VOLUME 31 ISSUE NOVEMBER Volume630 Issue 2 March 20172018
MINNESOTA
SOCCER TIMES Snow and Frigid Temperatures Couldn’t Stop The
Sizzling Soccer
At MYSA Fall State Championships
TURN UP THE HEAT
Soccer Times Minnesota Youth Soccer Assoc. 10890 Nesbitt Ave. S. Bloomington, MN 55437
NON PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO 90105
KICKS FOR
IN THIS ISSUE Coaches Corner • Page 4 Competitive News • Page 6 Target United Cup • Page 12
KIDS
Printable
Placemat
Page 15
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’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 TBD - Secretary Member Representatives Marty McDermott - East District John Kinsey - North District Todd Loose - South District TBD - West District
Minnesota Youth Soccer Association State Office 10890 Nesbitt Ave. S., Bloomington, MN 55437 Tel.: (952) 933-2384; (800) 366-6972 www.mnyouthsoccer.org State Office Staff Matthew Madeira - Executive Director – Integrator Chato Alvarado - Asst. Director of Coaching & Player Development Andy Coutts - Director of Education John Curtis - Dir. of Coaching & Player Development Katie Flakne - Director of Marketing & Special Events Sue Gjerset - Director of Technology Patti Isensee - State Registrar Ayla Lokkesmoe - Director of Operations Norine Olson - Director of Finance Cam Stoltz - Director of League Operations Iván Woyno - Director of Enterprise Development
Looking Forward to Winter By Matthew Madeira | MYSA Executive Director – Integrator
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eptember 15 marked my three-month anniversary with Minnesota Youth Soccer. I want everybody to be aware that I am very much looking forward to winter. For some reason, the rest of the country defines Minnesota by our winter. I found the end of summer and beginning of fall to be very enjoyable. I understand it is a bit colder in December, but I look forward to the snow, the breeze and the ice fishing. I look forward to seeing soccer played in a dome … because I have never seen soccer in a dome. I look forward to snowshoeing. I look forward to walking seven miles uphill to work
and seven miles uphill home in the snow every day (my kids are old enough now to possibly see the exaggeration in that story, but it will not stop me from trying). I enjoy Minnesota. I enjoy the youth soccer, and the coaches and volunteers in Minnesota. I have enjoyed the tournaments, and the games, and the conversations. Finally, I enjoy the opportunity to work with a great staff of professionals … Andy, Ayla, Cam, Chato, Ivan, John, Katie, Norine, Patti and Sue. Thank you for all you do for youth soccer in Minnesota.
CONTENTS Departments Executive Director’s Message. . . . . . . . 3 Coaches Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Honor Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Infographic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Competitive News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Space for ‘Rents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Referee Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Community Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Kicks for Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Features MYSA Membership Benefits. . . . . . . . . 5 District Select / US Youth Soccer ODP. . 6 MYSA Fall State Championships. . . . . . . 8 MYSA Renews Parternship With Dick’s. 10 MYSA Winter Symposium . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Youth Soccer Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Winning Isn’t Everything. . . . . . . . . . . 11 Target United Cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
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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HONOR ROLL
COACHES CORNER
The Personal Development Plan By Andy Coutts | MYSA Director of Education
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.S. Soccer, through its licensure process, has been emphasizing self-reflection as a key element in coaching development. Because coaches have a lot of autonomy and largely work in isolation from other coaches, it’s important for each of us to be the primary driver of our own continuous improvement. To achieve results, it’s important to have a good process and then make that process a habit. The first step is to adopt a way to think about our experiences. One simple framework you might try is “What, So What, Now What.” What? Just the facts. A description of what I did or didn’t do and what I observed in player response. So What? Analysis. What could I have done differently? What methods or theories inform my coaching behaviors? Now What? Action plan. What will I do differently next time, and what or who can I use to help me achieve that? Once you’ve found a way to reflect on an experience, the critical and probably most challenging part is to turn those thoughts and observations into action, or into what in license courses we call a Personal Development Plan. This represents the gap between the coach you are today and the one you want to become, and bridges that gap with small-step, actionable items that you can do in the immediate future. Most of us employ goal-setting with the players and teams we coach, and this step shows we’re capable of taking our own advice. Everyone wants to be a great coach, but identifying what great means for you, and what bite-sized steps you can achieve to move in that direction is difficult. It’s like on New Year’s when everyone resolves to lose weight, but very few devise a plan, stick to it, and achieve the long-term goal. The winter months are a good time for coaches to reflect, create and act on a personal development plan. We’ve all known coaches who are quick to tell you how many years of experience they have. And, I’ve met a few of those who more honestly have one year of experience that they’ve repeated x number of times. It’s easy to plateau, especially if you’ve had some success. But, driven coaches continually reflect on their behaviors and consider ways to improve. The What, So What, Now What framework offers a simple way to record your thoughts. Most importantly, the Personal Development Plan creates some personalized, bite-sized goals for turning that reflection into results that impact players in positive ways.
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Soccer Times
By Chato Alvarado MYSA Assistant Dir. of Coaching & Player Dev.
