Surf Select National Weekend

What It Means for Our Dallas Surf Community

The USYS National League is the competitive platform many of our Dallas Surf teams participate in each year. It plays an important role in our player development pathway by providing meaningful games, strong opponents, and opportunities on a national stage.

This month, we take a closer look at what the league offers our players and highlight the recent success of our 11G Evans group, who earned a place in the postseason after a strong showing at the Winter Event.

What Makes the USYS National League Stand Out

Regional Play With Real Purpose

Teams compete against strong opponents within the Frontier region, facing clubs from North Texas, Houston, and Austin. Every match has consequence, creating a competitive and engaging experience for players and families.

Pathways to National Competition

Teams can advance out of regional play and earn spots in National League showcases. These events feature top programs from across the country and provide meaningful competition and high visibility.

A Development-Focused Environment

The National League’s structure supports consistent, challenging games that help players progress technically, tactically, and mentally.

A True National Scope

The National League is one of the largest competitive player development platforms in the United States, connecting teams from every region.

Robust Recruiting Opportunities – Girls & Boys Winter Events
The Girls Winter Event in November drew 94 college coaches from across the country, representing NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, NJCAA, and NAIA programs. This level of attendance highlights the strong recruiting value built into the National League.

The Boys Event welcomed an impressive range of scouts, including professional team scouts from Italian club Como, alongside almost 40 coaches from NCAA Division I through NJCAA and NAIA. These opportunities give our players meaningful visibility at all levels of the game.

Highlighting Recent Success

Our 11G Evans group made the most of their National League opportunity. They performed well at the Winter Event in Arizona, playing tough competition from California, Washington and Texas. Earning two important wins, and securing a place in the postseason. It’s a good example of how meaningful games and real competition support our players’ growth.

For our Dallas Surf members, the USYS National League is more than a schedule of games. It’s a competitive environment that challenges players, exposes them to new demands, and supports long term development. We’re proud to provide this pathway for our families and proud of how our players continue to rise to the challenge.

For more information on the platform, click here.

Questions? Contact our National League Director, Rich Evans – revans@dallassurf.com

Thomas is more than a coach — he’s a mentor, a role model, and an example of what servant leadership looks like within our club.

We’re proud to recognize him as our Dallas Surf Coach of the Month for the impact he continues to make on and off the field.

The Dallas Surf 11G East team is setting the standard for what it means to lead with purpose.

Guided by Coaches Thomas Pollard and Rendell Hendrickson, the girls have made community service part of their weekly routine, volunteering with younger teams and finding ways to give back beyond the field.

The 11G East team’s commitment to mentoring younger players and supporting local families reflects our core value of Unity. Their actions have built a genuine sense of community and shown real selflessness.

Their example reminds us that soccer isn’t just about the results. It’s about the people we share it with and the impact we can make through the game.

💙 Big Sisters on the Field

Each week, the 11G East players volunteer as helpers for a younger team known as ‘the Littles’. They show up early before their own practice to support coaches, run activities, and guide the younger players with patience and encouragement.

Coach Thomas and Coach Mack pair each little with a big, creating mentorship moments that go far beyond soccer. One parent described it perfectly.

For many of the younger players, those small moments have become the highlight of their week — and the older girls are learning just as much in return.

Giving Back Beyond Soccer

The team’s dedication to service doesn’t stop when training ends. Each year, they volunteer at Feed My Starving Children, packing meals for families in need around the world. Closer to home, they’ve supported North Texas Feed the Need, preparing and delivering lunches to local families.

These experiences have shown the players that teamwork and leadership go further than the game. They’re learned through helping others and giving back to the community around them.

Through these ongoing efforts, the Dallas Surf 11G team are setting an inspiring example for others in their community.  We asked a few of our players what it meant for them to serve. Here is what they said:

“I really enjoyed getting to help others and spending time with my teammates.  By packing and delivering food, I know that many people were impacted.” – Gia #13

“Knowing and feeling how people felt after receiving food warmed my heart.” – Paisley #30

Leading by Example

The 11G East team embodies what Dallas Surf stands for — a club that values people as much as players. Through mentoring, volunteering, and simply showing up for others, these girls are learning lessons that will stay with them long after the final whistle.

Their story reminds us that development reaches beyond soccer. It’s about who you become through the experiences you share.

The Ups, Downs, and Everything Between

Player development is rarely a straight line.

One week your child feels unstoppable, the next they’re struggling to make a simple pass.

That doesn’t mean they’re off track. It’s all part of learning and progress isn’t always easy to see. Growth often happens quietly, especially during the times when things don’t seem to come together.

The challenge for parents is staying calm and supportive during the ride.

Growth Isn’t Linear

Many parents imagine progress as a steady climb, but for young players, it’s more like a rollercoaster. There are steep climbs and big dips before things move forward again.

