pa west august 2004 - PA West Soccer Association

INSIDE 

Directory .................... Page 2 

Youth President’s 

Message ................. Page 5 

Coaching ................. Page 6-7 

Player Development .... Page 9 

Chevy Open .......... Page 10-13 

Top Soccer ................ Page 15 

Referees .............. Page 22-23 

Riverhounds .............. Page 24 

Non-Profit Org. 

U.S. Postage 

Paid 

Permit #12 

Indiana, PA 

TOUCHLINE 

affiliated with US Youth Soccer, US Adult Soccer, US Soccer Federation and FIFA 

The Official Publication of PA West Soccer Association August 2004 

SPRING SOCCER FINISHES WITH THE 

CHEVY OPEN TOURNAMENT’S END 

The end of the 2004 Chevy Open Tournament 

signifies that the spring season has 

come to a close in western Pennsylvania. 

Like every year, vendors and salesmen were 

on hand to sell their products both weekends 

to those in attendance providing an open 

market for down times between games. 

Although windy with cool temperatures 

both weekends, the tournament was again a 

huge success this year. Almost 400 teams 

were in attendance during the two weekends 

bringing around 6,000 players and their families 

to the little hamlet just south of Erie. 

The first weekend saw only two red cards 

and just 33 yellow cards issued for misbehavior 

showing the sportsmanship of the 

teams and clubs that attended; the same cannot 

be said for the second weekend as the 

players were a little less cordial to each 

another earning a total 

of 16 red cards and 166 

yellow cards. 

Trophies were handed 

out to 58 teams in 29 

playing groups. Teams 

from the South District 

earned almost half of 

the hardware with 11 

first place and 14 second 

place teams. 

Only three clubs 

boasted more than one 

team capturing a first 

place trophy. North 

Hills captured the U12 

and U13 Division 2 

boys championships; 

Pittsburgh Dynamo won 

Making a break for it! 

Chasing the ball! 

the U14 Division 1 boys and U16 Division B girls teams. Elizabeth Forward’s U15 and U16 Division 

2 boys also won two crowns. 

Without the annual interference of thunderheads rolling in off of Lake Erie, the Chevy Open provided 

plenty of fun and exciting games for the players, parents, and spectators. 

SOCCER ASSOCIATION 

855 MacBeth Drive 

Monroeville, PA 15146-3332 

CHELSEA AND ROMA PROVIDE FIREWORKS 

The 2004 ChampionsWorld Series visited Pittsburgh on July 29. In the first international football 

match played at Heinz Field, Chelsea defeated Roma 3-0 in a game filled with fireworks during and 

after the match. 

Chelsea goals by Joe Cole (11th), Mateja Kezman (63rd), and Didier Drogba (69th) and multiple 

yellow card bookings for players on both teams provided some in sparklers. The fireworks started 

when Roma’s Olivier Dacourt kicked Arjen Robbens of Chelsea setting off a frenzy of pushing and 

shoving, Dacourt and Chelsea’s Kezman were sent off in the 67th minute following the incident. 

Chelsea’s win continued its undefeated run in the ChampionsWorld Series. The loss was Roma’s 

opening game in the North American tour. 

The evening’s explosive nature concluded when the crowd of 25,317 was treated to aerial fireworks.

Page 2 August 2004 

TOUCHLINE 

STATE OFFICE STAFF 

Director of Member Services 

Tim McCoy 

412-856-8011 

tim@pawest-soccer.org 

Director of Coaching and 

Player Development 

Paul Halford 

412-856-8011 

Associate Director of Coaching 

and Player Development 

Csaba Feher 

Office Administrator 

Cheryl Mignogna 

412-856-8011 

cheryl@pawest-soccer.org 

Amateur President & PGH 

Soccer League Director 

Steve R. Beckmann 

(see Board of Directors) 

PGH Masters Director 

Jim Meyer 

468 Lois Drive 

Pittsburgh, PA 15236 

412-653-0417 

West Penn Adult Soccer 

Association 

Harry Heh, Jr. 

491 Sequoia Dr. 

Pleasant Hills, PA 15236 

(H) 412-655-1741 

GPSL Commissioner 

George Williams, Sr. 

100 Williams Lane 


(H) 412-767-4290 

(W) 724-444-6771 

State Registrar 

Doreen Black 

PO Box 23184 

Pittsburgh, PA 15222-6184 

412-920-0498 

statereg@pawest-soccer.org 

District 1 (East) 

Nellie Wiancko 

2661 Farm Spur Rd. 

N. Huntingdon, PA 15642 

(H) 724-864-9533 

Nellie@wiancko.com 

District 2 (North) 

Cheryl Beeman 

PO Box 101277 


(H) 724-265-5864 

beeman@nauticom.net 

District 3 (Northwest) 

Stephanie Mowen 

227 Steiner Bridge Rd. 

Valencia, PA 16059 

(H) 724-898-1846 

Co-District 4 (South) 

Tom Bolitho 

128 Sylvania Dr. 


(H) 412-653-3453 

Touchline Submissions 

stateoffice@pawest-soccer.org 

Administrative Assistants 

Amy Fogle, Carol Gibbs, 

Cheryl Ann Bush 

412-856-8011 

stateoffice@pawest-soccer.org 

State Office Address: 



State Office Phone: 

412-856-8011 

State Office Fax: 

412-856-8012 

See Our Website at: 

www.pawest-soccer.org 

ADULT BOARD 

Secretary 

Alan Seadler 

RD #1 Box 159 

Export, PA 15623 

724-733-7947 

WGPSL Director 

Chuck Etta 

PO Box 407 

Sewickley, PA 15143 

pghthunder@aol.com 

Pgh. Area Co-ed League 

Marina Blocher 

124 Maryland Drive 

Carnegie, PA 15106 

REGISTRARS 

Co-District 4 (South) 

Greg Yaworski 

924 Washington Ave. 


412-276-8510 

gmyaworski@msn.com 

Co-District 5 (North/Central) 

Karin Rishel 

RD 2, Box 512 

DuBois, PA 15801 

(H) 814-371-5888 

Co-District 5 (North/Central) 

Rod Messner 

1067 Edgewood Dr. 

Duncansville, PA 16635 

814-696-9428 

rdkmessn@aasdcat.com 

Lake District 




412-856-8011 

Classic League Registrar 




412-856-8011 

cheryl@pawest-soccer.org 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

President 

Larry Solomon 

24 Timberline Court 


(H) 412-521-8971 

president@pawest-soccer.org 

Vice President - Amateur 

Steve R. Beckmann 

4205 Murray Ave. 


(W) 412-421-1880 

amateurvp@pawest-soccer.org 

Vice President - Youth 

Stan Hunter 

126 Kent Drive 


(H) 412-833-9798 

youthvp@pawest-soccer.org 

Treasurer 

Tom Beecher 

4212 Tanglewood Dr. 

Allison Park, PA 15101 

(H) 412-486-2550 

treasurer@pawest-soccer.org 

Secretary 

Peggy Neason 

82 Lookout Ave. 

Monongahela, PA 15063 

(H) 724-379-5386 

secretary@pawest-soccer.org 

Youth President 

Stan Hunter 

(see Board of Directors) 

Hearing and Appeals 

Natalie Schwoeble 

4133 Homestead-Duquesne Rd. 

West Mifflin, PA 15122 

412-462-9385 

East District Director 

Bruce Wiancko 

(see District I Registrar) 

(H) 724-864-1574 

bruce@wianko.com 

Lake District Director 

Bob Edwards 

4102 Wagner Avenue 

Erie, PA 16510 

814-898-6137 

North District Director 

Ron Hitchens 

115 Colonial Dr. 

Sewickley, PA 15143 

(H) 412-741-4796 

northdistdir@comcast.net 

North/Central District Director 

Mike Vladic 

1867 Mill Rd. 


814-695-8591 

South District Director 

Natalie Schwoeble 

4133 Homestead-Duquense Rd. 


(H) 412-462-9385 

Northwest District Director 

Craig Mick 

142 Northview Circle 

Beaver, PA 15009 

724-728-7229 

Member-At-Large 

Norman G. Hasbrouck 

160 Quarry Lane 

California, PA 15419 

(H) 724-938-3620 

bod-hasbrouck@pawest-soccer.org 


Stu Benson 

2116 Grandeur Drive 

Gibsonia, PA 15044 

412-697-4642 (W) 

724-444-4776 (H) 

bod-benson@pawest-soccer.org 


Craig Tatro 

104 Park Drive 

Delmont, PA 15626-1232 

724-468-6271 

bod-tatro@pawest-soccer.org 

Member At-Large 

Dave Derry 

4836 Brierly Drive West 


412-464-0778 

YOUTH BOARD 

Classic League Commissioner 

Bill Piper 

240 W. Cruikshank Rd. 

Butler, PA 16001 

(H) 724-586-2116 

(W) 412-741-7787 

SportrakPA@aol.com 

Girls “A” Commissioner 

Bud Behling 

2519 Shenandoah Drive 


(H) 412-831-5652 

bud@bblfleet.com 

Secretary 

Phil Kossler 

127 Huron Drive 


412-278-0141 

pfkoss@attbi.com 

Division One Commissioner 

Bill Korns 

1100 E. Main Street 

Somerset, PA 15501 

814-443-3942 

wkorns@shol.com 

PA West Soccer State Cup 

Chairperson 

Kelly Genard 

16 S. 8th Street 

Youngwood, PA 15697 

724-925-1109 

Chevrolet/PA West Open 

Tournament Chairperson 

Debby Mumpower 

1939 Colleen Dr. 

N. Huntingdon, PA 15642 

(H) 724-863-3382 

mrmumps@bellatlantic.net 

Director of Recreation 

Bill Capretti 

227 S. 5th St. 

Youngwood, PA 15697 

(H) 724-925-1994 

WCapretti@aol.com 

REFEREE 

COMMITTEE 

State Referee Administrator 

John Matter 

3032 Amy Drive 

South Park, PA 15129 

724-348-6834 

jmatter1@comcast.net 

State Youth Referee Administrator 

Rodger Shoup 

2117 15 th Street 

Altoona, PA 16601 

814-946-1158 

State Director of Referee Instruction 

Peggy Neason 

(see Secretary - Board of Directors) 

State Director of Referee Assessment 

Dr. Sam Cho 

PO Box 81187 


(H) 412-422-7705 

(F) 412-521-0688 

sda@pawest-soccer.org 

Amateur Representative 

Keith Renner 

1021 McClure St., Apt.3 

Munhall, PA 15120 

(H) 412-464-0829 

kingref69@aol.com 

North/Central Representative 

Derek Campbell 

1303 Newry Lane 


814-695-0739 

North District Representative 

TBA 

Northwest District Representative 

Jim DeNelle 

316 Braden School Rd. 

Beaver Falls, PA 15010 

724-847-1195 

jimdenelle@hotmail.com 

Lake District Representative 

Allen Sheasley 

PO Box 3321 

Erie, PA 16508 

(W) 814-868-1386 

a.sheashley@juno.com 

East District Representative 

Bill Korns 

1100 E. Main Street 

Somerset, PA 15501 

814-443-3942 

wkorns@shol.com 

South District Representative 

Dave Pcholinski 

431 Carnegie St. 


412-466-6914 

jjotis@adelphia.net 

State Assignor Coordinator 

Norm Hasbrouck 

160 Quarry Lane 

California, PA 15419 

724-938-3620 

bod-hasbrouck@pawest-soccer.org 

State Referee Registrar 

Doug Splitstone 

2363 Harrison City Rd. 

Export, PA 15632 

724-327-6623 

splide@infionline.net

TOUCHLINE 


YELLING FROM THE SIDELINES 

By Lawrence Fine 

How often have you seen young players get real confused on the field 

because they have different people yelling different things to them at the 

same time? The coach is yelling one thing to the player, a teammate is 

yelling something else and a parent is yelling something completely different 

from the stands. Who should the player listen to when this is happening? 

