Happy New Year To My Wizards Family!

Happy New Year to my Wizards Family!

Thanks for all your hard work and supporting me as your coach... I'm very thankful to have this team and I will do everything I can to make 2012 even better!

Happy New Year, boldog új évet, kali xronia, szczęśliwego nowego roku, buon anno, feliz año nuevo, bonne année, gelukkig nieuwjaar, blwyddyn newydd dda, nav varsh ki subhkamna, sreyna nova godina, feliz año nuevo...

(I hope I covered all the languages from our Wizards families - if not , I'm sorry and please add other languages on our facebook page!!!!!!)

-Coach Jim

I found this quote and think it fits our team for 2012!

"Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead

...I have no doubt our team will do great things in 2012!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all my Wizards and your families!

 I found this xmas related link on arsenal.com - Junior Gunners Club Christmas Party...

On Friday, 500 kids got to watch the Arsenal practice, have a Q&A session with Arsene Wenger and then have a meal and autograph session with the players... watch the video, the team works on a keep-away drill with 6 outside with 2 defenders inside! Pretty cool that even the pros practice the basics too! Watch how they all pass AND MOVE! ...you will hear me say that a million times in 2012 LOL!!!

So, have a blessed and restfull holiday and see you soon!

-Coach Jim

2012 Player Development Sessions at WSC

The Welland Soccer Club's Technical Department will deliver 8 weeks of player development sessions for all players.


The sessions are intended to enhance player development, as well as ensure that players learn the enjoyment of the game. Our age group (born 2000) will start Tuesday January 17.  For those boys not playing in the Niagara Falls Tuesday Night League, I would encourage you to sign-up - Coach Rob and Coach Frank are tremendous teachers.

 Also included in these sessions will be a goalkeeper component (this night is yet to be determined).

All participating players must register at the Welland Soccer Club, 469 Rice Road, in Welland before January 10, 2012. Cost is $100.00 per player.

Office hours: 2-9 pm Monday through Thursday

Please note the WSC office closed December 23rd to January 2nd

The Technical Development department reserves the right to alter the session

nights to accommodate registration numbers.

Thanks
Coach Jim

Inspiring stories from WSC "Grads"!

Guys, please read this link about a Welland Soccer Club Graduate, Simon Gatti, who is trying out for the Montreal Impact's first MLS Training Camp! Simon was coached in Welland by Frank DeChellis (U9-10-11)...  Our last training for 2011 with Coach Frank is this Thursday night.

Also here are an article in last week's Welland Tribune about Sabrina D'Angelo (Coach Gerry's daughter) and her very promising career at the University of South Carolina

How inspiring and exciting are these stories?!?!?!!! 

Coach Jim

My take on training this morning

Guys, let me take a minute to tell you I was VERY impressed this morning... you guys were stringing passes together, keeping possession of the ball and finishing when the opportunity was there...

You will hear me say it a million times during the year - BALL POSSESSION is EVERYTHING...we have to want that ball more than the other team, and then we have to keep that ball for ourselves... they can have the ball back after we put it their net!

Well done!

-Coach Jim

Twas the last training before Christmas!

Hi everyone, a quick touchbase before Christmas... 

We have our last Sunday AM Training with Clayton tomorrow and our last Thursday Night Training with Coach Frank at WSC on Thursday.

I am finalizing plans for our team practices and training (from January to March) and will update you thru email, this blog and our facebook page...

Thanks
Coach Jim

A Very Merry Wizard Christmas

Check out our Cake Santa's eyes as Angie slices into his neck LOL!!!

Well our first annual Wizards Christmas Bash was fantastic.  Thank you everyone for coming out today. We had a great time, a wonderful way to wind down a very memorable 2011!

I'm so proud of my team - a great group of kids! Have a peaceful and blessed Christmas.

Coach Jim

Extra Practice Opportunity Tonight

Hi all, just a reminder that we are invited to join in on Coach Danilo’s Team’s Practice tonight at Sinnicks from 5:30—7:00pm… please feel free to join in and get some touches if you interested…. Remember to bring $7.00 to help share the cost of the dome rental…

Thanks

Coach Jim

PS Team XMAS Party Count Down = 3 days!

No Practice Tomorrow Night

Hi guys, the practice tomorrow PM at Sinnicks will be rescheduled.

Coach Jim

Winter Indoor Competitive League & Training Wednesday Night

Hi Parents and Players,

Coach Danilo and I will be coaching an Winter Indoor Competitive Team in a league that is run out of the Niagara Falls Sinnicks Complex.

This Winter Team will be a combination of our U12 Wizards Team and his U14 Roma Team.  The games will be on Tuesday nights and will run for 16 weeks from early December to early April.

I like this idea very much for my players as this will be much more challenging that playing House League over the winter, i.e. it will be competitive and with older players - we can only stand to become better as a team as our boys develop their skills in a challenging environment.

This is not a mandatory part of my U12 Wizards Team, but is available as a great training opportunity to all my players. 

The cost to submit a team in this league is $1,800.00. The cost per player will depend on the number of players registered (we will likely have 12-13 players approx $150-$160 per player for 16 weeks of Winter Soccer).

I need you to let me know within the next few days if you are interested in joining... It will be a blast!

Parents, as always please let me know if rides are an issue-if you want your son to play we can make it work!

Wednesday Night Practice at Sinnicks: the open invite to join Coach Danilo’s Team’s practice at his Wednesday practice still stands... from 5:30pm to 7:00pm at Sinnicks (for $7.00 to help shared the dome rental cost). I was not able to be there last week because of the WSC AGM but will be there with Dino this Wednesday.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Coach Jim

Spots still available for Sunday AM Training

Hi everyone, just checking in with those who have not been coming out for Sunday AM
Training with Clayton but would still like to...

