Local Youth Game

A few months ago, when Jurgen Klinnsman was named head coach, we posted a survey on our Facebook page.  The question asked if the US can really change our international soccer fortunes without a fundamental change in the way we teach the game and way players progress.  We believe that a foundational shift in the way soccer is taught in America is necessary to really make a difference.  If the games I saw this weekend are indicative of what is going on around the country, I am completely convinced.

One of the best examples was a coach who should stick to “football” and stay away from the football pitch.  I don’t think he shut up for more than 30 seconds.  This coach started all 8 of his field players on the center line with the a big boot for the kick-off.  The idea was to just kick the ball as far down field as possible and hope that having numbers up would give a chance for a quick goal.  Something that might work once at this level, but they did it every single time.  He also yelled out every single pass (they couldn’t string two together), every single throw-in, every attack, every defensive assignment and every decision.  At one player stood on the sideline waiting for the coach to tell her to throw-in the ball.  She was the only one allowed to throw it in for the whole game, and yet she couldn’t do it without being told.  In general, the game plan was very simple: “Jane” the striker was the designated offensive player.  She was fast and relatively experienced and skilled.  “Sally” was the enforcer.  Her job was to bump, push, elbow the ball away from everyone on defense.  Everyone else was just supposed to kick the ball out, kick it up field, or kick it to Jane.

This type of coaching might win a few recreation league games, but it doesn’t teach the kids anything about how to play soccer.  Players other than the anointed ones get very few touches.  No one dribbles the ball for fear of losing it.  The players are not taught the tools to play at a higher level.  In fact, it isn’t really any fun.  This is a big part of the reason kids stop playing after U-12.  By the time they reach 14, most have either moved up to club or they have quit altogether.

If the US is going to have any chance to truly progress, we need to reset the way we train coaches, the way we train players and the way we play the game.  In the 70′s, the Netherlands went through the Total Soccer transformation.  That took a small country from an also ran to two World Cup Finals.  About 10 years ago, Germany initiated a similar transformation.  They changed the way soccer was taught at all levels and created a unified curriculum.  The US needs to do the same thing.  We must begin training coaches on how to train the game.  Both US Soccer and NSCAA offer good courses, but the percentage of coaches that attend these classes is very small.  Large recreational organizations like AYSO also offer coaching classes, but the quality of instruction and the level of participation by the parent coaches is generally low.  We need to do a better job of training the people that will train the next generation.

We also need to do a much better job of identifying talent and getting them into proper training.  Right now, the general progression in Southern California is rec league to travel team to club to ODP to National Academy.  There is little scouting that goes on outside of the premier clubs or ODP, leaving lots of talent unrecognized.  I have heard several ODP scouts tell me that “any one good enough to make the ODP team would already be playing on a premier club, so no one at the lower levels is worth considering.”  This bypasses the possibility of a player that cannot afford a premier club, has travel or time conflicts, is new to an area, or chose to play with friends.

The last fatal flaw in the US system is finances.  Clubs are expensive.  The premier clubs in Southern California can cost thousands of dollars each year and academies can cost tens of thousands.  In Europe and Latin America, smaller clubs survive by identifying talent and selling the players to larger clubs.  PSV Eindhoven has supported their youth academy this way for decades selling players like Ruud Van Nistory to Manchester United.  They only need to sell about two players every three years to support the academy and produce a top flight professional team.

If the US can start to produce real academies endorsed by US Soccer and sponsored by MLS/WPS and the manufacturers long enough to start identifying/training talent, not only would the US become the powerhouse it can be, but the entire game would be elevated.  If the academy is for profit, as it should be, there must be enough scholarship money to support talented players.  Others that can afford it, can pay, but the best cannot be a burden on their family or we will lose them.

We are excited about our partnership with California Footwear Company and their giving back program, said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. The simple gift of shoes can truly change someones life, and brands like California Footwear Company are making a huge impact on the international community with their long-term commitments to make a difference.

