Philadelphia Union

Welcome to the June Edition of the Affiliate Newsletter!

Summer is upon us! That means club season has wrapped up, and families prepare for the Summer Camp Season! There's so much to talk about so we crammed as much as we could into this month's newsletter... It's our biggest one yet! See below:

World Cup Celebrations
The Modern Player
- Beat the Heat: Best Hot Weather Practices
Affiliate Club Spotlight
- Liam Woods, Technical Director of FC Montco
- The Lady Lions of Falls FC
The Coaching Corner
- GK: 4 Color Square
- Field: 1v1 Duel - Back to Goal
Events
- Soccer Trip to Portugal 2027
- 3v3 Regional Tournament: Youth & Adult Age Groups!

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

— CJ Seemuller, Senior Youth Coordinator

World Cup Activities

By Dan Abel

With the World Cup here, the Union is ready to play its part in making sure fans have a great experience. At Union Yards, the Union is hosting Soccer Celebrations, so fans have a place to watch live World Cup matches. Soccer Celebration will be free to attend with advance registration, with parking available in Lots G and H. With live entertainment, giveaways, great food options, and other activities, it will be a great way to experience the beautiful game’s largest competition! If you would like to get your tickets, you can get them online HERE.

5 Ways Parents Can Help Their Kids Beat the Heat at Summer Soccer Camp

By CJ Seemuller

Summer soccer camp is one of the best ways for young players to stay active, build confidence, improve their skills, and make new friends. But long hours on the field during the hottest months of the year can be challenging. A little preparation goes a long way in helping players stay safe, comfortable, and ready to perform their best.

Here are five simple ways parents can help their children stay cool and healthy during summer soccer camp.

1. Make Hydration a Priority

Staying hydrated is one of the most important parts of playing sports in warm weather. Waiting until your child feels thirsty is often too late.
Encourage your child to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to camp and throughout each day of camp. Sending them with a large insulated water bottle filled with cold water can help them stay hydrated during training sessions.
For especially hot days, consider adding an electrolyte drink or electrolyte tablets to help replace minerals lost through sweat.

2. Dress for the Heat

What your child wears can make a big difference in how comfortable they feel on the field.

Choose lightweight, breathable clothing designed for athletic activity. Moisture-wicking fabrics help pull sweat away from the skin, allowing players to stay cooler during training.

Light-colored clothing is also a smart choice because it reflects sunlight better than darker colors. A hat or cap can provide additional protection during breaks and while off the field.

3. Protect Their Skin

A day of soccer is much more enjoyable without the discomfort of a sunburn.

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher about 30 minutes before camp begins. Be sure to reapply every two hours, especially on days when players are sweating heavily.

Don't forget areas that are often overlooked, including the ears, neck, and lips. A lip balm with SPF protection can help prevent painful sunburn on the lips.

4. Encourage Rest and Recovery

Playing hard is important, but so is knowing when to take a break.

Quality soccer camps build rest periods into the daily schedule, giving players opportunities to cool down and recover in shaded areas. Encourage your child to use those breaks wisely by resting, hydrating, and avoiding unnecessary physical activity.

Proper recovery helps prevent heat-related illnesses and allows players to maintain their energy throughout the day.

5. Fuel Their Body with the Right Foods

Good nutrition helps young athletes perform at their best, especially in the summer heat.

Before camp, make sure your child eats a balanced meal that includes carbohydrates for energy, protein for recovery, and healthy fats for sustained fuel.

For snacks, choose foods that help with hydration, such as watermelon, oranges, grapes, and cucumbers. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks can help avoid energy crashes during training sessions.

Final Thoughts

Summer soccer camp should be fun, challenging, and rewarding. By focusing on hydration, proper clothing, sun protection, rest, and nutrition, parents can help their young athletes stay safe and enjoy every minute on the field.

A little preparation before camp can make a big difference once the training begins.

Affiliate Coach Spotlight: Liam Woods and the Incredible Growth of FC Montco

By Lucas Milazzo

The Philadelphia Union Youth Affiliate program is built on a shared passion for developing young athletes and growing the game of soccer. This month, we are thrilled to put the spotlight on Coach Liam Woods, a cornerstone of FC Montco, PA, one of our most dedicated affiliates. Over the years, FC Montco has experienced phenomenal growth, and a massive reason for that success is the leadership, dedication, and heart that Coach Liam brings to the pitch every single day. We caught up with Liam to discuss his journey, his coaching philosophy, and the powerful bond between FC Montco and the Philadelphia Union.

Building More Than Just Athletes

For Coach Liam, the soccer field is a classroom for life. His core coaching mission is simple yet profound: guide young players through the game while fostering a deep, lifelong love for the sport.

"Soccer teaches many life lessons beyond just the sport. It creates upstanding individuals in and out of the pitch."