We have four more sessions left - this Sunday Nov 27, Dec 4, 11 and 18.... The prorated cost is $75.00 for the four sessions....

Please let me know if you are interested, and pls don't let rides get in the way.... If you want to come we will all work together to make it possible!

Please email or call me ASAP!
Thanks
Coach Jim

Team Christmas Party & Other News

HI everyone, I have confirmed our Team Christmas Party for Saturday, December 10 at Dave & Buster’s in Niagara Falls... it will be the same idea as our year-end banquet... we will have the area on the 2^nd Floor looking down on Clifton Hill... the food will be all-you-can eat Pizza, Salad and Pop... the pricing as follows (taxes are included):

$20.00 for Players - food and $20.00 Power Card (siblings are welcome to join)

$24.00 for Parents - food and $20.0 Power Card (you can play or give you card to your kid!)

$16.00 for Parents – food only (no card)

We can start arriving any time after  11:00am  – food will be served at noon.  We can stay as long as we want...parents can order a drink for two from the bar... I will collect $$$  when you arrive but please email me with a “yes attending” or “not attending”,  and how many are joining the Party (Players, Parents and Siblings)...

Boys - the Lazer Tag will be included as a  Merry Christmas to you!

I hope that this will be a great time to have some fun and get to know each other better.

Extra Practice Opportunity for Wednesday Nights

We have been invited to practice with the U14 Roma Boys Team on Wednesday nights at the Sinnicks Sportplex in Niagara Falls... the practice runs from 5:30 – 7:00 and cost is $7.00 per practice (to help cover Dome rental)... This is an extra opportunity to get out and work on skills with an older group of players - which is a great opportunity!  Please don’t let rides get in the way! Let me know if you would like to come out but need a ride, and we will try to work something out!

Facebook Team Page

I hope you like our Team Facebook Page that I set up over the weekend.... it does not take the place of our team blog , it’s a place on facebook for us to share picture, stories, birthdays  etc, etc... I tried to invite everyone all at once and for some reason not everyone got added at the same time, so I’m still working on it... let me know if anyone is missing... lets invite our families as well!

Thanks, and please let me know if you have any questions

Coach Jim

Coach Jim's Updates

Hi Team and Parents, 

A quick update on team activities and plans:

Currently we have 8 boys training on Thursday PMs at the Welland Soccer Club with Coach Frank DiChellis, and 9 boys training on Sunday AMs at Sinnicks in Niagara Falls with Clayton Rosario. Many boys are also playing indoor at the WSC Friday Nights!  Lots of soccer being played and we LOVE IT!

I am planning on getting a few Team Practices indoor at WSC in the coming weeks - I will let you know details when I get the WSC booked.

We will take a Christmas break, and then in January-February-March we will have once/week Team Practices at the Sinnicks Complex in Niagara Falls.  I am partnering with another team to share costs of rental of the dome and will let you know shortly the exact dates, times and costs.  During the Jan-March time-frame there will also be other training delivered by the WSC Technical Department which the boys can join as well. 

Speaking of Christmas, I would like to organize a Team Christmas Party for parents and players.  I am targetting the afternoon of Saturday, December 10th or 17th... please mark on your calenders and let me know which of those days work for you...

Beginining in April we will start twice/week practices in gearing up for the season.  And of course, one of the highlights of the year, we will have our Sherkston ShoresTraining Camp Weekend (before the May 24 weekend). 

Request to Parents: please save our  team’s blog address (http://wellandwizardsteamtalk.blogspot.com/) as a favourite in your internet browsers and ensure the boys see this blog regularly.  I will start posting training and technical videos for the boys to watch which will show them all the same skills that I emphasize in practice.  I will also post fun “Top 10 Goals”  type videos as well... it is very important that the boys continue to develop their love for soccer (which is one of the main reasons why I created this blog)...Thanks!

Oh -  and please make friends with me and each other on facebook! I post team related stuff on my profile.

Please let me know if you have any questions... talk soon...

Coach Jim

Ground Breaking for New Sports Complex!

Hi everyone... fantastic news - the ground breaking for the new River Road Sports Complex took place yesterday!  This is HUGE for our boys... we will have a world-class facility to play and train in year round!

 Please click here for the link to the story in the Welland Tribune! 

2011 Welland Soccer Club Year End Banquet

For all 2011 Players and Parents,

Our Welland Soccer Club Year End Banquet (to close off the 2011 season) will be on Thursday November 3 at Dave & Buster's entertainment restaurant in Niagara Falls.

The night includes a buffet dinner of all you can eat: Chicken, Pasta, Salad, soft drinks... also included: all Soccer players will receive a $20 Dave & Buster's Player card that they can use that night on over 200 games from the classics to the latest & greatest video, arcade and sports games!

The Welland Soccer Club will cover the cost of all players. Parents are welcome to join in the banquet meal for $15 each. Siblings are also welcome to attend for a cost of $20 (covers their meal & $20 Player Card). Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Welland Soccer Club at 469 Rice Road and are available NOW through to October 31st.

*         Dinner will be served at 6:30 pm

*         Team Award presentations will follow dinner

*         Player cards will be handed out with your 2011 Soccer Plaques

TEAM YEAR BOOK DVD:  We have a special gift Team Year Book DVD for our Players and Families... special thanks to Liam’s Mom Jane who spent countless hours editing and reediting over 300 pictures into a wonderful keepsake for the boys of our amazing season! I have seen the video and it's EPIC!

Dave & Buster’s

4955 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L2G 3N5

Parking is available at any of the sites nearby

Parents & Players - we look forward to hearing your feedback on our attempt to make this year's soccer banquet a unique & memorable event for the players by holding it at an entertainment venue like Dave & Busters. Your feedback will guide our selection for next year's banquet.

The Club's office is open Monday through Thursday from 2pm to 9pm

(Cash, Debit MC/Visa)

WSC: 905-735-8106

Thanks and see you there!