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YSA is proud to present the Coach Honor Roll. The Coach Honor Roll includes coaches who have recently completed a USSF or USC Coaching License in Minnesota. Thank you all for your efforts to improve the level of soccer for all players in Minnesota. Congratulations to all the coaches below for making the MYSA Honor Roll! USC Advanced National (26) August, Bradley Balshaw, Matthew Borneo, Kernell Cash, Joseph Catrine, Brian Chance, Luciano Dennis, Dusty Doimer, Steven Gustafson, Scott Hawkins, Michael Henderson, Kyrl Jensen, Jacob Johnson, Brady Klein, Timothy Lindblom, Jeffrey Luttinen, William McMoil, Daniel Munene, Peter Popkin, Jason Poppen, Jon Rodriguez, Marcos Sankoh, Mohamed Simbo, Ndiaye Steine, Grant Wear, Jason Wilson, Nolan
USSF “D” License (25) Ahmed, Amin Brady, Chris Cobo, Manny Davies, Robert Duffey, Bryan Engler, David Hoivik, Craig Ilmi, Qassim Johnson, Derric Lapp, Alex Lindstrom, Matt Nguyen, Phi Odhowa, Mo Oliver, Tyler Paulo, Humberto Pochobradsky, Mandy Samsal, Nick Schreier, Richard Smuder, Jeremy Thapa, Meen Trench, Stuart Weil, DJ Wilson, Philip Zahn, Jeremy Zell, Nate
Minnesota Youth Soccer Association WORKING FOR YOU! By Matthew Madeira | MYSA Executive Director – Integrator
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e are Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA). We are a nonprofit organization. We promote the game of soccer for all youth in Minnesota. We promote the importance of education, self-esteem, diversity and teamwork. We promote and teach soccer in a safe, fun environment, allowing players to develop to their fullest potential in soccer and in life. Minnesota Youth Soccer works with more than 120 soccer clubs that offer many opportunities for the youth to play the game of soccer across the entire state of Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Each member club is set up as an individual corporation with bylaws and policies that meet the guidelines and model of the state governing body. These clubs have a direct link into shaping the present and future of MYSA through their voting rights and involvement with multiple committees designed to give all members a voice in the organization. As the governing body for all of youth soccer in the state of Minnesota, we are responsible for the tournament sanctioning process. The organization sanctions 40–50 youth soccer tournaments each year. These tournaments must meet guidelines of operation to receive approval and liability insurance coverage. Many MYSA member clubs offer summer and/or fall grassroots programing. Grassroots soccer is best suited for players interested in playing in their local communities. Minnesota Youth Soccer offers grassroots-program-specific assistance for the support, development and enhancement of these in-house programs. While each grassroots (or in-house) program may look different, they all must adhere to specific guidelines that promote equity and development. No tryouts are permitted for a grassroots program and clubs are encouraged to form balanced teams that create a welcoming and fun environment for the players. For players interested in playing in a traveling league and competing with players outside of their community, Minnesota Youth Soccer runs a statewide competitive league. These leagues have multiple playing levels (listed from least to most competitive): Gold, Maroon, Classic 3, Classic 2, Classic 1 and Premier. The summer league offers 9U–19U age groups, while in the fall, a 9U–14U age group league is offered. Each of these seasons culminates with a state tournament that determines champions at each age group and level. Coinciding with our spring/
summer league is our Minnesota State Cup and Presidents Cup tournaments which qualify teams for the US Youth Soccer Regional and National competitions. As a pathway to greater levels of competition, member teams of Minnesota Youth Soccer may qualify for Regional and National Premier play through the US Youth Soccer National League and Midwest Regional Conference. This stratus of play offers the highest levels of competition, including the opportunity to match talent with other states from the Midwest. The Outreach Program for Soccer (TOPSoccer) is a community-based program that is designed to meet the needs of athletes ages eight and older with physical and/or developmental disabilities. The program is geared towards player development and athletes are placed on teams according to ability, not by age. 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 is eligible and encouraged to participate in TOPSoccer. Games are held on Sunday afternoons and we at MYSA are always looking for athletes and volunteers to help grow this marvelous program. For players looking for additional training and development, MYSA facilitates the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP). Every year, more than 1,000 youth soccer players participate in District Select or State Select ODP throughout Minnesota. The ODP is the primary pipeline to youth regional and national teams. Minnesota Youth Soccer also offers player clinics and camps, coaching clinics and courses, parent education sessions, various tournaments and festivals, and much more. Minnesota Youth Soccer firmly believes that coach and parent education programs have a lasting impression on youth members and go a long way towards creating and shaping an environment where youth players can reach their maximum potential. Parents and Coaches Together (PACT) is an educational program
developed by the University of Notre Dame’s Center for Ethical Education and Development, in association with the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association. It is designed to help coaches and parents be on the same page in successfully creating a positive and motivating climate in Minnesota. The two-hour seminars are free of cost to coaches and family members of registered players. Coach education is paramount in terms of equipping players with the proper technical and tactical knowledge to develop and excel in the game. Minnesota Youth Soccer offers a wide range of coaching courses designed to provide coaches with the latest in coaching methodology, as well as fun exercises to keep players engaged and motivated. Ranging from youth modules designed for parents volunteering as coaches in the grassroots program, to U.S. Soccer-certified courses designed for elite coaches, MYSA offers all that is necessary for coaches to create a culture of excellence and build an environment in which youth can flourish. Youth soccer players and coaches in Minnesota automatically become members of MYSA by registering with an MYSA member club. As a member of MYSA, they also automatically become a member of US Youth Soccer (national service organization) and the U.S. Soccer Federation (national governing organization). Each member of MYSA pays a basic registration fee of $7.00 per year. This basic registration cost covers specific membership benefits listed below. $2.96 – 43% $1.18 – 17% $1.00 – 14% $1.00 – 14% $0.86 – 12% $7.00 – 100%
Player/Coach Medical Insurance Administration US Youth Soccer Membership U.S. Soccer Membership Soccer Times TOTAL
Minnesota Youth Soccer is committed to doing everything it can to keep the cost of youth soccer down and believes it is important for all its members to be aware of where their money is going. Every year, MYSA continues to review and improve its current programs and services. If you have questions, I can be reached at 612-7901926 or mattmadeira@mnyouthsoccer.org. Thank you for giving all of us at Minnesota Youth Soccer the opportunity to serve you and your children.
