The Lonely Position

By Lloyd Yaxley

I guess the best way to start this blog is to briefly introduce myself and to give you all a taster of what to expect from my blog in the future!

Myself- i played as a Goalkeeper in England floating around the Semi-Pro scene, then went into coaching. I've worked with some great coaches and have always tried to be a sponge and soak up any information or drills that they have to share. I'm now coaching within a few of the Youth clubs in Northern Virginia helping develop their Goalkeepers, I'm also really excited about the new women's league the NWSL where I will be the Goalkeeper coach for the Washington Spirit and am really looking forward to putting our keepers through their paces!

So the taster......"The Lonely Position"
No its not the lone striker taking all the glory from a long ball rounding the keeper and scoring on the counter attack, Its the player lying on the floor as the size 10's stumble past them and slip the ball into the net.....Yes the Goalkeeper!

Anyone who has played in this position will have experienced feelings and emotions many other players have not; anyone who has watched the game will have jeered at the opponents Goalkeeper as the ball slips through their hands for what should have been a routine save!

This is why the position is lonely - it is a individual sport being played within a team sport -
There are plenty of lows being a Goalkeeper but I would take all those lows every day for the feeling you get when the crowd, opponents, even your team mates think the ball is hitting the back of the net and you manage to get the slightest touch on the ball to deflect it onto the goalpost!

Just look at Joe Hart these past weekends, against Southampton made a blunder even his manager calls him out and then this past weekend against Chelsea with the game at 0-0 he gives away a penalty, look at his team mates thinking "Joe what are you doing!!!" Twelve yards out Frank Lampard 1-0 Chelsea but NO....Fantastic agility from Hart to get his hand down and make a huge save.... some may say a Match winning save as it changed the game!

Throughout my blog I want to examine Goalkeeping mentality, show you guys some highlights and maybe some blunders, but mainly keeping Virginia updated on the individuals that play "The Lonely Position". Tweet me @GKeepersUnited with your feedback or any areas you would like me to discuss within the blog.

Thanks for taking the time to read my short intro look forward to delving further into the mystical position that is the Goalkeeper

U16 ASL acadamy girls represent Chesterfield United on national stage

Chesterfield United's U16 ASL Academy girls won 3 out of 4 games at the Mayor's Cup International Showcase in Las Vegas this past weekend.  The showcase attracted over 225 colleges and universities to recruit players over the 3 day event. After a narrow to defeat to the eventual finalist, Cal Blues of Northern California, the girls went on to defeat Heat FC of Nevada (State Cup Finalist), Grand Rapids Crew Jrs (Michigan State Cup Semi Finalist), and Dakota Rev (Minnesota State Cup finalists).  

"I am so proud of the girls and the way they went about their business this weekend.  They prepared professionally and went into every game with the right attitude.  They have grown closer as a group, and I can't wait to get back on the field and continue the hard work that has already been put in."-Dale Parker, Girls Director of Coaching

Fellaini Has a Big Afro! – Soccer News Weekly

Soccer News Weekly is lightweight news show covering a few topics in world football.  It’s produced by Jared Montz and is regularly syndicated on VA Soccer News.  Jared is a former pro player and founder of OnlineSoccerAcademy.com.

View Fellaini Has a Big Afro on Youtube 

Fellaini's Big Afro, FIFA Approves Goal Line Technology, and Messi Scores His 300th Goal for Barcelona.  These stories and more on Soccer News Weekly!

For a bonus video learn a soccer juggling pick up trick Jared originally made for Disney’s youtube channel.  It is a cool way to start juggling!

Review: El Diablo Soccer Net from Rukket

By Chris Wimmer

Recently I received a set of the new El Diablo Soccer Nets from Rukket and since I coach a u10 girls travel team my test environment was already set up for me. Just set up the nets, run our practice session, and see how the El Diablo holds up.

