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NHSA Statement to Membership – Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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To: All members and affiliates

From: Rusty Wightman, President

CC: Board of directors and staff

RE: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – UPDATE: March 13, 2020 | 10:45 PM

Effective immediately, New Hampshire Soccer Association is suspending all affiliated and sanctioned soccer activities statewide through April 12, 2020 due to the evolving COVID-19 situation.   For our member organizations (towns, clubs and leagues) this includes, but is not limited to: all games, practices, clinics, training, tournaments, and in-person meetings.

Trusting that players, coaches, referees and spectators would never knowingly compromise themselves or others, the fact is that our sport and its related activities provide an opportunity for the virus to spread which we feel is our duty to help avoid (excerpt from the CDC below):

  “…COVID-19 is mainly spread through respiratory droplets (sneeze, cough, or sweat) when in close contact (within 6 feet) OR by touching a surface with such droplets and then touching one’s own mouth, nose or eyes…”

As a result, both US Soccer and US Youth Soccer have made a similar decision regarding soccer activities under their purview.  They asked the state associations to assess the risks and benefits of postponement, suspension and/or cancellation of upcoming events and New Hampshire Soccer – along with many other state associations – has taken this guidance, as well as information from public health and medical professionals at the federal, state and local levels with the highest level of concern.  Our decision to suspend soccer-related activities and promote social distancing was not made lightly.  But, in the interest of making the health and safety of the entire soccer community, in addition to all others statewide, paramount, we know this is the right step to take.  

New Hampshire Soccer will evaluate conditions on a continuing basis to determine when it is appropriate to reinstate our affiliated and sanctioned soccer activities.  Further communications will be provided via email and on our website.  

US Soccer has suspended all Coaching Education Courses and Referee Courses until after April 30th. We are currently trying to work on a solution to offer a portion of these courses on line. Look for communications from our Director of Coaching and State Referee Administrator.

Additionally, here are a number of different resources and communications from the CDC and other organizations regarding the Coronavirus:  

We cannot emphasize enough that New Hampshire Soccer’s primary commitment at all times is the health and safety of all members, players, coaches, referees, parents, spectators and volunteers.

Proper Health Habits:

In the meantime, while we all help protect ourselves is it important to reinforce health safety and best practices for illness prevention, please read the list below:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth prior to proper washing or disinfecting.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including Coronavirus.
  • CDC recommended face masks should be used by people who show symptoms to help prevent the spread of the disease.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Thank you for your understanding.

-New Hampshire Soccer Association

NEW HAMPSHIRE SOCCER NEWS RELEASE: COVID-19

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To:  All members and affiliates

From:  Rusty Wightman, President

CC:  Board of Directors and Staff

RE: Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) Advisory Memo

As new developments arise each day, I want to insure all understand that first and foremost, the safety of our players, coaches, referees and fans is our primary responsibility. The NHSA and US Soccer are monitoring the situation and seeking advice and recommendations from all resources available including local, state and federal agencies.

Based on the current information and facts, it is recommended that everyone be familiar with the best practices and protocols set forth by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Several events across the country have been canceled or postponed, however we feel at this time, all soccer in the granite state can go on as scheduled. With that said, please be respectful of individual or organizational decisions. Please be mindful of the facilities and venues we play in, especially schools and decisions they need to make regarding usage. If you are traveling out of state, please be aware of the situation at your destination and follow traveling recommendations ( CDC link below)

US Soccer has put forth the following information:

Best Practices for Health
There is currently no vaccine to prevent the Coronavirus. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed. Everyday preventive actions should be taken:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask
    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including Coronavirus.
    • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms to help prevent the spread of the disease.

Additionally, here are a number of different resources and communications from the CDC regarding the Coronavirus:

If the NHSA can assist or help guide your organization through this period, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and support, together we will get through this !

Sincerely,

Rusty Wightman

President, New Hampshire Soccer Association

New Hampshire Soccer Association renews GotSoccer partnership for another 5 years

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New Hampshire Soccer Association renews GotSoccer partnership for another 5 years

New Hampshire Soccer Association has strengthened their relationship with GotSoccer, signing a new five year contract and moving the registration and State Cup tournament to the GotSport platform.

