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LUYSA Newsletter
March 2011 |
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They grow up so fast, don't they?
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Photo courtesy Troy Landreville, Langley Advance. |
One day they're five and the next thing you know they're 15. U16 gold player Mark Antoniuk easily handles a Chilliwack player in Coastal Cup playoff action on a blustery rainy Saturday in mid-February. Antoniuk, who has played for Langley United since he was U6 at the old indoor soccer academy on Mufford Crescent - has it already been ten years since his first soccer? - was later fouled and scored on a PK late in the game as United won 3-0 to advance to the next round. United went on to play Abbotsford in the next round (a team they had soundly trounced 4-0 before Christmas) but unfortunately injuries and players away left a weakened lineup and United bowed out in a 2-0 loss. |
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Mark Antoniuk - U6
October 2000 |
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Message from the President The future of Langley soccer
For the many in our club who have younger children, and you are by far the majority, the news that the BC Soccer Association has approved the new High Performance League for top-level girls and boys in the ages U13 to U18 might be eliciting a big "so-what." Yet, the truth is, this news actually has huge ramifications for the future of soccer in Langley and other B.C. communities. And for you and your child.
Since the HPL has a number of significant minimum requirements for membership (having both girls and boys programs is one key one), it has forced many soccer clubs throughout Greater Vancouver to do some soul searching. Mainly, they have to decide if they're going to be major clubs and be a part of the HPL or smaller feeder clubs to other major clubs.
At our January board meeting, Langley United decided that the community of Langley deserved a major club, that it should take aim at obtaining HPL status and that we should make Langley a major centre for girls and boys soccer in the province. Being part of the Fraser Valley, home to the successful university mens' and womens' soccer programs at Trinity Western University and also being very close to the huge soccer populations of Surrey, the eastern Fraser Valley and the north Fraser region, we believe that Langley is well placed to become a major focal point for soccer in the province.
Because we think Langley is best positioned to be a leading centre of soccer in BC, we decided to develop our own girls program to control our destiny. We want to ensure our youngest girls and boys - much younger than my own son who's U15 and has just a few years left in youth soccer - will receive the best possible opportunity to play high-quality soccer, both at the grassroots age groups and at the HPL level, in their own community. We feel strongly this is the way forward. That's why your board moved to implement a girls program.
There's more. The program improvements we've implemented over the last 12 months are state-of-the-art quality in Canadian soccer programming. They are second to none. These programs will benefit Langley's young soccer players from age 4 and up going forward and pay off in quality soccer. Why? Because we'll have high-quality coaches here and their expertise will trickle down. Plus, we'll have Langley HPL teams our children can aspire to. Whether its bronze, silver, gold, metro or HPL, we want our children to aspire to success in all their endeavours.
While the road ahead may be challenging I believe we are on the correct path. I hope you do too. And that you will sign up all your children and encourage your friends to sign up all their children with Langley United to support our efforts to enhance soccer programming for Langley girls and boys. We're confident the community sees we're moving in a positive direction and worthy of support. We're the future of Langley soccer and I look forward to hearing from those who want to build Langley United into the best soccer club in BC.
Betty Boucas President, Langley United Youth Soccer Association |
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Langley United Implements Girls Soccer Program
At its January meeting, Langley United's board of directors voted to approve the club implementing a full girls program for the coming season starting in September. The girls' stream will mirror the current boys offerings and the club will immediately accept girls aged U5 to U18, from house to select rep teams.
"The BC Soccer Association's movement towards a High Performance League has led many clubs throughout Greater Vancouver to decide whether to become a feeder club or a major club," said LUYSA president Betty Boucas in a news release. "The board of directors decided that Langley United should continue on its track towards becoming a major club for soccer in British Columbia."
In order to become one of the six HPL soccer centres in the Lower Mainland (out of eight in total with additional HPL centres on Vancouver Island and in the Interior) a club is required to have both girls and boys programs. That is the main reason why LUYSA has made this movement to become a full-service girls and boys youth soccer club. The HPL will foster the club's long-term development plan by helping build the club from the grassroots up.
"We are currently not in a position to apply for an HPL franchise at this time as Langley United does not meet the criteria of offering programming for girls and boys. However, LUYSA is a progressive club with high expectations and we want to be in a position to be able to apply for a HPL franchise in the very near future," added Boucas. "The board feels that we have a responsibility to both male and female players within our community to be able to offer to them the opportunities of playing at the highest level available and why not make this available to them within our own community. Overall, this is an important step forward to securing Langley United's and Langley's future in BC soccer and in serving the girls and boys of Langley with the highest-quality soccer programs."
