Club news

We are thrilled to announce that VSA has been named the Best Youth Sports Organization in Waukee by MyWaukee Magazine for 2023! We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition, and we want to thank everyone who voted for us. We were also fortunate enough to be featured on the front cover of the issue, placing us among the top five entries in the overall vote!

Concussions: How Can Physical Therapy Help? Concussions have gotten a lot of attention in recent years. Concussions are thought of as only occurring with a blow to the head which, in reality, is only one way that they can happen.

We would like to take a moment to recognize the outstanding achievements of our coaching staff, as well as learn more about DJ McMoil, a recent United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 honoree. Clemens and Horton earn National C License Congratulations to Afton Clemens, Director of Recreational Soccer and Member Services, and Tom Horton, U12 Boys Staff Coach and ADM HS Head Boys Coach, for recently completing their National C License Course. This is a fantastic achievement and we are lucky to have both coaching at VSA!

As the Fall season approaches, we wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the accomplishments and news from this past Spring as well as some upcoming key dates in August. Hudl Cameras In an effort to enhance our performance analysis capabilities, the club will now be using the brand new Hudl Focus Flex cameras to record, analyze, and live stream matches. Our staff is continuing to learn and evaluate the best strategies to implement the system this upcoming season. These cameras will be a tremendous upgrade for the club! ECNL Regional League This past May, the Elite Clubs National League announced the newly formed Heartland North Division in the ECNL Regional League. Our Boys Premier teams have been invited to take part this fall! They will also be attending two ECNL National Showcase Events in Richmond, Virginia and Sanford, Florida.

Youth soccer is an exhilarating sport that teaches young players valuable skills, promotes physical fitness, and fosters a love for the game. However, like any physical activity, soccer carries the risk of injuries. As parents and coaches, it is our responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of young athletes. In this blog, we will discuss common injuries in youth soccer and provide valuable advice on injury prevention exercises and techniques to help keep players on the field. Common Injuries in Youth Soccer: 1. Ankle Sprains: Ankle sprains are one of the most prevalent injuries in youth soccer. They often occur due to sudden direction changes, uneven playing surfaces, or collisions with other players. 2. Knee Injuries: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) are common knee injuries in soccer. These can result from sudden stops, pivots, or landing awkwardly. 3. Overuse Injuries: Repetitive motions and excessive training can lead to overuse injuries such as shin splints, stress fractures, and tendinitis.  4. Concussions: While not specific to soccer, concussions can occur due to collisions, heading the ball, or falls on the field.

VSA Spring 2023 Recreational Season Preview