Coaches Corner

By John “J.T.” Torres, March 08

Santa Clarita Youth Sports Association Kicks Off!

A new youth association that, in my opinion, will develop into a “one stop shop” for everything involving youths sports has opened its doors in the Santa Clarita Valley.  By definition, the Santa Clarita Youth Sports Association is a alliance of Non-Profit organizations dedicated to providing a positive sports experience for children and families in the Santa Clarita Valley.  SCYSA member organizations are unified in their desire to instill key values of sportsmanship, character and family in the pursuit of excellence on and off the field of play.

I recently had the opportunity to interview James McGoldrick, the new President for the SCYSA.
 James tell me more about the SCYSA, why did you start this association up?
 
Well when we decided to launch the SC Grizzlies, it made sense to form an umbrella organization to manage both the Wildcats and Grizzlies.  Once we had that in place, the next logical step was to invite other like-minded and complimentary organizations to join us.
 
Who are the strategic partners in this endeavor?

 In addition to our football Chapters, the alliance includes SCV Lacrosse, SC Rugby and Phenom Track & Field. 
 
What role will they have in the organization?

We have agreed to utilize our resources to further each others development and to refer players/families between the organizations.

Do you think there are enough youth in this valley to keep another association like this going?
 
Absolutely!  Two of our partners are involved with growth sports and Phenom Track is building its' base every season as Coach Joseph expands his offerings.  Lacrosse is the fastest growing team sport in the country and rugby is a great way to stay in shape and improve agility.  That's the beauty of bringing together these particular sports.

The SCYSA offers youth sports participation in Tackle Football, Cheer, Lacrosse, Rugby and Track & Field.   Check out the following web site for more information.   www.scvgridiron.com/scysa

Youth League Closes Gap in Weights

The Gold Coast Youth Football League had the foresight 2 years ago to insure that younger and lighter players had an even-field to play on and they did this by leaving the Pacific Youth Football League (PYFL).  The issue was that the PYFL was going to have a significant weight disparity in their configuration of just four divisions, not taking into account a fifth weigh class to “even the playing field”.    This decision was not sound then and it is not sound (or safe) now, so in their infinite wisdom, the PYFL has added BACK THE FIFTH DIVISION.   Why?  Depends who you ask. 

But in all logic it would seem, that especially from the perspective of competing with another league, that the Gold Coast League was right after all in staying with the 5 weight classes and not dumping all kids into 4 very broad weigh divisions.  All families’ want is a safe environment to play football in a very competitive league that listens to what the players and families want, not what ONE PERSON who runs the league wants.   I commend the PYFL for bringing back their 5th weight class.   

Lacrosse – Moving Forward

Lacrosse is alive and well in the SCV with the Spartans starting up practices and looking forward to their first scrimmage.   More info?  Check out SCVLacrosse.Com.  Steve Tyson is the local coach, president, vice president, secretary, equipment manager….you get the message.  Literally a one-man band!  Steve has his hands full but Lacrosse is his passion and he will be successful.  Shoot him an email at styson1@socal.rr.com for more information.  

Track and Field

The Phenom Track club is developing some great runners and athletes from their program.   Coach Joseph, an accomplished athlete in football and track in his own right, started the Phenom Track Club with one goal in mind, and that is to provide the best quality training for athletes of all sports in the SCV!   Coach Joseph recently formed a strategic alliance with the Santa Clarita Youth Sports Association.   The goal of Phenom Track Club is to: 

“A persistent desire is to assist our community’s’ youth in establishing a determined vision for continued achievement, excellence, motivation, and development through athletics and academics. We believe that through perseverance, discipline and extreme focus all our scholar/athletes goals can be attained and exceeded on every playing field of life, creating a PHENOM!”

About the writer - Coach Torres is a 20- plus year veteran coach of youth football, baseball and basketball.  He has coached in Las Vegas, Scottsdale, AZ., Washington DC and in Northern California. In Northern California he earned Coach of the Year honors in football. He is also recognized by Football Nation as a member of their Wall of Fame for youth football coaches. Coach Torres is a certified Double-Goal Coach and is also a founding member of the Santa Clarita Wildcats Youth Football organization. Coach Torres can be reached at coachjt1@gmail.com