Kempin on U-15 National Team
Kansas resident Jonathon Kempin recently participated in the Thanksgiving weekend Inter-Regional in Florida. Jonathon was the Region II goalkeeper where he posted 3 outstanding performances. He was identified as one of the top goalkeepers in his age group and has been invited to participate in the Nike Friendlies as part of the U-15 National Team from Dec. 3-9th in Bradenton, FL. The Nike Friendlies are on annual event hosted by US Soccer where top US Teams and international clubs are invited to compete in a highly competitive Tournament in Bradenton, FL.
TOPSoccer Comes to Kansas City Metro
Program gives children with special needs training
and playing opportunities
OLATHE, KAN (Sept. 13, 2007) – TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) – a US Youth Soccer outreach program created to train young people with disabilities in a caring coaching environment – will be offered in the Kansas City metro area beginning Sat., Sept. 15.
Promoted by the Kansas Youth Soccer, TOPSoccer will be held at the Freedom Fields located at 83rd and Monticello Road, in Lenexa, Kansas, and the Polo Fields located at 151st and Kenneth Road in Kansas City, Missouri. during five weekly sessions (Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6 and 13), one hour each. The program will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Polo Fields and from 3 to 4 p.m. at Freedom Fields. TOPSoccer is open to any player with a disability including but not limited to A.D.D., Autism, Hearing Impaired, Sight Impaired, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, Cystic Fibrosis, Down’s Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Seizure Disorder and Spina Bifida.
Many are expected to participate in the program. “We are very excited to have this wonderful program in Kansas City,” said Robin Kawamoto, program organizer for the metro event. “TOPSoccer is committed to offering players with special needs an opportunity to learn soccer in a non-threatening, supportive environment. Because it is not school-based, these children get to play in the same community sports program as their non-disabled brothers and sisters,” she added.
According to Mo Loridon, who will serve as head coach for the Freedom Field sessions, these events will be run Academy style, beginning with warm-ups, followed by drills and skills training and ending with small sided games. “The goal is to get the players moving and touching the ball, and most of all, to have fun,” said Loridon. A 15-year police officer veteran, Loridon has coached recreational and premier soccer for six years. Loridon is also a coach for the KC Fusion, the premier side of Southwest United Soccer Club (SWUSC) and holds a USSF (U.S. Soccer Federation) National D License..
Frank Tokic, head coach for the Polo Fields, has a special interest in TOPSoccer as his 11-year-old son has special needs. Tokic has been involved with a similar program with the Brookside Soccer Club, bringing first-hand experience to Kansas Youth Soccer’s TOPSoccer.
Cost to participate in this TOPSoccer program is $30 per child. For registration and other information, visit www.kansasyouthsoccer.org or contact Robin Kawamoto at TOPSoccer@kansasyouthsoccer.org.
Kawamoto, in cooperation with the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) has also been instrumental in the development of a soccer league for players who are eligible for the US Paralympics.
This program focuses on ambulatory athletes with physical challenges such as Cerebal Palsy, Stroke, Muscle disorders, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spina Bifida, leg amputation/prosthetics and more. Mark VonElling, Head Coach for this special program for SWUSC, holds a USSF National D License. “My experience coaching the TOPSoccer kids has been very uplifting. We all have limitations in some way or another, but there is no limit to the light in the kids’ eyes. It is inspiring. I feel very lucky to have spent time with such sweet, talented, energetic athletes. Thank you to the TOPSoccer families for sharing the experience with me. I look forward to many future experiences down the road in working with these great people.”
Cost to participate in the NSCD program is $75 plus uniform costs per child. For registration and other information, email Scott Dameron at sdameron@nscd.org or call 800-289-2071.
Kansas Youth Soccer Rule and Policy Amendments
At the Kansas Youth Soccer Annual General Meeting on February 26, 2005, the membership approved new Bylaws, Rules and Policies. On November 11, 2007, the KSYSA Rules and Policies were amended and the Region II Risk Management Policy replaced the previous KSYSA Risk Management Policy.
Kansas Youth Soccer Awards, Workshop and AGM
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Holiday Inn - Olathe
Event Details Hotel Information
Saturday: 8 AM to 12:30 PM Meetings, Sessions, AGM
Holiday Inn - Olathe
101 W. 151st Street
Olathe, KS 66061
(913) 829-4000
* Registration does not include lodging.
