Universal Soccer Academy

Where Champions are Born

09/24/2012 11:57 AM

Universal Student "Carli Lloyd"	Taking Applications now for 2013

www.carlilloyd.com
Carli Lloyd on Universal Soccer Academy
In 2003, I became a member of Universal Soccer Academy. Since joining Universal I have been able to take my skills to a world-class level. I have become comfortable when in possession of the ball, and am able to execute most of my plays. I have studied how to become a better midfielder and become even more dangerous around the box. All my skills have been refined and taken to a level I never thought achievable. Physically I am in the best condition of my life, by far. I feel strong and explosive, and feel that my body will not let me down. Mentally I have learned that I need to work hard all the time, never to give up, and to play like every game is the World Cup Final. I have watched the staff of Universal work with youth players, and regret that I didn’t have the opportunity that all Universal students are getting at such a young age. Watching the improvement, skill and the confidence of these students amazes me. If you are really serious about soccer and want to give yourself a chance to reach your true potential, joining Universal will definitely work in your favor. I have allowed Universal to train and guide me. Now I am living my dream. *USA Womens National Team and Universal Student* *Carli Lloyd*
Who is Universal Soccer Academy
Why join Universal Soccer Academy? Universal Soccer Academy is one of the best Soccer Academies in the USA. Universal has produced high level soccer players that have gone on to play at all levels including State, Regional, Collegiate and National Teams. Who joins Universal Soccer Academy? Players that are serious about soccer. Players that are striving to be the best they can be and play at the highest level possible. All students have to apply to join the Academy and are accepted based on Passion and Potential. Do I have to leave my team to Join Universal Soccer Academy? No, you don’t have to leave your team. Universal Soccer Academy does not have teams and only focuses on Individuals. If you are looking for a place to keep refining your game, then this Academy is for you. Who Conducts the Classes/Camps/Clinics(Programs)? All Programs are conducted by Universal Director, James Galanis. James is one of the leading coaches/trainers/mentors in the USA. James is the founder of Universal Soccer Academy and has provided specialized training to high level soccer players for over 11 Years. How do I join Universal Soccer Academy? In order to join Universal Soccer Academy you will need to fill out a Player Application Form. In this form you will state your General Information, Playing History, Goals and pick the Program(s) you wish to join. Universal Soccer Academy will respond to your Application and if accepted you will begin the process of becoming a Universal Student.

For more information e-mail info@universalsocceracademy.com or call 609-254-0335.

Galanis Blog: Do Great Players become Great Coaches?

04/19/2013 08:52 AM

Do Great Players Make Great Coaches?

Do great players become great coaches? This has been a hot topic recently. The facts show that this is not the case. Perhaps surprisingly, its the other way around.

Players that have spent time on the bench have gone on to become even better coaches because they most likely lacked natural talent and had to think their way onto the field. When you have blazing speed, athletic ability and decent skills that come naturally to you then that is what you rely on. You dont need to think; you can just walk onto the field and let the natural ability you are blessed with take over.

If we look at some of the best coaches in the world we will learn they didnt play at the highest level. Just a few prime examples are Arsene Wenger (amateur), Rafael Benitez (Real Madrid youth player), and Jose Mourinho (94 senior level games). These coaches have won some of the most glorious European trophies you can get your hands on. In contrast, if we look at Diego Maradona and Pele, two of the all-time greatest players who went on to coach, we will find they could not come close to the success of Wenger, Benitez, and Mourinho.

Maradona has failed as a coach and was clearly outcoached as his team lost to a less skilled but more tactically prepared and adaptable team (Germany) at the World Cup. His inability to read the game was very evident. The wonder kid Pele has made a name for himself as a poor analyst. After his retirement, Pele was often hired for his expert opinion. Yet he too frequently came up with inaccurate and sometimes comical analysis of players and games.

So do great players make great coaches? Personally, I dont think so. I think great coaches are made just like great players are made. Great players are made from scratch and spend time honing their basic skills. Great players work their way up the youth ladder until they are ready to conquer the senior (Pro) level. Its the same with great coaches. They need to start from scratch, learn the basics, and work their way up from there as well. If we go back to Wenger, Benitez and Mourinho, all three of these great coaches put in their hours in the youth game. They learned the basics of how to teach and break down the game for young minds to understand. They spent time at the youth level before moving on to the senior level, where more advanced coaching skills are necessary; skills such as player management and tactical adjustments during the game.

As a professional coach that has worked at the youth level and the pro level, I reflect back to my younger years of coaching and realize that they were the most important years. Learning the terminology that my mind wanted to express; learning drills that coincided with the style of player I wanted to produce; learning the Tactical Plans I wanted to execute; learning how the human mind thinks and responds.

To learn all these things you cant just walk off the field as a soccer player and all of a sudden be a master coach. I see so many youth coaches that just got out of college/pro team and promote themselves as great coaches just because they played at a high level school/pro team. Thats so far from the truth. It just doesnt work like that. You need to get down in the soccer pits and learn how to put together a player and learn how to rip the game to pieces tactically and explain it to your team. If you cant rip the game to pieces and put it back together for your players then you will be exposed at some point.

Coaching is an art that takes time. Just because you played it doesnt mean you can coach it. Just because you played at a high level doesnt mean you are automatically a great coach. The two are totally different trades. When playing you put your uniform on and compete. When coaching you manage a team of individuals, improve them, educate them, make them friends, inspire them and help them improve daily. Both as an individual and as a team! These traits are way different to a player and traits that are not automatically inserted into a player that was a great player.

James Galanis

Director of Soccer Operations

www.universalsocceracademy.com

Galanis Blog: Think Like A Champion

04/16/2013 01:15 PM

Think Like A Champion

2013 is well on its way. It’s been a long time since my last blog and I look forward to pumping out more blogs in 2013. The response has been overwhelming and I enjoy sharing my knowledge with all of you.

For this blog, I want to go back to 2012 as it was the most successful year of Universal Soccer Academy’s 12 years of existence and many valuable lessons can be extracted from 2012.

In 2012, Universal was able to help players bring back Olympic Gold again at the London Olympics. The academy helped prepare players to crack the pro level and continued to develop multiple players who are good enough to represent National, State ODP and Regional ODP teams. This blog will enlighten you as to the 3 key points that makes these players special and successful.

How do these players make it to these levels? The common denominator of each player’s success is desire. They each have a set goal and won’t rest until they achieve it. Along the way many distractions and obstacles come their way but their minds filter them and they ask, “Will it affect my goal?” If the signs are that the obstacle or distraction might slightly derail them from their path to their goal, they won’t let it be a distraction and they will conquer whatever obstacle is placed in front of them. They will find a way to keep their minds on their goal. Their desire to achieve their goal cannot be touched and is a force that nothing can sway or move.

How did these players become so good that they have found their dreams and are living their dreams? They have become successful because of the hours they have clocked in. There is a huge checklist consisting of skills, tactical knowledge, physical and mental power that you must possess to become an effective soccer player. In order to become a champion, this entire checklist needs to be ticked off. The only way you can tick off all the Technical, Tactical, Physical and Mental skills is by dedicating hours and hours of training…not only with your team, but more importantly, on your own. Universal’s top students don’t just come to our academy and expect the trainers to turn them into a champion. They go home and don’t switch off and continue to improve their game when no one is watching.

What do they all have in common? Their mind is starving for more. More is never enough. Even though they are improving on a daily basis, they continually strive to get even better. It’s an obsession to be better today than they were yesterday. All these athletes have to be forced to take a day off. And when they do take a day off they come back with a mindset that they took a step backwards when really they did not. Their mind is conditioned to keep moving forward daily and that there is no peak in sight. Their peak will end when they want it to end. This mindset is the mindset needed if you are going to reach the top.

All three of these key points are mental and it sums up our famous saying around the academy; “The mind is the Athlete and the Body is what you use to get there.” If you don’t use your mind and know how to think, you will not become a successful athlete or human being. Your mind needs to be trained to think like a champion in order for it to become a champion.

James Galanis

Director of Soccer Operations

www.universalsocceracademy.com

Galanis Blog: Passing Through Tactics

04/16/2013 01:16 PM

Passing Through Tactics

Passing is a true art just like the rest of the skills that a soccer player must possess. Most youth players think that passing is knocking the ball with the inside of their foot and they strive to master this pass. Yes, this is the most common pass and the most basic pass and the most used pass. Yes, you need to master it and in reality it should be flawless in games. However, there is an arsenal of passes that need to be mastered. The more passes that are in your repertoire - the more effective you will be on the field and the easier you will be able to unlock defenses.

I always take the time to teach my students the different passes that they need to possess. So what passes am I talking about? They are: inside foot, outside foot, laces, chips, scoops, driven, long balls, flicks, aerial passes, cushion passes, scuds and layoffs.

As you can see there are a lot of passes that need to be mastered. Each requires a different technique and they all are a must if you want to play at the highest level.

Unfortunately, with how the game has evolved into a quick 2 touch type of game, many coaches don’t take the time to allow their players to work on these passing skills. However, once you reach a high level of play, it is essential to have all the above passes as part of your game.

