Gaston United Soccer Club

SPRING FEVER CLASSIC: SUCCESS!

05/07/2013 09:13 AM

Yes, the last day of the Spring Fever Classic was almost a washout, but we managed to get the games in! Thanks to everyone -- starting with Tournament Director Greg Eason -- for their super hero efforts. The tournament was a huge success, and we’re not just talking about the increase in numbers. The Tournament Committee was on the job this year, which is wonderful. You all deserve to take a breather now. Kudos to all of you, and to all our teams for attending the 2013 Spring Fever Classic!

Hannon Orthodontics Presents Special Offer to Club

05/02/2013 11:40 AM

Hannon Orthodontics, proud sponsor of Gaston United Soccer Club, is pleased to present a Special $500 Offer for the month of May -- exclusively for GUSC players, families and coaches.

* Offer available for New Patients Only who begin treatment this May
* Must present this offer (or this coupon) at initial consultation
* Offer expires May 31st

Hannon Orthodontics is proud to sponsor Gaston United Soccer!

Play hard. Smile big.

Club Launches Pilot Program for Select Players

04/12/2013 11:16 AM

Born out of a desire to get the max out of the club’s most advanced players, the Center of Excellence (COE) pilot program is poised to develop the club’s top players who have high school, college and/or professional playing aspirations. "In order for the club’s best players to succeed, they have to train with and alongside the club’s other best players—in a fast-paced, advanced and challenging environment," said Jeremy McGovern, GUSC’s U13 Boys coach who will oversee the COE program. We sat down with McGovern to talk about what the COE is, and isn’t.

Q: How will players be selected for this program?
McGovern: The COE program is an initiative that was presented to further improve the club’s most technically advanced. Understanding that not all players advance and grow at the same pace, COE is positioned to have players learn advanced topics and train alongside other players in and around their age bracket, and at or above their skill level. As director of this program, I will consult with all GUSC coaches in selecting players, plus the directors--and will have final say on players selected.

Q: How will the program work?
McGovern: The COE pilot program will officially begin in the summer of 2013—starting in June through August—but the selection process has already begun already this spring. The COE program will offer one advanced practice per week. I will take an active lead role, with other GUSC coaches assisting.

Q: How is the COE different from TAN?
McGovern: The program is not positioned to replace Technical Agility Night, or TAN. TAN is a great program for our club, and we want it to continue serving as an added training for all Challenge and Classic players. COE is specialized training and development for select players; while TAN is rightly positioned for ALL Academy, Challenge and Classic players—of various skill levels—COE is for a targeted, select group: players who have been identified by their coaches who are technically sound and strong, but who need to be pushed.

Q: How will the training go for COE?
McGovern: COE players will train in their age groups as well as in age groups two to three years apart, allowing younger players, for example, to be challenged by older age groups. Older players, consequently, will be given every chance to lead by example when training with their younger club mates. We are looking to train on one big field, with girls on one end, and boys on the other.

Q: How players will be selected for this program?
McGovern: Starting now and through the spring 2013 season, all Academy, Challenge and Classic players will be observed and evaluated by coaches to be considered for the initial COE pool. The selection process will be relegated to one very strict criterion: 90 percent of players selected will be chosen on technical ability, or with above-average ball skills, with strong consideration given to players with good work rate and over attitude as well. A three-person coaches committee that I will lead will observe all nominated players independently, and make the final decision on selected players. We are also looking for good kids; kids who are coachable, and kids who show leadership qualities on and off the pitch.

Q: How big will the first pool of players be?
McGovern: We want to take our time with this. We are looking to start with 25 to 30 players, and hope to grow the program, perhaps adding older groups like U14 and above later on. All current players in the U9 to U11 age group are eligible for COE, and we will begin training in June. Fifteen to 20 boys and 15 to 20 girls will be invited to attend.

Q: Will the program be offered during the fall (regular season) as well?
McGovern: Yes—likely on the same night as TAN, but that is to be determined based on what fields are available to us.

