By Kevin Butler
The US Technical Championship (USTC), at its core is a technical skills competition. This competition is derived from Rene Meulensteen’s “Moves & Skills” player development method. Rene is the former First Team Coach at Manchester United and current manager at Maccabi Haifa in the Israeli Premier League.
The current landscape of soccer demands a higher level of technical and tactical ability for players to be successful. Due to the increased athleticism of athletes and increased team defending strategies, players have less time on the ball before being confronted with pressure. It is clear successful players must be equipped with a superior (first) touch, individual technique to play out of tight spaces, as well as a great understanding of the game.
The US Technical Championship is a fantastic event for players to learn, practice, and master the wide variety of skill-sets needed to become a complete player. Our event provides the young player a strong foundation to continue to build from.
We introduce players to the four 1v1 situations and the skill sets they can use to dominate their opponent. Additionally, participants display their skill in small sided games, showcasing their confidence on the ball with their 1v1 moves and their ability to use their teammates and see the field through passing and receiving.
Our regional events are held at camps and soccer organizations throughout the summer, either by integrating into an existing summer camp, or hosting a one-day event. Our partners include Butler University Men’s Soccer Camps, Super Y’s Regional Scouting Series, Michigan ODP, Indiana ODP, Kentucky ODP, Dutch Total Soccer, and many more.
In 2015 our USTC National Finals were held at Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI), where more than 180 players representing 18 states and Canada came to compete.
Our Grand Champion, hailing from West Virginia, was 10 year old Caleb Borneo. Caleb embodied everything the USTC looks for. Skill, confidence, creativity, and a drive to succeed. Click this link to see a 30 second message from last year’s Grand Champion, Caleb Borneo.
Our 2016 USTC National Finals will be in mid-December at the LakePoint Sports Complex just north of Atlanta, GA. Already we have more than 150 players registered from more than 27 states and Canada.
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