Tecumseh Soccer Club launches the distinct Club, Academy II & Academy I pathways for players to chose and experience the most comfortable environment for playing and learning the game of soccer.

1. tecumseh soccer club
Family Communication & Education
Boys born in 2005 & 2006
Girls born in 2004, 2005 & 2006
June 16, 2016

2. - ECA report on Youth Academies in Europe
“Nurturing talent and future players should be
the main role of a club. If each club has its own
traditions and if there is no single recipe for
success. The case studies clearly show that the
most effective Youth Academics are those which
pursue their vision and their objective with
perseverance. It is not only a question of size; it
is a question of spirit and belief.”

3. meeting agenda
1. intro & club updates (mission, vision & values)
2. who we are (tech staff, admin & coaching staff)
3. what we believe & why
4. TSC Action Plan:
• Assessing the current soccer community
• Finding a “fit” for every player
• Supporting each & every player/path equally
• Communication & Education
• Follow through & Commitment

4. our mission
“The TSC is committed to lead the
development, promotion and administration of
the game of soccer while providing quality
service, communication and education to our
members.”

5. our vision
“To be a highly recognized and respected
soccer club in our town, district and province
which develops our members to the best of
their ability while exhibiting sporting values and
integrity and maintaining community identity.”

6. values
• The needs of the Player will be put first in all decisions.
Developmental Needs of the player will guide decisions, especially
in Talent Identification and Selection and ongoing scouting.
• Strong foundation in Participation starting from bottom up. Lowering
Barriers to participation, especially in the early development stages.
• Importance of Balance - Retention and Pathways for all (Player,
Coach, Referee and Administration). Consistency and Alignment
throughout the club, cognizant of economic, geographic and general
time constraints on members.
• Ongoing Communication and Education is critical at all times.

7. why?
• We believe in a player-centred approach, whereby young athletes are guided through their learning
and playing experience. TSC Coaches encourage and inspire creativity, allowing players to make their
own mistakes and learn from them.
• We believe in an inclusive environment that allows players of all levels to participate and learn at their
own pace, understanding that the same league/intensity is not right for all, but also that everyone
should be given the same opportunity.
• We believe that soccer players must train to play soccer and when they are done, train some more.
Canada is playing catch up - so are we.“On-Ball” time & training is available year round in a 44 week
development model. If a young player has a conflict due to another sport or wholesome activity (that is
ok, we support a balanced lifestyle) he or she has the opportunity to make that session up on another
night or weekend, so as not just to miss out on training/playing!
• We believe in providing the highest level of play for players who need/seek out opportunities at the
next level, while understanding that cost/travel barriers must be overcome and alleviated at young
ages for all families.
• We believe in a committed, collaborative & qualified technical staff. TSC identifies, appoints and
unites coaches who believe in the development of all players within the club.

8. why?
“Every move we make is based on
three things: The PLAYER, the
PLAYER, the PLAYER”
“Those are the three things that we
care about”

9. organizational structure
tecumseh soccer club

10. technical staff
leadership, communication & motivation

11. Technical Director: Ryan Mendonca
CSA National B License, USSF National C License, OSA
Technical Director Diploma & OSA Grassroots Diploma
Academy Director: Daniel Mendonca CSA National B License, OSA Goalkeeping Diploma
Director of Coaching: Steve Grigorakis OSA C License
Director of Goalkeeping: Daniel Mendonca CSA National B License, OSA Goalkeeping Diploma
Youth Director Boys: JJ Dowhan OSA Provincial B License, CSA B License Candidate
Youth Director Girls: Tony Giorlando OSA C License, currently completing USSF D License

12. Technical Lead: 2006 Boys Marwan Helal OSA Provincial B License, CSA B License Candidate
Technical Lead: 2006 Girls Ryan Mendonca
CSA National B License, USSF National C License,
OSA Technical Director Diploma & OSA Grassroots
Diploma
Technical Lead: 2005 Boys Marwan Helal OSA Provincial B License, CSA B License Candidate
Technical Lead: 2005 Girls Ryan Mendonca
CSA National B License, USSF National C License,
OSA Technical Director Diploma & OSA Grassroots
Diploma
Technical Lead: 2004 Girls Ryan Mendonca
CSA National B License, USSF National C License,
OSA Technical Director Diploma & OSA Grassroots
Diploma

