New Hampshire Soccer Association News

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

US Youth Soccer’s Pro Soccer Player Appearance Request is Now Live!

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FRISCO, Texas (September 18, 2019)– US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in America and the leader in youth soccer, in July of this year announced an exclusive partnership with the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA). The 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 exclusive partnership, US Youth Soccer became the recognized “Official Player and Personal Development Partner of the NWSLPA.”

This first element of this partnership, creating opportunities to further connect professional female soccer players with the various communities in which they were raised, live and compete, is now live! Through networking opportunities, 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.

To learn more, and to request a professional player appearance, please visit the USYS Player Appearance website and submit a request!

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About US Youth Soccer: US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to make soccer the preeminent youth sport in the country. US Youth Soccer registers 3 million players annually, ages 5 to 19. Through its programming, resources and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 55 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and nearly 1 million administrators, coaches and volunteers. US Youth Soccer connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer provides a path for every player, offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game.

For more information on US Youth Soccer and its programs, visit www.USYouthSoccer.org. Connect with US Youth Soccer on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About the NWSLPA: The NWSLPA serves as the primary voice and advocate of the NWSL players, aiming to foster the most positive career experience and professional environment for our members while championing the continued growth of the league and women’s game. The organization serves as a communication pathway among players, clubs, and the league leadership in order to maximize the quality and professionalism of working conditions, with player longevity in mind. The NWSLPA also supports the careers of players off the field by helping to secure opportunities for professional development, continuing education, and building their personal brands. For more information on the NWSLPA, visit nwslplayers.com, @nwslplayers (Instagram and Twitter), or email nwslplayers@gmail.com.

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US YOUTH SOCCER AND TIPEVO JOIN FORCES TO REIMAGINE YOUTH SOCCER

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FRISCO, Texas (August 15, 2019) – US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in America and the leader in youth soccer, is proud to announce an exclusive partnership with data-solutions company,TiPEVO. The partnership will promote TiPEVO-powered online information platforms that will help players and parents game plan all aspects of their youth soccer experience – including the new official US Youth Soccer Club Directory to be launched in the coming weeks.

“With TiPEVO’s help, our goal is for youth soccer to harness the power of technology as US Youth Soccer continues to lead by example, raising the bar for other sports to follow,” said Chris Moore, CEO of US Youth Soccer. “Improved access, understanding, and clarity align perfectly with our mission of making soccer the preeminent youth sport in the United States and our vision of providing the path for every player.”

TiPEVO’s advanced data technology will provide US Youth Soccer the opportunity to redefine the way information is discovered and communications occur throughout youth soccer. At the heart of the platform is a totally re-engineered US Youth Soccer Club Directory that will serve as a centralized platform to discover accurate and comprehensive information about every club and program in the country whose teams and players participate in US Youth Soccer programs, events, and competitions. Elements of the platform include transparent consumer reviews and a safe communication tool to be used between parents and clubs.

The unique ability of TiPEVO to integrate verified, independent, crowd-sourced reviews of clubs and programs brings a whole new dimension to the youth soccer landscape. The existence of enhanced transparency will help stimulate well-informed decision-making by players and parents, facilitate connections directly with club administrators, and ultimately help promote increased program quality.

“The combination of rich data complemented by shared consumer experiences has revolutionized many industries – now it’s the time for youth sports to take advantage,” said Dan Conte, Founder & CEO of TiPEVO. “Soccer is one of the most robust youth sports landscapes – partnering with US Youth Soccer is a magnificent opportunity to showcase the power of TiPEVO and its value in providing players and parents a voice and outlet through which they can make informed decisions about their sports experience. Why should it be easier to research a hotel or a restaurant than your kid’s youth soccer program?”

