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“Good” Coaching

Presenter: Jammi McClead, OSA Coaching Education Staff

What is “good” coaching? This field session highlights best practices for organizing and managing effective youth soccer training. Learn how to maximize player participation and enjoyment, create environments that spark curiosity and self-driven learning, and give players the best chance to develop while having FUN.

About The Presenter

Jammi is a Volunteer Assistant with The College of Wooster Women’s Soccer Program and coaches within OSA ODP at both District and State levels. She also serves as a U.S. Soccer Coach Educator for Grassroots and D License courses. With more than 25 years of coaching experience across recreational, club, high school, college, and ODP environments, her career began while playing at Lincoln Memorial University. She holds a USSF B License, National Youth License, and NSCAA Goalkeeping Diplomas and remains an active contributor to the Ohio soccer community.

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The Goalkeeper Is A Player Too

Presenter: Catherine Gordon, OSA Coaching Education Staff

Learn how to effectively use the goalkeeper as a supportive option when building out of the back. This session will explore principles, positioning, and decision-making that help integrate the goalkeeper into the team’s overall possession and attacking structure.

About the Presenter

Catherine Gordon serves as a U.S. Soccer Grassroots and D License Educator and Educator Developer and is part of the national committee creating a goalkeeping development pathway. She holds the historic distinction of being the first woman to coach a men’s professional soccer team in the United States. Her coaching career spans youth, high school, college (DI, DIII), and professional levels, including roles with the NJ Wildcats, Dayton Dutch Lions, NY Red Bulls Pre-Academy, and multiple USL and NPSL programs.

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U.S. Soccer Coach for Community: Part 2 of 2

Presenter: Will Peppard, OSA Coaching Education Staff

Registration is required for this session: [click here – limited spots].

The Coach for Community course is designed around the challenges and needs of the grassroots coach. The course content will be adpated to the challenges and needs of the participants. The 2-hour classroom discussion will be held from 8:30AM-10:30AM and concludes here with a 60-minute field session. Attendees will earn a U.S. Soccer Certificate and a voucher to attend a future Grassroots course of their choice.

About The Presenter

Executive Director at Fairfield Optimist SC in Cincinnati. U.S. Soccer Grassroots Educator. Will joined FOSC in 2010 and has served as a staff trainer, Academy Director, and Director of Coaching. Will has coached at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels.

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All About Goalkeeping

Presenter: Catherine Gordon, OSA Coaching Education Staff

The role of the modern goalkeeper is much more than just a shot-stopper and a punter. This session explores the goalkeeper’s role in the team and offers ideas on how to integrate the goalkeepers into team training. The session will include both classroom and field components.

About the Presenter

U.S. Soccer Grassroots and D License Educator and Coach Educator Developer. Catherine holds the distinction of being the first female to coach a men’s professional soccer team in the United States! She is currently part of the U.S. Soccer committee charged with developing a national goalkeeping pathway.

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Competitive Club Roundtable

Panel: Jen Fickett (OSA), Kathy Mercurio (Kings Hammer), Dominique Hoecherl (Dublin Soccer Excel), Diane Aikman (Perrysburg) & Kyle Cantrell (GotSport)

Join competitive administrators for a staff-guided discussion on the evolving needs of competitive club operations. This open roundtable will include conversation on a wide range of topics — from player transfers and out-of-state permissions to managing adult athletes and any additional best practices attendees wish to explore. Come ready to share experiences, ask questions, and collaborate with peers as we identify practical solutions and strengthen competitive operations across member clubs.

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Grassroots Roundtable: Growing the Game

Presenter(s): Amber Hyman (Cardinal Recreational League), Matt Ellis (Monroe), Mandy Spencer (Trenton), Denzil Antonio (Buckeye Grassroots League), Bikabe Malanga (FC Akron Simba)

Join a panel discussion with league administrators and founding clubs from Cardinal Recreational League (CRL, Cincinnati) and Buckeye Grassroots League (BGL, Cleveland) as they share insights from launching their brand-new grassroots leagues in Fall 2025. Learn how these leagues are fostering player development, building community engagement, and expanding club and team participation to strengthen local access to the game.

