US Youth Soccer National Workshop Report
Indianapolis, IN, February 6-9, 2003

Bruce Cuppett, Director of Development

Wednesday, February 5, 2003 -

I departed SLC at 9:00 am and arrived in Indianapolis at 6:10 PM. I had to change carriers and terminals in Phoenix, AZ, this result in lost luggage during first night's stay in Indianapolis. Arrived at the Hyatt hotel only to discover that Wednesday night's reservations were cancelled on four other members and myself for that night. The Hyatt worked hard to get us other rooms close by, and the next day they checked us in to our rooms and found my baggage.

Thursday, February 6, 2003

I went down to the Region IV President's meeting with our new president Paul Burke. We found out only the state presidents would be allowed in to the meeting. Spent some time with the Region IV staff to make some contacts for the up coming 2004 Region IV workshops, and the 2005 National Workshop and Coaches Convention that is going to be hosted by SLC. Use my name as the POC for all contacts until the chairpersons are named to those to projects. The National staff and Region IV staffs have made contracts with the Salt Palace and near by hotels for the 2005 date. Myself and Region IV staff will start working on the Hotel site and agenda for the 2004 Region IV workshops.

That afternoon I attended the Region IV meetings with the presidents and key board members. Paul was able to talk to the other states about the need to drop travel papers, to be able to match what US Club is doing. Spent time reviewing Region IV cup play for Premier and Division I teams. This will be a hard item to get off the ground and running due to many logistical requirement, Sunday play and so forth. We need to try and work the program through and get with states close by to develop teams to make the program work. Also spent time with the other states talking about the recreation programs and coaching education.

Friday, February 7, 2003

Started the morning off with my first session Logistics of Small Sided games. Play Days and Split Games…by Dr. Tom Turner we covered the philosophy and logistics of organizing young players into age appropriate small-sided games. We covered the difference between international children that organize at the ages of 10-12 years old verses the USA children that organize at the ages of 3-5 yrs old. The difference allows street soccer to be played until the child is old enough to have the mental ability to be directed. Results, the international player are much more advanced in play. Also cover using small-sided games results in more children can play in a space that used to only be one field with 22 plays, now become 4 fields with 80 players.

Second session of the day was also with Dr. Tom Turner. We took the concept of what was taught in class to the field. We had players from 8 - 12 years in age participating in small side games with uneven numbers sizes, genders and restriction. Great session both in the class and on the fields.

Afternoon sessions started off with the art of coaching by Dr. Ron Quinn. Dr. Tom Fleck was also supposed to instruct the class, but due to a death in the family was unable to attend the conference. Ron lost his power point briefing so the class turned into an open discussion about coaching. Most of the discussion focus was around the National Youth material that is taught by Ron. It was a good refresher for me and most in the room had not been through the national Youth License.

Last session of the day was Small-sided Games the NSCAA Way by Jeff Tipping - Director of Coaching NSCAA. This session to me was in direct conflict of the way USYSA and USSF looks at the small-sided games. His presentation was more around the advanced player and not developing the youth player. I stayed through the session because I wanted to be able to compare the sessions. It was ok, but I believe the way we teach and develop the youth player is a greater benefit to our kids and the state.

We finished the night with the Coaches of the Year dinner. All four Regions had both their Boys and Girls coaches of the year recognized and awarded. The National Coach of the year for the Boys was Dee Taylor from Alaska Region IV and the National Coach of the year for Girls was Tim Horton from Ohio Region II. Great dinner and the key note speaker was Tony DiCicco. Excellent dinner, good food and fun to be had by all.

Saturday, February 8, 2003

First session of the day was Effective Coaching behavior by Dr, David Carr. Dave has not lost his touch and the topic was great. Had a number of coaches in the room that thought they were the super adult coaches of the year, and it soon showed that they did not understand coaching youth. Covered role of the youth coach, and characteristics of effective youth coaches. Great class, everyone should have to attend to be able to coach our kids.

Followed up the first session with a field session with both Dr. David Carr and Dr. Ron Quinn on U8 players "Learning to play with a Partner". Excellent session - take off on Dr. Tom Fleck and how to have fun with the kids. Great session got the coaches involved and of course some of the die-hard coaches left the ballroom, muttering under their breath this is not SOCCER. To bad they don't see the light and how to work with the kids, because it is the kids that lose.…not the coaches.

Afternoon session started with Team Defending with Greg Andrulis. Excellent session with U16 Boys learning zone defense. You could tell that the boys were used to man marking but had not played in a zone defense. Great session start to finish, and it showed when the boys started to play in the zone and dropped off the man marking. Instructor had great voice command but at the same time showed an excellent sense of humor.

Last session of the day was again with Dr. Ron Quinn and Dr. David Carr - U12 Players "Learning to Play with Seven or more Teammates" Great session as a finish to the National Youth Course. They have the new Coaching Manual that was written by the five instructors that put the National Youth Course together. It was great to see them in action, the kids had as much fun as the trainers did, and most coaches went away with a good feeling (except the die- hard's that don't believe this is soccer). A coach at every level should be required to attend the National Youth Course and obtain a National Youth License.

Well that was it for the workshops. We had a dinner that evening hosted by Score, good food and company and every one seemed to enjoy there self. Then it was off to the Adidas Party, place was packed, entertainment and food and drink for all. This was a great way to end an excellent convention.

Tuesday, February 11, 2003

I really want to thank UYSA for sending me. I had to miss last year because of the Winter 2002 games and my job. It was nice to spend off line time with old friends, meet new ones and to establish the contacts to improve our state association and to get the new and greatest information for the kids. The trip back to SLC was no better than the trip to Indianapolis, hard trip and no baggage when I finally got home.

Bruce C. Cuppett
Director of Development
UYSA