While things vary depending upon the age group and level of play, an 

accurate way to describe much of the responsibilities of a coach during 

games is to say that practices are for the coaches to teach and games are 

for the players to demonstrate what they have learned. While it’s normal 

to have occasional minor corrections made during a game the decision 

making for the most part has to be made on the field by the players. The 

sidelines and the stands are not good places to see what is happening. 

The people with the best view are usually the players who are on the field 

participating in the action. To think that a person on the sideline can see 

the same thing as the player who is right there is absurd. It’s true that 

the person on the sideline might see things very differently, but the only 

way for the player to learn to make the correct decision is to allow them 

to make a decision whether it’s right or wrong (it could be argued that 

there aren’t wrong decisions but rather some just work out better than 

others) and then they can learn from their decision in order to make even 

better decisions in the future. 

Would students learn if, while taking their tests during school, the 

teacher was telling them exactly how to do things? Maybe they would 

get a good grade short term but would this really be learning? Would 

this prepare the student for the future or simply be addressing the short 

term? 

Does it make things more or less difficult for players if, not only are 

their coaches telling them what to do during games, but also the parents 

and spectators are trying to tell them what to do? Not only does this 

remove some of the decision making for the player but also if nothing 

else, it confuses the players even more. Should the player listen to the 

coach, the parents, the spectators or themselves? 

As a player, learn as much as possible during your training sessions 

and whenever possible so that the game can be when you demonstrate 

what you have learned, and have fun. 

As a coach, understand there is a time and place for coaching but during 

a game frequently the yelling from the sidelines telling players what 

to do and when is NOT that time. 

As a parent or spectator, understand that and directions you are yelling 

to the players is usually not being heard or understood but those that are 

heard frequently result in confusion as what they see and what you see is 

much different and even if it is the same, the players have to have the 

freedom to make the decision on their own. 

About the author: Lawrence Fine has been coaching for over 20 

years from youth to college. He also works as a consultant for Kwik 

Goal and NSCAA. You can read more from Lawrence on the web at 

www.finesoccer.com 

Support Our Sponsors:

August 2004 Page 5 

BOOTS, 

BAGS, AND 

BACK-TALK 

THE PLACE TO BE 

Stan 

Hunter 

President, 

Youth Board 

The Place To Be . . . The PA West Soccer Chevy Open . . . if you want your travel 

team to enjoy the experience and atmosphere of an away tournament minus the 

long distance travel and high costs. 

TOUCHLINE 

The Place To Be . . . The PA West Soccer State Cup ... if you want to play competition 

of the highest level. 

Full throttle soccer! 

The Place To Be . . . The PA West Soccer Tide American Cup . . . if you want to 

expose your in-house players and teams to play outside your own local club league. 

Chevy Open sidelines are always filled, just like the fields. 

The Place To Be . . . The PA West Soccer Coaching Program. . . . . if you are a 

coach and want to increase your ability and knowledge of teaching and playing the 

game of soccer. 

A favorite with the U6-U10 players. 

The Place To Be . . . The National Championship Series. . . . . if you want the 

opportunity to compete at the highest level in the country, represent your state in 

Regional and National competitions, and at the same time be seen by college 

coaches. Following this year’s Region 1 Championships letters of interest were 

sent to a number of PA West players from this tournament. 

The E License at Mt. Lebanon included hands on instruction, here from former 

DOC Chris Brown. 

The Place To Be . . . The State 

ODP Program. . . . .if your skill 

level is advanced, you want to 

further develop these skills, and 

you want the opportunity to be 

selected to play in regional and 

national pools that travel internationally 

in preparation for 

ODP competitions 

Instruction from the coach. 

Support Our Sponsors: 

College scouts/recruiters from Duke, Penn State, Duquesne, St. John’s, Bowdoin, 

Yale, St. Francis, and four other schools scouted at players at the U16 Boys game 

between STM and PDA (NJ) game. 

The Place To Be . . . PA West Soccer. . . . . if you want a thorough selection of program 

offerings for yourself and your young players, programs that are geared to all 

levels and ages, programs that don’t just promise, but also fulfill, programs that are 

not profit motivated, but cost effective. Come join us in the oldest most successful 

youth soccer program in the nation - PA WEST SOCCER - a proud member of US 

Youth Soccer and the United States Soccer Federation!


TOUCHLINE 

Coaching 

TEN QUALITIES OF LEADERSHIP 

Can a club train a coach to become a leader? Can a person develop leadership 

abilities? The answer is a resounding YES. Leadership is a combination 

of specific personal qualities. It begins inside a person and relies as much on 

philosophical approach as it does on learned skills. 

Courageous…Have the courage of your convictions, is a familiar saying. 

Leaders must have a strong belief system to boldly meet soccer’s challenges 

and maintain the courage of their convictions. Believing in their own physical, 

emotional, intellectual and spiritual standards and values enables them to apply 

all their resources and creative energy when faced with problems or overwhelming 

odds. 

Big Thinker…Leaders have the ability to see things in a larger perspective, 

and also to see things better than they are. Curiosity is essential! Many leaders 

have “divine discontent.” They challenge tradition. They are not afraid of 

idealism, and are eager to create and bring out the best in others. Coaches have 

clearly defined their personal goals and have the ability to help others expand 

their thinking and imagination. 

Change Master…Leaders move people and things in directions more beneficial 

to all. Coaches not only have the ability to create change, but they also 

accept, handle and succeed during times of change. Change is welcome since 

they learn from the past and let it go. Leaders don’t burden themselves with 

old ideas, prejudices, habits or processes. The inspired leader looks for the 

opportunity in change and tries to understand it even if he/she doesn’t like it. 

The Serenity Prayer is a guiding tenant: God grant me the serenity to accept the 

things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to 

know the difference. 

Persistent and Realistic…A leader sets realistic goals and sees them 

through to completion. Even when under pressure they remain committed to 

those goals. Current struggles are acknowledged as essential for future 

achievement, and coaches will sacrifice immediate satisfaction for future gains. 

They also help others overcome obstacles because they realize that patience is 

a good measure of persistence. Leaders do not quit! 

Sense Of Humor…It is said, “If you take yourself too seriously, no one else 

will.” A sense of humor is the key. Coaches know that life and soccer are no 

joking matter, but they have the ability to keep things in perspective. They are 

self-accepting. They can laugh at themselves. They have enthusiasm. Leaders 

are spontaneous and can express their feelings. Their ready wit lightens the 

load of all those around with whom they associate. When stress and pressure 

become a problem, the leader’s sense of humor gives everyone a momentary 

“emotional vacation” so that the task or situation can continue with balance and 

clear direction. 

Risk Taker…Taking risks is a vital part of leadership. Leaders have the 

courage to begin while others are waiting for better times, safer situations and 

assured results. They are willing to take the risk because they know that overcautiousness 

and indecision are robbers of opportunity and success. They are 

willing to fail in order to succeed. Coaches know that no one wins all the time 

and winning is not always the goal. They take initiative, are independent, and 

are not unduly influenced by others. Leaders allow themselves and others to 

grow by making mistakes and not expecting perfection. 

Positive and Hope Filled…Eighty percent of success in life is having a positive 

attitude. Coaches have the ability to see the good in a bad situation, to see 

hope where others do not and to have faith when others give up. They know 

that one person with a belief is equal to ninety-nine who only have an interest. 

They are optimistic and can elicit the same from other people. They trust themselves 

and others. Leaders know that everyone wants to make a difference, 

accomplish something in soccer, be accepted and receive acknowledgement for 

their skills and talents. The leader takes action to reinforce a person’s self 

worth and value, in a positive and hope-filled manner. 

Decision Maker…Deciding to decide is often harder than carrying 

through once the decision has been made. Leaders know that not deciding is 

still a decision made by time, fate and circumstance. The leader is vitally 

aware of this and would rather make a wrong decision than none at all. Few 

decisions in life are so critical that they cannot be corrected. If that is true 

for life then it is doubly so for soccer. Leaders know that indecision wastes 


time, energy, talent, money and opportunity. They make decisions and commitments 

to avoid future failures. Coaches are also willing to make decisions 

and plans that affect future generations, because they know that indecision 

will forfeit everyone’s future. 

Accepts And Uses Power Wisely…Leaders do not shrink from power, nor 

do they seek it unnecessarily. They know that having clout often intimidates 

others, so they use power judiciously. They “pull rank” only in emergencies. 

Leaders use their power to direct others to help them achieve their full potential. 

Coaches take responsibility for themselves, their actions and the results. 

They use their personal power to instill this example in others. Power and 

greatness is not a goal, but a by-product of learning how to serve. This they 

do gladly! 

Committed…Commitment is the primary word for coaches. They realize 

that without it, all else is meaningless. They have a zeal and dedication to 

their cause that pulls others to them. Their commitment exudes confidence 

and hope. Leaders set high standards of excellence for themselves and others, 

and people grow to those expectations. Leaders determine a course, 

make a plan and then have the self-discipline to follow through in spite of 

obstacles. Coaches stay in the game long after the others give up. Most people 

quit too soon, missing the riches of life. Just like the seasons, life and 

soccer have cycles. The leader’s commitment is sustained through the good 

and bad, hot and cold, ups and downs. Although coaches are committed to 

their goals, they live only for one day at a time and know that if they take 

care of today, tomorrow will take care of its self. 