13. coaching staff
building from within

14. NATIONAL CSA/ USSF A/
B (Three + 2 Consultants)
PROVINCIAL OSA B/
USSF C/ UEFA C (Six)
OSA C/ USSF D (Eleven)
SOCCER FOR LIFE/ USSF
E (Sixteen +)
R. Mendonca (2015) K. Mulvey P. Danelon (2013) C. Mulvey
D. Mendonca (2015) S. Compton D. Olagbegi (2013) J. Sovran
Y. Bere (USSF A) JJ Dowhan (2013) K. Geier S. Hales
M. Helal (2014) T. Giorlando (2012) A. Mendonca
P. Langens (USSF A) M. D’Amore (2013) D. Habuda (2012) S. Tocco
R. Van Baren (UEFA A) S. Grigorakis (UEFA C) J. Grigorakis (2012) A. Jewell
S. Grigorakis (2012) B. Piasentin
D. Wur (2013) J. Barchale (2014)
R. Browne (2012) H. Tocco
S. Jewell (2012) C. Cirovski (2014)
G. Stevenson (2012) S. Sivitter
E. Jewell
C. Sivitter (2014)
M. Callister (2015)
S. Ferlaino (2015)
S. Topalovic

15. Age Group Technical Lead Coach 1 Coach 2
2006 Boys Marwan Helal Marwan Helal Ryan Mendonca
2006 Girls Ryan Mendonca Ryan Mendonca Shandel Jewell
2005 Boys Marwan Helal Marwan Helal John Grigorakis
2005 Girls Ryan Mendonca Ryan Mendonca Alex Mendonca
2004 Girls Ryan Mendonca Ryan Mendonca Tony Giorlando

16. tsc philosophy
tecumseh soccer club

17. • Fun is pivotal – if it’s not “fun”, young people won’t play a sport.
• Skill development is a crucial aspect of fun - it is more important than winning even among
the best athletes.
• The most rewarding challenges of the sports are those that lead to self-knowledge.
• Intrinsic rewards (self-knowledge that grows out of self-competition) are more important in
creating lifetime athletes than extrinsic rewards (victory or attention from others).
• During childhood allow the children to have a good time playing the game while instilling
the passion to love playing soccer on their own. Only a passion for the game can lead to
success. “Success is something players take ownership of and in time it becomes personally
meaningful. Success is a process, not a product. The process of doing one’s best is the key
to success. The determining criterion of success is whether a player gave his or her best that
day. Doing one’s best is the most important statement a player can make about the
importance of an activity and the meaning it has. With years of experience comes self-
knowledge and self-awareness. So players learn over time what it means to do your best,
to give 100%.”
• “Winning isn’t everything, but trying is!” -Rainer Martens, sports psychologist

18. player development pathway
#UltimateGoal

19. TSC #UltimateGoal
• The #UltimateGoal of Tecumseh Soccer Club is to be a lifelong vehicle for the growth, development, inspiration &
maturation of your child. There shall be no greater success than the opportunity to guide a player from 8 & younger
through to 18 & older, at any and all competitive levels, within the pathways and opportunities provided by TSC.
• Examination, evolution & modification of our pathways is essential to provide a safe, comfortable and competitive
environment for each and every person in our program. The more comfortable and safe your child feels in their
environment, the more confident they will be in playing, learning & performing the skills necessary to be the best version
of themselves, on and off the field.
• We ultimately value the PERSON over the PLAYER. We will actively guide the individual PROCESS and work to help
shape each child’s picture of PROGRESS, though their soccer experience.
• Sport is a phenomenal opportunity to develop character within each and every club member (coach, player, parent &
volunteer). We are honoured that you chose us to assist in shaping and developing the potential within your child.
Inspiration to learn and play the game must come from within. We hope to ignite that fire and help it grow!
• We do not set out to be the environment full of the best footballers, we work to build the best of all environments
for the footballer. An ultimate environment helps develop athletes of all levels into players of their desired potential,
keeping them “in the game.” This includes those striving to be elite in sport, those here to best develop their skill set in
the game and those here for the social component of “being a part of the team.” The #UltimateGoal is to build an
environment which transforms our athletes into complete soccer players, our children into contributing citizens of
character, our current leaders & role models into future coaches/educators and our countless volunteers into integral
parts of our community organization today and for the many future days to come.

20. Club Senior
(U16, U17)
Academy Senior
(U16, U17)
Club Intermediate
(U14, U15)
Academy Intermediate
(U14, U15)
Club “Juniors”
(U11, U12, U13)
Academy “Juniors”
(U11, U12, U13)
tecumseh soccer youth (U8, U9, U10)
grassroots programs (U5, U6, U7)
soccer camps recreational soccer community
programs

21. Club “Juniors”
(U11, U12, U13)
Academy “Juniors”
(U11, U12, U13)
Specifically in the “Juniors” age category, club staff assessed & surveyed parent retention and satisfaction rates
referencing several key points. The most significant issue regarding retention & return participation was a clear & safe
pathway for EVERY PLAYER - some players felt “uncomfortable”. U11, U12 & U13 players felt that they were being
forced to choose between such different paths too early. They either had to be all-in “Elite” or a seasonal “Local Club”
player. Some players end up wrongfully placed in environments not suited to best support holistic development as a
person and player. This created discomfort and a desire to leave the team and/or club.