“NHSA has had a great partnership with GotSoccer for 10 years,” said State Administrator Ann Fichera.  “Over those years we have been so happy with the progress GotSoccer has made to continue investing in their software, provide support, education and overall changes that are needed.”We are excited to be moving forward with our partnership with GotSoccer and be able to offer our Member clubs and facilities the opportunity  to use the new GotSport program,” Fichera added. 

An excited GotSoccer CEO Gavin Owen-Thomas was delighted with the contract  renewal. “Since we launched GotSoccer we’ve had an amazing 98% client retention rate and for NHSA to put their trust in us for 5 more years makes me very proud.

“This agreement furthers our goal to partner with all state soccer associations in providing the best and most advanced analytics and sports management system on the market to benefit all players.”NHSA members will have the benefit of GotSport’s:Simplified tools to manage all their roles and duties from within a single accountMobile responsive system to easily perform all their tasks whenever, wherever Simple and secure paymentsand so much more!For more information CLICK HERE.

To arrange a demonstration contact Dave Buchanan, GotSport’s head of state management software at (203) 752-7324. 

Since 2003, GotSoccer has an amazing 98% Client Retention Rate.
29 USYS State Associations now utilize Gotsport’s registration platform, and 36 use GotSoccer for their State Cup!

SheBelieves Hero

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The fourth annual SheBelieves HeroTM contest will choose a young person between the ages of 13-17 who embodies the SheBelieves spirit. A SheBelieves Hero™ is a leader in their community, a confident and passionate individual who empowers others around them and works to make a difference.

The contest will run from Jan. 16-Feb. 17, with the Hero and guardian winning a trip to the WNT’s SheBelieves Cup match in Harrison, N.J. on March 8, 2020. Additional contest and submission information can be found here.

The 2020 SheBelieves Hero™ will win a trip for two (2) to the WNT’s SheBelieves Cup match in Harrison, NJ, on March 8 when the USA takes on Spain.  As part of this once in a lifetime experience, the winner will be invited to USWNT training, honored on-field during match day, receive U.S. Soccer gear, and more.

USYS KICKS OFF FIRST DEVELOPMENT ACTIVATION WITH NWSLPA

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FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 15, 2019) — US Youth Soccer (USYS) is excited to kick-off the first Official Player and Personal Development activation of the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) relationship.

Dr. Pete Zopfi, Chairman USYS Board, and Andrew R Hiatt, Interim-CEO of USYS, welcomed NWSLPA members Katherine Reynolds and Rachel Hill to the team as they begin their off-season professional business experience at the USYS National Office in Frisco, TX. Katherine and Rachel will be fully integrated members of the USYS team and will get first-hand experiences in both Marketing and Operations as they learn new skills, develop capabilities and interact with a range of staff, personnel and young players throughout their experience on-site and live at USYS Fall/Winter events.

Katherine Reynolds currently plays with the Portland Thorns and won a NWSL Championship with them in 2017. Rachel Hill currently plays with the Orlando Pride and previously played with Perth Glory (Australia) in 2017/2018 and 2018/2019. Both women have a range of professional and business experience and will be able to leverage their USYS opportunity to develop their network, learn new skills and serve as the benchmark for future development activation across the USYS system of 55 State Associations.

The USYS NWSLPA partnership is aimed at developing programs focused on growing the game of soccer and increasing awareness of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and its players while cultivating the personal development of participating NWSL players.  Through this first-of-its-kind relationship between a youth and professional soccer organization we will create opportunities to further connect professional female soccer players via networking opportunities, USYS events, clinics, camps, and speaking engagements. Participating players from the NWSLPA will continue serving as positive role models within their communities as they encourage younger players.

Please join us in welcoming to the US Youth Soccer team, Katherine and Rachel!

US YOUTH SOCCER ANNOUNCES REGIONAL WINNERS OF ANNUAL AWARDS

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FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 11, 2019) — US Youth Soccer is excited to announce the regional winners of its annual awards. 

