Edition 2: Building American Soccer Together

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: Why Playing Up Builds Better Teams

One of the biggest concerns I hear from coaches is finding the right level of competition. Every team needs balance: some games where they can execute and succeed, and others where the opponent stretches them to grow.

Winning every game 10–0 teaches little. Losing 10–0 isn’t ideal either. But playing against stronger competition forces players to improve faster — technically, tactically, and mentally.

At UnitedGoals USA events, we try to create balance with Silver and Gold divisions. But if your team is on the fringe? Always play up. It may be uncomfortable, but it’s the surest path to real development.

Parent’s Corner: Forget Fancy Moves, Just Juggle

Kids don’t become 5-star skillers by drilling rainbows and Maradonas. The basics carry them much further.

The simplest — and best — ball-control builder? Juggling. Every touch sharpens control, balance, and focus. It’s the foundation for everything else.

All you need is a ball and a few yards of space. Try 20 sets, track each attempt on a notecard, and aim to beat yesterday’s number. I did this when I was preparing for club tryouts in college. When I started, I averaged ~25 touches per set. By Day 15, I was topping 100. Results may vary, but all are certain to improve.

It’s not the flashy tricks, it’s the quiet repetitions that build elite ball control. Here’s a video resource to help your player begin their juggling journey:

Community Spotlight: Loudoun Youth Inc

Loudoun Youth, Inc. (LYI) empowers teens in Loudoun County by building confidence, leadership, and communication skills. Through partnerships with local organizations, LYI connects young people to meaningful opportunities that prepare them — and the community — for a stronger future.

We were honored to meet some of their members at the 2024 4v4 Loudoun Legends Shootout.

Veteran’s Day Freedom Cup

👉 Event Registration: If you’re planning to register a team, I encourage you to do so soon. We have 57+ teams registered and spots are almost gone.

👉 Sponsorships: Interested in becoming an event sponsor? Fill out our Sponsorship Form.

👉 Support Veterans: All proceeds from the Veteran’s Day Freedom Cup Apparel Store support PA Wounded Warriors. Order here: Event Apparel Store.

Looking Ahead Into 2026

We’re planning our 2026 event schedule and expect to publish it within the next 2 months. If you have a venue suggestion, a format idea, or your youth program is interested in partnering, contact us at [email protected].

I can’t share details yet, but expect some exciting opportunities leading up to the release — including chances for free event enrollment for the year.

Team Spotlight: Canon Mac U11 Girls

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