22. Creating a “middle path” provides a home for players unsure of where they fit in the Club/Academy decision. The
transitional “Academy II Path” is for players who may just be exploring/expanding their soccer experience. This middle
path also allows Club Teams to create a more defined identity. Players who enrol in the TSC Club Team now know that
their peers have chosen the same path/commitment and intensity, so they are not overwhelmed by the Academy.
However if at any time they desire a more competitive environment, the Academy II path becomes an easy transition.
Club “Juniors”
(U11, U12, U13)
Academy “Juniors”
(U11, U12, U13)
Tecumseh Soccer Club
Club Team
Nationals Canada
Academy Team II
Nationals Canada
Academy Team I
• 36 week reduced
program
• Multiple Priorities
• All Abilities
• Confident in a social &
Supportive learning
environment
• Committed to Full
Year (44 week)
• Train 2x Weekly +
• Multiple Priority
• Advanced Ability
• Confident in an
encouraging
competitive
environment
• Committed to Full
Year (44 week)
• Train 3x Weekly
• Soccer Priority
• Advanced Ability
• Flexible Schedule
• Motivated by
competitive
environment

23. Club Team Pathway

24. TSC Club Team Summary
Junior (U11/U12/U13) Tecumseh Soccer Club
2016/2017 by the #’s: Club Team
Annual Training Schedule (Weeks): 36
Proposed Training Sessions: 72
Futsal/Skill Development Sessions: 14
Proposed Competitive Games: 24
Projected Hours on Ball: 165
Team Head Coach: Minimum OSA Provincial C License “In Training” or part
of Coach Mentorship
Coach Term Limit: 3 year term limit (2 recommended)
Coach “No Conflict” Guidelines: Parent or “in conflict” Head Coach not recommended, but if
necessary allowed as part of Coach Mentorship

25. TSC Club Team Schedule
FALL Training: Minimal based on team schedule
FALL League: N/A
WINTER Training: 1x Weekly (Indoor Turf)
WINTER League: 1x Weekly (January - April)
SPRING Training: 2x Weekly
SPRING League: Essex County Soccer League
SUMMER Training: 2x Weekly
SUMMER League: Essex County Soccer League
Tournaments: 2 Tournament Events (Minimum)
Soccer Camp: 1 Week (25 Hours) Soccer Camp

26. NATIONALS CANADA
Academy Senior
(U16, U17)
Academy Intermediate
(U14, U15)
Academy “Juniors”
(U11, U12, U13)
Tecumseh Soccer Club has, for over a decade, strategically initiated and continuously strengthened the
relationship with our US Soccer partner, Premier Soccer Group. Recently, PSG merged with Waza East FC
to form one of Michigan’s (and the Midwest’s) largest and most complete soccer organizations - Nationals
(see NationalsSoccer.com). TSC Technical Staff leads and oversees the constant support and integration
of our local players and teams, now as part of the Nationals Canada pathway. This integration has led to
the formation of our Academy I & II pathways, as well as additional league access and player
development opportunities for any and all players committed & capable.

27. Academy Team II Pathway

28. Nationals Canada
Academy II Team Summary
Junior (U11/U12/U13) Nationals Canada
2016/2017 by the #’s: Academy Team II
Annual Training Schedule (Weeks): 44
Proposed Training Sessions: 88
Futsal/Skill Development Sessions: 21
Proposed Competitive Games: 42
Projected Hours on Ball: 226.5
Team Head Coach: Minimum OSA Provincial C License or USSF State/
National D License
Coach Term Limit: 3 year term limit (2 recommended)
Coach “No Conflict” Guidelines: No Parent or “in conflict” Head Coach. Parent or “in conflict”
only allowed as Assistant as part of Coach Mentorship

29. Nationals Canada
Academy II Team Schedule
FALL Training: 2-3x Weekly
FALL League: MYSL (Michigan)
WINTER Training: 1x Weekly (Indoor Turf)
WINTER League: 1x Weekly (Nov-April)
SPRING Training: 2-3x Weekly
SPRING League: MYSL (Michigan)
SUMMER Training: 2-3x Weekly
SUMMER League: Optional (Exhibitions and/or ECSL)
Tournaments: 3 Tournaments (Michigan)
Soccer Camp: 1 Week (25 Hours) Soccer Camp

