Lehigh Valley Sports Commission Created in July, 2001 the Lehigh Valley Sports Commission is charged with the task of fostering the growth of sporting events in the Lehigh Valley, while attracting new events to the area. Vision of the Lehigh Valley Sports Commission: To promote the Lehigh Valley as a sports destination. By recruiting and retaining events, the organization seeks to increase tourism, create a significant economic impact and provide for an improved quality of life for Lehigh Valley residents. Services Provided by the Lehigh Valley Sports Commission: • Assemble bid team • Assemble Local Organizing Committee (LOC) • Assist existing sports franchises • Creation of sports events • Create sports-related events • Create sponsorship liaisons for LOC • Establish relationships with local sports entities and individuals, including media • Seek out events on which to bid • Marketing and promotion coordination for LOC • Presentation of bids • Recruitment of local volunteer base • Serving on LOC board of directors • Serving in a retention capacity for existing sporting events • Supervise certain aspects of event organization and preparation For additional information on the Lehigh Valley Sports Commission and its activities, please contact Michael at (610) 882-9200 or mkuzy@lehighvalleypa.org.		[ History ] THE LEHIGH VALLEY SOCCER CLUB The Lehigh Valley Soccer Club - also known as Lehigh Valley Premier - was formed in 1999 to provide a path between the Lehigh Valley Youth Soccer League Select Program to a Club program aimed at premier level training and competition. We are entering our 6th year with the program and have already realized team success in league play, tournament results and State Cup competition. This year we will be fielding 10 teams - U13, U14, U15, U16 and U18 in each Boys and Girls division. The Lehigh Valley Soccer Clubs affiliates itself through the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association (EPYSA)/US Youth Soccer, and US Club Soccer. OBJECTIVES OF THE PREMIER PROGRAM The objective of the Premier Program is to provide a year-round training environment that will develop player's technical skills, tactical knowledge, and psychology of the game to their greatest potential. This will be accomplished through focus on high-level instruction and coaching, and by exposure to highest levels of competition in both league and tournament play. Additionally, we encourage all players to participate at the state, regional, and national levels. For our older teams our clear focus is on providing them exposure to "College Showcase" tournaments & events, which will give them opportunities to gain recognition for continued participation at the collegiate level. LEAGUE PLAY For boys in the younger age groups their league competition is in the Delco Soccer League in the Philadelphia area, and in the Mid-Atlantic Premier Soccer (MAPS) league. For older boy's High School age groups, they play in LVYSL Winter Round Robin, which provides them enough games to qualify for Spring State Cup. Additionally, these older teams play in Colonial League, MAPS Spring League, and MAPS Summer Soccer League (MSSL). For Girl's teams, they will participate in the Philadelphia Area Girls Soccer (PAGS) league, at either the CUP division, and MAPS Spring League. Most all League play is done on Sundays, with exception to early season PAGS schedule. COACHES All head coaches/trainers are highly qualified, and every attempt is made to not bring a parent-coach into the head coaching position. However, we do recognize parents in the area that possess the required credentials, and provide them the opportunity to be coaches in select circumstances. Additionally, we do look for qualified parents to help manage team affairs, and assist the coach in practice environment. Coaching candidates should posses a advanced USSF or NSCAA license, as well as meet the following attributes: Be fully committed to the Premier Program objectives Possess a passion for, and in-depth knowledge of, the game and be able to communicate that with youth players. Enthusiastically enjoy working with and motivating youth players Have ability to help all premier players develop their full playing potential, through a challenging training environment. Be able to effectively communicate with players, parents, and college coaches. Be willing to travel locally, nationally, and internationally with the premier teams Be open to continue learning more about the game through professional coaching courses. In some situations, these coaches also coach other teams at the High School, and College level. For more information visit us at: www.lvsc-premier.org or call 610-559-1689