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District Select/US Youth Soccer ODP By John Curtis | MYSA Director of Coaching & Player Development
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he Minnesota US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) is a twostep process. The District Select Program began in September for boys and girls in birth years 2005–2008, while the identification process for the older age groups (2002–2004 birth years) will be conducted in April. In May, players from all seven birth years are then identified and selected for further state ODP pool training. This past September, approximately 300 boys and girls took advantage of the opportunity to play and enhance their skills and further their abilities under the watchful eye of the District Select coaching staff. The Fall District Select Program involves four training sessions, one night a week, held in seven different areas across the state: Coon Rapids, Duluth, Lakeville, Rochester, St. Cloud, St. Louis Park and White Bear Lake. The fall programming culminated with a festival held on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the National Sports Center. The players enjoyed a fantastic day of soccer, participating in a variety of small-sided games alongside and against other players from around the state. On Saturday, May 4, 2019, we will host the Spring District Select Festival, which will conclude the identification process. A pool of approximately 36 players in each age group and gender will be identified for further training and potential selection to a regional showcase/ID Camp in June/July 2019. If you did not participate in the fall and want to register for the Spring Festival, please contact Chato Alvarado at 952-252-1688 or chatoalvarado@mnyouthsoccer. org. For this and additional information, please visit the MYSA website (www.mnyouthsoccer.org/odp). District Select offers an ideal opportunity for players to sample the program without the pressure of a traditional tryout situation. Players of all competitive levels are encouraged to take advantage of this experience. Participation in District Select is not an essential prerequisite
Competitive News
to future participation in the US Youth Soccer ODP; however, the earlier a player’s skills and potential are identified, the more help it can be to the evaluations of district, state, regional and national coaches. For many players, the overall Minnesota US Youth Soccer ODP experience is a positive one and supplements all the experiences of one’s club programming. It is an achievement for all of the efforts made for players within MYSA clubs. We celebrate our Minnesota US Youth Soccer ODP players and those players who reach the very lofty goal of making a regional or national pool. The District Select Program is open to everyone. Here are some benefits of participating in the program: • Learn many new ideas about soccer. • Additional training opportunities. • A chance to play with and compare your abilities with other players. • Development as a player; the opportunity to train and play with the best players in one’s age group. • Quality instruction from nationally licensed coaches. • Quality competition; games against other state association teams. • Exposure to regional- and national-team coaches. • The opportunity to represent one’s state, region or country in competition. • Exposure to college coaches.
MYSA Teams Earn Access to Regional- and National-Level Opportunities By Cam Stoltz | MYSA Director of League Operations
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YSA is a proud member of US Youth Soccer, the largest youth soccer organization under U.S. Soccer. As a 40-year member, MYSA teams have had competitive pathways to the best regional- and nationallevel competitions and championships in the nation. This last spring, US Youth Soccer announced its new National Leagues program, designed for the nation’s top teams in ages 13U through 19U in boys’ and girls’ flights. This program has replaced the long-standing Midwest Regional League. MYSA teams with previous state league experience have direct access to enter this new and improved structure. The league format includes a national tier called the “National League” which is now serving over 350 teams that are promoted through a multi-state tier level comprised of several high-level competitive conferences throughout the country. A network of “Conferences” (formerly known as Regional Leagues) are geographically focused, under one management, and linked into the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series (that also includes the Minnesota State Cup). MYSA belongs to two US Youth regional conferences: • US Youth Soccer National League Midwest Conference for Boys and Girls 13U–14U and Boys 15U–19U • US Youth Soccer National League Great Lakes Conference serves states with Fall High School Soccer and MYSA Girls teams 15U–19U This fall, the Midwest Conference began with 10 northern states represented, with its leagues including 12 teams from 7 different MYSA Clubs. In spring 2019, it is expected that 70 MYSA teams from 16 MYSA clubs will play in the 13U to 18U leagues of the Midwest and Great Lakes Conferences. For four decades, the most coveted youth
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soccer trophy in our state has been the US Youth Soccer Minnesota State Cup. The Minnesota State Cup is held in May of each year and rewards an MYSA team at each age and gender, with a trip to represent Minnesota at the Midwest Regional Championships. Regional winners go on to compete in the US Youth Soccer National Championships. MYSA teams in the US Youth Soccer Midwest and Great Lakes Conferences will also be directly seeded into the Minnesota State Cup group-play stage, avoiding the singleelimination play-in games required of other teams. As always allowed, regular MYSA state league teams (Classic and Premier) can also enter the Minnesota State Cup. Statelevel teams are seeded into either the singleelimination play-in stage, or the group-play stage based on previous MYSA experience. For the second year in a row, MYSA will also offer the US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup. The Presidents Cup gives MYSA teams in the 13U–18U age groups an alternative to the Minnesota State Cup and a chance to play against teams of similar abilities for the goal of State, Regional and National titles. This event provides a progressive, competitive experience to teams that might not otherwise get the opportunity to participate in a series of unique experiences highlighting competition, camaraderie and community from the state, to regional and national levels of US Youth Soccer. New for this year, 12U teams from MYSA can gain an early season “Cup” experience by participating in either the inaugural 12U Junior State Cup or the inaugural Vice Presidents Cup. Registration information for these events will be available in December. As the youth soccer environment evolves, MYSA will continue to offer programming at all levels, including multiple pathways for teams to play at higher regional and national levels of youth soccer. For more information, please visit the MYSA website (www.mnyouthsoccer.org) leagues and events pages.