This information was originally printed in an article about youth sports in 

the Providence Journal. Additional information about youth sports and 

sports parenting can be found at www.sportsparenting.org. 

UNIROYAL TIRE LAUNCHES 

YOUTH SOCCER 

SWEEPSTAKES 

How often do today’s youth soccer players have the chance to learn from 

one of the world’s top professionals? Tomorrow’s future Olympian will now 

have a chance to attend a free soccer clinic with US Women’s National Team 

Captain Julie Foudy through the Uniroyal Tire Julie Foudy Clinic Sweepstakes. 

This fall, Uniroyal Tire will award one lucky child and his or her youth 

soccer team a free three-hour clinic to be coached by Julie Foudy. Uniroyal 

will give the winner and his or her team a chance to learn directly from one 

of the top stars in U.S. professional soccer. In addition to the grand prize, 

Uniroyal Tire will award soccer balls autographed by Foudy to 100 first-prize 

winners. 

To enter, parents must register their child and his or her soccer team at 

www.uniroyal.com/sweeps. Contest ends on October 31, 2004. 

“This sweepstakes promotion is a great way for Uniroyal Tire to reach out 

to youth soccer and its players,” explained Tim Jamison, Uniroyal brand 

director. “Julie is a fantastic role model for kids and their parents alike and 

she represents the best in US athletics and truly exemplifies the word ‘professional’.” 

“I love working with young kids on the soccer field,” explained Foudy. 

“This sweepstakes will create so much excitement with the local leagues and 

is just one example of how Uniroyal has supported the sport both on and off 

the field.” 

Foudy, captain of the US Women’s National Team, will be playing for the 

red, white and blue this summer’s Olympics in Athens, Greece. She has 

worked with Uniroyal for five years and during that time has helped Uniroyal 

Tires and its dealers in donating nearly $5 million in equipment and funds 

to more than 1,200 youth soccer organizations across the country.


TOUCHLINE 

Coaching 

I spent the week of July Fourth in Rhode Island watching 

our state champions play in the biggest club competition in 

Region 1. The weather was wonderful, what’s better, sunny 

with a breeze, excellent weather to play soccer. 

Over 280 teams from 15 states competing to see who will 

be the Region 1 champion, and in the older age groups, which 

will be going on to the national champions held this year in 

Florida at the Wide World of Disney site. 

What better venue for the U16 – 18 players to show of their 

talents; they were being watched by a vast army of college 

coaches who were in attendance that weekend. Along with 

Paul 

Halford 

Director of Coaching 

& Player Development 

the ODP tournament for the state ODP teams, this must rank as the most attended event 

for the college coaches. They have the opportunity to watch the best clubs and players 

in the region compete against each other with the added bonus that all the teams 

are at one site. 

A list of the coaches who attended the event is at the bottom of the page. Keep in 

mind, this only a list of those coaches who signed in with the tournament. There were 

others on hand who didn’t register with the tournament. 

A three-way tie in the group all tiebreakers making them equal, we are down to a 


penalty shoot out to decide who goes through to the semi 

finals. If this was a movie you wouldn’t believe it. 

In all my years going to the regional tournament I cannot 

remember a scenario quite like this one, what drama. Unfortunately 

it wasn’t the fairy tale ending we would have liked, 

the U18 boys from Beadling went out on the penalty shootout. 

What I found encouraging was the support that the PA 

West Soccer teams gave each other. Watching the U18 boys 

in their last group game we had the U12 girls, U17 girls and 

the U17 boys all rooting for their state champions. 

Overall the PA West teams showed well against some very 

strong opposition. On the Monday of the tournament, the U12 girls in their semi-final 

played a good game against a very good EPYSA team. Losing 2 – 1 but competing to 

the end. Over the weekend the U17 boys playing tough opposition lost their last game 

to fall just short of going into the semi-finals. 

Congratulations to all the teams that entered, you represented PA West Soccer very 

well showing good sportsmanship along with the competitive spirit that we would 

expect from our state champions. A thank you to the parents for their sportsmanship 

on the sidelines, you were a credit to your clubs and PA West Soccer. 

College Programs in Attendance 

Arizona State (women) Adelphi College (men) American International (men) 

American University (men) Assumption (women) Auburn University (women) 

Babson (men and women) Binghamton (men and women) Boston College (men and women) 

Boston Univ. (men and women) Bowdoin (men) Bridgton Acad. (men) 

Brown Univ. (men and women) Bryant (men and women) Bucknell (women) 

California (PA) (men) Carleton (men and women) Catholic Univ. (women) 

Canisius (women) Clark Univ. (men) Clemson (women) 

Colby College (men) Colgate (women) Colorado College (women) 

College or St. Rose (women) Columbia (women) Comm. Coll. Of RI (women) 

Connecticut College (men) Cornell (women) Dartmouth (men and women) 

Dean College (men and women) Defance College (women) Delaware Tech CC (men) 

Drexel (women) Drew Univ. (men and women) Duke (men) 

Duquesne (men and women) East Carolina (men) Eastern Connecticut (women) 

Fairfield (men and women) Fairleigh Dickinson (women) Fordham (men and women) 

Florida State (women) Franklin Pierce (men and women) George Washington (women) 

Georgetown (women) Hartwick (men) Hobart Coll. (men) 

Harvard (men) Hofstra (men and women) Holy Cross (men) 

Iona (men and women) Lafayette (women) LaSalle (men) 

Lehigh (men and women) Long Island Univ. (women) Loyola (men and women) 

Manhattanville (men) Marietta Coll. (women) Marist (women) 

Marshall (men and women) Marleitta (men) Muhlenberg (men) 

Nat’l. Scouting Rpt. (women) New Jersey Int. Tech (men) New York Univ. (women) 

Northeastern (women) Northwestern (men) Notre Dame (men) 

Ohio State (women) Old Dominion (men) Oneonta (men) 

Penn State (men and women) Philadelphia Univ. (men) Princeton (men and women) 

Providence (men and women) Rhode Island (men and women) Rice (women) 

Robert Morris (men and women) Roger Williams (men) Rutgers (men and women) 

St. Anselm (men) St. Francis (men) St. Michael (women) 

Seton Hall (men and women) Siena (women) S. Connecticut (men and women) 

S. New Hampshire (women) Springfield (men) St. Bonaventure (women) 

St. Edwards (men) St. John’s (men and women) St. Joe’s (men) 

St. Lawrence (men and women) St. Michael’s (men) St. Peters (men) 

St. Thomas (women) Steven’s Tech (men and women) Stony Brook (women) 

SUNY-Purchase (men) Susquehanna (men) Syracuse (women) 

Towson (women) Tulane (women) Univ. of Albany (women) 

Univ. of Bridgeport (women) Univ of Chicago (men) U Conn (men and women) 

Univ. of Dayton (women) Univ. of Maine (men and women) Maryland (men and women) 

Maryland-Balt. (men & women) U. Mass.-Amherst (men & women) U. Mass-Lowell (men and women) 

Miami (FL) (women) Michigan (men) Minnesota (women) 

New Hampshire (men & women) Univ. New Haven (men &women) Penn (men and women) 

Pittsburgh (men and women) Richmond (men) Univ. Rochsterst (men & women) 

S. Carolina (women) S. Maine (women) Tennessee (women) 

Texas (women) Vermont (women) Virginia (women) 

US Coast Guard (women) US Merchant Marine (men) US Naval Acad. (men) 

Villanova (men and women) Virginia Tech (men and women) Wake Forest (men) 

Wellesley (women) Wesleyan Univ. (men) West Chester (women) 

WVU (women) W. Va. Wesleyan (women) Wheaton College (women) 

William & Mary (women) William Smith (women) Wofford (men) 

Yale (men and women)


Y Licenses 

Mars Area Soccer 

U6 – U8 Module 

Thursday, July 22 and Friday, July 23 

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. both nights 

Location: Mars Soccer Fields 

Contact: Bill Ferguson at bferguso@zoominternet.net or 724-316-1280 

Mars Area Soccer 


Wednesday, August 4 and Thursday, August 5 


Location: Mars Soccer Fields 

Contact: Bill Ferguson at bferguso@zoominternet.net or 724-316-1280 

TOUCHLINE 

Monroeville Soccer 

U6-U8 Module 

Tuesday, August 24 and Wednesday, August 26 

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

Location: Crossroads Presbyterian Church 

Contact: Rick Fogle at fogle@pitt.edu or 412-372-7586 

Dynamo Soccer Club 

U6-U8 Module 

Monday, August 30 and Wednesday, Sept. 1 


Location: Allderdice High School in Squirrel Hill 

Contact: Dana Schumacher at Dynorg@aol.com or412-361-0623 

Brookline Soccer 


Thursday, August 12 and Thursday, August 19 

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

Location: Brookline Soccer Facility 

Contact: Chris Rossetti at crossetti@compucom-inc.com 

Waynesburg Area Soccer 


Saturday, August 21 

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

Location: Greene Co. Youth Soccer Fields 

Contact: Herb Thompson at hrthompson@alltel.net or 304-278-6118 

Bethel Park Youth Soccer 


Sunday, August 22 

Noon – 6:00 p.m. 

Location: Village Green Park 

Contact: Stan Sbei at 412-835-8924 

South Fayette Soccer 

U10-U12 Module 

Monday, August 23 and Wednesday, August 25 

6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 

Location: Hogan Field 

Contact: Mark Mitchell at 412-221-3171 

E Licenses 

Grove City Youth Soccer 

August 6, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 

August 7, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

August 8, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

Location: Tower Presbyterian Church and Hunter Fields in Grove City 

Contact: Brian Beil at bsport@pathway.net or 814-786-8168 

Cost: $50.00/candidate make check payable to PA West Soccer 

Peters Township Soccer Association 

August 13, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 

August 14, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

August 15, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

Location to be determined – will provide directions to all registered 

coaches 

Contact: Peter Chiste at pmchiste@hotmail.com or 724-969-1070 


Penn Trafford Soccer Association 

August 20, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 

August 21, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

August 22, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

Location: Bushy Run Soccer Field Complex 

Contact: Bill Neral at 724-864-9743 


BUTLER COUNTY SOCCER ASSO. 

