Maple Valley Soccer Association December 15, 2016

Members,

One of the few things we can count on in life is change.  We can choose to make change difficult or embrace it and get excited about the possibilities.  I promise you that the Executive Board and Leadership team are diligently working not only to make Maple Valley Soccer Association the best developmental youth soccer program we can, but also develop our players as good community contributors of Maple Valley. 

We are currently working with Pinnacle Physical Therapy on injury prevention training, Proliance Orthopedic Associates to provide baseline concussion testing, Maple Valley Veterans (maplevalleyvets.org) supporting this group to build a memorial, Yes MV Parks on the new park bond for new fields and other amenities for our Community, and finally the Ravensdale Park Foundation on the Phase 3 expansion project.  Partnering with youth sports groups and giving back to our Community has been on my agenda as President since I took over in April and it will continue to be at the fore front of our program. 

Some of the changes we have made or are hoping to make that you may not be aware: 

Premier:  Hiring of a new Director of Coaching, continued testing of the injury prevention training with four teams, SAT + training will have more coaches added and also provide more strength/fitness training along with Jesse’s technical/tactical training, big brother/sister mentorship program between the younger/older teams, more development opportunities for our coaches and a parent focus group will be formed to provide input and feedback for the program (specifically improving tryouts and player retention).   

Recreation: Spring Recreation season for the first time in 2017, parent focus group will be formed to provide input on how to make the program better, providing more advanced training for the players and coaches. We are looking for someone to run this program - if you are interested contact me.

Micro Mod:  Spring season will be testing player pool play for ages 2011/6U – 20010/7U, provide more training for coaches, tweaking the amount of training/academy sessions for the fall season, more enter action with our Premier Coaches and players to provide more guidance and big brother/sister programs for our youngest players.

At the beginning of 2016 when I contemplated running for President, I sat down with my family to discuss how this possible role would affect not only my life but their lives as well.  We talked about the amount of work, dedication and accountability that was needed to make the necessary positive changes within our organization.  My children said “Dad we support you and will help anyway we can.”  The support from them (12 and 10) along with my wife convinced me that running for President was the right decision.

 

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OFF THE PITCH MicroMod | Recreation | Premier

Maple Valley Soccer Association December 15, 2016

Being elected President is a responsibility I have not taken lightly.  In my tenure as President, we have made some tough decisions and not all of those decisions have been received positively.  Everyone on the leadership team takes their position seriously. Decisions are made as a team and discussed thoroughly before a final decision is made.  We understand that these tough decisions  affect us in positive and negative ways, regardless they are made in the best interests of our members, the health of the Association and creating a positive impact to our players. We do ask that you support our leadership team and feel welcome to come and ask questions at our monthly general meetings. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you should have any questions.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,

Chris Ybarra

President

Maple Valley Soccer Association

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Purpose

Maple Valley Soccer Association is a 501(c)3 organization who's purpose is to provide education, with charitably options, to teach and develop players and coaches to love the game of soccer. Through the teaching of the game, our membership will develop mental, physical and emotional wellness, discipline, dedication, self-confidence, sportsmanship, commitment to teamwork, leadership, and volunteerism.

Calendar Events

Jan 3 MVP Practices Resume

Jan 9 Winter Striker Camp Begins

Jan 20 General Membership Meeting

Jan 20-22 College ID Camp @ Starfire Sports

Feb 10 MM U6-U8 Friday Night Lights

Feb 11 MM/Rec/MVP U9-U19 Exhibition Games

Feb 24 Spring MicroMod Registration Closes

Maple Valley Soccer Association December 15, 2016

Association News Volunteers WantedAre you looking for a way to contribute to your Association? Maple Valley Soccer has a number of open appointed board member positions. Complete job descriptions can be found on our website, within the Bylaws of Maple Valley Soccer Association. Appointment to volunteer positions require approval by the Executive Board and attendance to the monthly general membership meetings.

All Members are welcome to attend the general membership meetings. Attending the monthly meetings is the best way to stay up to date on what is happening in your Association. Check the online calendar to confirm dates and times for any changes. Be sure to contact MpVSA-Secretary@maplevalleysoccer.com a week ahead of the meeting to ensure you have a time slot to present your thoughts.

Next Meeting will be held at Fire Station 81, 6-7pm on January 20

Board / Officer Volunteers NeededVolunteering: We are always looking for members to help be a part of the Association’s leadership team. There is currently many officer and two Executive Board positions available at this time.

Executive Board Positions: VP of Administration, VP of Recreation and MAR Appointed Officer Positions: Assistant Treasurer, Fundraising Coordinator, Select/Premier Committee Member, Field Prep/Maintenance Coordinator, Membership Liaison, Member at Large.

Please contact: Chris Ybarra at mpvsa-president@maplevalleysoccer.com directly for further details on all of the open positions.

Upcoming Referee ClinicsPlease go to our website to view the upcoming referee clinics happening in our area. Entry level clinics fill up quickly, so register for the clinics soon at www.wareferees.org/AvailableClinics.   There are about 4 to 6 hours of online lessons that must be completed a couple of days prior to the clinic.  The cost of the clinic and registration is $65.00.   

