YTS Families,
I hope you are all enjoying the start of the fall and the cooler temperatures. Please take a moment to watch the video below. Please don't try this on Sunday!
http://www.socceramerica.com/article/48426/how-trainers-can-really-help-a-team.html
At the very least it should make you smile. Enjoy watching the games this coming weekend.
Thanks for viewing!
CASL Youth Training System (YTS)
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Happy Thursday
YTS Families,
Please read the article below. We sometimes lose sight of why our children play sports. The short story below wiill hopefully make you pause for a second. As we approach another weekend of games please be mindful of a couple of things:
1. Make sure you check weather hotlines. For other clubs weather hotlines/websites you can go directly to www.ncchampionsleague.com
2. When we are traveling to another site/facility please be very respectful. If we are asked to stay off the fields until a coach arrives please do so. Unless asked by one of our coaches
3. No coaching from the sidelines at all. Please do cheer and support your team for the duration of the game but please refrain from any coaching.
4. Enjoy watching your son/daughter compete.
I'm lucky to live in a community that fosters kids’ athletics. When it comes to fall sports, kids in Bucksport area schools are spoiled for choice. Last Saturday, when I brought my daughter to youth soccer, I arrived to a smorgasbord of activities: a high school cross country track meet, an elementary boys’ football game and elementary boys’ and girls’ soccer scrimmages. Every track, field and nature trail that was available saw play.
This Saturday was no different. Kids climbed out of minivans with shin guards or shoulder pads, water bottles and cleats. They swarmed the fields like little Olympians. Parents lined the perimeter, some in lawn chairs, others leaning over the fence with purpose, but all were rallied around their kids. As a teacher whose interaction with parents is limited to yearly open house visits, to see this outpouring of parental support just knocks me back.
As a soccer mom, this means I need to remember I'm one of many parents out there rooting for their kid. This is a tricky business, respectfully manning the sideline. You hear all sorts of chanting, coaching and even scolding remarks from the parental peanut gallery that it serves you well to remember “it's just a game.” I often tell my in-laws, “If I start spouting strategic maneuvers, please muzzle me.” You just get so swept up in the moment, the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, it's hard not to yell out, “GO TO THE BALL, SWEETHEART!”
My daughter's team has known the agony of defeat for two consecutive seasons. Their first year they were 0/8. Last year, they were 0/3 (5 ties, though). Last Saturday, in this, her third season, they finally tasted sweet victory. After beating the green team soundly (8-0), my daughter climbed back into our van and said, “Mom, we actually won! Do you know, we've never won before?” She sounded pleasantly surprised, as if the thought had just occurred to her. My husband, on the other hand, was positively euphoric. He kept saying, “Wow, they won. They really won,” followed by a far off look in his eyes (reliving his own state championship I'm sure.)
This week, a new excitement hummed along the sideline. There was a hitch in my daughter's step, a strut in her stride that wasn't there before. Was it pride? Was it eager anticipation of another “W?” Was I just imagining it? “This is going to be a big game,” Coach Rich said. Our girls would be evenly matched against the red team, a team whose players are roughly the same age and ability as our own white team. This could get interesting, I thought. An even match-up.
While waiting for the game to begin, Richard Sprague, the director of the Bucksport Youth Soccer Program, reiterated this point, “It's all about match-ups at this level of unskilled play; it comes down to individual athletes.” Sprague, the former Bucksport Middle School girls’ soccer coach for 16 years, has seen many such match-ups in his career.
When talking about the value of the program, Sprague added, “You're creating positive memories kids will have for a lifetime. Sports are such a big part of socialization. They have to learn to share. They share the ball, share the field and they share the win or loss.” As I watched my daughter sit the bench for the first few minutes of the game, I realized that this is what I want her to learn. I want her to share this experience with her teammates, to feel part of something bigger than herself.
Then the game began, and I forgot all about sharing. They actually scored a goal! They looked good out there! We were up 1-0 at half time, and a parent of the opposing team said, “They're all winners, aren't they?” I knew this sentiment well. Hadn't I spouted the same platitudes the past two seasons? “It's not if you win or lose, it's how you play the game.” Yeah, yeah. But we were winning this time, so all those euphemisms about losing didn't matter anymore.