When we started California Footwear Company, we knew that our company would have a charitable aspect to it because we feel strongly about giving back, said David Bergum, co-owner and President of California Footwear Company. After all, our sandals and shoes make you feel good. Why not double that feeling by knowing you are helping others at the same time? Weve been looking for a partner with the right mix of relevancy, commitment, organization, and leadership.  Soles4Souls is the perfect match as they exceed our expectations in each of those criteria. They are truly making a difference in a meaningful way and we are very proud to be a part of their mission to help people in need, both here and abroad.

For more information on how to get involved, visit www.giveshoes.org and for a great pair of shoes that give to others, visit www.californiafootwearco.com.

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About Soles4Souls®, Clothes4Souls®, and Hope4Souls™

Soles4Souls collects new shoes to give relief to the victims of abject suffering and collects used shoes to support micro-enterprise efforts to eradicate poverty. Soles4Souls other two divisions, Clothes4Souls and Hope4Souls, provide the same relief and support through clothing and other necessities. Donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org www.clothes4souls.org or www.hope4souls.org for more
information.

About California Footwear Co.

California Footwear Co. a Santa Rosa, California based company creates comfortable sandals, boots, shoes, and clogs that reflect the California lifestyle. California is a destination like no other. It is known for its focus
on health and well being, cutting-edge fashion, outdoor activities, and a connection with the people around them. Their mission is to combine all of the best that California represents into high-quality, affordable footwear for people who care about their foot health. Each of California Footwear Co. styles is named after a city, landmark, or beach that highlights a destination in this special state. Visit www.californiafootwearco.com for more information.

Research and Education Fund at Magee-Womens Foundation in 2010. Also joining PUMA and its fight against breast cancer is actress Nina Dobrev, who, as an athlete in her youth, couldn’t wait to work alongside PUMA and the athletes to support the cause.

“We’re so proud of the remarkable athletes and young fans who supported Project Pink in 2010, rocking their pink gear at WPS games, nominating their favorite charities and rallying behind them to drum up votes, and, of course, tweeting up a storm,” said Tara McRae, PUMA North America’s Vice President of Marketing. “The donation we made at the end of the season is a true testament to their passion. We’re excited to build upon that enthusiasm in year two alongside our roster of athletes, as well as with the incredible support of our two new teammates, Julie Foudy and Nina Dobrev.”

PUMA’s Project Pink expands in its second year, with more supporters, a more robust product offering, and more fundraising activities and events, all while staying true to the foundation of the program: putting the power and the energy of Project Pink in the hands of young soccer fans and enthusiasts who choose to make Project Pink their personal projects, thus choosing to inspire change and do good.

The Stars Align

PUMA is excited to announce that actress Nina Dobrev is lending her support, alongside some of the best women’s soccer athletes in the world, to Project Pink 2011. As one of Project Pink’s supporters, the Vampire Diaries star will appear in the program’s Public Service Announcement, act as a media spokesperson, make appearances in support of the initiative, and engage with fans throughout the season via her Twitter handle, @ninadobrev.

“I’m truly excited for the opportunity to work on this season’s Project Pink initiative,” said Dobrev. “I love that it truly empowers young women to get involved and make a difference. Plus, I’ve always been an athlete, so I jumped on the chance to stand alongside and in support of some of these amazing female soccer players.” Dobrev, a former gymnast, is a natural fit for the PUMA brand, which celebrates the active lifestyle and supports the health and well-being of women worldwide.

Look Good in Pink

Project Pink Jersey

PUMA’s Project Pink Collection has been expanded this season, with offerings that include a full Project Pink uniform – down to a fabulously fluorescent pair of pink soccer socks – supercute lifestyle tees, a brand-new PUMA Project Pink watch, and a gym sack perfect for stowing the line’s full-sized and mini soccer balls. In step with the 2010 initiative, PUMA has pledged to donate 100% off the profits from the sale of its Project Pink gear at PUMA Stores, online at Shop.PUMA.com, and at partner retailers across the country, including Eurosport and Soccer.com/PUMAWomen, as well as Niky’s Sports and Soccer West locations.

