CHICAGO (Wednesday, May 1, 2002) - U.S. Soccer, Region IV and Cal-North hosted a successful two-day coaching symposium centered around the U.S. Women’s National Team on April 26 and 27.  Eighty-four coaches attended the two-day symposium, with 48 “A” licensed coaches received two Coaching Education Credits (CEs) for attending the symposium that was held in conjunction with a historic WUSA / U.S. Women’s National Team doubleheader on April 27 at Spartan Stadium in San Jose, Calif.

“I'm very impressed with the quality of coaches that attended the coaching symposium centered around our game in San Jose,” said April Heinrichs, U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach.  “The coaches were eager to learn about the game, players and our team.  The coaches viewed the Women's National Team and Carolina Courage’s training sessions, were privy to five training sessions conducted by National Staff Coaches, enjoyed a professional women's game and then saw a full international between the U.S. Women's National Team and Finland under the lights at Spartan Stadium.  In coaching education, it doesn't get much better than that."
 
The symposium kicked off on April 26, as the coaches watched the U.S. Women’s National Team train at Spartan Stadium.  After the training session, Heinrichs and her coaching staff spoke to the coaches and answered questions about the future of the WNT and the women’s game.  The coaches then watched the Carolina Courage train at Spartan Stadium.

After observing training sessions on Friday morning, U.S. Women’s National Staff Coaches Jay Entlich (Region IV) and Dave Simeone (Region III) led the coaches in two training sessions of their own at DeAnza Community College.  Assisted by players from the 1986, 1987 and 1988 Cal-North Girls State ODP teams, Entlich conducted a session on attacking play with a three-player front line, and Simeone did a session on transitional play. Later that evening, coaches were given the opportunity to meet with Heinrichs and her staff again at an informal social.

The coaches regrouped at DeAnza Community College again on Saturday morning, as Entlich and Simeone conducted sessions on zonal defending and finishing. San Jose CyberRays goalkeeping coach Jay Cooney conducted a session on including the goalkeeper in practices.  The clinics ended with sessions on technical development, attacking in the final third and possession with a purpose.

The symposium concluded with the coaches in attendance as the Carolina Courage defeated the San Jose CyberRays 2-1, and the U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Finland 3-0 in front of 11,990 fans.

For questions, comments or information regarding future CE symposiums, please contact U.S. Soccer’s Manager of Coaching Programs, Kati Hope at 312-528-1231 or khope@ussoccer.org.