Volume I    Issue I I                                 September 2017
Back to Soccer, Back to School!

Hope everyone was able to get a little "rest" over the summer, as the season is now at its end. And, as we all know, with the passing of one season comes the onset of another (or two!).  As our kids head back to school and balance homework, soccer practice and a multitude of other things, we need to make sure our kids have the proper fuel.  

Here are some tips from sports nutritionist and US Youth Soccer Team Nesquik member, Tara Collingwood. Whether you are a coach or parent, please follow the below links for tips and tools to stay healthy and navigate through these busy months:
Let's enjoy a safe and fun soccer season (what is left of it), and get a healthy start to the school year!

Best,

Lisa Hulshizer
Executive Director
Wyoming Soccer Association
 
INTEGRITY | DEVELOPMENT | FUN |  FAIRNESS | SUSTAINABILITY | TEAMWORK

The Latest from US Youth Soccer

September is NATIONAL YOUTH SOCCER MONTH!

US Youth Soccer is excited to kick off the 15th annual Youth Soccer Month - Celebrating Soccer in America.  The celebration will continue throughout the month promoting the benefits of soccer.

The purpose of Youth Soccer Month 2017 is to raise awareness of the game's many advantages and encourage others to continue enjoying soccer.  

During each week, Youth Soccer Month will focus on a different theme celebrating soccer. The four messages of Youth Soccer month are:
  • Fun: (Week of Sept. 3)
Whether recreational or competitive in nature, involvement in soccer is easy, affordable and rewarding.
  • Family: (Week of Sept. 10)
Playing soccer ties families together as schedules, vacations and family time are coordinated.
  • Friendship: (Week of Sept. 17)
The relationships generated through playing soccer extend beyond the field.
  • Fitness: (Week of Sept. 24)
The health and fitness (physical, psychological and social) benefits of playing soccer.
Stay connected on www.YouthSoccerMonth.org and social media to see how US Youth Soccer shares the messages of these four themes.

MAKE YOUR OWN BALL DAY

US Youth Soccer is collaborating once again with the  Make Your Own Ball Day  initiative this September and encourages colleges, leagues, clubs, teams and families to set time aside on Thursday, Sept. 21 to join National Make Your Own Ball Day. 

The mission of Make Your Own Ball Day is to use a ball to help kids create, connect, give, appreciate and play. MYOBD promotes and supports the passions of kids for sport and uses soccer as a platform for change.

CONTESTS AND GIVEAWAYS

Throughout the month, in addition to promoting the benefits of being active through youth soccer, several chances to win soccer-related prizes will be available on the Youth Soccer Month website as well as social media. People will have the chance to win a soccer ball every day in the annual Ball-A-Day Giveaway or a sports bag full of US Youth Soccer items in the weekly Bag Bundle Contest.

Make sure you check out the Youth Soccer Month Calendar as several State Association and college events are scheduled across the country, where spectators will receive Youth Soccer Month freebies as they cheer on their team.

How can you celebrate?

From ways to help grow the game to the fun giveaways to the different types of events taking place, follow the celebration online and show us how you're getting involved using #YSM2017.


US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame Nominations

This is a reminder that US Youth Soccer is accepting nominations for the US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame to be inducted at the Workshop in January 2018.   
 
If you are interested in making a nomination, please email the state office at  wssa@wyomingsoccer.com  for nomination criteria per US Youth Soccer's Honor Policy (Section 203).   To submit your nomination for the Class of 2017, please click here and complete the form.  


US Youth Soccer Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts

A rainbow colors the sky over a Whataburger sign destroyed by Hurricane Harvey in Refugio, Texas, on Monday, August 28, 2017.
Across the country, we have witnessed the heartbreaking images of Hurricane Harvey, but we have also witnessed the bravery of our nation's first responders and the harrowing pictures of everyday citizens coming to the rescue of complete strangers in the community. Our extended soccer family in Texas needs us and US Youth Soccer has created an easy and convenient way to give. In addition, all contributions to the US Youth Soccer Hurricane Relief fund will be matched dollar for dollar by the national office of US Youth Soccer. 100% of the funds will go directly to the State Associations impacted by Hurricane Harvey to support the membership relief/rebuilding efforts in their state.  

Please click here if you would like to contribute.

The Latest from Wyoming Soccer Association


Fall League

Seventy-eight teams are registered for Fall League!  This is a close second to our highest number of teams ever registered for Fall League.  Games will be played September 29 - October 1, 2017 in Casper.  League rules can be found on the WSA web site  here.  Please contact the state office with questions at (307) 742-2306 or via email at  wssa@wyomingsoccer.com.  The schedule is in the works and will be sent out in the next week.  


As part of our League Games, Wyoming Soccer Association is GOING GOLD with Go4theGoal's GOLD laces to raise funds and awareness for kids with cancer and the Jason's Friends Foundation.  All teams are encouraged to purchase their laces by Wednesday, September 20th for guaranteed delivery by Thursday, September 28th. Laces are only $5.00/pair and can be purchased at Go4theGoal.org and worn throughout the remainder of the season. We strongly encourage ordering as a team to save on shipping!   You can help us reach our goal by donating at Donate.Go4theGoal.org/WyomingSoccer . $4.00 from each pair of laces, plus 100% of all donations go to benefit kids with cancer living here in Wyoming by providing financial assistance and supporting Camp Courage, Wyoming's only camp dedicated to childhood cancer!