Learning in soccer, and in life, happens through trial and error. When players make mistakes or seem inconsistent, it usually means they’re exploring and problem-solving which will pay off long term.

Research calls this non-linear development, the idea that learning doesn’t happen in smooth, predictable steps.

The ups and downs you see are not failure — they’re part of how the brain and body learn to adapt.

Confidence Fluctuates Too

Confidence rises and falls with performance. Even the best players lose belief when things get tough.

Your steadiness helps them stay grounded. Confidence grows from effort, not from being perfect.

After games or training, try asking:

• “What did you learn today?”

• “What went well?”

• “What was hard about it?”

Simple questions like these help kids reflect instead of worrying about mistakes. Sometimes, the best support is giving space and letting them figure it out.

Comparison Slows the Ride

Every player develops differently. Some hit their stride early, others later.

When parents compare their child to others, it creates pressure that slows learning and can distract from what matters most: consistent effort and enjoyment.

Early success doesn’t guarantee long-term excellence, and slow progress doesn’t mean failure. What matters most is that your child stays curious and enjoys the process. Every player’s journey is their own.

Stay Steady Through the Waves

If development is a rollercoaster, parents are the safety bar. Your consistency gives your child confidence, especially when results or performances dip.

When things go well, celebrate effort and teamwork. When things feel hard, stay calm and patient.

Even elite (professionals) players plateau before they improve again. Progress takes time, and the best support you can give is belief in the process.

Final Takeaway

Progress in soccer isn’t predictable. Some days it clicks, other days it doesn’t, and that’s part of long-term learning.

The biggest thing parents can protect is their child’s joy and love for the game. When comparisons start, that joy fades — and once it’s gone, confidence usually follows. Confidence gives kids the courage to try, fail, and try again. Joy keeps them coming back.

The goal isn’t just to develop better players. The goal is to help them love the game enough to keep playing, no matter how bumpy the journey gets.

Coach of the Month: Quar Willis

We’re excited to highlight Coach Quar Willis as our September Coach of the Month!

“I’ve recently had the chance to spend time with Quar both on the field with his teams at training and at our recent Coach Engagement Night. His communication with players and the way he guides and develops them was fantastic to see.

Even after 20+ years coaching, Quar still shows passion for learning. He’s willing to ask questions, show vulnerability, and stay engaged during and after coaching events. This month, he went the extra step of earning a new certification: Football Theory Level 1 by Raymond Verheijen, a course that emphasizes using universal references and objective knowledge.

We’re proud to celebrate Quar’s commitment to his players, his learning, and his dedication to Kaizen — our guiding principle of continuous improvement within the Surf culture.”

– Gavin Mole, Director of Coaching

Meet Coach Quar

Q: What teams are you coaching currently?
U16 Girls East and U12/U13 Girls East

Q: How long have you been with Surf?
Five years — two in San Antonio and three in Dallas

Q: How long have you been coaching overall?
25 years

Q: Who is your favorite player?
Zinedine Zidane

Q: What’s your favorite food?
Oxtails and fresh saltwater fish

Q: Any accolades or championships won?
STX Soccer State Championship

Q: Why do you coach?

“To give back to the kids the knowledge, joy, and passion I have gained through playing soccer.”

Dallas Surf ECNL Regional League NTX All-Conference Selections

We’re proud to celebrate the Dallas Surf players who earned a place on the ECNL Regional League North Texas All-Conference Teams.

This recognition highlights their talent, consistency, and commitment to the game — but more importantly, it shows the progression of players within our pathway. Every one of these athletes has since advanced to compete in the Girls Academy or GA Aspire programs, taking on the next level of challenge.

Their success reflects the support of families, and the daily commitment of coaches and teammates.

U17 – Cameron Fowler

“Cam deserves every bit of recognition she gets because she’s one of those players every coach loves to work with. Always respectful, always giving 100%, and the best kind of teammate. She can play in many positions and excels in all of them. It’s been an absolute pleasure coaching her these past few years, and I’m delighted to see her already making a big impact with our U19 GA team.”

– Coach Gavin Mole

U17 – Victoria Valdez

“It was a pleasure coaching Victoria this past season. The number six role is vital on any team, and she filled it perfectly for us. She’s such a smart player — her ability to break up play, move us forward with purpose, and her exceptional passing range made her one of the first names on the team sheet every week.”

– Coach Gavin Mole

U16 – Evie Barksdale

U15 – Sloane Brashear

“Sloane had an outstanding season, anchoring our defense with leadership, athleticism, and elite shot-stopping ability. Her efforts were instrumental in securing 10 clean sheets and finishing the year with an impressive 0.52 goals against average. A well-deserved honor for a fantastic season!”

Coach Nick Heisserer

U15 – Parker Meyer

“Parker brings intensity each and every game with a strong desire to get forward and attack the goal.  She led the team in scoring while showing the ability to strike from distance or inside the box.   Her technique to strike the ball with both feet separates her others. Congratulations Parker!”