13 TH ANNUAL 

BUTLER “FALL KICKOFF CLASSIC” 

TRAVELING SOCCER TOURNAMENT 

LABOR DAY WEEKEND—Sept. 4 & Sept. 5, 2004 

Monroeville Soccer Club 

November 12, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 

November 13, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

November 14, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

Location: University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg 

Contact: Rick Fogle at fogle@pitt.edu or 412-372-7586 


U-10, U-11, U-12 & U-14 DIV. 1 & 2/3; DIV. A & B/C 

GIRLS PLAY SATURDAY/BOYS PLAY SUNDAY 

*3 GAMES GUARANTEED *30 MINUTE GAMES 

*U-11 & 13 DIV’S IF NUMBERS PERMIT *$150.00 PER TEAM 

INFO & REGISTRATION FORMS: 

BCSA, P.O. BOX 2, BUTLER, PA 16003, ATTN: Steve H., or 

Call Steve Horniacek @ 724-910-9328 

sh@zoominternet.net 

also on www.bcsa.net 

D License 


Next D License will be this winter, dates and location to be announced.


TOUCHLINE 

Player Development 

SOME THOUGHTS ON ODP 

By Carly and Casey Deiter 

As five-year “veterans” of the PA West Soccer ’87 Girls ODP team, we 

sometimes hear negative comments about our Olympic Development Program. 

Some of you probably have heard and even have come to believe 

these comments, for whatever reason. Some of the comments include the 

following: 1) PA West Soccer doesn’t identify the top players in our region; 

2) PA West Soccer ODP doesn’t truly help players develop the skills they 

need to get to the next level; 3) ODP is a waste of both time and money; 

and 4) PA West Soccer ODP is not highly regarded in Region 1. These comments 

have been voiced by parents and athletes alike. Over the years, we 

have personally witnessed a few club and high school coaches discourage 

their players from trying out for ODP. While all of this is very disappointing 

to us, we want to offer you our reasons for participating so that perhaps 

you will understand the true benefits. 

First of all, please know that, while we do not agree entirely with the negative 

comments, we understand why some of these opinions exist and perpetuate. 

PA West Soccer, like other growing organizations, has experienced 

difficulty with resources for ODP…enough qualified coaches, available 

fields, volunteers and even funding. We have had some negative experiences 

as well... in our second year, our coach left our team just prior to ID 

camp for personal reasons; one year, players tried out with us and didn’t 

make the cut but were not given the benefit of solid communication from 

the evaluators; and then there was the year when our coach was a little too 

tough (verbally) on the players. Parents and players alike, especially those 

on the receiving end of these situations, reacted as you would expect with 

frustration and more open criticism of PA West Soccer ODP. Some players 

vowed never to try out again and didn’t. Some parents decided to extend 

their personal vendettas beyond ODP and did. And for those of us who really 

wanted to play soccer, we forgave with the understanding that organizations 

have personnel problems and that our life experiences, whether at 

ODP, school or work, all abound with the good, the bad and the ugly. The 

good news is that, even with the negative publicity, PA West Soccer continues 

to try and improve the ODP program, its presence in Region 1, and the 

skill levels of its players as well as its support to the local clubs. This is no 

easy task! 

So let’s get to participation. PA West Soccer ODP is a key component of 

a much larger player identification and development program…the 

regional and national programs. In the article written collaboratively by 

April Heinrichs and other high profile coaches such as Jerry Smith and 

Steve Swanson, Is Girls ODP in America Serving the Purpose, the authors 

point to the ODP program as an acronym for “Opportunity to Develop as a 

Player” for those players looking for environments to improve themselves. 

And that is just what it is! It is one more opportunity – beyond your classic 

team’s competitions and beyond the 2010 initiative. ODP is for any 

player who has the desire, the perseverance, and the resolve to improve 

his/her own soccer skills. 

As competitive players, we know that many players get involved with 

ODP to go the Region 1 Tournament and ID Camp, hoping to be selected 

for the regional player pool or even called up to the national pool. Over the 

past five years, we have seen some very talented players attend ID camp and 

then quit, never to try out again, disappointed that they weren’t selected for 

pool their first or second try. It’s important to remember that we as competitors 

don’t always succeed. There are no guarantees in life. Failure is a 

great teacher if you realize why you failed and address those issues or challenges 

head-on instead of criticizing the process. 

In 2002 (our third year of ODP), one of us (Carly) made the Region I Pool 

at ID Camp at Rhode Island University. She was extremely excited, but very 

nervous at the same time. We had been working for three years to make the 


Region 1 final pool, and after two days of being on pool, she was cut. Carly 

was devastated and tried to understand the reasons. There were many reasons 

and over the next year she focused on becoming a better player, taking 

advice from her coaches in the state and region. We both trained often on 

our own, looking forward to the following season. In the summer of 2003, 

Carly made the Region 1 pool the second day and stayed on it all week. By 

the end of the week, she was a new member of the Region 1 ODP Player 

pool. We both had tried four years in a row to make that pool before she 

made it in 2003. It was definitely bittersweet – we both had the same goal 

– but only one of us made it. 

There is a whole litany of positives that we can also share with you. We 

learned a lot about ourselves in dealing with our challenges in soccer, on 

and off the field. Our ’87 ODP teammates are wonderful friends, unselfish 

as players and supportive of each other. Our play during the ODP tournament 

this year improved (we were 2-1), losing to Eastern Pennsylvania 1-0 

in a very tightly played match. Our ‘87 coach, Heather Kendra, works hard, 

teaching us the game and preparing us for the tournament and ID camp. 

She is a role model for every one of us. (Thank you Coach!) 

As for the Region 1 experience, the friendships that Carly made and the 

respect (and even awe) for the Region 1 players who were her teammates 

during this past year while playing in the Orange Classic and Kicks Against 

Breast Cancer events have been positives. The Region 1 coaches (Sue 

Ryan, John Daly, Nikki-Izzo Brown to name a few) who have counseled, 

corrected and encouraged her are incredible soccer minds and equally 

impressive on a personal level. And last but not least, we have both learned 

so much about the sport we love to play. 

Has classic soccer helped our game? Sure! Have the summer soccer 

camps we attended helped? Absolutely! But our advice to you is… take 

the chance. Try out for the ODP team next year if you want to go the next 

level. If you don’t try out, you’re only delaying your best Opportunity to 

Develop as a Player. 

Touchline Information: 

PA West Soccer Association 

412-856-8011 

Publishing: 

Indiana Printing & Publishing Co. • Indiana, PA 

Disclaimer: 

Touchline, the official publication of the PA West Soccer Association, is currently published 

five times a year - January, April, June, August and October. It is mailed free of 

charge to all PA West registered players, coaches, referees and administrators. It is 

also available by subscription. For more information, contact the state office at 412- 

856-8011 or at stateoffice@pawest-soccer.org. Materials or advertising should be submitted 

no later than the 1st day of the month prior to publication. 

All rights reserved. PA West assumes no responsibility for unsolicited queries, manuscripts, 

photographs, graphics or other materials. PA West reserves the right to edit 

materials submitted to the editor. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in 

any form without the express written permission of PA West, with the exception of individual 

reproductions not intended for commercial reproduction. 

The contents of articles or advertisements in Touchline are not to be construed as 

official statements, evaluations or endorsements by authors, editors or PA West. Every 

reasonable effort has been made to give reliable data and information, but neither the 

authors, editors or PA West can accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions 

that may be made. The Touchline does not publish articles from anonymous sources or 

contributors. 

PA West Soccer Association is a registered name and trademark of the Pennsylvania 

West Soccer Association. The use of its name and logo are prohibited, except from 

our clubs using it in an official and approved capacity.


TOUCHLINE 

CHEVY OPEN 

Debby, 

I want to thank you and your committee and volunteers for the great job 

at the Chevy Open. It is amazing how well the tournament functions with 

so many people and teams participating. My girls really enjoyed the whole 

experience and they are already looking forward to next year. 

Thank you, 

John Lydon 

Cross into the box. 

THANK YOU 

SPONSORS 

Action at the edge of the box. 

Listen to the coach. 

PENNSYLVANIA 

STATE SOCCER 

WEST ASSOCIATION 

Debby, 

I just wanted to say I had the pleasure of attending Friday night and all 

day Saturday watching games at Edinboro. Even though I don’t have kids 

playing, it was enjoyable just watching and not having to coach, etc. I think 

you guys did a great job, the weather cooperated and from the outside it 

looked like everything ran like a well lubricated machine (I hope that it 

did.). I know the teams from Kinzua had a great weekend and soccer experience 

no matter what the score. 

As a club president and past coach and parent of players, I want to thank 

you for all the hard work that goes into the Open tournament. 

Marty Ruhlman 



TOUCHLINE 

Debby, 

Just wanted to say nice job for putting things together for this second 

week of the Chevy Open. We had another great experience and as promised, 

I delivered on the sunshine (remember your request?). Please share 

with the rest of your group our congrats on a job well done! 

Regards, 

Herb Thompson 

Working the ball upfield. 

Turning away from pressure. 

Heading is fun! 

U10’s in action. 


Into the safe arms of the ‘keeper. 

CHEVY OPEN WINNERS 

JUNE 19-20-21 

Age Group Div. Team 

U11 Boys 1 Murrysville 

U11 Boys 2 South Park 

U12 Boys 1 Canonsburg 

U12 Boys 2 NHSC 

U12 Boys 3 Mercer County 

U14 Boys 3 Penn Crest 

U16 Boys 3 Fayette County 

U19 Boys 3 Harborcreek 

U11 Girls A Seneca Valley 

U12 Girls A MARS 

U12 Girls B Norwin 

U12 Girls C Latrobe 

U14 Girls C Keystone Oaks 

U16 Girls C Greene County 

U19 Girls C Jefferson Jaguars 

JUNE 25-27 

Age Group Div. Team 

U13 Boys 1 Baldwin-Whitehall 

U13 Boys 2 North Hills 

U14 Boys 1 Pittsburgh Dynamo 

U14 Boys 2 Montour 

U15 Boys 2 Elizabeth Forward Warriors 

U16 Boys 2 Elizabeth Forward 

U17 Boys 1 Laurel Highlands 

U17 Boys 2 Twin Boro 

U19 Boys 1 Holidaysburg 

U19 Boys 2 Blackhawk 

U14 Girls A Upper St. Clair 

U14 Girls B Deer Lakes 

U16 Girls B Pittsburgh Dynamo 

U19 Girls A Lake Erie Thunder

TOUCHLINE 


HEADER??? 

