Mebane Youth Soccer Association

The 2000’s MYSA Dynamo are proud to announce that three of their players have made the final cuts for the NCYSA Olympic Development Program talent pool. Cameron Michalski (#21), Isaiah ‘Zeek’ Jackson (#49), and Jayden Velez (#24) will represent North Carolina at the June ODP Sub-Regional Tournament featuring elite teams from North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Georgia. The boys began tryouts in mid-November and have persevered through eight tryout/training sessions. Of the more than 240 players who began ODP in November, they are three of the roughly 120 players that will represent North Carolina for those boys born in the year 2000. Each of the boys is a key contributor and leader for the ’00 MYSA Dynamo soccer team. Zeek primarily plays Central Midfielder showing strong defensive skills, toughness and a great ability to distribute the ball. Cameron is an exceptional ball handler whose strength is stretching the field, crossing to his teammates and being a playmaker. Jayden is a strong finisher and scorer with good ball skills. All of the boys have the ability to play any position on the field and will most likely be called upon to do just that for their ODP teams. Zeek, Cameron and Jayden will be playing in Wilson, NC the second weekend in June. The Dynamo and all of the MYSA wishes them the best of luck.

Coach Ski

Cameron, Isaiah, and Jayden Head to ODP Sub-Regionals

Over 70 MYSA players, parents, and coaches came out to our first MYSA Night with the Carolina RailHawks on April 28th. Several teams and families came early to tailgate before the game and enjoy a little pickup soccer with the kids. Once inside, several members of MYSA’s travel teams were part of the pre-game ceremonies as on-field escorts for players and game officials and as part of the “fan tunnel” through which the players entered the field. Though the RailHawks lost 1-0 to the San Antonio Scorpions, everyone had a great time and plans will be underway soon for our second MYSA Night which is scheduled for June 23rd. As a bonus, the RailHawks donated $5 of each full price ticket sold back to MYSA, which resulted in over $300 being raised for MYSA! Be looking for information soon on our website and via email…we hope to make our second one even bigger! A special thanks to Chris Vernakes and everyone at the RailHawks for their hospitality and support of MYSA…we can’t wait until the next time!

Registration for the Fall 2012 Recreational Soccer Season is now open and will run through June 15th, 2012. Registrations received after June 15th will be subject to a $15 late fee.

NOTE!!! If your child plans to tryout for a travel program, register then for ‘Travel Tryouts’ instead. If they do not earn a spot or decide to play Recreation, you can register for Rec in June. If you register for Rec now, you won’t be able to also register online for Tryouts and will need to use a paper form.

Register by clicking ‘Parent Login‘ in the menu bar above (Need Help? See our Registration Instructions)

Olympic and World Cup Champion soccer player Carla Overbeck stopped by the Mebane soccer fields recently to speak with a number of our younger girls playing on MYSA travel teams. Carla spoke with the players about growing up playing soccer, the hard work involved, commitment, and many of the fun and exciting experiences she had playing for the US Women’s National Team.

Carla speaks with the players

Carla played soccer at UNC Chapel Hill and was a member of the ’91, ’95, and ’99 World Cup teams as well as the ’96 and ’00 Olympic teams. She is also a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame and currently is an assistant coach for the Duke University women’s soccer team. The players had a lot of questions for Carla, who stayed for almost an hour answering them and then let the girls pass around her Olympic and World Cup medals. The MYSA was thrilled that Carla could come out to speak with the players and we appreciate her taking time out of her busy schedule to do so!

The MYSA will be holding tryouts for the 2012-2013 Travel Soccer season at the Mebane Soccer Complex the week before Memorial Day (May 21st-24th). Players born between August 1st, 1994 and July 31st, 2005 are eligible to tryout. We’re wrapping up one of our most successful travel seasons yet and are looking forward to next year. We offer two travel programs: Select for ages U8-U10 and Classic for ages U11-U18.

