We are excited to get this next year of ODP started. To those players in high school, we will see you on October 27 & November 3, and good luck to you and your teams. We have already been busy with our Indiana Development Program hosting District Training throughout the state with over 500 players attending. We have been and will continue to be at tournaments across the state looking for those players who might fit well with ODP. Please refer to our website regarding tryouts of Indiana ODP- https://www.soccerindiana.org/odp-try-outs/
News
SOUTHERN INDIANA UNITED CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY UNDER INDIANA SOCCER MEMBERSHIP
Indiana Soccer staff were honored to attend and represent Indiana Soccer at Southern Indiana United’s 25th Anniversary of being a member club with the association. In their first season, the fall of 2000, Southern Indiana United registered 83 travel players. This past season, 2023–2024, the club registered 1,361 players, 480 travel players, and 881 recreation or recreation plus players. Indiana Soccer greatly appreciates the club’s commitment to providing a needed service to the members of your community and to the growth of our game.
EVANSVILLE’S FIRST PUBLIC, PROFESSIONAL-SIZED FUTSAL COURT DEBUTS AT STOCKWELL PARK
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Enthusiasts of futsal, a variation of soccer, have a new place to play in Evansville. The city’s first public, professional-sized futsal court opened at Stockwell Park on Aug. 11. The project, which cost around $340,000, was funded by a $200,000 donation from the Welborn Foundation, nearly $26,000 in donations from the Evansville Parks Foundation and American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Several entities including the city of Evansville, the Evansville Police Department and Liga LINK (Latino Soccer League) worked together to renovate abandoned tennis courts at Stockwell Park into a space for futsal. Danielle Crook, executive director of the Evansville Department of Parks and Recreation, said the project met one of the city’s goals of being more inclusive.
US YOUTH SOCCER ANNOUNCES FIELD OF TEAMS FOR DECEMBER 2024 NATIONAL LEAGUE QUARTERFINALS
FRISCO, Texas (Sept. 3, 2024) — The USYS National League has announced the full field of teams that will compete in the December 2024 National League Quarterfinals. The event will feature teams primarily from the National League Conferences and Elite 64 Regional League, and all games will be played at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Ariz.
The December Quarterfinals include boys and girls teams in the 14U (2011), 15U (2010), 16U (2009), 17U (2008) and 19U (2006/2007) age groups.
The December competition will feature more than 260 top-performing teams from the past year of competition in the 13 National League Conferences, as well as the Elite 64 Regional League. Each side earned its place in the quarterfinals, either via automatic qualification or by securing an open slot selection, through its recent on-field accomplishments.
“Each team playing in these National League Quarterfinals has proven it belongs through excellent performances over the last year, which will make for a high-level event full of special teams and talented players on the top of their game,” said Marc Frankland, USYS National League General Manager. “Every team goes to Arizona with an opportunity to get a step closer to advancing to the USYS National Championships, and that emphasis on team achievements creates a very exciting atmosphere all around the event.”
THE TEAMS
The December 2024 Quarterfinals will feature 57 teams that qualified for the 2024 USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life, in the 13U through 18U age groups, including 15 semifinalists, six finalists and seven champions.
In all, the December Quarterfinals will consist of teams from 39 of the 54 USYS State Associations. State Associations with participating teams include: Alabama, Arizona, California South, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Eastern New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Eastern Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania West, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Texas, South Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
THE PATHWAY
Teams in the December Quarterfinals will compete in three days of group play for a chance to advance to the second stage of national events — the National League Semifinals.
At the National League Semifinals, teams that advance out of the December Quarterfinals will meet the teams that advance from the other two quarterfinal events, which primarily feature Elite 64 sides. With the best of the National League’s team-based and club-based divisions coming together, the semifinals will see teams compete for berths to the 2025 USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life.
The game schedule for December 2024 National League Quarterfinals will be posted around late October.
Click here for more info on National League event dates and locations.
OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, (ODP) 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW- WATCH THE VIDEO
KEN HARKENRIDER LEADS POSITIVE COACHING ALLIANCE WORKSHOP ON “LEADING YOUR ORGANIZATION
The Indiana Soccer Association, as part of its member benefits, hosted the second leadership workshop in conjunction with its partnership with the POSITIVE COACHES ASSOCIATION. Indiana Soccer Hall of Fame honoree, Ken Harkenrider, led a lively collaborative workshop, by giving insight into methods to assist Indiana Soccer member clubs in creating an action plan in shaping the culture of their organization and leadership team.
“The workshop’s purpose is to help clubs increase opportunities to participate in a positive sports culture including athlete/coach retention and engagement,” stated Harkenrider.