The regional awards include: Boys and Girls Competitive Coaches of the Year, Boys and Girls Recreation Coaches of the Year, Young Referees of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Administrator of the Year and TOPSoccer Buddyand Coach of the Year.

The national winners will be announced on November 18 and then recognized at the 2020 US Youth Soccer Awards Gala, held Jan. 18 as part of the US Youth Soccer Workshop at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Baltimore.  

In addition, the Dr. Thomas Fleck Awardwill be announced with the national award winners on Jan.18, and the 2019 US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame Class will be inducted at the Gala.
 
The 2019 Goal and Save of the Year awards will be announced live at the Awards Gala. 

AwardRegional RecipientsHometown
   
Female Young Referee of the Year


 		Reese Vandell – East
Maya Ryder – Midwest
Hannah Smid – South
Kassidy Mashiyama – West		Powhatan, Va.
Xenia, Ohio
Madison, Ala.
Millani, Hawaii
   
Male Young Referee of the Year


 		Andrew Kennedy – East
Justus Heers – Midwest
Jace Mathis – South
Elan Furman – West		Webster, N.Y.
Plymouth, Mich.
Midlothian, Texas
Anthem, Ariz.
   
Volunteer of the Year


 		John Mingus – East
Matt Crowl – Midwest
Bryan McDermott – South
Sherri Mackay – West		Arlington, Va.
Altoona, Iowa
Fayetteville, Ga.
Tracy, Calif.
   
Administrator of the Year


 		Tom Antonelli – East
Chris Hovde – Midwest
Neil McNab Jr. – South
Erin Misaki – West		Hockessin, Del.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Dacula, Ga.
San Diego, Calif.
   
TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year


 		Jessica Lee – East
Liberty Messer – Midwest
Iain Garza  – South
Scott Stevison – West		West Hempstead, N.Y.
Mason, Ohio
Ft. Worth, Texas
Vanocuver, Wash.
   
TOPSoccer Coach of the Year


 		Phillip Cook – East
Stefan Bjes – Midwest
David Robinson – South
Christina Hughes – West		Forestville, N.Y.
Oswego, Ill.
Bradenton, Fla.
Phoenix, Ariz.
   
Girls Recreation Coach of the Year


 		Jonathan Gangi – East
Fred Nelson – Midwest
Matthew Emmons – South
Bryan Smith – West		Holden, Mass.
Omaha, Neb.
Sachse, Texas
Snohomish, Wash.
   
Boys Recreation Coach of the Year


 		Epiphany Vera – East
Kyle Kreuser – Midwest
Greg McKee – South
Matthew Cramer – West		Harvard, Mass.
Hastings, Minn.
Melbourne, Fla.
Farmington, N.M.
   
Girls Competitive Coach of the Year


 		Tristan Wierbonski – East
Giuliano Oliviero – Midwest
Jeremy Beckett – South
Simon Rothman – West		Morgantown, W.Va.
Wauwatosa, Wisc.
Wake Forest, N.C.
Albuquerque, N.M.
   
Boys Competitive Coach of the Year


 		Alex Fatovic – East
Daniel Trosper – Midwest
Nicholas Chetta III – South
Brian Orr – West		New York, N.Y.
Brighton, Mich.
Covington, La.
Powell, Wyo.

For more information about the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala and award winners, go to https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/awards-gala/.

LHIFA Finishes Their Season with Skill and Passion – 2019 Championship

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NASHUA, NH – The Latin Hispanic International Futbol Association (Lhifa Sc) held their league championships. It was an amazing display of skill and passion. With over 300 spectators cheering on their friends and family, it provided an unbelievable atmosphere (runners on the Mines Fall trails even stopped to see what was going on)!

Congratulations to El Chalate on being crowned League Champions in a 2-0 victory over Nashua FC.

Special appearances from US Adult Soccer President, and NH Native, John P. Motta and NHSA Vice President of Adult Soccer, Luis Costa.

