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

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!

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

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"

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.