Coach Jim

Introducing Your Welland Wizards U12 Boys for 2012!

Hi everyone, with great pride I introduce to you your new U12 Welland Wizards Select Boys for 2012!

• Henry B
• Jacob B
• Kalen C
• Juan G
• David H
• Jarret H
• Colton J
• Mitchell J
• Liam M
• Jay P
• Bailey S
• Dino T
• Ben V
• Matthew W

Congratulations Boys!  What an awesome group of players!!

I can hardly wait to get started with team work-outs. You will receive an email from me shortly re our workout schedule (October-November-December).  I will work to set up some exhibition games as well. 

I am VERY proud to call you my team!  As your coach, I promise you I will always give you my 100% and do my best to help you become the best you can possibly be.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

See you soon
Coach Jim

Emphasis on Passing the Ball and Ball Control

Boys, I'm watching the Champions League Game, Real Madrid v Lyon, and saw this amazing stat: at the 72 minute mark, Real Madrid had completed 423 passes! 

Think about that for a second... 423 passes in 72 minutes... thats approx 6 completed passes every minute! ...ball control boys, ball control...

UPDATE AFTER BARCA GAME:
Barcelona completed 882 passes v Plzen on Wed...... approx 10 passes completed per minute....oh my!!

Coach Jim

Next Steps

Hi everyone, a quick update on the next steps I have planned...

First of all, let me say what a great effort from the boys during the try-outs! We saw some good quality and the boys are really making me think hard about my decisions. I wish the season could start tomorrow!

I am in the process of completing my evaluations - the ratings of each player on each of the Player Assessment Criteria (which I handed out and you can also find along the left column of the blog). I have a meeting scheduled with our Club Technical Director, Rob Lalama to finalize my roster decisions, and then I will be calling all the players.  The aim is to have this completed by Friday.

Thanks for your efforts and commitment... please feel free to contact me at any time if you have any questions.

Coach Jim

Try-out ~ Saturday 2:00-3:30pm ~ WSC Field 7

Hi everyone, The third try-out session will be Saturday afternoon at the WSC on Field 7 from 2:00-3:30pm. 

I know this is a busy time with some boys playing hockey and family obligations... it is vital that you let me know asap with an email if you cannot make it.

It looks like the weather will be wet and cool so dress accordingly.  As always wear proper outdoor soccer shoes and shin pads and WHITE Shirts... and bring your own water...

Parents: Last week I started to refund the $5.00 I collected at the first try-out (this is the money I collected in error as I thought there was a cost for field rental)... I did not get to eveyone last Saturday so  if I didn't get to you last week, please make sure to see me after the tryout...

Thanks and see you Saturday!

Coach Jim

Try-out ~ Saturday 2:00-3:30pm ~ WSC Field 6

Hi everyone, The second try-out session will be tomorrow at the WSC on Field 6A (beside 7) from 2:00-3:30pm.

Parents:  the Club told me there is no charge for field rentals for try-outs – so, for those who gave me $ on October 1, I will return it tomorrow... my apologies!

As always wear proper outdoor soccer shoes and shin pads and WHITE Shirts... bring lots of water to splash on your heads – the weather will be great!

Thanks and see you tomorrow

Coach Jim

WSC Technical Development Sessions!

Hi everyone,

 The Welland Soccer Club's Technical Department will deliver 8 weeks of player development sessions for all players.

The sessions are intended to enhance player development as well as ensure that players learn the enjoyment of the game of soccer. These technical development sessions are not related to the team try-outs, but I do highly recommend them to everyone.

The sessions for our age group will run on Thursday's from 6 pm - 7:30 pm, indoor at the WSC beginning Thursday October 27, 2011.

Cost is $100 per player.

Also included in these sessions will be a goalkeeper component - the night has yet to be determined.

All participating players must register at the Welland Soccer Club, 469 Rice Road, Welland before October 20, 2011. Office hours: 2-9 pm Monday through Thursday

The Technical Development department reserves the right to alter the session nights to accommodate registration numbers.

-Coach Jim

"Always give your best, because only your best is acceptable"

Exhibition / Evaluation Game CANCELLED

Hello everyone, the Exhibition/Evaluation Game for tomorrow has been cancelled.   We have been advised  that there is an OSA Rule which states that Club Teams may not play School Teams in Exhibition Games - under any conditions.

Tryouts will continue as scheduled with  the next session at the Welland Soccer Club, Saturday October 8 from 2:00-3:30 on Field 6A

I’m very sorry for any confusion

Coach Jim

A Great Start & Exhibition/Evaluation Game Details

Hi everyone, we had a great first try-out last night!  The boys showed lots of energy and were serious about the team... I loved it !

Exhibition/Evaluation Game Details

I have confirmed with Clayton that we need to meet as a group at Ridley College on Saturday morning, 9:30am, outside (in front) of the hockey arena... (the futsal boys know where that is!)... We will go to the field from there...  

Players are to wear a WHITE top, I will give them red pinnies to wear... it looks like it will be cool and possibly wet...

PLEASE EMAIL ME A “YES WILL BE THERE” OR “NO, WILL NOT BE THERE” so that I know how many players will show...

GENERAL COMMENT RE THE GAME: Parents, please do not read anything into whether or not your son starts, or how many minutes he played, or at which position he played, or what the score is... I will not be coaching to win this game... this is an opportunity for me to see the players work in a simulated game "vs a live opponent" -  as opposed to drills at a try-out... I will move players around to see different combinations in different positions and simply observe...   