SPACE FOR ‘RENTS
Off-Season Resolutions for Parents By Andy Coutts | MYSA Director of Education
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ith youth soccer clubs offering, if not expecting, a year-round commitment from families, there’s less of an offseason for players than there used to be. When the Alberta clippers start blowing into Minnesota, we just bubble our turf fields and turn soccer into an indoor activity for six months. While our kids adapt to indoor training and games, it’s a good time for parents to step back from the heat and heated competition of outdoor soccer and take stock of our impact on our children’s sport experience. Perhaps we shouldn’t wait until the New Year to make some resolutions regarding our involvement. We all know there are great temptations for parents of youth athletes that are difficult to resist. Have you witnessed, or even occasionally fallen prey to, some of these? Most of us have, even when we know better. The only thing we can do is make an honest effort to do our best, and that may start with putting together an action plan, in the form of resolutions that counter these temptations. Temptation: Delivering a monologue on the ride home. To your child, this can be an unwanted conversation and leaves a negative final impression of the day’s soccer outing. They may not want to hear your opinion on the game, and may need time for emotions to settle before processing, and discussing, the experience. Resolution: I promise to ask questions after games and listen to my child’s perspective, and remember these post-game priorities: 1. Their voice 2. Silence 3. My voice Temptation: Coaching from the sidelines. This is so tempting when we can see what should happen and just want to “encourage” our kids to make the right choices. For them to fully enjoy the game and develop to their potential, they need to make their own decisions and learn from them. Calling out instructions from the sideline detracts from their sense of freedom and competence, key factors in their enjoyment of the experience.
Resolution: I promise to cheer after a play has happened, not give instructions before. And, to ask my child how they want me to support them during games. Temptation: Critiquing your child’s performance. They get enough judgment from Coach, teammates and others. You can be a refuge from that and just focus on unconditional care. That doesn’t mean you think everything they do is wonderful, it just means you keep your critical opinions to yourself and let the coach deliver that commentary. Resolution: I promise to start every post-game conversation with, “I love watching you play,” a judgment-free statement that lets them know I support them unconditionally. And, I’ll only give my opinion on their performance if they ask for it (don’t hold your breath for that to happen). Temptation: Criticizing teammates or Coach. It’s really tempting to point out who made key mistakes, especially if they negatively impacted your child. But, if we want sport to help build character and teach teamwork, then it can’t be about laying blame at others’ feet. It’s more important to focus on how our child reacted to adversity or disappointment, and how they made the most of their unique role in the team context. Resolution: I promise to steer away from commenting on others’ performance and pay attention to the things my child can control — primarily their choices, effort and attitude. Temptation: Relying on team results to measure progress. Results are a part of the deal when you sign up for a competitive sport, and as parents, we root for the team to earn its share of victories. But, your child’s progress can be on a trajectory independent of the team’s record. Basketball parents get to point to individual points, rebounds and assists, whereas soccer parents don’t have a stat sheet to use. Looking for other measures of progress is a challenge, but worthwhile. Resolution: I promise to expand my view of success for my child. And,
if I need more information from the Coach, I’ll ask for it, as in, “What have you been working on and what signs of progress should I look for in the upcoming games, besides the scoreboard?” Temptation: Acting as an agent instead of a consultant. If your child becomes talented enough to have strangers pay to watch them play, then they’ll need an agent. Until that day comes, a parent’s best way to support them is to encourage them to make their own good choices. That is, a sounding board for their wishes and goals, and added perspective as new opportunities arise. Acting as an agent to shop their talents implies that future outcomes take priority over the daily experience of playing the game. That has potential to damage the parent-child relationship you most want to preserve. Resolution: I promise to be a trusted confidant for my child throughout their soccer experience, a voice of reason and wisdom in decisions they face. And, I resolve to have soccer help forge a closer relationship between us, not have it become a transactional one that could damage our personal connection. If none of these fit your situation or interests, you might take some time as the holidays approach to ask your child if they have an opinion on a resolution you could adopt. That could be an interesting conversation for you, if they feel like they can be honest and you’re ready to handle whatever you hear come out of their mouths. Happy New Year in advance.
