports” to simply be present with our kids, to let them own the journey, and to simply connect? Do we switch off so that they can, too? In a recent podcast I did with Jim Thompson, founder of the Positive Coaching Alliance, he said something about coaching that really stuck with me: “Connection precedes commitment.” Isn’t this true with our own kids, as well? Before they commit to their journey of excellence in whatever sport or activity they choose, isn’t it vital that they know we love them unconditionally, that we are connected, and that every moment does not have to exist simply for the pursuit of some far-off, intangible, extrinsic motivator like a scholarship, medal, or a shot at the big leagues? These days, my 11-year-old daughter, Maggie, likes to go out in the backyard and have me shoot soccer balls on her, or play 1v1. My 10-year-old son, TJ, and I love to hop on our bikes and ride down to the local nine-hole golf course and have a chipping contest, or simply see who makes the longest putt. The odds are astronomically small that any of this is in preparation for Maggie

making a save in a World Cup final, or TJ sinking the winning putt on the 18th hole at Augusta to win the Masters. But, the odds are quite high that the more time I find to putt and chip and shoot soccer and basketballs with my kids — and, while doing it, forget about developing great athletes and simply invest in building great people — the better the odds that they will trust me and be connected to me for those moments in life that really matter. No sporting outcome would be worth losing that. We are led to believe that sport is all about the pursuit of glory, but the more I think about it, the longer I coach, and the more I watch my own kids play, the more I am convinced that this notion is wrong. The world’s most famous athletes are revered for winning, but ask them what they remember, and it’s rarely about the podium. They talk about connection. Sport is about connection. It is the connection between teammates working together to achieve a common goal, forged on the practice field, the bus, at team meals, and even in the hotel pool. It is the connection between athletes and their coaches who respect and encourage them, and coach the person, not the sport. It is the connection between sports clubs, schools and parents, working together to ensure that sport is an extension of the things we value, not the antithesis. And, most importantly, it is the connection between a dad and his son, forged over 50 years of tossing a baseball. It is the connection between a father and daughter, built night after night in a quiet driveway in upstate New York, playing HORSE until it is too dark to see. It is the connection available to all of us, whether it be with our own kids or those we are entrusted to coach, if we just put aside our devices, our expectations, and our future hopes and dreams for those kids, and simply be present. I know that I need to find more time to do this. I hope you will, too.

REFEREE REPORT

Working with Coaches

By Bob Petersen | State Director of Assessment

oaches are an important part of our game. They are entrusted to lead and develop players to play the game we all love. Most of the time, coaches and referees work together with no problems or issues. Questions or concerns are addressed quickly, and are usually unnoticed. But, there are going to be times that try the frustrations of both the referee and coach. There are things that referees can do -- usually, ahead of time -- to help make tense moments easier to deal with. First, the best thing referees can do is arrive on time and look the part. Referees have a lot to do before a game can start. But, arriving and dressing neatly and appropriately goes a long way. Your appearance helps greatly. Wear the entire uniform with socks pulled up and shirt tucked in. Next, go about your pregame duties with respect for each other and the teams. Figure out how you will ensure the field is safe, a good time to check in the teams, and conduct the pre-game coin toss. Checking in the teams is when you have your first true interaction with the coaches. Go to the coach directly; that way, they will be able to share any important notes with their team, and tell you when is a good time to check in their players. If the team is in the middle of something, it is okay to wait a few minutes; this shows that you are there for the players, and the game. But, a coach or team should not make you wait very long, because you have to get the game started on time. How things develop during a game can also have a significant effect on moments where there is a big disagreement. Coaches are human and may act inappropriately. Many times, they just want to be heard or have a simple question. If there is a time where you can briefly explain a decision you made, go ahead. If the match is going on and the coach is distracting from your ability to referee the game, it is okay to acknowledge the coach, while saying that

now is not the best time. Sometimes, an opportunity will arise that allow you to speak briefly to a coach â&#x20AC;&#x201D; an injury, a substitution that is taking a little longer to complete, or a time when a player has to chase down a loose ball out of bounds. Even if it something the coach may not agree with, a coach should appreciate you telling them what you were seeing and thinking. Injuries can be volatile times of coach and referee interaction. Gauge how the coach is reacting at this time. If a coach is angry, there is no need to be around the hurt player. Go somewhere else on the field. A coach that is going to say something is less likely to complain if you are not close by, because they will then have to yell, and the coach does themselves no favors by yelling so that everyone around will hear. If a coach is respectful and has a question, go ahead and answer them.

