Helena Youth Soccer Association

Coaches Corner

Welcome to the 2024 Spring soccer season!

As all of us are anxiously waiting to get on the field to see our players play, I wanted to send a quick update on what we have been busy doing since the Fall season.

Throughout the winter months we had numerous players playing for the Montana Olympic Development Program.  All the players represented our Arsenal program well and were able to travel with their respective teams to represent Montana.

We also hosted two sessions of futsal at the Salvation Army Gym here in Helena.  Futsal is the FIFA-recognized form of small-sided indoor football (the word is a contraction of the Spanish 'fútbol sala'). It is played between two teams who each have five players on the pitch at any one time, with rolling substitutes and a smaller ball that is harder and less bouncy.  The small amount of space means players must have great technique and skill.  It is also considered a development tool for 11-a-side football.  During the two sessions we had over 175 players participate, 21 coaches, 10 referees, and multiple weekends of great futsal.  I am looking forward to seeing the work that was put in on the indoor courts translate into success on the outdoor fields.

This winter we hosted 9v9 and 11v11 coaching courses for all our coaches.  We had over 15 coaches take advantage of the course to get their license.  In April we will be hosting US Soccer's D License Course here in Helena.

I am looking forward to watching all our teams play this spring and compete at so many different locations.  I will be walking around the fields all spring to catch as many games as possible and meet all our great families.

Thank you for all you do for our club and the positive support.

Pete Johnson

Director of Coaching