LEADING YOUR ORGANIZATION: Developing a Positive Coaching Culture
Creating a positive, character-building youth or high school sports experience requires organizational leaders committed to creating and maintaining a Development Zone™ for developing “Better Athletes, Better People.” This workshop helps your leadership team do exactly that.
One key outcome of the workshop is a written action plan for your leadership team, created with the guidance of the PCA Trainer (workshop facilitator), specific to your organization and the population it serves. Throughout the workshop, and reflected in this action plan, is an emphasis on PCA’s “Single-Goal” Leader model, in which shaping the culture of your organization is the primary task of your leadership team.
Along the way, your team also should:
- Align around a common vision for your organizational culture
- Recognize strengths and growth opportunities that can contribute to or detract from achieving the group’s vision
- Identify tasks necessary to complete the vision and determine which leaders are responsible for completing those tasks.
PCA workshops combine the latest in sports, educational psychology and organizational behavior with practical advice from a National Advisory Board of top pro and college athletes and coaches who use our principles at the highest levels of competition.
For clubs interested in hosting a PCA workshop, contact John Koluder, johnk@soccerindiana.org
INDIANA SOCCER & INDIANA ODP HOLD MULTIPLE EVENTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHELSEA F.C.
Thursday evening July 25 Echo Premier, Indiana ODP, and Chelsea FC held an IDP District Training Session followed up by a TOPSoccer Training Session. “So amazing! Having the Chelsea coaches there was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!” – Jane, youth player.
“As a parent, it was awesome to see the Chelsea coaches embrace our local players and take the time to help improve their playing skills!”- Brittany, mom of youth player.
Parents Testimonials.
“So amazing! Having the Chelsea coaches there was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!”
– Jane, youth player.
“As a parent, it was awesome to see the Chelsea coaches embrace our local players and take the time to help improve their playing skills!”- Brittany, mom of youth player
“Thank you for organizing such great events and wonderful practices!
My daughter (Alice Zhang) and my son (Alan Zhang) attended Thursday’s practice” – Amy, mom of two youth players.
Coaches & Player Testimonials
Chelsea FC followed up the Thursday night training with a Friday morning training session with the Elkhart HS Boys Soccer team.
“These coaches were great. They really pushed us and wanted us to get better.” – Colin Krempec, Elkhart player.
Friday night Indiana Soccer hosted a Coaching Education Session with the Chelsea FC Staff. Over 50 coaches from throughout Indiana, Illinois and Michigan listened to the coaches discuss academy set up, qualities of players and good stories about their individual experiences at Chelsea.
“Having an Educational platform where we can bring in Academy Coaches from Chelsea FC who have worked with the likes of Lauren James, a current member of the England National team, as well as Current USWNT Coach Emma Hayes is a huge win for our membership,” stated Director of Coaching Education Steve Franklin. “Gaining insight as to youth developmental pathway to potentially playing for your country is massive. A rare opportunity and lessons that will stick with our coaches for a lifetime”
“Todd, I want to thank you for this wonderful event. It was an amazing experience, and I learned a lot. I appreciate you and Steve setting it up and allowing us to come for free!”
-Coach Shane Cloutier
Chelsea vs Celtic Game Tickets & Third Through Fifth Grade Sessions
Saturday morning, Indiana Soccer and South Bend Schools held a session for third through fifth graders.
Thank you once again for setting up that coaching clinic with Chelsea it was a very insightful experience plus the game after was enjoyable as well. – Coach Jonathan South Bend
“We are so appreciative for all the support in organizing the coaching clinics and Coaching Ed. It was great meeting and engaging the participants, especially at such short notice, you have gone beyond to help.”- Chelsea FC Staff
All participants who attended any of the events were given two free tickets to attend the Chelsea vs. Celtic match held on Saturday, July 27 at Notre Dame Stadium.
It was a very fun and a good learning experience because you get to see it in a different prospective up close and get to learn from Professionals. You also can try to figure out what they did wrong so when you are playing you see a step ahead and try not to make the same mistake. For me as a keeper I can see what placement I need to be and when, so that helped me as well. But all in all, it is fun to watch Professionals play and learn from them. – Amber Wade, youth player
A True Family Affair
ODP Director Todd Sheely with his sons Mayson and Brennan.
The experience was amazing. Having a professional soccer team from a foreign country come to the United States is awesome. My brother and I had an amazing time up close watching the game. It was such a good experience and I’m glad I was able to experience it. – Brennan Sheely
ODP Administrator, Georgi Emenhiser and her kids with some of the Chelsea FC Staff.