For more information about this partnership visit US Youth Soccer https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/TiPEVO/ and Tipeveo.com https://www.tipevo.com

NH Referees attend Advanced Training from National Referee Staff

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US Soccer Director of Referee Development: Rick Eddy

August 10-11 (Derry, NH) – As is typical for the New Hampshire US Soccer referee community, the second weekend of August serves as the annual advanced referee training (A.R.T.). Each year, the State Referee Committee (S.R.C.) plays host to a National Referee Coach from US Soccer who spends the weekend working with referees on a variety of topics including, but not limited to:

  • Changes to the US Soccer Referee Program:
    • New Referee Grade System
    • “What is a Grassroots Referee?”
    • Registration & Recertification Changes
  • Understanding changes to the Laws of the Game (LoTG)
  • Review updated LoTG interpretations
  • The Role of the Referee, Referee Mentor, Referee Coach, and the SRC.

This year, referees were lucky to have Rick Eddy, Director of Referee Development for US Soccer, be the lead instructor. Rick is a New Englander at heart, even though he currently resides in Chicago working for US Soccer. Rick spent two days working with our referees and the State Referee Program. New Hampshire is lucky to have such a great resource who understands the New England soccer enviornment and can assist referees naviagate the ever changing waters.

Saturday:
Saturday begins with the Regional Referee Fitness test for referees who currently hold (or seeking upgrade to) the “Regional” Referee distinction. This test is two parts which include the “Sprint” Test and the “Interval” Test.

The Sprint Test is a series of sprints in which the referee has 7 opportunities to complete six (6) 40 meter sprints in no more than 6.4 seconds. If a referee does not complete this test, they do not get to advance to the Interval Test.

The Interval Test is a series of intervals in which the referee must complete 40 intervals that include a 75 meter run and a 25 meter walk. The 75 meter run must be completed in 17 seconds and the 25 meter walk must be completed in 20 seconds. Referees will complete a series of 40 intervals at this pace. Referees are only allowed 1 missed interval before failing the Interval Test.

After the Regional Referee Fitness Test, those referees will join the grassroots referees for a classroom session which spans from 9AM to 4PM.

During this session, referees receive instruction on the latest changes to the LoTG as well as changes to interpretations of current Laws. This year, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has made many changes to the LoTG. Referees were able to get clearity on all of these changes and ask supporting questions to ensure full and total comprehension.

After lunch, referees were able to take part in Video Clip analysis. Referees used the FIFA Considerations to come to conclusions baised on current LoTG and interpretations. This is always good for referees to not only see how the LoTG are supposed to be interpreted but also ask questions baised on their own experiences.

Sunday:
Current and future Referee Mentors & Coaches returned to work with Rick again as well as Professional Referee Organization’s (PRO) Erich Simmons who is currently a Development Group Referee Coach for referees in the country’s highest levels of soccer. This second day of training focuses on the “Role of the Referee Mentor & Coach” as well as instructional practices that will have the greatest impact with officials.

The Referee Mentors & Coaches collaberated on preparing video analysis training by using FIFA’s “Sequence for a Presentation of a Video”. Referee mentor, Cullen Madden, said “This training really helps us, as mentors, to see the many different ways that utilization of video/technology can benefit an official as well as their peers when used properly.”

The training provided all in attendance the opportunity to not only see best practicies but demonstrate what they learned as well.

A big thank you goes out to US Soccer’s Director of Referee Development, Rick Eddy. This weekend of training will serve the referees in New Hampshire well and allow many to pass the torch of knowledge to other referees across the State of New Hampshire.

A thank you also goes to Erich Simmons for taking the time to Coach our Referee Coaches and Mentors.

Rick Eddy: Director of Referee Development (US Soccer)
Erich Simmons: Development Group Referee Coach (PRO)

UPSL Names Luis Costa as Northeast Conference Patriot Division Manager

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August 6, 2019 – Los Angeles – The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is pleased to announce the addition of Luis Costa Northeast Conference Patriot Division I & II Manager.

Costa comes to the UPSL following a career as a Player, Coach and Manager for a number of Pro Development clubs in New England.