Q: What if a parent’s child isn’t selected? What is the message to those parents?
McGovern: If your son or daughter isn’t selected for a particular session, encourage him/her to work toward improving so that when the next selection process begins, he/she will be better positioned/prepared to make the next pool. At the end of each COE session, all existing players will be re-evaluated; existing players may, or may not, be asked to return while new players will be asked to join. I will consult with the COE committee, and we reserve the right to relegate or elevate players—but only after the end of a particular session. No players will be asked to leave while in-session.

Q: What is the COE coaches curriculum?
McGovern: The COE Program will cover advanced training topics, including attacking in numbers of three, movement off of the ball, creating space with the ball, penetrating runs from midfield with and without the ball and other tactical coaching techniques.

Q: What do we tell a parents who will ask, ’How will the COE program benefit my child?’
McGovern: COE players will be pushed and strongly encouraged to succeed and perform well. Players will train with older and more technically advanced players, with the end goal of being better prepared for high school and college play. The COE program will expect only the best from players involved, therefore a strong level of commitment is expected.

Q: What are the club benefits of this program?
McGovern: This is a very simple answer: COE players will get better, and therefore make their TEAMS better, which helps the club overall.

Q: What are the long-term goals for the COE program?
McGovern: Oftentimes for a team to improve, it takes one player whose level of play elevates his or her teammates. Players who have participated in the COE program will be that player: difference makers. When individuals improve, teams will improve, which will eventually be good for the club.

Q: How will the COE training be structured?
McGovern: We’re looking to start with eight to 10 90-minute training sessions, one week night per week, starting after Tryouts in May up to start of fall season. Boys and girls will train at the same time, location, but on different ends of field. Martha Rivers Park is the likely location, but that location has not been confirmed.

Q: Who are the likely coaches?
McGovern: I will be one of the coaches, and the following coaches are either on my selection or advisory committee: Tatum Bourque (Girls DOC); David Shearer (Boys DOC); Jeff Phillips (Academy DOC); John Kelly (Academy coach); Seth Lowther (Belmont Abbey assistant and GUSC Goalkeepers coach); and John Keating, the head men’s coach at Belmont Abbey College. We may also pull in other coaches outside of the club, depending on how our numbers pan out.

Q: TAN is covered in GUSC’s club dues; is COE an additional cost?
McGovern: Yes. Each 90-minute session will cost $10 per player, payable before each session. This fee will cover coaches’ pay and field rentals.

Q: What will a typical COE training look like?
McGovern: The majority of the training will focus on advanced individual topics, with a third of the training focused on small-sided (2v1, 2v2, 3v2) tactics. I will communicate with all coaches to cover a wide range of topics, however. The goal is to challenge players with more advanced topics, in a healthy and competitive environment.

_____________________________________________________________________________

For more information about the GUSC Center of Excellence program, please email Coach Jeremy McGovern.

Survey Says! We Want to Hear from YOU!

04/20/2013 02:46 PM

As we near the end of the season, we want to hear from you – our members. We will share feedback at the Annual General Meeting on April 21 at 4 pm in the Upper Dining Hall at Gaston Day School (located at 2001 Gaston Day School Road). Specifically for the GUSC People of the Year, top vote getters will receive special recognition at the AGM. Please know that these polls and surveys are important as we look to improve and get better for the future.

Happy voting, and thank you for your cooperation.

♦ MEMBERS: Who gets YOUR vote for Director, Coach & Manager of the Year? [ VOTE ]
♦ MEMBERS: How would you rate your experience with GUSC this year? [ Take Survey ]

♦ MANAGERS: How can we make this role better? [ Take Survey ]
♦ COACHES: How would you rate your coaching experience this year, and how can we improve? [ VOTE ]

***

♦♦ FOR RECREATIONAL MEMBERS ONLY: How would you rate your experience this Spring 2013 season? [ VOTE ]

2013-14 Season Tryouts ~ May 20-24th, 2013

04/17/2013 12:45 PM

Tryouts for the 2013-2014 season will be held May 20th-23rd (24th rain date) at Martha Rivers Park in Gastonia. Age-specific schedule coming soon. Register HERE. All players are required to register on-line. If you do not have access to a computer to complete registration please call the office at 704-823-7322 to make an appointment. Computer access will be arranged by appointment only.

