Important Message From US Youth Soccer Association

Sam Snow is the Director of Coaching Education of US Youth Soccer Association. He sent our club an email requesting that we share a recently published document published by the US Youth Soccer Technical Department. In an effort to follow the guidelines and curriculum of the United States Youth Soccer Association we are posting the article, "VISION: Youth Soccer in America, How do we Measure Success?"on the front of our web site because we feel strongly that it is important that the members of Infinity Soccer understand that we are a club focused on fun and long term development. Thank you for taking the time to read this informative and important document that expresses how Infinity, as a club affiliated with US Youth Soccer, feels it is important to focus on the long term development of our children, both as players and citizens.

We hope that every adult will read this document.

Please Click Here To Read The Article

Thank you,

Infinity Soccer

Meet A Board Member

Rich Hall serves on the Infinity Board of Directors as the Vice President

By way of introduction, my name is Rich Hall, and I am originally from Lewiston Utah. I grew up working on a dairy farm, and playing sports whenever possible. My father was a high school teacher and coach, and so there were many opportunities for both the work and the play. The year that soccer started in this valley, I was on the youngest team. Although not very good, I enjoy soccer very much still to this day.

I am an Athletic Trainer by trait, and work at Logan Regional Hospital overseeing the sports medicine, physical therapy, acceleration program, and the orthopedics group. The sports medicine program involves the Athletic Trainers at Preston, Sky View, and Mountain Crest. I would guess that I see as many sporting events as almost anyone in the valley – and I love it.

Having been involved in athletics all my life, I am very excited to be on the Infinity Soccer Board of Directors. It will be a pleasure to get to know those involved, as well as be a part of a great program.

I married Melinda Hone from providence, and we have 2 children: Alexis Hall (5) and Kolbe Lloyd Hall (3 in November), and are expecting our third this spring. The photo is a little old, but only the kids have changed.

Parenting Young Athletes: The Ripken Way

Infinity Parents,

May I suggest a book for you to read. Although I am not a big reader, I was in the Atlanta airport after the NJCAA national championships waiting for the teams plane and walked in to a book store. In my previous club in Council Bluffs, Iowa I learned rather quickly how big sports are in this country. We think BYU vs Utah is a rivalry, try anyone vs. Nebraska! The entire state turns red! My point is that emphasis on sports in the mid west leave us in the shadows (this is a good thing). I do not believe that sports should be the end all be all in our lives. Nebraska football was more important than family to many people (they needed a TON of guidance)...get my drift? So I was at this bookstore and saw the title of the book, read the preface and the introduction and bought it. By the time I was back from Atlanta I had nearly finished the book (in itself was an accomplishment). Although I did not agree with everything in this book (mainly because I am soccer minded and not sports driven) I passed it along to a number of parents. Within a month the local newspaper wrote an article based on the book and nearly everyone in our soccer club had read the book. We saw an increase in parents ability to help guide their children as well as saw happier players. This book will answer many of our questions as sports parents. I highly recommend that you spend the $15 to purchase it. I believe it will help us in many ways. Below is a link to an article about the book. The article in the Iowa newspaper is archived so I cant use that one, but I found one that is similar. I hope you will read this book and that you will continue looking for ways to be the best sports parent possible.

The Book - Parenting Young Athletes: The Ripken Way
Barnes and Noble Link

Article Link

Infinity Shuts Out Inter

Infinity SC '95 Premier Boys recorded their first shutout of the season with a 4-0 blowout of Inter FC "95 Prestige. The scoring got started when Infinity was able to apply high pressure to Inter's defense and the ball was turned over to Josh Worley, who was able to capitalize with a hard shot into the far post. Ace Phillips got on the board shortly after with another great shot that hit the side netting. Eli Domery also scored a goal off a corner in the second half. Josh Worley finished off the scoring with another goal, assisted by Nate Frandsen. Infinity was able to outpass, outdefend, and outplay the opposition. The goalkeeper, Sean Lyne, was able to keep the shutout with a great save off a corner in the second half. The defense was solid, with Braden Call and Tanner Hulse leading the backs, and great defending by Bud Fowers and Blake Bolen. All in all, this was a great team win.