Then the red team scored a goal. We were no longer winning. It was a tie game. “It's OK,” I told myself. “This is good. Maybe that dad was right. They're all winners. If they tie, they can share the victory together.” Right after this epiphany, our team scored again and the thrill of another “W” was in the air. I could almost taste the celebratory happy meal. Wouldn't my delightful little defender be so happy?
The whistle blew signaling the end of the game, and a joy like no other descended on her team. Jumping, high-fiving and sweaty hugging ensued. I looked at their jubilant faces and thought, “Yes, this is what it's all about!” As the girls lined up for their congratulatory “good game” high fives, I saw the red coach consoling a teary blonde player. She was sobbing beside him.
Coach Scott gave a rousing speech meant to rally the troops. “We don't lose, we learn. You played very, very hard out there. Let's take what happened today and learn from it. If you played as hard as you could, then be proud of yourself.” Though I was touched, the little blond girl was having none of it. She wanted to win, and all of this learning not losing stuff didn't set right with her.
Then something neat happened. One of the star players of the white team walked over to the red bench. She stood in front of the little blond girl and told her, “You did a really good job out there. You should be proud of how you played. Don't be sad.” I was blown away. They got up, walked over to the white bench, and shared cold drinks.
That little girl shared her win. No one told her to “play nice.” No one said, “Go be a good sport.” She was a good sport. She was the most aggressive girl on the team, yet she instinctively played nice. How did she learn this? By playing sports. She knew what it was like to lose and what it was like to win. When she saw another player upset, it didn't matter what team she was on.
It just mattered. That's what I learned off the field today
Please read the article below. We sometimes lose sight of why our children play sports. The short story below wiill hopefully make you pause for a second. As we approach another weekend of games please be mindful of a couple of things:
1. Make sure you check weather hotlines. For other clubs weather hotlines/websites you can go directly to www.ncchampionsleague.com
2. When we are traveling to another site/facility please be very respectful. If we are asked to stay off the fields until a coach arrives please do so. Unless asked by one of our coaches
3. No coaching from the sidelines at all. Please do cheer and support your team for the duration of the game but please refrain from any coaching.
4. Enjoy watching your son/daughter compete.
I'm lucky to live in a community that fosters kids’ athletics. When it comes to fall sports, kids in Bucksport area schools are spoiled for choice. Last Saturday, when I brought my daughter to youth soccer, I arrived to a smorgasbord of activities: a high school cross country track meet, an elementary boys’ football game and elementary boys’ and girls’ soccer scrimmages. Every track, field and nature trail that was available saw play.
This Saturday was no different. Kids climbed out of minivans with shin guards or shoulder pads, water bottles and cleats. They swarmed the fields like little Olympians. Parents lined the perimeter, some in lawn chairs, others leaning over the fence with purpose, but all were rallied around their kids. As a teacher whose interaction with parents is limited to yearly open house visits, to see this outpouring of parental support just knocks me back.
As a soccer mom, this means I need to remember I'm one of many parents out there rooting for their kid. This is a tricky business, respectfully manning the sideline. You hear all sorts of chanting, coaching and even scolding remarks from the parental peanut gallery that it serves you well to remember “it's just a game.” I often tell my in-laws, “If I start spouting strategic maneuvers, please muzzle me.” You just get so swept up in the moment, the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, it's hard not to yell out, “GO TO THE BALL, SWEETHEART!”
My daughter's team has known the agony of defeat for two consecutive seasons. Their first year they were 0/8. Last year, they were 0/3 (5 ties, though). Last Saturday, in this, her third season, they finally tasted sweet victory. After beating the green team soundly (8-0), my daughter climbed back into our van and said, “Mom, we actually won! Do you know, we've never won before?” She sounded pleasantly surprised, as if the thought had just occurred to her. My husband, on the other hand, was positively euphoric. He kept saying, “Wow, they won. They really won,” followed by a far off look in his eyes (reliving his own state championship I'm sure.)
