The YDA During The Summer

While we always encourage our players to take time away from the grind that the season can turn into, we always want our players to express the passion they have for the greatest sport in the world. With that, we have many of our YDA players participate in many futbol related activities such as camps (including the EPA Camps!!!), individual training, and 3v3 tournaments. We are lucky to have our parents structure the 3v3 teams in a way that includes any players who want to play and continues the OE philosophy of player first environments. This past weekend we had many teams U8-U10 boys and girls compete in the 3v3 tournament held at Columbus Crew Stadium, with 4 teams going to the finals and 2 championships. OESA will look to host our own 3v3 league next summer so all who want to get in on the fun can.
Congratulations to all OESA/OESA-North YDA teams who participated!!!!!

Fall Season Right Around The Corner!!

Wow!! The summer, once again, is flying past us. The days are hotter and the kids have already worn out their welcomes. The Fall soccer season is quickly approaching and the YDA
a lot of exciting additions for the upcoming season. The biggest is the addition of Brooke Thoman, who is still in the warm up area waiting to get in the game, as of now. We are all excited for Coach Keri and Bill. We will also, have to say good bye to Coach Jackie who has done so well at her "real" job she has received more responsibilities there and will not be able to coach in the Fall. We wish her the best and are all fortunate for her time with us. We will be adding staff this season to join our staff, which is still the best in the city. Announcements will be made here and the new staff will post a hello from each of them. Ohio Elite Soccer Academy is excited to take part in the CUSL for the upcoming season. We will compete with teams from CSA, WCSC, CUP among others. The league will allow us to showcase our players in a setting that benefits them in competitive atmosphere. This will be in addition to our Academy style matches we will play and festival weekends with local clubs, allowing our players a unique playing experience. Please check back here and you team pages on the OESA website for information and updates. We want to welcome back all of our returning players and welcome all of our incoming families. OESA is excited to be a part of your families soccer experience.

World Cup

I was lucky enough to take a few weeks to travel around South Africa, and take in 4 games (USA-England, Spain-Switzerland (massive upset), USA-Slovenia, Brazil-Ivory Coast). A few things stood out. How loud the vuvuzelas are when you are right next to them. I have no sympathy for those who complain about the noise on TV. I had to wear ear plugs at the Brazil match because Soccer City was like sitting on the tarmac next to a jet engine.

First let me get out my opinion on our national team's effort. Most importantly, US soccer has much to do to improve its striker play. Until the US begins churning out great finishers from the forward position, we'll always be looking up at the rest of the world. We've proved we can generate creative outside midfielders, strong holding defensive midfielders, and impressive outside backs who can add themselves to the attack. Our center back play left a lot to be desired, but I think it could have been much better if Gooch had been healthy. We still don't have a Xavi or even a Schwensteiger to really control the middle of the field, but Michael Bradley is close. He needs a better running mate in the middle for 2014, or we need a different formation to put our best players out there at once. Of course, forward was our biggest weakness, and I had hoped Charlie Davies could have provided that spark we did not have at all in South Africa. Our forwards lack the touch to hold the ball up and add midfielders. Their inability to do so hurt our ability to relieve pressure for long and put more pressure on the mids to bring the ball up themselves.

Another observation. I noticed at each match was a largely disappointing warm up from most teams, except for Brazil. Brazilian players basically use the warm up we use in the YDA and OESA. They worked on volleys, headers, played a possession game, then did various directional sprints and movements. Brazilian use of the ball and their constant emphasis on meaningful touches set them apart. You're never too old or too skilled to bypass getting meaningful and challenging touches on the ball to improve your skill. Everything we do in the YDA stresses dealing with the challenges the soccer ball present, and its good to know that Brazil would agree with that approach.

Hope everyone is having a great summer, and staying on the ball as much as possible. Juggling and/or striking a ball often will keep any player sharp.