Special Note: The best juke of the season so far is being awarded to Alex Brown. During the Infinity vs. Arsenal game, Alex was able to pull a rainbow over his defender. Way to go, Alex!"









Pictures: First one is Eli Domery and Cole Neeves, second one is Josh Worley, and third one is Nate Frandsen

As a parent how can you responsibly connect with your childs coach?

As a Responsible Sports Parents it is important for you to be able to communicate positively with your child's coach. Working together will ensure a better sports experience for all parties. Here are 6 tools to help you communicate with your child's coach.

Recognize the Coach's Commitment
Coaches commit many, many hours of preparation beyond the hours spent at practices and games. Recognize that they do not do it for the pay! Try to remember this whenever something goes awry during the season.

Make Early, Positive Contact with the Coach
As soon as you know who your child's coach is going to be, introduce yourself, let him or her know you want to help your child have the best possible experience, and offer to assist the coach in any way you are qualified. Meeting the coach early and establishing a positive relationship will make conversation easier if a problem arises during the season.

Fill the Coach's Emotional Tank
When coaches are doing something you like, let them know about it. Coaching is a stressful job, and most coaches only hear from parents when they have a complaint. A coach with a full Emotional Tank will do a better job.

Don't Instruct During a Game or Practice
Your child is trying to concentrate amongst the chaotic action of a game and do what the coach asks. A parent yelling out instructions hardly ever helps. More often than not, it confuses the child, adds pressure and goes against the coaches' instruction, which undermines the player-coach relationship, the player-parent relationship and the parent-coach relationship.

Don't Put the Player in the Middle
When parents share their disapproval of a coach with their children, it puts the children in a bind. Divided loyalties hinder people. Conversely, when parents support a coach, it is easier for children to put forth maximum effort. If you think your child's coach is mishandling a situation well, do not tell your child. Just take it up with the coach.

Observe a "Cooling Off" Period
Wait to talk to the coach about something you are upset about for at least 24 hours. Emotions can get so hot that it's much more productive to wait a day before contacting the coach. This also gives you time to consider exactly what to say.

For more tips on communicating with your child's coach click here. Or visit ResponsibleSports.com

U12 Premier Girls To Hold Fund Raiser

The Infinity 97 Premier U12 girls team will be doing a fundraiser yard sale to help earn money for the Las Vegas Turkey Shoot Tournament in November. Please show your support and visit the yard sale and tell your friends to visit as well.

Date: Saturday, September 27th
Time: 8am-12pm
Location: In front of Hollywood Video
Address: 1467 North Main.

There will be a wide range of items from across the valley.

Giving the Eagles a Reason to Scream

""VICTORY! The Infinity SC '95 Premier Boys team pulled a late-game win out against their rivals, Screaming Eagles, on Saturday, September 20. The game started with high offensive pressure from the Screaming Eagles. Infinity was kept in the game by keeper, Sean Lyne, who had a total of 11 saves on the day, a few of which were breakaways. Infinity started to control the match partway through the first half and had some great chances on goal. They ended the first half with 8 shots. At the start of the second half, there was a mis-communication in the midfield that led to a goal by the Screaming Eagles. Infinity was able to fight back and pull a goal back with just under ten minutes remaining. The game-tying goal was scored by Tanner Hunt, who had a laser shot from about 40 yards out. Infinity was able to keep up the offensive pressure and the go-ahead goal was scored with one minute left. It was ruled an own goal, but was created out of a powerful throw-in by Ace Phillips in Infinity's offensive third. The team played with a lot of heart, and was glad to get another win against their rivals."

Pictured:
Top-U14 Boys Team
Middle-Eli Dornery
Bottom-Alex Brown

Personal & Team Development is the focus for the Infinity SC '99 Premier Girls

The Infinity SC 99 Premier Girls team continues to develop a personality and presence on the field. The team has experienced a few roster changes over the summer. As their personalities meld into one, they have enjoyed success along the way. As a team they hope to create a positive learning environment as athletes to achieve their team goals.