As always, there is a fine line between coaches asking appropriate questions of referees, and acting irresponsibly. Referees have been effectively using the â&#x20AC;&#x153;ask, tell, dismissâ&#x20AC;? process. If a coach is acting irresponsibly, tell them they are. Match the level of your response to that of the coach. If a coach is calmly asking a question that seems inappropriate, do not threaten or be overly strict. But, listen to what they are saying and use an appropriate response. Referees need to be firm, but also have a sense of empathy. That goes a long way. In the end, if you show that you are taking the game seriously, yet enjoying yourself, it will go a long way. There are times where you need to make tough decisions. Making decisions is part of the job. But, there are ways that you can handle yourself as referee that can help with how coaches behave.

Soccer Times

JULY 2018

Hayden Fischer and Ava Zoschke Announced as 2018 Mike Warter Scholarship Recipients By Katie Flakne | MYSA Manager of Special Events

innesota Youth Soccer players Hayden Fisher and Ava Zoschke are the recipients of the 2018 Mike Warter College Scholarships. The scholarships are awarded for postsecondary education. The two $500 scholarships are awarded based on community service, giving back to the game of soccer and to honor the memory of Mike Warter. Mike was a true pioneer for women’s soccer. This fund is a reminder to all of Mike’s commitment to the development of players by nurturing good play, good friendships, better facilities, proficient coaching and the happiest of times for all participants. Hayden Fischer is a graduate of Lakeville South High School. He plans to attend the University of MinnesotaTwin Cities to earn a degree in either chemical or mechanical engineering. Hayden’s career goal is to help the environment by finding effective ways to improve water quality. Hayden has been involved with soccer since the age of five. He was captain of the LSHS Cougars his senior year and received three South Suburban Conference titles for academic honors. Aside from high school soccer, he also plays for REV Soccer Club. His team was crowned State Champions in the 2015-16 season. Hayden has also coached soccer and been a group leader for the annual Lakeville Soccer Tots Camp. Outside of athletics, Hayden has played piano for the past 11 years. He volunteers his time to play recitals for nursing homes and was selected to play at the Honors Concert for Music Teachers National Association state piano competition. He was also awarded a Gold Cup at the National Federation of Music Clubs competition, after receiving three “superiors” in music. Hayden is a member of the National Honor Society and completed over 100 hours of community service work. He also enjoys hunting, fishing and hiking, and his love for the outdoors is what fuels his passion to help the environment.

JULY 2018

Soccer Times

Hayden has been praised for his work ethic, dedication and a strong ability to work with others. These values will carry him far in his future pursuits. Ava Zoschke is a graduate of Blaine High School. She will be attending Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., with plans to pursue a career as a neurologist. Ava began playing club soccer at U10 for Blaine Soccer Club and was also selected to the Blaine High School soccer team has a freshman. She had a decorated career playing in four straight section finals, plus a State Tournament appearance in 2015. She was named captain her senior year and also received all-conference and all-state honors. This summer, she is playing for the U19 Premier North Metro Hurricanes. Ava has also found ways to give back to the soccer community. She is a trainer for I41, a technical and fitness training program whose funds go to support the Blaine High School program. She is also the Lakeville Soccer Club volunteer coordinator. In this role, she helps create sign-ups for events and tournaments on the website and organizes onsite help. Ava enjoys interacting with all the different people involved in the soccer world. In addition to soccer, Ava is a member of the National Honor Society, was Student Council President and also served on Bengal Pride, a group that helps transition incoming freshman into high school. Soccer has played a role in developing Ava’s character, leadership skills and positive attitude. These life skills and soccer talent will also help her find success in the next chapter of her life. MYSA, the Mike Warter Scholarship committee and the Mike Warter family would like to thank all the applicants. Both Hayden and Ava have taken the important life lessons that soccer offers its participants and given back to the game and their communities. We are proud to remember Mike Warter by contributing to the lives of these young adults, and wish them continued success in the future.

