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- 7v7 Colonial Classic Returns for Year 4
7v7 Colonial Classic Returns for Year 4
Inside: Colonial Classic details, perspective for parents and players, and this week’s spotlights on NUU 15 Fury, South Fayette Iron Lions, and Belmont Soar FC.
Colin Gorini
May 12, 2026
Good morning,
My goal with every email is simple: to share my passion for youth soccer and the community that makes it thrive.
I hope you enjoy it, and I’d love to hear your feedback.
Coach’s Corner: Build More From Less
This week’s idea comes from FIFA Training Centre: keep physical workouts short, purposeful, and connected to football. Instead of wasting energy on long conditioning blocks, use quick mobility or strength work that helps players move better and get more out of training.
For coaches, the takeaway is simple: less fluff, more function. If you add physical work, make sure it supports the session—not competes with it.
Parents’ Corner: Ask Kids What They Want From Sports
A recent Aspen Institute / Project Play survey found that one of the best ways to improve youth sports is simple: ask kids what they want. Parent pressure can shape the experience just as much as coaching, so joy, perspective, and support matter more than we realize.
Great youth soccer is not about avoiding pressure altogether. It’s about giving kids the right kind of challenge—one that pushes them to improve, compete, and respond to adversity without losing their love for the game.
Players’ Corner: Aitana Bonmatí on Talent vs. Work
Source: FIFA
Aitana Bonmatí put it perfectly in a FIFA interview: “You won’t get anywhere on talent alone.” She says her success comes not just from talent, but from approaching training with maximum effort, high standards, and a constant desire to improve.
For players, that’s the lesson. Talent matters, but your habits matter more over time. Train hard, stay competitive, keep your standards high, and remember Aitana’s other reminder too: work hard, but still enjoy the journey.
REGISTER NOW: 2026 7v7 Colonial Classic | August 1-2, 2026 | Cranberry Twp, PA
 | The 7v7 Colonial Classic returns for its fourth year this summer after welcoming 57 teams last year. This year, we’re raising the bar with longer playing time, more quality fields, and official sanctioning through PA West. Early bird registration ends May 31—use code 40COLONIAL to save $40 and join us. |
Girls Team of the Week: NUU 15 Fury
 | Last year’s U10 Girls division at Kicks 4 Canines was loaded, with 12 teams and tight games throughout the day. NUU 15 Fury set the tone early, shutting out opponents 13–0 across their first three matches, then surviving a semifinal PK shootout before beating FCCP 4–2 in the final. Well done, ladies! |
Boys Team of the Week: South Fayette Iron Lions
 | The Iron Lions lived up to their name and made it clear who the top team was at last year’s 7v7 Colonial Classic. They outscored opponents 24–1, capped by a 5–0 win in the final to seal a dominant title run. Pure domination. Will they make it back-to-back in 2026? |
Nominate Your Team for a Spotlight
We feature two programs every week — reply with your team’s story.
Community Spotlight: Belmont Soar FC Bombers
Belmont Soar FC, based in Belmont County, Ohio, is a nonprofit soccer program committed to offering high-level soccer at an affordable cost to players of all ages and skill levels.
We’re grateful for the continued support of Belmont Soar FC Bombers, who have attended the 7v7 Colonial Classic since year one. Thank you to their program leaders, coaches, and families for being part of our events over the years.
Scores Around the Leagues
Keep up with scores, schedules, and standings across the leagues that many of our teams compete in.
Know a league we should add here? Reply and tell us!
Join Us in Growing the Game
If you know a coach, parent, player, or fan who would enjoy this, please forward it along and invite them to subscribe.
And if you ever want to share feedback, reply to this email — I read every response.
Here’s to Building American Soccer Together.
Warmly,
Colin Gorini
Founder, UnitedGoals USA
[email protected]
unitedgoalsusa.com