-Coach Liam

Through an emphasis on sportsmanship, Liam focuses on building tight-knit bonds among his athletes and expanding the soccer community for the next generation. He views modern youth sports as a tool for teaching resilience, stepping up as a leader to guide his players through the inevitable ups and downs of competitive sports, and inspiring them to fight for their dreams.

A 12-Year Legacy of Growth

Coach Liam’s impact on the Greater Philadelphia soccer community spans over a decade. He first joined FC Montco 12 years ago as a trainer. Through hard work and a clear vision for youth development, he has risen to become the club’s Technical Director.

During his tenure, and fueled by a strong affiliate collaboration with the Philadelphia Union Youth, FC Montco has seen its organization nearly triple in size, expanding from an initial 14 teams to an impressive 32 teams, with no signs of slowing down.

History-Making Success on the Pitch

The hard work happening behind the scenes has translated into massive success on the field. On May 16, 2026, Coach Liam led the 2010 Boys Dragons to a historic State Cup Championship with a dominant 4-0 victory in the final.

The Dragons put together an unforgettable, unbeaten run throughout the entire competition, boasting a massive positive goal differential. While the trophy is a historic milestone for FC Montco, the true victory for Coach Liam is the lifelong memory and character built within his players.

Paving Pathways to the Next Level

A true leader makes everyone around them better, and Liam’s legacy is highly visible in the futures of his players. Thanks to his guidance, FC Montco athletes are regularly committing to college soccer programs across the country.

Furthermore, the club's close affiliation with the Philadelphia Union has opened doors to the professional track. Under Liam's leadership, FC Montco has successfully helped players transition into elite development systems, including: the Player Pathway Program, Philadelphia Union Academy & Union 2.

A Proud Partnership

Coach Liam is a highly decorated leader whose success is measured by his tireless dedication to youth soccer. The Philadelphia Union is incredibly proud and honored to count FC Montco and Coach Liam as vital parts of our Youth Affiliate family.

Congratulations to Coach Liam and the entire FC Montco community on a historic season. We cannot wait to see what the future holds!

Falls SC Lady Lions

By Juan Flores

Coach Bob Kovack, Lady Lions

This month, we are proud to highlight the incredible season of the Falls SC Lady Lions. Under the leadership of Head Coach Bob Kovack and Coach Bill, the Lady Lions put together an unforgettable run to the Pennsylvania State Cup Final, showcasing resilience, loyalty, and a team-first mentality every step of the way.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the foundation on which it was built. Many of these players have been together since the club's first girls academy program in 2018, choosing to remain with Falls SC because of the bonds they have formed with one another and their belief in the club's vision. Their journey is a testament to what can be accomplished when players, coaches, and families commit to a common goal.

The Lady Lions' development has also been supported by a dedicated coaching staff and training environment. Philadelphia Union trainer Kyle Nichols has worked with the team for the past three seasons, helping continue the culture and standards established by previous Union Youth trainer Thiago, whose influence remains a part of the team's training today. Alongside Director of Coaching Dave McGillivary and goalkeeper coach Remo Patitucci, the coaching staff has helped create an environment where players can thrive and compete at the highest levels.

Despite injuries, adversity, and the challenges that come with a demanding season, the Lady Lions continued to find ways to succeed. Their run to the State Cup Final captured the attention of the Falls SC community, bringing together families, supporters, and fans who proudly followed the team's journey.

We caught up with Coach Bob to reflect on the season, the team's culture, and what lies ahead as the Lady Lions continue their journey at Regionals in Connecticut.

For those who may not know you, can you tell us a little about yourself with Falls SC?

Coach Bill and I started with the girls in 2018 with our first-ever girls' Falls Soccer academy program. There are seven girls from Falls Soccer Academy still on the Lady Lions today (Liv, Juliet, Lucy, Tori, Caelyn, Stephanie, and Piper). At that time, there was just one girls' travel team (2005 FSC Lady Dragons). Our first Union trainer, Thiago, was crucial in building the foundation of our team in our first three seasons, and we still use his drills. We now train with Union trainer, Kyle (3 seasons), under the watchful eye of our DOC, Dave, and goalkeeper coach Remo.

This team made an impressive run. What does that accomplishment mean to you and the players?

It is so rewarding for our players as they all chose to stay with our small club because of their love and loyalty for one another. It is humbling to see the sacrifices our girls continue to make despite countless opportunities and offers to leave.

What were some of the key factors that contributed to the team's success this season?

The girls' training regimen and schedule from December to March are the reasons we are experiencing success in State Cups. We took first in the Top Flight of the EDP Winter Classic against top competition, followed by high-level friendlies during the "winter offseason". However, the most important reason we are where we are is due to high attendance on late Thursday nights at our Speed Pursuit 2.0 indoor training facility. This was the best attendance we have ever had, and it showed.

Was there a particular moment during the season when you realized this group was capable of something special?