* Room block for Friday night at KSYSA rate of $92 per room.
* Breakfast buffet available at hotel for $8.95.
Awards Luncheon
12:45 PM to 3 PM – Kansas Youth Soccer Awards Luncheon
Toyota President’s Award – Melissa and Tom Knox, Shawnee
Young Female Referee of the Year – Jessica Shiney, Louisburg
Young Male Referee of the Year – Mitchell E. Parkhill, Louisburg
Administrator of the Year – Donna Kaminsky, Overland Park
Volunteer of the Year – Joanne Hayes, Overland Park
Coach of the Year – Girls Recreation - Lee A. Reussner, Lawrence
Coach of the Year – Boys Recreation – David W. Adel, Prairie Village
Coach of the Year – Girls Competitive – Huw Williams, Roeland Park
Coach of the Year – Boys Competitive – Brandon Bleakley, Wichita
Each year, awards are presented to our Toyota President’s Award Honoree and our Boys and Girls Coaches, Administrator, Volunteer and the Young Referees of the Year. Come join the celebration and honor those individuals that help make soccer great in Kansas!
Reservations are required. Plated lunch will feature a choice of Roast Beef or Chicken. Lunch is provided for each award honoree and one guest. Additional tickets are $20 per person paid in advance through Kansas Youth Soccer by February 15. RSVP to Kansas Youth Soccer via email to info@kansasyouthsoccer.org. Registration Form available on the website. Make checks payable to “KSYSA” and send to the State Association office at 708 S. Rogers Rd., Ste. C., Olathe, KS 66062.
CLICK HERE for Registration Form
Kansas Youth Soccer Association
Workshop Sessions & Annual General Meeting
DATE: March 1, 2008
PLACE: Holiday Inn - Olathe
101 W. 151st Street
Olathe, KS 66062
(913) 829-4000
TIME: 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Important topics will be discussed at the meeting. At least one administrator and coach should attend from each association.
Schedule:
8 to 8:30 AM - District Meetings & Elections
8:30 to 10:20 AM – Breakout Workshop Sessions (Select One)
1. Coach Topics – Future State Cups, Risk Management, Education
Opportunity to discuss formats, dates and other items regarding State Cup for upcoming years.
2. Registrar Forum/Training
KSYSA and LeagueOne will present FAQs about the LeagueOne Registration and Risk Management System, give registrars the opportunity to share information and take a look at online registration.
10:30 AM to 12:30 PM – Annual General Meeting
Roll Call
Credentials
Minutes of Prior year’s Annual General Meeting
Approval of Actions of the KSYSA Board of Directors
Reports
Unfinished Business
Consideration of Proposed Changes to the Constitution, Bylaws and Rules
Elections – VP – Competitive, VP – Recreation & Secretary
New Business
Adjournment
The following positions are up for election:
Vice President – Competitive
Vice President - Recreation
Secretary
District Commissioners
Duties of Elected Officers
Duties of the Vice President(s)
The Vice President of Competitive shall:
A. succeed to the office of President in the event that the office of Vice President of Recreation and President becomes vacant;
B. perform all of the duties and exercise all of the powers of the president during his absence or incapacity if the office of Vice President of Recreation is vacant;
C. assist the President in all necessary matters; and
D. be in charge of all competitive programs.
The Vice President of Recreation shall:
A. succeed to the office of President in the event that office becomes vacant;
B. perform all of the duties and exercise all of the powers of the president during his absence or incapacity;
C. assist the President in all necessary matters; and
D. be in charge of all recreation programs.
Duties of the Secretary
The Secretary shall:
A. keep a record of all proceedings of this Association;
B. sign with the President all contracts and other documents of this association that are approved by the Board of Directors.
Duties of the District Commissioners
The District Commissioners shall:
A. preside at all district meetings;
B. serve as a liaison between his/her district and the Board of Directors;
C. seek out and develop new member organizations in his/her district;
D. appoint an Appeal and Protest Committee to handle any appeals and protests in his/her district, which cannot be handled at league level; and
E. call special meetings in his/her district when necessary.
Duties of the Alternate District Commissioners
The Alternate District Commissioners shall perform all duties of the District Commissioner in his/her absence or incapacity.
