EP LOCOMOTIVE ACADEMY EDUCATION CORNER

In this edition, we are sharing an article that deals with shifting the narrative of youth sports parents into a positive direction. I really enjoyed this writing because it does approach a sensitive topic in a different way. Also, it offers some solutions to the issues that might come up in the world of youth sports. 

In this edition, we are sharing an article that deals with shifting the narrative of youth sports parents into a positive direction. I really enjoyed thi writing because is does approach a sensitive topic in a different way. Also, it offers sole solutions to the issues that might come up in the world of youth sports.

In this edition, we are sharing an article that deals with soccer parenting from a goalkeeper perspective through an interview with the legendary MLS goalkeeper, Jon Busch. Jon is an American professional soccer coach and former goalkeeper. Busch is currently the goalkeeping coach for USL Championship club Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.

He is best remembered for his captivating saves, despite his shorter stature for an elite goalkeeper, and spent most of his 21-year professional playing years in Major League Soccer, appearing for the Columbus Crew, Chicago Fire and San Jose Earthquakes. Busch also represented the United States at both youth and senior level.

Arguably his best season was in 2008 when he was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. As of the end of the 2015 season, Busch ranks fourth in MLS history in number of shutouts.

Jon Busch – A Guide for Parenting a Youth Soccer Goalkeeper
A discussion with Jon Busch about Goalkeeping 101: from equipment like glove selection to the mental side of supporting your goalkeeper.
www.soccerparenting.com

In this edition, we are sharing an article that deals with soccer parenting in an easy and understandable way. We believe this is increasingly important, especially in our current environment, to continue exploring ways to behave better on the sidelines as a club and as a community. Please read it and spend some time with it!

In this edition, we are sharing a link to a webinar that is directly geared towards soccer parents in America. we believe this is something all of our families should attend as they represent the values, we believe in. Please consider signing up (it is free) and attend the webinar.

TOPICS:
1. Perspective on the important role of the soccer parent in youth soccer today

2. Key take aways from our 2023 Soccer Parent Survey results

3. Considerations for sideline behavior

4. Level headed parents, unite!  How and why?

In this edition, we are sharing an article that is exploring the differences between the pathways offered by USL and MLS. This is an important topic for families that would like to have a widespread idea about what is happening in our country. The transitioning moment from youth soccer to the next level (college or professional) is very a delicate period. The more we learn about this process, the better we can be advising our players.

In this edition, we are sharing a TEDx video titled as “Sucking the fun out of youth sports”. In the video, the presenter tries to analyze the reasons why inappropriate behavior exists in the world of youth sports. We feel, especially this past weekend, that this is an important topic, because we want to change the culture we have currently on our sidelines. We hope these topics will open some discussions and will lead to some real changes.

In this edition, we are sharing an article that talks about some uncomfortable elements of youth soccer in the USA. We feel this is an important topic, because we want our players to feel safe and secure in the environment, we create for them. We hope these topics will open some discussions – the same discussions we are having constantly in our staff meeting at our Academy!

In this edition, we are sharing a YouTube link to an interview that was produced by Modern Soccer Coach platform, one of the most followed soccer-specific multimedia platforms. The interview was with our Academy Director of El Paso Locomotive FC, Ivan Militar. The interview provided an opportunity to discuss many topics – everything El Paso and anything El Paso Locomotive FC Academy! Have a listen and enjoy!

In this edition, I would like to share an article that was shared in the Soccer Journal publication of United Soccer Coaches. The article explores a phenomenon that we can all experience in our daily lives dealing with children in the 21st century. All children experience difficulties handling conflicts, however, in an environment of teams and athletic organizations, conflicts are even more unavoidable. As a result, I thought this would be a great article to share with our families. Maybe there are some tips we can all use to help our children succeed in competitive environments, like our Academy. 

n this post, we wanted to raise attention to the Chime In! campaign of City of El Paso. This has been included in our weekly update emails, but we thought the Education Corner could be another way to bring attention to the topic. Below, you can read more about the Chime In! campaign.

About Chime In!

The City of El Paso has started a city-wide campaign, called “CHIME IN – Prioritizing YOUR City’s Budget”. This campaign allows residents of El Paso to vote and share their own priorities when it comes to how the city will spend our tax dollars.  We thought this is a perfect opportunity for our soccer community to step up and voice their concerns when it comes to the youth soccer environment in our city.  

As you all know, our Youth Soccer department, Club and Academy, is struggling to find adequate amount and quality soccer fields to rent. There are very few safe and quality field rental options in El Paso, and we are falling behind as a city by not providing acceptable training fields to our local teams, Locomotive as well as other clubs. 

All these aspects can be communicated through this survey. We ask you to participate and fill out the answers portion as well, to direct the decision-makers’ attention towards youth soccer.  

This article is to provide you with all the information about tryouts, ID Camps, and the entire Player Selection Process for the 2023/2024 season, starting August 2023. Please read the following information carefully and feel free to reach out if you have questions.

As it was shared with you during our in-person Academy Meeting back in November 2022, our Player Selection Process has 3 key areas to consider. I will discuss these 3 areas in detail.