CHEVY OPEN TOURNAME 

U11 Boys - Murrysville 

U14 Boys - Penn Crest 

U12 Girls - Norwin 

U11 Boys - Southpark 

U16 Boys - Fayette County 

U12 Girls - Latrobe 

U12 Boys - Canonsburg 

U19 Boys - Harborcreek 

U14 Girls - Keystone Oaks 

U12 Boys - NHSC 

U11 Girls - Seneca Valley 

U16 Girls - Greene County 

U12 Boys - Mercer County 

U12 Girls - MARS 

U19 Girls - Jefferson Jaguars 



TOUCHLINE 

NT WINNERS 

U13 Boys - Baldwin-Whitehall 

U16 Boys - Elizabeth Forward 

U14 Girls - Upper St. Clair 

U13 Boys - North Hills 

U17 Boys - Laurel Highlands 

U14 Girls - Deer Lakes 

U14 Boys - Pittsburgh Dynamo 

U17 Boys - Twin Boro 

U16 Girls - Pittsburgh Dynamo 

U14 Boys - Montour 

U19 Boys - Holidaysburg 

U19 Girls - Lake Erie Thunder 

U15 Boys - Elizabeth Forward Warriors 

U19 Boys - Blackhawk 

Photos by 

Mike Drazdzinski 

and 

Joe Capalewski 


TOUCHLINE 


REGION 1 CHAMPIONSHIPS PROVIDE TOP COMPETITION 

The PA West Soccer contingent headed to the University of Rhode Island 

for the US Youth Soccer Region 1 Championships for the Fourth of July 

weekend. The goal of each team was to bring home a regional title, but 

more importantly book a trip to Disney World and the US Youth Soccer 

National Championships. 

The Beadling U12 Girls and Beadling U19 Boys advanced to semi-final 

play before bowing out. The Beadling U18 Boys finished group play in a 

three-way tie and missed advancing to the semi’s after losing a tiebreaker of 

kicks from the mark. 

Five age groups had first time representatives, aside from the Beadling 

U12 Boys and Girls teams making their first trip to regionals. Penns Forest 

U14 Girls, Beadling U15 Girls, Penns Forest U15 Boys, STM U16 Boys, 

and Centre U18 Girls all made their first trip as PA West Soccer Champions. 

U18 Girls – Tight marking by Centre. 

U14 Boys – Beadling in action. 

U18 Boys – Beadling tries a back heel to set up a goal. 

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH 

2004 Panthers Soccer Home Schedule 

MEN’S SOCCER 

WOMEN’S SOCCER 

Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time 

Wed 9/1 Canisius 5 PM Fri 9/3 Duquesne 7 PM 

Sat 9/18 Syracuse* 1 PM Fri 9/17 Georgetown* 7 PM 

Wed 9/29 Marshall 5 PM Sun 9/19 Providence* 1 PM 

Sat 10/2 Seton Hall* 1 PM Sun 9/26 Boston Col.* 1 PM 

Wed 10/20 Georgetown* 7 PM Wed 10/6 West Virginia* 7 PM 

Sat 10/23 St John’s* 1 PM Tue 10/19 St Francis(PA) 7 PM 

Sun 10/31 Providence* 1 PM Sun 10/24 Villanova* 1 PM 

Tue 11/2 Cleveland St. 7 PM * DENOTES BIG EAST GAME 

All home games are FREE and are played at Founder’s Field 

For map and directions visit: 

www.pittsburghpanthers.com/info/travel 

PA West Soccer’s contingent participates in the parade of champions. 

U16 Boys – STM mixing it up in the goalmouth. 



TOUCHLINE 

TOPSoccer Talk 

by Peggy Neason, PA West TOPSoccer Administrator 

CHEVY GRANT 

PA West Soccer TOPSoccer was awarded a $1000 grant by Chevrolet for 

its work with children with disabilities. This money will be used to fund the 

many camps we are doing in July and August. 

NEW TOPSOCCER PROGRAM 

Penn Trafford will be starting a new TOPSoccer Program on September 

12th at Bushy Run Field Complex. The program kicks off at 10:00 AM. For 

more information contact Tom Petter at 724-733-0975. 

KICKS FOR KIDS LABOR DAY 

TOURNAMENT 

Applications are now being accepted for this tournament which will be 

held September 4-5 at the Turner Valley Soccer Complex. Cost is $295. 

Debby Mumpower is the contact person and the application is below and on 

the PA West Soccer web site (www.pawest-soccer.org). All profits from this 

tournament go to support our current TOPSoccer programs. Any team can 

enter in the U-10 thru U-14 age group. Please help us by entering your 

team into this tournament. 

YOUTH SOCCER MONTH - 

CELEBRATING SOCCER IN 

AMERICA THIS SEPTEMBER 

Interest in the sport of soccer is at its highest level ever, with more than 

19 million children ages 5-19, from Portland, ME to Portland, OR on city 

streets and in suburban fields, playing the game. More children are participating 

in organized soccer than peewee football, youth basketball or Little 

League Baseball. For these children soccer is more than a pastime, it is a 

passion. 

Recognizing the impact and importance the sport of soccer plays in the 

day-to-day lives of America's families, US Youth Soccer, the nation's largest 

youth sports association, with 3.2 million members, has spearheaded the 

Youth Soccer Month-Celebrating Soccer in America, in September. Why is 

soccer so popular? Because it offers children the opportunity to participate 

in a healthy lifestyle, be physically active and develop social skills while 

making new friends. 

Throughout Youth Soccer Month, a series of messages will be highlighted 

to illustrate “Celebrating Soccer in America.” Each week during Youth 

Soccer Month, a different message will be the focus of communication and 

programming: 

Week One - Fitness: The health and fitness (physical, psychological and 

social) benefit of playing soccer. 

Week Two - Friendship: The relationships and fun generated through 

playing soccer extend beyond the field. 

Week Three - Family: Playing soccer ties families together as schedules, 

vacation and family time are coordinated. 

Week Four - Participation: Whether recreational or competitive in nature, 

involvement in soccer is easy and affordable. 

Youth Soccer Month is comprised of a month-long mixture of national 

and grassroots events designed to raise awareness of the benefits of participating 

in the beautiful game. The messages of Youth Soccer Month mirror 

those of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, communicating 

the importance of physical activity/fitness and exercise and their link 

to good health, while also furthering President Bush's vision of a healthier 

United States where citizens are physically active every day, value nutrition 

and avoid risky behaviors. 

All clubs are invited to participate in this national event. What can your 

club do? Host a special event or fundraiser, contact your local mayor or 

town council and ask them to proclaim September Youth Soccer Month in 

your town, or create a new award and honor past club members for their 

contributions to the game. Offer free soccer clinics and other soccer-related 

activities! 

Get your whole town involved by hosting a weekend soccer carnival, festival, 

or block party! Get your teams involved in spreading the word about 

soccer! Ask other organizations to join the fun; reach out to schools, the 

YMCA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, hospitals and other community based 

groups and ask them to collaborate and celebrate. 

Everything you need to get started can be found on the Youth Soccer 

Month web site. Youthsoccermonth.org serves as “information central” for 

all activities and celebrations during the month. It also houses contests 

hosted by our sponsor partners, as well as feature stories and of course, 

maintains the master calendar for the Youth Soccer Month of September. 

You can also contact the State Office for more info or assistance. Let us 

know how your club will be celebrating and we'll make sure it’s added to the 

Youth Soccer Month web site calendar. 

Celebrate your sport - celebrate our youth - celebrate Youth Soccer Month 

this September! 


TOUCHLINE 


BEADLING 84-85 BOYS – “A 

BAND OF BROTHERS” 

It’s all about team and what a team they have been! “A band of brothers” 

as former coach Rob Eldridge would call them. They were coached to play 

for each other, not for themselves, and with this commitment to team they 

have accomplished so much. 

The Beadling 84-85 Boys may have pulled on their Beadling youth jerseys 

for the last time as they were eliminated by Virginia in the U-19 Region 

I semi-final by a score of 2-1, but their success over the years should not go 

unrecognized. This year’s appearance at the Region I Championships 

marked the eighth such trip, seven as PA West Soccer State Cup Champions 

and one as the U-14 wild card. 

This translates into going to Regionals every year that they were eligible. 

More impressive is the fact that this team has not lost a bracket game at 

Regionals in over five years going 11-0-4 since 2000 and are undefeated 

from 2002-2004 going 9-0-0 in their bracket. 

During this run the team has garnered a Gold, Silver, and 2 Bronze 

medals. The Beadling Blue won the 2000 (U-15) Regional Championship, 

finished as the 2002 (U-17) runners-up losing in the second over-time 1-0, 

and finished with two bronze medal final four appearances in 2003 (U-18) 

losing in PK’s and 2004 (U-19). These results and this level of consistency 

are truly amazing when you stop to think about the magnitude of the competition 

to reach the Regional Championships. 

Over the past four years the team has made two Capital Cup finals, a 

final four appearance in the inaugural Disney Showcase; they have participated 

in the adidias NCAA College Cup Showcase and the Blue Chip 

Showcase. They won the Bethesda Invitational Thanksgiving Tournament, 

and the 2002 Continental Alliance Cup. Under the leadership of current 

Coach Dave MacKenzie, the team traveled to Europe in 2001 showing their 

grit once again with impressive performances against German professional 

club youth development teams, battling FC Nuremberg to a 0-0 draw and 

defeating Munich 1860 1-0. 

The successes of their youth soccer experience have translated into 

opportunities to continue their winning ways at the college level. The current 

U-19 roster featured 15 collegiate players, 2 at Division III and 13 at 

the Division I level. The iron men of the group, Garrett MacKenzie 

(Duquesne), Brent Dillie (VA Tech), Brian Bartek (Duquesne), Jonathan 

Browne (Carnegie Mellon), Greg Liebenguth (James Madison), and Shawn 

Wildman (Pittsburgh) have been with the team for all eight years U-12 

through U-19. Joining the squad during 2000 - 2001 and helping push the 

team to the next level were Josh Fillnow, Jeremy Gillespie (Pittsburgh), Eli 

Myers (Colgate), Brad Frye (Denison), Josh Miller (Duquesne), Dan Morton 

(Duquesne), and Sean Park (Duquesne). Recent additions to the squad 

include Clint Loughner (Dayton), Dan Robb (WVU), Jared Helfrich 

(Duquesne) and Keith Osborne (VA Tech). Alumni of the team who have 

left to pursue other sports but contributed greatly to the success over the 

years include Conor Lee (football- Pittsburgh) and Matt Warco (track- 

William & Mary). 

Great teams are something special and consistently great teams are something 

to cherish. You should all be proud of your hard work, commitment, 

and the success that they have brought to you. On behalf of Coach 

Eldridge, Coach MacKenzie, and the Beadling Soccer Club we must say 

hats off this “Band of Brothers”! 

Matt Bartek, Manager 

Beadling S.C. 84-85 Blue 

PA WEST SOCCER AND 

KIDSPORTS TEAM UP 

PA West Soccer and KidSports Magazine have teamed 

up to provide tips and tools on soccer skills to young athletes 

and their parents. KidSports Magazine, a parents’ guide for 

young athletes, will feature a monthly section on soccer 

sponsored by PA West Soccer. Paul Halford, Director of 

Coaching & Player Development for PA West Soccer, serves 

as an advisor to the publication and works with KidSports to 

develop ideas and topics. The magazine, which debuted in 

May, is the newest publication of the Pittsburgh Sports 

Report family. 