Thanks and see you Saturday AM at Ridley at 9:30am

Coach Jim

WANTED: Y2K BOYS THAT LOVE SOCCER

TRY-OUTS for the new Welland Wizards U12 Boys (born in 2000) are set as follows:

• Tuesday Sept 27 - 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm – Field 7, Welland Soccer Club
• Saturday, Oct 1 - 10:00 am to 11:30 am (*** this will be an Exhibition/Evaluation Game at Ridley College v the Ridley u12s)
• Saturday, Oct 8 - 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm – Field 6A, Welland Soccer Club
• Saturday, Oct 15 - 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Field 7, Welland Soccer Club

Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to start time. Players must wear white shirts/tops – no club gear.

Parents, I understand that this is a busy time of year and some of the boys will have conflicts with hockey and the like.  It is vital that you contact me through email or phone if you cannot attend any of these try-outs.

Thanks,  I’m very excited to get things rolling!

Coach Jim

U12 "Winter" Wizards Try-outs/Work-outs Starting Soon!

Hi everyone, get ready... the U12 Team Try-outs/Work-outs will start soon!

Coach Jim

The sun came up this morning...

To the players ("my boys"),

Last night was a shock to the system, and it hurts to lose...  but the sun did come up this morning!  

My take on the game: I would rather lose playing soccer than win playing "kick-ball"...Alot of teams we played this year couldn't play soccer with us, so they played "kick-ball"... I have always taught you to play a positive style, proper game of soccer... that won't change...

The Ref was right when he stopped by our bench after the game to tell us that he had never seen a team more unlucky than we were last night, that the ball just didn't bounce our way... he said that we controlled the game and did not deserve to lose. I didn't like all those hand-balls he called against us but appreciated he took the time to talk to us... 

You are a special group of young men. I am so proud of you, proud to be called your "Coach".  I have great great memories that will stay with me... thank you boys...

Hold your heads high, and puff out your chests as you read the following accomplishments on the season:

• CHAMPIONS, 49th Annual A.C. Douglas Tournament
• Finalists, TiAmo Festival Cup
• Achieved a 20 win season with 20-6-1 record overall (winning 76% of all our games)
• 14-4 in NYSL league play
• Overall Tournament Record of 6-1-1 (winning 81% of our tournament games)
• 117 NYSL goals scored - which made us the top goal scoring team in any level of the NYSL
• EVERY PLAYER ON THE TEAM SCORED AT LEAST ONE GOAL! ...name me another team that can say that!
• 145 overall goals scored
• +84 Goal Differential in NYSL
• +98 Goal Differential overall

WOW, what a list! No wonder the coaches and your families are so proud of you!   You are the envy of the NYSL, the class of the league!

Let me take a moment to thank Coach Marty...  he sacrificed allot of personal time and effort to help us... much of any credit that may come my way should go directly to Coach Marty - thanks Marty!

And to the parents and families... your support and the kind words were always greatly appreciated, thank you!


TEAM PARTY
We will have a Private Team Party soon (by private I mean only our team, parents and families) ... I'm checking out some ideas... parents, let me know if you have any ideas...


WSC YEAR END BANQUET
The Club's Year End Banquet will be at Dave & Buster's in Niagara Falls in Mid-October... I will confirm details with you ASAP... I understand the boys will get $20.00 play cards with their meals!


TEAM YEAR BOOK DVD

As you know Liam’s Mom Jane has volunteered to create a “Team Year Book Video” for us!

Please give/send to Jane any pictures or videos you may have of the team’s action this year (saved on a USB/Pen Drive or burned to DVD) and she will put together a memory keepsake of our boy’s soccer summer... I have a ton pictures from a Grandfather of one of the Niagara Falls players. He was kind enough to send me pictures he took of our games with Niagara Falls.


OFF-SEASON U12 PROGRAM
Let's take some time off and then start our off-season program sometime in October.  I have submitted a plan for next year to the Welland Soccer Club and am waiting anxiously for approval!  I will contact all of you when I hear back from the Club.  We will come back even stronger next season! We still have some goals to accomplish...

Finally, let me again say "Thank You" everyone, it was an EPIC soccer season!

Coach Jim

Billy Gray Cup Round One Draw @ Port Colborne Thursday, September 15... "WHO WANTS IT?!"

The WIZARDS begin their quest for the BILLY GRAY CUP with a trip to Port Colborne on Thursday night.  Kick-off is at 6:00pm and players MUST BE ON THE FIELD FOR 5:30 WARM-UPS... We will be wearing our REDS...


Semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday, September 17 at 9:00AM and Finals for Sunday September 18 at 9:00AM both at Grimsby Smith #4 Field.

................and it was clear and sunny in Welland (LOL!) Final Practice Tuesday 6:00-7:30PM at WSC Field 6C

Dino and I got back home from the CSL Game last night and could not believe the sunshine and what a beautiful evening it was in Welland (LOL) ! 

I hope everyone who attended our CSL Roma Night had a good time  - despite the rain... It looked like the boys had a blast!

As their coach, I was so very proud to watch our boys escort the pro team out onto the field and stand with them for the national anthem !  A very nice memory for me... youtube video thanks to Iwona (as always!)

FINAL PRACTICE TUESDAY PM
Our last practice before we begin the play-offs is tomorrow night at the WSC from 6:00-7:30PM (please remember the earlier 6:00PM start)


Thanks
Coach Jim

Practice Sun 8:00AM - Team Day at Roma Game

Hi everyone, see you at practice tomorrow 8:00-9:30AM at the WSC!

TEAM ACTIVITY - ROMA GAME UPDATE - 3:30PM
I spoke to the GM of the Roma Wolves and have arranged for our players to walk the Pro Team out onto the field for the Anthem... also some some of the boys can be ball-boys during the game, sit behind the net and the like... Important though that everyone who is coming be at Club Roma by 3:30pm at the latest otherwise you will not be able to participate in the PreGame...MAKE SURE TO WEAR YOUR RED TEAM SHIRT AND BE THERE BY 3:30PM...

Also, parents will not have to buy tickets... the GM will meet us as a group and we will be able to enter with our boys... There will be BBQ, Pizza and drinks to buy from the vendors...  I hope that all of you can make it! 

