There has been a lot of change in the structure and culture around youth soccer in Canada. This has caused some confusion, but has also provided an opportunity to reflect and to build a new model that provides an enhanced environment for player development. On a local level, Elgin Middlesex Soccer Association (EMSA) will be working with its membership in many exciting new ways to help build this new model.
EMSA has recently appointed Martin Painter as District Head Coach. Martin is a National B License Coach who has recently enjoyed success with FC London and the Western Mustangs. He also has experience working with the younger ages that EMSA focuses on. In his capacity as District Head Coach, Martin will serve as a resource to all coaches within our District.
EMSA is going to be taking a more active role in working with member clubs to implement training programs for youth players. Along those lines, EMSA recently hosted an Open Forum, which was very well-attended by numerous Clubs from within the District. For the summer of 2015, we will see some great grassroots initiatives that will get players out on the field from different organizations and working together to develop their abilities.
EMSA has also launched plans to create a high performance program that will allow players to compete at the highest level in the province starting in 2016. This program will work with Clubs to identify players and create a professional training environment. The program will be commence in August/September of 2015, and will begin with assessments for players aged 12-14.
EMSA is also working with the Ontario Soccer Association to help inform our soccer community. EMSA will be hosting a grassroots Coaching workshop on March 28-29 at the BMO Centre. The workshop will be followed up with a series of five presentations starting April 1. Details are posted on the EMSA website.
– Submitted by Danny Clarke – EMSA Director at Large – Youth Portfolio