There is a question and answer document on the LUYSA girls program on the website.
If you have additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact LUYSA President Betty Boucas, 1st VP Dave Kasper or Technical Director Mark Parker. |
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Spring Programs for U5 Girls and Boys (2006 born) - Register Now!
Their first soccer experience - we'll make it special
The Missing Soccer Day
Our first-ever U5 program held last fall lasted eight weeks and all the 50+ four year olds loved it even more than their parents who watched them roll and tumble their way around a soccer ball for the first time. It was by all accounts a smashing success. But, in one reported case, week nine was a disappointment..... Although the weekly routine of getting ready for soccer was done, two parents forgot to tell their little 4 year old. That day he bounded down the stairs in full gear ready to go, only to be met by a heart-broken Mom who had to break it to him that he would have to wait an ETERNITY (4 more months) to play again.... What do they say? "Always leave them wanting more..." So it seems our U5 program was a good start to his life-long passion for soccer.
Langley United soccer is often the child's and family's first introduction to organized sports. Our intention with the U5 program is to make that first experience magical and get girls and boys off on the right foot to benefit from the best that organized sports has to offer in life.
The Langley United spring U5 program starts in April and goes to late June. Register right now. Space is limited. |
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Eyes Wide Open!
Kurt Gillespie keeps "his eyes on the prize" while he attempts to make the save while playing goal for the Ravens (coach Bryce Hertz). No word whether he made the save or not. But he took on the challenge and learned from that. If we can all agree that all the challenges we face in life and soccer are first and foremost learning situations, then failure never occurs. Only learning. And that's where the success really happens in sports, win or lose. We hope you'll agree. |
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Big Jordan Guiding Little Jordan to Success
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From one generation to the next. Fall/winter academy and our spring programs are where our young soccer players learn the good habits and skills of soccer from our highly qualified professional coaches. It's where they develop a lifetime of love for soccer. Here, coach Jordan Rosenlund (himself a product of Langley United) guides Jordan Moye in academy. Registration for spring programs for U5 to U18 is now open. |
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Spring Programs for U5 to U17 Girls and Boys Now Open for Registration
Register Now
Our U5 to U17 boys and girls spring soccer programs are now open for registration. They start in April and continue to late June.
Click here for more information and to register
Watch our website for details on boys and girls fall/winter registration.
Fall/winter soccer registration coming soon. |
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LUYSA Coaches Achieve Provincial B Coaching Licences
Congratulations to coaches Gary Reid (U13 selects) and Neil Messmer (our volunteer director of coaching on the LUYSA board) on the recent attainment of their provincial B coaching licenses. All coaches should know that LUYSA will reimburse you upon the successful completion of junior and senior coaching programs and for the provincial B prep and B programs. Reminder to grassroots coaches that we recommend you take the introductory grassroots coaching certificate program. Many of you will spend 10 years coaching your children in our club; why not take these courses and become certified to maximize your coaching skills and impact on the kids' development? The children will benefit most. Contact the technical department for details on upcoming courses and programs.
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Volunteer Profile

Scott and Krista Moye
"I like being part of the community, and helping out whenever I can." Krista Moye
Volunteer positions
Scott: LUYSA Director of Grassroots Soccer, U9 Raptors Head Coach, U5 Coordinator/Head Coach, All-round Superhero
Krista: U9 Coordinator
Played soccer before?
S- Yes, Since I was 5 years old, up to a few years ago into Senior Men's League - Retired due to Kids!!!!! Looking to rejoin if anyone needs me!!
K- Never
Kids in soccer
Jordan - U9
Kaitlyn - new to LUYSA Girls Program U7
Work
S- CertaPro Painters - Supervisor/Painter
K- Overwaitea Food Group - Senior Risk Analyst
Fav soccer team
S- Tottenham Hotspurs (Van Der Vaart & Bale, fav players)
K- U9 Raptors!!!!!
Sat am: Tims or Starbucks or ?
S- SLURPEE!!!!! Although Tim Hortons is NEVER turned away!!
K- I'm a Timmy's girl!
Where else do you volunteer?
S- Ummmm, with WHAT free time?? Lol!
K- St. John Ambulance Community Services Coordinator/First Aid Instructor & Attendant
Why do you volunteer?