This week, a new excitement hummed along the sideline. There was a hitch in my daughter's step, a strut in her stride that wasn't there before. Was it pride? Was it eager anticipation of another “W?” Was I just imagining it? “This is going to be a big game,” Coach Rich said. Our girls would be evenly matched against the red team, a team whose players are roughly the same age and ability as our own white team. This could get interesting, I thought. An even match-up.
While waiting for the game to begin, Richard Sprague, the director of the Bucksport Youth Soccer Program, reiterated this point, “It's all about match-ups at this level of unskilled play; it comes down to individual athletes.” Sprague, the former Bucksport Middle School girls’ soccer coach for 16 years, has seen many such match-ups in his career.
When talking about the value of the program, Sprague added, “You're creating positive memories kids will have for a lifetime. Sports are such a big part of socialization. They have to learn to share. They share the ball, share the field and they share the win or loss.” As I watched my daughter sit the bench for the first few minutes of the game, I realized that this is what I want her to learn. I want her to share this experience with her teammates, to feel part of something bigger than herself.
Then the game began, and I forgot all about sharing. They actually scored a goal! They looked good out there! We were up 1-0 at half time, and a parent of the opposing team said, “They're all winners, aren't they?” I knew this sentiment well. Hadn't I spouted the same platitudes the past two seasons? “It's not if you win or lose, it's how you play the game.” Yeah, yeah. But we were winning this time, so all those euphemisms about losing didn't matter anymore.
Then the red team scored a goal. We were no longer winning. It was a tie game. “It's OK,” I told myself. “This is good. Maybe that dad was right. They're all winners. If they tie, they can share the victory together.” Right after this epiphany, our team scored again and the thrill of another “W” was in the air. I could almost taste the celebratory happy meal. Wouldn't my delightful little defender be so happy?
The whistle blew signaling the end of the game, and a joy like no other descended on her team. Jumping, high-fiving and sweaty hugging ensued. I looked at their jubilant faces and thought, “Yes, this is what it's all about!” As the girls lined up for their congratulatory “good game” high fives, I saw the red coach consoling a teary blonde player. She was sobbing beside him.
Coach Scott gave a rousing speech meant to rally the troops. “We don't lose, we learn. You played very, very hard out there. Let's take what happened today and learn from it. If you played as hard as you could, then be proud of yourself.” Though I was touched, the little blond girl was having none of it. She wanted to win, and all of this learning not losing stuff didn't set right with her.
Then something neat happened. One of the star players of the white team walked over to the red bench. She stood in front of the little blond girl and told her, “You did a really good job out there. You should be proud of how you played. Don't be sad.” I was blown away. They got up, walked over to the white bench, and shared cold drinks.
That little girl shared her win. No one told her to “play nice.” No one said, “Go be a good sport.” She was a good sport. She was the most aggressive girl on the team, yet she instinctively played nice. How did she learn this? By playing sports. She knew what it was like to lose and what it was like to win. When she saw another player upset, it didn't matter what team she was on.
It just mattered. That's what I learned off the field today
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Happy Wednesday
YTS Families,
Hopefully the weather will cooperate this coming weekend. It looks promising right now. As we approach another weekend of games I have attached a series of 4 short videos. One is a repeat from last week. As always the videos are sent to make each of you think about your role as a parent on the sideline. I can't emphasize enough the impact we can have as parents and my hope is we all play a positive role.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61-Pax5cF8A&feature=BFa&list=PL465EC8FA50396D8D
The videos are broken down into 4 stages. One that takes place before the game, two during the game and one that is after the game. While the videos are very serious they certainly help paint a great picture. A picture of course I hope we do not see on the sideline during any game during the course of our season.
Please take the time to watch the video.
Winter Training
I am currently finalizing details for our winter indoor sessions. For those of you that are new to the program we continue to train in Dec and Jan. These sessions take place at Netsports which is located in Cary. I will get times and dates out asap so you can start planning. There is no extra cost for these sessions and we encourage all players to attend.
