Virginia Online Soccer News Writing Contest: "What the WPS Means to Me?"

Recently my daughter and I attended a WPS game of the Washington Freedom. Before and after the game my daughter was able to meet players from both teams and get their autographs. As I watched from a few rows away I noticed the large numbers of young girls lining up to do the same and I realized how great it is for these young ladies to be able to attend a professional women’s sporting event and have female athletes as their role models. The existence of the WPS also fosters a dream to many of them of one day playing professionally themselves.

In a previous article written for VaSoccerNews by Karen Ruberg, ‘The Influence of WPS on female youth players?, Karen discussed the

need to have female role models involved in the game of soccer throughout all levels of.

Former US Women’s National team member and Professional soccer player, Brandi Chastain even weighed in on the article saying:

It is important that girls and women see examples of themselves in all facets of life; sports, law, education, business, boardrooms, non-profit, family and otherwise because without an example, it is much more difficult to encourage and foster the belief that they too can dream and become whomever they wish. Those are my two cents.

The existence of the WPS is so important especially to youth players and female youth players in particular and who better to explain the value and importance than the players and fans themselves.

So, Virginia Online Soccer News announces a contest to discover the answer to the question: "What the WPS Means to Me?"

Here are the details of the writing contest by VaSoccerNews.com:

1. Title = "What the WPS Means to Me?"
2. Must be 18 yrs. or younger to enter.
3. Submission should be between 250-500 words.
4. Three finalists will be chosen and readers will get to vote to select the Winner.
5. Winning submission will be published on VaSoccerNews.blogspot.com, Washington Freedom website, AllWhiteKit.com, and 90:00 Soccer Magazine.
6. Prize = Winner will receive 2 tickets to a Washington Freedom home game @ Maryland SoccerPlex.
7. Winner will be determined and notified on July 31, 2010.

To enter your submission for consideration click on the button below and good luck!

Will DC United be able to keep their 2 home grown talented players, Andy Nadar and Bill Hamid?

By Chris Wimmer 

After watching DC United vs. LA Galaxy last night on Fox Soccer Channel and seeing the amazing play of 17 year old Andy Najar against arguably the best team currently in the MLS the LA Galaxy  and hearing Curt Onalfo say that Najar is probably the best player on DC United, I started to worry. By the way,did you see his effort in winning that header for a goal?, he is only 5'7" tall.

Thats right I was worried. My concern is regarding the ability of DC United to keep their very own young talent. United have two young talents in Andy Najar and Bill Hamid. Both from the DC/MD/VA area and both players come directly from within the DC United Acadamy program.

Most teams in any sport would be lucky to have two young talented players on their roster but for those of you who follow MLS you are well aware of how often young talent is taken away by European clubs with much bigger names and payrolls.

(Image property of DC United.com)

I just hope the management at DC United can figure out a way to sign both these homegrown talents to long term deals and build a team and a strong local following around them.

The first step might need to be bringing in a Top-Tier coach, i.e. Bob Bradley!

Majestics Can't Handle Freedom - USL - W League

Last night my daughter and I attended the USL W-League matchup between two local teams, NVSC Majestics and the Washington Freedom Futures.
My daughters club team had a friendly game versus a team that traveled all the way from Williamsburg, VA. They must have really wanted a game since they were willing to brave the 95 South traffic for a 4 p.m. start. Directly following her game we headed over to the Majestics home field, George Hellwig Memorial Park in Mannassas, VA. Since I had never attended a USL W-League game before there was some uncertainty on my part about what to expect with regards to the quality of play and the size of the crowd. Well, I was presently surprised on both fronts. The crowd attendance must have been somewhere between 100-115 people and the talent level of the players was fantastic. Come to find out almost all of the players for both teams play college soccer and most of them at local schools in Virginia and Maryland.

Although this was the last game of the season for the Majestics they will be back in action next summer. Anyone in the Northern Virginia area looking to see some quality Women's soccer should make plans to spend some sunny summer afternoons supporting these local USL W-League teams.

To see the full match report of the Majestics vs. Freedom Futures game from July 17 follow this link:

USL LINK: Majestics Can't Handle Freedom - USL - W League

VYSA Announces ODP Tryouts

Virginia Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program:

The Olympic Development Program is a US Youth Soccer Program to identify players of the highest caliber which will lead to increased success for the US National Teams. (http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/index.html).

Virginia ODP is divided into four districts – Central, Northern, Southeastern and Western. Each district conducts open tryouts each summer for the 5 participating birth years of both genders for the next seasonal year. For the upcoming seasonal year, the 2010-2011 seasonal year, tryouts will be conducted for the 98, 97, 96, 95, and 94 birth years. The oldest age group this year, the 93 birth year, is still a part of the ODP, but will not participate at the district or state levels, there will be no tryouts. The 1993 age group may participate by invitation only to Region I Camp in July 2011.

