This will be the final entry in what has been a very successful YTS year. Watching the players over the past few weeks I see big improvements in each player that has participated and I hope that this continues in 2010.
There are a few final things to discuss before the end of the year...
-The first is sad news that Coach Elizabeth McNally will be leaving the YTS program and entering into the police academy. Liz was wonderful throughout the season and we thank her for her work with the entire YTS group. There will be a new coach in place before we begin practice in January.
-I have looked into an opportunity to play pre-season games this winter and am excited to announce that each YTS team will be participating in the North Meck Soccer Festival.
(http://www.northmecksoccer.org/home/default.asp?menu_category=Tournaments)
This tournament is a one day event that will have each of our YTS teams playing 2 games. The boys play on Saturday, February 6th and the girls play on Sunday February 7th. This gives us all a chance to play games against unfamiliar opponents and it also is a one day tournament that cuts down on costs of hotels and food. I will be in touch with the managers who I will ask to register each team and collect the $260.00 fee (appx. $16.00 a player). Email to managers will follow.
-In cooperation with FC Cary, we are introducing a new program this spring to the league and YTS. There will be 3 or 4 weekends (decided at a later date) where, in addition to each YTS team playing their scheduled games, we will select 4 teams (2 boys and 2 girls) to play 8v8 games vs. FC Cary.
This is how it will work...
The Monday before the 8 vs. 8 weekends I will post a list with 4 teams (2boys, 2girls) composed of 10/11 players on each. The 8v8 games will be played at the end of the Sunday games. The players selected will play in both their team game and the 8 vs. 8 game. Coaches will obviously be aware of the players that will play two games in a day and substitute accordingly. These 8v8 teams will change each week, and no player is guaranteed a spot. This allows the coaching staff to bring in different players based on their development and their performances leading up to the selections. Some players may play in all of the 8 vs. 8 games, many will not.
This is another healthy competitive addition to YTS. My main concerns whenever introducing a new initiative are always based on the entire group. This 8v8 program is in-addition to YTS, and nothing will be taken away from any of the players that will not participate in these 8v8 games. My favorite part of this initiative is that we will be able to reward players each week, creating a healthy competition within our group. Lastly, every player in YTS will be eligible for these games. I will be including a select few U9's on these teams. These games will be included in the schedule when it is released.
I hope everyone has a great holiday season and wish everyone a Happy New Year. I will be in and out of the office and my computer so if there are issues that come up, be patient and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Thanks for all of your support and help in making this YTS program such a success.
