The NSCAA Convention is more than just on-field clinics and lecture sessions, as there are plenty of other events in which to partake.

Here’s a short list of special sessions, events and happenings waiting for you at the 2013 Convention in Indianapolis.

Next Generation Coach

Next Generation Coach, previously termed “So You Want to Be a Soccer Coach” is now in its second year. This program is designed specifically for college and high school students interested in becoming a soccer coach. Presenters Deb Raber and Gary Cook will give educational sessions on how to take the first step in becoming a soccer coach for any age level. The program will be to be held all day and other special gifts. Additionally, attendees will have access to sessions taking place in the Convention.  For more information and register, click here.

All-America Banquet

The National Soccer Coaches Association of America is recognized leader in naming All-America soccer players. The NSCAA will be recognizing these award winners at the Annual Convention, as nearly 800 players who have been named NSCAA All-America will be invited to the Convention to be honored.  Please join us from Saturday, Jan. 19 from noon until 3 p.m. to recognizing these outstanding student athletes.

US Youth Soccer Workshop

The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and US Youth Soccer, two of the nation’s soccer leaders, are merging their respective annual gatherings for the first time in January 2013 to create the game’s most influential event of the year. The combined convention will appeal to the entire soccer community as US Youth Soccer brings the annual US Youth Soccer Workshop to the NSCAA Convention. The US Youth Soccer Workshop sessions will be held throughout the Convention. You can find US Youth Soccer sessions on the Convention master schedule here.

MLS Super Draft

For the tenth consecutive year, the NSCAA Convention will serve as the host of the MLS SuperDraft. This year’s version will commence at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, in the Indianapolis Convention Center Sagamore Ballroom. The event is free to the public and always brings a high level of excitement to the Convention as supporter groups march the halls as the next potential MLS stars are selected. Once again, the event will be televised on ESPN2. For more information on the MLS SuperDraft and college players entering the draft, visit MLSsoccer.com.

4-A-Side Tournament

The annual Walt Chyzowych 4-A-Side Tournament starts Saturday, Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. on in the Convention Center’s Exhibit Halls C and D. Always a highly competitive, fan-friendly event, the 4-A-Side Tournament will take place on one of the demonstration pitches at the Convention Center. Registration is on the Exhibit Floor and spots are first come, first serve. The tournament is named in memory of Walt Chyzowych, who helped shape soccer in America. He served as coach of the U.S. National Team, U.S. Olympic Team and was Director of Coaching for U.S. Soccer, to name just a few of the positions he held. All registration fees go to the Walt Chyzowych Memorial Fund, which now is part of the NSCAA Foundation. The fund was created to support programs and people who are committed to the betterment of soccer. The donations aid in financial assistance, grants and scholarships for players and coaches serving in academics and soccer education.

Special Awards Banquet

This year marks the 66^th annual NSCAA Awards Banquets. There are multiple functions for the high school, college, and youth soccer Awards. On Friday morning, the NSCAA High School and Youth Soccer Awards Breakfast will be held at 8 a.m. in the JW Marriott White River Ballroom. That evening, the Annual Awards Banquet will be held at 7 p.m. in the JW Marriott Grand Ballroom. This is the time that the most prestigious awards are given to coaches. These awards include Coach of the Year, Long-Term Service and Special Recognition. These awards are available only to NSCAA member coaches and their players.  For more information on the NSCAA awards, visit nscaa.com/awards.

You can register for the 2013 NSCAA Convention in Indianapolis, January 16-20 at NSCAA.com/convention/registration.

Additional 2013 Convention News:
[+] Navigating the Convention: Your guide to taking advantage of all the 2013 Convention has to offer
[+] Answers to frequently asked questions about the 2013 NSCAA Convention
[+] Innovate to Elevate: The 2013 Convention is ready to inspire and prepare coaches for the next level

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