U10 North Girls Finalists

The U10 North Girls 2011 OESA Spring Classic Finalists!!

Alexis, Ellie, Megan, Courtney, K-Mac, Abby, C-Webb, Rae, Mary. Coach Bailey

OESA Spring Classic 2011

The 2011 OESA Spring Classic saw wet conditions on Saturday, but Sun and championships on Sunday. All three U10 girls team played in a championship match. U10 Girls North (Finalists), U10 Girls Navy (Finalists) and U10 Girls Gold (Champions). The U9 Girls Gold also were bracket champions, winning 3 and tying 1 match. The results of the weekend show what an incredibly deep pool of players OESA has at the U10 age level. The girls and boys are really in a growth period in their understanding of the concepts of team play. The U10 boys have generated some really exciting, attractive style to their play and continue to be one of the most dynamic groups to watch play.The weekend is a growth opportunity for our U8's as we always play up in age and usually take our lumps score wise. We veven got to witness first hand what poor sportsmanship and poor parenting looks like up close for the U8 boys. All YDA teams have played up in age at U8 during our tournament as we feel it gives them a unique experience that strengthens their resolve. Thank you to all of our volunteers who help make it a great event that grows every year!!!!

U10 Girls Navy and Gold

Future of Player Development at OESA

Ohio Elite has always been at the forefront of player development. That has been our vision since the inception of the club. To develop players first and team success will follow. We were fortunate last season to have numerous All-Americans and even players who continue to achieve beyond that: Congrats to Arin Gilliland for her call in to the U20 US Women's National Team Camp Feb.13. Arin is a member of the Ohio Elite U18 team. We also have a list on the front page of the web site listing the many OESA players that will be continuing to play the game in college. Our YDA players are at the beginning of a long journey in learning the game but we feel have the best foundation for each player to attain their own level of success. We also give players exposure to the game at the highest levels for club players. Our Club Directors, Doug Bracken (Girls) and Tim Lesiak (Executive), were instrumental in the vision, creation and development of the Elite Club National League, which Doug serves as Vice President. Please read the interesting article from Sports Illustrated that touches on player development and the ECNL:

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jeff_kassouf/02/05/wps.playerdev/index.html

This is a long process that we are a part of, but as most parents will attest to, our players have the best base for their success.

YDA Coaching Methods on Display at NSCAA Convention

The annual NSCAA coaches convention is a gathering of coaches from around the country to view new products and services within the industry. The main purpose of the convention is for coaches to get together and exchange ideas to grow the development of today's players at all levels: grassroots, club, high school, college, and professionally.US Soccer put forth their new technical development curriculum for youth under the direction of Claudio Reyna.It was in this setting that John Renie, legendary longtime men's coach at Duke University, ran his coaching session in front of nearly  200 coaches, on accelerated individual technical training. Coach Renie was assisted by the OESA YDA staff for his on field session. The session was 60 minutes long and featured many of the training activities that are done with our own YDA players throughout the training season. Our own coaching methods were incorporated into the session and were well received by the coaches in attendance. Coach Renie is developing a curriculum for US Club Soccer, that will accelerate the technical sophistication of players which will lead to an enhanced understanding of the game. This is a great example of how we continue to be at the forefront of youth development and continue to grow our curriculum to meet the changing demands of today's youth player.

The Baltimore Bays U12 Boys were put through the training session and were challenged in all areas of their technical, coordination abilities. The Bays are one of the top youth clubs in the United States and this group was especially gifted. The players all responded to the training with enthusiasm and were given many activities that pushed them out of their comfort zone technically. This is the inspiration we are looking to impart on our players to take the responsibility to take a more active role in their own development. After the session ended, many of the players wanted to continue to work on the skills that were presented to them.