You must be thinking “When are these passes used?” Some examples are: when a team shuts you down with speed you need to be able to do scoop passes over their feet; when an opponent plays compact you need to be able to play long balls over the top; when you receive an aerial ball with a man on your back you need to be able to cushion pass it; when a teammate makes a run down the line and has a man marking him you need to be able to bend it around your opponent and into the path of your teammate; when there is a player standing between you and your teammate you need to be able to chip it over your opponent.

Having advanced passing skills makes you more effective and makes the game a lot more enjoyable. Opponents find it harder to steal the ball off you and you essentially create plays with precision passes that don’t zap your energy as dribbling and taking on players does. The best players in the world have mastered all these passes.

I hope this blog helps young players to become aware that there are many passes to be mastered. The best way to practice them is with a partner. Although it takes time to master them, once you do, you will be loaded with passing skills that will help you create plays that can’t be stopped by any tactic.

James Galanis

Director of Soccer Operations

www.universalsocceracademy.com

Galanis Blog: Finding a Team for your Child

04/16/2013 01:16 PM

Finding a Team for your Child

Finding a team for your child is a difficult decision for any family to make. The youth soccer world is a tricky maze and one that you need to think long and hard about and one that you just can’t jump into. A lot of factors come into play when considering a team or club that your child should play on. So how do you know what team is right for your child?

The main questions you need to ask yourself are: Who is the coach? What is his philosophy? What is his background? Has he developed players? Will my child be valued and actually be playing? Will my child learn soccer skills and life skills?

Many parents just sign their kids up and don’t do enough research on the coach. I often hear parents talk about how great a coach is. But is the coach great because he actually produces players and builds a team, or is the coach great because he is a master recruiter? A great coach to me is one that molds what he has, not a coach that looks around the league and poaches or recruits until his team wins. A great coach is one that takes his time to develop the essential skills that a youth player must possess; skills needed to play effectively and skills needed in life.

Having worked in youth soccer for over 15 years and having dealt with thousands of parents over the years, it’s been hard to watch so many talented players not reach their full potential due to poor parental decisions. So many times I have seen players move from Team A to Team B because Team B has a better team. But does playing on a better team make you better?

Years ago I had a couple come up to me for advice for their son Harry. Harry was playing on a state ranked team that was loaded with top players that were recruited ruthlessly by its coach and club. Harry was a solid little player loaded with skill and exceptional game sense with the potential to go on and play at a decent level. However, he was smaller than most at the U/13 level and over time on his star studded team he struggled to crack the starting eleven. He struggled physically because he had not gone through his growth spurt and the coach wanted immediate wins. Harry was down in confidence and felt he had no chance of playing; he only played when the team was winning by a large margin. Clearly Harry was not happy and mentally he was being scarred. He didn’t feel important and was beginning to hate the game. Coach didn’t understand that in time all players grow and it’s the skilled players that carry the key to future success, not the less skilled big athletes that are faster and stronger at the younger ages.

When Mom and Dad approached me and asked for my opinion, I advised them that Harry needed to find a lower level team that he could actually play on and feel good to be a part of; a team that would depend on Harry and rely on his exceptional ball handling skills and game sense; a team where Harry could feel like he played a big part. For the sake of his mental health, Harry was too young (13 years old) to not feel special or to feel unwanted by a coach and to be hurt by the game he loved.

When I gave this advice to the parents, their response was “But this team is ranked 2^nd in the state and coach John is meant to be one of the best.” The parents were truly clueless as to why we play the sport. They were like many other parents caught up in the wins rather than the benefits of team sport. They were more concerned about having their child on a team that was ranked rather than a team that developed their child’s soccer and life skills. Harry was part of a team that had a coach who relied on recruiting for success and didn’t focus on actual development of its players.

I was able to convince them to take Harry off the well recruited star studded team and place him on a lower level team where the coach viewed “development first and winning second” and where Harry would be appreciated; a team where he could express his skills without the fear of making a mistake.

A few short weeks after moving to his new team, things changed for Harry and his family. News started to roll in that “Harry is playing every minute of every game. Harry loves his teammates and they love him too. Harry feels special on this team.” This was news that was warming to hear because it conveyed that their child felt good about himself.

Years later, Harry had developed into a solid player. He had the opportunity to hone all his skills, learn the game, and be physically able to last entire games. But most importantly, mentally he had the confidence needed to be successful at anything he did. He felt good about himself.

His experience with the lower level team was priceless. His coach worked on skill, tactics, and physical conditioning. He had to, for his players needed all the help they could get to work their way up the standings. Harry was part of a team where the coach made the players and not where the players were making the coach, as it was with his previous team.

Harry later had his growth spurt. His body and mind was on par with all the rest of the players at the U16 age group. It was now a level playing field and Harry’s skill, game sense and confidence helped him get selected for ODP ahead of the teammates he had left behind on his previous team. Those teammates still relied on athleticism and natural ability, but Harry had developed his ball handling skills and perseverance skills. His former teammates had it easy as they won due to the recruitment skills of their coach and never had to hone their skills and become fully fit. They always had the talent to win most games. But eventually, everyone became just as fast and just as strong, and those old teammates never developed crisp skills and tactical awareness. They did not know how to handle losing situations because they were always at the top and never learned how to climb the ladder of success. Harry, on the other hand, went down to the bottom and worked his way up. He hit obstacles and learned to conquer them. He learned how to be a champion in soccer and in life.

As I stated, a lot of factors come into play when selecting a team for your child, especially the coach, his philosophy and where and how your child fits into his philosophy. Does the coach actually have a philosophy, and how will your child fit in tactically? What is the playing time policy? Will the team depend on your child thus making your child feel special? Will your child be a leader?

Look for a coach whose main objective is development. Look for a coach that spends time on skill development; a coach that sacrifices wins at the young ages to teach skill and tactics, and plays players in multiple positions; a coach that builds physical endurance and strength; a coach that mentally instills confidence so that players believe in themselves. Don’t fall for the coach that has made his name through recruiting. The recruitment skills of a coach don’t prepare you for college of for life.

James Galanis

www.unversalsocceracademy.com

Galanis Blog: WPS

04/16/2013 01:17 PM

I’m very disappointed that the league has come to a dangerous pause. I feel that the momentum of the game had been building and 2012 was going to be a huge year. Awareness for the Women’s game was at a real high and we were on our way to an even better WPS season.

In 2012, the best soccer players in the world will not be on display for our kids. Real access role models will not be reachable after a game. The smiles, the handshakes and the autographs that shape our kids are in detour mode for now.

On a personal level, I feel robbed of the opportunity to finish my project. We, the Atlanta Beat, were on our way to what seemed to be a successful future. I built a hard working and disciplined environment with my young team in 2011, with players that know that the club comes first, that you train your hardest every day and that you play skilled thinking team soccer. For the 2012 season, we added several super exceptional players that wanted to be in our system and a bright future was looming. The 2012 Team has now disappeared for me and my players and for you, the fans.

For 2012, I now go back home and resume my life with my family and go back to producing players of the future at Universal Soccer Academy. Waiting are the next crop of young players that I hope get to see WPS and play WPS. Moving forward with women’s soccer, I plan to stay in the loop and help where I can. I would love to see the lessons of today help build a better tomorrow.

The plan is to go ahead with a league in 2013. That’s the good news.

James Galanis

www.universalsocceracademy.com

Galanis Blog: Mental Pre Game Preparation

04/16/2013 01:17 PM

Mental Pre Game Preparation

Pre Game preparation is the most underestimated and neglected part of a soccer player’s life. Not enough athletes know how to prepare for a game. To me it is a huge part of being an athlete because it’s what prepares your mind to battle, to execute, and to perform. It is what prepares your body to work tirelessly for the entire game. Without the right mental preparation you will underperform. There is no doubt about that.

Most athletes think that preparing for the game means warming up your body and stretching prior to the game, waking up and eating a good meal and sipping some water, or having a good night’s sleep the day before the game. But preparing for your next game starts after the previous game. Preparing for your next game never starts and never ends. You need to always be preparing and always mentally thinking of your next challenge.

Mentally, your mind needs an abundant amount of time focusing on the upcoming game; visualizing the events that can take place in the upcoming game, telling your mind it will focus and work its hardest, telling yourself that you will not give up no matter what and telling yourself you will win.

I always tell my elite students to find time in each day to put themselves in a quiet room and think about the game ahead; to think about the different scenarios that could come up in their next game. For example, if you’re a midfielder, visualize winning tackles, distributing passes, taking on players, etc. If you’re a striker, visualize getting on the end of crosses, shooting at goal, making runs, etc. When you take the time to visualize these plays during the week you will execute them with instinct during the game.

Our brain is a muscle that not only needs to be fed with visualization and positive thinking, but also with sleep in order to perform. Consistently getting the proper amount of sleep gives your brain the rest it needs to be sharp come game time. When your brain has not rested it will react to plays rather than anticipate plays. A tired brain means slow decisions, and slow decisions means second to the ball and second at reading what will happen next.

As we say at the Academy “the fastest player on the field is not the fastest runner but the fastest thinker”.