The soccer section offers advice to parents, coaches, 

players and soccer enthusiasts in general on such topics as 

training the weaker foot, small-sided play, ball control, 

defensive pressure and coverage, warm-up routines, goaltender 

tips, etc. 

Published monthly, KidSports Magazine offers tips for 

parents on a wide variety of sports, health and nutrition, 

drills and training, working with coaches, volunteering and 

many other subjects. Pick up a copy at hundreds of area 

locations, including PA West Soccer offices, or call 1-800- 

945-7767. 



TOUCHLINE 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 

FAMILY COMMITMENTS, STRESS, AND ORGANIZATION 

When was the last time the entire family sat in the living room or, over 

the dining room table and shared with each other the important events and 

thoughts that affect each individual and the family unit? How many times 

have two parents looked at the three children (each going to a different location 

and not yet old enough to drive), and simply stated – “We are one parent 

short!”? If your family is like most USA families in 2004, most conversations 

occur “on the fly” - as we leave the house in the morning; or, as we 

grab something to eat - and depart home for another evening commitment. 

This type of activity simply adds tension to everyone’s already stressful day 

of living in a competitive society. 

With the increase in stressors that we add to our lives, it is only natural 

that we seek organization and structure that will assist us in managing the 

related tension. With that being said, we (PAWest Soccer Association) 

should and must take a leadership role is assisting everyone, associated with 

the game of soccer, in this process. To that end, we must provide league 

playing schedules, prior to the beginning of the fall and spring sessions, for 

- players, parents, coaches, commissioners & schedulers, referee assignors 

& assessors, referees, field commissioners, maintenance personnel, and 

other support personnel who actually “make it happen”. Needless to say, 

weather, playoffs, and other unforeseen conflicts will affect portions of the 

structured league schedule; but, as a whole everyone can better organize and 

schedule their time and related stress. 

A step in this direction would be to strongly recommend that during the 

week following team pre-registration (Aug 1 st and March 1 st ); league playing 

schedules would be finalized by league commissioners and schedulers 

(August 9 th and March 7 th ). Within the next two weeks, players, parents, 

coaches, referee assignors, referee assessors, referees, field commissioners, 

and maintenance personnel would receive league playing schedules, assignments, 

and other related agreements which are needed to facilitate well 

organized league play. As we enter the end of August and March with actual 

play, a great deal of the unknown now has become known and with it 

some relief from our own self-imposed stressors. 

For the Good of the Game and Its Participants, 

Norm Hasbrouck 

PA West Soccer State Assignor Coordinator 

Member, PA West Soccer Board of Directors 

P.S. Comments are welcome … please send to Norm Hasbrouck … at the 

PA West Soccer State Office. 

& 

Dog Daze 

of Summer 

® 

GATE TICKET 

PRICES: 

$9 Adult 

$7 Youth 

Attention Referees!!! 

Get $2 off Gate Price when you show your PA West Referee Badge!! 

(* One (1) ticket per badge per person) 

Questions? Contact: Pittsburgh RIVERHOUNDS ® Attn: Tania Hanscom 

River Park Commons Two / 2425 Sidney Street / Pittsburgh, PA 15203 / Phone: (412) 381-GOAL / Fax (412) 481-2529 

www.riverhounds.com 


TOUCHLINE 

SPORTSMANSHIP TOURNAMENT PHOTOS 


Where did it go? 

U10 girls in action. 

Tracking down the ball. 

Over-40 men using an aerial goal front clearance. 

U12 girls attacking into the penalty area. 

Ron Cook gives his team pregame instruction. 

50-50 ball provides players with a test of bravery. 


One v one duals always test players attacking and defending skills.


WE’RE ALL IN THIS 

TOGETHER 

There’s a brochure available from US Youth Soccer 

titled “We’re All In This Together” and it highlights the fact 

that players, parents, coaches and referees must all work 

together to provide our kids with a game. The brochure 

emphasizes providing our players with a good playing 

experience. 

But “we’re all in this together” goes beyond coaches, 

Tim 

McCoy 

Director of 

Member 

Services 

parents and referees working together with good sideline behavior, quality refereeing, 

first-rate coaching and all the other trappings of playing the game. The administrators 

and governing organizations from the various realms of the game are “in 

it together” as well. 

At the conclusion of the second weekend of the Chevy Open I was talking to a 

long-time soccer enthusiast who’s been involved in the game for years. His experience 

has been at levels from youth to the pros and everything in between. 

During our conversation, he offered a bit of insight that was telling and crucial 

to soccer’s growth and at some levels existence. He shared that soccer is too fragmented 

in western Pennsylvania, not to mention the United States. There are too 

many levels and organizations looking out for themselves and not the game. He 

cited opportunities missed because those involved were more worried about their 

own organization than the bigger picture. 

Ego plays a big part in these missed opportunities; personal beliefs and goals 

have clouded viewpoints. But there are other reasons for the fragmentation, 

including poor leadership, lack of vision, and failure to plan. And the document 

that governs the United States plays more than a small role in our fragmentation. 

Before all you patriots get too upset, I’ll explain how our Constitution plays a 

role here. Through our country’s governance, the US Soccer Federation isn’t the 

end-all, be-all of soccer that it would be in other countries. Unlike England, where 

the FA decides all things soccer, US Soccer cannot govern with the single purpose 

of what’s best for the sport, but must accommodate any organization interested in 

affiliating or associating with it. USSF answers to the US Olympic Committee in 

accordance with their guidelines and the US Constitution. 

Giving everyone equal rights is great when it comes to jobs, voting, serving in 

the military and the essentials of living our lives, but when we’re talking about a 

game, having to accommodate too many special interests makes it very difficult to 

focus on game. 

All too often, I get phone calls or emails from a person or group interested in 

forming a club. The purpose for forming the club isn’t because there’s a need, so 

much as it’s a desire. The person or persons involved usually has a level of dissatisfaction 

with their current club. Fortunately, our regular clubs must have geographic 

boundaries and our Constitution and Bylaws currently prohibits more than 

one club in the same geographic boundary. But in the case of classic organizations, 

because we can’t discriminate, a newly formed club that meets our criteria for 

membership, should be accepted. In the “old” days, dissatisfaction among the 

membership would have prompted changes in leadership, but today, it’s easier to 

leave and form a new club. This “waters down” the teams and league competition. 

This same dance occurs at the Federation. A group of individuals or clubs can 

decide to form a new organization… their goals might be diametrically opposed to 

the mission of USSF, but if they meet the membership requirement they have to be 

accepted. Even if they’re only forming their organization for the purpose of cashing 

in on the boom in youth sports their affiliation must be accepted. 

So where do we start? We have to look toward building bridges and fostering 

good relationships. From the local level of clubs working together, to the state 

level with those at odds with one another deciding to work together instead of 

against one another. We also have to work more closely with our pro teams and 

our national organizations. 

Locally, I think we have to realistically look at our current structure and decide 

whether it is in need of an overhaul or minor changes. Our Restructuring and 

Reorganization Committee is currently working on this project and the results 

should be out soon. 

Youth sports have evolved into big business and our association has to recognize 

this, not just those individuals sitting on the various boards and committees, but 

also our club leaders. What does this mean? We have to understand that kids and 

their parents are no longer just looking for a place to play; they’re buying a service 

and they expect it to meet their expectations. They have greater expectations, 

more sophisticated needs; they want to belong to a club that provides not just a 

game, but a learning environment that goes beyond just kicking a ball. 

This could mean a competitive environment for the clubs. The clubs with the 

best training programs attract more players, better players, and continue to grow. 

Those clubs resting on their laurels or unwilling to work to meet the demands of 

the soccer marketplace will be left behind. It might mean clubs working together 

to offer teams for Division 1, while keeping their own Division 2 or 3 team(s). It 


TOUCHLINE 

might also mean smaller clubs merging to create bigger 

clubs that will have a membership enabling the club to create 

teams in more than one level per age group. 

I’ve written before about clubs helping each other and 

how each level can only be as good as the level below 

them. At the club levels this would be a great way to start. 

Imagine neighboring clubs putting aside their school or 

geographic rivalry to help each improve, one’s referee 

numbers and quality increases while the other learns more 

about volunteer recruitment. Maybe a classic club would 

help improve the coaching and player development programs in a regular club. 

This cooperation helps grow the game. 

The growth is beyond the basic elements that each helps the other address. 

There’s a relationship built that can be drawn upon in the future. Maybe a joint 

effort on fields or a combined purchasing agreement will be the next collective 

effort. It also helps each club increase its potential for fulfilling the needs and 

expectations of their members. 

My friend also shared that due to ego, protecting turf, or just an unwillingness 

or inability to see beyond the needs of the organization, soccer as a whole suffers 

because cooperation doesn’t exist as it should. 

I attended a coaching seminar conducted by US Youth Soccer Assistant Director 

of Coaching Sam Snow and he offered that change can be done from within or 

without a club. Usually, change from within is more effective and less upsetting, 

while change from the outside is destructive and usually means the benefits won’t 

be good, especially in the short term. 

I think it was about this time last year I pointed out that PA West Soccer was 

beginning to make nice strides forward! We had dramatically increased the number 

of players involved in the Region 1 ODP pools to 16. 

I opined that it was because of the efforts our Coaching and Player Development 

programs were making. We had started a number of programs offered by PA West 

Soccer and encouraged our clubs to become more involved in developing players 

and coaches. In reflecting upon that article, I realize now what I failed to recognize 

then, that while PA West Soccer was showing improvement, other portions of 

our game weren’t benefiting from our good fortune. 

While we were beginning to show growth, the Riverhounds were on final 

approach for a move down from the A-League. The team was achieving great success 

on the field under Ricardo Irribarren but attendance figures didn’t reflect the 

on-field success and couldn’t support a budget for the A-League, so this year 

they’ve moved down to the Pro Soccer League. The two organizations failed to 

develop a plan to help each other grow the game. We needed to develop a plan 

beyond trying to entice fans to attend a game or two, but something meaningful 

that would prove we’re in it together. 

You’ve heard the mantra, “a successful pro team gives kids role models to imitate 

and team for which a child can strive to play.” But having pro soccer in your 

community goes beyond an occasional night out, it indicates the sport has some 

legs in your area. The media and government has to pay attention to what the soccer 

community is doing. It also gives the game a multi-pronged attack when seeking 

support for programs and projects. There’s strength in numbers, especially 

when dealing with politicians. 