S- As my wife tells me, it keeps me out of trouble! Plus, I love working with kids, and there's nothing more relaxing than running around a field with 50 four-year olds.
K- I like being part of the community, and helping out whenever I can. |
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Volunteer Fun Facts
"If you want something done, give it to busy people."
Note From Editor: People like Scott and Krista can always use more people like Scott and Krista who are willing to step up and volunteer. Yes, we know you're tapped out and very busy coaching and running around with your kids. But what is it they say? If you want something done, give it to somebody who's very busy. Talk around, ask about what's involved in building a club. What else do they say: many hands make light the work.
Step up and get involved!
Board Fun Fact: Most people on the board not only are on the board, they also coach or manage teams. Think about getting involved with the board and getting involved in building up the club. Don't watch it happen, help make it happen! Contact Betty Boucas for how you can start getting involved. |
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Langley United Youth Soccer Association
(604) 530-3470
PO Box 26015
Langley, BC V3A 8J2

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Mark The Dates!
Announcing: Langley United 2nd Annual Mini-World Cup
March 19 and 20
Willoughby Turf Fields
U6 to U8 Saturday U9 & U10 Sunday
More info coming... |
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LUYSA Creates New "Pool" of Stars

At its January meeting the board also decided to create a dual stream of swimming and soccer programs. Here's the new training facility. Maybe Josh Smallwood will be one of our first swimming stars (see player profile below for reasons why)! |
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Bolton Magical March Mystery Tour Coming Up Fast
Our Bolton March spring training tour for the U12s and 13s is coming up fast. Introducing some of our Langley players who are headed out in just a few weeks for the soccer trip of their young lives. |
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Youth Player Spotlights: |
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Jason Marcoe |
What age group and team do you play for? LUYSA U12 Select Gold
How long have you been playing for LUYSA? 5 years
Why do you play soccer? I enjoy it
What are your goals as a soccer player? To always become better
How do you prepare yourself for games? I practice what I do in a game
What other sports do you play? Ball hockey, basketball
What school do you go to? Alice Brown Elem
Which professional soccer team do you support? Manchester United
Who is your favorite player? Ronaldo
What is your favorite food? Apple
What is your favorite movie? none
Tell us something about yourself that we don't know. I love to go biking |
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Josh Smallwood
What age group and team do you play for? U13 Silver Gladiators
How long have you been playing for LUYSA? 9 years
Why do you play soccer? For the fun and competition.
What are your goals as a soccer player? To hopefully get scholarships and play for a University.
How do you prepare yourself for games? I drink lots of water the day before and morning of a game... plus I eat eggs for breakfast.
What other sports do you play? none
What school do you go to? HD Stafford
Which professional soccer team do you support? Manchester United
Who is your favorite player? Wayne Roonie
What is your favorite food? Stuffing (Mom's) and perogies.
What is your favorite movie? James Bond - Goldfinger
Tell us something about yourself that we don't know. I have two webbed toes on each foot; the middle two. |
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Brock Meyer
What age group and team do you play for? I play for U12 Langley United.
How long have you been playing for LUYSA? I have been playing for 7 years.
Why do you play soccer? I play soccer because it is fun and it gives me the opportunity to learn how to be a better soccer player.
What are your goals as a soccer player? My goals as a soccer player are to concentrate and to learn.
How do you prepare yourself for games? To prepare myself for a game I think about the game and the team we are playing against.
What other sports do you play? I also play ball hockey and I used to play baseball.
What school do you go to? I go to Alex Hope Elementary.
Which professional soccer team do you support? I support the Bolton Wanderers.
Who is your favorite player? Lionel Messi is my favorite player.
What is your favorite food? My favorite food is Peanut Butter.
What is your favorite movie? My favorite movie is Batman The Dark Knight. Tell us something about yourself that we don't know. People might not know that I have a great sense of humor and I am in the French Immersion program at my school. |
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Erik Rodriguez
What age group and team do you play for? Langley U12
How long have you been playing for LUYSA? 4 years
What are your goals as a soccer player? to be a professional soccer player
How do you prepare yourself for games? i eat a good breakfast and before I leave a do a little jog
What other sports do you play? no just soccer
What school do you go to? home school
Which professional soccer team do you support? Manchester United
Who is your favorite player? Chicharito Hernandez
What is your favorite food? Steak
What is your favorite movie? Gol the dream begins
Tell us something about yourself that we don't know. I love hanging with family mostly on the summers because we play a soccer game
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