The 2015 NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia set the standard for all conventions moving forward. Appearances by the biggest names in the soccer world, including Pelé, Sir Alex Ferguson, Landon Donovan, and Raúl brought the event to an entirely different level.
From Aaron McGuiness
“Athletic Development – Performance and Prevention to Create a Better Soccer Playing Athlete”
This was a presentation by Bill Knowles that gave the attendees an insight into what the Philadelphia Union are doing to ensure they are developing their youth players correctly and giving the youth players the best possibility of reaching their full potential. For the Union it is not just about soccer development, it is also about physical development. The Union are working with HP Sports to make sure their youth players are getting the correct physical preparation outside of the sport, as well as through the game. They are starting at the youngest age groups to ensure no part of the development process is missed. The Union and HP Sports are incorporating gymnastics, multi-directional speed and agility training, strength training, and competitive coordination games into the youth teams’ training sessions and training schedules to make sure the athletes are learning and using the correct technique in all athletic movements. If there is a part of the process that is missed the athlete has a higher risk of injury and/or not reaching their full potential. Knowles referred to the FIFA 11+ as a great starting point for coaches of all ages to find drills to incorporate into their own sessions to make sure they are doing everything possible to develop the best athletes, as well as the best soccer players. He was also very adamant about teaching the correct technique, not just having the players go through a drill.
“Dynamic & Functional Technique –Finishing”
This session was presented by Romeo Jozak, Technical Director of the Croatian Football Federation. Jozak started the session by introducing a pattern of play that is commonly seen when attacking. In this pattern he focused on the runs and the movement of the ball towards goal. He then emphasized the importance of body positioning and timing of movements to allow the drill to flow efficiently, as well as using correct technique when passing, receiving, and striking the ball. With each progression the speed of play was increased to make it more game realistic. This session is one that could be used to improve players’ speed of play and body positioning when checking to the ball and peeling away into space to create opportunities when moving forward.
“Developing Mental Toughness”
Dr. Tiffany Jones, the President of X-Factor Performance Consulting, did a great job addressing player accountability in this session. It was a real eye-opener to see which players want to succeed, who are willing to take responsibility of their actions, and who is honest with themselves and their team mates. Some of her activities would be great to use during preseason so the coach can observe the type of person he/she has on her team. The activities Jones used gave the captains (players she designated) the responsibilities of being critical with their teammates in a positive manner so they could get the best out each player on their team. The eventual outcome is that you hope each player is willing to put friendship aside and be honest with their teams for the greater good of the team. On the other side you hope players can be mature enough to handle constructive criticism and not see it as a negative. Jones was very interactive with the audience, explaining in detail the purpose of these sessions and how it can help improve your team. These activities could be used by all coaches involved in team sports.
“Simple Practices to Improve Your Team’s Counter Attacking”
Jim Hicks from the Professional Footballers Association delivered a very simple, but effective session on counter attacking. Right from the warm up the players were put into situations where they were creating numbers up opportunities to attack the opposition. With each progression the drills became more and more game realistic. Throughout the session Hicks did a great job of addressing the audience to make them aware of various coaching points that can be made, as well as explaining the reason for each progression.
From Andy Hoggarth
Another January and another completed NSCAA Convention is in the books, and the planning for Baltimore 2016 will be already underway with the tough task of bettering the 2015 convention in the popular city of Philadelphia.
As usual the wide variation of coaches were present with a very unique mix and opportunity for coaches from the recreational level sitting alongside and mixing with coaches from the upper echelons of the college game and Major League Soccer. Further to this, the convention had a more star studded appeal with some of the most recognized people in the world and the American game in attendance with appearances from Sir Alex Ferguson, Landon Donovan, Pelé, Raúl, and DaMarcus Beasley to name a few.
Again on the field the sessions varied from a packed session from the staff at FC Barcelona to the influx of sports psychology sessions headlined by the very good Donna Fishter with the usual great yearly presenters mixed in between. Off the field the exhibition hall was filled with its many regulars exhibiting their tournaments, overseas travel options, and different variations in field turf. In addition, this year had an extra feel about player safety with many different programs for identifying and tracking concussions, a bigger emphasis on fitness and heart rate monitoring and a large representation of the technological advances in player equipment.
Friday saw one of the events I enjoy yearly and is always well attended by the fans, the MLS SuperDraft. This year’s draft had that little bit more added spice with the addition of two new teams who I believe will come in and be big guns in Orlando City and New York City FC and the added noise with the fans of New York Red Bulls voicing their dismay at the recent changes within their organization. All after Landon Donovan had declared “Orlando City….You are on the clock,” something he had dreamed of since being a child.
Once again the cream of current college players were represented and the draft seemingly went very smooth with no trades in the early picks and a draft initially being filled with attacking players. Surprising was the talent of Cristian Roldan dropping to number 16 and heading to Seattle in what could be a very productive move. Overall the draft went as normal, but will provide some interesting stories with Nick Besler, brother of SKC’s Matt, heading to the Portland Timbers and one moment that won’t be forgotten for a long time, Matt Polster bursting into tears on stage as he thanked the Chicago Fire for selecting him.
2015 will provide us with maybe one of the most memorable years in MLS yet with addition of some new marquee players and some very dynamic additions from the draft.
So now we look ahead to next year and see where the NSCAA takes us.
It was an honor to have Aaron, Andy, and Brent represent ISN at the event. They did an incredible job!
