Club Insights Archives - Dallas Surf Soccer Club https://dallassurf.com/category/dallas-surf-insider/club-insights/ Dallas' Premier Soccer Club Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:38:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 https://dallassurf.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/cropped-fav_568-32x32.png Club Insights Archives - Dallas Surf Soccer Club https://dallassurf.com/category/dallas-surf-insider/club-insights/ 32 32 243925638 MLS Next Academy Division – A New Era for Dallas Surf Soccer Club https://dallassurf.com/ga-summer-playoffs/ Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:37:38 +0000 https://dallassurf.com/?p=1755 The post MLS Next Academy Division – A New Era for Dallas Surf Soccer Club appeared first on Dallas Surf Soccer Club.

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Girls Academy Season Recap

A Strong Finish to Our Inaugural Season

Dallas Surf’s 2009 and 2010 Girls Academy teams closed our first GA season with undefeated performances at the Summer Playoffs and Showcase in Norco, California.

Dallas Surf 2009 Girls Academy players competing at the GA Summer Playoffs and Showcase
Dallas Surf 2009 Girls Academy players competing in Norco, California.
Summer Playoffs and Showcase

Undefeated in Norco

Our 2009 and 2010 Girls Academy teams wrapped up Dallas Surf’s inaugural season in the Girls Academy League with an outstanding performance at the GA Summer Playoffs and Showcase in Norco, California.

Both teams finished the event undefeated and earned the top spot in their respective groups. The performances reflected the progress, commitment, and growth shown by both groups throughout our first Girls Academy season.

The event also gave our players another opportunity to compete on a national stage, test themselves against strong opposition, and showcase how far they have come since the beginning of our GA journey.

Two teams. Two undefeated group finishes. One proud end to our inaugural Girls Academy season.

Dallas Surf 2010 Girls Academy team at the GA Summer Playoffs and Showcase
The Dallas Surf 2010 Girls Academy team in Norco.
Growth Across the Season

Progress We Could See

The results in California were an important achievement, but they also represented something larger. Both teams demonstrated the progress they had made across the season as individuals and as groups.

Players showed greater confidence, stronger relationships, and a clearer understanding of how they wanted to compete. That growth was the result of the work invested by players, coaches, and families throughout the year.

College Exposure

Valuable Opportunities Beyond the Field

The recruiting opportunities at the showcase were equally impressive. More than 85 college programs attended our games, providing valuable exposure for our athletes as they continue through the recruiting process.

NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and Junior College programs from across the country were represented on the sidelines. For our players, this created opportunities to be seen, learn more about the college game, and better understand the different pathways available to them.

85+

College programs attended games during the GA Summer Playoffs and Showcase.

College advisory panel speaking with Girls Academy players at the GA Showcase
Players taking part in a college advisory discussion during the showcase.
College coaches panel at the Girls Academy Showcase
College coaches sharing insight and guidance with athletes at the GA Showcase.
Looking Ahead

Building Toward Year Two

As we close the chapter on our first year in the Girls Academy, we could not be prouder of what our players, coaches, and families have accomplished together.

While we celebrate the progress we have made, our focus remains firmly on continued growth, development, and raising the standard as we move into Year Two.

The foundation has been established. The next challenge is to build upon it, continue improving the daily environment, and create even more opportunities for our players.

The future of Dallas Surf Girls Academy is bright, and we are excited for what comes next.

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]]> 1755 MLS Next Academy Division – A New Era for Dallas Surf Soccer Club https://dallassurf.com/mls-kickoff/ Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:28:05 +0000 https://dallassurf.com/?p=1751 The post MLS Next Academy Division – A New Era for Dallas Surf Soccer Club appeared first on Dallas Surf Soccer Club.

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MLS NEXT Season Preview

A New Era for Dallas Surf

This September, Dallas Surf begins its first-ever season in MLS NEXT and takes an important step forward in the club’s continued growth.

Dallas Surf MLS NEXT players and staff during preseason camp at the University of Central Oklahoma
Dallas Surf MLS NEXT preseason camp at the University of Central Oklahoma.
A Historic Milestone

Our First Season in MLS NEXT

This September marks a historic milestone for Dallas Surf as we begin our first-ever season in MLS NEXT, the highest level of youth soccer in the United States.