30. Academy Team I Pathway

31. Nationals Canada
Academy I Team Summary
Junior (U11/U12/U13) Nationals Canada
2016/2017 by the #’s: Academy Team I
Annual Training Schedule (Weeks): 44
Proposed Training Sessions: 99
Futsal/Skill Development Sessions: 21
Proposed Competitive Games: 42
Projected Hours on Ball: 243
Team Head Coach: Minimum OSA Provincial B License or USSF National C
License
Coach Term Limit: 3 year term limit (2 recommended)
Coach “No Conflict” Guidelines: No Parent or “in conflict” Head Coach. Parent or “in conflict”
only allowed as Assistant as part of Coach Mentorship

32. Nationals Canada
Academy I Team Summary
FALL Training: 3x Weekly
FALL League: Directors Academy (Michigan)
WINTER Training: 2x Weekly (Indoor Turf)
WINTER League: 1x Weekly (Nov-April)
SPRING Training: 3x Weekly
SPRING League: Directors Academy (Michigan)
SUMMER Training: 3x Weekly
SUMMER League: Super Y League/SAAC
Tournaments: 3 Michigan + 1 Team Travel Event
Soccer Camp: 1 Week (25 Hours) Soccer Camp

33. process & purpose
Nationals Canada 2016/2017

34. W H AT D O Y O U B E L I E V E ? ( Q U E S T I O N S W E
A S K E D O U R S E LV E S A B O U T T H E P R O C E S S )
who do you do this for?
why do you do it?
how do you define success, paint the picture?
what is your plan after you succeed, what then?
what would be different if you were not involved in the process, how
would the result be different without you?

35. “We do not set out to be the environment full
of the best footballers, we work to build the
best of all environments for the footballer”

36. nationals canada
growing the game of soccer - creating a culture of football

37. S E V E N FA C E T S
O F F O O T B A L L
• Culture
• Community
• Persons
• Players
• Coaches
• Organization
• Execution

38. S E V E N P R O C E S S E S O F F O O T B A L L
1. Defining the Culture (Philosophy “Why”)
2. Inspiring the Community (Collaboration)
3. Involving People (Character)
4. Inviting Players (Technique - Work)
5. Educating Coaches (Tactic - Thought)
6. Sustaining Organization (Club Support)
7. Succeeding in Execution (Compete)

40. N AT I O N A L S C A N A D A - W H Y ?
• Create a truly “Football First” academy environment for the local
soccer community
• Build a path and assemble the vehicle necessary to get each and
every player “there”
• Define “there” for each and every player. Understand that the
destination may vary for each child as time goes on and group
players based upon commitment to their end goal
• Create Local Club Support & Network to that players can enter
the Academy Pathway and exit as their commitment, interest
and/or ability in the game develops over time

41. N AT I O N A L S C A N A D A - W H Y ?
• Establish and open lines of communication and exhibit
readiness for cooperation with individuals and surrounding
soccer community
• Consolidate resources and identify expertise. Increase efficiency
by individuals and organizations doing what they are good at.
• Communicate a clear development model and pathway to the
soccer parents and local soccer families, allowing for variables.
• Align all participating bodies, travelling in the same direction.
Competition is good, as long as we ALL make it to the finish.

42. T S C C L U B R O L E & I N T E G R AT I O N
• Tecumseh Soccer Club technical staff will lead the formation of Nationals Canada
and implement guiding principles of development
• Technical Director: Ryan Mendonca (CSA National B, USSF National C, OSA
Technical Director Diploma)
• Academy Director: Daniel Mendonca (CSA National B, OSA GK Diploma)
• Youth Director Boys: JJ Dowhan (OSA Provincial B)
• Youth Director Girls: Tony Giorlando (OSA Provincial C, USSF National D)
• Nationals Canada shall operate as the “academy” pathway for TSC and function as
an additional outlet for competitive training and play
• Nationals Canada shall operate as an “academy” that TSC players can enrol
themselves in, part time or full time with the “semester” model for coaches &
players. This includes the avenues such as the Director’s Academy, Michigan Youth
Soccer League & Michigan State Premier League depending on the age group.

