USPSA E-newsletter World Cup Edition

President's Letter

Dear Members and Friends of the USPSA,

The time has come. For the past two years, members of Team USA have trained hard to become the best they can be. The US is in a tough pool but that is not uncommon for the top-seeded team. Only two teams from each pool will move on to the semi-final round. The team will have to start hot and fast as their first opponent, Japan, was a worthy adversary in 2007.

There are ten countries represented for this World Cup. Australia, Belgium, Canada, England, France, Ireland, Portugal, Scotland, Switzerland, and the US. There will be two pools of five teams with the opening game on Wednesday night, November 2, between France and Belgium.

In 2007 I had the honor of being directly involved with the team and it is my opinion that as good of a team we had in 2007, this team is head and shoulders above that charter team. They have trained longer, harder, and they are faster. I know to a person, each one of these players - old and new - feels a great pride in representing their sport for the United States and each one of you. I also know there is an overwhelming feeling of honor when you are on display in front of the world at the opening ceremonies with the national anthem playing. It is a deep, wide-ranging, emotional feeling; tears, pride, determination, and accomplishment. However, each athlete knows it's not finished. It has just begun. They have not arrived yet at their destination, but the goal is in sight. Six games separate them from the final prize and the honor of being the first US soccer team to win back-to-back World Cups.

I remember in Japan when we received emails of well wishes to the team from players, coaches, and supporters. We read each one out loud to the team. Clearly it was memorable and had an impact. It meant a lot to the team to know how much support we had back home and what we were playing for. I encourage you to share your support with the players and staff.

Lastly, I want to express how proud I am of every member of the team. From coaches and players, to staff members, each has been committed to pursuing excellence. It came with sacrifice, focus, commitment, teamwork, and a lot of fund raising. This team and staff have put together the best our sport and our country has to offer and for that, we can all be proud.

Go Team USA! 

Sincerely,

Dominic Russo
President

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The Official FIPFA World Cup Website

Click on the logo and follow all the FIPFA World Cup action at the official website! Once you're there, click on the Media tab, and select World Cup TV. You'll be able to watch the games live, or on demand!

Here are the times for Team USA matches in pool play. All times are EDT:

Thursday, November 3rd
vs. Japan (5 AM)
vs. Portugal (9:30 AM)

Friday, November 4th
vs. England (4 AM)
vs. Switzerland (8 AM)

 

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Ten Questions with Team USA

The athletes that make up Team USA have dedicated the last two years of their lives for this moment. Starting November 2nd, they will begin the final leg of their journey and defend their title as FIPFA World Champions.

The USPSA recently caught up with several members of Team USA to ask them about their experience as a top-level athlete, what they're looking forward to in Paris, and more.

In preparation for the World Cup, how much extra work have you done to get ready?

There is no such thing as extra if that's what it takes to win! I've been getting in the gym by myself and also with a local athlete 2-3 times per week outside of my local club practice.
-Kendra Scalia-Carrow 

Are you new to Team USA? If so, describe your experience over the last two years in preparing for the World Cup.

I am new to Team USA. It has been an amazing experience for me, to be considered one of the best in this country and in the world and to play with the best players in the sport. It has been a lot of hard work, but it will all pay off November 2-6. 
-Pete Winslow 

If you are a returning member, describe the difference between the first Team USA and this one.

The difference between the last Team USA and this one, I think, is the focus and commitment. Going in to the last World Cup, we were the underdog. Now we are picked to win and this changes a lot with mentality. There is more pressure and with that comes working harder on everything that we have learned. I think this team is more focused on winning the World Cup than the last team. 
-JC Russo 

Since Team USA training started, what is the most valuable thing you've learned?

One of the most valuable things that I took away from this team was that you have to work as a team to win championships. It's not all about just one person, it's about the team and what's best for the team. I use this tool in everyday life.
-Michael Archer 

What is one word you would use to describe this team?

Amazing
-Jordan Dickey 

Unstoppable!
-Michael Archer

ONE
-Case Calvert 

Do you have any game day rituals to get you ready for competition?

I have a game day playlist on my iPod with pump up music, most of it is really embarrassing.
-Katie Dickey 

Which team competing in the 2011 FIPFA World Cup intrigues you the most? Why?

