Happy Tuesday

YTS Parents,

I was able to watch some YTS games on Sunday and enjoyed very much watching our teams compete against other NCCL teams.    The conditions were perfect.  For the most part the games provided our players and teams with challenges and tests that will assist in the overall development of the our YTS players.   I know the kids loving playing on Sunday's! 

Some reminders/thoughts from my end:

1.  Please make sure your child brings both uniforms to the games.  It is always good to have both colors in case there is a conflict.

2.  If you child cannot attend a game please let your team coach know.  This is very important.  Our players can play on different teams so we have a good amount of flexibility if a team is short on a player or players. 

3.  For the most part we don't have full-time GK's on our teams.  As a result we ask that the kids take turns playing in goals.  As parents we ask that you support this.  It helps the kids learn a great deal about the position and they will develop a respect for the position.  This is very important.  I have had a couple of coaches tell me that parents have told their child their son/daughter is not allowed to play in goal.  Unless there is a medical condition we'd like to see all of the kids take a turn.  The great thing is the score is not important in the grand scheme of things- unless you make it important.

4.  While we don't focus on winning soccer games we still want the players in our program to compete and develop a winning mentality both on and off the field.  For some players this comes naturally.  We encourage the players to compete during all of our training sessions and games.  Establishing this mentality is important long term for the players.   They must be willing to compete.  Learn how to compete first then they can learn how to win.  Please understand the order in which this process must occur.  There will be plenty of time to worry about winning and of course losing as the players get older.

5.  We have a great staff in place in my mind.  With that said I still heard too much coaching going on from the sideline over the weekend.  Comments like, shoot, pass, dribble, etc are not necessary.  Let the players make there own decisions.  Not matter how frustrating it can be on the sidlines let them make their own decisions.   Just like when they are at school.   

6.  We do have Gk training once a week  for our YTS kids.  Matt Brown our newly hired GK coach works with the U10's on Tuesday nights and the U9's on Friday nights.   These sessions are to help the players that attend learn some very basic skills about the position.  We try to rotate which players attend these sessions unless a player is set on being a GK.

7.  I am finalizing our winter training program and hope to release this shortly.  We will train in Dec and Jan.  I appreciate your patience as we work behind the scenes to set things up.

Should you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me at anytime.

Thanks for your continued support and enjoy watching your son/daughter play the beautiful game!!