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Register Now for CenPenn Summer Cup + Scores Across the Leagues!
Inside: effective passing warmup drill, strength training, Sophia Smith Soccer Tips, CenPenn Summer Cup, U12 Lady Lopes and U12 Fox Chapel, & Madi's Mission
Madison Skaggs
April 14, 2026
Good morning,
My goal with every email is simple: to share my passion for youth soccer and the community that makes it thrive.
We’re debuting a new section this week called Scores Around the Leagues, where you can quickly check scores, schedules, and standings from many of the leagues our teams compete in. Read to the bottom to see it!
I hope you enjoy it, and I’d love to hear your feedback.
Coach’s Corner: Effective Passing Drills for Warmups!
Coaches, this passing warm-up drill focuses on quick ball movement, first touch, and communication through three simple variations. This will help your players get a lot of quality touches on the ball while also reinforcing proper passing techniques, movement off the ball, and overall awareness.
This is an important warmup drill because it will help build the foundation for possession, game tempo, and decision-making that players will need in game situations.
Parents’ Corner: Strength Training
If you’re looking for a simple way to help your young athlete build strength safely, this video is a great place to start! This video breaks down beginner-friendly movements that can help improve balance, confidence, injury prevention, and overall performance on the field — while keeping training age-appropriate and easy to understand.
This video highlights simple strength exercises like squats, lunges, deadlifts, rows, and core work that will help your young players build balance, power, and stability.
Players’ Corner — Kick Like a Star: Sophia Smith’s Soccer Tips
Sophia Smith, a standout forward for both the USWNT and Portland Thorns FC, is known for her speed, skill, and scoring ability. She has become an inspiring role model for young players both on and off the field.
In this interview, Sophia gives thoughtful advice to young players about confidence, enjoying the game, and personal growth. She emphasizes the importance of staying mentally strong, trusting yourself, and not letting doubts or outside pressure take away from your belief in your abilities.
This video is great for players because Sophia Smith shares easy-to-follow tips on confidence, having fun, and getting better at soccer altogether!
UPCOMING: 2026 CenPenn Summer Cup | June 27-28, 2026 | PA Classics Soccer Park | Manheim, PA
 | Kick off your summer on an exciting note with high-level soccer at the CenPenn Summer Cup! This is Central Pennsylvania’s newest full-field summer youth soccer tournament, offering highly competitive play for U9-U19 teams in a professional environment! Use code 50CENPENN to save $50 per team. Early bird registration is valid until April 30th, 2026! |
Girls Team of the Week: Lady Lopes - U12 Girls
The Lady Lopes Gold U12 team finished first in their bracket at the 2026 Pittsburgh Preseason Cup with a perfect 2-0 record. They dominated the bracket with big wins over Fox Chapel and Butler. It was a strong all-around performance and a well-earned bracket victory! Great job, ladies! |
Boys Team of the Week: Fox Chapel Casile - U12 Boys
The Fox Chapel - Casile U12 boys finished 1st in their bracket with a strong 2-0-1 record at the 2026 Pittsburgh Preseason Cup. They secured the top spot with key results against Ambassadors FC Pittsburgh and South Fayette United. It was a great overall performance and a well-earned bracket championship! Great job, boys! |
Nominate Your Team for a Spotlight
We feature two programs every week — reply with your team’s story.
Community Spotlight: Madi’s Mission 🧡
This week, we are so proud to spotlight Madi’s Mission, a nonprofit created to support children with cancer and their families as well. The organization was inspired by Madison “Madi” Thomas, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer when she was just one year old.
After seeing how much one diagnosis can affect an entire family, Madi’s Mission was created to help make life a little easier and more comfortable for kids going through cancer treatment and the people who love them. Their story is a powerful reminder of the strength of community and the importance of supporting families during difficult times.
NEW: Scores Around the Leagues
Keep up with scores, schedules, and standings across the leagues 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,
Madison Skaggs
Marketing Intern, UnitedGoals USA
[email protected]
unitedgoalsusa.com
