MLS-led programming and MLS SuperDraft to highlight United Soccer Coaches Convention in Philadelphia
Nineteen sessions facilitated by MLS or Club personnel with dedicated youth development presentations led by Academy Directors
NEW YORK(Friday, January 12, 2018) – Major League Soccer, in conjunction with United Soccer Coaches, today announced the array of exclusive MLS-featured programming that, alongside MLS SuperDraft 2018 presented by adidas, will highlight the United Soccer Coaches Convention at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
CREDENTIALS: Click Here to register online for media access at the 2018 United Soccer Coaches Convention.
Regarded as the world’s largest gathering of soccer coaches and administrators, the five-day convention will feature live presentations, educational opportunities and social activities, beginning Wednesday, January 17.
MLS executives and club representatives will lead a total of 19 sessions over the course of four days, including “What Got You Here, Won't Get You There: Leadership on and off The Pitch” on Saturday, Jan. 20 with MLS Vice President of Fan Engagement Amanda Vandervort, who recently served as President of the coaching organization from 2016-17.
Fred Lipka, MLS Technical Director for Youth Players and Development, will also host a session on the Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL) Methodology.
As the League and clubs remain fervently committed to youth development, MLS club representatives with ties to academy systems at D.C United, the Philadelphia Union, New England Revolution, Toronto FC, and Orlando City SC will provide insight on topics ranging from “Implementing a Club Wide Style and System of Play” to “Developing Talent” and “Training Concepts for Youth Goalkeepers.”
Also highlighting the offerings will be a special spotlight session on Saturday, January 20 with the father-son duo of LA Galaxy Head Coach and Chair of the association’s Professional Coaches Membership Sigi Schmid alongside, Cal State Fullerton Assistant Men's Soccer Coach Kyle Schmid.
In addition to these influential sessions with team and League representatives, MLS SuperDraft 2018 presented by adidas (January 19, 11 a.m. ET) will continue as a long-standing convention staple for a 16th consecutive year. Live from the draft room, convention attendees can watch proceedings of the first two rounds, as college seniors, Generation adidas players and Youth Internationals hope to be selected by one of the 23 MLS clubs ahead of the 2018 season.
As the official destination for comprehensive SuperDraft coverage, the MLS SuperDraft 2018 presented by adidas live show will feature exclusive first interviews with draft picks, and expert analysis from both MLSsoccer.com personalities and celebrity guests. The live show will stream on MLSsoccer.com, YouTube.com/MLS, Twitter.com/MLS, and Facebook.com/MLS.
Below is a complete listing of notable MLS-related programming at the United Soccer Coaches Convention.
*Note: Schedule subject to change. All times are Eastern.
Thursday, January 18
9:30 a.m. Efficient Incorporation of Performance Training into Field Sessions
John DeWitt, Houston Dynamo Sports Performance Coach
2:30 p.m. Implementing a Club Wide Style and System of Play
Tommy Wilson, Philadelphia Union Academy Director
Chris Brewer/Jeff Cook/Gary Lewis, Philadelphia Union Academy Coaches
2:30 p.m. Use of Simple Data to Create Optimal Training Prescriptions
John DeWitt, Houston Dynamo Sports Performance Coach
4:00 p.m. Owning Your Own Development
Cristina Fink, Philadelphia Union Academy Director of Sports Psychology
4:00 p.m. Preparation of the Modern Total Player – Cognitive Development
Mike Rabasca, Toronto FC Director of Cognitive Development
5:00 p.m. Goalkeepers: Coaching Through the Age Groups,
Paul Rogers, Houston Dynamo Goalkeeper Coach
Jason Grubb, Houston Dynamo Academy Goalkeeper Coach
Friday, January 19
9:30 a.m. Training Concepts for Youth Goalkeepers
Karl Spratt, New England Revolution Academy Director of Goalkeeping
Jason Grubb, Houston Dynamo Academy Goalkeeper Coach
11a.m. MLS SuperDraft 2018 presented by adidas
1 p.m. Developing Talent
Tommy Wilson, Philadelphia Union Academy Director
Saturday, January 20
9:30 a.m. Trends in the Youth Game for Goalkeepers
Karl Spratt, New England Revolution Academy
Jason Grubb, Houston Dynamo Academy Goalkeeper Coach
9:30 a.m. EFCL Methodology Session
Fred Lipka, MLS Technical Director for Youth Players and Development
Nathan Kish & Dave Sanford, D.C. United Academy Coaches
11 a.m. Mindfulness: Enhancing the Training Environment
Mike Rabasca, Toronto FC Director of Cognitive Development
1 p.m. Spotlight Session with Sigi & Kyle Schmid
Sigi Schmid, LA Galaxy Head Coach
4 p.m. How to Build from the Back
Fred Lipka, MLS Technical Director for Youth Players and Development
Nathan Kish & Dave Sanford, D.C. United Academy Coaches
4 p.m. Getting Behind the Opponent’s Defense with Combination Play
Sigi Schmid, LA Galaxy Head Coach
4 p.m. Leadership On and Off the Pitch
Amanda Vandervort, MLS VP of Fan Engagement
Sunday, January 21
8:15 a.m. GK Level 1 Diploma: Overview/Methods/Age Considerations
Chris Barocas, New York Red Bulls Academy Goalkeeping Coach
9:30 a.m. GK Level 1 Diploma: Basic Handling 1
Chris Barocas, New York Red Bulls Academy Goalkeeping Coach
12:00 p.m. GK Level 1 Diploma: Basic Handling 2
Chris Barocas, New York Red Bulls Academy Goalkeeping Coach
About United Soccer Coaches
Founded in 1941, United Soccer Coaches is the trusted and unifying voice, advocate and partner for coaches at all levels of the game. The association provides programs and services that enhance, encourage and contribute to the development and recognition of soccer coaches, their players and the game we love. To learn more, visit UnitedSoccerCoaches.org.
About Major League Soccer
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer features 23 clubs throughout the United States and Canada, with LAFC beginning play in 2018. The League plans to have 28 clubs in the coming years. For more information about MLS, visit www.MLSsoccer.com.