James Galanis

Director of Soccer Operations

Universal Soccer Academy

Galanis Blog: Character for Soccer

04/16/2013 01:18 PM

Character for Soccer

Character is a major topic of mine when I’m addressing my students. Dictionary.com defines character as “qualities of

honesty, courage, or the like; integrity.” In general, having character means being a good person and doing the right things. But what does character mean in terms of a soccer player? When assessing a player’s character, what are coaches looking for? I believe that a player has character if he is coachable, strives to do the right things both on and off the field, and is a good teammate by always putting his team’s interest first in front of his own.

As a coach, I often have the opportunity to recruit players and often get calls from other coaches that are looking for a reference on a player. Guess what the first questions we ask are. “How’s their character? How are they in the locker room? How do they deal with losing? How do they deal with sitting the bench? What’s their work ethic like?” All character questions. Once these questions are answered we move on to soccer skill questions.

So is character important for a soccer player? Absolutely! It’s the most important trait a player must have. We as coaches are looking for players who are willing to get along with their teammates, desire to dissect losses and take responsibility for the loss, are supportive if they sit the bench, are fully committed to continuously improve, and always put the team first.

Players that are poison in the locker room and have divisive personalities have short term careers. It’s only a matter of time before their bad reputation circulates and they are not wanted by their team or any other teams. However, players that go out of their way to maintain and build chemistry within the team are attractive to us coaches.

To me, there is nothing worse than having to deal with a player that searches for excuses after a loss. If the team lost and they were a part of the team, then they were part of the reason why the team lost. Often, I see players walk off the field and hear their excuses or blaming words. “Our strikers missed too many chances. Our defense was asleep on that play. The referee didn’t give us a penalty,” etc. Blaming people and making excuses do nothing but set back the team, and this lack of character infects the team with an excuse type attitude. On the other hand, players that walk off the field and have no excuses and look to put in a good week in training, and want to help their teammates and coach eliminate the mistakes that led to the loss, are players of quality character. Players with character take the positives out of the loss and don’t make excuses or blame anyone for the loss.

The hardest job of a coach is keeping his players happy. Players that sit the bench are not happy and that’s natural. But someone needs to sit the bench. If you have a squad of 18 you can only pick 11. This means 7 players will not be starting the game. Players usually think that the coach doesn’t like them or that they did something wrong and have been left out. This is simply not true. On many occasions, the coach has to go with the players that he thinks will match up against the opponent, or with the players he thinks are peaking at the time, or select the players that are just better in his opinion. It’s hard for a coach to look at his bench and see disappointed faces, but it’s refreshing to look at the bench and see players that are still supportive of the team even though they have been left on the bench.

Players with poor character project a negative mood, and often talk negative about the starting eleven and coach. They sulk and hurt the team environment on game day and at times the sulking leaks into training. Players with good character put a smile on their face and take the coach’s decision to bench them and turn it into a positive. They show the coach that they are ready to play if called upon and show up to training that week ready to prove the coach wrong and work harder then everyone on the field. Players that respond to sitting the bench gracefully are players that coaches end up admiring and want to give their time to.

Coaches want players that they can mold and that are always supportive; players that know they are in a team sport; players that have respect for the officials, their coach and one another; players that will play anywhere they are asked; players that help bond the team, and players that play for the jersey. Coaches steer away from players that lack character by displaying poor attitudes, not working hard, dividing the team, and disrespecting the people around them.

Finally, there is nothing like seeing a player that has the character to never quit and to be fully committed to his career and his success, a player that will “empty the tank at every session and every game”.

Players with character always persevere and always improve. Players with character do the right things when on the field and when off the field. They do the right things when no one is watching.

James Galanis

Director of Soccer Operations

Universal Soccer Academy

Galanis Blog: The Importance of Juggling

04/16/2013 01:19 PM

The Importance of Juggling

Players and parents often ask me, “What is the sense of juggling? You don’t juggle in a game so why practice juggling?” It’s a good question and I understand why they ask this question. You don’t see players juggling the ball down the field. You don’t see players juggle then shoot or juggle then pass. Yes I agree, juggling isn’t used in a game, but it is the base of your skill set and is the activity that aligns your mind, body and ball.

Juggling develops many parts of you as a soccer player. What does it develop? It develops a lot of areas of your game, but most importantly it helps you develop a relationship with the ball. What most soccer players don’t understand is that learning to control the ball when it is on the ground is easy. Learning to control the ball when it is in the air is the hard part. “How often does the ball come to you in the air?” you ask. Probably a lot more than you think and that’s when being able to juggle helps. Good jugglers can control the ball with ease when the ball comes to them in the air, thus making their first touch effective no matter how the ball comes to them.

We often ask ourselves, “Why are the South Americans so good at soccer?” If you ever get a chance to visit South America, you will see local parks and streets filled with individuals practicing their juggles. As individuals, pairs, or groups they juggle for hours upon hours. Juggling is a part of their soccer culture. At pro games you will often see young players that are exceptional at juggling be a part of the half time show. If juggling didn’t help your game and if juggling wasn’t a key part of development, the South Americans would not invest in it and would not rate it as the most important part of being a soccer player.

On a recent visit to Universal Soccer Academy Argentina, I spent a lot of time playing soccer volley ball (or soccer tennis) after each session. The Academy’s students played every day after training and I joined in on their favorite game. The Argentines spend so much time playing soccer volley ball that it is impossible not to have a good first touch. Their volley ball games are played with one or two players per team and each player is only allowed two touches. First touch is to control the ball and second touch is to get it over the net. If your first touch is weak then you will not have success in soccer volley ball, just as you would not have success on a soccer field.

Juggling takes time to master and it takes time to succeed at it. The hardest part is getting to 10 juggles. Once you get to 10 juggles you will find that your record increases very quickly. Getting to 10 though will take a lot of hours and a lot of patience and believing you can do it. Many young players give up because it’s so hard to get to around 10 juggles. But once you do get to 10, you have the base that will help you become a good juggler.

If you’re young and starting out, I recommend you juggle on a hard floor and use one bounce in between your juggles. Start off with one bounce and juggle. The one bounce juggle method is the best way to build your base. You can build off that and move on to two juggles and bounce. Advanced jugglers should take up soccer volley ball to further enhance their juggling skills.

Remember:

1) Juggling develops your foot and eye coordination. When your feet and eyes work in sync and in rhythm, the timing of your entire skill set improves.

2) Juggling works on your first touch. When the ball comes into your playing area, most of the time it comes from an aerial position. A good juggler has the instinct to bring the ball down comfortably.

3) A good juggler is able to gently pass aerial passes to themselves over people’s feet and over their heads.

These are just some examples of the advantages of juggling. In general, juggling is the base for soccer skill. There is no pro or elite soccer player that can’t juggle. It’s juggling that builds your first touch and your first touch is everything when playing at the highest level.

James Galanis

Director of Soccer Operations

Universal Soccer Academy

Galanis Blog: The Fuel

04/16/2013 01:20 PM

The Fuel

Welcome to my first blog. The reason behind this blog is to help young players coaches and parents understand what it takes to become an effective soccer player and to help steer them into the right mindset.

After a lot of thought I have decided to kick off my first blog dedicated to the fuel that makes you a great soccer player. The fuel you ask? The fuel that is otherwise known as practice!

Practice is the base for success no matter what you do in life. If you practice reading you will become a great reader. If you practice chess you will become a great chess player. If you practice singing you will become a great singer. It’s no different in soccer. Practice is the only way to reach the top.

Many young players today rely on their coach to make them better. They rely on team training and a game to take them to the top. However there is no coach or training environment that is good enough to take you to the top. If there is I would like to meet this coach and view this environment.

Over the years I have seen so many players that have the desire to play at the highest level. I have seen many players that want to be like Messi or Ronaldo. They buy Messi cleats, they buy Messi jerseys, they watch Messi. But they fail to adopt the habit that has made their hero a hero.

When you walk into a locker room of a professional team you will without a doubt find out real quickly that every pro player has a story about how they practiced on their own for hours upon hours when growing up. Some might have played at the local park. Some may have played on a tennis court. Some may have simply knocked the ball up against the wall. The bottom line is that all players that play at the top got there due to the hours they put in on their own.

In an age where X-Box, Playstations, computers and TVs have taken over our child’s world, it’s up to us as adults to carve out practice time for our kids. It’s up to us to find friends that want to play; it’s up to us to rig our house so our kids can practice. Our kids aren’t going to find other kids playing in the neighborhood and our kids don’t have the creative edge to find areas of our homes to play and practice. We need to give them a hand in clocking up the hours and burning the fuel.

Don’t be mistaken and go out and set up structured training sessions for your child at home. Your child has structure at team training. You don’t want any structure. You just want free hours of playing. Hours of trying different things and developing skills that you can’t develop at team training.

I remember while growing up and playing on the street, I would dedicate days to different skills. I used to have opposite foot days where I played entire games just using my opposite foot. I remember days where I would just play long balls in our free scrimmages. I remember days when I would take the ball and try to dribble through the entire opposition. I remember days where I sat on the right flank and practiced to be a winger. Those days helped me develop my skills with no fear of a coach. I had no coach to judge me and was free to break skill barriers that I would never be able to break at training or in real games. I swear that these days made me who I was as a player. No way would I have practiced these skills on a Tuesday or Thursday night at training. My coach would have flipped out on me. Can you imagine showing up to training and just playing with your opposite foot?