Saturday, 1/21/2017, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, 650 S Orcas Street #220, Seattle, WA 98108 Saturday, 2/18/2017, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, 650 S Orcas Street #220, Seattle, WA 98108 

Maple Valley Soccer Association has a registration reimbursement program.  If you officiate 6 games in Maple Valley and you are a current Maple Valley member, you may be eligible for reimbursement. of your initial clinic fee. You can find more information about this program on our website, Click Here.

If you have any questions, please contact the Maple Valley Soccer referee assigner Richard Meeks at meeksr@myuw.net or 206-200-8145.

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Maple Valley Soccer Association December 15, 2016

SAVE THE DATE February 10, 2017

Friday Night Lights for U6-U8@ Ravensdale Park

For our MicroMod players on February 10 we will be hosting a Friday Night Lights event at Ravensdale Park. Players U6-U8 are welcome to come out to play small sided games with guidance from our MVP coaching staff. This is a free event for our players to share their love of soccer and get players excited for Spring Season.

February 11, 2017First Annual MpVSA Exhibition@ Ravensdale ParkWe are excited to announce our first annual inner-association exhibition. All MicroMod U9-10, Recreation and Premier members with birthdates 2008 (U9) through 1998 (U19) will be eligible to play in this new tournament style exhibition. This event is designed to bring all of our user groups together!

Players will be divided into three groups: Group 1: Birth Year 2008 – 2006 Group 2: Birth Year 2005 – 2003 Group 3: Birth Year 2002 – 1998

Registered boys and girls will be drawn at random and placed on a team with even mix of players from all programs. This new and exciting event comes at no cost to our members. Format will be 7v7 with two-20 minute halves. Teams will be guaranteed three games. Winner of each group will receive first place shirts along with recognition on the website and newsletter. Registration is open now!

Holiday Shopping Ideas

Show off your Maple Valley Soccer Spirit WearLooking for Holiday gift ideas? Consider outfitting your player with spirit wear from Maple Valley Soccer!

Maple Valley Soccer Association Gear: https://maplevalley.itemorder.com/sale

Have a Goalie who needs a stocking stuffer? Purchase Goalie gear from our local supplier! www.westcoastgoalkeeping.com (Coupon code MVPSA for 20% off!)

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Maple Valley Soccer Association December 15, 2016

Winter Striker Clinic Ball striking is one of the most important and diverse skill sets in the game of soccer and requires hours of practice.  Regardless of what position your player is currently playing, our Deft Touch Striker curriculum is built to compliment any player at every position, as they begin to understand how and when to strike a knuckle ball, how to shape up a bending shot and how to finish with composure.  Along with developing essential dribbling skills, playing in small sided games and high intensity shooting and finishing games, players taking part in our 6 week Striker Clinic will be introduced to the concepts of:

• Placement and Power Shooting • First Touch Placement • 1v1 Fakes and Feints • Chipping & Lobbing • Near and Far Post Runs • Target Play • Breakaway Technique & Tactics

Cost: $100 for 9 hours of training + Long Sleeve Training Shirt

The Deft Touch Striker Clinic is open to all players ages 8-17.   Players will register for one session a week.

Space is limited, be sure to register today!

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Mondays Ravensdale Park

January 9th-February 13 Ages 8-12: 5pm-6:30pm Ages 13-17: 6:30pm-8pm

Tuesdays Ravensdale Park

January 10th-February 14th Ages 8-12: 5pm-6:30pm

Ages 13-17: 6:30pm-8pm

Maple Valley Soccer Association December 15, 2016

MicroMod Patrick Mooney, VP of MicroModThank you to those who have completed the online surveys for fall season. We received great feedback on our program from the fall survey, thank you to those who responded. We are reading through all of the comments and evaluations for program improvements!

MicroMod Spring season registration is open now and will close February 24.

Cost for Spring season is $105 per player.

Academy practices will start February 27, Games will run from March 11 to April 29.

MicroMod is Looking for Spring Field SponsorsInterested in supporting your local soccer Association? Maple Valley Soccer is looking for Spring Field sponsors. Your sponsorship dollars will directly impact our MicroMod program, benefiting every child in the program.

For more information and pricing, please contact: MpVSA-VPCompetition@maplevalleysoccer.com

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Maple Valley Soccer Association December 15, 2016

Maple Valley Premier An Article from Shawn Utz, VP Premier

Soccer Cleats Matter With all the different cleat models and variation, it can be confusing when trying to sort out which are best for your player.   Both field surface and fit are important to consider in how a particular cleat will perform. Today, most of the common manufacturers offer different cleat plates designed for specific surfaces.

Typically these are described by an acronym:

“HG” for Hard Ground;

“FG” for Firm Ground

“SG” for Soft Ground

“AG” for Artificial Grass

There are even hybrids of these, but I’ll focus on the main types. All vary in rigidity and the number and size of individual “cleats” on the sole plate. Most often we have but one pair to choose, and for most it is the firm ground models. These are designed for traction and stability on natural grass, outdoor soccer fields. These typically have bladed or conical shaped cleats. Most players use these on artificial grass surfaces. Cleats vary even within the type. It important that players have cleats for both turf and grass to give players the best ‘footing’ on the field.

