GRASSROOTS 7v7 IN-PERSON COURSE – May 30 – GLENEDEN BEACH, OR 

Course Details:

This 7v7 Grassroots Course will be held in conjunction with our Oregon Youth Soccer Workshops & AGM at the Salishan Coastal Lodge on Saturday, May 30, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The 7v7 In-Person Course builds on the principles covered in U.S. Soccer’s Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module. Specifically, coaches will learn more about U.S. Soccer’s Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, Play-Practice-Play Methodology, the Six Tasks of a Coach, and the characteristics of players aged U9-U10. The course will also ask each coach to reflect on their experiences to develop action steps for personal growth in the Six Tasks (Coaching Games, Coaching Training Sessions, Leading the Team, Leading the Player, Managing the Performance Environment, and Leadership).​

Coaches who take this course can expect classroom-based learning with the facilitation of a licensed instructor, followed by on-field coaching/observation. Coaches must attend both components (classroom & field) of this specific course.​

Coaches may be asked to participate in the field component as either coaches or players, so please come prepared to actively learn.​

Eligibility Requirements:

In order to register for the 7v7 In-Person Course, candidates must be at least 16 years old* and have completed U.S. Soccer’s Introduction to Grassroots Coaching module. This module can be accessed here: Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module

*Due to online privacy laws, individuals under the age of 16 cannot create Learning Center (LC) profiles, and thus are unable to take Grassroots Courses.

Schedule:

Classroom & Field, Date/Time & Location: Saturday, May 30, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Classroom) and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Field) at the Salishan Coastal Lodge 7760 US-101 Gleneden Beach, OR 97388. *Address links on the Meeting Page.

Closing date to Register: May 29, 2026

Refund Policy:

A refund will be issued only if notice is provided 48 hours before the course date starts (and the spot can be filled). No refunds will be given after the start of the course.

Please contact: greg@oregonyouthsoccer.org with any questions.

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REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON

Workshops, Guest Speakers, Education Courses, & Award Ceremony

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CLICK HERE FOR A DOWNLOADABLE SCHEDULE

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Presenter: Kris Lyons (Coach Better)

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Long House Conference Center (Room 1)

Topic: Evaluation Tools

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TOPIC: Playmetrics Club Software

Presenter: Adam Abney (Playmetrics)

Bio: Proven leader in the youth sports tech industry with over 20 years experience. Managed the Sports Connect business prior to a recent merger with PlayMetrics where I am now the VP of Strategic Partnerships.  I’m also a supporting member of Project Play with a strong passion for helping sports organizations operate more efficiently to increase their participation every season.

Outline
We will provide a PlayMetrics software demo for the clubs who may not be as familiar with our Club Operating System.  Alec Cruickshank (who attended the AGM last year) along with Ashley Thomas, dedicated Account Manager for Oregon Youth Soccer will be joining in the presentation. 

We plan on introducing PlayMetrics as a company and then walking the clubs through a high-level demo during our allotted time. 

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TOPIC: Leadership Development

Presenter: Michael Caldwell (Linked Leaders & Linked Coaches)

Bio: Courageous Leader, Learner and Pathfinder

EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES Bishop Kelly High School, Boise, Idaho — Principal (April 2014 – June 2023) Visionary, innovative and courageous leadership, stewardship and management of 9-12 private high school that has grown and flourished in every operational aspect possible. Successful leadership, design and implementation of Global Pandemic-proof instructional plan. Leadership and development of BYOD Program and Blended Instructional Model. Strategic growth of Computer Science, Engineering and Robotics programs that have seen 1000% growth in seven years. Successful navigation of several new technology based initiatives, adoptions and implementations. Battle tested, heroic crisis response and management. Key leader and team member of 8 capital improvement projects totalling over $20m in seven years. Proud Hiring, onboarding, and development of 40+ new faculty members in 7 years. Established and fostered North x Northwest Private School Leadership Network of 20+ innovative Private School Principals.

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TOPIC: Mental Health in Sports

The pace and pressure of modern life can feel exhausting. We all know we need better sleep, better diets, and less stress. In real life, though, it’s really hard to do on your own.

Through our app, all can access innovative tools for forming healthy habits, wellbeing practices, and resources that support lasting change. You choose your wellbeing goal, and Roundglass Living builds a realistic, ready-to-go plan that really works.

Presenter: Steve Zakuani (Roundglass Living)

Bio: All good things must come to an end, so after six years and over 100 games, my soccer career has ended. I am now focused on the next phase of my life which is motivated by my passion to help people. I’ve been fortunate to experience the best that life has to offer and to have realized my dreams. My goal is to now help others realize their own dreams. My soccer career was filled with adversity but I wouldn’t change a thing because I learned how to overcome obstacles and keep on reaching my goals. That’s the message I hope to spread through my organization’s and programs – the message that your dream is stronger than your adversities. I look forward to connecting

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TOPIC: When the Record Gets Loud: Coaching Judgment After Difficult Seasons

Coaches spend a great deal of time discussing tactics, systems, and training design. This workshop examines something that sits underneath all of that — how coaches judge their own work when results don’t match effort or intention.