Practicing on your own simply is the only way to take your game to the highest level. I feel that this is the reason for the decline in crafty players in recent times. If you want to be the best you can be don’t rely on your coach, your team or your brand new shiny cleats. The only thing you can rely on is the fuel otherwise known as practice.

James Galanis

Director of Soccer Operations

Universal Soccer Academy

Carli Lloyd "The Playmaker"

02/03/2012 04:39 PM

"World Superstar" Carli Lloyd

Carli has been a student of Universal Soccer Academy for 9 years. Universal Soccer Academy has been able to provide this sensational talent with many tools that has helped her reach her current goals. Carli’s success is a result of her hard work when in training with her team and when in training at the Academy.

In 2002 Universal built a program specific for Carli with a mission to transform her game to the “World Class Level”. Starting with the mind Carli soon learned what mental traits are essential to be a champion and applied them to her daily life. Physically we built a program that was designed to build an outstanding base of endurance loaded with explosiveness. Loaded with long runs, boxing, hill work, bike riding and other cross country activities, Carli was able to reach the next level physically. Technically, we loaded Carli up with a new arsenal of ball handling skills thus elevating her entire game. Tactically, Carli spent hundreds of hours analyzing videos of her own performances and the performances of other leading soccer players from around the world. Today Carli remains our student. Carli continues to train at the Academy, focusing on the next phase of her development-Preparation for the new WPS league, the World Cup 2011 and the 2012 Olympics. To personally watch Carli train at the Academy please check the Upcoming Schedule located on www.universalsocceracademy.com home page.

Carli you are considered the number one student of Universal Soccer Academy? How does that make you feel?

I feel honored and blessed because I have such an amazing academy to train at. I want to be a role model for all the other students there and Universal Soccer Academy will always be home to me forever.

You started training at Universal Soccer Academy in 2003. Did you ever imagine you would go on to become a full time Professional Soccer Player?

To be honest, I didn’t fully believe in myself until a year before the Olympics. When I first started training in 2003, I realized that I had a lot of work to do. I wasn’t thinking the right way, I wasn’t physically fit and I didn’t know what it took to be a professional athlete day in and day out. Universal Soccer Academy knew I had the potential and believed in me, but then after training there year after year and seeing results it was easier for me to finally believe in myself.

You have a specific program designed for you. Please explain a little about your program. Are there phases you are going through? Is it hard? How often do you train?

My program consists of 3 phases. The 1st phase was geared toward building a solid fitness base. I visited the track often where I had to do 800s and 400s. I went on a lot of long runs, started doing push ups and sit ups. I worked with the ball a lot during this phase. Universal fine tuned all my skills and technique. I was also taught the importance of hydration, stretching and mental focus. I took it one step at a time, one training at a time. Universal Soccer Academy had an excellent plan right off the bat to indirectly get into my head and help me become mentally stronger without me knowing it. I put in a lot of hours in this phase, as I usually trained or did something everyday.

Phase 2 has been real hard. I have realized that it is so important for me to be even fitter therefore I have had to take my fitness to another level. After the WPS season, I came back to Universal and trained twice a day for 7 weeks to prepare for the WNT camp. I didn’t see a ball at all during this time. It was not easy and I finally have gotten used to it. My body is much fitter now. I have continued to train twice a day on my breaks when I have returned from the WNT. This phase continues and it’s real hard physically but I enjoy it. I enjoy being able to run box to box.

Phase 3, well I haven’t gotten to this phase yet and I am not sure what this is going to entail. This will be toward the end of my career.

Looking back explain what was lacking out of your game prior to Universal?

-Universal is based on the 5 pillars. (Technical, Tactical, Physical, Psychological and Character) I was weaker in the physical and psychological areas of the game. I was never taught the importance of being physically fit. As a central midfielder I need a good aerobic base and if you don’t have that, it will be hard to accomplish anything. It took me a good 4 years to build that base and I still maintain it. I also needed work on my mental game. I wasn’t mentally tough enough. I was never taught to only worry about the things I can control. I used to worry about everything including the things I can’t control. I only focus on myself now and how I can get keep getting better.

When you joined Universal you were not even in contention for the Women’s National Team. Did you believe that you would go on to become a key member of the USA midfield? When did you know that your dream of playing for the WNT was real?

If I didn’t join Universal, I wouldn’t be sitting here doing this interview. I am so lucky that Universal saw my potential and was able to take me to the next level. I thought about quitting. I would be in tears because I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t do well when I was with the under 21 national team. I hit a plateau and Universal got me past it. I didn’t believe I would become a key member of the USA team right away. It took me a while to believe it, but with instant results camp after camp I slowly started to believe it more and more. Universal helped me find my dream again and believe in myself.

You scored the game winner to clinch the Olympic Gold. You impacted all Universal Students by showing them that you can find your dreams. How does that make you feel being such a role model to these aspiring players?

It didn’t make me feel any different, but to Universal and the students I was viewed differently. I was viewed as a champion and the more I thought about it the more I realized I impacted a lot more people than I thought. My dream started when I was a kid. I had ups and downs, almost quit; started training with Universal and suddenly my dream camp became a reality. It took a lot of hours, dedication, and sacrifices to make it happen. I wish I grew up with a live role model in my area. Everybody needs a role model and that is why it is important that I can be a role model to Universal students and other aspiring players.

You are respected by all Universal coaches, students and parents for simply joining in at any Universal session even with 12 year olds. What is the students’ reaction when you are participating in the same drills as they are?

It’s funny when I train at Universal with the other students because it’s as if I am just a normal student. I jump in, I am quiet, I train and the kids train. It’s really cool to see how focused the students are at training.

You’ve spent the most time training at Universal than any other student. Is the training still stimulating you? Are you still improving?

Every time I train at Universal it is something different. I am stimulated every time I train. As I keep improving, the drills keep getting harder. I still have many years to train with Universal and there is no doubt that the training sessions will continue to stimulate me and help me become the best player in the world.

This year you begin qualification for the World Cup. In 2011 the World Cup will be played in Germany. Have you started to think about the World Cup?

I am always envisioning the World Cup. I dream about it all the time. I want to win the World Cup Gold Medal. The last time this team has won Gold in a World Cup was 1999 and that is way too long.

The 2010 season begins a new chapter in your soccer career. You have returned home and playing for New Jersey Sky Blue. How have you settled in with the team?

I learned a lot last year in the WPS. I have grown so much as a person and a player since then. I have taken my game to a new level and will continue to get more fit and sharp. I am so excited to be home playing for Sky Blue FC. It is a great organization and I am really enjoying everyone on the team. Pauliina has done a great job with us and I really respect her. I want to do real well this season, from a team standpoint and a personal standpoint. I want to get better each and every game. The greatest thing about me playing in NJ is the fact that Universal is right around the corner from me. I will be doing extra there this season whenever I need it. Not being around Universal last year hurt me.

What advice can you give to any youngster looking to play center mid for the USA WNT?

-One of the most important things that I have learned from Universal and being with the WNT is that as a central midfielder you need to be able to play offense and defense. In order to that you need to be physically fit. You need to be able to run box to box during a game. There are so many talented players out there, but it’s the ones that have the extra edge, the ones who sacrifice everything, and the ones who dedicate their whole lives to soccer that will make it. It isn’t easy and I certainly didn’t have a smooth run, but I stayed the course and continued to focus on my goal. Never Give up and give it your all 100%, day in and day out.

Carli Lloyd Hedlines and News
US Soccer	Womens Athlete of the Year
Olympic News	Like a fairy tale(Click)
Olympic News	Jersey Girl World Star
Video	Lincoln Financial Field vs Ireland
Video	First day back at Training
Video	First day back Training(footskills)
Video	Olympic Goal


Gold	Slippin Thru	Vs Japan	Vs the Kiwis

Carli to Play for New Jersey Sky Blue in 2010

Carli will be resuming her Professional Soccer career with WPS Champions New Jersey Sky Blue. The championship winning team was Carli’s number one choice and she is excited to join a team that is already loaded with high caliber players.

Playing for Sky Blue will allow Carli to continue to train at Universal Soccer Academy. This was a factor in Carli’s decision as she will be able to continue to improve her game and maintain her high level of play.

Back Home

Carli Lloyd has enjoyed her time off at home. Carli came home after her first WPS season with Chicago. Since coming home Carli has been able to spend 6 weeks training and preparing for WNT camp. Carli spent countless hours at the Academy where she focused on getting sharper with and without the ball.

Late September Carli rejoins her Women’s National Team (WNT) teammates where she is due to participate in the next WNT event. We are confident that she is going in well prepared.

Off to Chicago Red Stars

Carli came home to a hero’s reception after the Olympic Triumph. Her overtime goal touched the hearts of many soccer players around the world and more importantly gave hope to the young soccer player.

While playing over the last 6 years for the WNT, Carli and all her teammates knew that one day a new league will be formed. A league that seeks to be the best. That playing soccer week in week out for your club will become a reality.

