Baltimore to Host Youth Soccer Coaching Event

The 2016 US Youth Soccer Workshop, held in conjunction with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Convention, will take place Jan. 13-17, 2016 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Registration is now open for this event, which will bring together thousands of coaches, administrators, referees and soccer enthusiasts.

Registration for the US Youth Soccer Workshop and NSCAA Convention, held through the NSCAA website, is open now through Jan. 12, after which attendees can still register on-site. Attendees are encouraged to register before Dec. 14 to receive a discounted rate.

US Youth Soccer members, when registering six or more from the same club, are eligible to receive a 10 percent group discount on registrations made before Dec. 15. Clubs should contact Andrew McGinnis (amcginnis@nscaa.com) for a group discount code and more information.

The US Youth Soccer Workshop features educational sessions for those involved in youth soccer, including field demonstrations for coaches. In addition to the educational opportunities, the convention features an exhibit hall with more than 300 exhibitors expected, featuring the latest soccer equipment, technology, apparel, fundraising ideas and more.

In addition to learning from leading clinicians in the areas of coaching and player development, the event will include topics such as the psychology of youth players, risk management, and organizing and financing field development. Registrants will also hear the latest in marketing techniques and tactics, sports medicine topics, developing and retaining youth referees and additional areas of interest regarding recreational, elite and disabled players.

The US Youth Soccer Awards Gala will serve as the highlight of Friday night in Baltimore. The Gala will showcase and reward soccer successes of the past year and over a lifetime. In addition to inducting the ninth class of the US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame, the association is presenting awards for Recreational and Competitive Coach of the Year (Boys and Girls), Dr. Thomas Fleck Award for Excellence in Coaching Education, Administrator and Volunteer of the Year, TOPSoccer Buddy and Coach of the Year, Goal and Save of the Year and Young Referee of the Year (Male and Female).

US Youth Soccer and the NSCAA, two of the nation's soccer leaders, merged their respective annual gatherings for the first time in January 2013, in Indianapolis, which created the game's most influential event of the year. The combined convention appeals to the entire soccer community as US Youth Soccer brings the annual US Youth Soccer Workshop to the NSCAA Convention. 

"Creating the best, largest and most impactful opportunity for both of our respective members is our first priority," said John Sutter, US Youth Soccer chair. "The benefits of exposing a larger pool of coaches and administrators to our combined efforts, our shared missions and philosophies to our members, and to create the largest celebration of our sport is exciting to both US Youth Soccer and NSCAA."

To learn more about the US Youth Soccer Workshop and see a full list of scheduled education sessions, visit USYouthSoccer.org/workshop/nscaa. For more information on the NSCAA Convention, visit NSCAAconvention.com.