See you tomorrow
Coach Jim

Team News - Practice & Play-off Schedules

Hi all, a quick reminder that there is no practice tonight... first day of school is enough excitement!

Final three practices of the year are as follows:

·         Thursday September 8 at WSC (6:00–7:30pm) ***earlier time

·         Sunday September 11 at WSC (8:00-9:30am)

·         Tuesday September 13 - our final practice at WSC (6:00-7:30pm) ***earlier time

 

BILLY GRAY CUP PLAY-OFF SCHEDULE

This is a "knock-out" competition (i.e. we win and we keep playing, we lose and we go home)

First Round Draw v Port Colborne

Thursday Sept 15 at Port Colborne (players must be at Port Field by 5:30PM)

Second Round - Opponent TBD (either Lincoln, Niagara Falls or Pelham)

Saturday Sept 17 at Grimsby 9:00am (players must be at Grimsby Field by 8:30 AM)

Championship Game  - Opponent TBD

Sunday Sept 18 at Grimsby at 9:00am (players must be at Grimsby Field by 8:30 AM)

 

TEAM ACTIVITY REMINDER

If you missed my email last week or didn’t see it here on the biog, we received free tickets (thanks to Liam's Mom Jane) for a Roma Wolves CSL game!  We have booked Sunday, September 11 when the Wolves host Capitol City at Club Roma at 4:00pm...


This is a great opportunity for the boys to get together for a fun night out... lets wear our uniforms and show our team pride!... I am arranging (hopefully) for our players to be involved in the pregame ceremonies/coin toss on the field and possibly a Penalty Shoot Out Contest with another team at half time! ...Will keep you posted!


***Please let me know if you can or can't make it...

 

YEAR BOOK VIDEO

Liam’s Mom Jane has volunteered to create a “Team Year Book Video” for us!

Please give to Jane (at practice on Thursday) any pictures or videos you may have of the team’s action this year (saved on a Pen Drive or burned to DVD) and she will put together a memory keepsake of our boy’s soccer summer... I have a ton pictures from a Grandfather of one of the Niagara Falls players. He was kind enough to send me pictures he took of our games with Niagara Falls.

 

TEAM PHOTO

Keegan’s parents Dierk and Aurelia wanted me to share with you that they called FutureStars re team and individual photos - some parents may not have ordered one on Picture Day but want one now.  The person Aurelia spoke to said that if you have made an initial order on Picture Day that you could now make a subsequent order for $9.00.  If you did not make an initial order on Picture Day the cost today would be $16.00 (i.e. you had to have ordered something else already to get the $9 deal). The contact asked Aurelia to share this with anyone else who wanted a picture and team photograph. The contact name was Michelle at FutureStars, 1-800-461-6575.  *****Next year I will try to get you the order sheets ahead of time so that parents are not scrambling to fill out the order form and make payment on the field!

 

YEAR END TEAM BASH

Once we have finished the play-offs we will have a Year End Team Bash (just for our team, this is separate from the WSC Banquet). Parents, please let me know if you have any ideas – I’m open to suggestions that work for everyone!

Thanks

Coach Jim

Magical Wizards Win 20th Game On The Year

Welland 8 : 1 Port Colborne


Your Welland Goals brought to you by: Matthew (3) Juan (2), Liam, David and Lucas (8 goals by 5 different players) ... and another outstanding performance by Colt in net... Coach Jim matched the 8 goals with 8 bee stings LOL's!  Youtube video courtesy of Matthew's Mom Iwona


If you would have told me before the season that we would reach the Final of TiAmo, win the A.C. Douglas Championship, go 14-4 in the NYSL and win 20 matches overall with the Billy Gray Cup still to play, I would not have believed it... We finished the NYSL Regular Season with 4 straight wins by a combined score of 38-3!


I knew this team had grown and would be better than the last few years, but to win 80% of our matches, to score 145 goals and have a goal differential of +101 is astounding!


Every player on the team has scored at least one goal! We earned 4 shut-outs using 5 different Keepers throughout the year...A TRUE TEAM! A REMARKABLE TEAM!  Take pride and be proud of your hard work and accomplishments boys!


NOT FINISHED YET: there is more work to be done - let's go win the Billy Gray Cup starting with our trip to Port Colborne on September 15!  More to come...


Very well done,
Coach Jim


NEXT PRACTICE: THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8 (6:00pm - 7:30pm) at WSC ***earlier time

Final Home Game v Port Colborne 2-NIte

Hi everyone, players must on our home Field 7 at 5:30 for warm-ups for our game v Port Colborne.  We are wearing our "Reds".

Players: even though it's cooler these days, you still need to make sure to pre-hydrate and eat properly before the game: drink one 500ml bottle of water between 2:30-3:30pm, then another glass of water between 4:30-5:00pm.... eat an early light supper (small serving of pasta and lean meat) or snack of nuts, granola bar, trail mix, dried fruit - my favorite choice - a banana) ... Have a full supper after the game… ***I recommend a large cold glass of chocolate milk after the game!...

As always, remember to bring lots of your own water for sipping and splashing on your head during the game!

Pre-Game Thought: including Tournament Play, we have won 19 games so far this year - let's make it 20 tonight!

See you at 5:30pm!
Coach Jim

Welland 12 : 1 NOTL

Boys, what can I say? Thanks for playing so unselfishly and thank you for your patience with me - I tried hard to make everyone happy tonight with playing time and positions  - and believe me, it's no easy task with 14 boys all playing so well!

Your Welland Goals brought to you by Liam (3), Matthew (3) David (2), Juan (2), Miguel and Lucas... 12 goals by 6 different goal scorers ... we have now scored 137 goals this year!  ...and we witnessed the fastest goal in soccer history - David opened the game scoring IN 5 SECONDS! ...I called the Guiness Book of World Records tonight!!!!!!!

