Player Development Approach
Introducing the Digital Training Ground: A One-of-a-Kind Tool for Player Development
We are excited to announce the launch of the Arsenal FC of Pittsburgh Digital Training Ground. This training tool contains a vast library of digital resources to help guide and assist our players’ development, especially during this unique time of isolation.
Read MoreFinding the Right Fit to Maximize Development
It’s all about fit. It was during a summer tryout for the ‘05 girls PA Olympic Development Program (ODP) — the first tryout for a higher-level squad — that it was clear it was finally time for more. Emily had been playing soccer for her local recreation program, 2 hours outside of Pittsburgh, all of…
Read MoreUnited Soccer Coaches Convention 2019: Hotspurs Coaches Takeaways
The United Soccer Coaches Convention is an annual gathering of soccer experts from around the world looking to grow and improve the game in the United States. It’s four days of non-soccer opportunities to learn, grow, discuss, meet, and socialize around all things soccer. Professional coaches at the national level, collegiate coaches, club directors, high…
Read MoreSmall-Sided Soccer Games: Why 5v5?
The newest addition to our Hotspurs training program is our in-house 5v5 league. With our players training twice a week, many playing in futsal, indoor leagues, and even other winter sports, why in the world did we decide to offer another league? And outdoors to boot!? Unarguably, the game itself is the best way for…
Read MoreGet Out of Your Comfort Zone: Scott Arnold, National C Coaching License
Education is a top priority for our entire coaching team. It’s important to us that our players, families, and interested fans of the game know about the growth and direction of our club as we continue to develop our identity and style in Pittsburgh. As the “year of education” continues, Coach Scott Arnold recently obtained…
Read MoreCoaches Spend Day on Football Theory with Raymond Verheijen
Football theory? Even if the ? wasn’t there, you still would read it with some questioning and ‘what?’. As “the year of education” continues, a group of our Hotspurs coaches spent a day focused on Football Theory with Raymond Verheijen of the World Football Acadamy. It’s important to us that our players, families, and interested fans…
Read MoreGoalkeeper Warm-up
A proper warmup is necessary for all athletes to prevent injury and be ready to play. For our goalkeepers, Coaches Mark and Erik have provided a warmup to ensure they’re ready when game time comes. For each activity, the goalkeeper should do each side three times. Signup for our Goalkeeper Union on Teamsnap to stay…
Read MoreWorld-Class Coach Spends Motivational Weekend with Hotspurs Coaches
The “year of education” is a phrase you’ll hopefully not soon tire of. It’s one of high importance to our entire coaching team, and we’ve taken a big step in education by spending 3 days with world-class soccer coach Eric Tenllado Ortega. It’s important to us that our players, families, and interested fans of the…
Read MoreThe Hotspurs Mission to Develop Top Players in Pittsburgh
An estimated 2.3 million youth played soccer (6- to 12-year-olds) in the United States in 2016. Yet, 70-75 percent of kids quit playing organized sports by 14 because it’s not fun anymore. Here at Hotspurs, we are dedicated to our athletes keeping their passion for the game. Our mission is simple — develop individually creative athletes…
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