This summer the girls practiced with dedication twice a week throughout the summer. Coach Doney kept the practice pace, fast and focused. As well, over the summer the girls participated in weekly Technical Training with Coach Ginn. These technical drills have carried over into their own team training sessions also. The girls responded by winning the Cache Valley Cup in dramatic fashion 1-0 on PK’s. The Striker Cup tournament was a learning experience for the girls. After their success at the Cache Valley Cup they learned how to deal with adversity as they fell to some very good teams. Thanks to Coach Doney’s leadership the girls get let down on one another. They believe this is because the Infinity coaches are teaching the Soccer team to respect officials, spectators, opponents, and most importantly themselves.

As the season began hopes were high. The girls were a bit stunned as Crossfire; a team they defeated in the Cache Valley Cup started their season off by defeating them. The Infinity SC 99 Premier Girls increased their focus and began to understand more of their team responsibilities. They have reeled off a victory and a tie since then and have looked sharp in their matches.

The coaching staff and parents are very proud of the development of this team corporately as well as the individual talents of each of the girls. The team strives to give every player the confidence to make tactical decisions in game situations and through this the girls have come to understand what soccer is about and who they are through their experiences over the last few months. Finally, the players on te team take great pride in participating in fund raising activities that help to set off the cost of the season for their parents.

Here’s to Infinity Soccer!

Infinity SC 98 Select Girls Value More Than Winning

The Infinity SC 98 Select Team has come together from every corner of the valley with varied training. Under the direction of Toni Doney, the players share talent, hard work and determination to form a good team. The coaches create a positive learning environment for the athletes that encourages every player to work hard and improve, which is proving to achieve our team goals by winning games.

While winning is always fun, and a worthy goal, our coaches have also strived to instill such values as respect for officials, coaches, and other players, self-confidence, and strong work ethic. These values will continue to benefit the girls into adulthood.

The girls have learned to work as a team on and off the field. The Infinity SC 98 Select Team has had successful fundraisers to make the opportunity to play for such a great team financially possible for all families. They have also had a team slumber party hosted by Coach Doney that built friendship and trust among the girls. At each game spectators have seen examples of friendship and teamwork as the girls work together to score. At a recent game, a teammate scored couple of great goals. While having the opportunity again, she selflessly passed the ball to another player who was able to score her first goal of the season. Way to go, Infinity SC 98 Select!!!

'96 Select Girls Playing With A Positive Outlook

The Infinity SC 96 Select team hopes to create a positive learning environment for athletes to achieve their individual and team goals. One of teir most important goals is to teach the players to respect officials, spectators, opponents, and most importantly themselves.

This summer the girls practiced once a week throughout the summer. They also attended Coach Ginn’s Technical Training once a week. Coach Doney kept the practice pace, fast and focused. The girls responded by playing well in the Cache Valley Cup.

As the season began hopes were high. The girls started off the season with a 2-0 win but were a bit stunned as the SC Stangs came out strong and defeated our team 4-0. The girls are beginning to focus and work hard to realize their responsibilities of being part of a team. Over the summer we picked up a few new players and our team is beginning to gel together.

As a team we strive to give every player the confidence to make quick decisions in game situations. The girls are working hard during games and once we start to work together as a whole team unit our team will become more confident.

Let Them Dribble

It's one of the most common screams heard on the youth soccer fields of America: "Pass it! Pass it! Pass it!" Unfortunately, parents and coaches often aim their shouts at young players who are at a stage of their development when they should be encouraged to dribble. Becoming a confident dribbler is the first step to developing a comfort on the ball necessary to be a good passer and shooter. Discouraging young players from dribbling is like telling toddlers to shut up when they're learning to speak.

"This whole routine of 'pass, pass, pass' is unrealistic for the young age groups and it's been pounded into so many of our kids for so long I would argue a little that it helps explain why we lack outstanding dribblers on our national teams," says Sam Snow, U.S. Youth Soccer's Director of Coaching Education.

Former U.S. women's national team coach Tony DiCicco addresses the issue in his instructional book, "Catch Them Being Good":

"At a youth soccer game you'll probably hear parents and coaches on the sidelines yelling, 'Pass the ball! Pass the ball!' ... "When we continually tell our young players to pass the ball, we're not allowing them to develop their full potential, especially those who have the ability to take their opponents on and beat them one-on-one. As a result, we run the risk of diminishing a player's artistry and potential."

