Our Regular Season Schedule

Monday, May 14, 2012

Our Regular Season Schedule

Hi everyone, our regular season schedule was released this weekend. It and the standings (once we get started) can be found at:

http://www.niagarayouthsoccerleague.com/Games.aspx

I am happy we only have 4 Friday games and no real conflicts with our remaining tournaments (such as playing a league game on Friday and then a tournament on Saturday and Sunday).
...
TiAmo Festival Cup is July 27-28
50th A.C. Douglas (where we are defending champs!) is August 3-5

We will keep our regular Sunday AM and Tuesday PM practice schedule. I will send out details about tomorrow night’s practice later tonight.

Our first game (@ Port Colborne) is only 11 days away!

Coach Jim

#	Div	Day	Date	KO	Field	Home Team	Away Team
20	12	Fri	May 25	18:30	TA Lannan 5	Port Colborne	Welland
34	12	Wed	May 30	18:30	Welland SC 7	Welland	Club Roma
57	12	Thu	Jun 7	18:30	Memorial Park A - NOTL	NOTL	Welland
90	12	Fri	Jun 15	18:30	Harold Black Park	Pelham	Welland
101	12	Wed	Jun 20	18:30	Welland SC 7	Welland	Fort Erie
135	12	Fri	Jun 29	18:30	Smith Park 3	Grimsby	Welland
144	12	Wed	Jul 4	18:30	Welland SC 7	Welland	Niagara Falls
170	12	Wed	Jul 11	18:30	Welland SC 7	Welland	Port Colborne
194	12	Wed	Jul 18	18:30	Club Roma Main	Club Roma	Welland
215	12	Wed	Jul 25	18:30	Welland SC 7	Welland	NOTL
237	12	Wed	Aug 1	18:30	Welland SC 7	Welland	Pelham
267	12	Fri	Aug 10	18:30	Optimist Park 1 - Fort Erie	Fort Erie	Welland
278	12	Wed	Aug 15	18:30	Welland SC 7	Welland	Grimsby
295	12	Wed	Aug 22	19:00	Club Italia	Niagara Falls	Welland

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.