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MYSA Minnesota’s Champions Awarded in Rochester! By Cam Stoltz | MYSA Director of League Operations
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he 2018 MYSA Fall State Championships took place on October 13 and 14 in Rochester. This year’s MYSA Fall season qualified 127 teams from 42 different member clubs, who all came together to play-off in boys’ and girls’ ages 11U to 14U in the three MYSA divisions, Classic 1, Classic 2 and Classic 3. This annual state youth soccer tradition capped off an MYSA fall season that had players experience the extreme Minnesota seasonal change on the soccer field. While Mother Nature used mid-September to remind teams and players what it is like to play in hot July, our mid-October, season-ending Championships gave us an early shot of winter with soccer in the snow. At the Championships, Saturday games were played with sun and clouds, combined with a cold blustery wind which at times challenged normal play. Sunday morning came in with the stark reality of snow covering green-grass fields and the uncertainty of a day of elimination and championship matches. At the end of the day, with touch and goal lines barely visible in the snow and slush, 23 MYSA championships had been awarded to winning teams. The Owatonna Soccer Club garnered the most hardware from the Fall State Championships by appearing in six finals and winning three championships. Wright County also won three championships while clubs from Byron, Hudson (WI), MapleBrook and Richfield all won two championships. MYSA would like to recognize all those who made the 2018 Fall State Championships happen. This includes our host, the Rochester Area Sports Commission, the City of Rochester, and Mayo Sports Medicine for providing a quality and safe environment. MYSA especially thanks all its players, coaches, managers, parents and referees.
2018 Fall State Champions & Runners Up GIRLS League Champion
Runner-Up
11U Classic 2
Wright County
Rochester
11U Classic 3
Owatonna
South St. Paul
12U Classic 1
MapleBrook
St. Michael-Albertville
12U Classic 2
Central Minnesota
St. Michael-Albertville
12U Classic 3
Byron
Coon Rapids
13U Classic 1
Salvo
Tonka Fusion Elite
13U Classic 2
Waconia
Coon Rapids
13U Classic 3
Hudson (WI)
Owatonna
14U Classic 1
St. Michael-Albertville
Hudson (WI)
14U Classic 2
Wright County
Owatonna
14U Classic 3
Owatonna
Northern Lights
BOYS
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League Champion
Runner-Up
11U Classic 1
Eau Claire United (WI)
Mankato United
11U Classic 2
Wright County
Rochester
11U Classic 3
Owatonna
Red Cedar (WI)
12U Classic 1
Rochester
Orono-Westonka
12U Classic 2
Hudson (WI)
Owatonna
12U Classic 3
MapleBrook
Hastings
13U Classic 1
Blackhawks
Tonka-Fusion Elite
13U Classic 2
Richfield
Joy of the People
13U Classic 3
Byron
Crow River
14U Classic 1
Minneapolis United
Blackhawks
14U Classic 2
Richfield
Club Deportivo Lobos
14U Classic 3
River Falls (WI)
Orono-Westonka
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STAT
TE CHAMPIONSHIPS
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MYSA Renews Partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods and DICK’s Team Sports HQ
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innesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA), DICK’S Sporting Goods and DICK’S Team Sports HQ jointly announced the renewal of their strategic partnership with a multi-year agreement. DICK’S Team Sports HQ will serve as the Official Soccer Management Technology Partner to MYSA. DICK’S Team Sports HQ currently serves adult and youth sports organizations representing over nine million athletes, including US Youth Soccer, Little League, PONY Baseball and Softball, and Pop Warner, among others. Learn more about DICK’S Teams Sports HQ by visiting teamsportshq.dsg.com. “MYSA has been a fantastic partner for the past three years and we look forward to continuing our relationship with them,” said Eric Foster, Strategic Account Manager, DICK’S Team Sports HQ. “It is an honor to serve as MYSA’s technology partner and support their goal of providing fair, safe and enjoyable soccer for youth players of all skill levels and their families throughout Minnesota.” Matthew Madeira, Executive Director for Minnesota Youth Soccer, stated that “Minnesota Youth Soccer is very excited to continue our business partnership with Affinity Sports and DICK’S Team Sports HQ. The DICK’S Team Sports HQ suite has helped MYSA deliver program excellence through best-in-practice registration, risk-management and scheduling platforms. We are very happy with DICK’S Team Sports HQ and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership.” Minnesota Youth Soccer Association promotes the game of soccer for all youth in Minnesota. MYSA promotes the importance of education, self-esteem, diversity and teamwork in a safe and fun environment that allows players to develop to their fullest potential in soccer and in life. MYSA is a member of US Youth Soccer and the U.S. Soccer Federation.
Save the Date for the 2019 MYSA Winter Symposium! By Katie Flakne | MYSA Director of Marketing & Special Events and Norine Olson | MYSA Director of Finance
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he 2019 Winter Symposium will take place in two parts this year. On Saturday, Feb. 2, in the Sports Hall at the National Sports Center in Blaine, there will be field and classroom sessions for coaches. Administrative sessions will be held on Saturday, Feb. 9, at the MYSA State Office in Bloomington. Both days will give those who share a passion for the “beautiful game” opportunities to gain knowledge and enhance their skills to build a better soccer community for administrators, coaches, parents and players. Sessions on both days will run from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Coaching classroom and field presenters will include Barry Paulwels, U.S. Soccer Director of Coaching Education, and Tim Carter, Minnesota United FC Academy Director. Administrative sessions will discuss administrative and financial issues related to the business of soccer. There will be several options available for registration for the coaching sessions. Clubs who register 499 or fewer players are eligible to purchase a small-sided pass. For $200, they will be able to register five coaches, with a complimentary pass for one club official.