Mia Hamm credits pickup games she played with her older brother and other children as a key to her success, because, "I was able to dribble all I wanted."

Youth coaches often emphasize teamwork before children can comprehend the concept. Those who sit back and let the children explore the sport at a natural pace will usually find that the players begin to ask each other for the ball. And there are ways to create a practice environment in which all the players get a share of the ball without forcing them to pass. Small-sided games ensure that all players are close to the action. Coaches can play along in practice and aim their passes at players who haven't gotten enough touches. You can even throw an extra ball into the scrimmage. That passing is a crucial part of the game at the older age levels doesn't mean it should be demanded of young children.

"You can learn the tactical side of the game later," says Landon Donovan. "But if you don't learn at an early age to be good on the ball, then it's just useless."

The U.S. Soccer Federation's Player Development Guidelines point out that "At the younger ages (6 to about 10), soccer is not a team sport. On the contrary, it is a time for players to develop their individual relationship with the ball.

"Do not demand that the more confident players share the ball. Encourage them to be creative and go to goal. Do the same for the rest of your players."

(Mike Woitalla, the executive editor of Soccer America, coaches U-10 soccer in Oakland, Calif. He is co-author of Claudio Reyna's book, More Than Goals: The Journey from Backyard Games to World Cup Competition

'95 Premier Boys Attacking Strong

The Infinity SC '95 Premier Boys got off to a great start this season. For the first time ever, the team began with a 2-0 start. The offense was strong with 8 goals total in the first two games. Though the team didn't have the results they wanted in the next two games, they were able to get a strong win in the fifth game. The team has shown a very diverse attack with seven different goal scorers. The team leader in goals so far is Ace Phillips with 7 goals. Other goals have been scored by Josh Worley, Eli Domery, Ernie Morris, Tanner Hunt, Cole Rayfield, and Cole Neves. The team is looking great and is improving every day. Their next match is going to be on Saturday, September 20th. The boys will be playing at home at Meadow View park against their rivals, Screaming Eagles.

Go Infinity!

September Soccer Month

The United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) has claimed September to be youth soccer month in America. As you can see on USYSA soccer month web site, many communities do things in the month of September to represent their affiliation with USYSA. If you look close the web site even displays District 7 recreational players playing! We would like to do something as a club for youth soccer month.

Wednesday, September 17th US Youth Soccer was showcased in our community by many Infinity soccer players. Academy players Elysa & Megan Christensen (pictured with backpacks) were the first to represent the academy on "wear your jersey day" on their way to Ellis Elementary School. Messy Klein (Pictured in three photos) got caught destroying classmates at Buncerson Elementary School In Brigham City sporting her blue jersey. Six Infinity clubmates got together before school and prepared for the day by suiting up in their full uniforms. Torie Barker, Chelise Dever, Kyle McKee,Ajia Domery, and Katelyn Whipple
met up for a photo opportunity (All three pictures below) at Springcreek Elementary. The final two pictures are of Kylie Hale on her way to school.

Thanks to everyone for supporting US Youth Soccer and Infinity Soccer!

US Youth Soccer will have one final "wear your jersey day on Friday, September 26th. We hope you those of you that were wearing your jerseys this last time will do it again, provide more pictures to post and encourage all Infinity players to wear their Jerseys on the 26th!

Please support US Youth Soccer and display your affiliation with the largest youth sports association in the country.

Thoughts on Children and Soccer from Claudio Reyna, Former US Men's National Team World Cup Captain:

"For some reason, adults - some who can't even kick a ball - think it's perfectly okay to scream at children while they're playing soccer.

How normal would it seem if a mother gave a six-year-old some crayons and a coloring book and started screaming? "Use the red crayon! Stay in the lines! Don't use yellow!"

You think that child would develop a passion for drawing? Most important, parents must realize that playing sports is a way for children to express themselves."

