Recapping 1UP’s Final Night at McMahon
1UP Fam, throughout the outdoor season, we’ve had five Thursday night sessions held at McMahon stadium, one of Calgary’s most historic sports venues.
This past Thursday, September 4 was 1UP’s final night of the summer at McMahon. Here’s how the night went:
First up from 5:30-7 was our Grassroots Skills Program led by coach Anthony, Mckenzie and Matteo!
At the same time, 1UP Games day was led by coach Tristan and our U20 Women’s program was led by coach Keegan and coach Will!
This Week in Training:
Defensive Transitions!
(September 8th - September 15th)
Photo courtesy of ShotsbySB
Defensive Transitions!
This week’s objective: Players will gain the tools necessary to stop counter attacks, allowing them to control all moments of the game.
Coaching Points:
Arrive at the ball quickly
Slow down as you get close
Get low and delay
Wait for a trigger to win the ball
bad touch
attacker’s head is down
attacker turns their back
We hope everyone has a great training week!
Click here to view the full indoor 2024-25 training menu
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1UP Coaching Profile:
1UP fam, we feel it’s time you get to know your coaches a bit better!
Every week in the newsletter, we’ll include a coaching profile to share some coaching and personal information about your coaches!
Next up is coach Alec Wells:
Alec Wells started his 1UP journey as an academy player at 16-years old back in 2020.
While enjoying his years as a 1UP player, he quickly transitioned into a junior coach in 1UP’s prestigious Junior Coaching Program.
Just after COVID-19 struck Canada and sports restarted to in person, Wells joined the 1UP advanced coaching staff just before turning 17.
“Coaching with 1UP has been one of the highlights of my footy career,” Wells said. “I love coaching players from a young age and giving them the advice and level of coaching that I wish I had at their age.”
Wells spent two years at St. Thomas University from age 18 to 20 and rejoined the 1UP coaching staff in 2024.
“I love building personal connections with players. One thing I’ve learned from my university playing career is that a player responds better to their coach by trusting them and having that human connection,” Wells said.
Wells also commented on the strength of the 1UP community and credits it to his success as a coach.
“The 1UP community is so solid, I’ve seen the rise of other academies in the city and I can guarantee nobody has the loyalty and dedication quite like the 1UP family,” he said.
“What makes it so special is you have players who want to improve and listen to advice from all coaches, they’re opening to learning which is the most important skill for a young footballer,” Wells added.
Thanking our Sponsors:
Earthfix, Italcor
1UP fam, we’d like to give a massive thank you to our sponsors:
EarthFix, 1UP’s youth jersey sponsor and Italcor, 1UP’s men’s team sponsor.
We are excited to have EarthFix as the Youth Academy front of shirt sponsor on a 2 year deal. Founded in 2001, EarthFix are Calgary’s leaders in erosion control and environmental services!
This partnership brings together two organizations that share a commitment to community, growth, and making a positive impact both on and off the pitch. With Earth Fix’s support, our players will take the field in kits that reflect the strength of our partnership and our shared values.
Graham Fisher, 1UP’s founder, commented on what the sponsorship means to him and the academy, “We would like to send Lyndsay and Dylan from EarthFix a heartfelt thank you for their sponsorship,” Fisher said.
“The Nichols have been apart of the 1UP family for years and we hope this only grows our relationship. You will see the beautiful EarthFix logo on our youth academy shirts starting tomorrow at our Advanced Skills Camp!"
Click below to view EarthFix’s website and social media!
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Italcor Concrete Corp!
A special shoutout to Italcor Concrete Corp for sponsoring our 1UP United men’s team currently competing in CUSA Division 4 for the indoor season. Italcor offers an exclusive 1UP discount on all concrete services. Whether you’re dreaming of a new driveway, patio or walkway, contact @italcorconcrete.corp to turn your vision into reality.
Email Enrico at enrico@italcorconcrete.com and mention 1UP for details.