US Youth Soccer Month Celebrations By Katie Flakne | MYSA Director of Marketing & Special Events
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his past September, the National Youth Soccer Month campaign celebrated its 16th year of educating the public about the joys, rewards and benefits of playing soccer. Youth Soccer Month focuses on four key themes that make up the meaning of this month. Week 1 – Fun: Whether recreational or competitive in nature, involvement in soccer is easy, affordable and rewarding. Week 2 – Family: Playing soccer ties families together as schedules, vacations and family time are coordinated. Week 3 – Friendship: The relationships and fun generated through playing soccer and their extension beyond the field. Week 4 – Fitness: The health and fitness — physical, psychological and social — benefits of playing soccer.
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Soccer Times
In honor of Youth Soccer Month, MYSA partnered with the Minnesota Gophers, Minnesota United FC and Target to raise awareness about youth soccer and spread the message of “Fun, Family, Friendship and Fitness.” MYSA Weekend at the Gophers Each year, the Gopher Soccer program teams with us to provide one weekend dedicated to the association and our players. All members were invited to attend the Sept. 14 Illinois and Sept. 16 Northwestern Gopher home games with exclusive $1 tickets. MYSA had more than 180 members come cheer on the Gophers! Member Night at Minnesota United FC Matches MYSA once again partnered with Minnesota United FC to give away discounted tickets to the Sept. 22 Portland Timbers and Sept. 29 New York City FC games. MYSA also implemented FREE Ticket Friday on Facebook. Members were asked to share pictures in each week
that represented one of the four themes. For example; for Week 1 – Fun, members shared pictures of having fun while playing and/or watching soccer. Target United Cup On Saturday, Sept. 29, MYSA hosted the Target United Cup. The event was open to all MYSA 9U/10U Maroon and Gold teams and all 7U-10U Recreation and Recreation Plus teams. The Target United Cup provided youth soccer players with an opportunity to experience a high-quality tournament in a fun, family-like atmosphere. We always see many Minnesota Youth Soccer players, coaches and their families at these events, and talk with a lot of young families who are interested in learning more about youth soccer in Minnesota and how to get their child(ren) involved. If you did not get a chance to join in the fun at one of the above events this year, please consider coming out to at least one of these events next year!
Larger clubs can purchase a club pass, which reserves registrations for 10 coaches and/or administrators for $400. Additionally, with the purchase of the club pass, the club President and Director of Coaching will receive complimentary attendance passes. The deadline to purchase a small-sided or club pass is Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Clubs need to commit to a pass by this date, but names of attendees are not due until Jan. 18. Individual registration is also available for the coaching sessions until Friday, Jan. 25, for $50. If you miss out on the pre-registration options, onsite registration is offered the day of the event for $100. For the administrative sessions, registration will be done on an individual basis until Friday, Jan. 25 for $25, with onsite registration offered the day of the event for $50. For more event details and to register online, please visit the MYSA website at mnyouthsoccer.org/winter-symposium. We hope to see you there!
Olympian Jessie Diggins: Winning Isn’t Everything By Kirby Verceles Inspired by the values and principles of True Sport — an educational youth sport initiative powered by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency
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or Olympic Gold Medalist Jessie Diggins, when it comes to sport, it’s not always about winning. “I’ve got to say it’s cool, but the medal ceremony lasts 10 minutes, and then it’s over. It’s done. That’s it.” As she reflects on her journey to a historic gold medal win in the cross-country skiing team sprint at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, Diggins attributes her success in sport to the positive culture that supported her from youth level to national team. Within her community, she boasts loving pride for her family, her hometown of Afton, Minn., her coaches, and her teammates. “We’ve always focused on doing things the right way and competing with integrity. I’ve learned through my community and through racing, to find success, you have to give it absolutely everything you have. If you try as hard as you can and you don’t hold back, you know you gave it your best shot. That is succeeding and you can’t fail that way.” It’s that mentality that pushed Diggins to reach elite levels of competition. At age 11, she began competing against high school athletes. By the time she reached seventh grade, she had qualified for the state high school meet. When Diggins hit high school, her coach, Kris Hansen, continued to foster a positive sport experience for Diggins and the rest of the team by providing them the opportunity to stay grounded and focused, while tuning out the expectations of winning to keep sport fun. “My high school coach really helped me by having me think about three things I did well during a competition, and a couple things I could improve on, after I finished every race, but before I saw the results. Because even if you have the best race of your life, there’s always something you can do better. And even if you have the worst race of your life, there’s always something that you did well.” “She would have me think about those things, and then I could see the results. By practicing that, I didn’t attach my worth to where my name landed on a number sheet.” “That’s something I think can help kids, because every single game you play, there’s going to be parts of it that you did extraordinarily well, and there’s going to be things you can
