Check this newsletter out for all the latest information for our upcoming Spring 2018 Season!
PCSL GOALKEEPER
Spring Season 2018 Edition  
Welcome to the Spring 2018 Edition of the PCSL Goalkeeper. We are looking
forward to the start of the Spring 2018 season and hope you are too! 

Keep reading for need-to-know information on the spring season.
Spring Season Dates
Let's hope for warmer temperatures and dry weather!



Teams

Teams remain the same from the Fall 2017 season to the Spring 2018 season. We've added new players to existing teams and also formed several new teams for this spring. Please do your best to welcome the new players and coaches to the League!

Your coach should be contacting you soon to let you know of practice dates, times and game schedules. 

Match schedules are posted on our website .

Spring Season News & Info.

Whether you have been a part of PCSL for several seasons or are new for the spring season, there is new information that you need to know as well as some common FAQ's that we all could use a refresher on.

Coaches

Thank you to all of our coaches for their time, effort and dedication!

As we prepare for each season, there is always important information that we need to pass along to coaches. Please check out the Coach Page for important information on the Spring 2018 season.
Coaching Education

Over the years, PCSL has offered many opportunities for coaching education. Starting with the Fall 2016 season, PCSL coaches were given the opportunity to complete the USSF F License course through the US Soccer Digital Coaching Center from the comfort of their own computer. PCSL then reimbursed the course fee for each coach that provide proof of course completion. The USSF F license was an excellent starting point to learn the game, coaching expectations, practice planning, etc. We had a total of 10 PCSL coaches receive their F License from the program since Fall 2016 - Brad Borne, Jerrod Hudson, Beth Reeser, Ryan Baxter, Scott Smith, Matt Rustemeyer, Jenni Thome, Ken Ewing, Maria Moody, Rob Vacca. 

Now, replacing the F License course, US Soccer has rolled out a Grassroots Licensing Course where coaches across the country will have the opportunity to undergo U.S. Soccer’s 4v4 Online Grassroots License Course through the Digital Coaching Center. The course marks the first of four Online Grassroots Courses to launch within U.S. Soccer’s Coaching Education pathway. Three more Online Grassroots Courses (7v7, 9v9, 11v11) are set to roll out in the coming months as part of the U.S. Soccer Coaching Education Department’s concentrated effort to provide accessible education to all coaches.

A separate email will be sent to coaches with details on the Grassroots courses and how to sign up.
Parents 
Soccer is a fantastic game for fun, exercise, and athletic development. As a matter of fact, soccer provides a means for your young player to acquire athletic skills for other sports as well-skills such as balance, speed, coordination, agility, fitness and other vital components. 
The PCSL Parent's Manual has been developed to help you with this and includes the topics: how to help support your child and coach, what to expect during your child's development and PCSL's approach to player development.  Check out the PCSL Parent's Manual today!

PCSL encourages participation in youth soccer for what it is-youngsters having fun. Coaches, parents and spectators should show only good adult behavior on the sidelines and act as role models for the younger players. Help create a positive soccer atmosphere and influence your youngster's soccer experience.


Referees

We're looking forward to having our experienced referees back this spring as well as some new ones! 

There has been a new development with the PCSL referee program this spring. The PCSL referee training is now a Grade 9 (recreational) Certification from the Illinois Soccer Referee Committee (ISRC). All new referees, beginning this Spring 2018, will complete the Grade 9 Certification course and returning referees were encouraged to complete this certification as well. We hosted our first Grade 9 Certification course this past Sunday, March 11 and are proud to report that 29 PCSL referees have obtained their Grade 9 Certification. This certification will prepare officials for the recreational and small sided youth games. Another Grade 9 Certification class will be held prior to the fall season as well. The goal is to have every PCSL Referee certified with a Grade 9 license by Fall 2018.

Referees, remember that Availability Forms are due in the office no later than Friday, March 23. Be sure to watch your email for important start of the season information and the spring referee schedule.

Check out the Referee Page for more info.

Notes of Appreciation

We would like to take this time to say thank you to all that provide support to PCSL financially and/or by volunteering their time and efforts. State Farm Companies Foundation is a continuing source of support for PCSL and other non-profit organizations in our community. The Good Neighbor Grant Program provides a contribution to the League when a State Farm employee volunteers for at least 40 hours per year and designates PCSL as their recipient. Over the past year, several volunteer coaches contributed their time and their grants. 

Financial support or considerations have been received from local businesses featured in our sponsor section of this newsletter. Annual operations, training for coaches, scholarships for players, and complex improvements are all supported through player registration fees and our community-based partners.

We truly appreciate the support from all of our volunteers! A special thank you goes out to all of the coaches, assistant coaches and team parents. You help keep our league going strong! Please take time to recognize and thank your child's coach for all their time, effort and dedication.
League & Contact Information
The PCSL Board is led by a group of volunteers that meet once per month in the off season and twice per month during the season. If you have skills you would like to share for the betterment of the League, please contact the League Office to make a difference in PCSL soccer!

Registration Time  for  Fall 2018 / Spring 2019

Don't forget to register your player for the next playing year!  Online registration began on Feb. 1. If you have a U6-HS players, register before April 1 to avoid a late fee !

Avantis
Connect with PCSL!
Prairie Cities Soccer League | 309 451-GOAL | www.pcslsoccer.org