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Moshannon Valley One Of 14 Clubs To Receive SoccerStart Grant
The Mountain District’s Moshannon Valley Soccer Club is among the 28 clubs to benefit from the 2008 US Youth Soccer Grants for SoccerStart and TOPSoccer.  Mo Valley was among the 14 SoccerStart recipients.  The total amount of the 28 grants awarded is $85,000.00.

SoccerStart helps new clubs gain a foothold in bringing soccer to communities not previously served by a club or league.  The program also aims to make soccer available to lower-income children.  The program not only provides financial resources but soccer training and administrative guidance to those not otherwise exposed to the beautiful game.

“We believe US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer and Soccer Start programs further our mission of fostering the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America’s youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition,” said Larry Monaco, president of US Youth Soccer. “We are delighted with the overall quality of the applications received from around the country this year, and look forward to the many positives that are sure to follow.”

Since the first grants were made in 1998, US Youth Soccer has issued 408 awards to groups large and small across the United States. Specifically for TOPSoccer and Soccer Start programs, these grants continue to assist in soccer development programs and furthering the game for all kids.

The 2008 grants represent a wide array of community-based initiatives from across the country.

TOPSoccer grant recipients for 2008:

• Alameda Contra Costa Youth Soccer TOPSoccer, El Cerrito, CA
• Blackstone Millville TOPSoccer Program, Blackstone, MA
• Cincinnati TOPSoccer, Cincinnati, OH
• East Diablo Youth Soccer League TOPSoccer, Brentwood, CA
• Elk Grove TOPSoccer Club, Elk Grove, CA
• Gainesville Soccer Alliance TOPSoccer, Gainesville, FL
• Hockessin Soccer Club TOPSoccer, Hockessin, DE
• Lakes Area Youth Soccer TOPSoccer, West Bloomfield, MI
• Northport Youth Soccer League TOPSoccer, Northport, NY
• Ohio North TOPSoccer, Richfield, OH
• Oldsmar TOPSoccer, Clearwater, Fl
• South Lakes Soccer Club TOPSoccer, Oklahoma City, OK
• St. Elizabeth CYO South Huntington TOPSoccer, Huntington Station, NY
• TOPSPUR TOPSoccer, Scarborough, ME

Soccer Start grant recipients for 2008:

• Soccer Haven, New Haven Youth Soccer, New Haven, CT
• Soccer Start at Flushing Meadows Park, Astoria, NY
• Buffalo Soccer Club, Buffalo, NY
• Allentown Youth Soccer Club’s Soccer Start Program, Coopersburg, PA
• Moshannon Valley Soccer Association, Houtzdale, PA
• Camps and After School Enrichment, Inner City Soccer, Fort Wayne, IN
• Dynamo in Schools, Indianapolis, IN
• Illinois Youth Soccer’s Inner City Program, Arlington Heights, IL
• Rineyville Community Youth Soccer Association, Rineyville, KY
• Harrison Youth Soccer League, Cadiz, OH
• Eastern Lawrence Youth Soccer Association, Kitts Hill, OH
• Boys and Girls Cup of Maury County, Columbia, TN
• Compton United Soccer Club, Compton, CA
• Jaboneria Road to Success, Bell Gardens Imperio Soccer Club, Bell Gardens, CA

For more information about these TOPSoccer and Soccer Start programs, please click the link. 

The 2009 US Youth Soccer grant applications are currently being updated and more information will be communicated at a later date. Contact Matt Moran, US Youth Soccer, to receive the most current information at mmoran@usyouthsoccer.org. 

US Youth Soccer has grown into the largest youth sports organization in the United States. Starting with 100,000 registered players in 1974, today the organization has grown to more than 3 million registered players and over 900,000 administrators, coaches and volunteers. US Youth Soccer looks to build all ages and levels of the Game for All Kids! Learn more at www.USYouthSoccer.org.