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U.S. Soccer Goalkeeping License Overview

Presenter: Catherine Gordon, OSA Coaching Education Staff

The role of the modern goalkeeper is much more than just a shot-stopper and a punter. This session explores the goalkeeper’s role in the team and offers ideas on how to integrate the goalkeepers into team training. The session will include both classroom and field components.

About the Presenter

U.S. Soccer Grassroots and D License Educator and Coach Educator Developer. Catherine holds the distinction of being the first female to coach a men’s professional soccer team in the United States! She is currently part of the U.S. Soccer committee charged with developing a national goalkeeping pathway.

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From Research to Reality: How the Game Format Project is Re-imagining Grassroots Soccer for Ages 4-6

Presenter: Tom Condone , USYS CEO & Chris Bentley, USYS Director of Education

Tom Condone will provide the background of the Game Format Project, outlining its origins, purpose, and alignment with national player development priorities. Chris Bentley will then share where the project stands today, including implementation progress, data insights, and lessons from the first cohorts. Each year, a new group of clubs joins the initiative, creating a growing network shaping how the game is played and learned at the youngest ages. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the project and learn how to get involved in advancing the future of grassroots soccer.

About The Presenter

Tom Condone is the CEO of US Youth Soccer, the nation’s largest youth sports organization, overseeing daily operations and strategic direction in collaboration with 54 State Associations and national partners. A U.S. Soccer A License, Educator License, and Club Technical Leadership License holder, he has coached at every level of youth soccer, from grassroots to elite programs. This depth of experience gives him a rare, full-spectrum perspective on player development and drives his ability to keep soccer and the players themselves at the center of every strategic decision, uniting the landscape and advancing the game nationwide.

Chris Bentley is the Director of Education for US Youth Soccer where he leads national initiatives in coach education, talent identification, and grassroots programming across all 54 State Associations. He holds a U.S. Soccer A License, Educator License, Educator Developer License, Club Technical Leadership License, and a Master’s in Education. A former state association executive and coach at NCAA, MLS youth academy, and grassroots levels, Chris brings a unique perspective connecting “The U.S. Way” Player Development Framework to real-world coaching and player growth.

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Your OSA Insurance in Today’s Evolving Risk Landscape

Presenter: Dan Pullen, Players Health VP of Markets & Service

Gain clarity on your OSA insurance benefits, including Directors & Officers (D&O) coverage, and understand how they protect your organization in today’s changing risk environment. Use a practical comparison checklist to review your current policies, identify gaps, and determine exactly what coverage you need — or don’t need — to keep your club or league protected and compliant.

Limited one-on-one sessions with Dan are available from 8:30–10:30 a.m. to review gaps or over-coverage compared to OSA member benefits. Registration is required for these individual consultations.

About The Presenter

Dan is a seasoned insurance professional with over 23 years of expertise in providing tailored insurance and risk management solutions to the amateur sports community.

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RDP Introduction to Officiating Soccer

Presenter: Hidajet Tica, Iowa Soccer Referee & Sportsmanship Director

Join us for Part 2 of our 3-part workshop for growing your referee pool. This hands-on session demonstrates a successful entry-level program from Iowa’s (RDP), that prepares kids to officiate younger age small-sided games. Experience a 60-minute course to see how this program introduces youth to officiating, reduces barriers, and enhances the experience for new referees.

About The Presenter

Iowa Soccer’s Referee and Sportsmanship Director, Hidajet brings over 20 years of officiating experience across all levels of play. A certified National Referee Coach through U.S. Soccer, he champions referee development and has introduced over 600 young referees to the game through Iowa Soccer’s Referee Development Program in just two years.

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Exploring OSA’s League Management Services

Presenter(s): Jessica Eberle (OSA) & Ashley Bryant (Gahanna Soccer Association)

Curious about how OSA’s new league management services can simplify your club or league operations? Hear firsthand from test pilots Jessica Eberle (YAYSL) and Ashley Bryant (Gahanna) as they share their experiences. Then, let OSA’s professional staff guide you through your organization’s challenges — from registration and risk management to team formations and scheduling — all tailored to your needs. This session is your change to explore, ask questions, and discover how OSA can help you streamline your league operations.

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The U.S. Soccer Way

Presenter: Ian Mulliner, U.S. Soccer Head of the Educational Network

Ian Mulliner will present key aspects of “The U.S. Way” philosophy, including early and repeated exposure to elite training, continuous talent identification, and a structured pathway from youth to senior national teams. The approach emphasizes player development, high-level competition, and a unified youth calendar to create a consistent environment that nurtures long-term success for U.S. soccer players. Attendees are encouraged to join him in the afternoon for the field session to see these concepts applied in practice.