Where:
Martha Rivers Park•
1515 Neal Hawkins Road
Gastonia, NC 28056
• Tryouts Welcome Packet & FAQ

When:
May 20-23, 2013
(Rain Date: May 24th)

Cost:
$10 per player (includes tryouts T-shirt to be worn each day)

Registration Process:
To register, please visit this link and fill out the electronic application and provide payment information. Once we receive your application and payment, you will receive a confirmation email. Please bring this confirmation email with you to Tryouts. Payments can also be made on-site (cash only). Walk-ups will be provided computer access at the field.
• Tryouts Welcome Packet & FAQ

Requirements:
All players are required to register on-line. If you do not have access to a computer to complete registration please call the office at 704-823-7322 to make an appointment. Computer access will be arranged by appointment only. All players are required to bring valid identification (example: birth certificate, driver’s licence, passport) and confirmation number. All players should bring a drink and a ball.
• Tryouts Welcome Packet & FAQ

Schedule HERE

Contact:
Club office: 704-823-7322
Tryouts Director: David.Shearer@GastonUnitedSoccer.org

Refunds:
We do not issue refunds for Tryouts

Current Events Newsletter (Vol. 1, Issue 2)

04/15/2013 08:08 PM

Current Events Newsletter (Vol. 1, Issue 2)

updated: April 15, 2013

Annual General Meeting (April 21, 4 pm):
Our annual general meeting is fast approaching -- April 21 at 4 pm in the Upper Dining Hall at Gaston Day School (located at 2001 Gaston Day School Road). We will recap the year and forecast for the 2013-2014 season, including unveiling our new uniforms. We will also be raffling off some free half-year memberships; you can’t win if you don’t attend. Keep checking our Web site for details.

President’s Award for Leadership:
All coaches on Competitive teams (excluding Recreation and Academy) have submitted their recipients for the President’s Award for Leadership Award. Winners will be acknowledged at the Annual General Meeting on April 21. Bring your cameras!

TRYOUTS for the 2013-2014 Season

As one season winds down, we are prepping for the next. We welcome all players to register for Tryouts for next season, and invite all friends and families to do the same. All players MUST REGISTER ONLINE at www.gastonunitedsoccer.org and select“Register for Tryouts” and follow the appropriate steps. Registration must be completed by end of day on Saturday, May 18^th. Pre-Tryout meetings will be held this week. Click HERE& nbsp;for the complete meeting schedule. See you in a few weeks!

Spring Fever Classic (May 4-5): We Need Teams!
Registration for our Spring Fever Classic is OPEN—and teams are trickling in as we speak. Help us spread the word so we can get the max number of participants and showcase our club to a large pool of players and clubs. If you have interest in supporting our tournament committee, please contact Tournament Director Greg Eason at Greg.Ea son@GastonUnitedSoccer.org. All teams will be asked to provide volunteers during the weekend. Managers will be contacting you soon.

Club Launches Pilot Program for Select Players
Last week the club introduced the Center of Excellence pilot program poised to further develop the club’s most advanced players. Jeremy McGovern, GUSC’s U13 Boys coach who will oversee the COE program, explained what the program is about in this exclusive interview.

Hello SUMMER!
We all need a break from soccer—but not too long of a break! If you haven’t already registered for GUSC’s summer camp at Belmont Abbey College, please do so today. Slots are filling up fast. We will also have a 3v3 program beginning in June, and our Boys DOC (David Shearer) also has his South Piedmont Soccer Camp July 22-26. Check our Web site for constant updates, and if you have questions, feel free to email The Board at execboard@gastonunitedsoccer.org.