Earning the opportunity to compete in this league is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players, coaches, families, and staff. It reflects years of commitment to creating a stronger player development environment and continually raising standards across the club.

This is more than the start of a new season. It is the beginning of a new chapter for Dallas Surf.

Preparing for the Challenge

Building the Foundations in Preseason

Fitness, football, relationships, and standards.

Throughout preseason, our MLS NEXT teams have been preparing for the demands of the season ahead by building fitness, refining our style of play, and establishing the standards that will define us both on and off the field.

An important part of that preparation was our MLS NEXT preseason camp at the University of Central Oklahoma. The camp gave players and staff dedicated time together to train, compete, build relationships, and strengthen the shared understanding that will be essential throughout the season.

Away from the normal weekly schedule, the camp created space for players to focus fully on their development while experiencing the expectations and demands of a high-performance environment.

Prepare Physically

Build the fitness and resilience required to meet the demands of the season.

Refine Our Football

Develop a clearer understanding of how Dallas Surf wants to play.

Raise the Standard

Establish the habits and behaviors expected on and off the field.

The Season Ahead

Ready to Represent Dallas Surf

We are incredibly excited to embark on this new chapter, compete against some of the nation’s leading academies, and continue our commitment to developing outstanding players and even better people.

The season will bring new challenges, new experiences, and new opportunities to learn. Our goal is not simply to participate, but to represent Dallas Surf with courage, humility, and a relentless commitment to improvement.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey. We look forward to representing Dallas Surf Soccer Club and making our community proud as we begin our inaugural MLS NEXT season.

A new level. A new challenge. The same commitment to developing players and people.

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]]> 1751 Coach Spotlight – Sara Alcala https://dallassurf.com/coach-spotlight-saraa/ Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:14:11 +0000 https://dallassurf.com/?p=1742 The post Coach Spotlight – Sara Alcala appeared first on Dallas Surf Soccer Club.

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Coach Spotlight

Meet Coach Sara

Meet the coaches shaping the Dallas Surf player experience, both on and off the field.

Dallas Surf coach Sara Alcala
Dallas Surf Soccer Club

Sara Alcala

Coach, Dallas Surf Soccer Club

Hi, I’m Coach Sara. I was born in Dallas and grew up in Irving, Texas, where my playing journey began through the Irving Soccer Association. From there, I continued playing with several competitive clubs and developed a lasting connection with the game.

I have now been coaching for around five years. What first began as an opportunity quickly became a passion. I wanted to teach young people more than the fundamentals of soccer. I wanted them to experience how enjoyable the game can truly be.

Her Coaching Story

A Love for the Game That Never Went Away

Sara’s experience in soccer extends far beyond the field. As a player, she suffered several injuries that brought disappointment and heartbreak, but those experiences also played an important role in shaping the person and coach she is today.

Although injuries disrupted her playing journey, they never took away her love for soccer. Instead, she grew through those difficult moments and found another way to remain connected to the game by helping young players build their own relationship with it.

For Sara, coaching is not simply about teaching technique or preparing teams to win. It is about helping young people find confidence, enjoyment, and a genuine sense of belonging.

I don’t only coach to win games. I coach to make sure everyone knows that they belong and that they matter.

Coach Sara Alcala
Her Dallas Surf Journey

Finding a Place to Grow

Sara was drawn to Dallas Surf after hearing positive things about the organization and the environment it was working to create. She wanted to contribute to that culture while also continuing to develop herself as a coach.

She describes the move as being like a bird leaving its familiar nest and spreading its wings. It represented both a new opportunity and a chance to challenge herself in a different coaching environment.

As she begins this next chapter, Sara is excited to meet new players and families, share her coaching culture, and help create an environment in which every player feels valued.

Get to Know Sara

Quick-Fire Questions

A little more about Coach Sara, the experiences that shaped her, and what matters most to her.

Which team do you support?

I am a huge Lionel Messi fan, so I follow and support him wherever he plays. Because of him, I also became a Barcelona supporter and follow both the men’s and women’s teams.

What is your favorite DFW restaurant?

Chips Old Fashioned Hamburgers. I love burgers.

What do you want players to remember?

I want their confidence to shine brightly. I want them to know that who they are away from the field matters most, and I hope they learn to love soccer as much as I do.

Tell us one fun fact about you.

My dog has one eye, and I absolutely love him.

What is your most memorable coaching moment?