Persons interested in running for one of the positions listed need to notify the State Association Office by February 13, 2008. Please send an email to stateoffice@kansasyouthsoccer.org with your contact information so that materials can be prepared for the AGM. All persons running for a position will need to comply with the KSYSA Conflict of Interest Rule and complete a Conflict of Interest Statement.
Kansas Youth Soccer
Director of Coaching Position Available
Kansas Youth Soccer is looking for an incredible person to be its next State Director of Coaching (DOC).
POSITION TITLE: Director of Coaching
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
SUPERVISES: State Coaching Staff
SALARY: Commensurate with Experience. Benefits will include access to family health and dental insurance. Vacation time is negotiable.
TIME REQUIREMENTS: This is a full time management position, requiring on average 45 hours per week. During July and August the Director of Coaching will be given time to participate in soccer camps operated by Colleges and other entities the Executive Director deems not to be in conflict with camps run by Region II, the Association, or its members. The Director of Coaching may receive additional compensation from the organizers of such camps without a reduction in the salary paid by the Association.
PURPOSE: Manages and controls the daily functions of the Coaching Education Program and assists in providing member services as the Associations’ representative to our member Leagues. The Director of Coaching also serves as an advisor to the Executive Director and the State ODP Committee of the Olympic Development Program. Responsible for the following areas, and be expected to delegate, monitor and adjust the use of associates, volunteers and state staff as needed.
Qualified candidates need to send a letter of interest, resume and five current letters of reference by February 29, 2008 to:
Robert A. Riggs
Executive Director
Kansas Youth Soccer
708 S. Rogers Rd., Ste. C
Olathe, KS 66062
or via email to rriggs@kansasyouthsoccer.org
CLICK HERE for the complete Kansas Director of Coaching Job Description.
For more information about Kansas Youth Soccer visit www.KansasYouthSoccer.org or contact Bob Riggs, Executive Director at rriggs@kansasyouthsoccer.org or 913.782.6434. For more information on US Youth Soccer visit www.usyouthsoccer.org
Brian Bliss Becomes
Technical Director for Columbus Crew
The Columbus Crew has announced that Brian Bliss, Kansas Youth Soccer Director of Coaching, will be its new Technical Director effective February 1, 2008. Kansas Youth Soccer wishes to congratulate Brian and thanks him for the great work he has done for the association over the last year.
See Press Release from the Columbus Crew
TOPSoccer Comes to Kansas City Metro
Program gives children with special needs training
and playing opportunities
OLATHE, KAN (Sept. 13, 2007) – TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) – a US Youth Soccer outreach program created to train young people with disabilities in a caring coaching environment – will be offered in the Kansas City metro area beginning Sat., Sept. 15.
Promoted by the Kansas Youth Soccer, TOPSoccer will be held at the Freedom Fields located at 83rd and Monticello Road, in Lenexa, Kansas, and the Polo Fields located at 151st and Kenneth Road in Kansas City, Missouri. during five weekly sessions (Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6 and 13), one hour each. The program will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Polo Fields and from 3 to 4 p.m. at Freedom Fields. TOPSoccer is open to any player with a disability including but not limited to A.D.D., Autism, Hearing Impaired, Sight Impaired, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, Cystic Fibrosis, Down’s Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Seizure Disorder and Spina Bifida.
Many are expected to participate in the program. “We are very excited to have this wonderful program in Kansas City,” said Robin Kawamoto, program organizer for the metro event. “TOPSoccer is committed to offering players with special needs an opportunity to learn soccer in a non-threatening, supportive environment. Because it is not school-based, these children get to play in the same community sports program as their non-disabled brothers and sisters,” she added.
According to Mo Loridon, who will serve as head coach for the Freedom Field sessions, these events will be run Academy style, beginning with warm-ups, followed by drills and skills training and ending with small sided games. “The goal is to get the players moving and touching the ball, and most of all, to have fun,” said Loridon. A 15-year police officer veteran, Loridon has coached recreational and premier soccer for six years. Loridon is also a coach for the KC Fusion, the premier side of Southwest United Soccer Club (SWUSC) and holds a USSF (U.S. Soccer Federation) National D License..