Make Your Voice Heard

Again this year, PUMA is leaving the decision of Project Pink’s ultimate beneficiary up to young soccer fans, gathering nominations for deserving charitable organizations at www.puma.com/projectpinkbetween July 17 and September 22; voting opens on September 26 and runs through October 7. The group with the most votes will receive 100% of profits from the sale of PUMA Project Pink merchandise, as well as additional funds raised via initiatives throughout the season, at the culmination of the program in October.

Get in the Game

• Sky Blue FC: July 17 – Atlanta Beat: August 6
• Boston Breakers: July 24 – magicJack: August 10
• Philadelphia Independence: July 31 – Western New York Flash: August 14

Of course, those who haven’t quite made the pro leagues yet will also have the chance to “Score a Goal Against Breast Cancer,” netting additional donations from PUMA,  during tournaments like USA Cup, the Blues Cup, the Big Foot Tournament, and the Top Hat PUMA Cup. Participants at the PUMA Women’s vElite Showcase in July will also have the opportunity to show their support for Project Pink.

Fans will catch flashes of pink on-field in October, too, when PUMA-sponsored male and female soccer athletes will be sporting limited edition Project Pink soccer boots to further heighten awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And PUMA athletes from other disciplines are getting behind the cause, too: Cobra-PUMA Golf athletes Lexi Thompsonand Anna Nordqvist will be sporting head-to-toe Project Pink during the women’s golf major on July 8th, while PUMA Running is hosting a five-mile race in August beginning and ending at the brand’s North American Headquarters in Westford, Massachusetts, with all proceeds going to benefit Project Pink’s ultimate beneficiary. Visit  go.puma.com/puma5milerto register.

Tweet Better, Do-Gooder

And finally, with an eye to spreading the word even further and offering up yet another easy way for fans to contribute – no purchase, cheering section, or soccer skills required – PUMA is bringing back its popular Twitter hash tag, #projectpink. Tweet #projectpink between July 6 and October 31, and, counting one tweet per user per day, PUMA will donate an additional $1, up to $25,000, to the ultimate beneficiary.

For more information on PUMA’s women’s soccer initiatives and to keep up with all things Project Pink 2011, visit www.puma.com/womenssocceror or www.puma.com/projectpink.

Nashville, TN 5/3/11 Clothes4Souls, a division of the Soles4Souls charity, has committed to bringing hope and dignity to the hurting through the gift of clothing. Millions of people worldwide are benefiting due to the generosity of our partners such as XCVI Fashion.

We couldn’t think of a more worthy cause and organization. Our hearts and prayers go out to the people affected by the devastating tornadoes, said Daniela Zeltzer, XCVI.

“We are thankful to our friends at XCVI Fashion for recognizing the global need for clothing, and the importance of providing quality clothing to children and adults in need, said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. Their donations will be used to bring hope to people around the world who can now look forward to a brighter day.

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Nashville, TN 4/26/11 Soles4Souls Inc. has committed to collect and distribute 11 million shoes in 2011 to people living in extreme poverty and recovering from natural disasters through its 11 IN 11 campaign. The shoe charity provides one pair of shoes to a person in need every 7 seconds. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has distributed more than 13 million pairs of shoes because of the generosity and commitment of people and organizations like THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT 2050.

Soles4Souls believes partners like THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT 2050 will challenge others to become a force of change by helping the charity reach its aggressive but necessary 11 IN 11 goal which reflects the evolving needs of the global community. The shoe charity recognizes its success is the result of individuals and industry partners such as THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT 2050 who clean out closets and warehouses so that individuals around the world can have a better life through American s excess.