We are now 13-4 in league play giving us 39 points and a share of second overall in the division. Let's finish the season strong on Thursday night when we host Port Colborne in our last home game of the season (before the play-offs)... Port Colborne are no push overs - they have won 9 games and we will have to bring our best on Thursday night... See you at the Welland Soccer Club, Field 7 - 5:30 for warm-ups!

Well done,
Coach Jim

GAME TUESDAY @ NOTL - 5:30PM WARM-UPS - WEARING OUR GREENS

Hi everyone, please click here for directions to our game at Niagara On The Lake tomorrow

We will be wearing our GREENS

Parents: Please let me know ASAP if your son cannot play tomorrow night so that I can arrange for appropriate call-ups (if required).

Players must be at the field by 5:30pm for warm-ups... we are not expecting the extreme heat anymore but it' still very important to pre-hydrate: drink one 500ml bottle of water between 3:00-3:30pm, then another glass of water between 5:00-5:30pm....

Eat early and light (e.g. small serving of pasta and lean meat, or snack of nuts, granola bar, trail mix, dried fruit, or my favorite choice - a banana) ...

Have a full supper after the game… I recommend a large cold glass of chocolate milk after the game!...

As always, remember to bring lots of your own water for sipping and splashing on your head during the game!

Lets go get our 13th NYSL win (and 19th overall)!

Thanks
Coach Jim

Team Activity - CSL Soccer Game - Free Tickets!

Team Activity - CSL Soccer Game - Capitol City FC @ Roma Wolves 
Sunday September 11, 4:00pm

Hi everyone, we received free tickets (thanks to Liam's Mom Jane) for a Roma Wolves CSL game!  So let's book Sunday, September 11 when the Wolves host Capitol City at Club Roma at 4:00pm...

This is a great opportunity for the boys to get together for a fun night out... lets wear our uniforms and show our team pride!... I am trying to arrange for our players to be involved in the pregame ceremonies/coin toss on the field and possibly a Penalty Shoot Out Contest with another team at half time! ...Will keep you posted!

Maybe we can combine with a Pizza Party?... parents, let me know if you have any ideas.... and please let me know if you can or can't make it...

Thanks
Coach Jim

Sunday Practice 8:00-9:30AM @ Field 7 WSC

Hi guys, see you tommorow 8:00AM on our homefield at WSC... remember, 8:00AM is not 8:07 or 8:12 !!!

Coach Jim

Check Out Today's Welland Tribune Sports Section

See Sports  Page 1: "BIG ROAD WIN"... click here to see on-line link from theTrib...

Coach Jim

EPIC WIZARDS SCORE "HAT TRICK OF HAT TRICKS" !

Welland 14 : 0 West Lincoln

Wonderful game boys!  Well done, I saw glimpses of  Man U and Barca out there tonight!  We actually had a "Hat Trick of Hat Tricks" tonight! Three boys scored hat tricks!  EPIC!  Tonight we earned our 12th NYSL win and our 18th win of the season (including tournament play)... We have 36 points and are tied for second in our division. This win was also our 4th shut-out of the season and we have now scored 125 goals this season! Well done!

Your Welland Goals brought to you by: David (3), Mitchell (3), Matthew (3), Juan (2), Liam, Lucas, and Dino... Shut-out shared by Colton and Henry... Colton with the spectacular save of a PK! 

...see you at practice Sunday - 8:00AM SHARP!!!

NEXT GAME: Tuesday, August 30 @ NOTL  ***Early Kick-Off***  Players must be at NOTL by 5:30 pm for warm-ups!

BLOG UPDATE: as of last week, this blog has had 7000 hits since last September!  7000 hits from 16 different countries - I never imagined! 


Thanks
Coach Jim

REMINDER :Rescheduled West Lincoln Game Tomorrow

Hi everyone, our game at West Lincoln (which was called off due to the extreme heat on July 21) is on at 6:30 pm on for tomorrow night Field 2 in West Lincoln (Smithville)  As always players must be at the field no later than 6:00pm (30 minutes prior to KO) for warm-ups.

Coach Jim

NO Practice Sunday - but Soccer Homework 4 U!

Enjoy sleeping in boys... I still want you to practice your juggling, step-overs, roll-over, and cryuffs!

Cryuff Turn by the Master himself

Soccer Dribbling Drill you can do at home

Step Over Turn - Deadly move for you to leave defenders in the dust!

Nice article on dribbling - 7 Key Fundamentals

See you Tuesday
Coach Jim

Welland 4 : 1 Niagara Falls

Congratulations boys on completing your season sweep of Niagara Falls going 4-0 against them in NYSL and tournament play! 

Please understand why I talk about the season sweep... not to brag or to be smug, that would be wrong - we always respect our opponents.... I bring it up to tell you how truly proud we are of you in this fantastic accomplishment... it is very difficult to beat another team 4 times in one season, and make no mistake NF is a good team... so to sweep them in all competitions (as we did with another good team going 5-0 v  Roma) is a HUGE accomplishment and one you should be very very proud of! Your coaches and parents are very proud of you!

Your Welland Goals brought to you by Matthew (another hat-trick!) and Juan... and 7 other boys almost scored LOL!  Mackenzie was awesome in net!

Rest up boys,  you deserve it!  You are 9-1 in your last 10 matches! We have improved to 11-4 in the NYSL... for those counting (like me!) we have now scored 111 goals in all competitions!........You are a very special team to coach... thank you...

Coach Jim

GAME DAY: @ WSC Tonight - 5:30pm (early start)

Hi everyone, players must on our home Field 7 at 5:30 for warm-ups for our game v Niagara Falls.  We are wearing our "Reds".