Frank Tokic, head coach for the Polo Fields, has a special interest in TOPSoccer as his 11-year-old son has special needs. Tokic has been involved with a similar program with the Brookside Soccer Club, bringing first-hand experience to Kansas Youth Soccer’s TOPSoccer.
Cost to participate in this TOPSoccer program is $30 per child. For registration and other information, visit www.kansasyouthsoccer.org or contact Robin Kawamoto at TOPSoccer@kansasyouthsoccer.org.
Kawamoto, in cooperation with the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) has also been instrumental in the development of a soccer league for players who are eligible for the US Paralympics.
This program focuses on ambulatory athletes with physical challenges such as Cerebal Palsy, Stroke, Muscle disorders, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spina Bifida, leg amputation/prosthetics and more. Mark VonElling, Head Coach for this special program for SWUSC, holds a USSF National D License. “My experience coaching the TOPSoccer kids has been very uplifting. We all have limitations in some way or another, but there is no limit to the light in the kids’ eyes. It is inspiring. I feel very lucky to have spent time with such sweet, talented, energetic athletes. Thank you to the TOPSoccer families for sharing the experience with me. I look forward to many future experiences down the road in working with these great people.”
Cost to participate in the NSCD program is $75 plus uniform costs per child. For registration and other information, email Scott Dameron at sdameron@nscd.org or call 800-289-2071.
US Youth Soccer Selects Teams for National League | Learn More
US Youth Soccer is proud to announce the first teams chosen for the US Youth Soccer National League, the organization’s latest offering for elite club soccer players seeking to advance their college, professional and U.S. National Team aspirations. For elite-level teams, the US Youth Soccer National League is a natural extension of the current system of leagues within the four regions of US Youth Soccer. Top teams from each of the four US Youth Soccer Regional Leagues earn their way into the National League.
Kwik Goal Named Official Goal and Field Equipment Supplier to US Youth Soccer | Learn More
The United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer) announced its partnership with Kwik Goal. The sponsorship designates the company as the Official Goal and Field Equipment Supplier of US Youth Soccer. Kwik Goal will continue to support US Youth Soccer’s small-sided games initiative and also continue to provide equipment for the US Youth Soccer adidas Workshop and Coaches convention, including goals, lesson tools and indoor equipment.
Welcome Brian Bliss!
Former MLS Player and Coach is #1 Pick for
Director of Coaching
Olathe , Kansas (February 21, 2007) – Brian Bliss, most recently of the Kansas City Wizards, has been hired by the Kansas State Youth Soccer Association as the State Director of Coaching. Bliss, an American soccer player and coach, will lead the coaching education programs for the largest not-for-profit youth development soccer organization in Kansas .
Bliss brings a wealth of knowledge to youth players, parents, coaches and other soccer enthusiasts. “His playing experience alone is enough to help the thousands of young athletes across the state see opportunities to realize their dreams,” says Bob Riggs, Executive Director for Kansas Youth Soccer.
Born in Webster , New York , Bliss starred as a youth in the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) in New York State and was selected to play for the US Youth National Team. While attending Southern Connecticut State University, Bliss began his US National team experience in 1984 that ended in 1995 competing in Copa America in Uruguay .
“I am honored to be given an opportunity to work at Kansas Youth Soccer and with its youth members. As we know, the future of the game lies within in our youth. The opportunity to make a contribution with the young players and help grow the game in Kansas is something that is important to me, and I am looking forward to the challenge,” says Bliss.
In 1987, Bliss was the number one overall draft pick in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) being selected by the Cleveland Force. In 1988, he joined the US Olympic Team that played in Seoul , Korea . Two years later, Bliss found himself playing in Italy as a member of the US World Cup team. Following his US National Team experience, Bliss went to Europe, playing in the German Bundesliga for FC Chemnitz and FC Carl Zeiss Jena .
When Major League Soccer (MLS) began its first season in 1996, Bliss joined the Columbus Crew for which he played a season and a half. He later played for the New York/New Jersey MetroStars and finally with the KC Wizards.
After retiring from the MLS, Bliss became the head coach for the Connecticut Wolves A-League team and later joined the KC Wizards, serving as the assistant coach and later, head coach. During that time, the Wizards were the 2000 MLS Cup Champions, 2000 Supporter's Shield Winners and the 2004 US Open Cup Champions.