Honestly, there was not really one particular moment, but Coach Bill and I knew this team was capable of going far in Cups when we won a few games early on despite not playing our best, but grinding it out as a team.

How did the team respond to challenges and adversity throughout the year? We have experienced a torn ACL (Cate), six concussions (E, Stella W., Liv, Ri, Cali, and Avery). We played a few matches this year with limited numbers, but it gave others the opportunity to get more minutes, and the girls took advantage of it. It was tremendous to see players like Stella C. and Foley step up and drastically improve their play in training sessions and various matches. Adding Kai in the winter for depth was huge, too.

Are there any players, leaders, or unsung heroes you'd like to recognize for their contributions this season?

Our team is built on the rocks in the middle with our center backs, Juliet, Liv, and Audriana, center mid Piper, and of course, our goalie, Ri. Caelyn (who has played in 310 out of 311 career Lady Lion games) continuing to play through an ankle injury this year was inspiring to all. Emma K. was our offensive MVP in the entire Pa State Cup, while Super Stella and Bren have applied a lot of pressure up top as well. Diaz and Syd making personal sacrifices to learn our complex "6" in our formation is not surprising, given the amazing teammates that they are. Tori and Lucy remain consistent in multiple positions over the years.

What lessons do you hope the players take away from this experience, both on and off the field?

We stress all the time that although we are a small club (seven girls' travel teams in our club's history), we are a big team that can do big things. Falls Soccer Lady Lions are not about chasing the fancy letters or writing a big check to a big club in hopes of something better. Anything in life can be accomplished when you believe in those around you, no matter how tall the task may be.

How has this team's journey reflected the values and culture of your club?

We are a family-first club with township grass fields and a concession stand run by our Sanchez family (which has seen three travel kids and one college player play at Falls) that isn't afraid of a little hard work and tackling the impossible.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with the players, families, supporters, and community who followed the team's journey this season?

It was humbling to see veteran superfan Nancy and close to 200 Falls Soccer fans at the State Cup final at WSFS, Chester. The Lady Lions thank you all. However, about 10 days after our overtime final loss, our number one fan, five-year-old Sara, was still there on a hot Thursday night to watch "her Lady Lions" scrimmage for 20 minutes at Falls Park.

When asked by her Dad, "Ok you saw your Lady Lions, so are you ready to go?"

"Not yet," Sara said.

So, to all of our loyal fans, we say we are not done yet, just like Sara. The Lady Lions are excited to continue our journey at Regionals in Connecticut. See you there, Sara.

Coaching for the Coaches!

See this month's Training Sessions below.

GK Activity - By Dan Abel

4 Color Square

Field Activity - By Andrew Bennett

1v1 Duel - Back to Goal

Philadelphia Union Portugal Tour 2027

We are excited to share that the dates for the Philadelphia Union Portugal Tour 2027 have been confirmed for March 19–27, 2027. This amazing soccer trip is open to anyone interested in a unique European Soccer experience!!!

The graphics below outline the basic itinerary, and if you want to learn more, please review the Zoom Presentations below. You may also contact Sky Dumont directly with any questions you may have sdumont@philadelphiaunion.com.

Zoom Presentation Recordings

If you were unable to attend any of our presentations, recordings are available through the links below:

P HILADELPHIA UNION PORTUGAL TOUR 2027 - ZOOM RECORDING - SUNDAY, May 31

PHILADELPHIA UNION PORTUGAL TOUR 2027 - ZOOM RECORDING - MONDAY, June 1

To secure your place at the discounted rate:

Please complete your registration by August 30. 2026, using the registration link below:

TOUR REGISTRATION LINK \- PORTUGAL 2027 - CLICK HERE

Important Registration Information

The discounted rate is available through August 30. 2026.
A $300 USD deposit per participant is required to reserve your spot.
Please use your primary email address when registering through WeTravel.
Once on the registration page, click the green “Select” button to begin.
Families should register all players and supporters under a single booking whenever possible.
Credit and debit card payments are subject to a 2.9% processing fee.
Payments may also be made free of charge via electronic check.

For assistance with the WeTravel registration process, please CLICK HERE.

Refund Policy

Please note that all deposits are fully refundable up to 120 days before departure. The complete reservation terms and conditions can be reviewed in the WeTravel portal during registration. Following the registration period, we will schedule our next tour meeting to review the itinerary in greater detail, discuss flight options, and answer any additional questions you may have.

We look forward to working with your family and providing what promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Kind regards,

EPL Sports Tours

3v3 Regional Tournament

The Philadelphia Union is proud to present our first-ever 3v3 Tournament, where the game is stripped down, turned up, and played at full speed. With more touches, more action, and nowhere to hide, every moment counts. This is soccer at its purest—fast-paced, competitive, and built for players who want the ball at their feet. Three a side. Nothing to hide.

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