Most coaches are not destabilized because leadership is furious. They are destabilized because the record gets loud, and they begin listening to it more than their own judgment.

Through guided discussion and reflection, participants will explore how outcomes function as signals and how coaches interpret results when seasons become difficult.

Presenter: Doug Diller (SESC)

Bio: Doug is the Director of Coaching and Player Development at Southeast Soccer Club in Portland, Oregon. He also serves as the Head Girls Soccer Coach at Cleveland High School and as a goalkeeper coach at Portland Community College. Doug holds a Master’s degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration, a USSF “C” License, and several United Soccer Coaches certifications. He has coached high school soccer for more than a decade and is the author of an upcoming book exploring how coaches judge their own work when outcomes become the loudest signal.

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TOPIC: Moving the Game Forward

Presenter: Erica Quam (Positive Coaching Alliance)

Bio: – Pacific Northwest Partnership Manager, Positive Coaching Alliance: October 2024 – present – Leadership Coach and founder of Find Your Peak Sports: 2012-present – Co-Owner of Prime Sports Institute in Bellingham, Washington, 2018-present – National Outdoor Leadership School Faculty: 2008-2016 – Head Women’s Swimming Coach at Washington State University, 2002-2011 – Assistant Women’s Swimming Coach, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX: 1998-2002 – Student Assistant, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN: 1997-1997 – Varsity Swimmer, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN: 1992-1996

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Presenter: Dave Newberry (IYSL)

Time: 11:00 AM

Location: Long House Conference Center (Room 2)

Topic: Leadership Course

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TOPIC: Registration Software updates

Presenter: Desia Bramel (OYSA)

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TOPIC: White Collar Crime & Parent Negotiation

Presenter: FBI

The FBI’s white-collar crime program focuses on analyzing intelligence and solving complex investigations—often with a connection to organized crime activities. 

Our white-collar crime investigations can be regional, national, and/or international.

These crimes—from health care fraud to mortgage fraud—are not violent, but they are not victimless. White-collar crimes can destroy a company, wipe out a person’s life savings, cost investors billions of dollars, and erode the public’s trust in institutions.

The FBI works closely with partner law enforcement and regulatory agencies like:

• the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network

• the Securities and Exchange Commission

• the Internal Revenue Service

• the U.S. Postal Inspection Service

• the Commodity Futures Trading Commission

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TOPIC: National 1 Intergration

Presenter: Kyle Cantrell (GOTSport)

Bio: 12:00 PM

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Topic: How Smart Clubs Are Taking Control of Sideline Behavior (Without Burning Out Coaches)

Real examples of clubs shifting culture in a matter of weeks
How to integrate parent education into your club (without adding more work)
Simple, repeatable strategies for improving sideline behavior
How to communicate expectations so parents actually hear and follow them
Membership options and how clubs are rolling this out effectively

Presenter: Skye Eddy (Soccer Parenting)

Skye is the founder of Soccer Parenting and The Sideline Project, aimed at engaging parents to make youth sports better. Skye is a sought after speaker for parents, coaches, clubs and players. A former professional player, Skye was a collegiate and youth All-American goalkeeper, Defensive MVP of the NCAA Final Four (1993) and State Champion track athlete.  Skye has coached extensively at the grassroots, youth, and collegiate levels. An MBA graduate of the University of Richmond, Skye has earned her USSF “B” License, the National Goalkeeper License and is a Coach Educator for U.S. Soccer and United Soccer Coaches. 

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TOPIC 1: How to Survive and Thrive in a Game We Love and Hate:

Youth Soccer is both a passion and an industry. The opportunities to advance on personal and professional levels exists for those who aspire for more…but so does the risk of burning out in what seems like a never ending season. Join us for tips and guidance from a 25+ year youth soccer professional who has worn every hat in the business. This presentation is geared toward younger coaches starting in the business, coaches aspiring toward club leadership roles, and club leaders aiming for success in those roles.

TOPIC 2: Expand Your Brand, Community and Impact

Youth soccer programs that merely organize teams and training are missing the opportunity to do more for its membership and community. Learn how and why non-traditional programs and events can benefit everyone – from club membership to the organization itself – and how to determine which programs your organization should offer.