About The Presenter

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GotSport 1:1 Appointments

Booking Link: click here

Reserve your personalized session with the GotSport experts to review your current processes, refine best practices, or dive deeper into advanced tools, analytics, tryouts, and scheduling. Each appointment is tailored to your organization’s needs. Not currently a GotSport affiliated user? Meet with the team to explore making the switch and start the onboarding process in-person. Limited spots available. Secure yours today!

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Participant Safety Roundtable: Navigating Sensitive Situations

Presenter: Joel Dragan, USYS Director of Membership and Participant Safety & Mary Relic, Massachusetts Youth Soccer Director of Safeguarding

From local requirements to federal legislation, participant safety continues to grow in importance across today’s soccer landscape. Join USYS Director of Membership and Participant Safety Joel Dragan and USYS Participant Safety Chair Mary Relic for an open conversation exploring real-world risk management scenarios. This session will help attendees navigate sensitive situations and strengthen their approach to participant safety.

About The Presenters
As Director of Membership and Participant Safeguarding for US Youth Soccer, Joel Dragan supports 54 State Associations and 2.6 million players nationwide. With more than 15 years of leadership experience across Florida, Kansas, and Michigan, he brings expertise in organizational management, strategic planning, and grassroots development. Joel previously served as Chair and now serves as the current staff liaison for the US Youth Soccer Participant Safeguarding Committee, helping to strengthen national policies and promote safe, inclusive environments across the game.

As Director of Safeguarding for Massachusetts Youth Soccer, Mary Relic oversees participant safety and compliance, leading initiatives in strategic planning, compliance education, and resource development. She also serves as the current Chair of the US Youth Soccer Participant Safeguarding Committee, working nationally to strengthen accountability and promote a culture of integrity in youth sports.

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U.S. Soccer Coach for Community: Part 1 of 2

Presenter: Will Peppard, OSA Coaching Education Staff

Registration is required for this session: [click here – limited spots].

The Coach for Community course is designed around the challenges and needs of the grassroots coach. These challenges and needs typically relate to questions such as:

– How does soccer work?
– What should I do at practice?
– How do I teach my players to….?
– How do I get my players more engaged?
– How do I get my players to spread out?
– How do I get my players to communicate?
– How do I get my players to listen?
– How do I get my players to run more in games?
– What are the rules?
– How should I organize my players for games?
– What is the “”best”” formation for 7v7 or 9v9 or 11v11?

The course content will be adapted to the challenges and needs of the participants.
The course will conclude with a 60-minute field session in the afternoon. Attendees will earn a U.S. Soccer Certificate and a voucher to attend a future Grassroots course of their choice.

About The Presenter

Executive Director at Fairfield Optimist SC in Cincinnati. U.S. Soccer Grassroots Educator. Will joined FOSC in 2010 and has served as a staff trainer, Academy Director, and Director of Coaching. Will has coached at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels.

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Introduction to Officiating Soccer Overview

Presenter: Dan Cataldi, Iowa Soccer CEO

Join us for Part 1 of our 3-part workshop focused on introducing new people to refereeing to grow your numbers of officials.  This session will include insights from Iowa Soccer’s Referee Development Program (RDP), starting with a brief presentation outlining the concept, potential pathways for individuals, and strategies to overcome common barriers that often prevent people from becoming referees.

About The Presenter

Dan is the CEO of the Iowa Soccer Association, and is a former National Referee with highlights including officiating professional matches and the Boys 18U US Youth Soccer National Championship in 2005. With two master’s degrees and experience in biotech and the American Red Cross, he brings a diverse skill set to his leadership role. Dan also serves as Chair of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service.

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Streamlining Your Rec League for Spring & Beyond

Presenter(s): GotSport Staff

OSA’s Official Technology & Registration Partner

Attention grassroots/recreational league administrators!

Join us for GotSport Basics 101, where you’ll learn how to prepare for your spring season and/or the upcoming 2025/2026 transition. Discover how to clone programs, build rosters with custom questions, and navigate OSA affiliations and roles, including direct registration. Get the tools you need to ensure a smooth and efficient season ahead!

