U.S. Youth Soccer workshop comes to town

Have you ever wondered what it requires to manage a superstar like Cristiano Ronaldo or prepare a goalkeeper such as Eduardo for the World Cup?

You’ll be able to find out when the annual US Youth Soccer adidas Workshop takes place in Louisville this week from February 24-26.

The three day event at the Kentucky International Convention Center is expected to attract over 2,000 soccer coaches, administrators, referees and enthusiasts.

The largest event of its kind for youth sports in the United States, it will feature education sessions for those involved in the game, field demonstrations and an exhibit hall. A highlight of the weekend will be the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala, which will showcase successes of the past year and over a lifetime.



Dan Gaspar (left) will talk about Ronaldo (right) and Portugal's 2010 World Cup journey at the US Youth Soccer Workshop in Louisville this week.

One of the more interesting workshop sessions will feature Portugal’s national team goalkeeper coach Dan Gaspar, who will speak on Friday (3 p.m.) about what impacted the country’s performance in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He will discuss how they prepared for opponents, including eventual winners Spain, who knocked them out in the round of 16.

Meanwhile, two local players -- Jeffersonville’s Brian Fischer and Skyler Davis -- will be involved in a 9v9 demonstration on the principles of attacking soccer.

Both play for Mockingbird ’95 and were recently invited to the Kentucky State ODP team pool. They have been asked to participate in the demonstration, which takes place at the Fourth Street venue on Saturday (3 p.m.), as part of the pool.

The latest soccer equipment, technology, apparel and fundraising ideas will be on display at the exhibit hall, which will be open on Thursday (6-8 p.m.), Friday (9-5 p.m.) and Saturday (9- 4 p.m.).

The Kick Zone, meanwhile, will provide an area for kids of all ages and will feature interactive soccer activities and games on Saturday. The Kick Zone and exhibit hall are free and open to the public.

Tim Turney, president of Kentucky Youth Soccer, said the state is thrilled to be hosting the entire youth soccer community from all over the country.

"We will showcase Louisville's southern hospitality while providing an excellent venue to network and learn from some of the best presenters this country has to offer,” he said.

In addition to learning from leading clinicians in the areas of coaching and player development, the event will include topics from the challenges and realities of international travel, risk management and organizing and financing field development.

Registrants will also hear the latest in marketing techniques and tactics, sports medicine topics, referee technology and additional areas of interest regarding recreational, elite and disabled players.

Online registration for the workshops is now closed but you can register onsite, while day passes are also available. For further information, check out: usyouthsoccer.org/workshop.