Philadelphia Union

Welcome to the February Edition of the Affiliate Newsletter!

It's been a cold start to 2026, but we won't let the frigid temps hold us back, right? In this month's newsletter, we explore:

Technical Drills at home in The Modern Player.
Affiliate Club Spotlight: HTRSA.
Training Sessions:
- Field: Quick Pressing Rondo
- GK: Reading and Beating Pressure

Thank you for being part of our Affiliate family, and please enjoy this month’s issue.

— CJ Seemuller, Senior Youth Coordinator

Technical Drills at Home

By: Coach Andrew Bennett

Why do touches at home?
The main objective of training at home is to improve technical skills and become more comfortable with the ball. These skills are the building blocks for every action we perform in a game. Many passes and shots are unsuccessful, not because of decision-making, but because the player does not have complete control of the ball before executing the action.

Limitations
The main limitations of training at home are space, equipment, and the lack of other players. Activities must involve little to no equipment, as players are not expected to have access to a full range of training tools or large practice areas. Without teammates, there is also a limited tactical component, meaning the focus shifts almost entirely to the player on the ball. As a result, home training naturally becomes technical rather than tactical.

Ball mastery and juggling
One of the most effective activities a player can perform at home is juggling. This involves keeping the ball in the air using different parts of the body, including the feet, knees, and chest, with an emphasis on the feet. Juggling improves eye–ball coordination and overall comfort on the ball. Players can create challenges such as using only the right foot, only the left foot, or alternating feet on every touch.

Ball mastery focuses on using all parts of the foot to manipulate the ball: inside, outside, and sole. Players are encouraged to use both feet, as this increases versatility and effectiveness in the game. Ball mastery sequences allow players to get many touches within a small space. An example is the outside–inside ball mastery movement. The player takes an outside touch followed immediately by an inside touch with the right foot, then repeats the same sequence with the left foot. This pattern allows constant repetition while staying in one area.

Both activities require no equipment other than a ball.

Game translation
These activities transfer to the game through repetition and familiarity. Many ball mastery movements closely resemble game-related skill moves, allowing players to practice them unopposed. The next step is applying these skills in team training or matches, where players face opposition. Players must be confident and willing to attempt newly learned or mastered skills in a competitive environment.

Another key benefit is overall comfort on the ball. When the ball is consistently under control, actions such as passing and shooting become easier and more reliable.

Conclusion
Extra touches on the ball are always beneficial. The goal is to add new skills or touches, improve both the stronger and weaker foot, and gradually master these skills. Once mastered, players should be able to perform them consistently and confidently in game situations.

Club Spotlight: HTRSA

By: Coach Dan Abel

What was the original inspiration that led to the founding of the club?

Founded in 1976, HTRSA was established to provide an elite soccer experience for players in Hamilton Township (Mercer County), New Jersey. While recreational soccer has been a staple in Hamilton since the early 1950s, HTRSA was created to bridge the gap between recreational play and competitive travel soccer.

How would you describe the core mission that drives HTRSA?

Our mission is to provide a fun, developmental soccer experience for players in Hamilton and our surrounding communities. We pride ourselves on offering inclusive programming that caters to both recreational players and those seeking a more competitive, high-level environment.

How do the colors and design of the team's logo reflect the identity of the club and the community it represents?

HTRSA’s colors, red, white, and blue with stars and stripes, are a direct reflection of the United States flag and seal. This design was a popular and patriotic choice during the country’s bicentennial in 1976, the same year the club was founded.

In your opinion, what has been the most important factor behind the club's success so far?

The club’s success is a testament to the deep passion for soccer within our community. Hamilton and Mercer County share a rich soccer history; on any given weekend during the season, you can find roughly 1,500 children playing soccer across the township. That community-wide dedication is the engine behind everything we do.

Looking back at the club's journey, what specific milestones or achievements are you most proud of?

HTRSA has a long legacy of excellence, including:

State Championships: Winning at least five NJ State Cup championships during the early to mid-1980s.

Elite Talent: Developing players who have been honored as High School Soccer Players of the Year and others who have reached the professional ranks in the MLS and beyond.

Community Longevity: We are most proud of our "multi-generational" culture. Many of our current coaches and administrators grew up playing for HTRSA and have now returned to give back to the next generation.

Could you share the story behind becoming a Philadelphia Union affiliate and how that partnership has impacted the club?

After the challenges of COVID-19, our travel program required a complete restart. We grew rapidly, expanding from 6 teams to 16 in just three years. To sustain this growth, we sought a partner that offered world-class training and developmental philosophy. By partnering with the Philadelphia Union, the gold standard for MLS player development, we have gained a direct line to expert guidance, ensuring our program continues to thrive with a clear, professional path for our players.

What is your long-term vision for HTRSA, and how do you see the club’s influence on the soccer community expanding in the coming years?

With the upcoming World Cup, we anticipate a massive surge of interest in the sport. HTRSA aims to lead that growth by providing top-tier programming at an accessible price point. We are committed to ensuring that players from all economic backgrounds can enjoy and develop in "the beautiful game." Through our Union affiliation, we provide tangible pathways for players to reach the next level, whatever their personal goals may be.

Is there any other part of the HTRSA story or its culture that you feel is important for people to know?

HTRSA is currently undergoing a "renaissance." Our partnership with the Union is just one step in a larger project to return the club to the heights of its historical success. We view the Union not just as a service provider, but as a true partner in our mission to revitalize soccer in Hamilton.