Former General Manager of the Wizards, Curt Johnson, now Director of Marketing for the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team, thinks Bliss is a great addition to Kansas Youth Soccer. “Brian is a ‘go-to' guy that has access to resources at his fingertips. He is excellent with all age groups, all levels – youth and adult. Over all the years I have known him, he is one person that I put at the top of any list. He is always willing to do more.”
Bliss will focus on getting the soccer community more involved in coaching and parent education. His first tasks will be to meet with the members of Kansas Youth Soccer and see what steps are needed to elevate the development of youth players and coaches not just in the Kansas City area but statewide. Bliss is a tremendous individual that has the respect of soccer people across the country. Over the next year, Kansas Youth Soccer will be doing more outreach in western Kansas to help organize leagues and grow soccer. Kansas Youth Soccer President Alan Blinzler notes, “Brian's commitment to the development of players is second only to his passion for the game. We are thrilled to have him as part of our team”
For US Youth Soccer adidas Nomination Forms click here
2008 Young Male and Female Referees of the Year
Calling all club administrators, coaches and parents! We need you to help identify deserving youth referees from around the state who should be recognized and mentored! Click to link above, complete the form and return it to the Kansas Youth Soccer office by October 15, 2008.
2008 US Youth Soccer adidas Workshop | Register Today
Register before December 14, 2007 and save 50%
If you are involved in soccer you don’t want to miss the US Youth Soccer adidas Workshop in Pittsburgh from February 7-9 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Our host hotel is full, but the overflow hotels have opened. Please be sure to book your rooms by January 9, 2008.
Don’t miss the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala! New awards have been added to honor administrators, volunteers and players. The coach of the year awards has been expanded to recognize both competitive and recreational coaches.
New Hotels
Omni William Penn Hotel
530 William Penn Place
Tel: 421.553.5079
Fax: 412.553.5187
Registration Website
Rate: $119
Cut off Date: January 4, 2008
Hampton Inn and Suites Pittsburgh Downtown
1247 Smallman Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Tel: 412.288.4350
Group Code: US Youth Soccer
Registration Website
Rate: $124
Cut off Date: January 9, 2008
US Youth Soccer Club Directory
Chance to win a set of Kwik Goal Academy Goals
Four Pairs of Goals Up for Grabs – Enter by January 1
Great tool to connect with those looking for soccer clubs, leagues and associations
US Youth Soccer is launching a new, free service to USYouthSoccer.org with the club directory. In an effort to assist those seeking US Youth Soccer programs in their area or maybe an area that they’ll be moving to in the future, the Club Directory will provide 24-hour access to club, league and association searches via USYouthSoccer.org.
Leaders don’t delay, be the first to register with USYouthSoccer.org and upload your club information today and have a chance to win a set of Kwik Goal goals.
Four registrants will win a pair of Kwik Goal Academy Goals (8’ x 24’) for their organization, simply by registering with the new directory. Register now through January 1 to be entered in the contest. Winners will be announced on January 4. Click here for more information about the goals.
How do I add my organization to the directory?
Register with USYouthSoccer.org to set your personal log-in information
Click the Club Directory link and add your club, league association information
You’ll see your organization name, website, city and state information now listed
Looking for Tournaments? Check out the US Youth Soccer Tournament Database
Another US Youth Soccer member benefit is the US Youth Soccer National Tournament Database on USYouthSoccer.org. This database is useful for to find all approved soccer tournaments across the country. To add your tournament, please contact your state association to send notification of your event.
Responsible Sports Community Grants - Deadline December 31, 2007 | Learn More
Only three weeks left to register your youth sports organization for a chance to win a $2,500 Community Grant! Youth sports programs rely heavily on time and effort, as well as financial resources. That’s why Liberty Mutual will award $2,500 grants to 20 select sports clubs and organizations that participate in the Responsible Coaching and Responsible Sport Parenting courses. Click here to get started.
 |
Click Here to see
US Youth Soccer State Proclamation Map
Click here to see
Official Proclamation signed by
Governor Kathleen Sebelius.
Click here to go to the Office of the Governor site. |