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Legal Essentials for Your Organization: Review, Evaluate & Strengthen

Presenter: Mike Osborn, Attorney at Coolidge Wall

This session will guide clubs and leagues through key legal requirements and best practices based on a self-evaluation of your organization. Learn what documents and structures you need — including EIN, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws/Code of Regulations, non-profit status, Form 990 filings, and minimum board requirements. Explore leadership transitions, ensure compliance, and discover how to maximize your OSA Directors & Officers (D&O) membership benefit. Attendees will leave with practical guidance to strengthen governance, mitigate risk, and set their organization up for long-term success.

About The Presenter
Mike Osborn advises both for-profit and non-profit organizations on business and tax matters. He assists non-profits with governance, compliance, and tax-exemption issues, and drafts and negotiates commercial and merger agreements. Since 2020, Mike has served as outside general counsel to the Ohio Soccer Association.

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Columbus Crew Academy: Player Development in a Professional Pathway

Presenter: Daniel Lock, Columbus Crew Head of Coaching & Individual Development

Dan Lock will present on the Columbus Crew Academy Player Development methods and progression through a professional-pathway. The presentation will include insights on the Columbus Crew “One Club” integrated playing identity and how it’s applied in an Academy, Individual Player Development plans, training session methodology and Talent Identification. Attendees are encouraged to join to see how youth players are developed within a Professional-Pathway and learn concepts that could be applied in your own environment.

About The Presenter
Dan Lock oversees Crew 2 and the Columbus Crew Academy, leading individual development and coaching initiatives. He joined the Crew in 2022 and was part of the Crew 2 staff that won the inaugural MLS Next Pro Championship, with the Academy earning MLS Academy of the Year in 2023. Previously, he led the Charlotte FC Academy and coached in the Seattle Sounders FC Academy, helping develop numerous players to professional and homegrown status. Lock holds a USSF A License, FFF Elite Formation License, and is a US Soccer Coach Educator.

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The U.S. Way

 
Presenter: Ian Mulliner, U.S. Soccer Head of the Educational Network
 
Building on his classroom session on “The U.S. Way” philosophy, Ian Mulliner will demonstrate how to turn these concepts into a practical, on-field “Player-Centered Approach” Attendees will see firsthand how to apply strategies that prioritize player development, engagement, and high-level competition. The starting point will be “Who are the players”, “How do they see the world around them?”, How are they affected by the world around them?”, “What are they able to understand?”, “What are they able to learn?” And “What tasks can they execute”
 

About The Presenter

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U.S. Soccer 7v7 License Course

Presenter: Hugh Seyfarth, OSA Coaching Education Staff

Click here to enroll. There is a fee associated with this course.

Field Session: Feb 28 (3:30-5:30p)
Virtual Classroom: Mar 2

The 4-hour Grassroots In-Person 7v7 course builds on the principles covered in prerequisite U.S. Soccer’s Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module. Specifically, coaches will learn more about U.S. Soccer’s Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, the Play-Practice-Play practice structure, the Six Tasks of a Coach, and the characteristics of players aged 9-10. The course will also ask each coach to reflect on their experiences and develop action steps for personal growth in the Six Tasks (Coaching Games, Coaching Training Sessions, Leading the Team, Leading the Player, Managing the Performance Environment, and Leadership).

The course starts with 2-hours on the field on Saturday, February 28th and concludes with 2-hours of virtual classroom on Monday, March 2nd. Coaches must attend all four hours and may be asked to participate in the field component as either coaches or players.

Eligibility: Coaches must be at least 16 years old and have completed U.S. Soccer’s Introduction to Grassroots Coaching module.

Note: Due to online privacy laws, individuals under the age of 16 cannot create Learning Center (LC) profiles, and thus are unable to take Grassroots Courses.

About The Presenter

Hugh Seyfarth is the Director of Coaching for Cincinnati United SC, previously serving as the club’s Technical Director, CUP Goalkeeper Director, and Girls Development Academy Head Coach. He brings a 24-year college coaching career with roles at Earlham College, Miami University (Men’s and Women’s), and Florida Southern College. Hugh also spent 12 years as a college professor at Miami University and Florida Southern. He holds a USSF “A” License and a U.S. Soccer Coach Educator License.

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