Top Soccer Talent in PA, VA & NC + Big Brothers Big Sisters

Inside: Our region is a true college-soccer pipeline, a wide 3v3 drill to run, Colonial Classic Teams of the Week, and our newest nonprofit partnership.

Author

Colin Gorini
December 16, 2025

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: Wide Channels 3v3

If you want a simple, competitive game that teaches width, combination play, and smart movement off the ball, the Wide Channels 3v3 game is an easy drill.

Setup:

  • 30×30 yard square, split into three vertical channels. (Middle channel ~24 yards wide)

  • One small goal on each end line.

  • Play 3v3 in the middle; each team has one wide “winger” in each wide channel

How It Works:

Teams score by finishing in the end goals, but attacking players must use a wide winger in the build-up (ball has to go into a wide channel before a shot). Wingers play 1–2 touch and can’t be tackled; defenders just shadow and block passing lanes. Rotate players into wide roles every few minutes.

Coaching Points:

  • Open up and make the field big in possession.

  • Encourage quick 1–2s with the winger.

  • Scan before receiving: “Can I play wide? Can I play forward?”

Parents’ Corner: Top States for Soccer Talent

When people talk about soccer hotbeds, California and Texas usually come up first. But data from NCAA Div. I Women’s Players by State (TopDrawerSoccer) and NCAA D1 Men’s Soccer Player Home States, 2015–2016 (Soccer Geography) show that Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina all rank among the top states for producing Division I players on both the women’s and men’s sides. (More recent sources are unavailable)

Many of the kids training in your local clubs are part of a true college-soccer pipeline. UnitedGoals USA is proud to host youth soccer tournaments across Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina, giving players in these soccer-rich states more chances to compete, grow, and be seen.

Team Spotlight: Millie’s Cone Crushers FC - U13 Girls

Fun fact: Millie’s Cone Crushers are the only team to win back-to-back titles at the 7v7 Colonial Classic. Kevin Dobson’s squad dominated this year’s field, outscoring group opponents 17–1 before securing a 2–0 win over the Pittsburgh Phantoms in the final.

Team Spotlight: OHPA - U11 Boys

After a runner-up finish in 2024, Team OHPA (formerly PURE) finished the job at this year’s 7v7 Colonial Classic—outscoring four opponents 13–1 on their way to gold. Coach Mike has brought his boys’ teams every year since 2023, collecting plenty of medals along the way. We’re excited to see what they do in 2026.

Nominate Your Team for a Spotlight

We feature two programs every week — reply with your team’s story.

Community Spotlight: Big Brothers Big Sisters of NEPA, Serving Lycoming County

Since 1974, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Pennsylvania has provided one-on-one mentoring that supports kids and families across the region.

We’re proud to partner with BBBS of NEPA through the 4v4 Clover Cup on March 14–15, 2026, at Montoursville Area High School. They’ll receive 100% of event apparel proceeds and be on-site during the tournament. If you’re interested in becoming a Big—or learning more about their services—visit their website to get involved.

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

UnitedGoals USA hosts youth soccer tournaments and grows communities in Central PA