Two Beadling Girls’ Teams Advance to Semi-Finals for Region 1 Premier League
The U-16 Beadling Inferno Girls Team and the U-14 Beadling United Girls Team completed very successful campaigns in the Region 1 Director’s League this spring.  Both teams had second place finishes in the South Division of their respective age groups, earning the opportunity to play in the Semi-Finals for the Region 1 Director’s League; the two-round, single elimination playoff will be held May 10th and 11th at the Kirkwood Soccer Complex in New Castle, Delaware.

The winners of the league playoffs earn an automatic place in the Region 1 Championships in Portland, Maine. 

The U-16 Beadling Inferno finished league play with a record of four wins, one loss and two ties, earning a total of 14 points.  Throughout the seven games, the team scored 13 goals while only relinquishing three goals, the lowest goals-against in their age group.  The league included highly ranked opponents McLean Dragons and VA Rush Nike. 

The U-14 Beadling United finished their first year in Premier League play with a record of five wins, no losses and two ties, for 17 points.  The team scored 16 goals and also only giving up three goals. 

The U-16 team is coached by Erik Duffy, assisted by Weston Hawley.  The U-14 team is coached by Weston Hawley, assisted by Erik Duffy.  Good luck to the girls in the Semi-Finals and hopefully Finals on May 10th and 11th!

Youth Board Notes
Saturday, February 9, 2008
--The Youth Board voted to accept FC Pittsburgh into membership as a classic club.

Monday, March 9, 2008
--The Youth Board denied a request for exception to the transfer window made on behalf of Andrew Scheidmantel.
--The Youth Board voted 7-3 to permit the District or Division Director allow exceptions to the competitive player roster limits.
--The Youth Board voted to accept Joga Bonito FC into membership as a classic club effective September 1, 2008.
--The Youth Board voted to accept Century V’s reapplication into membership as a classic club effective September 1, 2008.

Awards Luncheon Honors PA West Soccer’s Best
Every March PA West Soccer sets aside some time to celebrate the contributions to the game made by volunteers deserving of special recognition.  This year’s annual Awards Luncheon will be held on Sunday, March 16 beginning at Noon in Slippery Rock University’s Boozel Dining Hall.

Honors and achievements to be recognized include Coach of the Year (In-house, Travel Boys, Travel Girls, Classic Boys, and Classic Girls), Young Referee of the Year (Boys and Girls), Volunteer of the Year, the George Allan Scholarship Award winners, and our regional and national team players.

Meal choices are Stuffed Chicken Breast Florentine or Baked Vegetarian Lasagna.  Meal includes: mixed greens with vinaigrette, baked rolls and butter, vegetable, potato, coffee, ice water, and homemade dessert. 

Tickets for the luncheon can be purchased for $20.00.  To reserve seats please complete the ticket order form and submit to the State Office.  All tickets orders must be received by 4:30 PM on March 12, 2008.  Mail orders with check payable to PA West Soccer to PA West Soccer, 111 Whitehead Lane, Suite 200, Monroeville, PA  15146.

Youth Board Notes
Monday, January 14, 2008
--The Youth Board reinstated Conneaut Lake from bad standing and accepted them into membership as a new club.
--The Youth Board approved a recommended increase of the entry fee for the Kohl’s American Cup to $10.00 per player.
--The Youth Board voted to accept the Membership Committee’s recommendation against accepting Century V’s application for membership as a new classic club due to classic division rules prohibiting acceptance of teams when the league has 12 or more clubs (classic membership currently 13).
--The Youth Board confirmed Stan Hunter’s appointment of Randy Lowden as the Youth Division Hearing and Appeals Chairman.

National Club Directory Now Available On US Youth Soccer web site
The new, free national club directory provides 24-hour access to clubs in your area and is a great tool to connect with those looking for soccer clubs, leagues and associations

US Youth Soccer is launching the new service on USYouthSoccer.org in an effort to assist those seeking US Youth Soccer programs in their area or maybe an area that they’ll be moving to in the future. 

Leaders don’t delay, be the first to register with USYouthSoccer.org and upload your club information today.

How do I add my organization to the directory?

