Congratulations 2011 TiAmo Festival Cup U11 Premier Division Finalists!

Monday, July 25, 2011

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

PLAYER ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1) MENTAL ATTITUDE/APTITUDE FOR THE GAME & TEAM PLAY

i. Commitment to Game – The player exhibits good Team Player attitude. He is confident in his abilities and doesn’t second guess himself. The player is coachable/respectful at all times. He shows up for practices, listens, makes progress, shows good competitive sportsmanship and applies lessons well. Shows a desire to play soccer for the love of the game. Focused at games and practices. Eager to learn because he is aware of his own strengths and weaknesses. Always makes best effort. Rarely late. Player has courage and plays with urgency, willing to sacrifice.

ii. Game Sense – The player understands the tactical side of the game. Player understands the principles of attacking and defending, and rules of the game. Aware of situational play, transitions well between attack and defend mode, can make fast decisions and makes a positive difference in most plays with his teammates. Communicates with team-mates. Knows when to be “selfish” and knows when to be “unselfish”. Can “shake-off” mistakes.

iii. Positioning/Spatial – A player’s ability to read the game as it develops and to position themselves in the most advantageous area from which to support their team effectively. The player moves to space. The player understands their position and his position on the field. Understands the format the team is playing. Adjusts his play to support those around his and usually makes the BEST choice during play. Player is always moving.

2) SKILL CATEGORIES

i. Dribbling/Ball Control - Player’s ability to move the ball quickly, while under complete control combining pace, deception, and skill. Using both feet, inside and outside, under control, under pressure. Composed manner, shielding and seldom losing possession. Attacks opponent straight-on, makes opponent commit. Player works towards achieving 100 juggles/kick-ups using both feet (including inside/outside of feet), thighs, head and chest.

ii. Passing/Serving/Crossing – To accurately pass the ball at the correct pace to a teammate. Proper passing/receiving technique, passes to feet of teammate and to space, can keep the ball on the ground and lofted as needed. Uses both feet and all parts of the feet. Anticipates opportunities/plays for team-mates. Communicates with team-mates.

iii. Receiving/First Touch – Shows for the ball and receives cleanly. Eyes on the ball, body behind the ball. Checks away. Uses either foot to trap the ball. Uses their body effectively to trap air balls. Does not wait for the ball, runs to the ball to receive it and always moves to open space to minimize a challenge.

iv. Shooting/Striking – The ability to strike on goal with a variety of techniques from differing ranges and angles, with composure, showing the touch to score goals. The ability to drive long passes from goal and corner kicks. Proper shooting technique, on goal, off passes and volleys. Head down and eyes on the ball

v. First to Ball/Winning the ball – The “smarts” and ability to get to the ball with efficient and fast movements in all areas on the field. Winning possession of the ball, shows courage. Overall speed with the ball. Overall speed without the ball. Quickness & reaction time.

vi. Fitness – Overall endurance, ability to work hard the entire practice session and in games. Athletic abilities of running, quick change of pace and direction (agility), leaping, and strength on and off the ball. Game fitness.

vi. Defensive Technique – Understands transition to defense. Demonstrates ability to contain attackers and knows when to challenge (tackle). Understands Goal Side. Communicates with team-mates. Wins the ball under control (not just clearing). Provides defensive support to team mates.