United Premier Soccer League East Coast Director Jim Antonakas said, “I am excited to work with Luis. His experience and knowledge about the game stretches beyond borders, and Luis shares the UPSL’s vision for growth. He’s seen the league first-hand as a coach. I think that’s important, and will give the league an on-the-ground perspective in one of the country’s top soccer markets.”

Costa, 48, will focus on developing UPSL’s tier structure in New England, leading the way for further league expansion to the UPSL’s Women’s Division, Masters Division and Youth Academy.

UPSL Northeast Conference Patriot Section Manager Luis Costa said, “I am very excited to work with the UPSL on expanding the league’s East Coast footprint and developing the Patriot Division to create a platform for teams on the East Coast like there has never been before. We are looking forward to introducing the UPSL Women’s Division, the Masters Division and the Youth Academy as the UPSL grows in the Northeast.”

Costa is a native of Azores, Portugal, and was a youth player at Lusitânia Futebol Club. After immigrating to the United States in 1986, Costa was an all-state player and graduated from Boston (Mass.)’s Lowell High School. He last played for Lowell United (USASA) before a knee injury derailed his career.

Costa currently holds a UEFA ‘E’ National Coaching License, and has coached for several clubs in New England.

“There’s a huge demand for good conference managers throughout lower division soccer. It’s hard to find qualified candidates who have also seen it from the other side (playing), and can try to fix those issues and be a top manager that the teams are looking for,” Costa said. “I’ve been there. I’ve been on the other side as a player, as a coach and as a manager of clubs, so for me it’s about finding what kind of management assistance the clubs need. That’s why I’m here – to help the teams in the Northeast and the UPSL as a whole, because I know what it takes and how clubs run.”

Costa coached Greater Lowell United (NPSL) and NH Rovers (CSL) in recent years. He previously coached NH Rapids (UPSL) during the 2018 Spring Season.

“I would like to see teams grow their organizations to the point of professional status. Turning and average club into a professionally-run club – that’s my goal,” Costa said. “I want to make a difference in the league, and see the Patriot Section operate upon a higher level because of the top professionalism coming from within the clubs.”

Costa also serves as Vice President of Adult Soccer for New Hampshire Soccer Association.

United Premier Soccer League

The UPSL was formed in 2011 and currently includes more than 300 teams in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin. UPSL is the fastest growing Pro Development League in the USA, with 500-plus teams targeted for 2020 Spring Season. Each UPSL team is individually owned and operated, and is responsible for maintaining either UPSL Pro Premier Division or Championship Division minimum standards.

UPSL teams are all eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds through the leagues affiliation with the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).

More information about UPSL can be found at www.upslsoccer.com or by following the league on Facebook (www.facebook.com/upslsoccer) and Twitter (@upslsoccer).

Contact UPSL:
Direct: 978-996-3759
Email: lcosta1972@hotmail.com or info@upslsoccer.com

Media Relations:
Dennis Pope
dennis@upslsoccer.com
upslcommunications@gmail.com
Direct: 951-675-3963
www.upslsoccer.com
www.facebook.com/unitedpremiersoccerleague
www.twitter.com/unitedpremiersoccerleague

US Youth Soccer Becomes the Official Player and Personal Development Partner of the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association

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FRISCO, Texas (July 27, 2019) – US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in America and the leader in youth soccer, is proud to announce an exclusive partnership with the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA). The 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 exclusive partnership, US Youth Soccer will be recognized as the “Official Player and Personal Development Partner of the NWSLPA.”

This first-of-its-kind relationship between a youth and professional soccer organization will create opportunities to further connect professional female soccer players with the various communities in which they were raised, live and compete. Through networking opportunities, 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.

“Partnering with US Youth Soccer and its 55 Member State Associations is a game changer for the NWSLPA and its players,” said Brooke Elby, President of the NWSLPA. “State Associations are uniquely positioned to provide our players with additional opportunities to develop community-based networks that will focus on the individual’s personal development on and off of the field.”

Given that a large majority of American players in the NWSL are alumnae of US Youth Soccer and grew up playing in one or more of US Youth Soccer’s competitive programs, they are uniquely familiar with the challenges and opportunities many young players face.

