The sun came up this morning...

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

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.