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WELCOME TO ORONO WESTONKA SOCCER CLUB

The Orono Westonka Soccer Club is committed to providing high-quality and fun youth soccer programs to families in the Orono and Westonka areas. Our goal is to build sportsmanship, self-confidence and teamwork through participation in soccer. We are a non-profit organization that relies on a network of volunteers and professionals to deliver our programs.

OWSC COVID-19 Update 5/22/2020

By OWSC Board 05/22/2020, 9:30pm CDT

Dear Orono Westonka Soccer Club Families,

 

We hope you are all continuing to stay safe and healthy.  We have been continuing to work on our Return to Play - Plan for this spring/summer season and monitoring guidance from MN government authorities and soccer leagues (MYSA/TCSL).  Our goal as a club remains focused on providing soccer training activities this summer, doing so in an environment that keeps safety and well-being as the top priority.

 

This communication includes:

  1. OWSC Families Return to Play - Survey:  Please click HERE to provide feedback
  2. Important updates and our developing plan for Return to Play at OWSC:  Please read below

 

Latest updates from MN Dept of Health, MYSA, TCSL and OWSC:

“On Wednesday, Governor Walz held a press conference and provided additional details for the Stay Safe Plan that includes gradual expansion for organized youth sports and training activities. With this permitted expansion, we are officially entering Phase 2 of our Return-to-Play Plan effective June 1, 2020. 

We are excited to implement our plan and are relying on clubs, coaches, parents, and players to adhere to the rules and guidelines that were made in collaboration with Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA), Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission (MASC). We will continue to rely on Governor Walz for direction on when to move into successive phase expansion and remain vigilant to creating a safe environment for youth players.” 

  • Summer league play (games) for MYSA/TCSL have officially been canceled.  While this was an extremely difficult decision to make, TSCL shared factors that went into this decision were:
    • Uncertain timeline
    • Club and family considerations
    • Integrity of the leagues
  • While matches/games will not happen this summer, both MYSA and TCSL, as well as OWSC, are committed to a gradual and safe Return to Play environment for soccer.
  • Watch for more information to come soon related to the financial aspects of the above decisions.

 

Below are the Return to Play - Guiding Principles developed for OWSC families:

  • Focus on the health and safety of players, coaches, and community
  • Be thoughtful and cautious in our planning
  • Be respectful of player/parent choice
  • Provide a safe environment for those looking to continue in-person soccer
  • Be flexible in our thinking and programming
  • Be open and transparent in our planning and communication
  • Return value to our players and soccer community

 

Below are the Return to Play - Phases developed (thus far) for OWSC:

SUMMER TRAINING PHASE

On-field training

U12+ players only (optional, opt-in via Sign-Up Genius)

Age-Based Training 

No Recreational players

No Total Team Training (10 players or less, see MN Dept of Health guidance above)

No more than 2 “Pods” per 9 v 9 field (see MN Dept of Health guidance above)

No more than 4 “Pods” per 11 v 11 field (see MN Dept of Health guidance above)

Continue Virtual Training 

Start Date:  June 1st, 2020

 

SMALL SIDED PHASE

On-field training

Small group training (see MN Dept of Health “Future Steps” above)

All age players - Competitive, Recreational, Development Academy

Interclub Small Scrimmages (see MN Dept of Health “Future Steps” above)

Reunite Designated Teams (see MN Dept of Health “Future Steps” above)

Continue Virtual Training 

Start Date:  To be determined (Dependent on MN Dept of Health future guidance and expansion of parameters)

 

FULL TRAINING/MATCHES PHASE

On-field training

Large group training

All age players - Competitive, Recreational, Development Academy

Matches (Games)

Full Team Training

No Tournaments

Continue Virtual Training 

Start Date:  To be determined (Dependent on MN Dept of Health future guidance and expansion of parameters)

 

We hope this update provides families more clarity on our developing Return to Play plan, as well as the inputs and guidance we will be following as a club to do so in a manner that keeps safety and well-being as the top priority.  We also appreciate any feedback you can provide via the OWSC Families Return to Play - Survey.  Your input is always important to us, yet critical at an unprecedented time as this.  

 

We wanted to conclude with a quote from yesterday’s MN Dept of Health update as it sums up accurately why we are dedicated to developing a Return to Play plan for our OWSC families: “In support of the National Youth Sports Strategy aims, we recognize that sports provide opportunities for youth to develop or maintain fitness, specific skills, mental well-being, and social-emotional health.  We want to support youth in engaging in sports, but we want to do it in a way that will keep them safe.  Below are specific parameters to support youth sports in a way that will minimize transmission of COVID-19.”

 

We wish you a relaxing Memorial Day weekend.  Please watch for more details coming next week.

 

Best,

Orono Westonka Soccer Club

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Facebook Live Training Sessions (previously recorded)

1,000 Touch Challenge

Dear OWSC Families,

In follow up to our club update on Friday 3/20 about the impact COVID-19 is having to soccer operations, we are excited to share our first of several "Soccer Training at Home" communication. Keeping our kids moving will be important for their physical, mental and intellectual well-being during this time of self-isolation from family and friends. Here we go!