Registration for ODP Tryouts is Now Open

Registration for the upcoming ODP tryouts is now open. Players born between January 1, 1994 and December 31, 1998 can register for the Olympic Development Program.


Please be sure to register online for the ODP Tryouts at the following link. The fee to register online is $40.00. The fee to register onsite is $60.00.

ODP District Tryouts Registration Link

On-line registration will close 7 days prior to the tryout dates so don’t delay, sign up on-line and save $20.00.

Please check our website, http://www.vysa.com/ , for dates, times and other useful information about the Olympic Development Program.

U.S. Women’s National Team has Dominant Performance vs. Germany

On May 22nd in Cleveland, Ohio with a 4-0 shutout of 2-time defending Women’s World Cup Champions Germany, the U.S. Women’s National team made a statement that they are once again the best team in the world.

Soccer Movie Extras Needed - Northern Virginia

Have you ever dreamed of being in a movie? Do you lovesoccer? Are you located in the Northern Virginia area?

A Northern VA film company called 1Voice Films is in the process of filming a movie called For the Glory (http://www.fortheglorythemovie.com/). 1 Voice Films is in need of movie extras to attend large sports scenes, and males (18-30 years) who have soccer experience to be soccer player extras. These extra positions are unpaid, but food will be provided and your name would be included in the credits of the film. If you are interested in being an extra in the film, please send an email to nancy@fortheglorythemovie.com  with your age, physical description, and any sports experience.

This may be your only opportunity to tell you grandkids one day that you were in a movie!

Mike Ammann's Premier Goalkeeper Acadamy

Former MLS All Star and DC United Goalkeeper, Mike Ammann has launched Mike Ammann's Premier Goalkeeper Academy. Mike has a vast playing experience ranging from professional English League One team Charlton Athletic to three MLS teams, Kansas City Wizards, NY Metrostars and DC United.

Mike is joined on staff by current George Mason University Assistant Coach John O'Hara.  The former GMU goalkeeper and collegiate All-American also serves as Goalkeeper Coach for both Men's and Women's programs for George Mason.

Joining Mike and John is current Assistant Coach/Goalkeeper Coach at Bishop O'Connell, Timothy Lucas.  Timothy is also the Head Goalkeeping Coach for Girls Northern District ODP.

Along with a top notch training staff, Mike Ammann's Premier Goalkeeper Academy has gained the support and backing of two of soccer's major brands in Reusch USA and Under Armour Soccer.

Currently they are holding Academy training locally at Nike Park in Great Falls, VA.  The Twenty-Four Seven Goalkeeper Elite Academy  (hosted by HP Soccer) will be held at Virginia Episcopal School, Lynchburg, VA from July 18 - July 21st.

To register for there Academy training go to: http://www.247gk.com/ .

Soccer Across America

Soccer in every form plays a huge role in the lives of my family and I.  Besides my daughter playing for both her travel and middle school teams, I coach girls soccer at two local area high schools as well as train the goalkeepers for a local clubs u12 girls teams. Along the way I have also been lucky enough to be asked to be part of a great organization a friend of mine runs here in the Northern Virginia area, Papadia United Soccer Roots USA, which helps support a soccer program back in his home country of Mali, Africa. 

Any time there is an opportunity to support soccer or provide the opportunity for children to participate in soccer I am 100% behind it. Well again I have been blessed to come across yet another great program designed to help those less fortunate have an opportunity to experience soccer when they may not have otherwise.  A coaching friend of mine, Coach Marcello Gangotena is the VYSA Soccer Across America Chairman.

Soccer Across America (formerly Soccer Start) is a US Youth Soccer program developed to introduce the sport of soccer to youngsters from under served and low-income communities.Soccer is the fastest growing sport in the United States. It has reached into communities from coast to coast and from north to south. Yet, soccer has not always served inner city and rural communities and all economic and ethnic groups. In order to insure that every child has the opportunity to play our beautiful game, US Youth Soccer founded the Soccer Across America program.

This is an excellent program and if you are interested in learning how you can participate or help out with Soccer Across America go to the US Youth Soccer website or to help locally contact Coach Marcello:

• Email: mggolazo@aol.com
• http://www.soccerforlifeinc.com/  
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/

Transfer news: Thierry Henry on his way out of Barcelona and will follow David Beckham to America - MirrorFootball.co.uk

Buy Thierry Henrys' NEW France World Cup Jersey!