El Diablo Soccer Net from Rukket

Kickers kick off 2013 training camp

RICHMOND, VA - (Monday, February 18, 2013) – The Richmond Kickers officially kicked off their 2013 preseason training camp Monday at Ukrop Park, with signed players joining 6-10 trialists vying for remaining roster spots.

“This is very different off season to previous years,” commented Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer.  “Our partnership with D.C. United will provide quality players to our squad and, unlike past seasons, we have several roster spots open. Our main focus is to identify attacking players both in the wide and central positions.”

Does Ronaldo Wear Makeup? - Soccer News Weekly

Soccer News Weekly is lightweight news show covering a few topics in world football.  It’s produced by Jared Montz and is regularly syndicated on VA Soccer News.  Jared is a former pro player and founder of OnlineSoccerAcademy.com.  

 View Does Ronaldo Wear Makeup on Youtube.

David Villa has Kidney Stones, a kid spins a ball on a pen in his mouth and Stranger Danger for Frank Ribery.  These stories and more on Soccer News Weekly!

Does Ronaldo wear make up?

Click here for YES

Click here for NO

For a bonus video learn a soccer juggling trick Jared originally made for Disney’s youtube channel.  It is a cool way to start juggling! 

The Audacity of Hope...Solo

By Chris Wimmer

This past Christmas I received a copy of 'A Memoir of Hope' which I was eager to read. Now, I am not an expert book reviewer but am a huge soccer fan and supporter of women's soccer so this book seemed to be right up my alley with regards to reading.

VIDEO: D.C. United Academy Profile

D.C. United has lead the way in Major League Soccer with regards to success of their youth academy. Four players have gone from the D.C. United Youth Academy to eventually signing first team deals with the club. Bill Hamid (GK, 2009), Andy Najar (2010), Conor Shanosky (2010), and Ethan White (2012) have all worked their way to the first team.

Hamid has spent time with the USMNT earning his first CAP in 2012 and Najar transferred to R.S.C. Anderlecht of the Belgiun league during this past off-season.

Check out the video below to learn more about the D.C. United Youth Academy:

Reston, VA 9-year-old Getting International Attention

Reston resident Sebastian Conlon, 9, has been playing with the Great Falls Soccer Club Milan Blue U11 travel team since it was formed in 2010.  Despite being the youngest player by nearly 2 years on the team he is one of the team's top goal scorers each of the past few seasons playing the mid-field position. 

Photo Credit: Great Falls Soccer

This past season he helped the club reach a likely Division 3 spot for the upcoming spring NCSL season-they missed out on Division 1 in the final game of the season with a tough away loss. Additionally the team won the elite bracket last fall in a very competitive Richmond Kicker's Tournament attended by over 100 teams. The team is comprised of players from the local Great Falls/Reston area and most have been an integral part of the club since attending GFSC Little Kickers programs.

Conlon, who trains six days a week with three different teams and his own personal speed trainer, spent most of last summer training in England. During his stay in England he was evaluated and trained with coaches and players from Championship side Birmingham City FC and Premiere League side Reading FC. Additionally while in the UK he attended residential training programs with Manchester United Soccer Schools impressing coaches with his play. 

Coaching Outside the Box: Changing the Mindset in Youth Soccer

Book Description: Using insightful anecdotes, personal experiences, and perspectives of numerous development experts, they passionately provide the reader with a clear and compelling breakdown of critical issues involved with youth development. Holding nothing back, they unveil the damaging problems that currently exist in U.S. youth soccer due to high numbers of administrators, coaches, and parents demonstrating misguided and outdated beliefs, and/or harboring ulterior motives that are simply not beneficial for the players’ best interests. They emphasize how conventional thinking in youth soccer leads to so many youngsters encountering negative experiences during their formative years and is a major driver as to why 70-80% of young players drop out of the sport at a young age before they have even had the opportunity to unlock their true potential. In this book, Mairs and Shaw reveal how coaches and parents can positively impact young players’ involvement. They demonstrate how to ignite young players’ passion for the sport and arm players with the powerful tools which will help them become successful players in the long-term.