Greg Maas Visits Logan and Infinity Soccer

Thursday,September 11th Utah Youth Soccer Association will be visiting Cache Valley. Greg Maas, the State Technical Director will be running two training sessions for teams in our club. Greg is the director of the Utah Olympic Development Program (ODP). Robson Chaves is on the ODP coaching staff and has been persistently inviting Coach Maas to our community for a few months. Coach Maas has confirmed that he will be here on September 11th. He has requested to train the Infinity U12 Premier and U11 Premier teams so he can give them a taste of what ODP training has to offer as well as get them excited to set goals to make ODP, this is also part of US Youth Soccer's 'Soccer Month'. Coach Maas generally provides a question/answer segment for players, parents and coaches, he is great with the kids and an excellent mentor for our coaches. We should all be excited to have the State Office visiting our club.

Myself, Sherri and Robson hope you will welcome Coach Maas to our community and embrace his experience and passion for the game. Please feel free to come, sit on the sidelines of training and enjoy the top coach in the state working with players from our community and club.

Thursday, September 11th
4:30pm - U12 Premier
6:00pm - U11 Premier
Topics: Speed of play and improving possession.
All sessions at Cedar Ridge (weather permitting).
If re-scheduled we are already set for the following Thursday at the same time and place TBD (Cedar Ridge might be taken by games).

A Nation of Wimps

By: Hara Estroff Marano, Psychology Today
Summary: Parents are going to ludicrous lengths to take the bumps out of life for their children. However, parental hyperconcern has the net effect of making kids more fragile; that may be why they're breaking down in record numbers.

Maybe it's the cyclist in the park, trim under his sleek metallic blue helmet, cruising along the dirt path... at three miles an hour. On his tricycle.

Or perhaps it's today's playground, all-rubber-cushioned surface where kids used to skin their knees. And... wait a minute... those aren't little kids playing. Their mommies—and especially their daddies—are in there with them, coplaying or playby-play coaching. Few take it half-easy on the perimeter benches, as parents used to do, letting the kids figure things out for themselves.

Then there are the sanitizing gels, with which over a third of parents now send their kids to school, according to a recent survey. Presumably, parents now worry that school bathrooms are not good enough for their children...Please click HERE for the entire article.

'97 Girls Win Sparta Cup

August 7th-9th, Infinity SC 97 Premier Girls went to the 27th Annual Sparta Cup. They maintained their undefeated record and brought home yet another championship trophy. It was a little tougher road this time, and they had to really work hard to achieve their victories. Their first match was against Wasatch Flash. They won 1-0, with a goal from Anna Davidson. Next was Champions FC. This time Anna had two goals, giving Infinity a 2-0 win. Their final match was against Boise Nationals. Down a goal, Anna put one in to end the game in a 1-1 tie.

They earned a spot in the semi-finals Saturday morning. They played Avalanche AO.Infinity SC 97 Premier Girls came fired up and played hard. Becca Jenson, better known as "Boo", started things off by heading in a goal. Before half, Anna Davidson and Madie Sidoway also put one in. The defense held Avalanche off until minutes before the halftime whistle, when they managed to squeak one in. After half, a temporary goalie injury and later a PK shot on Infinity, tied up the game. Both sides defended strong and fought hard. The last few minutes of the game, Becca G and Kanyan Ward scored to make it a 5-3 win.

This tough fight brought them once again to a championship game against Avalanche RD, whom Infinity conquered two weeks earlier at the LaRoca tournament. Avalanche came prepared and made it known that they didn't want to be defeated a second time. At halftime the score was still 0-0. The second half was just as tight. With no goals, the battle continued into double overtime. Adrenalin was high and both teams were still determined. Again, no goals were scored. This meant a shoot out.

Viridianna Gomez was the goalie and Becca Godfrey, Madie Sidoway, Anna Davidson, Kilee Lamb and Kanyan Ward took the kicks. It was very tense on the sidelines, as everyone watched and anticipated points. The shoot out resulted in a 4-4 tie. The battle came to a close with Sudden Death. Samantha Burton made the goal and Avalanche's player choked. Infinity went wild and once again did their victory dance on the field. Players were awarded nice medals and the team received a very large cup trophy. Infinity now goes into season play with 12 wins and 2 ties. Way to go ladies!