1. Individual Development Planning

During the Winter of 2022-2023, all Academy coaches completed the Individual Development Planning (IDP) process with all Academy players. In this process, the coaches discussed certain details with the players when it comes to needed improvements, weaknesses, strengths, and even future implications. Some players were told that they are doing great but need to improve on certain aspects, some players were told that they are not in the top half of their team but they will most likely stay on the team for next year, and some other players were told that their current role on an Academy team is being challenged by other skilled players in our Club and the area. 

In other words, during the IDP process, some players got a lot of positive feedback, and some others did not. There are no secrets in this regard: there will be players that will not have a spot on one of our Academy teams next seasons, because we want to match the skill levels appropriately on our Academy teams. That is why we did the IDP process for the first time in our Academy’s history and this is why we are motivated to continue doing these meetings, so families will not get surprised when we make certain decisions about player selections. The IDP meetings were for feedback and heads up at the same time.

Important information: any Academy player who is being released from an Academy team will have an automatic position on the same age group’s top Club team. 

1. Club Tryouts vs Academy ID Camps 

This is a very important part of the process of placing players in our organization. Our Club teams will have tryouts, where all Club team players will participate. In these tryouts, all Club players will be placed on a team based on their skill levels. We are planning to add a lot of players through tryouts, as we are anticipating a lot of players wanting to join our Club. Tryouts for the Club will be free of charge, since we want to make sure that we are selecting from the widest possible range in our area. 

On the other hand, our Academy will not have tryouts. This means, we are not deciding on player selections based on a 2-day performance on tryout days. We are going to make our player selections based on the performances of the whole year on and off the field, including commitment, attitude, and soccer performance equally. Our decisions will be based on the current Head Coach’s suggestion in addition to the entire Academy Staff’s suggestions – as we are lucky to have coaches who have spent time with other teams other than their own. 

Instead of tryouts, we will continue to have ID Camp sessions. With the Academy not having tryouts, we will not invite our own players to any of our Academy ID Camp sessions. As we have already organized two ID Camp sessions for the younger age groups, I can tell you based on experience, that tn these sessions, we will have players from all over El Paso, who want to join our Academy. As we will have our next set of ID Camp sessions in May – right in the middle of tryout season, we expect that we will have a lot of participants in these sessions. These sessions will cost each player $25, which amount represents the ambition that someone shows in order to join our Academy. 

Our first instinct will be to add our own Club players to the available open spots of our Academy teams. Our second instinct is to explore players of this area through the ID Camp sessions and see if we can find some potential players to add. If we find a player, we will not add that player automatically to our Academy for next year, instead we will invite them to training sessions and see how they interact with our current players. Only after this process, with the confirmation of myself and the coaches, will we make a final decision of addition. 

As an Academy parent, you probably have already seen different players from different clubs show up and train with our teams. Those players are all going through the process of identification for next season. 

1. Timing and Commitment

We are planning to communicate our Player Selections at the end of May and in the beginning of June the latest. It is important to understand that we have a full commitment towards all our current players who are playing on our teams now, regardless of our player selections for the following season. Which means even if a player is being placed on a Club team for next year, we expect them to finish their season on our Academy team. 

In general, these times are “crazy times” in the youth soccer world and as a staff we are expecting nothing less. However, we are excited to attack this process head on and make some decisions for the future. Please help us as much as you can to make this process smooth and healthy!

In this edition, I would like to share two different contents:

1. How to College: First Gen – PODCAST

This is a podcast created by First Generation students (students that have parents who do not have received colleg education) for potential college students. I am one of those First Generation students, so I am completely aware of how difficult the application and the financial piece could be. Managing the process of getting into college could be confusing and complicated. This podcast helps students, parents, and families to receive ideas, tips, and solutions for those type of issues. I highly recommend listening to all the episodes.

2. Arsene Wegner FIFA Interview – YOUTUBE VIDEO

If you know Arsene Wenger, the legendary Arsenal head coach, you must know that he is one of the best coaches ever when it comes to developing young players and creating a style of play with his teams. In this interview he shared his thoughts on the essence of football, youth development, and had fascinating takes on the current status of world football. It is definitely worth  a listen.

I hope this content will open up new perspectives and share some useful information with you all! Until next, see you guys on the fields!

IS WINNING EVERYTHING?

In preparation for what is ahead, I thought it would be beneficial for our community to read about “winning” in youth soccer. I know what you all are thinking… How can someone say winning is not important? I would like to share my own thoughts on the matter.

First of all, I am an extremely competitive person. I have always been. I was the kid that cried after a loss, I was the boy who had a father who was disappointed if I did not play well, and I was also the one who wanted to get all the individual award at every single U12 tournament…

Due to my drive, my talent, and the opportunities I have received from my coaches, parents, and teammates, I was able to become a full-scholarship Division I student-athlete at Old Dominion University. Notice that winning was not the reason why that happened. Winning is the result of my drive, my talent, and the opportunities I have received. As a result, logically, I think winning is less important that developing the players’ abilities to be motivated, skilled, and enjoy the environment they are in.

I would also like to add that learning is what drives development. And learning equals to experiences. In other words: in order to develop you must learn how to handle losses just as much as winning. 

Please read the article, it is a good one.