We also want to congratulate the 4 NH Referees appointed to the match on a job well done:
Referee: Cullen Madden
Asst. Referee: Eddie Currier
Asst. Referee: Vincent Rutigliano
4th Official: Doug Campbell

NEW APPOINTMENTS TO THE NHSA EXECUTIVE BOARD!

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Greetings NH Soccer Community,

I hope all is going well with your fall seasons. I am delighted at the opportunity to go out on weeknights and weekends and see so many happy and smiling faces kicking a ball around, whether its high school, club league play, or one of the many grass roots and recreational leagues in our state, much of my time is spent watching and coaching this beautiful game that our kids enjoy. 

The same can be said about the other side of the game. Although very challenging, I do enjoy my role as President of the State Association because of the connections that are made with so many that give so much. The passion we have for the game can only be amplified by our passion for the kids.  New Hampshire is full of coaches, referees, administrators, volunteers and parents that sacrifice so much of their time to have a positive impact on the life of a child. Thank you and it is a pleasure working alongside you. 

  Since the NHSA AGM and elections last March, myself and the NHSA board have been seeking to fill two seats on our executive board. There were many meetings and discussions and I thank those that have expressed interest. I am very happy to announce to you today that these two seats have been appointed by myself and approved by the NHSA executive board. Both have the passion aforementioned and both have the experience to bring NH forward and help define, develop and employ our vision for the future.

Executive Vice President- Trevor Fox

I had the pleasure of meeting Trevor several years ago during a coach’s course. He grew up playing soccer in Vermont and developed from a young grassroots player to the captain of his successful college team. Trevor continued to play as an adult and got involved with coaching through his high school alma mater in Proctor VT before moving to NH in 1993. He continued to play as an adult until taking a new position at work which included regular travel on the east coast. 

Trevor returned to being involved in soccer in the early 2000’s when he and his wife had children and began coaching again in the Goffstown area. Trevor coached recreational soccer as well as competitive soccer for Tri Town and later became the Director of Coaching for Goffstown United (formerly Tri-Town Travel). When he heard there was a need for referees in NH, he took the referee course and got certified in order to meet the demand of qualified officials.

Trevor is employed by a facilities management company as a Regional Director and has been a part of the company for over 20 years. He continues to reside in Goffstown, NH with his wife Sheryl, daughter Kaitlyn and dog Milo. Trevor and Sheryl also have a son attending SNHU. Among Trevor’s responsibilities are to oversee the State Registrar, the State ODP Director and the State Director of Coaching. He will also oversee operations at the New Hampshire Soccer Complex in Pembroke.

Vice President of Recreation- Jim O’Connell

I  had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Jim at a Center City soccer event in Manchester. Through our conversation it was apparent Jim had a love for the game and a love of community and it’s youth. Jim’s bio is long, he had served on the board of Manchester North Soccer League for 10+ years (president for three of those years), he was  Director of British are Coming Soccer Camps for 10+ years, a board member on Manchester Little League, a youth pastor at St. Elizabeth  Seton, Bedford and has been CEO and senior management at a number of start up companies. Jim is currently a Community Planning Group member at Manchester Proud, a host on Education Matters, and serves St. Joseph’s Cathedral as lector and Docent. He is also running for a seat on the Manchester School Board.

I  had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Jim at a Center City soccer event in Manchester. Through our conversation it was apparent Jim had a love for the game and a love of community and it’s youth. Jim’s bio is long, he had served on the board of Manchester North Soccer League for 10+ years (president for three of those years), he was  Director of British are Coming Soccer Camps for 10+ years, a board member on Manchester Little League, a youth pastor at St. Elizabeth  Seton, Bedford and has been CEO and senior management at a number of start up companies. Jim is currently a Community Planning Group member at Manchester Proud, a host on Education Matters, and serves St. Joseph’s Cathedral as lector and Docent. He is also running for a seat on the Manchester School Board.

Please help me in welcoming Trevor and Jim to the team!

Introducing our new USYS ODP Technical Director: John Curtis

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Date: September 23, 2019
To: Member State Associations
CC: Board of Directors, General Managers and National Office Staff
From: Chris Duke, Midwest Region General Manager- ODP
Subject: Introducing our new ODP Technical Director: John Curtis

It is a great honor and privilege to introduce to you our new ODP Technical Director, Coach John Curtis.