learn from.” Diggins believes finding success in sports, especially youth sports, comes down to three things: 1) Effort, 2) Positivity, and 3) Pride. “It’s not, ‘Succeeding is winning and everything else is failing.’ Sometimes, when you give it your best, you do win. And, sometimes you don’t. You can still be proud of the effort that you gave.” Diggins has always worked to improve her game with integrity while holding tight to her belief that sport is meant to be fun. She learned this from her high school coach and has experienced it from the mentorship that she found as a junior athlete on the national team. “When I was about 16 years old, I was at a training camp. One of my teammates, Liz Stephen – she retired this year – was doing some easier intervals, and I asked if I could follow her. She said, ‘Yes, of course. Jump in behind me.’” “I was hammering as hard as I could to keep up with her. It was possibly the hardest thing I’d ever done in my life up to that point, but at the end of the workout, she turned around and said, ‘Hey, that was really fun. You did a great job. Thanks for doing that with me.’” “It meant so much to me, and it was just the littlest thing from her, but I thought about that every time I went and did a hard workout. The entire year, I’d think, ‘Oh, Liz believes in me.’ I would pretend that she was in front of me and I was chasing her down, trying to stay with her, and it was so cool for me as a junior skier.” Diggins’ love of her sport is abundant and her positivity is infectious as she colorfully displays her team spirit. And, just as Steven shared an unforgettable sport experience with Diggins as a junior athlete, Diggins continues to keep the spirit of her sport alive by heading back to her hometown every year to work out with her high school’s cross-country team. “If you’re an older athlete and there’s an opportunity for a younger athlete, have them jump in behind you or say a few encouraging words, because I think that always goes farther than you know.”
As Diggins climbs to the top of every young cross-country skier’s list of sport idols, she is embracing her new status as a role model for young athletes. It’s a role that suits her positive outlook well. “If you love what you’re doing and you’re having fun, then it’s going to get you where you need to go. The reason I’m still skiing and the reason I’ve found success in sport is because I think it’s really fun.” “It’s the memories of training with your teammates, running in the mountains, skiing in the mountains, lifting, and getting all sweaty in the gym, that you’re going to have with you your entire life.” “That’s what you end up remembering – the people that you’re with in those moments, more than the actual medal or any race that you win.”
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2018 TARGET
2018 Target United Cup By Katie Flakne | MYSA Director of Marketing & Special Events
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ans filled the sidelines as more than 550 players from all over the state of Minnesota took part in the 2nd Annual Minnesota Target United Cup at the National Sports Center in Blaine on Saturday, Sept. 28. Last year, US Youth Soccer announced a multi-year partnership with Target Corporation, naming the retailer the “Official Retailer of US Youth Soccer.� As part of the new partnership, US Youth Soccer launched the Target United Cup, to encourage and promote the growth of youth soccer participation nationwide. The Target United Cup format provides players with developmental opportunities by emphasizing participation, as opposed to competition, in a family-centered environment. The Target United Cup philosophy is grounded in encouraging that all players have equal opportunities and benefits consistent with their level of play in the sport of soccer. All players have the right to participate in the game and to develop and exhibit their skills while enjoying themselves. The event was open to all 12
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MYSA 9U/10U Maroon and Gold teams and all 7U-10U Recreation and Recreation Plus teams. Teams played three, 30-minute games and had the opportunity to compete with teams outside their leagues. On a crisp autumn morning at check-in, teams were greeted by Target team members and MYSA staff who handed out welcome bags to all the players. The Target concentric-circle logo was prominently displayed and integrated into both handouts and activities. At the Target United Cup Village, there were plenty of entertaining and interactive opportunities. The Village was designed to be a unique and engaging oasis where teams could take a break between games in a funfilled environment. Activities included music and an emcee on the Celebration Stage, a family patio where guests and players could grab a snack, a soccer playground featuring oversized billiards tables, and the Relax and Recharge Lounge. One of the highlights of the day was a special guest appearance by Ethan Finlay, a winger for Minnesota United FC. Ethan hung out on
the Celebration Stage and signed autographs alongside PK and Bullseye, the respective mascots for Minnesota United FC and Target. Families, players and parents were especially entertained by the mascot dance-off. Everyone had a chance to show their moves. Although no scores or records were kept, the kids played with heart and determination. The day was filled with excitement and players having fun with their friends. The event reminds everyone that it is not about the final score, it is about the joy of playing the beautiful game. This event would not be possible without the commitment from the coaches, managers and parents, as well as the hard work of the tournament staff. MYSA would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated group of volunteers at Northern Lights Soccer Club, and to the referee crew led by Ref Assignors, LLC. We are already looking forward to our third-year celebration of soccer and fun!
