News & Info

2009 Magic Moves Program Set
The popular PA West Soccer player development program "Magic Moves" will be held in Monroeville and Cranberry beginning in January.  The program is offered to U9 and U10 players.  The cost is only $75.00 and due to space limitations the program is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Six Named To Region 1 Interregional Teams
When the Region 1 teams head to Florida for the annual US Youth Soccer ODP Thanksgiving Interregionals there will be six PA West Soccer representatives among the players chosen to compete.  Those selected include Shelli Spamer and Taylor Shram, both to the '92 Girls team.  Ryan Vilella will be a member of the '95 Boys.  Zach Batteer, Drew Klingenberg, and Mark Leibensperger will be members of the '93 Boys squad. 

The Girls Interregionals will be held November 24-28 in Coral Springs, FL.  The Boys Interregionals are slated for November 28-December 1 at Disney's Wide World of Sports in Orlando.

ODP Tryouts Set For Fall
Tryouts for the 2008-09 ODP teams are set for this fall.  Tryouts will be held at several locations; players only need to attend one tryout session but are encouraged to attend as many as possible.  Players may register now; the registration fee is $25.00.

“Positive Parenting For Youth Soccer” Available From US Youth Soccer
With the release of the DVD “Positive Parenting For Youth Soccer,” US Youth Soccer and PA West Soccer further their commitment to creating a supportive environment for young athletes. The US Youth Soccer Coaching Education Department has created this ‘view from the sidelines’ in an effort to create a positive learning environment for those involved in the lives of young soccer players.

The Coaching Education Department is proud to provide a teaching tool designed for administrators, coaches, parents and anyone who cares about children to assist them in providing positive learning atmosphere for our children. The DVD will assist adults in helping young players play and keeping the fun in youth sports.
 
“The Positive Parenting for Youth Soccer DVD is yet another resource from US Youth Soccer to support the game for all kids,” said Sam Snow, director of coaching education for US Youth Soccer. “The DVD will contribute to a healthy and developmentally appropriate environment for youth soccer players.”

“Positive Parenting” discusses the practice and game environment as well as the ride home, each from the perspective of the players, referees and coaches.

PA West Soccer Youth Vice President Stan Hunter encourages everyone involved with younger players to take a look at US Youth Soccer’s latest offering, “This DVD is another step in a series of training tools provided by US Youth Soccer that are available to PA West Soccer members.  We urge all our clubs and/or parents to purchase a copy, review the valuable material, and implement its recommendations so that we may further enhance the development of our youth players.”
 
"Positive Parenting addresses positive behavior and supportive techniques to enhance the players’ enjoyment of the game,” said David Messersmith, president of US Youth Soccer.  “The DVD is reasonably priced so it can be used by everyone and we believe it to be an asset to those working with our youth players."
 
This presentation provides a unique blend of psychology/philosophy and interviews with children of various ages. This video provides insight on:
Why children play
Teaching sportsmanship by example
How to be supportive soccer parents
Developing vs. winning
Red cards for parents
Emotional needs of players
Keeping it all in perspective

To learn more about Positive Parenting for Youth Soccer visit USYouthSoccer.org. The US Youth Soccer Online Store also offers a number of resources for coaches, parents and soccer enthusiasts from DVDS, books, downloadable materials, articles on player development, coaching education and fitness to the latest news on the various programs offered by US Youth Soccer.

PA WEST COACHING AND PLAYER DEVELOPMENT MISSION STATEMENT
TO AID USSF, THE YOUTH AND AMATEUR DIVISIONS IN THEIR STATED AIMS, BY CREATING THE BEST POSSIBLE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE YOUTH AND AMATEUR SOCCER PLAYER IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA THROUGH:

Emphasizing that playing soccer should be made an enjoyable experience.

Encouraging the creation of age-appropriate environments through the use of small-sided games. 

Asking coaches to utilize appropriate teaching methods (age-appropriate activities and games), whilst letting the game be the teacher.

Increasing the awareness of safety issues/adult behavior issues.

Allowing participation in that level of competition that enables players to be challenged at their appropriate level....including the elite player.

Emphasizing player development over winning/losing, especially amongst younger players.

SPECIFICALLY OUR GOALS ARE TO:
Coaching Development
Improve the soccer education of coaches working with recreational players, with specific focus on those coaches new to soccer (U6 and U8).

Support the development of coaches working with 10-14 year olds, who are emphasizing "technical development in the game," through the provision of PA West Coaching Schools.

Identify and educate coaches who can enhance coaching development and player development programs.
 

Player Development
Enable 4 to 10 year old children in recreational soccer to have fun, to develop a passionate desire to play and to acquire new skills in age-appropriate environments.

Enhance the technical development of players by offering player development programs.

Support the player development efforts of clubs in older age groups by reducing conflicts/overlap with programs like the PA West Olympic Teams.

Make PA West Olympic Teams identification orientated, competitive and inexpensive.

Soccer Environment
Aid in the creation of "Fear Free" and age-appropriate environments for our younger players that prioritize player development over winning and/or large-sided games.

Develop competitions/awards that encourage/recognize skill development and the promotion of other "task goals" amongst PA West clubs and players.

Lobby clubs with older teams (U15+) to participate in the highest level of competition available (e.g. for elite players, regular participation in recognized regional leagues/tournaments).

Help the spread of soccer into all communities regardless of race, gender, disability, etc.

Encourage and nurture a passion for soccer amongst our member players, so that retention rates improve and the continued growth of the Amateur Division is enhanced.