It’s not an accident that the Pittsburgh Penguins are having more trouble getting 

public money for a new arena than the Pirates or Steelers did. How many kids play 

hockey compared to baseball or football? While the public coffers are empty, if 

roles had been reversed and either the Pirates or Steelers were currently looking for 

support for a new facility every politician would be looking for proverbial nickels 

in their office couch because the numbers have it. Soccer needs to use its strength 

of numbers to its advantage. 

Only basketball ranks ahead of soccer among participation for team sports 

according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association. This gives our sport 

tremendous strength whether your club is negotiating field time with a school or 

trying to get a grant for field improvement or development from politicians. But 

if our pro team goes away the sport’s presence is diminished. 

At the national level there’s also problems because USSF has been unable to get 

all its affiliates to “buy into” its plan for the game. Those involved each believe 

they have a better plan to achieve the same goal. There’s usually more than one 

way to do a job, but when all parts are pulling in different directions the job won’t 

be finished as effectively or efficiently. 

If we’re fractionalized…we’re not as strong. We can’t develop players or teams 

like we should; the entire sport suffers. We can’t help the game achieve the status 

it should. We must find ways to set our differences aside and pull together. We 

have to ask questions of our leaders, from club to USSF, how do we all get on the 

same page? What are our needs and how do we address them? Is any one program 

more important than another? What’s our plan for our club, for our state, for our 

national organizations and do these plans all have common goals? Everyone working 

for the same goal is the only option because we’re all in this together.


TOUCHLINE 

BOOK EXCERPT 

From Successful Coaching-3rd Edition 

by Rainer Martens 

Publisher: Human Kinetics 

$29.95 

The basic problem about this issue of 

worthiness is that athletes learn from parents, 

coaches, teammates, and the media 

to gauge their self-worth largely by 

whether they win or lose. The devastating 

result is that athletes can maintain their 

sense of self-worth only by making others 

feel unworthy. The most important thing 

you can do as a coach to enhance the 

motivation of your athletes is to change 

this yardstick of success. 

Winning is important, but it must become secondary to striving to 

achieve personal goals. This is the cardinal principle for understanding 

motivation in sport: 

It is a principle easy to state, but oh so difficult to achieve. If you can help 

athletes understand and implement this principle, you will do more to help 

them become excellent athletes—and successful adults—than through any 

other coaching action. 

Personal goals are specific performance or behavioral milestones rather 

than goals concerning the outcome of winning or losing. The following are 

examples of personal goals that focus on performance and other behavioral 

objectives: 

My goal is to jump 1 inch farther than I did last week. 

I want to improve my backhand so that I can hit it deep into the corner 75 

percent of the time. 

I want to learn to relax more and enjoy playing. 

Setting Realistic Personal Goals 

By placing greater emphasis on achieving personal goals, athletes can 

gain control over an important part of their sport participation—their own 

success. The important thing here is to set realistic goals; by doing so, athletes 

ensure themselves a reasonable degree of success. In the face of all of 

the competitive pressures and parental and teammate influences, you must 

help each athlete keep a realistic perspective in setting goals suitable for him 

or her alone. 

Team goals should not be confused with personal goals. In fact, team 

goals are hardly needed if one of the personal goals of each team member 

is to make the best contribution possible, given his or her current skill level. 

Team goals such as winning so many games or this or that championship are 

not useful, and they actually undermine the type of personal goals just 

described. Team goals more appropriately deal with learning to play together 

as a unit, respecting each other, having fun, and playing with good sportsmanship. 

Accomplishing these team goals and each athlete’s personal goals 

is more important than winning. Besides, when athletes achieve both individual 

and team goals, winning usually takes care of itself. 

Consequence of Setting Personal Goals 

When winning the game becomes secondary to achieving personal goals, 

athletes are much more motivated to practice. Practices provide athletes 

opportunities to work toward their personal goals with assistance from the 

coach. Contests are viewed not as the end-all, but as periodic tests along the 

way toward achieving personal goals. Athletes do not judge themselves as 

having succeeded or failed on the basis of whether they win or lose, but in 

terms of achieving the specific performance and behavioral goals they have 

set. 

Evidence from many sources indicates that not only outstanding athletes 

but also less successful ones who have most enjoyed and benefited from 

SUCCESS IS NOT WINNING* 


sport focus on personal goals, not the defeat of others. The consequence of 

this perspective is incredibly positive. When athletes are allowed to set their 

own goals, guided by the coach when necessary to make sure they are realistic, 

they become responsible for their own progress. They feel in control 

and take credit for their successes and responsibility for their failures. As 

stated earlier, this is the first step in motivating athletes. 

To help athletes set realistic goals, you must be able to assess each athlete’s 

skill level. This brings up another crucial point, one you perhaps have 

thought about while reading this chapter. 

Recognizing Athletes’ Limitations 

Athletes do not always perform poorly because they lack motivation. Poor 

performance may be a signal that personal limits have been reached, that 

athletes are performing up to their ability. Neither increased effort nor all 

the confidence in the world will improve their ability to perform. One of 

your more difficult tasks as a coach is to determine whether an athlete is 

performing at her or his limits. 

Many athletes need help in learning to face their limitations without 

devaluing themselves. Rather than conveying the nonsense that every athlete 

can become a superstar or a professional, you should encourage your 

athletes to learn their limits for themselves. Only in this way can they learn 

to maintain realistic goals. But if coaches make athletes believe that they 

have no limits, that to accept limits is loathsome, then athletes may push 

themselves to seek unrealistic goals, leading to eventual failure, and perhaps 

even to personal injury. 

Realistic Personal Goals 

When coaches help athletes set realistic goals, athletes inevitably experience 

more success and feel more competent. By becoming more competent, 

they gain confidence and can tackle skills of moderate difficulty without 

fearing failure. They discover that their efforts do result in more favorable 

outcomes and that falling short is most likely caused by insufficient effort. 

Realistic goals rob failure of its threat. Rather than indicating that athletes 

are not worthy, failure indicates that they should try harder. 

De-emphasize winning and reemphasize attaining personal goals. This 

principle is the key to meeting athletes’ needs to feel worthy—not only to 

maintain their self-worth but also to develop it further. This principle is 

essential to enhancing the motivation of your athletes. 

This excerpt reprinted with permission from Human Kinetics. Visit their 

website at www.humankinetics.com. 

THANK YOU 

To all the players and families who 

supported us through the purchase of our 

custom hand painted soccer banners and 

sportswear at our first Chevy Open. 

ALL STAR BANNER 

We would like to congratulate the follow winners of our drawin 

gs: 

Week One: 

Custom Painted Team Jerseys 

- Scottdale Flames U11 Boys 

Custom Painted Soccer Banner 

– Steel Valley Score -pions U12 Girls 

Week Two: 

Custom Painted Team Jerseys 

– Upper St. Clair U13 Boys 

Custom Painted Soccer Banner 

– North Hills Soccer Club 

U13 Boys 

Need a personalized, hand painted soccer related gift for the holidays? 

Give us a call or visit us at allstarbanner.com 

412-963 

963-1501


TOUCHLINE 

NEWS 

IMPORTANT RULE CHANGES 

FOR 2004-05 SEASON 

PA West Soccer’s Youth Board passed several rules that will change the 

way we coach and play the game this coming fall. Here’s a look at a few of 

the most dramatic changes: 

Substitutions: In addition to both teams being permitted to substitute on 

goal kicks, kick-offs, halftime and injuries (1 for 1)…substitutions on throwins 

have been changed. The defending team will be permitted to substitute 

on throw-ins if the attacking team is substituting at that time. 

Exhibitions: Article 4.7 has been added to the rules allowing teams to use 

a player or players (same age group of younger) from another team within 

that club for a scheduled game, but the game’s designation would be changed 

from a league game to an exhibition game. The team would be required to 

provide a proper line-up card and player passes for all players, a roster would 

not be required. The line-up card would be marked “exhibition” and would 

be counted as a game played toward league/division requirements; the game 

would not count toward Cup qualification. 

All suspensions from red cards issued during an exhibition match carries 

to the next league match and exhibition games cannot be used to serve a suspension. 

U10’s and younger will not be permitted to play up as provided in 

7.1H. 

Transfers: U12-U14 Classic Division players will have a transfer window 

from December 1 to January 31 for friendly transfers between clubs. Nonfriendly 

transfers will remain subject to a hearing. 

Entry-Level Teams: Classic clubs can begin to form and train their U12 

teams in the January of the year in which they are to begin Classic Division 

play. These teams will not be permitted to compete in league play until September. 

They may begin tournament play after July 1. 

YOUTH REFEREE 

ASSOCIATION HOLDS 

FIRST AGM 

The PA West Soccer Youth Referee Association held a its first AGM on 

Sunday, July 25 at California University of PA. The meeting was conducted 

after Referee Training Camp concluded. 

Over 25 referees were in attendance. The group discussed things they’d 

like to see offered in the future, including more training at the club level, 

opportunities to attend pro games that would include a clinic with the 

game officials, and the creation of a newsletter. 

The Youth Referee Association is open to any referee under the age of 

21 and membership is free. Any referee interested in joining will find 

complete information on the Youth Referee Association Page of the PA 

West Soccer website. 


SOCCER KICKS FOR 

CANCER RECAP 

The Spring Soccer Kicks for Cancer program to benefit The Leukemia & 

Lymphoma Society was a success. We had 40 teams/clubs register for the 

program and raised $16,000 to benefit the society’s research and patient 

financial aid programs. The top teams/clubs for the chapter are: 

West Virginia United Storm, Tim Blom, Morgantown, WV-$3,280.32 

Hollidaysburg Soccer Hurricanes, Nat Smith, Hollidaysburg, PA- 

$1,677.00 

Washington County Donora Dragons-Rob Fabean-$1,436.00 

Bushy Run PT Dragonflies-Chuck Kreutzberger, Harrison City, PA- 

$1,290.00 

Mt. Lebanon Soccer Association-Mud Dogs-Jamie Hankins-$1,230.42 

Soccer Kicks for Cancer is a pilot program where participants collect funds 

with a goal of touching the ball 2,000 times over a ten day period. Prizes are 

awarded based on individual fundraising levels as well as to the top fundraising 

team/club. Our partners for the program include PA West Soccer Association, 

Pittsburgh Riverhounds and The Soccer Sheet. 