Transfer news: Thierry Henry on his way out of Barcelona and will follow David Beckham to America - MirrorFootball.co.uk

Brandi Chastains' Response to: The influence of WPS on female youth players?

This article has received the most responses of any other article posted to Virginia Online Soccer News so far. So, I wanted to post a specific response to the topic from none other than Brandi Chastain. Brandi has played for the U.S. Women's National team as well as professionally in the WUSA, WPSL and WPS leagues.

With her background and vast experience as a player and commentator her opinion is most definitely worth more than "two cents".

"It is important that girls and women see examples of themselves in all facets of life; sports, law, education, business, boardrooms, non-profit, family and otherwise because without an example, it is much more difficult to encourage and foster the belief that they too can dream and become whomever they wish. Those are my two cents."

Thanks to Brandi Chastain for taking her time to respond to our article. BTW, ever wonder what happened to the bra she wore during the most famous goal celibration in soccer history? CLICK HERE:

Reach Up! with Brandi Chastain
http://www.brandisworld.com/ 

Original Article posted 4/16/10

By Karen Ruberg:

I believe strongly in the need to have female role models involved in the game of soccer, whether they are girls playing at the next level or female coaches who have played the game at a competitive level. There are plenty of outstanding men who coach and who are involved in the women’s game, but there is something to be said for female soccer players to be able to see another female soccer player who is playing at the next level or to have a female coach who knows the game. Just like young boys, young girls benefit from seeing someone of the same gender excel in their sport; it helps to inspire and motivate young athletes across the board.

Yael Averbuch's Inspiring Speech

On the final day of the 2010 NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia, Sky Blue FC and U.S. National Team midfielder Yael Averbuch spoke at a private breakfast that was filled with over 150 people from various levels and platforms within the game of soccer. What they were all treated to was a moving and heart-warming speech that told Yael's inspirational path to becoming a professional soccer player. Below is a transcript of what Yael said that Saturday morning. (photo property of Sky Blue FC, WPS)

Good morning everyone. I’d like to start by thanking the women’s committee for inviting me here today, and to congratulate Louise Waxler on the Award of Excellence. I’d also like to acknowledge someone who unfortunately is not here today...Charlotte Moran. Charlotte was my mom away from home at countless Regional events, and never ceased to make me laugh, even during the most stressful moments of the ODP process.

When I was first asked to speak in front of this group, I have to be honest, I was slightly overwhelmed. Many of you in this room are the ones to whom I look for wisdom, and who have provided life-changing guidance to me over the years. As I started to jot down some ideas, I realized that the person I am today is the result of so many different elements—elements I’ve picked up from some of the very people who I am standing in front of right now. These elements form the essence of what has become my passion.

The influence of WPS on female youth players?

By Karen Ruberg:

I believe strongly in the need to have female role models involved in the game of soccer, whether they are girls playing at the next level or female coaches who have played the game at a competitive level. There are plenty of outstanding men who coach and who are involved in the women’s game, but there is something to be said for female soccer players to be able to see another female soccer player who is playing at the next level or to have a female coach who knows the game. Just like young boys, young girls benefit from seeing someone of the same gender excel in their sport; it helps to inspire and motivate young athletes across the board.

Search Amazon.com for women's soccer books

The professional soccer program for Women’s soccer (WPS) has provided rising soccer stars with a source of role models, in that they can see real opportunities for women to play soccer beyond their years as students. While this is true, the reality is that those opportunities to play soccer professionally are only available to the most elite women in the game. In addition to that fact, the majority of girls who play soccer in high school do not go on to compete at the intercollegiate level. Knowing this, it seems that the WPS is not going to influence young girls much, if at all, in terms of making a direct correlation to their love of soccer with the possibility that one day they could play at either the college or professional level.

Interview - Dave Edwards, VA State Technical Coordinator for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America

Dave Edwards gained his BS Degree from Staffordshire University in 1998 before coming to the United States to ply his trade as a soccer coach. Dave directs all the STAR Consultancy soccer programs. He is the Director of Coaching (Travel) for Loudoun Soccer in Loudoun County, VA and is also the VA State Technical Coordinator for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). He played soccer at the professional level in England and is a former men's college coach in the U.S. Dave also has a HND in Sports Science & Sports Injuries and an International Masters Diploma in Sports Therapy from The International Institutes of Sports Therapy (IIST).

VASoccerNews: What current positions do you hold in the local soccer community?
Dave Edwards: Director of Coaching (Travel) Loudoun Soccer; NSCAA VA State Technical Coordinator.