I always get asked about playing on a winter indoor team. I have no problem if players choose to play on an indoor team. YTS will not form teams nor will the YTS coaches be asked by me to coach these teams. So if you want your son/daughter to play that is completely fine please understand YTS coaches are not expected to coach these indoor teams. I will likely send more information about this when it becomes available to me
Thanks for reading and should you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to contact me.
Paul
Hopefully the weather will cooperate this coming weekend. It looks promising right now. As we approach another weekend of games I have attached a series of 4 short videos. One is a repeat from last week. As always the videos are sent to make each of you think about your role as a parent on the sideline. I can't emphasize enough the impact we can have as parents and my hope is we all play a positive role.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61-Pax5cF8A&feature=BFa&list=PL465EC8FA50396D8D
The videos are broken down into 4 stages. One that takes place before the game, two during the game and one that is after the game. While the videos are very serious they certainly help paint a great picture. A picture of course I hope we do not see on the sideline during any game during the course of our season.
Please take the time to watch the video.
Winter Training
I am currently finalizing details for our winter indoor sessions. For those of you that are new to the program we continue to train in Dec and Jan. These sessions take place at Netsports which is located in Cary. I will get times and dates out asap so you can start planning. There is no extra cost for these sessions and we encourage all players to attend.
I always get asked about playing on a winter indoor team. I have no problem if players choose to play on an indoor team. YTS will not form teams nor will the YTS coaches be asked by me to coach these teams. So if you want your son/daughter to play that is completely fine please understand YTS coaches are not expected to coach these indoor teams. I will likely send more information about this when it becomes available to me
Thanks for reading and should you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to contact me.
Paul
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Happy Tuesday
YTS Families,
I hope you all had an enjoyable Labor Day Weekend. With our games approaching this coming weekend I will try to accomplish two things in the post. Firstly some general reminders about what to expect for game days and then a couple of videos which will make you think about your actions on the sidelines.
Game Reminders:
Sideline Reminders:
We expect parents to set a good example on the sideline for other parents, players and of course our club as whole. So with that said some friendly reminders below.
The first video shows an overbearing parent on the sideline communicating with the official!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0qGeADPzAs
The second video is another overbearing parent on sideline communicating with his son!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=ZRcv-ZRMCXI&feature=endscreen
Both videos are short please take the time to watch them as they will make you think about your role as a parent on the sideline.
Thanks for reading the blog and should you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me at
Paulf@caslemail.com
I hope you all had an enjoyable Labor Day Weekend. With our games approaching this coming weekend I will try to accomplish two things in the post. Firstly some general reminders about what to expect for game days and then a couple of videos which will make you think about your actions on the sidelines.
Game Reminders:
- Double check field location and game time
- Always check weather hot lines to make sure game has not been canceled
- Make sure your son/daughter has both uniforms with them - start to make them accoutable for their soccer bags.. even if you have to double check
- Always be early.. rather than rushing to get to field.. it just makes life a great deal easier on your child
- Wish you child good luck, tell them to compete and have fun
- Once the game kicks-off there is very little you can do.. so sit back in your comfy chair and enjoy watching your child compete
Sideline Reminders:
We expect parents to set a good example on the sideline for other parents, players and of course our club as whole. So with that said some friendly reminders below.
- Please refrain from coaching your child or anyone else's child during the game. Your intentions maybe positive but please don't do it. This includes hand signals. The players must be allowed to make decisions independently
- Please do not question the officials. At all times show them the respect they deserve. We use some younger officials for our YTS games as they can gain very valuable experience. Please be supportive. I see parents every week trying to make every call for the referee. Like the players officials must be able to make their own decisions. Sometimes they may miss an offside call. Trust me it is not the end of the world. Especially seen as though we do not keep standings in YTS.
- Simple rule of thumb.. "If you don't have anything positive to say please don't bother saying it." especially around the players
- Per a previous point do all you can to enjoy watching your child compete.
The first video shows an overbearing parent on the sideline communicating with the official!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0qGeADPzAs
The second video is another overbearing parent on sideline communicating with his son!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=ZRcv-ZRMCXI&feature=endscreen
Both videos are short please take the time to watch them as they will make you think about your role as a parent on the sideline.
Thanks for reading the blog and should you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me at
Paulf@caslemail.com
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