One of my most memorable moments was winning a tournament with one of my girls’ teams only weeks after losing my dad. In that moment, I realized that the players and parents had become much more than people I happened to coach. They had become family. My own family also surprised me by attending the final to support me, which made the moment even more meaningful.

More Than a Coach

Confidence, Belonging and a Love for Soccer

Sara wants every player she coaches to understand that their value is not determined by a result or by what happens during one game. Her goal is to help players become more confident, enjoy the sport, and recognize that who they are away from soccer matters most.

She is excited to build relationships with new Dallas Surf families and to create a culture where players are supported, challenged, and reminded that they belong.

I want every player to know that they belong, that they matter, and that their confidence should shine brightly.

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]]> 1742 Dallas Surf | MLS Next https://dallassurf.com/dallassurf-mlsnext/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 03:07:11 +0000 https://dallassurf.com/?p=1540 The post Dallas Surf | MLS Next appeared first on Dallas Surf Soccer Club.

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Dallas Surf Accepted Into MLS NEXT Academy Division

 

A New Chapter for Dallas Surf Boys

Dallas Surf has officially been accepted into the MLS NEXT Academy Division, marking an important step forward for the boys program and the continued growth of the club.

MLS NEXT is widely recognized as the premier youth development platform in North America, bringing together top academies and leading clubs in an environment focused on elite competition, professional standards, and long-term player development.

 

The Journey to MLS NEXT

The opportunity to join MLS NEXT Academy Division is the result of years of steady progress within the Dallas Surf boys program.

Over time, the club has continued to raise standards across coaching, training environments, and player development. As the program has grown, so has the ambition to provide players with opportunities that match their level and potential.

Our focus has always been on building the right environment first. That means investing in coaches, creating a clear development pathway through the age groups, and maintaining standards that challenge players every day in training and competition.

Being accepted into MLS NEXT Academy Division reflects that progress and recognizes the work that players, coaches, and families have contributed to building the program.

 

What MLS NEXT Provides

Participation in MLS NEXT Academy Division provides several key opportunities for Dallas Surf players:

Elite Competition

Players compete against strong academies and top clubs in a demanding competitive environment.

National Events

MLS NEXT hosts national events and showcases that bring together elite clubs from across the country.

Exposure to Colleges and Scouts

MLS NEXT events attract significant attention from college programs and professional scouts.

Professional Standards

The platform emphasizes development environments similar to professional academies.

 

What This Means for Dallas Surf Families

For Dallas Surf families, MLS NEXT Academy Division provides players the opportunity to develop in a more challenging and structured environment while remaining part of the club community they already know.

Players will experience higher level competition, national events, and increased exposure to college and professional pathways, all while continuing to train within the Surf development model that focuses on long term growth and strong coaching.

This platform is another step forward in continuing to build an environment where ambitious players can develop and compete at the highest level.

Register your interest in MLS Next AD and our Parent Information Call on April 8th at 8pm.

Dallas Surf MLS Next Page

 

Learn More About MLS NEXT

If you would like to learn more about the platform and how MLS NEXT operates, visit the official MLS NEXT website.

🔗 MLS NEXT Overview

https://www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext

MLS Next Event Calendar

 

 

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]]> 1540 Girls Academy Talent ID Showcase https://dallassurf.com/ga-talent-id-showcase/ Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:26:15 +0000 https://dallassurf.com/?p=1467 The post Girls Academy Talent ID Showcase appeared first on Dallas Surf Soccer Club.

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Dallas Surf GA players invited to attend the GA Frontier Conference Talent ID Showcase

Several Dallas Surf players were recently invited to attend the Girls Academy Frontier Conference Talent ID Showcase, an event that brings together top players from clubs across the conference.

The showcase provides a valuable platform for athletes to compete at an elite level while being observed by college coaches, Girls Academy staff, and U.S. Youth Soccer scouts.

Selections for this event recognize players who are consistently performing at a high level within their club environment.

Competing Among the Top Players

Events like the Girls Academy Talent ID Showcase are designed to identify and support players who are demonstrating the ability to compete at the highest levels of youth soccer.

For our players, this experience provides an opportunity to step into a new environment, challenge themselves against strong competition, and continue progressing within the national Girls Academy pathway.

Recognition at this level is not only a reflection of individual dedication, but also a sign of the continued growth of the Dallas Surf girls program.