For a limited time, Soles4Souls and THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT 2050 will be collecting your new or gently worn footwear and/or donations to make a tangible difference through the gift of shoes. Every donation will support the charity’s initiative to distribute 11 million pairs of shoes in 2011.

With tragedies such as the earthquakes in countries like Haiti and Japan, on top of the enormous needs elsewhere, we can use the estimated 1.5 billion shoes taking up space in the closets of ordinary people to change the world one pair at a time, said Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls, Wayne Elsey.

Elsey added, We need partners like THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT 2050 ?to get behind our 11 IN 11 campaign and get a little crazy this year. Donating shoes is one of the most simple yet profound acts you can do, because it will greatly improve someone s life in the most difficult of times.

The limited play runs from April 29 to May 22, 2011 ?8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; Sundays , at 7 p.m. at the Skylight Theatre 1816 North Vermont , Los Angeles, Ca 90027 is a 99 seat theatre with GO from the LAWEEKLY, directed by famous producer Jonathan Sanger , winner of 3 Academy Awards and a current B Way Musical and THE Birthday Present 2050 in which shoeless children cause a society to change. The shoe collection will take place at the entrance of the theatre and be clearly marked.

People and companies interested in donating can visit the organization’s website at www.giveshoes.org.

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About Soles4Souls, Clothes4Souls, and Hope4Souls

Soles4Souls collects new shoes to give relief to the victims of abject suffering and collects used shoes to support micro-business efforts to eradicate poverty. Soles4Souls other two divisions, Clothes4Souls and Hope4Souls, provide the same relief and support through clothing and other necessities. Donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit
www.giveshoes.org, www.clothes4souls.org, or www.hope4souls.org for more information.

My passion as a player was largely driven by dreams. Personal success and satisfaction was the ultimate goal.  My motives as a coach are different. I want to see kids enjoying soccer. That is my desire. They should be learning and aspiring to reach the highest level that their ability, focus and opportunities will allow.

Soccer is such a vibrant sport that captivates a huge audience. I love the way it brings families together. It’s so inclusive and can be enjoyed by all.  The culture and carnival like atmosphere at many tournaments could be described as an art form and theatre.

I don’t believe that many sports can rival soccers pace and freedom. They instead often have too many rules and an over reliance on tactics. Thus losing a certain dynamism, energy and magic.

No other passion of mine can be enjoyed 24/7 on the street, back yard or college field. There is no need for expensive equipment, teams or referees. I was happiest when practicing soccer with my brother before, during and after school. My dad would join in too. I always wanted to make him proud of the way I played. I can vividly remember the first pair of boots he bought me – such an exciting moment!

Soccer will always play a powerful and emotional role in my life. It’s popularity and Universal appeal will continue to grow.  I will keep working hard to coach the next generation. This is the best way I can give something back to a sport that has provided me with so much.

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Contest Rules

• Entries must be a unique and original story between 200-500 words with at least one picture
• Entries must be submitted electronically directly to AVID Soccer (Contest@avidsoccer.com)
• Entries should describe why the nominee meets the qualifications (self nominations are encouraged)
• There is no limit to the number of nominations, but each must be a unique and original story
• Entries must be received between April 1, 2011 and May 31, 2011
• Winners will be announced the week of June 21st
• The contest is open to US Residents over the age of 18; Youth entries must be submitted by a parent or guardian
• Employees and associates of AVID Soccer and their families are not eligible

As a coach, I have experienced many highs over the last few years.  It has brought me a full-time career with satisfaction, knowledge and prestige.  Success, in soccer terms, is so personal and it can be achieved in a variety of ways. 

I will discuss my own current feelings on success in coaching.  They are largely based on self reflection and maturation.  I’ve come to the feeling that’s it’s not about money, points, or status.  As a coach, I am a teacher and role model to the players in my team.  I take great pride and an active responsibility in what I do.  I believe in being accountable – My professional credibility should be tested.  Otherwise, how can I progress?