In March 2009 this became a reality for these players as theWomens Professional Soccer League(WPS)was born. All National Team Players were drafted to teams from around the country.

Carli was drafted in the first round by the Chicago Red Stars. Carli has joined a Club that seeks to win it all. Head Coach Emma Hayes has built a team loaded with a lot of talent and plans to play good football along the way.

This is a new chapter in Carli’s life. We are sure she will give it her all to help her team succeed.

You Can catch WPS Games on Fox Soccer Channel every weekend.

Carli is living in Chicago and will be home for her "Carli Lloyd Summer Camps".

Click on the links above for more information.

Olympic Games 2008

Vs Brazil(Final)

In what was expected to be one of the most anticipated finals in Women’s Olympic history, the USA has gone on to win the Olympic Gold. After an outstanding performance in goal by Hope Solo and a sound team defensive game in front of her, the USA came out winners with a 1-0 victory that came in the 95^th minute from Carli Lloyd. The goal, Carli’s second at the Olympics and her biggest thus far in her career, will go down as one of the finest moments in USA women’s soccer history. Congratulations to the USA women’s national team on a miracle performance.

Vs Japan(Semi Final)

In a game that was expected to be tight, the USA ran off winners with a convincing 4-2 win. The USA played exceptional football as they created chance after chance. “We are gaining confidence and we are finding ways to score,” said Carli. In the Gold game, the USA will face favorites Brazil in what is expected to be a huge game. If the USA can continue to play as a unit, they could take home the gold.

Vs Canada(Quarter Final)

Another rough encounter against Canada. The USA came out with nice rhythm and created multiple chances and went 1-0 up before the game was interrupted by thunderstorms. The skies cleared up and the teams came out only to see Canada respond to make it 1-1. The game went into overtime before Angela Hucles scored the winner latching on to an O’Rielly cross.

Vs New Zealand

USA completely dominated the game, playing good soccer and scoring from 3 different players. In midfield, Carli had a solid game anchoring the midfield. “We are starting to play good soccer and the four goals will help our confidence." The USA faces Canada next in a game that is expected to be physical.

USA vs Japan

Carli Lloyd scored the lone goal as USA beat Japan in their second game of the Beijing Olympics. In the 27^th minute, Carli met a cross from Stephanie Lopez to half volley a powerful shot past the Japanese goalkeeper. ”It felt good to score for the team. I feel that the goal helped us relax and gave us confidence," Carli said. “The more we play together the better we are getting. The next game is a must win and I am confident we will stay focused."

The USA controlled most of the play as they continue to improve in possession and team play. Next the USA will take on New Zealand. A win against the Kiwis will see them advance to the next phase.

USA vs Norway

In the first game of the Olympics, the USA lost 2-0 to Norway. After a disastrous start, the USA conceded both goals in 4 minutes. The USA regrouped and piled on pressure for most of the game but was unable to break through an organized Norwegian side. The USA now faces Japan in the next game at 5am ET on Saturday August 9.

Olympic Departure

Carli and the USA Women’s National Team have departed for the Olympics. The USA, still unbeaten since Pia’s appointment, will have a difficult task ahead of them with the loss of powerhouse striker Abby Wambach. "I am ready to play. It’s unfortunate about Abby and now we all need to give that extra effort. I am confident that we will be hard to beat. My coaches and teammates are fantastic. Together we will give 100% and we’ll see what happens," said Carli.

All games will be shown live. For more information Click Here.

July

Universal student Carli Lloyd completed a short and successful tour of Norway and Sweden with the USA WNT. The USA beat Norway in the first game convincingly with a 4-0 win. Carli scored the second of the game, latching on to a cross from Kai to strike her left footed shot into goal.

In the second game against Sweden, the USA won again thanks to another goal by Universal student Carli. The goal came from a corner kick which Carli played short to Lindsay Tarpley before getting it right back, dribbling through a crowd of defenders in the penalty area and hitting a shot that deflected off a player, finding the back of the net in the 41^st minute. Once again “Pia’s Girls” continue to improve with every game.

June 23rd
Coach Pia Sundhage names Universal student Carli Lloyd to US Olympic Team. Carli is one of 18 players selected and it will be her first Olympic Games. The team will leave for Europe on Friday to play two exhibition games; one in Sweden and one in Norway. Before departing for China, the United States will play Brazil twice, on July 13 in Commerce City, Colo., and on July 16 in San Diego.The USA will open play at the 2008 Beijing Olympics on Aug. 6 against Norway in Qinhuangdao, China. The USA will then face Japan on Aug. 9, also in Qinhuangdao, before finishing Group G play against New Zealand on Aug. 12 in Shenyang.

May 10th

Carli and the WNT beat Canada 6-0. The game was a tremendous team effort, and Carli had a goal and an assist. Abby had 3 assists, Tarpley scored a goal, Natasha scored a hat trick and Leslie added the last goal. Everyone contributed in this win over Canada. Pia and the coaching staff are doing a fantastic job working with the team. Carli is home for a week and then back to the National Team for a 2 week camp in LA.

April 26th

Carli Lloyd was the star of a 3-2 win over Australia. Carli scored the winner in the 91^st minute as the USA clinched another win with a solid display of football in wet conditions. After an outstanding display in midfield, Carli set up the first goal with a precise through ball that found Natasha Kai. Abby Wambach scored the second. The never say die attitude of the Aussies saw them come back to tie the game late in the game before Carli headed in the winner at the back post. “I feel really good. We have been working on our fitness at training and it’s starting to pay off for me. I’m just trying to help my team win every game," said Carli. The USA WNT will play Australia again next week in Alabama. See the highlights.

Olympic Qualifiers

April 13

The USA WNT is crowned CONCACAF champions again. After a scoreless full 90, the USA scored in the second period of extra time by Universal student Carli Lloyd off a driven free kick just outside the box. “It finally came," said Carli. “I have taken a lot of free kicks recently and it has slowly gotten better. Now I hope I can move on and score frequently.” The USA’s lead was taken away with just 2 minutes to go by the Canadians, forcing the game into a penalty shootout. The USA went on to win and retain the CONCACAF Cup and win a spot at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

Carli returns home today(April 13) and will rest up before beginning a short training cycle at Universal where she will focus on all her free kicks and corners. Please check our schedule link for the exact training times.

April 10th

The USA WNT seals a spot in the Beijing Olympics with another win, this time over a stubborn and proud Costa Rican side. The USA scored all three of its goals in the second half. Universal Student Carli Lloyd had another outstanding game in midfield. “Yeah, we are happy. We are going to the Olympics," said Carli. "The game was played in weird weather conditions as a sand storm was lurking throughout the game. It was hard to see during some periods of the game. We finished the game and we all had sand all over us." This is a proud moment for Carli as she looks set to participate in her first Olympics. We are all very proud of Carli and the USA WNT. Carli and the WNT will face Canada in the CONCACAF Finals, April 12 at 9:30PM EST.

April 6th

The USA WNT won their crucial Olympic qualifying game against host Mexico. In front of a sellout crowd, the WNT put on another exceptional performance to score three first half goals. Universal Student Carli Lloyd had another fine game in the midfield as she helped her team win convincingly 3- 1. Carli won the ball in the 31st minute and played a precise long ball to Heather O’Rielly who crossed the ball to Natasha Kai to score her first of two goals. Abby Wambach scored the second in the 32nd minute before Kai sealed the win in the 45th minute. “We keep getting better,” Carli said. “At the end of the game we were forced to play possession to assure that Mexico didn’t have the ball and we did a great job of holding it for long periods." U.S. WNT is set to face Costa Rica at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 9, for an Olympic Berth.

April 5th

The USA WNT started their Olympic Qualifying Campaign with an easy 6-0 win against an improving Jamaica. Carli scored her 12^th career goal in the 16^th minute. “Abby cut the ball back and I slotted it in," said Carli. Coach Pia Sundhage made the maximum three substitutions when she replaced Lloyd, Rampone and Wambach. “I knew I wasn’t going to play the full game prior to the game. Pia wants us ready for our next game against Mexico," said Carli. The WNT will now play against hosts Mexico in 2 Days (April 6^th) .The game can be followed on USSOOCER.COM

Mar 24

Carli is back in Camp with the WNT. After a series of fitness tests, the team will focus on qualifying for the Olympics, before playing a 2 games series against the Australian National Team (Matildas as they’re known Down Under).

2008 U.S. Women’s National Team Upcoming Schedule

Date	Opponent	Location	Kickoff (ET)
April 4	Jamaica*	Ciudad Juarez, Mexico	10:30 p.m.
April 6	Mexico*	Ciudad Juarez, Mexico	4:30 p.m.
April 9	Semifinal	Ciudad Juarez, Mexico	TBD
April 12	Final-Canada	Ciudad Juarez, Mexico	9:30 p.m.
April 27	Australia	Cary, N.C.	7 p.m.
May 3	Australia	Birmingham, Ala.	5 p.m.