 “Any parent whose child is playing youth soccer in the U.S. must read this book as the information is going to have a powerful impact on your child’s experiences, development, and ultimately their success in the sport. This book is an essential tool for any club, coach, or parent who is truly focusing on player development.” - Manchester United Youth Academy Coach - Dean Whitehouse

“As the Recreational Director for New York State West I truly identify how important this book is for the retention and development of youth soccer players in this country. Any club that implements this book into their parental and coaching education process will receive huge benefits. I will continue to advocate the power of this book!” - Recreational Director New York State West - Chris Pacilio

About the authors: Paul Mairs and Richard Shaw grew up in the soccer hotbed of North West England playing against the likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholes, and Steven Gerrard. After they both progressed through the academy system of the professional and former English Premier League (EPL) club Blackpool FC, Richard went on to gain a National Championship and All-American honors playing college soccer in the U.S., and played professionally in the MISL (Major Indoor Soccer League). Paul continued his playing career in England and became heavily involved in youth development while gaining his Master’s degree and pursuing research in sport science. Furthermore, after developing young players both in Europe and the U.S. for over 15 years and travelling to various countries to research coaching methods and philosophies together they have collectively acquired valuable insight and knowledge.

“As Head of Youth at Blackpool Football Club, I realize how important it is to increase the coaches’ and parents’ understanding of the issues in this book. I will certainly be encouraging everyone at our club to read it.” - Blackpool FC Academy Director and former English Premier League Player - John Hills

Soccer News Weekly: David Beckham picks a wedgie, is Neymar overrated?

Soccer News Weekly is lightweight news show covering a few topics in world football. It’s produced by Jared Montz and is regularly syndicated on VA Soccer News. Jared is a former pro player and founder of OnlineSoccerAcademy.com.


View David Beckham Picks Wedgie on Youtube: Click Here

This week’s episode of Soccer News Weekly covers David Beckham picks a wedgie, Neymar gets called overrated, a goalkeeper is attacked by a crazy fan, England vs Brazil, Messi boot update and more!

For a bonus video learn how to properly chip a soccer ball from one of Jared’s Online Soccer Academy training videos. It will greatly improve your long range passing!

Disney Pro Soccer Classic: D.C. United vs Tampa Bay Rowdies (Full Game Video)

Disney Pro Soccer Classic: D.C. United vs Tampa Bay Rowdies:

Replay by MLSSOCCER.COM on YouTube from The Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida.

The Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic featuring MLS, NASL, and USL Teams.

Matt Busch named head coach of Piranhas

The Virginia Beach Piranhas announced today that Matt Busch will take the head coaching reigns for the PDL team for the 2013 season. Busch has been coaching for over 20 years and currently holds a USSF "A" license, National Youth license, NSCAA National license and serves as Technical Director and Director of Club Operations for Virginia Rush Athletic Club. Busch also serves on the VYSA ODP Staff, is a Region I Staff Coach, and a member of the VYSA Coaching Education Staff. No stranger to the United Soccer Leagues, Busch was the former Operations Manager for the Hampton Roads Mariners  Pro Team. Busch forwent the opportunity to play collegiately at Alfred University as a scholarship player to pursue a military career. Spending nearly 12 years serving the country as a proud member of the United States Navy, Busch participated on the U.S. Military indoor and outdoor teams throughout his service.

Piranhas president, Marcie Laumann is excited to have Matt on board as the head coach stating, "I have known Matt for almost 15 years and I know when he commits to something he gives 100%. His experience as a coach speaks for itself but the passion he brings to the game is what sets him apart. The Piranhas are here for the community and the kids. Our desire is to continue to provide opportunities for players and role models for our community. We need people with passion to infuse our program as we enter our 19th year as a USL organization. Matt can and will do just that".

UVA announce 2013-14 recruiting class, rated fifth nationally

Class rated fifth nationally by Top Drawer Soccer

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Virginia men’s soccer program announced today its 2013-14 recruiting class. Ranked fifth-best nationally by Top Drawer Soccer, the standout class includes three of the top 15-rated recruits in the country, including two of the top five. 