Remember – your child does not have to be a super star player. Much of the focus of our travel program is skill development, especially at the younger ages. Most of our travel teams are coached by one or more of our experienced MYSA Staff Coaches and all teams receive weekly professional skills training from Premier UK Soccer Academy coaches. So if your child really likes soccer and is relatively athletic – let them tryout! The cost if only $5 and they’ll get a T-Shirt to keep. If you cannot make the set tryout dates, contact our Director of Coaching ([email protected]) to arrange an alternative time or see the makeup session information on our tryout page.

Additional information can be found at these links:

• 2012-2013 Tryout Information
• MYSA Travel Soccer Program
• MYSA Staff Coaches
• MYSA Select Soccer Guidelines
• MYSA Select Soccer Frequently Asked Questions
• MYSA Select Team Tryout Registration Form
  (Online Registration is also alvailable)

Register For Fall 2012 Travel Tryouts

Read the rest of this entry »

As the Spring 2012 season winds down, many of our travel teams have finished their seasons or are resting and preparing for another trip to the beach to play in the Seaside Classic. The MYSA had 17 travel teams competing against teams from across North Carolina and occasionally the Southeast, including 10 teams competing at the Classic level. A number of our teams had very successful seasons both in their regular seasons and at a number of regional tournaments

Fall 2011 MYSA Top 5 Finishes

• 96 Lunachicks G: 4th Place – U15G 2nd Division Classic (Piedmont)
• 00 Dynamo: 4th Place – U11B 2nd Division Classic (Piedmont)

Spring 2012 MYSA Top 5 Finishes

• 93 Inferno: 3rd Place – U18B 1st Division Classic (East II)
• 94 Hammers: 4th Place – U17B 1st Division Classic (East)
• 95 Revolution: 4th Place – U16B 2nd Division Classic (Piedmont)

2011-2012 Tournaments

Piedmont Shootout Showcase – Martinsville, VA

• 93 Inferno – Finalists U18B Division

Savannah Senior Cup – Savannah, GA

94 Hammers - Finalists U17B Division (Allowed only 3 goals!)

Greensboro Clash – Greensboro, NC

96 Lunachicks G - Finalists U15G Platinum Division (Allowed only 3 goals!)

02 Force G - Champions U10G Silver Division (Scored 25 Goals and allowed only ONE)

Piedmont Shootout – Martinsville, VA

• 93 Inferno – Finalists U18B Division
• 96 Lunachicks G- Champions U15G Division (Allowed ONE Goal and scored 12)
  

  96 Lunachicks G - Champions U15G Division (Allowed ONE Goal and scored 12)

CASL Boys College Showcase – Raleigh, NC

• 94 Hammers – Undefeated U17B Premier Samba (Allowed 3 goals while scoring 14)

GSA Adidas Invitational – Fayetteville, GA

• 93 Inferno – Undefeated U18B Division

Southeast College Showcase – Knoxville, TN

• 93 Inferno – Undefeated U18B Division (Allowed only two goals!)

Congratulations to all the MYSA travel teams and your accomplishments throughout the year!

Click here for more information on the MYSA Travel Soccer Program

MYSA Parents and Coaches:

Summer is rapidly approaching and its time to start thinking about summer camp opportunities. We have two exciting opportunities for your children this summer!

Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp

July 16 – 20, at the Mebane Soccer Complex.

Sessions are available for all ages and skill levels:

• First Kicks for 3 and 4 yr old beginners
• Mini Soccer for 4 -6 yr olds
• 1/2 day and Full day Sessions for 8-14 yr olds
• 1/2 and Full Day Advanced Player Sessions aimed at the travel soccer player

We will again be offering an evening ‘half-day’ session for families unable to make the 9AM-12PM session.

2012 Camp Jersey

Details and sign up are available at: http://mebanesoccer.us/programs/summer-camp/

Sign up 45 days or earlier to the start of camp and receive a free soccer jersey! All campers receive a T-Shirt and soccer ball.

Ask around – anyone who has kids who’ve participated in these camps in the past knows the skills, tactics, understanding of the game, and the culture of the game that the British Coaches instill in the kids in only a week. We’ve offered this program for a number of years and it has grown into one of the larger Challenger Camps in the region!