Algarve Cup

Mar 13
The USA Women’s National Team won the Algarve Cup yesterday. Playing in windy conditions, the WNT beat Denmark 2-1 in another quality performance from the team. Carli slightly strained her hamstring, and was substituted early as a precautionary measure. "I wasn’t running right," said Carli. Carli now returns home to relax, heal, and prepare for the WNT Olympic qualifiers.
Mar 11

USA advances to the final of the Algarve Cup again. The USA was challenged in the first half before breaking the deadlock and then going on to win the game convincingly 4-0. The USA also beat Italy on Monday in a tough encounter to go 3-0 in the group phase. Now they will face Denmark in the final. The match kicks off on Wednesday at 1:15 p.m. local / 9:15 a.m. ET and fans can follow along as the action happens on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker located on the home page.

To view videos of the USA National team go to studio 90 on the right hand side of the home page of ussoccer.com.

Mar 5

USA Women’s National Team won its first game this morning 8:45 am ET, beating China 4-0. The team played an outstanding game and Universal student Carli Lloyd called us after the game to share the great news from Portugal. “This was definitely the best game I have ever played in the USA jersey. I have been working hard to play the way my coaches want me to play and it’s finally all coming together." The USA played an exceptional brand of soccer on their way to beating China by the biggest margin ever between the two teams. Carli had a goal and an assist in the game. “I chipped the ball to Tarp and she put it away," said Carli. "And your goal," we asked. “It was nice ball movement from the team and Tash played me a ball and I dribbled past 3 players and shot low and hard and it went in far post." Another outstanding performance from Pia’s gang as they seem to be getting better with every game.

Next game is against Italy. For all information on the upcoming games visit www.ussoccer.com. All games can be followed through Matchtracker.

Feb 11th

Carli got to meet David Beckham today. Beckham was getting out of his car at the Home Depot Center as Carli and other WNT members saw the free kick specialist. "The girls went up to him so I followed," Carli said. "He is really as good looking in real life as he is in ads," Carli added. Carli has been in a special training camp with the WNT where she has been working hard doing double sessions almost daily.

Feb 4th

Two days into camp Carli is progressing nicely under Pia’s tutelage and training methods. "I love the training. I look forward to it," said Carli. Thus far Carli has played multiple positions for the team as she is learning a new way of playing. "We are possessing the ball more now. Settling the play down and then attacking with patience and speed," said Carli.

Carli returns to the Academy on Feb 21st before reuniting with her team for her flight to Portugal to compete in the Algarve Cup. At last year’s Algarve Cup, Carli helped the USA win this prestigious tournament and she went on to win MVP and Top Goal Scorer. "I’m not thinking about anything but to help my team win. Whoever wins the individual trophies doesn’t really matter. It’s who wins the championship. You can’t do it on your own. You need support," said Carli.

Carli wil spend time at the Academy working all her dead ball skills and refining her advanced skills. Universal students will have the opportunity to workout with Carli again as she will be attending most Universal Classes.

Jan 27th

Carli Lloyd is home from her recent journey. After spending 49 days living out of a suitcase, Carli finally came home on an overnight flight at 7:30 AM Sunday (27^th). Being such a “soccer junkie” that she is, she made it to the Senior Skillfest Program before working personally on her fitness with Universal Staff. Carli’s physical conditioning looks to be outstanding at this moment and she is ready for the next phase of training with the Women’s National Team.

Tomorrow night Monday 18^th in Cherry Hill, NJ, Carli will be honored by the Philadelphia Sportswriters Association. Carli will accept the Philadelphia SportsWriters’ Association’s prestigious Native Son/Daughter Award. This is a big honor for her and we are all very proud of her. She works hard.

Carli Lloyd was also featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer this weekend. Sam Carchidi writes a nice story about Carli and her continuous rise to success.

Tickets for tomorrow’s banquet - cocktails start at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. - are available at www.pswa.org, or by calling 609-702-7473

Four Nations

Jan 20th

USA Women’s National team won their first championship under new coach Pia Sundhage. In a scrappy game, the USA won the game in the 77th minute, when Shannon Boxx headed in a fine header to give the USA the lead and victory. Carli again had a solid game and was very pleased with her overall performance at the Four Nations Cup.

2008 Four Nations Tournament Awards
Best Player:  Heather O’Reilly (USA)
Top Scorer:   Lindsay Tarpley (USA)
Best Goalkeeper: Zhang Yanru (China)
Best Coach:   Pia Sundhage (USA)
Fair Play Award: USA

Jan18th

Carli Lloyd played an outstanding overnight as the USA Women’s National team beat Finland 4-1 in the Four Nations Cup in China. Carli played a different role last night in the midfield as she linked passes and defended rigorously to help the team dominate and win the game.

Jan 15th

After working hard before and during camp, Carli played and started the game against Canada overnight. Carli thought she had a solid game, but was more happy that the team won. The USA dominated most of the game as they clinched a 4-0 WIN.

Jan 14th

Carli is currently in China with the Women’s National Team ready to play in the Four Nations Cup. The team has been training and Carli loves the training environment that Pia is creating. "I look forward to training. It has been more then great," said Carli.

After a vigorous Australian training trip, Carli went into camp prepared and hopes her hard work will pay off with a starting spot in the line up to face Canada in the first game.

2008 Four Nations Tournament Schedule
Date        Match-Up                      City                       Kickoff / ET
Jan. 16   USA vs. Canada         Foshan, China   1:00 p.m. / 12 a.m.
Jan. 16   China vs. Finland       Foshan, China   4:30 p.m. / 3:30 a.m.

Jan. 18    Finland vs. USA          Foshan, China   2 p.m. / 1 a.m.
Jan. 18   China vs. Canada      Foshan, China   4:30 p.m. / 3:30 a.m.

Jan. 20   Canada vs. Finland     Foshan, China 1 p.m. / 12 a.m.
Jan. 20   USA vs. China              Foshan, China    4:30 p.m. / 3:30 a.m.

The team will play against Canada on the 16th

Dec 30

USA National Team player Carli Lloyd is currently in Australia in preparation for January 4th camp. Carli has been working out in Melbourne, Australia where she is focusing on Physical Power and Skill. Carli has been running on the hilly terrain, boxing daily and building a stronger upper body. Off the field Carli has been greeted with a lot of respect from the local athletes and media. Meeting former and current professional players, Carli has also been able to further improve her mental skills from talking and being around these athletes that know how Carli thinks and needs to think. Carli is on schedule to go into camp in great physical and mental condition again. Her first camp with Pia was a great experience and Carli came home enthused and motivated about the future.

Lloyd Back at Training Dec 12-07

Carli Lloyd is back at training after a short break. Carli will be training often at Universal for the next 2 months. Carli has been working hard for 2 weeks, working all her skills with a focus on First Touch, Foot Skills and Physical Explosiveness. Carli is expected to continue reaching new levels of skill and fitness. The Academy will continue to put Carli through her specifically designed program before she heads back to camp on December 8th, where she will work for the first time under new coach Pia Sundhage. "I have heard nothing but great things about Pia. I can’t wait to start training again," said Carli. After camp, Carli will be traveling to Australia on a special mission to become even fitter. She will participate in pre-season training with various Australian clubs and train in some of Australia’s roughest fitness courses that include Running, Swimming, Cycling, Boxing, Karate and Mountain Climbing. She is expected to be back home early January before going back to camp to begin preparations for the 2008 Olympics. For more information on Carli check out her website www.carlilloyd.com

Heather Mitts "Veteran Defender"

09/21/2010 08:59 AM

Heather Mitts "Olympic Champion"

Heather Mitts has been working with Universal Soccer Academy for 6 years. Heather a veteran defender known for her speed and tenacious character when on the field has worked tirelessly to assure she is improving in all areas of her game. Over the last 3 years Heather has gone through a lot and overcome all obstacles. After we built a solid base of new skills for Heather, she ripped her ACL and missed the 2007 World Cup. Not knowing if she would ever be selected again Heather came back from her injury and focused daily on her rehab and her touches. As Heather progressed she was able to intensify her training thus helping her back at WNT training. Working out at Universal Soccer Academy twice a day Heather showed true commitment to her game and was rewarded with a starting spot on the Olympic team. Heather went on to play a major part in the USA’s golden performance at the Olympics. Her stellar performances made it hard for any opposing player to get behind her and her skill out of the back was world class. Heather continues to train at Universal Soccer Academy in preparation for 20011 World Cup.

You have been working closely with James Galanis of Universal Soccer Academy for 4 years now. Please explain how he has impacted your career?

From the minute I started training with James, he improved my game. I’ve always relied on my athleticism but he improved my technical side of the game. I credit my comeback after my ACL to James. I couldn’t have done it without him. I missed the World Cup and 8 months. He trained me twice a day and worked on my ball work and fitness to get me back out there to compete. I didn’t skip a beat, thanks to James. I was able to be a starter on the Olympic Gold Medal team. He is the master.

Please talk a little about the training program you are going through at the Academy. What was the focus of your training when you first started and what is the focus now?

At first, it was to become more technical. I just wanted to be a solid defender who could attack and possess. Now it’s about becoming an attacking personality down the flank. Working on my service and mixing up my game.

We hear that you have spent a lot of time playing soccer Volley Ball at the Blue Barn and that you are the only person to have beaten your trainer James Galanis? Is this true?