Some FG cleats have longer “studs” for traction/stability on grass and are much too tall for synthetic turf fields. Others are more rigid and can cause aches. It’s common to have players’ feet and ankles hurt during training sessions. The blades or studs will not fully penetrate the surface and causes instability and pressure points. Often when we see players rolling their ankles they have cleats that are too tall and for some, it continues to be a problem until the cleats are replaced with a proper pattern. Many players will wear their cleats to and from the fields further risking injury from pressure points, instability or slipping on hard surfaces. Also, almost all soccer cleats have very little arch support which may also be causing pain.

The Marauders G05 Navy team recently visited the experts at Pinnacle Physical Therapy. They now have custom orthotics for proper arch support and better bio-mechanical stability. I suggest for every player to have an insert such as Superfeet in their cleats to provide more comfort than the minimal manufactured insert. If your player is experiencing instability, foot pain, shin splints, and the sort take them in to see a professional to take a critical look at their cleat pattern and arch support needs. Seek out expert help in supporting your players feet and making corrections before there is long term damage that keeps them from the game they love. Soccer cleats matter. A pain free, stable player is much more focused at getting the most from their training time at practice and during games.

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Maple Valley Soccer Association December 15, 2016

Maple Valley Premier MVP Window Decals

We have found a new vendor for Maple Valley Premier Window decals! Each player will receive one, distributed by managers at practice soon. Additional stickers will be available for purchase for $5.00 per sticker.

Managers will receive a set for their teams in January.

SAT+

Jesse Wheelock, Technical DirectorMaple Valley Families,

I just wanted to wish you all a Happy Holiday season and I hope that you all find time to sit back and reflect on all the personal gifts that we have given and received over the past year. Reflecting on the time that I have been with the club, I must say that it has been an absolute pleasure working with everyone involved in the club, training your players, getting to know them as young people and watching them grow within our soccer community.

As we move into the holiday break, I would like to offer up the gift of inspiration with a couple of videos of my favorite players. Ronaldinho is an absolute legend of the game and maybe the most creative player that we have seen in any generation. Tobin Heath is an up and coming superstar for the US Women’s National Team and is an absolute menace/creative beast when it comes to owning the opposition off of the dribble. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h3bbfGOEBQ

Enjoy and have a great Holiday Season.

Cheers, Jesse Wheelock

HOLIDAY TRAINING Thank you all for your commitment to the SAT Plus Program. Training an extra night per week shows a high level of passion for the game and is a great vessel for these young players, as they begin to learn that putting in the extra “work” can create value for themselves and can open up multiple opportunities, in and out of soccer. Numbers have been ranging from 20-30 players per session and we expect these numbers to grow in the future as the players within the club continue to show their ambition to improve.

STAY AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION With our winter break coming up, it is very important that the players continue to practice consistently on their own and look to take advantage of having time off to hone in their skills and continue to improve. While others are sitting on the couch eating Holiday cookies and playing video games, your players have the opportunity to continue to make big gains on the technical side of their game by practicing for 15-30 minutes every day.

Use the SAT Plus Skills Library to design your own Holiday training program.

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Maple Valley Soccer Association December 15, 2016

Click on these links to to view the Goalkeeping Schedule or SAT+ Schedule online.

A Message for Keepers Shaunte Smith, Goalkeeper CoachHey all! Just your friendly neighborhood keeper trainer here. It’s been a great year so far at keeper trainings. We have managed to get through a lot of skills this year and faster than ever before. To give everyone a brief summary of the past 5 months of trainings, we have been running about 5-6 weeks per skill. The skills we have covered so far are:

We just started some fun dexterity work that we will continue to do through the rest of November. When we take our winter break, be sure to keep up with the core work that we do during training. When we come back from our winter break, we will be starting a second loop through the trainings above but at a higher proficiency. Be prepared to get sore, dirty, and have a lot of “FUN!” Super excited to start the new year. As always feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns. My email is GKshaunte@gmail.com

Ciao, Shaunte Smith

Winter College ID Camp

The PSPL Surf Academy is committed to both player development and to helping players not only push on to the collegiate level but also find a college that will suit their educational, geographical and athletic needs. We provide numerous opportunities for our players to be seen by college coaches at Showcase tournaments and ID Camps and are proud to partner with College Fit Finder to give our athletes the resources they need to successfully transition into the college game. This ID Camp will feature over 30 College Coaches!

Players ages 15-18 Dates: January 20-22, 2017

Location: Starfire Sports, Tukwila

For more information, confirm dates and to register, please click here: http://www.pugetsoundpremierleague.com/events-5/winter-showcase

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CLICK HERE CLICK HERE

• Hands and Footwork

• High balls

• One v Ones

• Some distribution & strength

• Diving

• Dexterity training

SAT PLUS SKILLS LIBRARY