Youth Coaching Session

I set very high standards each day. Yesterday has gone, I shouldn’t be judged on reputation.  I feel success can only be gained:

• When well prepared and organize my sessions, both on and off the pitch
• The presentation and progression is meets the goals of the team and the session
• Feedback and interaction from the team is active
• Their development and learning should be a my motivation

I really believe that my success as a coach centers on helping the players I work with.  I want to provide improvement in a focused, disciplined and enjoyable environment.  There should be respect, but not fear, between us all.  Everyone wants to be at practice.

Measuring success is just as important. I know I’m doing things right when fellow coaches and peers show a positive interest in my work and theories.  Recognition and appreciation from players parents is also huge. This is one of my big discoveries since moving to Southern California.  Ultimately I am youth team soccer coach.  I shouldn’t be rated or assessed on winning matches.

There is a far bigger picture that requires patience and trust.  My main aim is therefore to guide players to reach the next level with better confidence, talent and attitude.  Then I will know I have been successful as a coach.

Founded in April 2009, K&S was the first film festival in North America devoted exclusively to soccer. The success of the inaugural, sold-out K&S/New York Festival spurred not only the highly successful second annual K&S/New York Festival in 2010, but also satellite festivals in Washington, DC; Houston; North Adams, Mass.; and, most recently, Amsterdam. K&S has screened more than 30 films from over 14 countries, including seven U.S. premieres, and has attracted thousands of attendees from across the globe.

Starting today, filmmakers can submit entries for the 2011 K&S/New York by visiting: http://www.kickingandscreening.com/blog/submissions.html.

Important dates include:

• April 20, 2011 – DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS
• June 6, 2011 – OFFICIAL FILM LINEUP ANNOUNCED; TICKETS GO ON SALE
• July 20-23, 2011 – THIRD ANNUAL KICKING AND SCREENING FILM FESTIVAL

Additional planned 2011 Festival dates include K&S/Portland in April and K&S/London in September.

Kicking & Screening to Benefit Soccer Without Borders

K&S is dedicated to using the Festival as an agent of change. To that end, a portion of the proceeds from every K&S Festival is donated to local, socially conscious organizations using soccer to promote positive change in the world. The chosen social partner for K&S in 2011 is Soccer Without Borders (SWB).

Founded in 2008 by Ben Gucciardi, SWB is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco that uses soccer as a vehicle for positive change in the lives of marginalized youth. SWB runs soccer-related programs in New York, Oakland, and Baltimore in the United States, and in Nicaragua, Argentina, Guatemala, and Uganda internationally. Programs consist of four elements: Soccer Play and Instruction; Training Coaches, Training Leaders; Life-Skills Education; and Themed Camps and Tournaments. For more information about Soccer Without Borders, visit http://www.soccerwithoutborders.org.

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About Kicking & Screening

Founded in April 2009 by Greg Lalas and Rachel Markus, the Kicking & Screening (K&S) Soccer Film Festival is the world’s premier international soccer film festival held in New York City every summer and features satellite festivals around the globe. Kicking & Screening’s mission is to engage, connect, and inspire soccer and film enthusiasts through the celebration and presentation of soccer culture. Dedicated to showcasing the best soccer cultural events, K&S provides a forum for soccer-inspired filmmakers, artists, and writers to showcase their work and bring attention to this under-appreciated, emerging genre. For more information, visit: http://www.kickingandscreening.com.

Fast forward a few years and the AVID Soccer News, facebook, twitter and Kindle have all been added.  We now have staff on both coasts and have covered everything from professional games to human foosball.  In the second year, we created our annual awards.  They have been named the Oscars of Soccer in several publications.  To that, we have added a series of shoot-outs and a writing contest. (Look for contest details soon.)