US Youth Soccer ODP Boys and girls born in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 ONLY

he District Select Program is open to all players and includes four training sessions and two one-day festivals, one in the fall and one in the spring. After the process, a pool of approximately 36-50 players for each age group and gender will be identified for further training and potential selection to an ID camp/regional showcase/ development camp in July 2019. District Select offers an ideal opportunity for players to sample the program without the pressure of a traditional tryout situation. Players are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible and can sign up for whichever district they prefer. IDENTIFICATIONS Day: Sundays Dates: Aug. 26, Sept. 9, 16, 23 Time: 5:30-7 p.m. Locations: East (Cottage Grove, White Bear Lake), West (St. Louis Park), North (Coon Rapids) Northeast (Duluth), Northwest (St. Cloud), South (Prior Lake), Southeast (Rochester) and Southwest (St. Peter). FESTIVALS Day: Saturdays Dates: Sept. 29, 2018 (Fall) and May 4, 2019 (Spring) Times: 9 a.m.-Noon (Boys) and 1-4 p.m. (Girls) Location: Coon Rapids Soccer Complex Please visit the MYSA website (mnyouthsoccer.org/odp) for more information and to register. Online registration is available through Friday, Aug. 17, 2018. For players who cannot participate in the District Select Program this fall due to high school soccer, you will be able to participate in the Spring Festival. Questions may be directed to Chato Alvarado at chatoalvarado@mnyouthsoccer.org or 952-2521688 (800-366-6972).

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To learn more, visit www.tonkaunited.org Soccer Times

JULY 2018

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

LEVEL

July 12-28

MYSA Summer Post–Season Play

July 13-15

Schwan’s USA Cup Weekend

International

July 17-21

Schwan’s USA Cup

International

Aug. 4

Crow River 3v3 Summer Clash

National

Sept. 14-16

Prior Lake Fall Finisher

National

Sept. 29-30

Target United Cup

Oct. 6-7

NSC Fall Cup

Oct. 12-14

Woodbury Fall Classic: 9U–15U

National

Oct. 13-14

Coon Rapids Fall Cup: 9U–12U

National

Oct. 13-14

MYSA Fall State Championships

KEY: National International

International

Open to teams from outside of Minnesota and/or non-US Youth Soccer teams Open to teams from outside of United States

Invitational Tournament, Festival and Jamboree Planning for 2019 By Norine Olson | MYSA Financial Administrator

osting a tournament is an exercise in commitment. It requires dedication and passion from all involved, starting with a club’s Board of Directors, and moving on to the Tournament Director, committee members, volunteers and all others who are stakeholders in the event. Minnesota’s sanctioned tournament environment is competitive, with 40-50 tournaments hosted each April through October, resulting in weekends with up to seven tournaments competing for teams, fields and referees. In 2018, the referee-availability issue became critical due to increased demand for their services. Because of this, the commitment of the club extends to also doing their homework before deciding to host a tournament, to ensure that they have the capability of offering a quality event for all who participate. An alternative to hosting your own tournament would be to consider hosting a Minnesota Youth Soccer event. MYSA takes care of administration, registration, scheduling and referees for these events, while the host club receives revenue from MYSA for providing fields and volunteers, as well as concession profits. Hosting an event for MYSA still requires commitment, but involves fewer expenses and risks for the host club. If, after considering all the factors listed above, your club still decides to host an event (recorded in the Board of Directors meeting minutes), the real work begins. The first step is to apply for sanctioning through Minnesota Youth Soccer and US Youth Soccer (along with the U.S. Soccer Federation, for international events). The deadlines that need to be met for hosting tournaments in the 2019 calendar year are as follows: Sept. 28, 2018 Intent to host forms (along with minutes of Board of Directors meeting with approval of tournament) due by 5 p.m. at the MYSA state office (NO EXCEPTIONS). Oct. 27, 2018 Mandatory Invitational Tournament/Festival/Jamboree Directors meeting at the MYSA state office. Nov. 19, 2018 International and National Invitational Tournament Sanctioning applications due by 5 p.m. at the MYSA state office (NO EXCEPTIONS). Dec. 3, 2018 MYSA-only Invitational Tournament/Festival/Jamboree Sanctioning applications due by 5 p.m. at the MYSA state office (NO EXCEPTIONS). Minnesota Youth Soccer’s fees for Tournament Sanctioning applications in 2018-19 will be as listed below: International: $500.00* (U.S. Soccer Federation fees also apply) National: $400.00 MYSA-only: $300.00 Festival/Jamboree: $125.00 Organizations must be in good standing with Minnesota Youth Soccer before they will be considered for sanctioning. Also, if you hosted a tournament, festival or jamboree in 2018, all post-tournament reports must be filed with the MYSA state office in a timely manner before you will be considered for 2019. This includes the referee report with the list of referees and the games they officiated. Questions may be directed to Norine Olson at norineolson@mnyouthsoccer.org.

JULY 2018

Soccer Times

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Soccer Times

JULY 2018