Haha. You should have seen me when I first started. I was awful. I played tennis growing up so I used it to my advantage while working the angles that day. Think James underestimated me that one time and I had the game of my life. It wouldn’t happen again!

You are a seasoned veteran with over 100 caps for the USA Women’s National Team. If you could go back and do it all over again what would you do different?

I would have started training with James from a young age. When you are young is when you learn the technique that stays with you. Plus he knows the game inside and out. He has improved my game so much in 4 years. I can only imagine what he could have done with me with more time! Carli is a lucky girl and its all paying off and will continue to.

In the Olympic Final against Brazil you were given the hard task of marking Marta. At the end of the day Brazil did not score and Marta failed to get a rhythm or impact the game. What tactic did you and your defense use to shut her down?

Marta is one of the best in the world no doubt. The goal is always to keep her back to goal and not let her face up and go at us. She has amazing speed so just trying to defend in numbers and always have cover. After awhile she gets frustrated and starts dropping into the midfield to get the ball. We would much rather have her dropping in that part of the field then where she is more dangerous up top. It was definitely a full team effort. Then we just left the rest up to Carli.

With 2 Olympic Gold Medals in your cabinet, is the World Cup 2011 your next Medal? That’s the goal right now.

I have yet to play in a World Cup so playing and winning would be the ultimate way to retire.

You are back in Philadelphia with the Independence. How has your season been thus far and what goals to you have set for this year?

I’m excited to be playing in philly again and to be back on the right. Last season was very frustrating. Our team didn’t make the play-offs and I was playing a new position. I hope that this year is different. My goal is to help my team win the WPS. Personally I’d like to continue improving my attacking down the flanks, get at least 5 assists and make the All-Star team.

How much longer do you plan to play?

If we win the World Cup, I would consider ending my international career. Otherwise I’d have to go for one more gold in London.

Have you thought about retirement? Or are you still improving and have a lot left to give to the game?

I love playing and have so much further I’d like to go but I definitely want to go out on top.

What words of wisdom can you give to any upcoming youngster?

Never take no for an answer. I’ve pretty much made my career out of overcoming adversity. From the time I was little and playing ODP. Coaches that cut me or told me I wasn’t good at something to broken bones and an acl. I took all those set backs as motivation. When you tell me I can’t do something, I will make sure I do everything in my power to show you I can or atleast do my best trying. For the first 3 years of my National Team career, I only made 1 roster a year. Every other time I would get cut. That one time is all it took to give me that motivation that if I worked hard enough, I would make it next time. Look where I am now. So essentially set your goals high but attainable. Do everything possible to get there and love what you do.

Heather to Join Philadelphia

Heather will be joining the Philadelphia Independence of the WPS. After a successful season with the Boston Breakers Heather will be returning to Philadelphia to the city she lives and the city she started her professional career.

Playing and living in Philadelphia will allow Heather to continue working with Universal Soccer Academy and continue to progress her already effective game.

Home Again

Heather has been home working to prepare for her callback into the Women’s National Team (WNT). After completing her first season with Boston Heather came home to the Philadelphia area and was a regular at the Academy with daily sessions both singles and doubles. We designed a program specific for Heather that allowed her to further advance her physical Fitness, Crossing, Passing and First Touch.

US Soccer: 11 Questions With Heather Mitts(Click Here)

Olympic Gold

Heather Mitts is coming home with Gold. Everyone at the Academy is very proud of Heathers accomplishments over the last 3 years since joining Universal. When Heather started training with Universal the goal was to work her first touch and her distribution skills. After building a solid base of improved skills Heather started to become more comfortable with the ball and started to become an effective part of the offense. In a game against Canada in May 2007 Heather tore her ACL and missed the 2007 World Cup.

After a successful operation and countless hours of training Heather forced her way back into the starting eleven and made the Olympic roster. Starting every game at the Olympics, Heather had an outstanding tournament and was by far one of the most consistent performers shutting down every opponent (including Marta). Her probing runs forward always troubled opponents and her aggressive defense helped the USA to gold. Heather we are all very proud of you. Your performances were world class and you have now become one of the best defenders in the Women’s game. Congratulations Heather.

July 23 After an exceptional game against Brazil, Heather is going into the Olympics loaded with confidence. We wish her all the best and are very proud of the character Heather displayed to overcome her injury and force her way int the team again. Heather’s presence in the ackline brings speed and experience to solid USA backline.

July 5th Heather Mitts is finally in full motion with the WNT. After a serious of injuries Heather has done nothing but work hard since her ACL injury. As a result Heather has been selected to represent the USA WNT in the upcoming Olympics in Beijing.

Heather just completed her mini tour of Norway and Sweden clocking up two solid performances in the USA backline. Heather displayed once again why she is so valuable to the team as she and her teammates did not allow any goals against in the two games.

April 26 Heather Mitts is back! Heather started the game against Australia and played 53 minutes of quality soccer. Heather kept it simple and had a solid game in the USA backline. Heather is on her way to regaining match fitness as she seeks to cement a spot in the upcoming Olympic roster. “I didn’t know what to expect from my first game back in a year. I felt pretty good about my performance. My preparation before heading to camp helped me get to this point. After that it was up to me”. said Heather.

Aprli 10 Heather has returned to training with Universal and thus far has been outstanding in all her skill work. Heather will continue to focus on her foot skills, receiving and passing this week before going on to working her long range passes and defensive technical training next week. Universal is very proud of Heather as she has worked so hard to regain full fitness and just missed out on the current roster due to her niggling injury. She has not given up and is working harder then ever to be ready for next camp. Great stuff Heather.

April 5th Heather returns to Universal this week. After a successful rehabilitation with the National Team Medical Staff, Heather comes back to the Academy with a mission to fine tune her skills and work on her entire game. Heather is close to full fitness and she is expected to make the next WNT roster if injury free. Heather will be training Monday through Friday this week at 3:30 PM.

Mar 23 Heather is back in Training with the WNT. After spending the last 11 days in Physical Therapy, Heather seems to be getting closer to a pain free knee and will try to force her way into the Olympic Qualifying Team.

Mar 11 Heather sent us a report on her progress. Unfortunately at this time her knee is not cooperating with the work load of coming back and trying to train and play at the highest level. Heather will be fine but she will be returning to California to continue with Physical therapy and try to make the World Cup qualifier squad.

Feb 16 Heather is set to be selected in the Squad that leaves for Portugal next month. This is a huge achievment for Heather as making the touring team was her ultimate goal. The hard work she put in after her surgery has come back to help her. Heather will be back training at Universal after the Algarve Cup. To watch a clip of Heather talking about her comeback(click on the Studio 90 on the right hand side of www.ussoccer.com).

Feb 08 Heather Mitts is currently in WNT camp and doing well. She worked her way through a challenging week. Heather aims to top off her surprise early comeback with selection into the squad that will travel to Portugal in March.

Jan 08 Heather Mitts began her training cycle today with Universal. In wet conditions Heather pumped a rigourous session full of Physical Power Exercises. In her second session of the day she worked on all her skills with other Universal members. She will be here until January 20th before resuming with the Womens National team. This training cycle will focus on first touch, footskills, distribution and leg power. For more information on Heather check out www.heathermitts.com.

Hope Solo "Worlds # 1"

09/21/2010 09:00 AM

"After the 2007 World Cup I had the opportunity to work with James Galanis of Universal Soccer Academy. James guided me through the challenges I was facing and helped me stay focused on my dream of becoming the best I could be. During the Olympics, James provided me with support and as usual provided me inspirational words that motivated me before every game".

Thank you James.

The Worlds # 1 Goal Keeper and Olympic Gold Medalist Hope Solo started working with Universal Soccer Academy after the USA’s exit from the 2007 World Cup. Universal established a relationship with Hope that allowed her to focus all her energy on becoming the World’s # 1 Goalkeeper. After a turbulent time Hope was able to conquer all the challenges she was facing and go on to play at her peak at the 2008 Olympics. Universal provided hope with advice and Mental Skills that helped her become an Olympic Champion and the status as "The best Goal Keeper in the World". Today Hope remains a student of Universal as she constantly communicates with us as we help her continue to “live her dream”.

Hope James Galanis of Universal Soccer Academy has acted a source of inspiration to you over the years. How has James Inspired you?

James gave me a complete internal makeover. We all have a great deal of strength inside of us, but not everybody is blessed with being able to see their full potential. What James was able to do was keep me on a path where I continuously saw renewed strength. This was the key in helping me become the complete me that i needed to be come. People are all faced with life changing events and can very easily not obtain all the blessings, strength and wisdom that comes with difficulties. Fortunately for me James was in my corner. Each day that I wanted to give up because I was exhausted from fighting, he knew just how little or how much to push me. Some days he merely stayed on the phone with me until I slowly and tentatively put one foot in front of the other to walk to my car, and then drive to a field. With each training session I completed I felt renewed strength and I think James knew that the one thing that would keep me going is my passion and desire to be the best. No matter how reluctant I was to go train that day, he always found a way to get me out on the field knowing eventually I’d feel that desire to be the best again.

You receive texts before all big games from James that are geared to motivating you. Any message that stands out?