“US Youth Soccer could not be more excited about this partnership as we, in concert with our organization members, continue to lead the way in growing the game and providing the path for every player,” said Chris Moore, CEO of US Youth Soccer.  “To be able to not only expose our youth participants to these amazing professional players, but to also assist these powerful women in further developing skills that will aid in their eventual transition from players to community leaders, is an accomplishment of which we are truly proud.”

BY THE NUMBERS: LEAGUES PROGRAM TEAMS AT 2019 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES FINALS

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For more information on the US Youth Soccer National League and the 13 US Youth Soccer Conferences, click here.

What is TOPSoccer?

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US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, organized by youth soccer association volunteers. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl, who has a mental or physical disability. Our goal is to enable the thousands of young athletes with disabilities to become valued and successful members of the US Youth Soccer family.

What is TOPSoccer?
TOPSoccer is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with special needs.  It provides a very affordable opportunity for fitness, fun and building self-esteem.

  • Modifications are made to the game to allow full participation and enjoyment to each child.

  • One-on-one assistance is available to those who need it.

  • It offers a recreational, leisure approach to the game of soccer for children with special needs.

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Why do we need a TOPSoccer Program?
TOPSoccer was formed to perpetuate the US Youth Soccer mission statement which is, in part, “to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America’s youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition.” There are thousands of children with disabilities who need, and can be provided with, the opportunity to play soccer through the TOPSoccer program.

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Athletes:
A TOPSoccer player is defined as any youth player between the ages of 4 and 19 who has a disability that limits their ability to perform at the level of play in which they have chosen to participate.

Mission:
TOPSoccer was formed to perpetuate the US Youth Soccer mission statement, which is, to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition.

Our goal is to enable the thousands of young athletes with disabilities to develop their physical fitness, technical skills, courage and self-esteem, through the joy and excitement of playing soccer.

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Facts:

Listed below are some amazing facts on the prevalence of disabilities within our society.  These facts are the latest available from the 1990 Census conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.

  • There are 48.9 million people with disabilities.  7 million have mental disabilities

  • 50,000 children a year become disabled through accidents.

  • 150,000 babies are born each year with a birth defect.

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Volunteers | How Can I Help?
The TOPSoccer program would not exist without the countless hours donated by dedicated volunteers across the country.  Yet, we need more volunteers to help make this a reality for these children.  If you believe in the statement “the gift of life is the gift of giving,” you are on the right track to becoming a volunteer.

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More Information:

For information on local TOPSoccer programs, resources, registration and how to set up a TOPSoccer program, please contact our TOPSoccer Coordinators Tamara Morris and Ara Tamzarian.

New Hampshire Soccer Loses A Player Too Early

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CENTER BARNSTEAD – It is with heavy hearts that we have to inform the membership of the New Hampshire Soccer Association that we have lost one of our future stars, Tessa Reneé Carter, 16, of Center Barnstead.

We at New Hampshire Soccer Association offer our heartfelt condolences to Tessa’s family. Your daughter was a part of the fabric that is New Hampshire soccer.  Her love for the game, her determination as a player, her caring nature as a volunteer coach and mentor, as well as her competitive spirit will be missed on the soccer fields of New Hampshire.

The New Hampshire Soccer Association hopes that no Family, Community, Club, Team, or Individual has to feel the pain of a loss of an individual who felt that suicide is the answer.  We want all involved in the game we love to feel that they are not alone.  The game of soccer is about family.  Some family you are born into and then there are those who become family through the game.

As a family, soccer or otherwise, you always have someone to lean on.  Never feel that you are on your own. We are New Hampshire Soccer, We ARE FAMILY.

If you or someone you know is thinking about harming themselves, let them know there are other options.

Below are links to resources that could help save a life:

Rally Your Team – Lancaster 2019

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July 10-14, 2019 – Lancaster

2019 Adult Soccer Fest

Lancaster, Massachusetts