At NPSC, we believe every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive through sports. This Giving Tuesday, we’re inviting our community to join us in supporting the NPSC Scholarship and Financial Aid Fund, which ensures that no child is left on the sidelines due to financial barriers. Last year, thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, we awarded approximately $25,000 in financial aid, helping one in ten kids in our programs access local sports programming. Your donation goes directly to providing opportunities for children who might otherwise miss out on the benefits of youth sports: teamwork, confidence, discipline, and lifelong friendships. Giving Tuesday is about more than donations; it’s about community. Every contribution, big or small, helps NPSC continue to build a welcoming, inclusive environment where all players can reach their full potential. Here’s how you can participate: Donate online to the Scholarship and Financial Aid Fund Share our campaign with your friends, family, and social networks Encourage others to support youth sports and the next generation of athletes This Giving Tuesday, make an investment in the future of local youth sports. Together, we can ensure that every child who wants to play, can play.

NPSC is thrilled to share several exciting improvements taking shape across our travel soccer program, changes driven by the vision, expertise, and leadership of our new Technical Director, Doug Orr. Over the past several weeks, Doug has begun implementing a training model that is raising the level of instruction for both players and coaches, strengthening our competitive edge, and creating a more unified developmental pathway across age groups. One of the first major initiatives was a technical-and-tactical training session with the Boys U12 and Girls U11 teams which emphasized one of the most important concepts in the modern game: switching the point of attack. Players and coaches learned what switching play is, why it matters, when to use it, when to avoid it, where it should happen on the field, and how to execute it effectively. Over a 90-minute, five-step progression, players practiced the skills, decision-making, and field awareness needed to move the ball with purpose and break down defensive pressure. A second major event was the tactical learning session Doug led with our Boys U14 team. This session focused on preparing the boys to face the top-ranked opponent in their division. Doug designed a session centered on real-game application, using a controlled scrimmage between the U14s and an older, more experienced U15 squad. This environment allowed players to learn under pressure and coaches to watch tactical concepts come to life. During this session, Doug introduced the group to a 4-5-1 formation, emphasizing how to use compact defensive shape, disciplined midfield lines, and smart positional choices to manage stronger opponents. Players were taught when to concede possession, how to force play into less dangerous areas, and why allowing long-range shots and wide attacks can be part of an effective defensive strategy. On the attacking side, the focus shifted to the timing and purpose of counterattacks—helping players understand how to quickly transition from defense to offense with purpose and confidence. These sessions are just the beginning. Doug’s vision ensures that all NPSC players, regardless of team or age, will benefit from consistent, high-level coaching focused on long-term development, game intelligence, and competitive excellence. We are incredibly excited for what’s ahead and look forward to seeing the continued growth of our players, coaches, and entire travel program. Look for more exciting updates about improvements to NPSC's travel soccer program in the near future! #NPSCisUnited