Players: it will be hot and humid, make sure to pre-hydrate: drink one 500ml bottle of water between 2:30-3:30pm, then another glass of water between 4:30-5:00pm.... eat an early light supper (small serving of pasta and lean meat) or snack of nuts, granola bar, trail mix, dried fruit - my favorite choice - a banana) ... Have a full supper after the game… ***I recommend a large cold glass of chocolate milk after the game!...

As always, remember to bring lots of your own water for sipping and splashing on your head during the game!

See you at 5:30pm!
Coach Jim

Practice 2nite WSC 6:30-8:00pm

See you tonight on Field 6C
Coach Jim

Practice in the AM @ Glendale 8:00-9:30AM!

See you in the AM!
Coach Jim

West Lincoln Game Rescheduled for August 23

Hi everyone, Our game at West Lincoln (which was called off due to the extreme heat on July 21) has been rescheduled for Tuesday August 23 at 6:30 pm on Field 2 in West Lincoln (Smithville)  As always players must be at the field no later than 6:00pm (30 minutes prior to KO) for warm-ups.

Coach Jim

Chin's Up Boys!

A really tough loss... tough to take because we should have scored 8-10 goals tonight... hats off to Pelham for their 2-1 win, they hung in there and played hard...

Remember guys, we just rattled off 8 wins in a row on our way to winning A.C. Douglas on the weekend...  its a good lesson for us, we have to take our chances when we have them and finish... and teams will play extra hard against us (we are the team to beat!) so we have to always raise our game too... guess what? shooting drills Sunday and Tuesday LOL!!!

Oh, and I forgot to tell you... today's Welland Tribune has our A.C. Douglas Championship Victory Pic... they didn't write anything I asked them to but the pic is nice and big...

See you Sunday AM
Coach Jim

No Practice Tonight

I think we got wet enough on Sunday!  See you on Thursday, 6:00pm at Harold Black Park for our game v Pelham...

 

Coach Jim

WET & WONDERFUL WIZARDS ARE CHAMPIONS!

49th Annual A.C. Douglas Tournament U11 Boys Championship Final

Welland Wizards 6 : 1 Guelph Royals

Your Welland Goals brought to you by Juan (3), Matthew, Miguel, and Keegan.... youtube video provided as always by Matthew's Mom Iwona!

No amount of rain could dampen our spirits today! 

Boys, today you became Champions! You dominated the A.C. Douglas going 4-0 in the Tournament... over the two days we had 7 different players score 19 goals... how far has this team come?!  Oh my!!!  very well done... CONGRATULATIONS! You deserve every bit of it!  

Parents please send me any pictures, esp the Victory Photo on the field!

I made one huge error today - while Coach Marty was telling me what to say in my victory speech, I forgot to thank him!  Folks, much of the success this team has had is a direct result of Coach Marty's presence and contributions... considering he does not have a son on the team, the time and effort he puts into our team out of the kindness of his heart is remarkable... thank you Coach Marty!

More to come.... "Red Card" and I are going to see Planet of the Apes!
Coach Jim

UPDATE

We are wearing our REDS but please pack your GREENS just in case.

See you at 11:30!

Coach Jim

Perfect Wizards Advance to Championship Game

Boys, we dominated today... we came from behind, we sprinted into the lead and never looked back, we did it all today!

Welland 5 : 2 Niagara Falls (U11/U12)
Your Welland Goals brought to you by Matthew (2), Lucas, Mitchell and Juan

Welland 2 : 1 Guelph Royals
Your Welland Goals brought to you by Matthew and Dino

Welland 6 : 3 Niagara Falls Blue
Your Welland Goals brought to you by Matthew (3), Juan (2), and Miguel

...and as usual Colton was awesome in net all day long!

Boys, by virtue of our HUGE effort today we have qualified for the Championship Game of the 49th Annual A.C Douglas Tournament.  The game will be at 12:00 noon on the same field we played on today... you must be there by 11:30, absolute latest... we do not know yet who we will play in the finals, the semi between Guelph and Niagara Falls Blue will be played at 9:00am...

CENTURY MARK: with our 13 goals scored today we have scored 100 Goals on the season (NYSL and Tournament play) ... WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Boys, rest up and remember what we talked about, remember our Mission Statement from today:

``UNFINISHED BUSINESS``

We are not finsished yet... take pride of what you accomplished today but forget it in the morning... we want the Championship!

UNFINISHED BUSINESS...
UNFINISHED BUSINESS...
UNFINISHED BUSINESS...
UNFINISHED BUSINESS...
UNFINISHED BUSINESS...

Coach Marty and I are very proud of you... well done!...see you tomorrow
Coach Jim

Welland 5 : 2 Niagara Falls (u11/u12)

More to come....

Welland 12 : 0 West Lincoln

Wow, well done boys! With this win we improve to 10-3 in NYSL play... I knew from the warm-ups that we were on our game tonight... I was so pleased boys that you were serious and prepared for the game like champs...

Your Welland Goals brought to you by Matthew (3), Henry (2), David, Colton, Liam, Wyller, Dino, Lucas and Keegan...  Colton and Henry shared the shut out... youtube video hi-lites courtesy of Matthew's Mom Iwona!

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: defending free kicks, setting up the wall and the defensive line, and communicating with the Keeper, first to the ball and clearing the ball... you were perfect tonight... we practiced it on Tuesday and you executed perfectly on Thursday!

TAKE PRIDE: 12 goals tonight by 9 different players! R U kidding me?!!... in all play this season we have scored 87 goals.... we earned our third shut-out of the season and have now had 5 different players play in net as well... in NYSL and Tournament play we have scored 87 goals... and because of your ultimate unselfish team play EVERY player on the team has now scored at least one goal! Superb Team Play! ... You could have scored more tonight but you played selflessly and respectfully... This is what I am most proud of!

Well done and be ready to win a Trophy this weekend!  WHO WANTS IT?!

