CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- A new program in recognition of the growing need for properly trained youth soccer coaches, appropriate training programs, and higher level competition and training for more advanced players, is being launched this spring by the Leisure, Youth and Human Services (LYHS) Division at the University of Northern Iowa.

Samuel Lankford, UNI professor of LYHS in the School of Health, Physical Education & Leisure Services, said "Just for Kicks" (JfK) will provide a venue for UNI faculty and graduate students to conduct research, while serving as a soccer resource/information source for northeast Iowa.

"High school teams and competitive soccer teams can benefit from this program that is housed within the Recreation Research & Service Program in LYHS," said Lankford, adding that the program will hold a 7v7 soccer tournament in the UNI-Dome Saturday, April 19. Age brackets will be U14 (under 14) and adult. Games will run 45 minutes with indoor goals and certified referees.

"This academy provides access to athletes that gives our students an excellent opportunity for research and service," said Lankford. "Since the youth players are training and playing year round, it also provides better access for research."

NSCAA trains coaches and provides a venue to share research results from the studies. Its coaching education program results in diplomas for high school, recreational and competitive club coaches. NUHS recently offered two of these diploma courses with the help of the partnership. The UNI Outdoor Adventure program provides experiential leadership development opportunities for the athlete.

Lankford said the organization is also working to establish "community liaisons" to help make contact in neighboring communities and with the Bosnian and Hispanic soccer clubs within the area.

Lankford says the JfK program is a good fit for UNI. "We have completed one dissertation on soccer coaching, one thesis is nearly complete on parents and competitiveness in youth soccer and one study and journal article have been developed on the economics of soccer tournaments."

He said other planned studies include: motivation in youth soccer; research on why youth players stop participating in organized soccer; coaching strategies for the advanced athlete; and cultural importance of soccer among ethnic groups within the Cedar Valley .

Lankford said there are some 4,000 to 6,000 youth soccer players within a 70-mile radius of the area and there are a number of volunteer coaches who need training.

For more information, contact Lankford at (319) 273-6840. Link: Just for Kicks

HPELS Hall of Excellence. Aug. 28th, 2008.

New members of the Elinor A. Crawford and William R. Thrall will be inducted on Saturday, September 6, 2008. New inductees include: Dr. David W. Bacharach , Dr. Cynthia S. Carlisle, Dr. Marchell M. Cuppett, Dr. Loran D. Erdmann, Roy R. Fielding, Dr. Linda M. Law, Dr. Margaret R. Morris, Lois J. Mussett, Dr. Robert J. Ritson, Rick J. Schupbach, Dr. Norene A. Smith, Dr. Susan J. Tarr and Susan K. Welch . For more information and tickets to the induction brunch, contact Carol Bean at (319) 273-2840.

Camp Falcon Pride. Aug. 28th, 2008.

POLAR Scholar Program featured at the Pre-Olympic Scientific Congress. Aug. 28th, 2008.

The full emersion, contextually based Masters of Arts Degree in Physical Education Teaching with emphasis on technology with Grundy Center Community Schools, Polar Electro Inc., PE4Life, and the School of HPELS, concluded its third year of operation was featured in a 90 minute presentation at the 2008 International Convention of Science, Education and Medicine in Sport held in Guangzhou, The Peoples Republic of China. Dr. Christopher Edginton (UNI), Beth Kirkpatrick (POLAR), Dr. Paul Schempp ( University of Georgia ) and Emily Jones (University of Georgia/former graduate of the program) made presentations as a part of the program.

Sprint Foundation Program of Excellence Award to UNI's American Humanics, Inc. program.

Doctoral Student in LYHS. April 30, 2007.