• Register with USYouthSoccer.org to set up your personal login information.
• Click the Club Directory link and add your club, league association information.
• You’ll see your organization name, website, city and state information now listed

Looking for Tournaments? Check out the US Youth Soccer Tournament Database
Another US Youth Soccer member benefit is the US Youth Soccer National Tournament Database on USYouthSoccer.org. This database is useful for to find all approved soccer tournaments across the country. To add your tournament, please contact your state association to send notification of your event. 

Heat Safety Tips For Soccer

G.O.A.L.
Get Acclimated…active kids need time to gradually adapt to hotter temperatures
On a schedule, drink up…thirst isn’t an accurate indicator of fluid needs.  Young athletes should be encouraged to drink on a schedule or at regular intervals before they become thirsty.
Always bring a Gatorade…especially during games and practices in the heat, replacing electrolytes and providing energy is crucial to keeping kids safe.

BEFORE ACTIVITY
Young players should be well hydrated…light colored urine well hydrated; dark urine indicates dehydration.

DURING ACTIVITY
Drink early…even slight dehydration can compromise performance and increase the risk for heat-related illness.
Young players should consume 5 to 9 ounces (5 oz. for a player less than 90 lbs, 9 oz. for a player over 90 lbs.) of fluid every 20 minutes while active.
Sports drinks like Gatorade are preferred to water because research shows a young athlete will drink 90% more and stay better hydrated.

AFTER ACTIVITY
Regardless of thirst, drink every 20 minutes for one hour after activity.

Fruit juices, carbonated beverages, caffeinated beverages, energy drinks.
Drinks high in sugar content can slow fluid absorption and cause upset stomach.  Carbonation can reduce voluntary drinking due to stomach fullness.  Caffeinated beverages have a mild diuretic effect and could promote dehydration.  Drinks high in carbohydrates such as energy drinks slow fluid absorption.

Thirst                            Nausea                         Dry lips and tongue
Headache                      Irritability                       Muscle Cramping
Lack of energy               Red, flushed face           Dizziness
Dark, yellow urine

Children should wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.  Take breaks in the shade whenever possible.  Always have a phone available and be familiar with emergency numbers.  Keep ice and ice towels on hand in case of heat-related emergencies.

Lightning Safety Guidelines
Lightning is the number one weather hazard for athletic events.  The following guidelines should be used to prevent tragedy from striking your soccer club.

1. Monitor weather conditions prior to your match.  Know what the weather forecast predicts for your area.
2. Suspension and resumption of games should be planned for in advance when weather could include lightning.  The coaches and referees should discuss the possibility of lightning prior to kick-off and know what to do should lightning force the suspension or cancellation of the match.
3. Players and spectators should be advised to use SAFE evacuation sites in the event of lightning.
1. Enclosed buildings with substantial construction
2. Fully enclosed metal vehicles with windows up.
3. Low ground. 
4. Use the lightning safety motto:  “If you see it, flee it; if you hear it; clear it.” 
5. If caught by close-in lightning without immediately available SAFE evacuation site…(if you can feel your hair standing on end and/or hear crackling noises)…immediately remove all metal objects, place your feet together, duck your head, and crouch down low.
6. Once a game has been suspended for weather…wait 30 minutes following the last visible lightning striker or thunderclap before returning to the field.
7. UNSAFE SHELTER AREAS:  Under bleachers, picnic pavilions, grove of trees, small structures in open areas.  Avoid water, Avoid metal objects, Avoid open fields.
8. People have been struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge and are safe to handle.  Apply first aid immediately if you are qualified to do so.  Get emergency help promptly.

Please note:  these are general guidelines and it is recommended you consult your club’s procedures for lightning for specific guidelines when dealing with weather related hazards.

Secured Goals And Safe Field Surface Provide Safe Practice And Games
Players rely on their coaches for just about everything, and that includes safety practice and game fields.  It’s the coaches responsibility to make sure goals are properly anchored and the playing surface is safe, no potholes or sharp objects.  Here are some guidelines for both areas of responsibility.

