Media Advisory
Colorado Soccer Association announces consolidation of Western Slope Soccer League and the Southwest League to create new Mountain Region League
Olympic Development Program tryouts, referee trainings, and coaching classes dominate soccer calendar for Mountain Region
Western Slope, Colo., -- (February 19, 2016) – The snow may still be falling, but soccer season is on a lot of local area players’ minds. The Colorado Soccer Association (CSA), and its Western Slope and Southwest soccer club members have been working on enhancing the game and providing more playing opportunities for mountain families from Steamboat to Durango.
Recently, CSA merged the two largest mountain leagues (Western Slope Soccer League and Southwest League) to create a unified regional league dedicated to player development; referee recruitment, training, and improvement; coaching education; and game improvements to ensure the quality of soccer for both youth and adult players who reside in the newly created Mountain Region.
In December 2015, CSA announced the expansion of the Olympic Development Program (ODP) for the Mountain Region’s elite youth soccer players. Prior to the expansion, players and their families had to travel to the Front Range for tryouts, practice, and trainings. The top male and female elite players from the Mountain Region were asked via a private invitation to tryout, train, and possibly become part of the 2015/16 pool team that represents Colorado, and Region IV in national tournaments across the United States in 2016.
ODP Tryouts will be held over the course of three weekends in three mountain locations. Participants were invited based on their playing ability, talent, club recommendations, and past playing experience in the advanced leagues around the state.
Photo Opportunity: ODP Tryouts
March 5 – 6, 2016
• Grand Junction: Canyon View Park 726 24 Rd., Grand Junction, CO 81505
o Boys and Girls born in 2004, 2003, 2002: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
o Boys and Girls born in 2001, 2000, 1999: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
March 26, 2016
• Montrose: Sunset Mesa Soccer Complex: Sunset Mesa Dr. Montrose, CO 81401
o Boys and Girls born in 2004, 2003, 2002: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
o Boys and Girls born in 2001, 2000, 1999: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
April 2 – 3, 2016
• Basalt: Crown Mountain Park: 501 Eagle County Dr. Basalt, CO 81621
o Boys and Girls born in 2004, 2003, 2002: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
o Boys and Girls born in 2001, 2000, 1999: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Referee Trainings
The state of Colorado has experienced a shortage of soccer referees over the last few years, and mountain communities have been severely impacted. As more soccer is played in the mountains, the need for referees, has increased.
CSA in conjunction with the Colorado Referee Committee, the state soccer referee association, have provided opportunities for local residents and others to earn their entry-level Grade 8 referee license from the United States Soccer Federation.
Photo Opportunity: Grade 8 Referee Trainings
The Grade 8 referee class is a one-day on-field/hands-on training for new Grade 8 referees to blow whistles, practice foul recognition, and learn from experienced instructors from across the state. Class participants have completed the online portion of the training, and will receive their badges after the in-person training is complete.
• February 27, 2016: Cottonwood Elementary School, Montrose, CO 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• March 5, 2016: Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy, Minturn, CO 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• March 5, 2016: Fire FC Facility, Grand Junction, CO 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• March 19, 2016: Glenwood Springs High School, Glenwood Springs, CO 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• March 20, 2016: Bud Werner Memorial Library, Steamboat Springs, CO 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Grade 8 Referee Registration
Photo Opportunity: Coach Education
Coaching education classes are headed by CSA Director of Coaching, Mike Freitag. CSA is hosting an E-Coaching License class in Basalt designed for coaches who are interested in coaching youth players ages 9-12.
April 1-3, 2016
• Hosted by Basalt Soccer Club
o On field training: April 2, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Crown Mountain Park
501 Eagle County Drive
Basalt, CO 81621
o On-field training: April 3, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Crown Mountain Park
501 Eagle County Drive
Basalt, CO 81621
US Soccer “E” Coaching Course Registration
About ODP
The Olympic Development Program continues to offer Colorado’s elite players opportunities for added development and player recognition. The program is designed to recognize, train, and promote elite players from Colorado Soccer.
About the Colorado Soccer Association
The Colorado Soccer Association (CSA) is a non-profit educational and service organization that oversees Colorado soccer. Providing benefits for players and members, CSA hopes to advance the game with critical infrastructure while promoting sportsmanship and fair play in a safe and enjoyable environment.
Contact: Michelle Tripp, Director of Marketing and Community Relations, Colorado Soccer Association at mtripp@coloradosoccer.org.
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