- Welland 2000 Wizards Team Blog - LEAGUE CHAMPIONS (2012 U12 NYSL) : March 2011

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Welland Sports Complex Update: We got it done folks! The Good Guys Win!!

Thank you everyone for your support and emails to Welland City Council - the public display of support was huge in making this happen! This is the link to tomorrow's Trib Article.

Below is a letter to WSC members from the WSC Board of Directors...

Motion Removed from Council Agenda

Dear Members – the Welland Soccer Club has been informed by the City of Welland that Councilor Dan Fortier has removed his “Notice of Motion” regarding the River Road Multi Sports Complex and as result, your support and participation at the Tuesday April 5th Council meeting is no longer needed.

As you may imagine, there are numerous hurdles to cross before this becomes a reality – with the #1 requirement being the approval of our FIT (Feed In Tariff) Energy application for the solar panels on the roof of the facility. This is a major income source for the complex and is required to offset construction costs. We are expecting approval on the FIT application within the next few weeks.

We remain committed to keep you informed as the project progresses and Thank You for your support to date.

Yours in Soccer
Welland Soccer Club Board Of Directors

Players and Parents, this means our first Organized Team Activity (OTA), "Pizza Dinner and City Hall Night", is no longer required - unless of course you still want to get together for Pizza?!

Coach Jim

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Introducing the 2011 Welland Wizards U11 Boys !

Hello everyone,
I'm so very proud to announce your new 2011 U11 Boys Welland Wizards (NYSL)...
(updated April 9)

Devon B
Henry B
Miguel C
Zachery D
Wyller F
Juan G
Lucas G
David H
Mackenzie J
Colton J
Mitchell J
Liam M
Keegan M
Dino T
Matthew W

Boys, you worked very hard... take pride and be proud, your commitment and dedication will be rewarded with a great summer of soccer... Together we will do great things!

Coach Jim

Monday, March 28, 2011

Tuesday Night at WSC

Hi everyone, to confirm the plans for tomorrow night:

We will run the last try-out from 6:00-7:00pm. Please arrive at the club before 6:00pm as there is no one before us and we can use the time to warm-up. (I will be there be 5:30 latest). As you know the session will consist of warm-ups, a few drills and then the "Team Marty" v. "Team Jim" game. Coach Marty and I will divide the players into the teams beforehand. Cost for the dome time will be $2.00 per player.

Each player will receive a letter after the game. I will prepare a personalized letter for each player. Coach Marty and I will take a few minutes to finalize the letters, and then I will hand them out to the players.

IMPORTANT: Many players will receive good news letters, some will receive bad news letters. I ask that we all respect each others privacy and only open the letters once you have left the WSC. I will post the Team Roster here on the team blog later in the evening.

Thanks, and see you tomorrow night at the WSC!

Coach Jim

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Try-outs Resume Wed PM - The Final Stretch!

Hi all, we are now truly in the final stretch of the try-outs. As you know we are at Glendale School tomorrow night (from 6:00-7:30pm) and then at the WSC next Tuesday night (March 29, from 6:00 - 7:30pm) for our Intra-Squad "Team Marty" v "Team Jim" Match!

School Running Clubs
I understand that some of the schools in the area have started registration for Running Clubs. This is another great training opportunity for the boys and I highly recommend you sign-up to run with your school. As you know we will be playing on the big fields this year and physical conditioning will be a big part of our success. Once the team is set we will be stepping up the conditioning portion of our training in a big way!

See you tomorrow night at Glendale and as always, please wear proper indoor soccer/running shoes, shin pads and WHITE shirts.

Thanks
Coach Jim

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Additional Training Opportunities

Hi all, I wanted to let you know of additional training opportunities that are available and that I highly recommend. Last Wednesday I distributed a registration form for spring training sessions run by Clayton Rosario of Elite Soccer Development. This is a 6 Week Pre-season Training Camp which runs for 6 consectutive Saturday mornings. The cost is $120.00/6 weeks (if you pay before March 14, the cost is $100.00). Dates and times as follows:

March 26 from 7:45am to 9:15am
April 2, 9 16, 23, 30 from 8:30am to10:00am
Location: Niagara Astraplex (Sinnicks Rd, Niagara Falls)

Also, Clayton will run a second session of Futsal Sundays at Ridley College. This is a 6 week program starting Sunday March 27, from 2:30pm to 4:00pm. The cost is $30.00 for the 6 sessions... for this term there are no drop-ins, you must sign up and pay the $30.00 on the first day. I'm sure the boys who attended the last futsal will tell you it was great!

To be clear, registering for the sessions above is not related to the Try-outs for our team. That said, I highly recommend these sessions for players who are serious about getting better and growing as a soccer player. Also, the "bang for the buck" is there - great value for professional training!

Thanks
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.