Goal Post Safety:

1. Portable goals should always be properly secured and anchored; use only on level playing fields.  Remember spring winds can blow over an unsecured goal in an instant.
2. Inspect goals for sharp corners and general integrity (strength).
3. Instruct all players and parents of the potential dangers associated with movable goals.
4. Forbid any horseplay by players or members of the general public on or around any goal (permit or portable).
5. Remove nets when goals are not in use.
6. Portable goals should only be moved by authorized personnel.
7. Portable goals should be secured in a safe place when not in use.

Field Safety:

1. Inspect for foreign objects before every practice and game.
2. Check for potholes, ruts and bumps.
3. Make sure sprinkler heads are properly seated.
4. Observe a three-foot restraining line from the touchline.  Remind spectators of this as well.
5. Notify your club and field owners of unsafe field conditions in writing.
6. Do not allow participation by your players until noted hazards have been corrected.

PLEASE NOTE:  These guidelines offer a sketch of proper safety practices; please consult your club’s specific guidelines to insure safe and fun practice and game fields.

How to  Pick a Classic Team!
The Classic Division is the highest level of inter-district team play offered by PA West.  Playing in the Classic Division involves a greater time commitment and, often time, a greater financial commitment to the sport.  One of the questions I am asked most often is “how do I pick a Classic team for my son or daughter?”

In my position, it is inappropriate to recommend one club over another.  Rather I can suggest questions that enquiring parents should ask prospective clubs.   It is also important to remember the 3 stages of player development as noted by Bruce Arena, US Soccer Men’s National Team Coach.   Essentially Bruce states that from 6 to 10 years of age children are in the “turn on” phase, from 10 to 14 years of age in the “technical development” phase and from 14 to 18 years of age in the “competitive learning” phase.  Hence, as parents of an U11 child in the “golden age of motor learning,” finding an environment that prioritizes player development and focuses on teaching excellent soccer technique is paramount.   Furthermore, during the U12 to U14 ages the team coach is often the most important element in this environment.
Recommended Questions:

Q: Does the team/club have a written philosophy?
A: Ideally clubs should have a mission statement that discusses issues such as player development.  If they do not, ask the Director of Coaching or Coach to put down his ideas on player development in writing (i.e., a letter).

Q: Does the club/team offer skill development sessions in addition to normal team practices?
A: Unfortunately the environment for many of our U10 and U11 players is not ideal in terms of technical development.  Hence, players from PA West, when compared to their counterparts from states like Ohio, Maryland and Eastern Pennsylvania, are a couple of years behind.   Consequently, our players have to play “catch up” and need extra technical coaching.

Q: What is the club/team’s position on roster stability?
A: The club’s goal should be to develop excellent players over the long-term, rather than to recruit for success.

Q: What is the U12 team coach’s philosophy?
A: Bill Beswick (a sports psychologist who works with pro teams in the English EPL) views the coach as the most influential person during the development phase.  So, what is the coach’s position on teaching technique, developing committed players, making soccer fun, fueling soccer “ambitions” and keeping players “hooked?”  Is the coach interested in short-term success (winning now) or is there a commitment to developing players over the long-term who are able to excel? Everything the U12 coach does should be shaped by a commitment to player development.    Players should be able to play multiple positions, should receive intensive technical training, should be indulged to experiment on their individual skills, should not get too much tactical training, should play in tournaments “out of state,” etc.

Q: What are the coach’s credentials?
A: The greatest priority for a U12 coach is playing experience.   This is because it is much easier to teach technique through demonstrations.   Ideally coaches should have collegiate or professional playing experience.  However, we cannot forget that coaches are teachers.  Hence, coaches should be licensed.  The “A” license is the highest available award from the USSF.  However, the “B,” “C” and “National D” also indicate that coaches have shown an ability to coach at a higher level (n. b., USSF licenses at the higher end have a playing requirement…NSCAA Diplomas do not).   Coaching experience is another factor to bear in mind.

Q: Is the coach supportive of team players participating in PA West player development programs?
A: Does the coach support US Youth Soccer’s Olympic Development Program?  Can you miss try-outs to attend player PA West player development programs? 

Q: How does the team/club handle player-coach issues?
A: I believe clubs usually do not give refunds because of their financial commitments.  But what is their approach if the coach fails to prioritize player development?  Will the club intervene?