VSN: When and how did you first become involved in soccer?
DE: Aged seven, as a school team player in Wales. Started club soccer at nine.

VSN: Do you feel that competitive youth soccer is becoming too much of a business?
DE: In some ways, yes, but the global game has changed with society. Everything is a 'business' now - academic tutoring, music lessons etc - and in many ways, we have the right model here in the US. Education comes first and sports is second, even though it is very well supported on all levels. In Europe, many kids at 11/12 or even younger are trying to get into a professional clubs' youth academy in the hopes of gaining an apprenticeship and eventually a pro contract. Here in the US, the focus is on getting into a good school so you can become educated and play college ball. The high costs of 'travel' soccer is considered an investment towards potential college play or beyond.

VSN: What is your soccer playing background?
DE: Started playing competitively at seven and played through high school and youth soccer. Gained an apprenticeship and played for Chester City for 2 years until the age of 19, then went to college and played semi-pro through college, also making the England Universities and Great Britain Universities National Teams.

Washington Freedom Coaches Club

This is an opportunity I wanted to share with all the local area coaches because like most of you, I am always looking for ways as a coach to learn and gain knowledge to become a better more productive coach to my players.

It is also a chance to meet and learn directly from the teams coaches in a way that most fans/coaches of a sport never get to.

From Washington Freedom web site:

Washington Freedom Coaches Club

"COACHES CLUB

The Washington Freedom Coaches Club offers an exclusive experience for coaches to get engaged with Freedom coaches and players within the organization and throughout the community. Coaches not only connect with the WPS, but with the growth of women’s soccer. Membership benefits include:


- COACHES CLUB CARD

- PRACTICE OBSERVATION

Members of the Coaches Club are allowed to attend any open practice. Once a month after practice, members get a discussion with Coach Gabarra about training methods and coaching tactics.

- CLINIC WITH TRAINERS

2 sessions throughout the season that allows coaches to have a Q&A about injuries or training room tactics.

- PRE-GAME SESSION

A pre-game talk with the Freedom Coaches with “things to watch for”. Followed with a Q&A session for members to ask questions and give feedback about the team and the game. Pre-game notes will also be provided as an additional resource.

- GUEST COACH SEMINAR

Opportunity to hear guest coaches from other teams and organizations around the country and world discuss the aspects of the game of soccer.

- COACHING TIP OF THE MONTH

Includes simple explanations and diagrams of coaching drills pulled directly from the Freedom coaching staff and the “center of excellence”. Tips would include anything involving the Washington Freedom and its “center of excellence”.

- 2 GAME VOUCHERS

Open ended tickets that can be used for any game during the 2010 WPS season, subject to change and based on availability.

- HAPPY HOUR

1 night during the 2010 season for Members to mingle with Freedom coaches and players.


MEMBERS and STH – FREE

NON-Members - $50



For additional information or questions about the Freedom, please contact Sr. Account Executive Jaclyn Benjamin at 240-449-1620 or Jaclyn.benjamin@washingtonfreedom.com .

Click HERE to purchase your Coaches Club Membership. "

Support Soccer, Where to Attend a Game in DC/MD/VA

As an avid soccer fan I do all I can to support local soccer at all levels in my community. From coaching, to volunteering with youth soccer events, to serving as a board member of a non-profit soccer organization (P.U.S.H), to attending both men’s and women’s college and professional games.

With the upcoming professional soccer season right around the corner, I would like to encourage all the soccer fans in the D.C., Virginia, and Maryland area, and the entire country for that matter, to get out there and watch at least one game this season.

Of course if you are from this area and are already a supporter of soccer than you and your kids have more than likely attended at least one D.C. United match. My family and I have been to quite a few games over the past five years. My wife is especially responsible for starting this tradition since she bought me tickets for my birthday (not saying how old I turned that year). We have gone to see many games from regular season and playoff D.C. United games, David Beckham’s first MLS match, a World Soccer Challenge match between D.C. United and Real Madrid, a Washington Freedom game (where my daughter got to meet and get Hope Solo’s autograph on her goalie jersey), Northern Virginia Majestics (of the W-League), and finally the George Mason Women's and Maryland Women’s soccer teams.

All of these games were very enjoyable and are a great way for me to pass on my love and appreciation of soccer to my own children as well as the kids I have coached over the years. As soccer fans we are extremely lucky to have the opportunity to not only attend a professional match but also have our youth teams participate in pregame events, be player escorts, ball girls/boys, and even play a quick game at halftime on the actual field in front of large crowds of fans. These experiences did not exist for me when I was a young soccer player and are sure to lead to great memories for the soccer youth of today.