We are thrilled to see our athletes gaining exposure to college recruitment and national scouting networks so early in our GA journey. Their participation highlights the pathway we are building for young female players to pursue their soccer dreams at the next level.

Congratulations to our eight Dallas Surf representatives—you are paving the way for future generations and showing what’s possible when talent, commitment, and opportunity come together.

Dallas Surf Players Selected

We are proud to recognize the Dallas Surf players selected for this Girls Academy Talent ID Showcase:

2012 Mia Naranjo 2011 Avelie Reyes
2012 Camila Molina 2010 Grace Garrison
2012 Elena Benitez 2010 Landyn Heisserer
2011 Parker Meyer 2008 Addison Lee

Congratulations to each of these players for representing Dallas Surf at this event.

Their selection reflects the commitment, work ethic, and development they demonstrate every day in training and competition.

Strong Locally. Competitive Nationally.

The Girls Academy platform continues to create meaningful opportunities for our players, and we are proud to see Dallas Surf athletes recognized at events like the GA Frontier Conference Talent ID Showcase.

Congratulations again to the players who represented our club.

We look forward to continuing to see their development and success within the Girls Academy.

For our Dallas Surf members, the Girls Academy 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 GA Director, Nick Heisserer – nheisserer@dallassurf.com

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]]> 1467 Being Part of Surf Nation https://dallassurf.com/surf-nation-spotlight/ Thu, 05 Mar 2026 03:25:12 +0000 https://dallassurf.com/?p=1474 The post Being Part of Surf Nation appeared first on Dallas Surf Soccer Club.

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Dallas Surf is proud of the local community we’ve built here in North Texas.

But through Surf Nation, the opportunities available to our players and coaches extend far beyond Dallas.

Surf Nation is a network of more than 60 clubs and over 40,000 players across the country. That connection brings opportunities for our players and coaches that simply wouldn’t exist if we were operating alone.

For our players and coaches, being part of Surf Nation means access to bigger stages, stronger competition, and a nationwide community that shares the same goal.

Develop better players and better people through the game. Click the image below to see Our Why

Opportunities for Our Players

One of the biggest benefits of being part of Surf Nation is the opportunities it creates for our players.

Last month alone, over 60 Dallas Surf players traveled to San Diego for Surf Select National Weekend, competing alongside some of the best players from Surf clubs across the country.

For many players, this is where the pathway begins.

Regional identification leads to national events, and national events open doors to further opportunities.

But the experiences don’t stop there.

Last year, 18 Dallas Surf players were selected to represent Surf Select internationally, traveling to compete in Europe. Those teams faced elite professional academies, including matches against Manchester United.

For young players, those are once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

They test themselves against the best players in the country and the world, while representing their club and their community.

A National Platform

Being part of Surf Nation also creates opportunities closer to home.

Our players regularly guest play with other Surf clubs across the country, stepping into major tournaments and events they might not otherwise have access to.

That means:

  • Competing against top national competition
  • Playing in some of the biggest youth events in the country
  • Performing in front of college coaches they might never see locally

These experiences stretch players, expose them to different environments, and help them understand what the next level of the game looks like.

And when players are ready to pursue college soccer, those opportunities matter.

Surf Nation has a deep network of connections across the college game, including coaches within the Surf community and major recruiting events that attract hundreds of college programs every year.

Opportunities for Our Coaches

Surf Nation doesn’t only create opportunities for players.

It also creates incredible opportunities for coaches to learn, collaborate, and work at the highest levels of youth soccer.

Each year, Dallas Surf can be selected to work within the Surf Select program, coaching regional and national teams alongside some of the best coaches in the Surf network.

Last year, our Director of Coaching, Gavin Mole had the opportunity to coach multiple Surf Select national teams, including an unforgettable trip to Salou, Spain.

There, his U11 team competed against elite European academies including Valencia and Braga, eventually reaching the semifinals before falling to FC Porto.

This year, he will again represent Surf Nation internationally, coaching the 2013 boys national team in Northern Ireland.

These experiences allow our coaches to work in high-performance environments while bringing new ideas, standards, and learning back to Dallas.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both myself and the players. As a coach, testing ourselves against the best U11 team I’ve ever seen in Valencia was incredible. But more importantly, our players got to see what it truly looks like to be among the best young players in the world. The atmosphere was unbelievable. Valencia teams lined the field playing drums and chanting as we played. It was something none of us will ever forget.” Gavin Mole

Recognizing Coaching Excellence

Dallas Surf also celebrates coaching excellence each year.