Presenter: Dan Raben (World Strides)

Bio: Dan Raben currently serves as an Account Executive with WorldStrides, and Zone 1 Boys Director for LAFC So Cal Youth; he recently certified as a D License Coach Educator for US Soccer. He previously worked as Operations Director for LA Breakers and Director of Player Development for Loudoun Soccer in Virginia, overseeing a 7,000 player rec program. His 25+ years experience in youth soccer in California, Virginia and Michigan includes roles in coaching, club management, league operation, referee development, ODP, coach education, and as a state association board member. Dan holds a USSF A License and US Youth Soccer National Youth License and resides in Los Angeles.

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TOPIC: Marketing & Social Media

Presenter: Andrew Parshall (OYSA)

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TOPIC: Introduction to eTrainU

Presenter: Lisa Winters (eTrainU)

Bio: Lisa is a Customer Success Manager with over 5 years of experience in the SaaS industry, thriving in both B2B and B2C roles and specializing in healthcare technology.
Her passion lies in building strong customer relationships and guiding clients to success through every stage of their journey.
She excels at creating smooth onboarding experiences, conducting interactive training sessions, and developing clear support documentation (both written and video) to help customers learn and adopt products with confidence.
Her approach is warm and personal, focusing on empathy and understanding to make technology feel more human.

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Presenter: Doug Aukerman (Samaritan)

Time: 2:00 PM

Location: Long House Conference Center (Room 2)

Topic: Concussion Protocol

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TOPIC: US Youth Soccer – Now and in the Future

Presenter: Joel Dragan (US Youth Soccer)

Joel Dragan is the Chief Operating Officer (COO)  for US Youth Soccer (USYS), where he leads 54 State Association and their 2.6 million players in developing and promoting youth soccer across the country. With a deep passion for the sport and a strong background in risk management, Joel has become a driving force both regionally and nationally.

Joel brings over 15 years of experience in three different states. Prior to his tenure with USYS, he held leadership roles in Florida, Kansas and Michigan. His expertise spans organizational management, event coordination, and strategic planning, with a special emphasis on community engagement and grassroots development.

Joel served as the chair of the US Youth Soccer National Participant Safeguarding Committee and is the current saft liaison. This committee is charged with developing and implementing safeguarding policies and practices for over 2.6 million soccer players across the United States.

Joel has also served on several national committees including the US Soccer SafeSport Task Force, the Kansas City World Cup Bid Committee, Chair of the GOALS Council, and the Senior PGA Championship Technology Committee.

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TOPIC: Coaching the Future Player

Presenter: Daniel Cooke (FIFA)

Dan Cooke a high-performance coach specializing in elite youth football player development, supporting individuals, teams, and organizations to transcend potential.

Most recently, he’s worked with FIFA as Regional Talent Academies and Coaches Manager, contributing to the global launch of over 50 national academies worldwide, with a simple aim: to give every talent a chance.

For more than 15-years, his coaching, research, and leadership has centered on uncovering human potential. Exploring how we create talent development environments and adopt coaching approaches that enable people to fully express themselves.

At the heart of his work is a deep care for people and a recognition of the unique possibilities that emerge through exceptional relationships. Dan is endlessly curious about who we are, our experiences, and what helps us to better serve ourselves and others.

His goal, to empower people through movement. 

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TOPIC: Financial Management in Youth Soccer

Are you spending more time than you would like on daily operations and not enough time on crafting your sport or working with coaches and clients?
Are you consistently missing your KPIs?
Are you having trouble getting your customers to renew their memberships or return for future sessions?
Do you need a peer group to bounce ideas off or learn how others deal with similar issues?
This workshop will answer all of your questions, and lead you to significantly better financial management.

Presenter: Lisa Wolf (Club Capital)

Bio: Lisa focuses on Sports & Fitness small businesses (youth sports clubs, boutique gyms & yoga studios, etc) and provides solutions based on your specific organization and the issues stopping you from getting the most out of your business.

She has led sports organizations for the past 20 years. She understands the obstacles that you are dealing with and will work with you and your staff to create an action plan that has real results.

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Presenter: Ross Smith (No Tippy Tappy)

Time: 3:00 PM

Location: Sitka Room

Topic: Grassroots Coaching

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TOPIC: Build Your Best Life

Presenter: Jeff Otis (Project OTY)

Jeff Otis is the founder of Project OTY, a platform helping young adults gain clarity, confidence, and a roadmap for life beyond school. Jeff grew up an athlete and pitched at Oregon State University with league and national honors.  He went on to lead high-growth companies across staffing, marketing, and digital advertising—building teams, coaching thousands, and earning multiple “Best Companies to Work For” and Inc. 5000 honors.

Today, he dedicates his experience to helping young adults translate the confidence, discipline, and teamwork developed on the field—or in school—into real-world success, giving them the tools and clarity to navigate the complexities of today’s world and take ownership of their future.

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TOPIC: AED Necessity

Presenter: Ryan Jones (Zoll)

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