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- CenPenn Summer Cup: Big-Tournament Feel, Family-Friendly Cost
CenPenn Summer Cup: Big-Tournament Feel, Family-Friendly Cost
Inside: Our stance on “pay to play,” a simple short-sided drill, CenPenn Summer Cup details, and spotlights on three PA programs.
Colin Gorini
January 20, 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: 4v4 “Four-Goal Game”
This one’s easy to set up and great for any team to work on transitioning and decision-making.
Setup
Grid: ~30 x 25 yards
4 small goals (2 on each end line, spread wide)
4v4 inside the grid, no goalkeepers
How it works
Teams attack the two goals they’re facing and defend the two behind them.
Goals count only if scored first time or two-touch.
On every turnover, encourage immediate transition—can you score within 10 seconds?
Coaching points
Constantly scan: “Where is the space? Which goal is ready to attack?”
Encourage width and quick passes to switch the point of attack.
Keep defenders compact between the two goals, so they have to communicate and shift together.
Parents’ Corner: Pushing Back Against “Pay to Play”
A recent Washington Post article reports that family spending on youth sports has jumped 46% since 2019, reaching an estimated $40 billion a year in fees, travel, and tournaments—leaving many parents feeling priced out and pressured by “elite” promises that often aren’t backed by evidence.
At UnitedGoals USA, we’re intentionally moving the other way: one-day events, no stay-to-play hotel mandates, and reasonable entry fees. We want families focused on their kids’ experience, not the next invoice. You can read the full article here if you’d like the deeper context.
NEW: 2026 CenPenn Summer Cup | June 27-28 | Manheim, PA
 | Buckle up—the CenPenn Summer Cup is going to be a special one. This full-field event at the legendary Classics Soccer Park in Manheim, PA, runs June 27–28 and delivers a true high-caliber summer tournament without the luxury price tag. We’re expecting strong programs from across Pennsylvania, Maryland, D.C., Virginia, and beyond—come be part of it. |
Girls Team of the Week: FC814 United - U11 Girls
FC814 United faced a big challenge at the 2025 Veterans Day Freedom Cup. NU United’s 15 Fury was coming off a Kicks 4 Canines title and a dominant Fall CPYSL season, finishing first in the top division—but that didn’t faze FC814. They beat Fury twice on the day, including a 2–1 thriller in the final to claim the championship. They also had a solid 2025 Fall season in the PA West, taking second in their division. Well done, ladies! |
Boys Team of the Week: Lancaster FC 2017 Boys - U9 Boys
The 2017 Boys division at the Freedom Cup was loaded: the NorCenPenn U9 champs, U10 runner-ups (all 2017s), and Celtic SC—one of the top programs in the state. Coach Adam Clay’s group rose to the occasion, going 3–0 and outscoring opponents 8–2. They also had a strong Fall 2025 CPYSL campaign with a third-place finish in the top division. An impressive year for this young group! |
Nominate Your Team for a Spotlight
We feature two programs every week — reply with your team’s story.
Community Spotlight: Montour Youth Soccer Association
Montour Youth Soccer Association is a nonprofit travel program serving families in the Montour Area School District / McKees Rocks area near Pittsburgh. We’ve been proud to work with MYSA since our very first event, the 2023 7v7 Colonial Classic.
A heartfelt thank you to Tracey Maier, Brian Utz, Matt Rivera, and the many MYSA coaches who’ve trusted us with their teams. We wish the club continued success and good health. If you’re a Montour parent, consider getting involved on their board of directors—they’re doing great work for local kids.
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