James seems to know exactly what I need at different times. On the latest occasion, when I have been playing well below expectations and below my ability in the WPS and for my St. Louis Athletica team, I received a text before and after our USA team played Germany. I was a bit disturbed as to why I played well with the national team but can’t seem to make easy saves right St. Louis. He reminded me that....’Big time players make big time plays at big time moments with big time teams..." not that it is ever okay to play below one’s potential, but at the same time, I need that confidence right now, knowing that come playoffs, I will be the goalkeeper I need to be.

After the 2007 World Cup you were going through a rough period with your team. You came home and contemplated quitting the sport all together. How did your long chats with James help you not quit your dreams and refocus on your already stellar career?

When the road got bumpy I had to roll up my sleeves. I fought my fought, but James rolled my sleeves up for me. He reminded me time and time again that there will always be lots of people who can give you all the reasons why you can’t or shouldn’t, and that it was up to me to remind myself of all the reasons why I can and will. He reassured me that I had the courage to persevere, to continue following my heart even when others scoffed and wouldn’t let me get beaten down by naysayers. He knew I was up for the task, even though I didn’t know it. He wouldn’t let the odds scare me from even trying. He reminded me that I would never want to ask myself, "why didn’t I become me?"

I believe that the WC fallout was one of those things that must be done that goes beyond anyone’s understanding. Through that experience I developed the ability to go with the flow, and flow with the moment. I experience less stress and psychological turmoil. This ability obviously didn’t develop overnight, but it most definitely matured through this experience and helped to expand my perspectives and learn to find value in adversity. Life unfolds as it will; making the best of it is an acquired skill. James has this skill, i didn’t, but he most certainly guided me in learning how to live this way.

You are the best Goalkeeper in the World for some time now. How have you been able to stay at the top for so long?

To me reality is necessary. I try to critique myself honestly, and unbiasedly. I’ve come a long way in terms of my training. No longer is it merely physical. I study film, study positioning, and continue to work on my mental game. My physical game got me noticed, my overall game will keep me on top.

Is the USA Women’s National Team going to win the World Cup in 2011?

As hard as it is going to be, in my heart I believe we are bringing home the WC. If i didn’t believe that then why am I even playing? Because for me, it’s always been about being the best.

What words of wisdom do you have for young aspiring players?

“if you truly expect to realize your dreams, abandon the need for blanket approval, if conforming to everyone else’s is the #1 goal, you have sacrificed your uniqueness and therefore your excellence.” this applies to so many areas in life.

Will you visit the academy when you come and play on the east coast against Sky Blue and the Philadelphia Independence?

I cannot wait to visit the academy.

Amber Brooks "Next Generation"

11/05/2012 09:09 AM

Upcoming Star "Amber Brooks"

Amber has been training at Universal Soccer Academy since the age of 12. After successfully working her way through the ODP and Regional systems Amber made it to the U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-20 National Youth Teams.

Upon making the Youth National Teams Amber increased her training schedule and dedicating herself to training at the Academy almost on a daily basses. This has helped her elevate her game and Amber has gone on to become the brightest prospect in the youth game.

In 2009 Amber was recruited by womens college powerhouse UNC were she worked her way into a starting position anchoring the midfield. In her first year UNC won the NCAA Championship and Amber won a lot of praise from her coaches and team mates as she performed at a very high level not only in the Championship game but also throughout the entire year.

In2010 was a member of the U-20 Womens National Team where she played excellent soccer consistently throughout the tournament. Starting in every game and scoring a goal and providing 2 assists.

The Academy is proud to have Amber as their student.

An amazing player and amazing person Amber continues to improve and looks certain to go on and become a star of the future.

Amber you have been a student of Universal Soccer Academy since the age of 12. How has the Academy impacted your soccer career thus far?

I’ve had nothing but a positive experience during my years of training with James at Universal Soccer Academy. By focusing on the basics, I’ve been able to hone and perfect my skills which in turn have enabled me to perform at the highest level.

You have worked alongside players like Carli Lloyd and Heather Mitts from a very young age. Has this helped you? How?

It’s been a very surreal and inspiring experience to train alongside Carli and Heather. As members of the Full Women’s National Team, a level I aspire to play at, they’ve shown me the hard work, discipline, and mentality it takes to get there. They’ve been very encouraging and there are no better players to train with than those who are where you want to be.

You still remain a student of Universal Soccer Academy. When you started with Universal your training program consisted of Foot Skills and your First Touch. Most recently your training program has been adjusted to improve your distribution and finishing skills. Have you noticed a difference in these areas?

Since I’ve improved my foot skills and first touch, I’ve shifted my training to focus on having an offensive impact in the game, whether through assists or goals. Therefore, I’ve most recently worked on my long range shooting, finishing off of corners and set pieces, and long range distribution. Whereas in my first collegiate season I didn’t score a goal, I scored seven goals in my sophomore campaign and eight assists my junior year. I have even tallied for the U-20 and U-23 WNT while playing defensive center mid.

You have had success at all youth levels for the United States National Teams and are now enjoying success with UNC. What is the major difference between college soccer and Youth Soccer?

In college soccer, everyone is just as athletic and physical. The speed of play is faster and you must continue to work on the little things that separate your game from others.

What is your ultimate goal for soccer?

Ever since I was little, my ultimate goal has been to play in a FIFA Women’s World Cup and Olympics, and of course, win gold at both. I also want to play professionally and just stay involved in the game for as long as I can.

What advice do you have for any youngsters that are looking to play at the highest level?

Everyday you have to make a conscious decision that you’re going to do something that will make you a better player. The quote that provides me the most motivation is, “There’s no staying the same. You’re either getting better or you’re getting worse.” There are thousands of girls who have the same dreams, so you must do something day in and day out that will set you apart. Also, always make sure you’re still having fun. Undoubtedly there will be days when your training is not so fun, but overall, you should still love the game as much as you did when you were younger.

Ryan Finley "Future Star"

09/21/2010 10:39 AM

Future Star "Ryan Finley" U-17 Mens National Team

United States U-17 National Team Striker Ryan Finley has joined Universal Soccer Academy. Ryan a first class striker that was part of the USSF’s residency program in Bradenton, Florida for the last two years, has come home and is excited to be a part of our Academy. "The long term goal is to provide Ryan the training needed to reach his full potential and to eventually place him in a top European Club" said Universal Director James Galanis.

Ryan has an impressive resume thus far having played against some of the best young players in the World and played in Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, France, England, Ukraine, Northern Ireland, Spain, Portugal and Japan. Ryan also won player of the tournament in Spain that consisted of power house Spanish teams Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Ryan who attends DUKE started training with Universal Soccer Academy in August 2009. In the off season Ryan is working our twice a day at Universa to increase the level of his entire game. Thus far Ryan has displayed first class training habbits and we are excited to help him achieve his goals.

Ryan you have been training at Universal Soccer Academy for 3 years now. How has the Academy helped you in Soccer and in life?

The academy has really improved my game and has for sure led to have better morals in life.

You were part of the United States Residential Program at the IMG Academy in Florida form ages 14 to 16. When you came out you joined Universal. How did Universal continue to improve you? What did your training program focus on?

Once I came back from Residency I needed high level of training again and luckily I was able to find the academy which has done wonders for me. Technically my skills improved a lot just by being with the ball every day, my finishing has improved greatly, and mostly my fitness has increased dramatically.

You missed out on selection to the U-17 National Team and the regained your spot. Did Universal play a big part in getting you back on the team?

It was hard not being picked for the u17, but working with Universal throughout my club season allowed me to get noticed for the National Team again. When I did get invited into camps I knew I was fit and ready to go after preparing with the academy.

You played for PDA Soccer Club last year while improving your personal game at Universal. The goal set to you by Universal Director James Galanis was for you to become the top goal scorer in the entire US Soccer Academy competition and you achieved this. How did it feel to be the top goal scorer and achieving the goal set by James?

I definitely could not have achieved this goal without training with the academy. It was an honor to be the top goal scorer and very fulfilling to achieve James’s goal for me.

Would you of scored so many goals if you only attended team training and didn’t have the Academy to focus on you individually?

No, I think while I got the training with my team and developed great team chemistry, at the academy I was able to work on my individual game that needed improvement such as finishing.

So hard work pays off?

Definitely, coming to the academy every day I know I am going to be working hard and getting better, but the one thing that sticks out to me is how much I enjoy coming to the academy everyday even if it is running in 100 degrees heat. I really love being a part of the Universal Soccer Academy.

You are now playing at Duke University. How is it going?

Duke is going well, we have a young team and a good recruiting class coming in we will be dangerous next year.

You are surrounded by quality players and coaches at Duke. What goals have you set for this year?

I think as a team we are capable to win a national championship and personally I would like to score more goals than last year.

You have played in many International competitions. Scoring against Top National Teams and Club Teams such Real Madrid and Barcelona. Do you have aspirations of playing in Europe some day?

I think that’s the dream of any kid in my situation, my dream has always been to play in Europe, I wouldn’t put in so many hours if I didn’t want to make it to the big time.

What word of wisdom would you have for aspiring youngstars?

I would say you have to work hard and you have to love what you do. You have to be positive and upbeat even when things are going wrong and just always smile.