See you Saturday,
Coach Jim

GAME DAY: West Lincoln Tonight - 6:00pm WSC

Hi everyone, players must be on our home field tonight no later than 6:00pm for warm-ups.  We are wearing our "Reds".

Players: it will be humid - make sure to pre-hydrate: drink one 500ml bottle of water between 3:00-3:30pm, then another glass of water between 5:00-5:30pm.... eat early and light (e.g. small serving of pasta and lean meat, or snack of nuts, granola bar, trail mix, dried fruit, or my favorite choice - a banana) ... Have a full supper after the game… ***I recommend a large cold glass of chocolate milk after the game!...

As always, remember to bring lots of your own water for sipping and splashing on your head during the game!

Let's show them who we are and get our 10^th NYSL win!
See you at 6:00pm!  
Coach Jim

49th Annual A.C. Douglas Tournament Details

WHO WANTS IT ?!

Hi everyone, please click here for the link to the Tournament Website and Schedule.

We have three games on Saturday as follows:

·         10:20 am vs Niagara Falls (combined u11/u12 team)

·         1:50 pm vs Guelph Royal (u11)

·         4:10 pm vs Niagara Falls (u11)

Depending on our Saturday results we could play one or two games on Sunday (Sunday game times are 9:00 am and 12:00 noon). 

LOCATION: All our games will be played at the HFGS (Kalar Road Soccer Park) in Niagara Falls

I believe we will wear our “Reds” throughout the Tournament but be sure to bring your Green shirts and socks just in case.

NB: Parents, please let me know as soon as possible if your son can not attend a game.

Boys, this is exciting!!!!!!!!!  Let’s compete with all our hearts, play all out and bring home a Trophy!

... and see you tomorrow night at WSC Field 7, 6:00pm for our NYSL league game vs. West Lincoln

Thanks

Coach Jim

See you Tuesday 6:30PM at the Club...

Guys,  nice work-out last night, I enjoyed it very very much... great surface to play on and the turn-out and effort was excellent... thanks!

Enjoy your holiday weekend and sleep in on Sunday!!!!!

See you on Tuesday night on Field 6C at WSC...

Well done boys
Coach Jim

Exhibition Game Friday PM

Hi everyone, please click here for a google map for the directions to the Kiwanis Field in St Catharines where we will play our Exhibition Game tomorrow night.  It is a turf field directly behind the hockey four pad off of St Paul Street West in St Catharines.

Please arrive no later than 6:15pm so that we can have a quick warm-up and then start our game at 6:30pm... Let's wear our "Greens" since we don't wear them often!

See you tomorrow night!
Coach Jim

11th Win Shows Tons of Character!

Welland 3 : 2 Roma

Boys, our 11th win (League and Tournament wins) tonight showed me alot... it's easy to win blow-outs but it's a whole other matter to dig deep in a close game, when things don't go your way, keep your discipline on the field and finish the game strong as a team...

Your Welland Goals brought to you by Matthew, David and Juan... how sweet is that? ... three goals by three different players!

Let's face it... we had a few calls go against us, we hit two posts - we had lots of reasons to get frustrated... but you kept your heads in the game, you worked hard and you beat Roma on their homefield for the second time in five days... they played well and wanted to win badly, but you matched their desire and out-played them at critical times...I am extremely proud of you! Well done!

You earned a Sunday morning off - NO PRACTICE SUNDAY MORNING!

See you Friday night at our Exibition Game v the U12 Niagara District Girls Team... Parents, I will send the details tomorrow...

FUN FACT: we have now had 12 different players score 72 goals in NYSL and Tournament play!

Thanks boys... and thank you Parents -  we hear those cheers all game long!
Coach Jim

GAME DAY: @ RomaTonight - 5:30pm (early start)

Hi everyone, players must be at the Roma Field at 5:30 for warm-ups.  We are wearing our "Reds".

Players: IT WILL BE HOT, make sure to pre-hydrate: drink one 500ml bottle of water between 2:30-3:30pm, then another glass of water between 4:30-5:00pm.... eat a light snack of nuts, granola bar, trail mix, dried fruit, or my favorite choice - a banana) ... Have a full supper after the game… ***I recommend a large cold glass of chocolate milk after the game!...

As always, remember to bring lots of your own water for sipping and splashing on your head during the game!

See you at 5:30pm!
Coach Jim

Congratulations 2011 TiAmo Festival Cup U11 Premier Division Finalists!

Boys, you had a great weekend! Be proud or your accomplishments...in the round robin we went 2-1-0 with a 4:3 win over Roma, 3:1 win over Niagara Falls and a 0-0 draw, the shortest game in history, with Richmond Hill... you competed and gave Richmond Hill a run for their money as they narrowly beat us in the Championship Game.

Boys, we showed we can play with anybody. Beating all our local rivals and going neck and neck with a Toronto team is a hugely successful result!  Remember those Soccer Moms from Scarborough that were cheering us on against Roma?!!  One of the best compliments we can have is that parents and players from our Roma and Niagara Falls rivals came to watch and cheer us on in the finals. The Tournament Chair told me this: "your a team on the rise, keep up the hard work and see you next year"...

A standing ovation goes to Liam with 5 goals in the tournament! Matthew, Juan and David each scored as well, and Colton was superb in net, especially in the Championship Game, coming up big time and again!  Youtube Hi-Lites are courtesy of Matthew's Mom Iwona!

Of course it's very dissappointing  to be so close and to come up a little short.  Keep your heads up... I admire your efforts... Experiences like this weekend will help us grow as a team and help you grow individually as well... You know how hard you have worked, and you know there is more work to be done... we know what needs to be done and we will get there... next year that Trophy is OURS!

So, let's have a great practice tomorrow, concentrate and clean-up a few things that we need to work on and get read to play at Roma again on Wednesday night in League play!

Congratulations Boys
Coach Jim