Tuesday, October 25, 2011

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!

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

Friday, October 21, 2011

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

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

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

Sunday, October 16, 2011

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

Thursday, October 13, 2011

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

Friday, October 7, 2011

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

Monday, October 3, 2011

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

Saturday, October 1, 2011

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

Friday, September 30, 2011

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

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

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

Saturday, September 24, 2011

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

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

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

Friday, September 16, 2011

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





Tuesday, September 13, 2011

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.

Monday, September 12, 2011

................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

Saturday, September 10, 2011

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

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

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

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

Championship Game  - Opponent TBD
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

Friday, September 2, 2011

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

Thursday, September 1, 2011

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

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

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


Monday, August 29, 2011

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

Sunday, August 28, 2011

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

Saturday, August 27, 2011

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

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

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

Monday, August 22, 2011

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

Thursday, August 18, 2011

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

Tuesday, August 16, 2011