#1 - 1,000 Touch Challenge

  • Parents and players can access the video to this challenge HERE on YouTube. This will also be posted to OWSC social media.
  • WHAT is the challenge?  
  • Player watches the instruction video and works to achieve (at least) 1,000 touches with the soccer ball.  
  • No limit to daily touches, do as many as you can for as many days as you like!
  • You can print the attached document as an easy way for players to track their ball touches weekly.
  • Here is a list of recommended different types of touches:
  • Alternate Juggling x 50
  • Toe Taps x 100
  • Foundations (Inside/Inside) x 100
  • Inside/Outside x50
  • Inside/Outside/Outside x 100
  • V-drag Inside x 100
  • V-drag Outside x 100
  • Sole/Outside x 100
  • Sole/Out-In x 50
  • Sole Rolls x 100
  • L-drags x 50
  • Cryuff Turns x 50
  • Pull-Backs x 50
  • WHEN is the challenge?
  • It starts TODAY and will run until we start playing soccer outside.
  • WHO is eligible for this challenge?
  • All current OWSC players (Lil Lakers/Recreation and Competitive)
  • HOW do players submit their activity?
  • Parents send an email to Grant Steine vouching your player completed this challenge.  
  • Optional: Parents can send a short video of players in action doing their touches at home and (if desired) grant permission to post on OWSC social media.
  • Is there a PRIZE for completing this challenge?
  • Yes! The player who completes the most touches during this time will receive FREE tickets for themselves and 2 friends to a MN United soccer game!

We hope your players have fun with this!

Our Best - Orono Westonka Soccer Club

 

COVID-19 Update 3/20/2020

Dear OWSC Families, 

 

As the global effect of coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, OWSC is firmly committed to the health and safety of our members and employees.  We are closely monitoring the changing situation, and complying with public health guidance.  Last week we made the decision to suspend soccer activities and wanted to provide an update.  

Welu Indoor Soccer Complex remains closed and all in-person soccer programming (both competitive and recreation/Lil Lakers) are suspended indefinitely due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  

We know the news of soccer being on hold is hard for not only the kids but also the parents. In the interim, our soccer staff will start sending out activities using different electronic vehicles (email, social media, etc.).  

Please keep your eyes out for these activities coming soon!

Spring Competitive Soccer

We are working with US Club Soccer, Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) and Twin Cities Soccer League (TCSL) on how the spring competitive season could look, and when.  TCSL and MYSA are both weighing options and making contingency plans based on potential outcomes. We are early in this journey and will be keeping in alignment with all organizations through this process.  

Once we receive updates in Mid-April, and if the spring season is delayed further, we will provide information regarding any refunds at that time.

  • 3.17.20 US Club Soccer Update:  

  • 3.16.20 Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA):  

  • 3.17.20 Twin Cities Soccer League (TCSL):  

  • April Tournaments:  As you can imagine, tournament directors are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and will follow suit with organizations such as US Club Soccer once more is known.  They have committed to providing the next update to soccer clubs by April 1st.  

  • Technical Academy:  We know the last day of this was supposed to be March 16th and had to be canceled.  We will be issuing a refund for members who were signed up for that day. 

Recreation/Lil Lakers Soccer

Lil Lakers is managed in house and this will allow us to be flexible in scheduling once we are able to move forward.  We know how important it will be for our children to exercise and run around after spending so much time inside. We will update you all on future programming once we are able based on government and health agencies.  Once we receive updates in Mid-Late April, we will provide information regarding any refunds at that time if the season doesn’t happen.

  • Lil Lakers Saturday Program:  We know the last day of our last session was canceled.  We will be issuing a refund for members who were signed up for that day.

  • For those wondering what Lil Lakers is all about:  We are proud to offer the Lil Lakers Recreational Soccer program to provide our young players with an entry-level opportunity to learn the fundamentals of soccer and enjoy the game with their friends in a relaxed environment. It is an in-house program with parent-volunteer coaches where the focus is on fun rather than high-level competition.

We are committed to all of our players, families and our local community.  While we know it is hard for all of the players to not participate together in an activity they love, we also know this pause in time is necessary to protect player health and safety.  Thank you for your support. Be safe and be well.

Our Best - Orono Westonka Soccer Club

REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN:

 

Spring 2020 Registration fees will increase by 20% if you register after November 15th.  Registration closes February 15th.

Seeking OWSC Board Members

The Orono Westonka Soccer Club is a non-profit organization, which requires parent involvement and leadership to support our soccer community. Starting in January 2020, we are seeking individuals to fill a 3-year term for open board positions.  Expertise/skillsets desired:

 

  • Fundraising
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Soccer
  • Operations

 

This is a "working" board and as a member, you will be expected to lead a subcommittee that will help shape the future of our club!

If you have an interest in applying for an open position or to learn more, please contact our current OWSC Board President at president@oronowestonkasoccer.org.  The deadline for all applications and inquiries is 1-10-2020.

Please see the OWSC board application below.

Thank you for your consideration!  We look forward to hearing from you.

OWSC Board

SPRING 2020 Uniform Ordering

The Club is in the middle our our current uniform cycle that will be used through the 2020 Fall Season.  Players who are new to the club this fall or did not play the 2019 Spring season need to order a uniform kit. 

The Required Uniform Kit will include: 

* 2 Under Armour Jerseys ( home and away)

* 1 Pair Under Armour Red Shorts

* 1 Pair Under Armour White  Socks

 

News

Volunteers Needed!

OWSC is in need of volunteers to help get our new indoor training facility ready!  Please click the link below for volunteer opportunities.

OWSC ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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