43. W H AT I S D I R E C T O R ’ S A C A D E M Y
The Director’s Academy (DA) is a statewide program of the Michigan State Youth Soccer
Association. Entry to the DA is only for clubs who meet the requirements set forth in the DA
application. Directed at the U11, U12 and U13 age groups, the program focuses on club, team and
player development through coaching education. With this focus in mind, DA clubs and coaches
are held to a higher-than-average standard. All rostered coaches, assistant coaches, and trainers
must meet minimum coaching license requirements, and head coaches must attend at least one
MSYSA approved coaching education event each year. As the best environment for player
development is during training sessions, coaches must submit seasonal training themes, blocks and
schedules for review by MSYSA. Acceptance into the DA is highly selective. MSYSA looks at the
club’s structure, player programming, player development, coaching development, and history of
participation in MSYSA programs and events. Based on this information, clubs are given a score at
the time of their application. If a club does not receive a passing score, MSYSA will provide
guidance on changes needed to obtain a passing score. Most clubs will not be accepted the first
time they apply. However, if they make the changes suggested by MSYSA, they may earn DA
acceptance as quickly as a year or two. Once accepted into the DA clubs will take part in an annual
review. The review includes an analysis of their Player Development Structure, Coach Development
Program, their Training & Game Environment, Club Administration, the Facilities they utilize and the
Soccer Respect campaign. Based on this review clubs will be categorized as a Gold, Silver or
Bronze standard.

44. D I R E C T O R ’ S A C A D E M Y S I M P L I F I E D
Director’s Academy (DA) is “higher standards” division of youth
soccer development in Michigan (organized and operated by
the state association). There are plenty of great players not in
directors academy, but Directors Academy is full of great
players. These players practice a high training to game ratio,
commit to the sport, focus on their development and compete
with the correct positive attitude. This commitment is nothing
new to our organization. We have competed with DA teams
before and will continue to do so now in this league on a
weekly basis. Nationals Canada Academy I teams in U11, U12 &
U13 age groups will compete in this league both Spring & Fall.

45. D I R E C T O R ’ S A C A D E M Y C O A C H I N G
• coaches to be selected in accordance with and above Director’s
Academy and/or SAAC minimum standards
• coaching-parent relation policy & term limits will be imposed
• technical director shall lead coaching selection committee and
process annually as well as appoint “age group” technical leads
• coaches will be responsible for coordinating curriculum,
schedule, training and collaboration for the age group as a whole
• failure to abide by club policies, philosophies, or technical
curriculum shall result in removal from age group coaching staff

46. nationals canada
collaborative process in soccer development

47. PA R T N E R C L U B I N T E G R AT I O N
• Nationals Canada (2016) is an academy program to be subscribed to by players, coaches and club.
• Participation is a “buy in” to the philosophies of development, training and overall approach to the
game.
• Coach and Player education is to be of primary importance so that the environment can continue to
improve at the rate desired and driven by the participants
• Nationals Canada exists to consolidate and align efforts in the game. We want to bring individuals
and organizations of like ideology together to support and develop groups of players, coaches and
volunteers united on their principles of commitment and goals in the game.
• The ability to associate players, coaches & volunteers with similar desires allows us to tailor
programming with even more accuracy, efficiency and effectiveness for the athlete.
• Customizing an environment for the athlete of every level allows us to clearly define the curriculum
and find the balance required for each child in the process of player and personal development.

48. PA R T N E R C L U B I N V O LV E M E N T
• TSC Technical Staff has led in the formation of the Technical Staff & Committee. We welcome
additional qualified and active technical staff to join us and assist in the cooperation,
consolidation and improved soccer efficiency for the player. The same way in which we expect
players to earn their spot, we expect our Professional Staff to earn their role and respect.
Nationals Canada will hold its staff to the highest standard in order to deliver the quality
program and environment that each and every young athlete deserves.
• Nationals Canada welcomes partner clubs to participate in many different ways, at their
appropriate level of commitment and comfort. Opportunities such as additional training,
tournament access, facility use & various levels of league competition are available. Partner
clubs are able to integrate fully, joining the current player pool and coaching staff, or they can
utilize the Nationals Canada league pathways, keeping their team and coach as their own
separate entity. These teams will still be required to participate in some mandatory age group
training, leagues and/or tournaments, but will not have to mix coach/players for league play.
• Nationals Canada exists as an Academy operated by the professional technical staff and
coaching committee. The technical committee will report to a Board of Advisors who is
responsible to act as a catalyst in partner club communication, co-operation & support.

49. Tecumseh Soccer Club
Board of Directors
Nationals (USA)
Partner Club (various)
Board of Directors
Tecumseh Soccer Club
Technical Staff
Nationals Canada
Board of Advisors
(collective voice of partner clubs)
Nationals Canada
Technical Committee
Nationals Canada
Academy I (Director’s Academy)
Nationals Canada Club
Partner Team (MYSL/MSPSP)
Nationals Canada
Academy II (MYSL/MSPSP)

50. We continue to work & progress forward
together! Thank you for your support!