Each year, the Dallas Surf Coach of the Year award provides a coach the opportunity to lead a Surf Select National Team.

This year’s Dallas Surf winner, Chase Shutz, will travel to England to coach the 2011 Boys Surf Select National Team, representing Surf Nation on an international stage.

For our coaches, these opportunities are not just rewards.

They are experiences that raise standards and help our entire club grow.

A Nationwide Coaching Community

Another powerful part of Surf Nation is the national coaching community.

Coaches across the country share ideas, resources, and conversations around one central focus.

How do we develop better players?

From national leadership summits to everyday conversations between clubs, Surf Nation creates an environment where coaches can learn from each other and continue to grow professionally.

That collaboration strengthens every club involved.

And ultimately, it benefits the players on the field.

Strong Locally. Connected Nationally.

Dallas Surf will always be rooted in our local community.

But being part of Surf Nation allows our players and coaches to step into opportunities far beyond Dallas.

International competition.

National identification programs.

Major tournaments and recruiting environments.

Coaching development and collaboration across the country.

These experiences raise standards, accelerate development, and open doors.

And they are part of what makes being part of Surf Nation so special.

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]]> 1474 USYS National League Spotlight https://dallassurf.com/national-league-spotlight/ Sat, 22 Nov 2025 02:55:43 +0000 https://dallassurf.com/?p=1365 The post USYS National League Spotlight appeared first on Dallas Surf Soccer Club.

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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

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]]> 1365 Designing Training Sessions: Coach Engagement Program https://dallassurf.com/designing-soccer-training-sessions/ Mon, 22 Sep 2025 21:10:36 +0000 https://dallassurf.com/?p=1296 The post Designing Training Sessions: Coach Engagement Program appeared first on Dallas Surf Soccer Club.

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Why Designing Training Sessions?

Designing soccer training sessions is the backbone of coaching. When done well, they help players fall in love with the game, give clarity, build natural intensity and flow, and ensure learning transfers from training to matchday.

That’s why our second Coach Engagement Night focused on the fundamentals of designing soccer training sessions — one of the foundations of long-term player development. We came together to explore what it truly means to create sessions that bring joy to players, are game-relevant, and stay aligned with our player development philosophy and training methodology.

The goal was to get every coach on the same page about the universal reference points of soccer. In other words: what we coach — the objective knowledge we know to be true about the game — rather than how we coach through our own subjective opinions.

By clarifying what never changes, we build a stronger foundation for how we apply it as Dallas Surf coaches.

Our Director of Coaching & Methodology, Gavin Mole introducing the purpose of the evening.

Key Themes for Designing Soccer Training Sessions

  • Joy Matters

Even as we focused on objective knowledge, we started with an important reminder: Joy fuels a love for the game, and that love fuels development. Joy is also contagious, keeping players more engaged, and drives long-term growth.

  • Objective Truths are the Starting Point

Whether it’s professional or amateur, men’s or women’s, 11v11 or 3v3 — the game is always the same: One team tries to score and the other tries to stop them and both transition between those states many times during a game. Using Raymond Verheijen’s approach, Soccer can be broken down into soccer actions such as passing, pressing, dribbling, and finishing. Each action has three inseparable components:

  1. Communication (C): Where are my teammates? Where are the opponents? What space is available?

  2. Decision (D): What should I do, and how should I do it?

  3. Execution (E): Executing the decision (technique).

The important point is that execution never comes first. Soccer is a contextual game, which means the rule for training must reflect that. If we design practices that remove communication and decision-making, we move away from the truths of the game. There is a place for isolated practice, but if we accept soccer is a contextual game, then context is the rule. If you move away from that, then we must argue for (isolated) it and not the other way around.

  • Core Games That Cover All Aspects of the Game

We don’t need endless ‘drills’. What we need are repeatable core ‘games’ that players love, where we can scale the challenge up or down to suit the players in front of us. These games should be Simple (more below) & cover all parts of soccer, CDE & game situations (building vs pressing, scoring goals vs defending the goal).

The game itself is the teacher — but this isn’t simply “let them play.” Our job as coaches is to design the environment (exercise) so that learning happens through the exercise, then step in with interventions that connect the activity to the game and accelerate transfer.

