Socio MLS Presented by Degree Men to Offer Coaching, Referee Clinics, and Scouting Program in LA, Ho
Published on September 7, 2010 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release
NEW YORK (Tuesday, September 7, 2010) - Back after its first tremendously successful pilot, Socio MLS presented by Degree Men, a membership program which has worked hand in hand with leagues in Los Angeles in the past year, will now be available in Houston, and will offer first-hand access to coaching and referee clinics and certifications, as well as professional youth scouting by Chivas USA, LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo. Through partner support from Degree Men, Castrol, and adidas, the program will triple the number of participating members, reaching nearly 25,000 Hispanic families in 10 soccer leagues, and will also provide individual players and coaches with exclusive partner offers, discounts and soccer gear.
The Socio MLS pilot program was launched in 2009 in conjunction with three of Los Angeles' largest Hispanic soccer leagues. In its inaugural year, the program reached more than 9,000 families and certified 129 coaches and 107 referees. In addition, eight players from the Los Angeles program were invited to train with the Chivas USA and LA Galaxy Youth Development Academies.
"Degree Men is committed to making Socio MLS presented by Degree Men a top training program that helps provide opportunities for Hispanics with aspirations to one day play, coach or referee professionally," said Mike Dwyer, marketing director for Degree Men. "We want to encourage soccer players to 'Embrace the Challenge' and take their soccer skills to the next level to become exceptional players, coaches and referees."
Highlights of the program include the following:
National Soccer Coaches Association of America Coaching Courses: NSCAA will provide Youth Level II Diploma courses (formerly known as the State Diploma), free of charge for the participating leagues, giving direct access to top-tiered coaching education from the largest soccer coaches' organization in the world. More information can be found at www.NSCAA.com. Referee Clinics: Under the auspices of the U.S. Soccer Federation and their local state associations, these clinics provide referees of the participating leagues the ability to become certified to officiate U.S. Soccer games at the youth and amateur level. For the first time ever, Socio MLS will evaluate and identify referees for placement into state associations' Advanced Referee Program, which in turn prepares candidates for the opportunity to develop their refereeing skills to officiate at higher levels in the United States. Youth Scouting: Offers unprecedented access to professional MLS club scouts who will attend Socio MLS league games in search of top talent.
Former Chivas USA star and current Mexican First Division forward Francisco "Paco" Palencia will serve as the official program ambassador for Socio MLS presented by Degree Men. Throughout the fall, Palencia, who is finalizing his professional coaching license, will host speaking events with coaches at the events in Los Angeles and Houston.
"I'm very proud to be part of Socio MLS presented by Degree Men, a program which helps create stronger ties with the Hispanic community in the United States," Palencia said. "As a former MLS player, I am dedicated to supporting the development of coaches, referees and players within this valuable program."
Chivas USA, LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo will play an integral part of the program through the provision of youth scouts, player appearances and select onsite activations with street teams.
Degree Men, Castrol and adidas, all official sponsors of Major League Soccer, will provide donated product and discounts on select merchandise throughout participating MLS clubs and retailers such as Eurosport, adidas and MLSgear.com.
Participating Leagues - 2010 Socio MLS presented by Degree Men
Los Angeles area
Golden State Soccer League
Norwalk Youth Soccer League
Project 2000 Soccer League
Super Soccer League
United Nations Soccer League
Houston area
International Youth Soccer League
La Unidad Soccer League
Planet Youth Soccer League
Texas International Soccer League
USA International Soccer League
Calendar - 2010 Socio MLS presented by Degree Men
Los Angeles
August 5 - Presidents Roundtable
August 14 - Youth Inauguration Day (Norwalk)
August 21 -Youth Inauguration Day (United Nations)
August 22 - Adult Inauguration Day (United Nations)
August 28 - Adult Inauguration Day (Super Soccer)
August 29 - Youth Inauguration Day (Super Soccer)
September 4 -Youth Inauguration Day (Project 2000)
September 5 -Youth Inauguration Day (Golden State)
September 12 - Adult Inauguration Day (Project 2000)
September 25 - Youth Scouting Day (Norwalk)
September 29 - Referees and Coaches Clinic
October 9 - Youth Scouting Day (United Nations)
October 24 - Youth Scouting Day (Golden State)
November 6 - Youth Scouting Day (Golden State)
November 16 - Referees and Coaches Clinic
November 20 - Youth Scouting Day (Project 2000)
December 8 - Trophy and Medal distribution
December 9 - Trophy and Medal distribution
December 11 - Inter-League Socio Tournament Houston
July 27 - Presidents Roundtable
August 14 - Youth Inauguration Day (Planet Youth)
August 15 - Adult Inauguration Day (Planet Youth)
August 22 - Adult Inauguration Day (USA International)
August 28 - Youth Inauguration Day (La Unidad)
Sept. 4 - Youth Inauguration Day (Texas International)
Sept. 5 - Adult Inauguration Day (Texas International)
Sept. 12 - Youth Inauguration Day (International Youth)
Sept. 26 - Youth Scouting Day (International Youth)
October 14 - Referee and Coaches Clinic
October 16 - Youth Scouting Day (Planet Youth Soccer)
October 30 - Youth Scouting Day (Texas International)
November 6 - Youth Scouting Day (La Unidad)
November 20 - Youth Scouting Day (USA International)
December 1 - Trophy and Medal Distribution
December 2 - Referee and Coaches Clinic
December 3 - Trophy and Medal Distribution
December 4 - Inter-League Socio Tournament
For additional information about Socio MLS presented by Degree Men please visit www.SocioMLS.com.
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