UNITED CUP
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REFEREE REPORT
The Game is Over and I Need To Yell at You, Ref! By Bob Petersen | State Director of Assessment
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magine a school play where your child was one of the leading actors. Your child being chosen to lead a production in front of many people is something every parent would be proud of. Think of all the hard work that is put into that! They must learn the play, the lines, the movements and the interaction with all the other actors, all while trying their hardest not to screw up, because being on stage can be a frightening thing. Sometimes, these are some of the greatest achievements for them, and they should be celebrated and applauded. Then, imagine a parent yelling at your child during the play that they are not good, they are doing an awful job, they are terrible — and many other things, that can be much worse. Take that even a step further — during the presentation bows at the end of the performance, there is much yelling of disapproval from adults, with some even going up to the front of the stage right in front of your child to loudly express their disapproval. But, it doesn’t stop there — one parent takes it upon themselves to follow your child backstage to berate them and demand their name, or even follow them out of building on their way home. Imagine how you would comfort your child if they were treated this way by adults after such an event, to see your child’s hours of hard work result in being bullied and, in some instances, stalked by adults afterwards. It’s something that is difficult to comprehend. Unfortunately, these things happen to referees on our soccer fields far too often. In one match, a coach was so upset with the referee that the coach came to the middle of the field to yell at a 13-year-old referee. The disturbance was so bad that one of the assistant referees, who was 14 years old and on the parents’ side of the field, had to come over and help the coach return to the bench and calm down. After the match, one of the parents on that coach’s team followed the 14-year-old away from the field and continued to yell as the assistant referee tried to walk away to her next match. That’s right, the parent followed and yelled at a 14-year-old who was simply serving the game, and who helped solve a big problem
during the match. The parent felt the 14-year-old was being unfair to the coach, even though the coach should have been immediately removed from the game for irresponsible behavior. After a short time, two other adult referees who had been nearby walked up to the parent and told them to stop. And the parent still would not stop yelling! In another match, a 13-year-old referee was abused by a whole team of parents throughout the match. Just as the match ended, the team manager felt it was within their right to walk quickly up to the young referee, demand their name, and threaten to report them. The team manager was angry and continued to yell, even when just inches away from the referees. The behavior of the team manager made the environment extremely difficult and one of the assistant referees, who was an adult, tried to calm the team manager down. Despite many requests by the adult assistant referee, the team manager only became more and more enraged and would not leave. Why is it that people think they can behave this way to referees? Almost all clubs have parents sign a code of conduct for their kids, that includes instructions on how parents should behave. All include being respectful of referees. Yet, this behavior still happens. No one has a right to ask a referee anything. No one has a right to approach a referee after a match. Approaching referees after a match is harassment. It will not be tolerated. There could be serious repercussions. Should anyone ever be upset with the performance of a referee, there has been a method in place to follow up for many years. Go to your head coach or to your club. They are the only ones that can report what issues there are. And, just as coaches are asked to do when reporting team issues, please wait 24 hours before submitting your comments. Much of the reporting received is based upon opinions and emotion, which often fade when level heads return a day later. No one wants to think that referees can just do whatever they want, and the State Referee Committee is committed to educating referees and helping them whenever possible. Abusing referees does not help that mission.
Referee Registration is Open Referee registration opened Nov. 1 at www.minnesotasrc.com. For new referees, you will create an account on the site, which will walk you through the steps required to becoming a certified referee. New referees must pay the registration fee, watch eight hours of videos and then sign up for a one-day class once the videos are completed. The videos can be watched at any time that fits your schedule, and there will be many classes held in the late winter and spring. Returning referees may complete all requirements online. In addition, the Minnesota State Referee Committee will be having advanced classes, starting in late fall, for those who want to learn more than just the basics of refereeing. These advanced classes, which will be posted online, are taught by some of the most experienced referees in the state. Check your account to learn more. NOTE: Individuals who register, then change their minds and request a refund, will be charged a service fee to cover the cost of reversing registrations. We hope to see you out on the fields!
Community impact
St. Paul Soccer Club’s Generosity Knows No Bounds By Chato Alvarado | MYSA Assistant Director of Coaching & Player Development
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he St. Paul Soccer Club was founded in St. Paul in April of 1952. The Club’s main goals were to form a soccer team and to raise the awareness of soccer in the state of Minnesota. The St. Paul Soccer Club worked hard to get media coverage via the St. Paul Pioneer Press and formed not just one team, but two; the Blackhawks and the Falcons. Over the years, the Club held countless fundraisers and the teams played many games and tournaments across the upper Midwest and Canada. Past and present St. Paul Soccer Club members dedicated numerous volunteer hours, knowledge and expertise — acquired over 66-plus years — to help grow the sport of soccer in Minnesota. In addition, the St. Paul Soccer Club has had a long history of generosity and has donated money to many different soccer clubs, as
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well as other organizations such as Paralympics. In 2011, the Club decided to donate $50,000 over the next 10 years to MYSA in the form of grants for the purpose of encouraging MYSAaffiliated club coaches to attend training and license courses. Because of their generous donation, more than 600 coaches have received a St. Paul Soccer Club Grant to offset the cost of their individual coaching education. MYSA is happy and proud to say that the St. Paul Soccer Club is greatly contributing to the growth of coaching education in the entire state of Minnesota. The St. Paul Soccer Club is a member of the Minnesota Youth Soccer Hall of Fame, whose mission is to embrace the history, honor the contributors and inspire the youth through preservation of the sport of soccer in Minnesota.
Lucas Buhr • Treasurer
Annamarie Buhr • President
KICKS FOR
KIDS
Thanksgiving Kids Printable Placemat
Print out this
Thanksgiving Placemat
and let the kids — big and small — color them while they are waiting for Thanksgiving dinner to begin!
Download your print HERE https://tinyurl.com/ycptmcf8 and save to your computer. Credit: sisterssuitcaseb
log.com
Soccer Times
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