If you have any questions, contact our Camp Coordinator, Colin Mellor, at [email protected]

Premier UK Summer Skills Camp

June 11th – 15th 2012

This camp focuses on teaching the fundamental techniques of the game and showing players how to master these skills. Tailor-made for junior players  with a fun and friendly atmosphere, players live and breathe the game for a week. Topics covered include:

• Brazilian Samba Skills
• Tempo
• Speed Agility and Quickness
• Rhythm
• (SAQ)
• Formation & Tactics
• Aerial and Ground Control
• Switching Play
• Movement with the Ball
• Defending
• Movement off the Ball
• Finishing

This camp is geared toward players 5-12 Years Old. Please see the Premier UK Skills Camp Brochure for more details for visit Premier UK at http://www.premieruksoccer.co.uk/

Recently hired US Men’s National Team coach Jurgen Klinsmann recently sat down for an extended interview and talked about a number of topics related to youth player coaching and development. The entire interview can be found here and some select segments can be viewed below…

We all want our kids to succeed and do well, in sports and in life. However, many sports require a gradual development and it can be difficult to have the patience when kids are younger to have them do what is best for their long term development. Why? Because it can often result in short term disappointment or losses. Below is an animated video created by a long time soccer coach with some of the conversations he’s had with parents over the years. It can seem over the top at first, but many soccer coaches will tell you that they’ve had the exact same discussions. So the next time your child’s team is struggling, consider that the coach may be doing what is best for the player’s overall development even if it hurts the score or standings.

Right… Stop That! Don’t be surprised to hear a few coaches and officers say that this season. Too Funny! And apologies to those of you who were offensive linemen in high school!

Parents/Coaches,

As the season winds down, I wanted to share a few things with you:

1. Please remember that your child’s uniform is ON LOAN. All uniforms (Jersey’s and shorts. NOT socks) must be turned in to your team manager at the end of the season, even if you plan on playing in the Spring. This ensures we have uniforms for everyone next season. If you have lost all or part of your uniform or it is damaged beyond normal wear and tear, you will be responsible for purchasing a replacement ($30 for the complete kit or $20 for the jersey and $10 for the shorts) Thank you for your help in ensuring all of our teams are properly outfitted each season.
2. Managers – if you KNOW you’ll return next season – simply email the uniform coordinator ([email protected]) when you have all uniforms on hand or list any that you could not get back. If you are unsure if you or your coach will return in the spring, then arrange to turn your uniforms in to the coordinator before December.
3. The Rec Tournament is coming up! Given the formats we use, don’t assume you are eliminated – ALWAYS check the schedule, which is updated every morning. You don’t want to forfeit when you still have a chance to advance.
4. Once the Rec Tournament is over, the Mebane Soccer Complex will be CLOSED to allow the winter grass to strengthen.
5. If you find your team near the bottom of the standings or it feels like you rarely won – it’s important to stay focused on what REALLY matters. Did your child improve as a player and did they have fun? Most kids forget about losses or the score faster than you’d think. So remember that it’s natural to be disappointed after a loss or a tough season, but your kids follow your lead and if they see you dejected or upset after a loss, they’ll think they did something wrong and stress about it. Highlight the good things they and their team did and encourage them to try harder next time. This is especially true during the tournament – the pressure is a little higher, emotions stronger, and healthy competition is a good thing as long as everyone keeps perspective. At the end of the day it’s a game and who wins/loses is quickly forgotten by those that matter most – the kids.
6. A number of our travel teams, especially at the younger ages, are looking for some additional players. Our travel program is similar to Recreation in that teams practice twice a week, play 1 (or occasionally 2) matches per weekend, and you ‘travel’ at most 4-5 times during the regular season (often to Burlington, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, or Greensboro) The biggest difference is players get professional skills training once a week and they get to play teams from outside of Mebane. Supplemental tryouts will be held Sunday November 13th!!! Players do NOT have to be super stars, especially at the younger ages, just excited to play soccer and wanting to get better. Complete details can be found at: http://mebanesoccer.us/2011/11/mysa-travel-team-supplemental-tryouts/
7. Registration for the Spring Rec season will begin on or around November 15th. We’re trying to reduce/eliminate late registrations, so please don’t forget and wait until mid-January. In addition to triggering a late fee, it makes our job harder trying to plan for how many coaches we’ll need and balancing out the teams.
8. Coaches/Managers – PLEASE make sure all your matches are properly scored! We use the standings to seed the tournament brackets, so please check that ALL your completed matches have scores.
9. The tournament schedules and rules can be found at http://mebanesoccer.us/current_season/fall-tourny/ Given the formats we use, it’s IMPOSSIBLE to take scheduling requests into account, so please make every effort this one week to adjust and accommodate the matches as when you play often depends on previous results. We’ll plug in teams into the brackets as the standings finalize.
10. Don’t lose sight of why we do all this every Fall and Spring – for the kids to learn soccer and have fun. Keep that in mind during those close matches during the tournament – stay positive, let the coaches coach, and the referees officiate. Nobody is perfect, mistakes will be made, and life will go on. We’re all doing our best to ensure the KIDS enjoy themselves. See you on the fields!