The 2013-14 class includes:

Paolo Aguilar (Guatemala City, Guatemala/The Pendleton School)

Jordan Allen (Rochester, N.Y./Aquinas)

Nicko Corriveau (Potomac, Md./Gonzaga)

Luc Fatton (Charlottesville, Va./Albemarle)

Patrick Foss (South Riding, Va./U.S. Soccer Residency)

Hayes Fountain (Charlottesville, Va./Western Albemarle)

Riggs Lennon (Phoenix, Ariz./Brophy Prep)

Cole Moffatt (South Pasadena, Calif./Loyola)

Wesley Suggs (Hyattsville, Md./DeMatha Catholic)

Sheldon Sullivan (Stafford, Va./North Stafford)

John Daly announces five newest Tribe player signings

Courtesy TribeAthletics.com

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - William and Mary women's soccer head coach John Daly has announced the signing of five players to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday.  The five-player class will join the Green and Gold in the fall of 2013, as it joins a Tribe squad that captured the regular season Colonial Athletic Association title in 2012.

The incoming class includes: Corinne Giroux (Ashburn, Va.), Clara Logsdon (Clifton, Va.), Olivia Camper (Virginia Beach, Va.), Haley Kavanaugh (Chesterfield, Mo.) and Grace Smith (Columbia, S.C.).

Clint Dempsey scores only goal as U.S. Men fall to Honduras

SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras (Feb. 6, 2013) - The U.S. Men's National Team garnered a first-half lead, but Honduras rallied for a 2-1 victory in Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano in the teams' opener of the Final Round of 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying. 

Clint Dempsey scored the USA's goal, only to see Honduras get goals from Juan Garcia and Jerry Bengtson to take all three points. 

FASA to host USL-National Guard clinic, Feb. 23-24

TAMPA, Fla. – In the first of several camps designed to benefit youth soccer, the Fredericksburg Area Soccer Association will host a soccer clinic, presented by the National Guard, February 23-24 in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Thanks to the USL-National Guard partnership, USL youth clubs will host a series of camps throughout the U.S. in the coming months.

The FASA clinic is for high school-aged boys and girls and is free to all 76 players who will be in attendance. The clinic will be managed by professional trainers that will include a combination of college coaches, USSF-licensed coaches and college players, and is designed to introduce, sharpen, and challenge every player, help prepare them for their upcoming season, and take them to the next level of their development.

“We are thrilled to be in on the ground floor of this program and able to contribute to getting it off the ground,” FASA General Manager Pete Cinalli said.  “We run a lot of camps and academies throughout the year and the key is always maximizing the value for each and every player that attends.  The format of this program, which focuses on high school-aged athletes, is so important and timely since college is right around the corner. 

“Running the first clinic is a huge honor for our entire organization, and we are prepared to do our part to make sure this is a great experience for everyone and repay the confidence USL and the National Guard have shown in us.”

Lunch will be provided both days and clinic personnel will be available to answer questions about the college recruiting process and potential financial aid. The clinic curriculum will focus on individual foot skills, technical drills, tactical practices, small-sided games and coached scrimmages, all presented in a fun, positive learning environment.

"The National Guard is honored to be working in conjunction with USL and FASA to host local high school-aged soccer players in an upcoming clinic,” SFC David Therrell said. “Our goal is to provide these young athletes with exceptional training and an opportunity to learn about the benefits of the National Guard. It is important to us that these players are given the opportunity to learn more about playing soccer in college from college coaches and what it's like to serve in the National Guard from local Guardsmen, all at no cost to them."

USWNT Welcomes Ali Krieger back

Virginia native and member of the Washington Spirit (NWSL), Ali Krieger was welcomed back to the U.S. Women's National team by her teammates.

Ali Krieger (photo by Chris Wimmer)

via: ussoccerdotcom YouTube

EPL Picks for Week 25 | Chris Wimmer