'97 Premier Girls Remain Undefeated at Pioneer Cup

Once again, Infinity SC 97 Premier Girls has effectively united talent and effort. They are blazing a trail of glory. With coach Robson Chaves' superb training and the girl's hard work and execution, Infinity '97 earned a second championship trophy at the LaRoca Pioneer Cup Tournament. It was not an easy feat to get there. Out of 4 games, Infinity SC 97 Premier Girls only scored 9 goals. Despite a tough defense, the opponents managed 5 goals during the tournament. However, with the entire team striving for excellence and enduring the torturous heat, they achieved two wins and a tie. This earned Infinity SC 97 Premier Girls a place in the championship game as the top team.

Infinity started the tournament with a match against one of the State's top teams, Avalanche 97 Premier. It was a tight game and ended in a tie, 2-2. Goals were scored by Kanyan Ward and Hailey Oldham. Next they faced off against tournament sponsors, LaRoca 97 Premier. Infinity pulled ahead and won, 2-1 thanks to Becca G's sweet goals. The third game was against well known Sparta 97 Premier. The game ended with a 3-2 win. Kanyan Ward and Anna Davidson had goals, then an assist from Kilee Lamb to Madie Sidoway clenched the win.

Avalanche 97 worked hard to also earn a spot in the championship playoff. They were eager to have a re-match with Infinity SC 97 Premier Girls. At halftime the game was still scoreless. After a pep talk, refueling with fluids and cooling off with cold rags, Infinity came out fighting. Everyone worked together and took several shots. Anna Davidson and Madie Sidoway each made one count and helped Infinity SC 97 Premier Girls claim their victory.

Viridiana Gomez was in the goal box. She had some great saves and probably has bruises and grass stains to prove it. Lexi Sims, Katelyn Whipple, and Kilee Lamb also ended up spending time on the ground while defending. At times parents wondered if they were watching soccer or football. :) The entire Infinity offense ran some awesome plays and had some great connections. Their joint efforts helped earn goals to make their 9-0-1 tournament record and bring home the trophy.

All 16 girls played their part in making the tournament another successful experience. Coach Robson is proud of each of them and their accomplishment. Each is an important part of the team and together they can accomplish great things!

Infinity SC 97 Premier Girls will put their skills to the test once again. This time it will be at the Sparta Nike Cup, August 6th-9th.

Theory of a unified community...verified!

Cache Valley has something to be proud of! Two of the top U-12 girls State Premier teams (Anthony Larsons Soccer Academy team and Sherri Dever's Valencia team) united their effort and talent to form the “NEW” Infinity Soccer Club '97 team.

The first test of a united front has concluded, unity being the victor;

June 25th thru June 28th talented Coach Robson Chaves took Infinity SC '97 to the 5th Annual Steam Classic Tournament. Sporting their lime green jerseys, Infinity poured on the speed and tightened up the defense to go “beyond” the rest and walk away with the Championship trophies!

They conquered former State Cup Champion, Avalanche, with a 4-3 win their very first game. They then went on to beat top ranked La Roca 6-0 and Sparta White 10-0. As the top team in their bracket, Infinity played La Roca again in the semi-finals winning 4-1. With an upset in the other semi-final game, Sparta Blue earned the opportunity to face off with Infinity in the Championship game. Once again, Infinity dominated the field and showed everyone that Infinity SC '97 means business! With some exciting close calls, Infinity concluded the tournament with a 2-1 win. Infinity’s stellar defense and top notch keepers, Rebecca “Boo” Jenson and Viridiana Gomez, only allowed 5 goals in 5 games! The phenomenal offense shined with 26 combined goals scored on their opponents throughout the tournament!!

They truly are as Coach Robson says, “Super Infinito!” They strutted their stuff and made their stand. United they did the Brazilian victory dance shouting, “Ole Ole” on the field, ending the tournament and claming their first victory and 1st place trophies.

The girls are having loads of fun together as a new team and are gaining confidence in their teammates. Everyone can look forward to seeing Infinity SC97 match up with other State Teams in the La Roca Pioneer Cup over the 24th of July weekend.