The Hotspurs Way
Fall 2020 Regional Training Centers
We’re excited to share more about our collaboration with Arsenal FC of Pittsburgh beginning this fall. The collaboration benefits all players, with those from the Arsenal Academy Program and the Hotspurs College Prep Phase (U16-U19) having the opportunity to earn a spot with the NPSL or WPSL First Team squad. The youngest players in our…
Read MoreAn Alternate Route to a Soccer Future: A Gap Year
The road to soccer in the U.S. is straight — and very narrow. Even some of the most passionate and skilled players follow the same journey. They begin with youth clubs, enter into high school, and immediately try out for a college team. However, the long-standing question for athletes and their parents remains: Is moving…
Read MoreThe Hotspurs Way: Team Targets
We talk a lot about longterm player development and a set style of play. But, what does that actually look like when put into a true game of soccer? To achieve this style, we focus on 6 Team Targets. This is for all phases and players within the Hotspurs Program. And allows coaches to structure…
Read MoreThe Ladies of Hotspurs: International Women’s Day 2020 Edition
Did you know… Between our 50 teams, more than half (62%) have a woman manager/co-manager! We have 5 female coaches — and based on our phase model, all of our girls work with a female coach at some point during their training! Both of our First Teams are managed by women. 38% of our players…
Read MoreYouth to Adult: A Full Pathway
When it comes to ‘football,’ Pittsburgh is known for the American game. The Steelers have won the Super Bowl six times, and the area has been the home to numerous household names in the NFL. Unfortunately, the city doesn’t hold the same reputation for producing our type of football players. The most common argument for…
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 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 MoreThe Relative Age Effect: How It Impacts Young Soccer Players
Being the best and brightest is of utmost reward in society. From an early age we identify cut-off periods to which we group children for both sports and academics. However, a phenomenon has been recognized — those born closest to the cut-off are at an advantage. This phenomenon is known as the Relative Age Effect…
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…
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