STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2013
“Modern youth soccer is about more than just mastering the ball. The Physiological and intellectual pieces are setting the best players apart from the rest. LVU, steeped in tradition, strives to blend technology and innovations with time tested LVU methods. Our curriculum will put LVU at the forefront of youth soccer in the United Sates.”
–Greg Ramos Ex. Director LVU
Vision
To be one of the most distinctive and competitive youth soccer clubs in the nation.
Lehigh Valley United was founded by Lou Ramos. His vision was to bring together like-minded and talented players from across the Lehigh Valley, and Unite them through a common goal. Ramos wanted to break down the barriers of regionalism in the Lehigh Valley. The notion that the club you played for had to reflect your school district or High School. In the 1990’s Ramos was ahead of his time in that he hired the best trainers and developers of soccer talent around. Lou Ramos was a born leader and great coach. Yet, he knew that no one person has all the right answers. By surrounding himself and the team with experts, he would begin something that was never before seen in this area of Pennsylvania. Lou’s ideas are at the core of LVU today.
Our organization is built upon its leaders, coaches, and administration, whom continually strive to improve and develop. One can view the staff at LVU as perfectionists. They are never satisfied. As goals are met with success, higher standards and new goals are set. The process is on-going and never ends. The youth soccer landscape in the United States is going through exciting and vibrant changes. More players are playing and more soccer clubs are forming every year. To stay at the top of youth soccer development in the United States LVU must be proactive in staying innovative and ahead of the ever-changing youth soccer environment and at the same time continue to adhere to and refine our already successful traditions and methods.
Strategic Focus - 1
Soccer From the Shoulders Up
The ability to think and assess on the soccer field is key to success at the highest levels of the game.
Arsene Wenger on Intelligence:
“The common denominator of successful teams is that the players are intelligent. They can analyze a problem and find a solution. The common denominator of a top level person is that they can objectively assess their performance. You speak to a player after the game and ask him to rate his performance and if he analyzes well, you know he is the sort who will drive home thinking, “I did this wrong, I did that wrong.” His assessment will be correct and, next time, he will rectify it. That player has a chance.”
It is LVU’s goal to be proactive in helping players understand “why” they are doing things, and that they can better assess the cues on the field that necessitate lightning fast decisions. Players should also be accountable for post performance assessment and the correction of errors.
Strategic Focus - 2
SOCCER PROGRAM
Through proper guidance in training sessions and competitions LVU players develop the technique, insight, personality, speed, strength and endurance necessary to excel at the highest levels of soccer. Preparation is key. Coaches monitor the team and players and implement periodization techniques to ensure their peak performance at the right time. Coaches teach short and long term goal setting skills. They stress that players be proactive in their own development through extra skill work on their own. Players learn that their soccer journey is never ending. Each day is another opportunity to achieve a small success along this journey.
Strategic Focus - 3
WE ARE A COMMUNITY. WE ARE UNITED
LVU, as a soccer club is unique in its interpretation of community and the value in which it places upon it. LVU stresses independence and individuality. However, a core value of LVU is relationships. LVU players are good at relationships. Not only with teammates, but with many whom come into their lives. LVU players are taught what it means to play a team sport such as soccer. They are also taught to be aware of social issues, and to be proactive in making a difference in their community through United Gives Back. Teamwork focused around a common goal is key, but even more important is fostering empathy in ourselves for others. When we do this we can make a big difference.
Implementation:
Strengthen the United Gives Back program through resources and man-power.
Take time to reinforce LVU’s core values with players.
Cultivate relationships.
Teach Empathy
Level the playing field for the Lehigh Valley’s culturally diverse (a plethora of talent).
Strategic Focus - 4
LVU STAFF
LVU’s coaching staff is its greatest resource. It is because of our coaches that LVU is one of the best youth soccer clubs in the nation. They dedicate themselves to improving and inspiring young people. There is no more important job than the development of our future talent. That development extends beyond the soccer field at LVU. For this, LVU must strive to hire and retain the best, most qualified staff. I
Implementation:
Create a collegial/academic atmosphere that inspires coaches to inspire.
Support coaches goals of professional development.
Attract new coaches by being innovative and ever evolving.
Stand for core values that are rare to find in the youth soccer environment.
Give coaches the resources necessary to be successful.