Curtis has been involved in youth soccer as a coach, administrator, director and parent for 25 years. Prior to accepting the position of US Youth Soccer ODP Technical Director, Curtis was employed by the USYS Member State Association, Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA), where he served for more than twenty years working his way up through the organization from college intern to Associate Director of Coaching and ultimately serving as Director of Coaching and Player Development. In addition to coaching education, player development and ODP, one of Curtis’ favorite roles with MYSA was community outreach, especially his visits to elementary schools in diverse, and often underserved, areas to work directly with kids and their physical education teachers.

For the past 16 years, Curtis has been involved with USYS’s ODP Midwest Region as a Staff Coach and U13/14 Head Coach. As a Regional ODP Coach, Curtis had the honor of coaching youth who have since gone on to become national team or professional MLS players, including: Michael Bradley, Darlington Nagbe, Ray Gaddis, Ethan Finlay, the late Kirk Urso, and many others. This past spring, Curtis was named the Girls’ Head Coach for the USYS ODP West Region.

“I am honored and excited to join US Youth Soccer as their ODP Technical Director and to continue my work with ODP on a national level,” Curtis said. “ODP is something I have been passionate about at both the state and regional levels because it provides valuable development opportunities for players from all backgrounds and gives them access to resources needed to reach the highest level in the sport of soccer. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve our ODP youth nationally and I look forward to continued collaboration with many of the top coaching talents in youth soccer.”

“John understands the landscape on the boys and girls side of soccer in this country,” says Chris Duke, Midwest Region General Manager- ODP. “John will bring tons of experience and knowledge to USYS and our Olympic Development Program (ODP).” “I am extremely excited to have him on our team and I look forward to working with him to help grow the USYS ODP.”

Curtis brings a wealth of professional relationships, experience and knowledge with him to this new role. From 1997 through 2010, he served as the Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach at St. Olaf and Macalester College, both Division III colleges in the MIAC Conference, working alongside esteemed head coaches, John Leaney and Ian Barker. Since 2016, Curtis has served as part of the US Department of State, Sports Diplomacy and Outreach making several goodwill trips to Haiti with United Soccer Coaches and The Sanneh Foundation to train coaches and players. From 2017 to 2019, he held the elected position of Technical Chair for the Midwest Region’s State Directors of Coaching. Curtis holds his USSF “A” license, National Youth License, Talent Scout License, Grassroots Instructors License and his United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma. Curtis serves on the national staff for U.S. Soccer, US Youth Soccer and the United Soccer Coaches instructing advanced coaching license courses for coaches across the country. Additionally, Curtis is an active U.S. Soccer Scout working to identify both girls and boys for youth national teams.

“John Curtis is uniquely qualified to assume the role of USYS Olympic Development Program (ODP) Technical Director,” said Ian Barker – Head Coach Boys’ USYS ODP Midwest and Director of Coaching Education, United Soccer Coaches. “In addition to his breadth of knowledge in the technical direction of ODP, he has innovated advancements in providing low or no cost programming to make the program accessible to all players,” says Barker. “As ODP evolves into a relevant and powerful tool in the ongoing identification of young soccer talent and supporting that talent in the development pathway, John Curtis will be a strong leader. In his national role, he will be well placed to support all USYS states and regions collaborating to build a still stronger nationwide program.”

Family is a top priority for Curtis. He and his wife, Jeanne, have two elementary aged children, Evan and Molly. According to Curtis, “We are all excited for this next chapter. My family knows how much love I have for ODP and throughout my career, they have supported my ODP commitments and the time away that it requires. I wouldn’t be able to do this without their unwavering support.” When he is not traveling, Curtis enjoys spending time with his family relaxing on the lake, playing soccer or hockey, roller blading, biking, and skiing. “We definitely make the most of our time together.”

Please join me in welcoming John Curtis!

Sincerely,
Chris Duke
Midwest Region General Manager- ODP US Youth Soccer