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

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year To My Wizards Family!

Happy New Year to my Wizards Family!

Thanks for all your hard work and supporting me as your coach... I'm very thankful to have this team and I will do everything I can to make 2012 even better!

Happy New Year, boldog új évet, kali xronia, szczęśliwego nowego roku, buon anno, feliz año nuevo, bonne année, gelukkig nieuwjaar, blwyddyn newydd dda, nav varsh ki subhkamna, sreyna nova godina, feliz año nuevo...

(I hope I covered all the languages from our Wizards families - if not , I'm sorry and please add other languages on our facebook page!!!!!!)

-Coach Jim

Thursday, December 29, 2011

I found this quote and think it fits our team for 2012!

"Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead

...I have no doubt our team will do great things in 2012!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all my Wizards and your families!

I found this xmas related link on arsenal.com - Junior Gunners Club Christmas Party...

On Friday, 500 kids got to watch the Arsenal practice, have a Q&A session with Arsene Wenger and then have a meal and autograph session with the players... watch the video, the team works on a keep-away drill with 6 outside with 2 defenders inside! Pretty cool that even the pros practice the basics too! Watch how they all pass AND MOVE! ...you will hear me say that a million times in 2012 LOL!!!

So, have a blessed and restfull holiday and see you soon!

-Coach Jim

Thursday, December 22, 2011

2012 Player Development Sessions at WSC

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. Our age group (born 2000) will start Tuesday January 17. For those boys not playing in the Niagara Falls Tuesday Night League, I would encourage you to sign-up - Coach Rob and Coach Frank are tremendous teachers.

Also included in these sessions will be a goalkeeper component (this night is yet to be determined).

All participating players must register at the Welland Soccer Club, 469 Rice Road, in Welland before January 10, 2012. Cost is $100.00 per player.

Office hours: 2-9 pm Monday through Thursday

Please note the WSC office closed December 23rd to January 2nd

The Technical Development department reserves the right to alter the session

nights to accommodate registration numbers.

Thanks
Coach Jim

Monday, December 19, 2011

Inspiring stories from WSC "Grads"!

Guys, please read this link about a Welland Soccer Club Graduate, Simon Gatti, who is trying out for the Montreal Impact's first MLS Training Camp! Simon was coached in Welland by Frank DeChellis (U9-10-11)... Our last training for 2011 with Coach Frank is this Thursday night.

Also here are an article in last week's Welland Tribune about Sabrina D'Angelo (Coach Gerry's daughter) and her very promising career at the University of South Carolina

How inspiring and exciting are these stories?!?!?!!!

Coach Jim

Sunday, December 18, 2011

My take on training this morning

Guys, let me take a minute to tell you I was VERY impressed this morning... you guys were stringing passes together, keeping possession of the ball and finishing when the opportunity was there...

You will hear me say it a million times during the year - BALL POSSESSION is EVERYTHING...we have to want that ball more than the other team, and then we have to keep that ball for ourselves... they can have the ball back after we put it their net!

Well done!

-Coach Jim

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Twas the last training before Christmas!

Hi everyone, a quick touchbase before Christmas...

We have our last Sunday AM Training with Clayton tomorrow and our last Thursday Night Training with Coach Frank at WSC on Thursday.

I am finalizing plans for our team practices and training (from January to March) and will update you thru email, this blog and our facebook page...

Thanks
Coach Jim

Saturday, December 10, 2011

A Very Merry Wizard Christmas

Check out our Cake Santa's eyes as Angie slices into his neck LOL!!!

Well our first annual Wizards Christmas Bash was fantastic. Thank you everyone for coming out today. We had a great time, a wonderful way to wind down a very memorable 2011!

I'm so proud of my team - a great group of kids! Have a peaceful and blessed Christmas.

Coach Jim

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Extra Practice Opportunity Tonight

Hi all, just a reminder that we are invited to join in on Coach Danilo’s Team’s Practice tonight at Sinnicks from 5:30—7:00pm… please feel free to join in and get some touches if you interested…. Remember to bring $7.00 to help share the cost of the dome rental…

Thanks

Coach Jim

PS Team XMAS Party Count Down = 3 days!

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.