France and Japan, because they were great in the last World Cup and I'm sure they've improved. And also the new teams as I haven't seen them play.
-Omar Solorio

All of the teams competing intrigue me because I've only gotten the chance to play France. I think Australia will be very interesting to watch since they are the newest, and I have heard that they have a promising future.
-Katie Dickey 

Besides competing for the FIPFA World Cup, what is one thing you're looking forward to in Paris?

I'm really looking forward to meeting people with disabilities from other countries. I'd love to be able to talk to them during any down time to learn about their country's accessibility, laws and what it's like to live with a physical challenge in a different culture and location.
-Kendra Scalia-Carrow

I am excited to just go to a different country. I've never been out of the United States.
-Jordan Dickey 

How do you use your experience with Team USA when practicing and playing with your club team?

I use it to continue to get better and to make my teammates better. I hope to use my experience to improve the players that aren't on Team USA. I can be a better example to my younger and new teammates while inspiring them to work hard and love Power Soccer.
-Case Calvert

Do you have one last thing to say to all the Team USA supporters out there?

Thanks for your support. We will make you proud.
-JC Russo

Thanks for your support and you just being there makes us want to win even more!
-Omar Solorio

Thank you for your support and for helping us to achieve our dream. Without you, none of this could be possible. We are coming home with the trophy!
-Pete Winslow 

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An Interview With Team USA Head Coach, Chris Finn

Chris Finn is serving in his second stint as the US National Power Soccer Team Head Coach. Returning to the FIPFA World Cup as the coach of the defending champion will present a unique set of challenges, but Chris and Team USA are prepared for the task.

Chris took out some time from his busy schedule recently to discuss how he prepared for the tournament as a coach, putting together the team, and more. To read the entire interview, head over to the Team USA website.

As the coach of the defending world champions, have you done anything different in terms of how you're approaching the 2011 FIPFA World Cup?

In 2007, everything seemed to happen so fast. Preparing for 2011, I had to plan things out a little bit more, but time still seemed to go pretty fast. I am approaching both World Cups fairly similar, with the belief that we have the ability to win.

What is the biggest difference between the 2007 version of Team USA and this one?

Everyone's better. In 2007 I started out teaching the players how to play a new style of game. Now we have been playing it for five years and evolving the tactics.

Team USA training camps are intense, 3-day sessions that are held 3-4 times a year. How do you prepare for each training session?

I give the players drills based on how they performed at the previous camp and areas I would like to see them improve. I also review video to pick up tendencies of the players, as well as talk about the progress of the players with assistant coach Mike Hayes. Based on those things I develop a plan for the next camp, setting new goals and expectations.

You have accomplished so much as a power soccer coach. Is there anything missing that you would like to add to your list?

Winning the 2011 World Cup and being the first US soccer team in history to repeat as world champions. Generating more involvement in the sport, and increasing awareness and support for the national team, as well as the USPSA, are all on my list. I also want to continue to make a difference in people's lives through sport. Lastly, I have a third-place national trophy and first-place regional trophy from the past so I would like to add a first-place national trophy very soon with my local club team, BORP.

Is there anything else you would like to say to the supporters of Team USA and power soccer?

Thank you very much for all your support. Our job is to represent you and the country. The team looks forward to doing its best to bring home the cup again. I also would like to encourage members of the USPSA, as well as supporters of Team USA and Power Soccer, to make a big push to get the word out to as many people as possible. Power Soccer and the US National Team continue to need more recognition; we need everyone to be a spokesperson for the sport. Power Soccer changes lives. It changed my life and I know it has changed many other people's lives for the better. I would like to challenge everyone to spread the word of what Power Soccer has done for you or someone you know. Tell them about the World Cup, tell them how the sport changed your life and spread the word. I am able and you are able, but together we are able to make a bigger impact together to spread awareness, support and help make a difference in someone else's life. Go out and make that difference today! Go Team USA!   

 

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The ONE Campaign

 

Team USA is in Paris, preparing to defend their title. While their journey is almost complete, the task of supporting and growing Power Soccer has just begun. Tell your friends and family, like us on Facebook, tweet about us, and help us spread the word about Power Soccer! Be the ONE to make a difference today!

www.theonepowersoccer.com

 

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USPSA on YouTube

In a concerted effort to bring relevant video to people searching out information on the internet about power soccer and the USPSA, we are introducing a You-Tube page specific to the USPSA.

If you have power soccer videos (games, clinics, etc.) that you have taken at a recent USPSA event, or you are interested in video taping upcoming events and helping with this project, please contact Tony Jackson at: azpowersoccer [at] gmail [dot] com