For more information or assistance ordering laces, please contact NickKelleher@Go4theGoal.org


The SAT/ACT Project through Wyoming Soccer Association

The SAT/ACT Fall testing season has started.

Next Exams:
ACT: September 9, October 28
SAT: October 7
 


The SAT/ACT Prep Project has sponsored our players & their families for o nline semester-length, study-at-your-own-pace with any internet enabled device SAT/ACT preperation programs preferred by over 250,000 students.

$700 Programs for $39.99
$350 Programs for $19.99

Just go to  eknowledge.com/WyomingSoccer for more information or to enroll in the program.
 
* The $350 program cost is paid by the sponsors and partnership. There is a fee of $19.99 paid by the student that covers the cost for streaming, student support, customer support and materials. All student fees are reinvested to improve the program and reach more families. The Project does not create a profit.
Upcoming Educational Opportunities

Sheridan Storm is sponsoring an NSCAA 7v7/9v9 clinic on November 18th from 9am-7pm at Sheridan College. 
 
NSCAA Diploma courses are designed to help teach training methods, where this course specifically focuses on the players aged 9-12 years old. This course will discuss player development, principles of play, technique, and tactics with small-sided games.
The registration link can be found here.

An E-license coaching coarse is tentatively planned for October 28-29 in Jackson.  Please be on the look out for more information. 

A Grade 8 Referee clinic is scheduled in Laramie for September 17th.  Click here for further information and to register.

Please keep in mind the Wyoming Soccer Association (WSA) technical staff  is available to work with individual teams, clubs and/or coaches around the state.  They can use their session, or they can use a session from the local team/coach/club.  If you are interested in working with a member of the WSA technical staff, please call the state office at (307) 742-2306.


Last month, Wyoming Soccer Association announced a new feature for the monthly newsletter - Player Spotlight. Our first player in the spotlight is Carter Claflin.  

Carter is an 8th grader at Davis Middle School and plays with Evanston Express. Carter is a goal keeper and over the past year, he has improved greatly in his skills.  He has grown both personally and as a player.

No matter what, Carter is always smiling when he is off the field.  But, when he's playing, he gets in the zone and keeps a fierce look of determination, never letting his guard down.  

Carter is an inspiration to his teammates, his coaches and the parents and families on the sidelines.  Keep your head and spirits up, Carter!  Carter was nominated by one of his teammates' parents, Tabby Ruiz.  Thank you, Tabby!

We want to hear more about players like Carter.  Remember, the player spotlight can highlight achievement in any area, whether it's soccer, academics, community, or attitude. Please share your kids with us!  

To nominate a player from your club for the Player Spotlight, please click here.  Scroll down to the general section.  Click "Player Spotlight Submission Form" and it will save to your computer.  The form is very simple and should be emailed to wssa@wyomingsoccer.com.  
The Latest on the 
Wyoming 307 Program

The Wyoming 307 Program continues to grow. Coaches are attempting to collaborate to create continuity in the program, discuss tournaments and discuss ways to make the program even better.  

We now have teams for boys in the 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U and 19U age groups and for girls in the 12U, 14U, 15U and 19U age groups.  If you are interested in being considered for a Wyoming 307 team, please contact our 307 Administrator, Casey Nix, to be put in touch with the appropriate coaches.
The Latest on the 
Olympic Development Program 


For complete information on the ODP program, please click here, or email our ODP Administrator, Krista Sweckard.
The Latest from WSA Affiliated Clubs

All players will receive a flyer at the Caper Fall Classic.  Just show your flyer when you arrive at the corn maze or let them know you are with Casper Soccer Club and everyone in your party will receive the $2 discount!

Evanston Express

Evanston Express is a small soccer club in Evanston, WY.  They participate in a few tournaments in Wyoming, The Rock Challenge and Turf Wars, and in Utah, the Extreme Cup and Strikers Cup.  As a newer club, Evanston Express is trying to build their program and is trying to gain a broader player base. They have dedicated coaches who strive to help kids become more active, involved, educated and inspired.  Any interested players from the Evanston area, whether boys or girls should contact the club.  Evanston Express was established in 2012 and would love to put on a tournament of their own some day.  To contact Evanston Express, please click here.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS
Board of Directors Meetings 

Monthly board meetings are scheduled on the 3rd Thursday of each month.  An in-person board meeting is held once per quarter.

September's board meeting will be our quarterly in-person meeting and will be held on Saturday, September 30th during Fall League games.  These meetings are open to the membership and call in information is as follows:
                                                                                 
Please join our meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. 
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/532039669 

You can also dial in using your phone: (571) 317-3122 

Access Code: 532-039-669 
 

WSA Sanctioned Fall Tournaments

The 20th Annual Casper Fall Classic is scheduled for September 16th & 17th.  Registration is closed. For complete tournament information, please click here.



The 13th Annual Jackson Hole Fall Classic is scheduled for September 22nd - 24th.  Registration is closed.  For complete tournament information, please click here








The Meyer Dana Orthodontic Classic is scheduled for October 6th - 8th in Gillette, Wyoming.  Registration is currently open.  For complete tournament information, please click here .  


Cowboy Turf Wars will be held in Laramie December 29 - 31.  Registration will open in October and past participants will receive an email from the tournament director on or around October 2nd.  Information will also be posted on the WSA web site.

  Wyoming Soccer Association |  307.742.2306  |  www.wyomingsoccer.com