Coaches and Parents,

We have a unique opportunity for us and our players Thursday October 27th. Scott Green and Dylan Crowe are going to be putting on a Goalie Clinic for players and coaches. Both Scott and Dylan are great goal keepers and both really love teaching their skills to young players.

This will be a great opportunity for your goalies to come and get some quality training and for coaches to pick up some pointers and ideas on how to coach goalie skills and tactics.

Parents and coaches alike who are interested should confirm they are attending by sending email to MYSA Director of Coaching Dave Riley ([email protected]) so that Scott and Dylan can plan accordingly. Parents, please include your child’s name and the division they play in. Times for different age groups are below:

6:00-7:00 for U8, U9
7:00-8:00 for U10 -U14

Field 4 at the MYSA Soccer Complex

Thanks!
Alan

Kicking a ball seems simple enough – but shooting/chipping a soccer ball accurately is difficult. These players from UNC Asheville decided to show off their skills with an Angry Birds flair.

The MYSA is excited to finally have car magnets available for sale. Show off your soccer club pride with these 6″ vinyl car magnets. They’re just $5 each and can be purchased through your team manager, at the concession stand, or at IT Xpress at 109 N 3rd St in Mebane. Be sure to get one for each of your vehicles!

MYSA 6" Car Magnet

Premier UK Soccer, the exclusive skill trainers for all MYSA Travel Teams, are offering two very exciting programs this winter:

Winter 3v3 Indoor Futsal Tournament

6 Weeks for ages 6-16. $150 per Team with matches to be held in the Mebane Area (exact location TBD). Starts December 4th. Futsal is a very exciting and fast paced soccer game played indoors on hard surfaces. The event will feature a vibrant atmosphere including music, specially designed soccer balls, and a fun environment to develop soccer skills.

Premier UK 3v3 Indoor Futsal Tournament Brochure

Brazilian Foot Skills Winter Season 2011

Held at the Burlington Sporting Goods Gym on Saturday mornings, starting November 19th for ages 4-14, the Brazilian Footskills Program is designed to help soccer players improve their technique with the ball in a fun fast paced environment. If you sign up before November 5th, you’ll receive a free T-Shirt! Players receive 7 sessions of training for $67

Premier UK Brazilian Foot Skills Program Brochure

For more information on these or other Premier UK programs, visit their website at http://www.premieruksoccer.co.uk or contact Andy Thompson at [email protected] or 336-263-7347

This weekend we will have several players selling cookies and drinks during the soccer games. All proceeds will go directly to Little Pink Houses of Hope. The mission of this organization is to promote breast cancer recovery by offering opportunities for survivors to reconnect and celebrate life. Please stop by and help our children raise funds for this wonderful organization. Look for the special tables set up near the concession stands at both the soccer and baseball fields. For more information on the organization, please visit www.littlepinkhousesofhope.org. Also, every person who makes a donation will receive a free kid’s meal coupon to Texas Roadhouse.

We would like to give a huge thank you to Sheetz for donating the cookies and waters to help make this a success.

Thank you in advance for helping with this fundraiser.