Overall, it has been an exciting time.  More than once, we have considered shuttering the doors as our player/testers aged out and left for college.  Each time, reader feedback and manufacturer interest has kept us going.  Now, as the largest family of its kind, we have made one final compromise and added advertising.  Not something we wanted to do, but it was the only way to keep expanding.

We would love to hear your thoughts on the last five year.  Let us know what you have gotten out of AVID Soccer and what you would like to see in the next year and beyond.

James Parry

I started playing organized soccer back in the UK when I was 8 years old. The highest level I reached was playing for Liverpool FC U15/U16 team.

I have been coaching soccer for just over 10 years. I began at the grassroots level, working for and representing Liverpool FC in local schools and communities to gain as much experience as I could. I soon went on to Direct Soccer Camps for LFC across the UK and Europe.

As a coach, my greatest honor and achievement has been working with Liverpool FC’s Academy U16 and U18 teams. I coached some of the best young soccer players in Britain. During this 2 year period, I helped develop a team that reached the Final of the FA Youth Cup. Many of the boys are now professional soccer players, and have represented their Countries at International tournaments.

Most recently I have been employed by Fulham FC, focusing on Talent Identification. This involves recruiting elite youth soccer players from across the Globe.  I’m still today actively seeking to identify talented USA based players for Fulham FC in the English Premier League.

I am presently a CalSouth ODP coach. I have also been a special guest presenter at the last two annual SoccerNation Expo shows.  My current Soccer Club is the DMS11 Academy. It is a development club that focuses on preparing players to play at the highest level.  I coach the Boys U12 team. At DMS11 we also offer private group and individual training.

Learn more about James and the  DMS11 by reading his blog.

The coaching clinics have two parts.  The public part is held out on a pitch.  Each of the coaches runs a session populated by ODP players.  Coaches and other visitors can watch the demonstrations, take notes and pictures.  There are also lecture sessions.  These provide a great chance for real coaching education and are highly recommended.  Coaches like Klaus Pabst and Efrain Flores share real world professional experiences.

In addition to the coaching sessions, there are a variety of vendors and manufacturers at the expo.  We wanted to highlight a few newcomers that we met there.

First is Goalshot.  This is a fabric cover for the face of the goal mouth.  There are cut-outs at the corners encouraging players to shoot at the negative space and become more proficient at hitting the optimum locations.  This is a much more effective method of training that hanging cones or paper plates from the net.  Goalshot has impressed Kobe Jones and Jose Altadore enough to endorse the product.  Currently, only a full size goal is available, but other sizes are coming.

Another product that impressed us were Shock Sock.  The basic concept behind the product is similar to the Concave boot.  The sock puts a pad over the metatarsal bones of the foot.  This additional padding helps protect the top of the foot from some damage.  There are three varieties of sock: an ankle sock, a crew sock and a soccer sock.  Players interested in using the shock sock should try them with their boots, or bring them to try on boots as it will significantly change the fit.

The last vendor we wanted to highlight is Bownet.  This is a new portable goal design based on tension.  The nets can be configured for indoor or outdoor use.  They are available in a full range of sizes and even applications for other sports.  There is not much to the goals, but they were strong enough to be used in all of the demonstrations.

The expo was filled with other vendors from ESPN to K1 Go Karts to Marriott hotels, all hoping to get the attention of team mangers, coaches and players.  One last vendor that grabbed our attention was the Futboleros.  They offer both a freestyle soccer demonstration team and a game cage for 2 minute one-on-one grudge matches.

See more pictures from Soccer Nation Expo on the AVID Soccer Facebook page and check out a video of the Futboleros.

LONG BEACH, California (14 February 2011) – Each year, CalSouth hosts a big event for coaches and players. Soccer Nation Expo has been shrinking over the past few years with fewer and fewer vendors. This year, even the Nike5 indoor tournament was missing. The one aspect that has continued to grow are charities.