  • Simplify – Clarity Over Complexity.

Every session should have one clear focus. This gives clarity to players: “This is the focus. This is the problem we are solving. This is why we are working on it.” In other words, we use our core games to help them to solve a soccer problem. Why core games? Consistency helps us perfect, we eliminate games that aren’t helping us improve or the players dont love, we can gradually increase overload because we have a clear reference for player development.

The games should be simple? (Simple does not mean its easy!) Players can think about the problem they are trying to solve and not the complicated rules of the exercise. The game already contains everything you need, remove anything that create distraction from the focus.

“Simple isn’t easy, simple is clarity.”

Our coaches working hard during the session. Learning is more fun, when you are playing, kids or adults!

On-Field Session Highlights

To put these ideas into action, our staff stepped onto the field together and ran through a 90-minute session. This is what the session looked like…

  • Rondo Variations:

  • 2v1 Dribbling/Finishing:

  • 4v4 + 3 Positional Game:

  • 5v5 Small-Sided Game:

  • 9v9 Team Game

Every activity included CDE (communication → decision → execution), always in context and under pressure from opposition. We also included all game situations, build vs press, score vs stop goals and transitions were present throughout.

It’s important to remember that the specific exercises themselves aren’t what matter most. There are countless drills we could choose from. What matters is the intention behind the design — what problem we’re solving, and how the activity helps players find solutions.

This session focus: Can we progress beyond at least one line?

This meant every player (coach) had to solve soccer problems, interact with the soccer environment (team/opponent), had many opportunities to make decisions (what and how) and execute that decision using technique.

Key Takeaways

This night wasn’t about just showing coaches exercises and a session — there is no purpose or why behind that? As we have said, clarity is key, for players or coaches. It was about aligning on the universal truths of the games and using those to raise training standards, and therefore player development.

Main takeaways:

  • Joy fuels motivation — and motivation drives intensity, which drives development.

  • Soccer truths never change — every action is communication → decision → execution.

  • The game (context) is the starting point — if you move away from that, what’s the purpose?

  • Core games are enough — adapt them to create the right challenge for your players.

  • Clarity beats complexity — simple isn’t easy, but clarity is what players and coaches need most.

We’re proud of our staff for stepping on the field, engaging fully, and challenging each other as we continue to build a ‘best of the best’ environment for our players and staff.

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]]> 1296 Helping You Play at the Next Level: College Advisory Program https://dallassurf.com/college-advisory-program-helping-you-play-at-the-next-level/ Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:13:46 +0000 https://dallassurf.com/?p=1287 The post Helping You Play at the Next Level: College Advisory Program appeared first on Dallas Surf Soccer Club.

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🎓 The College Advisory Program: Your Family’s Guide

🙋 Raise your hand if you remember getting somewhere without asking Siri, Google Maps, or any other navigation app. From here to someplace you had never been before required a paper map, research, and hoping there were no dead ends. If you were lucky, you had directions from a trusted guide who had been there before.

I am your guide for the College Advisory Program. I’ve been down this road as a Player, a Coach, and a Parent. Every time I’ve walked the path over my 41 years in the game, I’ve learned something new. Regardless of what twists and turns you encounter, I am here to help!

🎓 Why This Matters

Navigating your child’s college journey can be incredibly confusing. Considering their college experience can be one of the most important springboards for the rest of their lives, you can’t be too careful.

Dallas Surf has shown their commitment to you by hiring me. Working together, we can simplify what probably feels overwhelming.

“The earlier you start planning, the more options open up for your child’s future.”

⏰ When to Start

In my experience, planning ahead for success is far easier than playing catch-up. That’s why I advise families to begin during the fall semester of Freshman year.

If you want to start earlier, kudos to you! and if you’re playing catch-up, no worries — it just means we’ll need to work a little harder together.

🛠️ What You’ll Get

I’ve carefully crafted annual checklists and supporting materials that walk you through the process step by step. With the addition of FieldLevel as a recruiting resource, we now have everything you need to make this journey!

✅ I’ll also make myself available for 1-on-1 meetings with families so you’re never left guessing.

🏆 Proof of Success

Over the years, Surf players have committed to programs across Division I, II, III, NAIA, and JUCO. Every path looks different — but our program is designed to help every family find the right fit.