Run for the Money (April 20):
The 11th annual Run for the Money 5K takes place on Saturday, April 20 at 8 am from Downtown Gastonia. Gwendolyn Johnson, a former GUSC intern and current Belmont Abbey student, will be running on behalf of the club. Gwendolyn is a former cross-country runner, so let’s all support her by showing up on April 20 in your GUSC gear. All funds raised will benefit our scholarship efforts. We’ll need volunteers, too, at the GUSC booth! Please contact Debbie.Webb@GastonUnitedSoccer.org if you would like to pitch in.

Thank you for your attention to these matters. Have a great week!

GUSC Summer Soccer Camp (June 17-21)

02/20/2013 09:21 AM

Gaston United Soccer Club, for the second consecutive year, will join forces with Belmont Abbey College to provide a comprehensive soccer experience for kids ages U6 to U16 -- June 17-21.

The camp, to be held at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, will offer a Morning Strikers Session (for players U9 to U16) and an Evening FUN-damentals Session (U6 to U13). Morning Strikers will offer SIX shooting stations and TWO shooting labs that will also include FOUR outright, fun-til-you-drop shooting stations where kids can bang away on goals in real-game setups. "The focus will be on ball-striking through a series of go-to-goal drills," said Camp Director (and BAC’s men’s soccer coach) John Keating, a native of South Africa who was previously the Director of Coaching at the Omaha Nebraska Football Club where he oversaw 3,000 kids.

The Evening FUN-damentals Camp (U6 to U13) will also provide SIX stations and TWO game stations where kids can play small-sided games and participate in FOUR skill stations focusing on ball control, turning with the ball, shooting, passing and receiving. "We’ll focus on fast foot work--dribbling, 1 v 1 skills and small-team games," Keating said.

Morning Strikers Session: U9 to U16
8:30 am to 11am | Cost: $110

Evening FUN-damentals Session: Recreation through U13
7 pm to 8:30 pm | Cost: $75

Directed by John Keating & Mike Lynch, head coaches of Belmont Abbey College men’s & women’s teams
[ assisted by GUSC coaches ]

Register TODAY download registration form

♦ Camp Areas of Emphasis: breakaways, corners, dribbling, volley, crosses, goalmouth scrambles, free kicks, heading, shooting, ball control, passing, receiving, turning & more!

♦ About Belmont Abbey College: Located at 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road in Belmont, NC, Belmont Abbey College prides itself in the development of the whole person – in mind, body and spirit. Founded in 1876, the Abbey is home to more than 1,700 students. The Cardinal Newman Society calls Belmont Abbey College one of the top Catholic colleges in America for faithfulness and affordability, and First Things Magazine recently named the Abbey America’s #1 "School On The Rise, Filled With Excitement." Located just 10 miles west of Charlotte, the Abbey is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. BAC and GUSC have maintained a long-standing relationship and are joining forces to provide a wonderful soccer experience for area kids and families.

MORE about Belmont Abbey College | Directions to Belmont Abbey

♦ What to Bring:
Cleats * Indoor Soccer Shoes (or running shoes) * Shin guards * Soccer ball * Water/Gatorade * A Positive Attitude

♦ All campers get a FREE Camper’s T-shirt
♦ Parents Barbeque: Wednesday Night (June 19)

♦ Download, Complete & Email Registration form HERE
♦ Parent Testimonials on the 2012 camp HERE

Payments will also be accepted at the GUSC office at 3434 S. New Hope Road in Gastonia.
More info? Call 704-823-7322 or send an email to camp director John Keating at johnkeating@bac.edu

Moe's Southwest Grill to sponsor Academy teams

01/26/2013 04:40 PM

Moe’s Southwest Grill, located at 3908 East Franklin Boulevard in Gastonia, has agreed to sponsor GUSC’s Academy teams for the upcoming spring 2013 season. Academy teams and players will receive special discounts at the Gastonia location throughout the season on game days. "This is a great opportunity for us to have Moe’s on board supporting our efforts," said Jeff Phillips, GUSC’s Academy Director. "We are making a strong fundraising push in the coming year and this gives that initiative a much-needed boost." Founded in December 2000 in Atlanta, Ga., Moe’s Southwest Grill is a fun and engaging fast-casual restaurant franchise serving a wide variety of fresh, made-to-order southwest fare. For more information about this sponsorship or to inquire about GUSC’s fundraising and sponsorship efforts, please email the executive board at execboard@gastonunitedsoccer.org.

