SLSG Named Players First-Licensed Club by US Club Soccer

Justin Brehm • June 14, 2021



(CHARLESTON, S.C.) – US Club Soccer – a prominent member of the U.S. Soccer Federation and the leading organization developing soccer clubs across America – celebrates 13 clubs recently designated Players First licensed.
 

The 13 clubs from eight states have proven their commitment to providing a holistic club soccer experience for players and parents. They emphasize the development of each player to his or her full potential, and help parents make better choices about where their children should play. As youth soccer’s “Good Housekeeping Seal,” the clubs immediately take this newfound recognition into their communities and nationally, standing out as pioneers in improving the club soccer experience.
 

Nationally, there are 59 organizations across 21 states that have received this distinction.
 

Meeting a rigorous Players First standard is required, which includes comprehensive Club Development, Coaching Development, Player Development, Parent Engagement & Education and Player Health & Safety.
 

Newly-licensed organizations include:

 

“We are changing the way clubs are developing youth and it starts with setting a rigorous standard of excellence,” says Kevin Payne, CEO of US Club Soccer. “Our Players First-Licensed Clubs all have demonstrated a commitment to providing the proper structure and optimum environment for developing young athletes. Players First is the cornerstone of US Club Soccer and we commend these clubs for spearheading this movement of change in youth sports.”

 

These 13 clubs enjoy Players First licensing status through March 31, 2021, at which time there will be a renewal opportunity. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and approved clubs will be announced quarterly. Entities not meeting the standards and requirements will receive a detailed letter explaining deficiencies with suggestions and resources to correct those.

 

The application includes seven sections, in which clubs must demonstrate their commitment to the Players First pillars:

  • Club and Applicant Information
  • Club Leadership Expertise and Development
  • Staff Education and Development
  • Player Health and Safety
  • Training and Competition Structure
  • Staffing Structure
  • Parent Education and Engagement 

 

US Club Soccer prides itself on fostering the safest environment for players in youth sports. They’ve implemented best-in-class background checks for all registered staff, and require personnel to complete a Sideline Sports Doc/US Club Soccer online injury recognition course, as well as SafeSport online training.
 

 

About US Club Soccer
 
A National Association member of the U.S. Soccer Federation, US Club Soccer fosters the growth and development of soccer clubs in order to create the best possible environment for players of all ages.
 

Anchored by Players First and its five pillars of Club Development, Coaching Development, Player Development, Parent Engagement & Education and Player Health & Safety, US Club Soccer offers registration, league- and cup-based competition platforms, player identification and a variety of other programming, resources and services.
 

US Club Soccer is sponsored by Nike and supported by LaLiga through a technical partnership.

THE EDGE FITNESS CLUBS - EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR SLSG FAMILIES

By John Venneman • January 17, 2023
Our partners at The Edge Fitness Club want you to experience their outstanding amenities with a complimentary 7-day pass. Just scan the QR code and take advantage of one of our many offerings. Group exercise classes, personal training, sauna and massage, our Edge Kids program.

Fun in the Sun - ECNL RL - Florida Showcase Recap

By John Venneman • January 13, 2023
SLSG’s Missouri ECNL RL Program has just concluded the Regional League Showcase in Sanford Florida this past weekend. The program brought three teams to participate in the showcase consisting of the 04/05, 06, and 07 age groups. This was a great opportunity for the players to compete with different teams from across the country and showcase their abilities to a number of various college programs totalling over 200 in attendance at the event. The three teams landed in Sanford on Thursday and each had one game on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Following the Friday slate of games our teams were able to watch the ECNL RL National Selection game in which Anna Beam (04/05) had the chance to represent SLSG and compete with the top players in the Regional League. Anna’s team was coached by SLSG’s RL Director and Coach Maggie Richard. Anna and Maggie came away with a 4-2 win on the night with all 3 of our age groups in attendance to support. The 04/05 age group had a great weekend with 3 wins over the 3 day span. On Thursday they battled to a 1-0 win over PWSI with an abundance of colleges in attendance on the day. They took the momentum into Saturday with a 2-0 win over FC Prime, and capped off the trip with a 3-2 win against FC Delco. It was a great sendoff for our senior class and the team was able to celebrate with a senior dinner on Saturday night to cap off the RL season. Over the course of the weekend the team was able to showcase their abilities individually and as a team. The 06 age group was able to come away with a 1-1-1 record on the trip, starting with a 2-2 draw over Susa FC off a last minute equalizer to steal a point on the opening day. On Saturday the group attempted to battle their way back against a 3-1 deficit and finished the game with a 3-2 loss against Alabama FC. They ended the trip on a high note beating Match Fit Academy 3-0 on Sunday. It was an overall successful weekend for the 06 age group. The 07 age group were unlucky to come out of the weekend with a draw and 2 losses. Facing 3 tough opponents during the showcase the group was unfortunate not to come away with a win, but showed they are able to compete with top teams and look forward to the playoffs this summer following the high school season. Overall it was a great experience for the players to experience such a special event put on by the ECNL. We would like to thank all the families and players for their commitment to the program this season and for making it such a great experience for everyone. We wish all of our players good luck this high school season.

New Partnership Alert - SLSG and STL Futsal Team Up

By John Venneman • November 17, 2022
Fenton, MO - ST Louis Scott Gallagher and STL FUTSAL are excited to announce a strategic partnership. We will work closely together to raise futsal to the next level in the St. Louis metro area. We feel futsal is a key complement to our current programs and we are excited to get started. More details coming soon. About Futsal: -Originated in Montevideo, Uruguay in 1930 by Carlos Ceriani, quickly gained popularity in Brazil, South America & Europe. -5 a side soccer played on hard (gym) floor with a small heavier ball & goal -Futsal, Futbol Sala (which means hall soccer in Portuguese) -Famous soccer players that started by playing futsal: Messi, Pele, Neymar, Ronaldo, Diego Simeone Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos, to name a few -In Brazil, most of youth players only play futsal until the age 13, then they make the decision to play full time soccer or futsal. -Used as part of the training curriculum / program for national teams such as: Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, France, Mexico, Paraguay, Spain etc Benefits of Futsal: -High pace game, so high pressure causes faster decision making -Dynamic play forces players to play both offense and defense -Less players on the court means more touches on the ball -Higher level of competition at a young age allows players to be more confident in high pressure situations -Heavier ball increases the power of players -Tighter spaces forces players to have quicker reaction time -Smaller goals improve shooting accuracy -Great players are great decision makers

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SLSG Partners with Bethalto FC and Civic Memorial Soccer

By John Venneman • September 14, 2022
Fenton, MO - St. Louis Scott Gallagher is proud to announce it has entered into an affiliation agreement with Bethalto FC and Civic Memorial School District in Bethalto, IL. Over the next year, St. Louis Scott Gallagher (SLSG) and Bethalto FC will work closely together building an affiliation program within the community. Bethalto FC will have access to SLSG’s unrivaled technical training, coaching curriculum, and training facilities. Stay tuned for more details about the full extent of this affiliation in the future.

2022/23 Coaches Information

August 29, 2022
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