Recent Surf players who found their college fit through the guidance and support of our program.

🚀 Ready to Begin?

I’m hoping that after reading this, you’ll check out the first level of resources on our website:

🔗 dallassurf.com/college

I will be here to answer any and all questions. We have the map, we are packed and ready — so let’s get going!

Best,
Lance Williams
lwilliams@dallassurf.com

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The post Helping You Play at the Next Level: College Advisory Program appeared first on Dallas Surf Soccer Club.

]]> 1287 Culture Vision: Coach Engagement Program https://dallassurf.com/culture-vision/ Sat, 06 Sep 2025 14:53:05 +0000 https://dallassurf.com/?p=1267 The post Culture Vision: Coach Engagement Program appeared first on Dallas Surf Soccer Club.

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Culture Starts With the Coaches

Our 2025 Coach Engagement Program kicked off last week with nearly 50 coaches coming together at SCHEELS Learning Center to align, connect, and raise the standard for the season ahead.

What is the Coach Engagement Program?

Our Coach Engagement Program is rooted in a simple principle: Kaizen — the pursuit of continious improvement.

We are committed to investing in our coaches just as we do with our players. By incorporating workshops, establishing shared standards, providing continuous training opportunities, and fostering collaboration, our goal is to create something meaningful, and lasting.

“We strive to be 1% better always — for our players, and for ourselves.”

The Theme of the Night: Culture

We began the evening with one question: “What is culture?”

Culture isn’t a poster on the wall. It’s what we reward, what we tolerate, how we act, and how we respond under pressure. Culture must be actionable, visible, and lived — not just written.

We explored these questions together:

  • What does culture feel like?
  • How do we live it?
  • How do we sustain it?

“Culture isn’t what we say, it’s what we live.”

Discussing and Defining Our MVP’s

We introduced our Mission, Vision, Values and Principles (MVPs) to define how we lead as a club.

Mission = Our Purpose – This is our North Star, why we exist. Every decision must be guided by this.

“The mission of Dallas Surf Soccer Club is to follow the Surf tradition of creating a Best of the Best soccer environment for all players, parents and coaches in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex.”

Vision = Our Aspiration – Our vision gives us direction. It’s the long-term aspiration of the club we are working to become.

“To be the standard of youth development in Texas. Known for competitive play, player centered coaching, and a relentless commitment to improvement. We aim to develop complete players, outstanding teammates, and future leaders, all while building a strong community rooted in Kaizen and the joy of the game.”

Values = Our Beliefs – Values are the beliefs we stand for, the principles that shape our culture and decisions.

Our core values spell out S.U.R.F:

  • Standards
  • Unity
  • Respect
  • Fearless

Principles = Our Guiding Behaviors

Principles are the specific actions and habits that bring our values to life. They’re what you see, hear, and feel when someone is truly living the culture — clear, observable behaviors that guide how we show up for our players and each other.

Bringing Culture to Life

Coaches worked in small groups to define our values. Each group created clear examples for what Standards, Unity, Respect, and Fearless look like on the field, in team behavior, and in communication.

We asked coaches to dig even deeper and define what each principle looks like in action. Not just buzzwords — but Visible, Specific, and Repeatable actionable language and behaviors that reflect who we are.

For example:

Value = Standards – We hold high expectations for ourselves and each other, every day.

Principle = Kaizen

  • ❌ “Get better every day”
  • ❌ “Work hard to improve”

These are motivational but not measurable. Instead, we encourage language like:

  • ✅ Coach: Reflects at least 1x weekly on training sessions
  • ✅ Player: Watches and reflects on 1 game/month
  • ✅ Parent: Will only give feedback when invited by coach

“Words can be powerful. But values and principles must be seen.”

What’s Next

Each coach was challenged to meet with their teams to define what their team standards look like. Together, they’ll choose three key principles/behaviors to live by this season (from our list). These standards need to not just sit on paper — they must repeated, reinforced, and modeled in training sessions, games, team meetings, and everyday interactions.

A huge thank-you to all our coaches for embracing this process with openness and a growth mindset — the same qualities we expect from our players. Remember, culture begins with the coaches. When we model the values we want to see, our athletes will follow. That’s the heart of the Coach Engagement Program, and thanks to everyone’s commitment, we’re off to a fantastic start this year.

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