Board to appoint a director of marketing/PR

02/03/2013 09:04 PM

Role: Director of Marketing & Publicity

In an effort to keep Gaston Untied Soccer Club in the public eye, the club is looking to appoint a director of marketing responsible for planning, developing and implementing the organization’s marketing strategies, communications and public relations activities. GUSC has long maintained a good working relationship with the local media—including the Gaston Gazette and the Belmont & Mount Holly News. This role is charged with maintaining those relations, as well as creating new ones.

Principle Responsibilities:

1. Create a year-long marketing calendar;
2. Enhance the club’s image and position within the marketplace and the general public;
3. Serve as primary point of contact for external communications and public relations activities, including press announcements;
4. Ensure articulation of the club’s desired image and position;

5. Responsible for direction, design, production and distribution of all materials, including fliers and leaflets;
6. Act as the organization’s representative with the media;

7. Lead projects as assigned, such as cause-related marketing and special events (like Run for the Money, Belmont Christmas Parade, GUSC-GDS Challenge, and other health and wellness initiatives);

8. Work with executive board, coaches, directors and managers to ensure that all marketing efforts are aligned.

Interested persons should email the Executive Board at execboard@gastonunitedsoccer.org. Thank you for volunteering!

"GUSC Gives Back" Initiative

03/09/2013 02:52 PM

On behalf of Gaston United Soccer Club, we’d like to thank everyone who participated in our "Gaston United Soccer Club Gives Back" initiative. On March 4, GUSC delivered new and gently used soccer gear to a middle school in Jamaica.

Mark Wright (center, seated) is flanked by recipients of GUSC’s "Give Back" effort on March 4.

Located in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth, Santa Cruz Primary & Junior High School received socks (donated to us by High Point-based Topsox), gear (from our friends at North Meck Soccer Club), school supplies, water coolers and draw string bags (courtesy of the Walt Disney Company). The students and administration were hugely appreciative, and the items will give their athletic program a much-needed boost. This school was chosen because a club member who grew up in Jamaica was making a scheduled family trip there, and organized the effort. If anyone would like to spearhead a similar donation drive, please let us know--and we’d be happy to rally the full club.

GUSC Summer Soccer Camp (June 17-21)

02/20/2013 09:21 AM

Payments will also be accepted at the GUSC office at 3434 S. New Hope Road in Gastonia.
More info? Call 704-823-7322 or send an email to camp director John Keating at johnkeating@bac.edu

GUSC Summer Soccer Camp (June 17-21)

02/20/2013 09:21 AM

Payments will also be accepted at the GUSC office at 3434 S. New Hope Road in Gastonia.
More info? Call 704-823-7322 or send an email to camp director John Keating at johnkeating@bac.edu

MAKE ONLINE PAYMENT HERE

08/21/2012 10:32 AM

Don't have the time to stop by the GUSC office? No problem! Make your online payment HERE.

MAKE ONLINE PAYMENTS HERE

08/21/2012 10:45 AM

Don't have time to stop by the GUSC office? No problem! You can make online payments HERE.

Coaches Wanted: Join Our Team Today!

03/21/2013 11:59 AM

GUSC is looking to bring on some new coaches—in our Recreation, Academy and Competitive teams divisions—for the SPRING 2013.

► RECREATION COACHES are expected to manage their teams, rosters and practice schedules. Our Recreation division has grown to approximately 200 kids—with teams in the U6, U9, U10 and U12 age groups. Ideal candidate will be asked to coach 1 team. Previous coaching experience preferred, but not required. (Spring Season play will be March 1st - May 3rd, 2013) General info on our Recreation program can be found HERE.
Contact Rec Director Krista De Jute.

