Team Christmas Party & Other News

Monday, November 21, 2011

Team Christmas Party & Other News

HI everyone, I have confirmed our Team Christmas Party for Saturday, December 10 at Dave & Buster’s in Niagara Falls... it will be the same idea as our year-end banquet... we will have the area on the 2^nd Floor looking down on Clifton Hill... the food will be all-you-can eat Pizza, Salad and Pop... the pricing as follows (taxes are included):

$20.00 for Players - food and $20.00 Power Card (siblings are welcome to join)

$24.00 for Parents - food and $20.0 Power Card (you can play or give you card to your kid!)

$16.00 for Parents – food only (no card)

We can start arriving any time after 11:00am – food will be served at noon. We can stay as long as we want...parents can order a drink for two from the bar... I will collect $$$ when you arrive but please email me with a “yes attending” or “not attending”, and how many are joining the Party (Players, Parents and Siblings)...

Boys - the Lazer Tag will be included as a Merry Christmas to you!

I hope that this will be a great time to have some fun and get to know each other better.

Extra Practice Opportunity for Wednesday Nights

We have been invited to practice with the U14 Roma Boys Team on Wednesday nights at the Sinnicks Sportplex in Niagara Falls... the practice runs from 5:30 – 7:00 and cost is $7.00 per practice (to help cover Dome rental)... This is an extra opportunity to get out and work on skills with an older group of players - which is a great opportunity! Please don’t let rides get in the way! Let me know if you would like to come out but need a ride, and we will try to work something out!

Facebook Team Page

I hope you like our Team Facebook Page that I set up over the weekend.... it does not take the place of our team blog , it’s a place on facebook for us to share picture, stories, birthdays etc, etc... I tried to invite everyone all at once and for some reason not everyone got added at the same time, so I’m still working on it... let me know if anyone is missing... lets invite our families as well!

Thanks, and please let me know if you have any questions

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.