This year, there were three soccer related charities in addition to CalSouth and NSCAA. Returning with a bigger presents was Little Feet. They have a simple mission: give soccer balls to kids who cannot afford them.  For every ball they sell, they give one away. In addition to the balls, they also sell coffee and t-shirts all to raise funds to bring gear to kids.

Another child directed charity is Kick for Hope.  Kick for hope raises money through soccer tournaments. To date they have built wells in Ethiopia, bought books and malaria nets and provided education on HIV. They have raised over $50,000. The next tournament is July 9-10 in San Diego.

Finally, Kick for a Cure is another fund raiser. Kick for a Cure is raising money for Muscular Dystrophy through a tournament and festival. The tournament will be held June 18-19th in San Diego. The festival will include human foosball (demonstrated at Soccer Nation); carnival and sports related games; face painting and other events.

See more pictures from Soccer Nation Expo on the AVID Soccer Facebook page.

“It’s easy to forget about the problems going on outside our own lives, so we’re rolling out This Is Not A Shirt as a reminder and as a simple and fun way for students to contribute,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. “Kids can feel great about giving to the Haiti relief, but also know they’re helping themselves and their community by giving back to their own schools.”

Starting January 22, This Is Not A Shirt t-shirts go on sale for $20 at adidas Sport Performance, Originals and Factory stores in Southern California. $10 goes to Soles4Souls Haiti efforts rebuilding schools and $10 goes to a high school of the buyers choosing.

After purchase, the shirts can be registered online at www.WearsMyShirt.com and digitally passed to friends. Shirt threads will be tracked on the site and each schools progress will be shared via a leader board system. The winning school will be selected based on number of shirts purchased, number of shirts passed, video or picture submissions, use for donated funds, and overall program enthusiasm and participation. The winning school receives an exclusive grand prize event in February.

This program is all about helping kids help themselves and their high schools, said Nic Vu, vice president of retail, adidas North America. We’re providing the incentive and avenue for young people to work together to raise money for two great causes. It’s fun to realize that something as basic as a t-shirt can generate this amount of positive action.

Soles4Souls has donated shoes in more than 125 countries and provided relief efforts during natural disasters such as the Asian Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita and last year to the victims of the Haiti earthquake. To date, Soles4Souls has donated nearly 13 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes to those in need.

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We have distributed 12 million pairs of shoes in just over 6 years. That gives a little perspective on how audacious our goal of 11 million pairs of shoes in one year really is, said Elsey. But with earthquakes in countries like Haiti and Chile, on top of the enormous needs elsewhere, we really believe that our partners are going to rise to the challenge, he added.

To help encourage participants to help with the campaign by cleaning out their closets or hosting a shoe collection in their area, Soles4Souls is offering discounted shipping rates to their four warehouse locations in Iowa, Las Vegas, Nashville and Roanoke, Alabama.

SKECHERS Joins the 11 in 11 Program

The philosophy is simple; the potential impact is huge. Buy a pair of BOBS and SKECHERS will give 2 pairs to children in need through Soles4Souls. First donations will begin Summer 2011.

A lifestyle footwear leader and a trusted brand around the globe, SKECHERS has taken this philosophy to heart. Inspired by the good deeds of others, SKECHERS believes they can make an impact thats unsurpassed reaching more children worldwide than ever before.

In the United States, BOBS are available in SKECHERS stores, department stores, family footwear retailers nationwide, as well as key e-commerce retailers. With affordable prices and major mass-market distribution, BOBS will reach millions of consumers across the nation, which translates into more shoes donated to children in need.

Partners like SKECHERS are extending their support by committing more than 1 million pairs of shoes to the charity through their BOBS shoe line.

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About Soles4Souls® & Clothes4Souls®

Soles4Souls collects, recycles and reuses shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of individuals like you. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 13 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently distributing one pair every 7 seconds) to people in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States. Clothes4Souls, a new division of Soles4Souls, provides hope for hurting people through the gift of new clothing from manufacturers, designers, and retailers. Those who graciously give (rather than destroy) unused inventory are assured their donations are distributed to people around the world living in desperate need. Donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org for more information.