► ACADEMY COACHES are expected to manage their teams, rosters and practice schedules—while working under the supervision of Academy Director Jeff Phillips. Previous coaching experience preferred, but not required. General info on our Academy program can be found HERE. Contact Jeff Phillips.

► CHALLENGE and CLASSIC-level coaches should contact Director of Coaching for Boys (David Shearer) and Director of Coaching for Girls (Tatum Bourque). Female coaching candidates are encouraged to apply. General info for our Classic program can be found HERE and info for our Challenge program can be found HERE.

OUR PHILOSPHY: GUSC has a development-first philosophy. All of our programs’ curricula focus heavily on improving a players’ technical ability on the ball. Our mission is to provide a quality club environment dedicated to player development. We take considerable pride in providing an atmosphere that is focused, positive, safe, friendly, and enjoyable. We believe this environment cultivates player confidence, self-esteem, and ultimately, soccer skills. Our commitment to excellence will ensure that our players learn to have passion for the game, faith in their abilities and the tools necessary to excel in today’s soccer climate. To excel at The Beautiful Game, perseverance, teamwork and quality decision making are essential. Taught properly and well, the life lessons found in soccer can provide our youth with the skills necessary to succeed in life. We believe that wholeheartedly.

Requirements:

O Must be energetic and good with kids
O Must have reliable transportation
O Must be punctual and dependable
O Must pass a background check
O Must be a good communicator

Desired skills:

O Experience coaching and/or working with kids
O USSF ’E’ license or higher preferred, though not mandatory
O High School, college or pro soccer playing experience a plus

For general inquiries, please contact Debbie Webb at 704-823-7322 and Debbie.Webb@GastonUnitedSoccer.org.

Coaches Wanted: Join Our Team Today!

03/21/2013 11:59 AM

TAN and Goal Keeper Training have concluded for the season.

04/16/2012 02:40 PM

TAN and Goalkeeper training have concluded for the 2012 spring season effective 4-16-2012.

Code of Conduct

02/24/2012 08:56 AM

Code of Conduct for COACHES

[ please read thoroughly, print, sign and return to the GUSC office ]

* Coach must never put the well-being of any player at risk

* Coach has a responsibility to ALL players

* Coach must be aware of bad Language at all times

* Coach must respect ALL officials

* Coach must respect all opposing coaches and players

* Coach must set a good moral and ethical standard for all at all times

* Coach must not show poor behavior or bad sportsmanship at any time

* Coach will not allow dangerous play by his/her players

* Coach will foster a good working relationship with his/her players' parents

Date: _________________________________________ Coach Signature: _________________________________________

Code of Conduct for PLAYERS

[ please read thoroughly, print, sign and return to the GUSC office ]

* Team captains will be respected at all times

* Players must be committed to the team

* Players must always be positive to their teammates and to the opposition

* Players will not use foul or abusive language at any time

* Player must be responsible of all soccer equipment during the season

* Players must be on time to training and games

* Use of alcohol and/or drugs will result in immediate punishment not limited to suspension/expulsion

* Any player found to be fighting or undermining their teammates will face suspension/expulsion, per the club’s discretion

Date: _________________________________________ Player Signature: __________________________________________

Code of Conduct for PARENTS/GUARDIANS

[ please read thoroughly, print, sign and return to the GUSC office ]

* Parents will treat all players with respect and encourage a "team first" mentality

* Parents will not coach -- or give instructions -- from the sidelines during games or at training

* Post-game evaluations will only be done by the coaching staff; leave the coaching, and game evaluations, to the coaches

* Parents will serve as role models for their child, team, coach and the Club
* Parents will refrain from questioning the referee during games; parents should not engage the referees at all

* Parents will not undermine any players within a team or within the Club

* No alcohol will be allowed on the sidelines, during games or a training, regardless of park or tournament rules

* Parents will create the best environment for ALL players in our Club

Date: ________________________________ Parent/Guardian signature: __________________________________________