We also went to the Chelsea FC camp which was so fun to watch and Matthew had a wonderful time, while there we were given free tickets to the game at ND that afternoon – We had a blast. What a great experience for my eight-year-old grandson to have, thank you so much.
-Tina S grandma to youth player Michael.
INDIANA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM WRAPS UP DISTRICT TRAINING FOR OVER 500 PLAYERS
Indiana Development Program Just Wrapped Up Its Summer District Training Season.
Over 500 players from across the state of Indiana attended and participated in the 2024 Indiana Development Program, (IDP) district training sessions. IDP staff offered training sessions across the state at the following cities, Indianapolis, Columbus, Auburn, Granger, Elkhart, Evansville, Lafayette, Fort Wayne, Avon, Jeffersonville, Plainfield, and Carmel.
“As a parent I was impressed with how well run the summer district trainings were. Coaches really took an interest in seeing each player play to the best of their abilities!” ~Brittany
“The coaching level at District Training is exceptional. They taught the kids drills they can practice at home to become better individual players. They also did small group work that will help them be better team players. My son and I are both excited to attend more
trainings.” ~Heather
“District Training provides players the opportunity to get additional training over the summer months. The District Training platform focuses on specific technical and tactical skills for players to develop and be better prepared for their fall season.” ~Coach Dave Beck
TOM BERGER IS THE NEWLY APPOINTED STATE YOUTH REFEREE ADMINISTRATOR (SYRA)
Indiana Soccer is excited to announce the appointment of Tom Berger as the new State Youth Referee Administrator, (SYRA). Tom Berger began his Indiana youth soccer experience in 1991 when his oldest daughter started playing soccer. Tom continued to coach both of his girls for the next 5 years. In 1993, he became a grade 8 referee and worked his way to a grade 6 referee by 2007. Tom also became an assessor and instructor for USSF during this time. Tom upgraded both his initial assessor and instructor licenses to the state levels. With the changes in nomenclature at US (United States) Soccer, Tom transitioned his assessor and instructor licenses to referee coach.
Tom, in 1994, became a high school soccer referee for Indiana. He has had the honor and privilege to work on numerous sectionals, regionals, semi-states, and state finals games and continues to referee high school games today. Tom served as a District Referee Administrator (DRA) for Indiana from 1997-2013. In 2013, Tom joined the United States Youth Soccer (USYS) Presidents Cup regional staff and continues to serve as a valuable member of this committee. From 2014 to the present, Tom holds the positions of Assistant Director of Instruction and Assistant Director of Assessment for the State of Kentucky. He looks forward to working with the Indiana referee, coaching and administrative communities to address the inherent challenges of the Indiana State Youth Referee Administrator (SYRA).
“It is a privilege for me and the state of Indiana to have Tom Berger in the role of SYRA. His experience as a referee and referee administrator, and passion for the overall soccer community, makes Tom a perfect fit”. Stated Dave Guthrie, Executive Director of Indiana Soccer and board member of the Indiana Referee Association.
INDIANA SOCCER HOSTS ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL US SOCCER NATIONAL C LICENSE COURSE AT GRAND PARK
Grand Park, Westfield, Friday August 11th, 2024. Indiana Soccer successfully hosted another US Soccer National C License Course at Grand Park thanks to Steve Franklin, Director of Coaching Education for facilitating the course.
The course was well attended with 33 student coaches in attendance. The course was facilitated by Steve Franklin, Indiana Soccer Director of Coaching Education with assistance from Bill Glaze and Bill Furjanic as Coach Educators.
Learning objectives of the course included:
- Create a positive and safe environment that encourages respect, inclusivity and belonging
- Plan and design two training sessions within a one-week cycle
- Implement activities and facilitate player learning
- Prepare an age-appropriate game plan aligned to the training week objectives
- Observe and describe player and team behavior during the game
“The experience was monumental in terms of the collaboration with peers and coach educators, as well as the opportunity to conduct training sessions with area teams; capture video/audio recordings; and then analyze and reflect on their experiences,” replied Franklin. “The environment we could provide here in Westfield was top outstanding.”
The Indiana Soccer Association is committed to providing all coaches, from beginner to advanced, with education tailored to their experiences and the needs of their players. The Coaching License Pathway consists of a series of courses designed to meet the specific needs of a coach at every step of the way. U.S. Soccer believes education is a journey, and our goal is to provide the necessary tools, guidance, and mentorship a coach requires along the way.
To learn more about upcoming US Soccer License Courses, please follow this link: https://www.soccerindiana.org/courses-schedule/