We will be doing a Fall Soccer Kicks for Cancer program, but if that time 

doesn’t work for you we are taking teams/clubs that want to do the program 

now. To register for the program log onto www.soccerkicksforcancer.org or 

call 888-HELP-LLS. The local contact is Richele Ward and she can be 

reached at 1-800-726-2873 ext. 2868 or wardr@pa-wva.leukemia-lymphoma.org 

FUTSAL CHAMPS FROM 

WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA 

West Penn Futsal is proud to announce the results of the US Futsal National 

Championship Tournament. PA West Soccer, the area that West Penn Futsal 

represents is home to a US Futsal National Champion, a Silver medalist 

and a Final Four member. 

The National Championship was won by the Pittsburgh Futsal Club and is 

the first time that the Open Men’s Division was won by a non-west coast team 

in 17 years. The Pittsburgh Futsal Club will next compete in the FIFA World 

Club Championships in Athens. 

The Silver medalist came in the U14 Girls division. The Penns Forest Las 

Lobos girls team, who are also PA West Soccer State Cup Champions, showed 

very well for there first trip to the National Championship. 

The Final Four was reached in the U16 Girls by Floor-Runners Futsal Club 

and is quite an accomplishment; this is the second year that the Floor-Runners 

Girls have finished in the Final Four. 

All teams are members of West Penn Futsal and play in the Prime League 

Futsal League based in the Monroeville Sports Center. 

Also announced at the US Futsal Nationals, West Penn Futsal will host the 

US Futsal Northeast Regional (Region 1) portion of the US Futsal National 

Championship for the 2004/2005. West Penn Futsal has announced plans for 

the Regional Tournament to be held February 13-16 at Monroeville Sports 

Center and other sites to be determined later. 

CLARIFICATION 

In article titled “A Guide To PA West Soccer Tournaments” in the June 

issue of Touchline outlined the differences between our tournaments. The 

article stated the use of guest players wasn’t allowed in championship competitions 

like the State Cup and inferred that the Open allowed the use of 

“ringers”. 

The Chevy Open guest player rule was instituted to allow teams to remain 

in the tournament after discovering rostered players would be unable to play 

at the tournament. It requires that the players who by playing as guest players 

must be from the same age group or younger and same division or lower, 

thus eliminating the chance for teams to elevate their level of talent through 

the use of “ringers”.


TOUCHLINE 

PA WEST REFEREE NEWS 

HOW DO I GET RE-CERTIFIED 

FOR THE YEAR 2005? 

Go on the pawest-soccer.org website, click on referee page, then click 

calendar. 

Pick the one that best fits your schedule and email your chosen class to 

Cheryl Mignogna at cheryl@pawest-soccer.org. There will also be a complete 

schedule of re-certification courses by playing district on each playing 

district’s page on the web site. 

REFEREE CALENDAR 

Re-certifications 

DuBois 

Sunday, November 7 

DuBois Catholic High School 

1:00-4:00 PM 

Lower Burrell 

Saturday, November 13 

Fisher Hall, Burrell Lake Park 

9:00 AM-Noon 

Squirrel Hill 


St. Edmunds Academy 

1:00-5:00 PM 

Latrobe/Greensburg 


Laurel Highland Church, Latrobe 

2:00-5:00 PM 

Somerset 

Saturday, December 11 

Somerset High School, Somerset 

2:00-5:00 PM 

Grade 7 and State referee grade 5-6 


2:00 PM fitness test at Gateway High School 

3:00-7:00 PM at the State Office 

PARKER SELECTED TO 

REFEREE NATIONAL LEAGUE 

DIRECTOR’S CUP 

Congratulations to Corey Park on his selection to work the National 

League Director’s Cup finals July 30-August 1 in Lawrence, Indiana. Parker 

was selected based on his performance at the Region 1 Championships 

and the Region 1 Director’s Summer League finals in Kirkwood, Delaware. 

REGION I ODP TOURNAMENT 

REFEREES 

Congratulations to the following PA West Soccer referees selected to 

work the Region I ODP Tournament, held June 11-13 in Rider, NJ: Nicole 

Moulton, Justin Angotti, Derek Campbell, Nick Foreman, Tom Hasbrouck, 

Stan Hoover, Matt Metzler, and Nick Shoup. All eight PA West Soccer referee 

received excellent marks on their assessments, as well as Sunday 

assignments based on their performance. 

Congratulations also go out to Tom Beecher and Jim Thomson, who were 

selected to work as assessors at the tournament. 

BIG THANKS 

The Open Tournament and Cup Tournament Committees would like to 

extend their thanks to all the referees who worked these events. Job well 

done! Looking forward to seeing you all next year. 

REGION I CHAMPIONSHIPS 

REFEREES 

Congratulations to the PA West Soccer referees selected to work the US 

Youth Soccer Region 1 Championships July 2-6 at the University of Rhode 

Island. All ten referees earned semi-final assignments based on their performance 

during group play. Ron Dambrosia, Stan Hoover, Linda Shoup, 

Corey Parker, Nick Shoup and Dino Sorbara also earned championship 

game assignments. 

Entry-Level Courses 

Greensburg/Latrobe-Grade 9 & Bridge 

Laurel Highland Church, Latrobe 

November 13 & 20…9:00 AM-3:00 PM 

Somerset-Grade 9 

Somerset High School 

December 4 & 11…9:00 AM-3:00 PM 

RECERTS FOR 2005 

It’s time to start planning your dates for referee re-certification for the 

year 2005. These are held in the months of October, November, and 

December. All re-certs must be completed by Dec. 31, 2004. If your club 

is interested in hosting one please contact your district referee representative 

or Peggy Neason. 

To host a recert the following is needed: 

1. Facility that will hold 100-150 referees 

2. Have access to TV, VCR and Computer hook up and screen 


Front row (l to r) Dino Sorbara, Ryan Schwoeble, Linda Shoup, Nick 

Shoup, Stan Hoover. Back row (l to r) Ron Dambrosia, Nicole Moulton, 

Justin Angotti, Corey Parker, Matt Metzler.

TOUCHLINE 


2004 REFEREE CAMP CONTINUES TRADITION 

OF EXCELLENCE 

Referees young and old flock to the PA West Soccer Referee Training 

Camp because of its ten-plus years of providing referees with top-notch 

training mixed with plenty of fun and world-class guest speakers, FIFA 

Assistant Referees Karalee Sutton and Scott Weyland. 

This year’s camp included re-certification for all referees, hands-on training, 

game experience during the Sportsmanship Tournament, as well as lectures 

and discussions about specific areas of officiating soccer. The final 

count of those in attendance was 210 referees and 50 instructors; that’s a 

four-to-one student to teacher ratio and great for learning. 

Weyland visited camp from the west coast. He was impressed that PA 

West Soccer holds a tournament to provide the camp with games. Weyland 

speculated that it might be the only tournament in the country held for the 

specific purpose of providing real game experience for referees. 

Weyland concluded the weekend’s activities with a presentation to the 

entire camp. He discussed a wide range of topics relating to improving as 

a referee and interacted with the campers. 

Sutton “treated” the campers to an early morning session on fitness. She 

taught the camp how FIFA referees warm up before a match using the middle 

20 yards of the field. The goal of this warm-up is to allow the referees’ 

bodies to be better prepared for the physical demands of the match. Everyone 

is reported to have survived and one unnamed referee said, “there is 

more running in these exercises than in a real game.” 

This year’s camp used a new format with all activities being held on Saturday 

and Sunday. While the classroom and dorm time was reduced with 

the elimination of Friday evening activities, the field time wasn’t as each 

camper worked at least three games. 

The goal is to build better referees. The 2004 Referee Training Camp 

raised the bar 

Note Of Thanks 

This camp could not happen if it weren’t for the support of California 

University and Cal soccer coach Dennis Laskey; as well as the 50 instructors 

who worked hard to make sure each referee left camp with a greater 

understanding of the game. Sincere thanks to all those who helped at camp 

and to the teams, coaches, players and parents who attended the Sportsmanship 

Tournament. Plans are already being made for next year’s camp. 

Peggy Neason 

Scott Weydon addresses the entire group to conclude camp. 

Heading home with a new confidence and better understanding of the 

game. 

Camp Director Peggy Neason flanked by guest speakers Karalee Sutton 

(left) and Scott Weydon (right). 

SRA John Matter reviews a pregame checklist with two of the many adult 

referees who attended this year’s camp. 


Mentors and pupils head to the fields.

TOUCHLINE 


2004 REFEREE CAMP CONTINUES TRADITION 

OF EXCELLENCE 

Referees young and old flock to the PA West Soccer Referee Training 

Camp because of its ten-plus years of providing referees with top-notch 

training mixed with plenty of fun and world-class guest speakers, FIFA 

Assistant Referees Karalee Sutton and Scott Weyland. 

This year’s camp included re-certification for all referees, hands-on training, 

game experience during the Sportsmanship Tournament, as well as lectures 

and discussions about specific areas of officiating soccer. The final 

count of those in attendance was 210 referees and 50 instructors; that’s a 

four-to-one student to teacher ratio and great for learning. 

Weyland visited camp from the west coast. He was impressed that PA 

West Soccer holds a tournament to provide the camp with games. Weyland 

speculated that it might be the only tournament in the country held for the 

specific purpose of providing real game experience for referees. 

Weyland concluded the weekend’s activities with a presentation to the 

entire camp. He discussed a wide range of topics relating to improving as 

a referee and interacted with the campers. 

Sutton “treated” the campers to an early morning session on fitness. She 

taught the camp how FIFA referees warm up before a match using the middle 

20 yards of the field. The goal of this warm-up is to allow the referees’ 

bodies to be better prepared for the physical demands of the match. Everyone 

is reported to have survived and one unnamed referee said, “there is 

more running in these exercises than in a real game.” 

This year’s camp used a new format with all activities being held on Saturday 

and Sunday. While the classroom and dorm time was reduced with 

the elimination of Friday evening activities, the field time wasn’t as each 

camper worked at least three games. 

The goal is to build better referees. The 2004 Referee Training Camp 

raised the bar 

Note Of Thanks 

This camp could not happen if it weren’t for the support of California 

University and Cal soccer coach Dennis Laskey; as well as the 50 instructors 

who worked hard to make sure each referee left camp with a greater 

understanding of the game. Sincere thanks to all those who helped at camp 

and to the teams, coaches, players and parents who attended the Sportsmanship 

Tournament. Plans are already being made for next year’s camp. 

Peggy Neason 

Scott Weydon addresses the entire group to conclude camp. 

Heading home with a new confidence and better understanding of the 

game. 

Camp Director Peggy Neason flanked by guest speakers Karalee Sutton 

(left) and Scott Weydon (right). 

SRA John Matter reviews a pregame checklist with two of the many adult 

referees who attended this year’s camp. 


Mentors and pupils head to the fields.

pa west august 2004 - PA West Soccer Association

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