Free to the Public, 20,000 Soccer Fans Expected During the February 12-13 Event

WHAT: Cal South’s Soccer Nation Expo, the countries largest free soccer show, will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center for 2011. The Expo will take place February 12 and 13 and will feature interactive exhibits, gear and equipment displays, coaching clinics and soccer activities that appeal to fans, coaches and players of all ages and skill levels. , Attendance at Soccer Nation Expo is free. More than 20,000 soccer fans, families and coaches are expected to attend the two-day expo. Past Soccer Nation Expo exhibitors and sponsors have included Nike, Jamba Juice, Los Angeles Galaxy, Fox Soccer Channel, and Chivas USA.

WHY: Soccer Nation Expo was founded to provide fans, coaches, players and their families a free opportunity to enjoy a wide range of soccer events and activities. In its seventh year, Soccer Nation Expo has grown each year to more than 100 exhibitors and 20,000 attendees for the 2010 expo. With the rising popularity of soccer in America and especially in the soccer hot bed of Southern California, Cal South officials are planning for continued strong attendance to the delight of sponsors and exhibitors, who increasingly seek marketing channels and opportunities that reach and impact target consumers.
 WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011 ( 9:30 am to 5 pm)

Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011 (9 am to 3 pm)

WHERE: Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, Calif.

For more information about Soccer Nation Expo 2011, visit www.soccernationexpo.com.

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About Cal South
The California State Soccer Association – South (Cal South) is a 501c(3) California public benefit corporation and is the official youth and adult state soccer association of the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer. Cal South represents over 230 Member Leagues and Clubs comprising our membership of more than 160,000 registered players, coaches, referees and league administrators. The organization, with a service area that extends from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, provides rewarding recreational and competitive opportunities for players of all ages, genders and skill levels. For more information about Cal South, visit www.calsouth.com.

During November 16 thru 22, Clothes4Souls and Sport Chalet will be collecting gently worn coats to ship to persons in need, whether they are victims of a natural disaster or subject to living in extreme poverty. During this period, Sport Chalet customers will have the opportunity to donate their gently worn coats. In exchange for each coat donated, Sport Chalet customers will receive a 20% discount on any new regularly priced coat in the store.

“Our footprint is changing as we forge forward for the next five years,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. “We recognized the overwhelming need internationally and domestically for coats and we are excited to offer the customers of Sport Chalet an avenue to give back more than just footwear.” he said.

“With over 1.2 million shoes donated earlier this year, Sport Chalet customers displayed their overwhelming support to help those in need, so we are very eager to give them another opportunity to donate and this time we are giving them something in return,”  said David Hacker, Director of Marketing and Advertising of Sport Chalet. “With winter approaching, the timing of this drive will help customers stay warm while giving warmth to others.”

For more information about the campaign and Sport Chalet, please visit sportchalet.com.

People and companies interested in donating can visit the organization’s website at www.clothes4souls.org.

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About Sport Chalet, Inc.
Sport Chalet, founded in 1959 by Norbert Olberz, is a leading, full service specialty retailer with 55 stores in California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah; Sport Chalet online at sportchalet.com; and a Team Sales division. The Company offers more than 50 services for the serious sports enthusiast, including backpacking, canyoneering and kayaking instruction, car rack installation, snowboard and ski rental and repair, SCUBA training and certification, SCUBA boat charters, team sales, racquet stringing, and bicycle tune-up and repair at each of its store locations.

Introducing Clothes4Souls™
Soles4Souls is proud to announce the launch of their new division, Clothes4Souls. We strive to increase dignity and hope for hurting people through the gift of new clothing from manufacturers, designers, and retailers. Those who graciously donate (rather than destroy) unused inventory will be assured the clothes will be given to people around the world living in desperate need. Visit www.clothes4souls.org for more information.