For teams thinking about pictures and looking to schedule them –  while the MYSA does not contract with nor restrict choices of photographers for team photos, Upside Images and Spotlight Photography are local companies that contribute back to the league a portion of their profits earned from MYSA photos.

Both Upside Images and Spotlight Photography are local companies which have served the Mebane community and surrounding areas for several years covering a variety of sports in team and individual photos.  They are both excited to be working with the MYSA again this season and both companies will be donating 15% of all net photo sales back to MYSA.  In addition, both companies will donate two 5 x 7 team prints with a large white border for the teams to sign to each team for which they do team photos.  Upside and Spotlight offer affordable package prices as well as specialty items in addition to quick turnaround on all photo orders.

Team coaches/managers are encouraged to contact either of these companies to schedule your team’s picture date and time.  Their contact information is below:

Upside Images - Reyna Upchurch
[email protected] / 336-264-1167
UpsideImages.com or Find us on Facebook ” Upside Images ”
MYSA Photo Gallery at facebook.com/pages/Upside-Images-Reyna-Jon-Upchurch/117917124899161

Spotlight Photography - Tracey Ebert
[email protected] / 336.263.6400
www.myspotlightphotography.com (see MYSA Gallery under Sports)
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/myspotlightphotography

Don’t miss Autumn Fest 2011 Saturday October 1st in Downtown Mebane (Clay Street) from 10AM to 6PM. Over 40 vendors will be on hand plus lots of activities including:

• Antiques on the Street
• Pit Cooked BBQ & Hot Dogs
• Hay Rides
• Mum & Plant Market
• Photos with Mrs. Scarecrow
• Dance/Martial Arts Exhibition
• Little Miss/Mr. Autumn Fest Contest
• Silent Auction /Final Bids due @ 5:00 p.m.
• Select Crafters
• Downtown Shopping Specials
• The Pumpkin Patch
• Book Signing (by Mebane Authors)
• Live Music….featuring:
• Mace
• Salt River Band
• Them Darn Bruners
• Mebanesville

For more information, download the Autumn Fest Flyer or go to www.downtownmebane.com

Sponsored by Destination Downtown Mebane

POSTPONED Due To Weather

The Eastern Alamance Eagles have invited all MYSA players/families for the Eastern Alamance vs. Cedar Ridge soccer match on Tuesday, September 6. JV kickoff will be at 5:30 followed by the Varsity game at 7:00. Any MYSA players wearing their current or past MYSA jersey will be admitted free. Gate admission for adults is $5 (total for either/or both games). Eastern soccer parents will be serving hot dogs, pizza and nacho’s for your dining enjoyment. Please come out and support the Eagles! Also, the Eagles are in need of a few teams to act as ball runners during home matches. If your team (or even just a few players) are interested in working any of the home matches, please let us know! Hope to see you at the fields!

As we approach the start of our youth soccer season, the Men’s High School season is also about to kick off. MYSA players are represented on a number of HS Varsity and JV squads in Alamance and Orange County. Complete schedules and results for area HS Men’s Varsity and JV teams can be found on our School Soccer page.

By far the biggest contingent of MYSA players play for the Eastern Alamance Eagles, whose season kicks off Monday August 15th at Orange High School. JV will play at 5:00PM with the Varsity match slated for 6:30PM. The Varsity squad boasts a number of players from the 94 MYSA Storm who finished one game away from promotion to the NC Premier Division and the 95 MYSA Revolution who finished strong in the 2nd Div Classic Piedmont Division. The JV squad has a number of players from ’96 MYSA United and ’96 MYSA Real.

We encourage everyone to try and make some of the matches this season. With more and more MYSA players moving up to the high school level along with players from Triangle United, Burlington Soccer Club, and others, the Eastern Alamance teams are sure to have some very exciting matches going forward. Be sure to print out the EA schedule or bookmark it. Most other area HS schedules can be found on our School Soccer page. The women’s season kicks off in April 2012 and we’ll be sure to have complete details for them as well!

It’s often very easy to lose perspective about what’s important to our kids as they play the beautiful game, especially at a younger age. This commercial captures it…