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US Youth Soccer National Workshop Report
Indianapolis, IN, February 6-9, 2003
Gail Ellison, ODP Administrator
1st Workshop-Issues That Administrators Must Handle
US Youth Soccer ODP Girls Committee
April Heinricks addressed the group stating that ODP is an opportunity to develop as a player rather than purely an Olympic Development Program. Her concept is that a breakdown is a breakthrough.
There are now 5 national girls teams, and there is a multi-cultural empahsis to the program.
The national coaches are available: Use them and invite them!
98% of ODP pool players receive soccer scholarships.
International Travel-Region II presenting
- Carefully review itinerary
- Limit transfers & travel time
- Inform players 4-6 months ahead
- Fundraising
- High school approval & notification
ODP Camp- Scramble Format- Region I presenting
When teams arrive at camp, all players are scrambled. The first three days scrambling continues. Players are not allowed to wear anything that would identify them with a particular state.
- Teams stay with each other in the dorms.
- Can be somewhat confusing for the administrators, but the players like it, as it gives them equal chances to be seen.
- Occasionally a player goes to wrong field.
Created a website that features:
- Fitness tips and regimens for players
- Coaches tips
Overview/History of Region Set-up for ODP- Region IV presenting
- History of ODP Program
- Organizational set-up for each region
- Talked about both Boys and Girls programs
The "Gonz" spoke about Region III's program
- Old school program
- Concentrated mainly on arranging good competition for the teams at camp.
2nd Workshop-Finding & Keeping Good Volunteers
Yvonne C. Bennett
- Many reasons people volunteer: "What's in it for me?" Vicariously experience sport, etc
- Seniors are one of the most under-utilized groups
- Ways to recruit volunteers:
- Your own Website
- Volunteer Centers
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Nike, Intel, Large local employers
- Wal Mart
- Treat them as you would employees:
- Have a job description
- They are still accountable at the end of the day
- TEAR Principle
- Training
- Empowerment
- Accountability
- Recognition & Reward
- Volunteer Screening
- Create & maintain a safe environment
- Seek best match
- Volunteer application: reference checks and/or background checks
- Helpful websites: Resources for volunteer programs
3rd Workshop- ODP National Championships
Overview of what teams can expect:
- Airfare for 18 players, 2 coaches, 2 chaperones
- Hotel for above
- Ground Transportation
- Meals & meal money
- Adidas bag or back-pack
- Adidas jacket, sweatshirt or training top
- Commemorative T-shirts, hats and pins
4th Workshop- Holiday Inn Tournament Database
Online Program for Tournament Directors in hosting tournaments
- Allows for Tournament to collect applications online
- States will need to move toward this system. You will no longer be able to send paper.
- Each Regional Marketing Coordinator (RMC) will assign a login to the State Tournament Director.
- Has been in pilot phase and now has been adopted by USYSA
5th & 6th Workshop- Positive Coaching Alliance
Powerful program centers around "A vision of a positive youth sports culture".
Positive Coach Mental Model:
- A positive coach is a "Double-Goal" Coach (Winning(important) & Developing positive character traits (more important))
- Honoring the Game
- Redefining "Winner"
- Filling the Emotional Tank
- Has three workshops: Leadership, Coaching, Parents
- Recommend adoption of this program and its philosophy
- Recommend instillation of a PCA Board Member for this program
7th Workshop- College Planning Seminar
Academics are the # 1 in importance in opening up opportunities for soccer
Athletes must be proactive: be persistent and prepared
Coaches look to see if the player is effective on the field:
- Look for best player available
- Do they do their job on the field
- Character
- Capable of success in the classroom
Goal Keeping
- Leadership
- Physical stature
- Command of goal area
- Effective distribution of the ball
- Women's- How well they deal with Airballs
- Men's- Most important position on the field
- How many goals did you let in?
- Calming effect
Defenders
- Speed & quickness
- Technical & tactical abilities
- Passing accuracy- 40 yds
- Heading to clear
- Play within the defensive scheme
- Contain opponent at point of attack
- Start the attack of the ball
- Left-footed players
- Mentality of a defender
- Accept the challenge of 1 v. 1
Midfielder
- Physical fitness
- Technical & tactical ability
- Speed & quickness
- Attack & defend effectively
- Superior passing skills
- Broad field of vision
- Creative
- Know how to defend
Forward
- Finishing with either foot
- Heading the ball
- Quickness & break-away speed
- Ability to hold & shield the ball under pressure
- Creativity & confidence to make things happen
Players must be prepared in more than one role on the team.
Recoverers of the ball.
You're not a defender, or a forward, you're a soccer player!
Be consistent, Be confident.
How to get noticed in the Collegiate World?
- Communicate with college coaches: letters, email, resume, schedule
- Stay away from generic, include a photo
- Call from Club Coach
- Follow-up 5-10 days after contact
- Other recruiting ideas: smaps, showcase events, videos (ask what the coach wants), camp evals.
- Let coaches know what you will be attending, Thanksgiving time and Spring.
- Make sure you do your homework:
- Do you meet admission requirements?
- Size of school
- Location
- Cost
- Community service scholarships are abundant
- Have family & child go over a budget and make sure they are in tune with what family can afford.
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