Looking for Your Field? We can help!
MYSA has games located at Village Elementary, Tower School, and Piper Field at Marblehead High School. Be certain you are heading to the right place by accessing these helpful maps to take the guesswork out of getting to your game on Saturday!
Fields 2, 6, 7, & 8 – Village Map
Field 11 – Tower Map
Field 10 – Piper Map
Get your Credentials Straight
Click here for important information about credentials for coaches and volunteers.
NEW! PLAYER OF THE WEEK PROGRAM
A Player of the Week (POTW) program offers numerous benefits for youth sports. It recognizes individual achievements, boosting players’ confidence and motivating them to continue playing and improving. Celebrating these successes enhances team spirit and camaraderie, while also inspiring other players to develop similar skills. Additionally, such programs foster a sense of community by involving parents, coaches, and fans in celebrating young athletes’ accomplishments. Regular recognition through these programs reinforces positive behaviors and dedication to the sport, keeping young athletes motivated and engaged.
MYSA is pleased to announce our new PLAYER OF THE WEEK program!
By receiving this award, a MYSA player may have demonstrated great character, led by example, shown a willingness to put teammates first, or made other valuable contributions to the success of their team. This award can be completely independent of skill level. The nomination is for someone that stands out to coaches in games and practices.
HOW IT WORKS : Each week, coaches can nominate one player from their team to be POTW by submitting a nomination form and a picture of their nominee. Remember, nominations do not guarantee selection. Selections will be made by age and gender from Intramural, G4, G5/6, and G7/8. Following the gender/age split guidelines mean that we may have up to 8 players of the week, two from each of the age groups.
DEADLINE: Nominations must be submitted no later than Monday for the prior week. After the submissions are received, the MYSA POTW Committee will review the nominations and selections will be made. Athletes that are selected during a spring or fall season will not be eligible to be back on the ballot until the next season. Selected POTW will be featured in our social media channels!
CRITERIA FOCUS: POTW nominations should focus on a combination of performance, attitude, and overall contribution to the team.
- Performance on the Field: This includes goals scored, assists, defensive plays and overall impact on the game.
- Sportsmanship: Demonstrating fair play, respect for opponents and referees, and positive behavior.
- Effort and Improvement: Consistent effort during games and practices, and noticeable improvement over time.
- Team Contribution: How well the player works with teammates, supports others, and contributes to the team’s success.
- Attitude and Leadership: Displaying a positive attitude, encouraging teammates, and showing leadership qualities.
Coaches can submit their nominations using the MYSA POTW Nomination Form.
Summer Training Options
While MYSA does not sponsor or endorse any particular summer clinics or camps, we do provide links to local training options for further player development, when available. In full transparency, clinic and camp information updated periodically, but may not be fully updated at a particular moment in time.
MYSA Practice Times/Locations Grid: The Fall 2024 practice times and locations can be found here.
Additional Coaching Education Resources
Two great podcasts:
- Mass Youth Soccer’s “How Do I Get Started As A New Coach”
- Coaching Soccer Weekly’s “Eight Different Coaches You See Every Weekend” (starts 9:15 in)
Beginning in Fall 2019, Mass Youth Soccer has required mandatory registration and safety requirements for all coaches and volunteers. Please complete the mandatory registration and safety education here: http://marblehead.mayouthsoccerconnect.org/
All coaches should take the time to take Grassroots training to receive their age-appropriate (7v7, 9v9, 11v11) Grassroots certification. Courses are available either online or in-person, and MYSA will reimburse any related course fees after completion. MYSA is also taking advantage of opportunities to host educational sessions for Mass Youth Soccer as often as possible, which is a great way for our coaches to get certification, while staying local! Sign up when you see an offering!
Coaches and parents can also find out more about the Grassroots “Play-Practice-Play” method in this presentation from U.S. Soccer. Additionally, here is a useful article on the pitfalls of “joystick coaching”.
Coaches Handbook
Please review our MYSA Coaching Handbook for information on coaching techniques, development of players, and Grassroots-based practice plans.
Player Safety
Every adult associated with any organization who may have the opportunity to have direct and unmonitored access to children is required by state law to complete the CORI certification process. Coaches are required to maintain and display a valid, unexpired CORI and certification credentials with MYSA every year, via the link provided above.
Player physical safety should always be a top concern for coaches before, during and after practices and games. All MYSA coaches must complete and follow the Heads Up concussion safety certification available here. More information for coaches and parents on concussion safety is provided below. When in doubt, sit them out!
Concussions
MYSA coaches are required to have a current Concussion safety certificate. Parents and family members often request information on concussions, so we have included links to two sites that contain helpful information. In addition we have attached some helpful material on prevention and treatment.
Heads_Up_Concussion_Fact_Sheet_for_Parents_MYSA
Heads_Up_Concussion_Fact_Sheet_for_Coaches (1)
http://www.nfhslearn.com/
Other Coaching Training Options
Visit the US Soccer Digital Coaching Center to view a current schedule and register for additional nearby options. MYSA will reimburse course fees for participating coaches after completion. Just email the certificate to us at marbleheadsoccer@gmail.com once the course is finished. All travel coaches are required to have an age-appropriate Grassroots License (or equivalent).
Laws of the Game
The complete laws of the game is available on .pdf for download.
Sportsmanship
This documentary by ESPN on sportsmanship is a valuable and moving perspective on what truly matters most. Please note that the video will display on YouTube in a separate browser.
Practice Plans
Mass Youth Soccer offers comprehensive practice plans on their web site, which help coaches of all age groups with guidance on how to organize practices and develop their players’ skills.