Coach Nick Heisserer

U15 – Leah Pritchard

“Leah is a dynamic and creative midfielder whose high soccer IQ, technical skill, and strength made her a force on both sides of the ball. Her ability to win 1v1 battles and drive play in transition elevated our midfield all season. Her relentless work rate and commitment were key to our team’s success. Well deserved!”

– Coach Nick Heisserer

We’re incredibly proud of their achievements in the ECNL Regional League and even more excited to see them already flourishing in the GA and GA Aspire programs.

10 Tips to Support Your Player’s Journey

Last month, we introduced the Athlete Triangle — the connection between players, coaches, and parents that shapes the environment for growth. This month, we’re zooming in on the parent side of that triangle. What does support look like in practice? Here are 10 practical tips to support your youth soccer player’s journey and help your child thrive on and off the field.

1. Protect JOY of youth soccer player’s at All Costs

Soccer should be joyful. When kids enjoy the game, motivation and intensity come naturally. Joy is also tied directly to intrinsic motivation — the internal drive to play because it feels meaningful and enjoyable. According to Self-Determination Theory, when kids’ needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are supported, they stay motivated over the long term. (Ryan & Deci, 2000). Protecting joy is the most important thing a parent can do — because when joy disappears, kids stop playing.

2. Be Their Biggest Fan

Celebrate effort, attitude, and growth — not just goals or wins. Kids need to know that your pride in them doesn’t depend on the scoreboard.

• Clap for small improvements.

• Recognize when they bounce back from mistakes.

• Encourage resilience and sportsmanship.

What matters most is that your child feels supported no matter the outcome.

3. Let Coaches Coach

Your child already has a coach. Your role is different: encouragement, support, and trust. Here’s what that means in practice:

• Avoid contradictory instructions. If the coach asks for one thing, and you shout the opposite, the player is caught in the middle and loses clarity.

• Ask, don’t assume. If you have questions about decisions, training, or philosophy, speak directly with the coach privately and respectfully.

• Avoid comparisons. Talking negatively about other players, or questioning why a teammate is playing ahead of your child, only harms your player’s trust in the team environment.

When parents and coaches are aligned, players feel safe, confident, and clear.

4. Focus on the Long Game

Development isn’t linear. Every player grows at a different pace. Trust the process, avoid comparisons, and remember the journey matters more than the weekend result.

5. Model a Growth Mindset

Show your child that effort, persistence, and learning matter more than perfection. Praise their determination and problem-solving, not just natural ability.

By modeling resilience, you teach your child how to embrace challenges instead of fearing mistakes.

6. Support Rest and Recovery

Players don’t just grow on the field — they grow when they rest. Recovery is one of the most overlooked parts of development, and it’s where the body and mind recharge.

• Sleep is the number one recovery tool. Consistent, quality sleep helps with focus, mood, and performance.

• Nutrition and hydration fuel that recovery, giving the body what it needs to rebuild.

• Downtime — time away from structured soccer — prevents burnout and keeps kids excited to return.

Burnout often comes not from “too much soccer,” but from too little recovery. Parents play a key role in protecting that balance, ensuring their child arrives at the field energized and ready to learn.

7. Be a Positive Presence on the Sidelines

Your behavior sets the tone. Cheer respectfully, support all players, and show gratitude to referees and coaches.

Remember, kids are watching. If they see negativity, complaining, or hostility, they copy it. If they see respect and joy, they carry that too.

8. Handle the Car Ride Home with Care

After games, kids don’t need an instant analysis. There are three keys to having a successful car ride home.

1. Let the child drive the conversation. Even in asking the questions, let the child lead.
2. Don’t force the conversation. Remember they just finished a game or practice and they are physically and emotionally exhausted.
3. Always let them know you love them and are proud of them no matter the outcome of the game or practice.

Sometimes the best and only thing you need to say is: “I love watching you play.”

9. Celebrate Small Wins

Improvement doesn’t always look like a hat-trick. Sometimes it’s being braver on the ball, tracking back quicker, or showing leadership with teammates.

Highlighting these small, process-driven wins builds confidence and keeps motivation high.

10. Respect the Process

Player development takes patience. There will be ups and downs, good games and tough games, moments of joy and frustration.

Your job as a parent is to trust the process, reinforce the lessons being taught, and remind your child that growth takes time.

Final Thought

These 10 tips bring the Athlete Triangle to life. When parents, coaches, and players each focus on their role, kids gain the clarity, support, and joy they need to keep growing.

Together, we can create the best environment for our players — one that builds both better athletes and better people.

👉🏻 For further reading…

On parent roles in youth soccer:

Parental Involvement in Youth Sport

Changing the Game Project

On praise and growth mindset:

Growth Mindset

Self Determination Theory