There are usually great rates available for tickets and group rates for teams or large groups that can easily be found on your favorite teams’ web site. As for my families tradition of attending soccer matches, we plan to start the year off at the D.C. United home opener April 3rd vs. New England Revolution.

Maybe we will see you there!

Update: Coaching Certification Resources

I have had a couple responses to this article with some information I feel can be useful to the many coaches out there.

• From: Phil Clegg, CEO at MotivatEd Ltd and Footee Ltd
  
  "The FA have an excellent range of online courses for coach development available at www.thefa.com/falearning - follow the link 'online courses' under FA Qualifications."
• From: Gary Rossi, Manager of Client Services; Organizational Development & Management Consultant
  
  "I am sponsoring a High School Coaches Diploma Course by NSCAA in San Diego at our New High School, Del Norte High School in 4S Ranch September 10 to 12th. Come join us."

Thanks for the information and please send me any other useful information I can share with the youth coaching world.

Coaching Certification Resources

I am a certified soccer coach. What exactly does that mean? Well when I decided that I wanted to start coaching youth soccer I had no idea that there were organizations that actually teach and certify soccer coaches. The two organizations that are recognized as official certifying bodies are NSCAA and USSOCCER.

At the time I decided to pursue coaching my daughters then coach, Jerry Ellison, directed me to these two organizations to gain the necessary knowledge and certifications it would take for me to land a coaching position. This was almost four years ago now. I currently hold many different licenses and certifications from both NSCAA and USSOCCER. I also currently hold coaching positions with two local Girls High School Soccer programs.

I wanted to write this post for any current coaches or those of you who would like to start on your coaching journey to assist you in finding out exactly where to go to get the best available coaching education, licenses, and certifications. It’s not that this information is not out there to find but it can be a little confusing and would be easier to locate in one spot.

The path for obtaining your license or certification starts with the lowest level. To move up to the next level in both organizations usually requires holding a license for a specified amount of time (6-12 months). Also, as you move higher up you will eventually be required to pass a “test” at the end of your training. The tests can consist of written, oral, and practical or field sessions.

Below is an outline of the coaching course structure for each organization.

NSCAA (non-residential)	USSOCCER
Parent Coach Diploma	Basic Level – “E” Certificate
State Diploma	Introductory Level – “D” License
Regional Diploma	Level 1 – National “C” License
Advanced Regional Diploma	Level 2 – National “B” License
Youth Diploma	Level 3 – National “A” License
Advanced Youth Diploma
High School Diploma
Director of Coaching Diploma
NSCAA (residential)	Additional Licenses
National Diploma	Goalkeeping License
Advanced National Diploma	Fitness License
Premier Diploma	Youth License
NSCAA (Goalkeeping Institute)	Adult License
State Goalkeeping Diploma (level I)
Regional Goalkeeping Diploma (level II)
National Goalkeeping Diploma (level III)
Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma

Here are the links to upcoming local coaching courses you
can attend in the Northern Virginia area.

·        http://www.vysa.com/scripts/runisa.dll?m2:gp::49240+jcp/courses/type

·        http://www.nscaa.com/nrc-list.php

Good luck on your coaching career.

Lack of quality Indoor youth Soccer Fields

By Chris Wimmer 

This past weekend I had the priveledge of taking my twelve year old daughter to play an "indoor" soccer match at quite possibly the worst indoor field in use in Virginia or for that matter the whole country.

Anyone who lives in the Northern Virginia area and participates in youth soccer will probably know about Frying Pan Park.  It is in essence a 1950's style working farm that is mostly used for school field trips to introduce children to farming and animals.  However, during the cold, rainy, and recently extremely snowy conditions it transforms into an indoor soccer field.

When I say transforms that is a bit of an overstatement.  In acutality it is just a metal barn type building that looks as if it is meant for showing animals in a 4-H event rather than a suitable soccer field.  It is all dirt and surrounded by a metal ranch fence. 

It is hard for me to believe, that with facilities like the Dulles Sports Plex, and the indoor field located at South Run Park, that Frying Pan Park is even considered for paying league soccer games.

With as many youth soccer clubs in the Northern Virginia Area and the amount of money that goes into both running and participating in the local soccer scene how can it be that there are such limited facilites. I know there is tremendous cost that goes into building indoor soccer fields but isn't it a shame that our children are relegated to using a horse corral to participate in sports during the winter.

We do after all live in a seemingly steady economical area and although the economy is not very strong currently I have not seen a drop in the number of kids participating in youth soccer over the last five years that I have been involved.

Let me know if you have played, coached or been a lucky spectator at Frying Pan Park and what your opinion is.