Fall soccer is just around the corner. I expect (but not confirmed) the first games to be played September 8th, with practices starting later this month (I don't have a start date just yet, but I'm expecting August 27th).
Here are some important notes for you to digest. This is information overload - so stay focused.
I'm not a spammer
Please add my email address to your Email Safe List in whatever email application that you use. Last year, some coaches had my email mistakenly marked as spam - and missed a lot of my emails.
Can I have my team already?
Sorry, but I've only received approximately half of my expected registrations from the Registrar. I can't assemble teams until I know who the coaches will be - and I don't know who the coaches will be until I get all of the registrations. So, sit tight, relax - I move quickly once I get all the data. And I'm quick to inform you guys of any updates.
Coaches & The Coaches Meeting
I still need a bunch of coaches. This is always my hardest job. If you know anyone that would be interested, please send them in my direction. I'll start begging soon. The Coaches Meeting is scheduled for August 14th at 7pm at the Rec Center.
Practice Requests
I'll handle practice requests as I've done in the past. Once I find out what fields will be available to us (that might not happen until after the coaches meeting?), I'll ask everyone to submit to me their preferences ( Don't send them to me yet). This usually works out well. Folks can shift around afterwards if they want. As always, I'll be fighting for as much field space as possible. Wish me luck. I expect, based on some things that I've heard, that we'll be back at PSC (Peterswood Soccer Complex) with some games/practices at Venetia too.
E License Course
PTSA will offer an E License course August 17th - 18th and 19th. Classroom sessions will be held at the Peters Township Recreation Center and the field work will be held at the Soccer Complex. This will be the first E License course held in South Hills in two years, so it will fill up fast. You can register on line at https://ssl.hammersoccer.com/PAWCoaching/coachcourses.asp. Or call Manny Politis at 412 759-4659 for questions.
Coaching Bags
Coaching Clinic Type: E Certificate
Dates: 8/17/2007
Times: 6:00 pm
Location: Peterswood Soccer Complex, Peters Twp, PA
Location Address: 150 Meredith Drive Venetia, PA
Clinician: To Be Determined
Course Information: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Friday 8/17 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 8/18 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday 8/19
Member Cost: $50.00, Non-Member Cost: $50.00
Available Spots for this Course: 48
Registrations Still Needed to Hold this Course: 18
E" License - Coaching Travel/Classic players
The philosophy of the "E" certificate is player development. The "E" certificate is geared toward preparing the coach to teach soccer techniques to the youth player during the "golden age of learning" The emphasis is on the building blocks of the game - shooting, passing, receiving, dribbling, heading and goalkeeping. These are the skills that players must master to play the game properly. Technical skills are taught and then refined under game conditions using match related exercises that incorporate pressure from an opponent, limited time and limited space. Principles of attack and defense will be presented.
Course Content
- Orientation and Methodology
- Discussion on P & C, Risk Management
- Team Management and Administration
- Discussion of Laws/Test
- Dribbling
- Passing
- Principles of Play Tactics (classroom)
- Receiving
- Shooting
- Goalkeeping
- Heading
- Defending and Attacking Principles on the field
- Practice Coaching by Candidates on the field
Course length: 18 hours
$50 fee is reimbursable by PTSA to Coaches who complete the course and are awarded the "E" Certificate.
It looks like we will not be receiving new coaches bags from Dick's this year. So, I highly recommend you dig your bag out from last year. We'll provide new medical kits and balls. New coaches - not sure what we'll do just yet. I'll find out more information soon.
Help Lining Fields
If you've made it this far in this email, congratulations. My second hardest job every year (after begging for coaches) is setting up the fields for the very first time ( i.e. staking and measuring all of the fields - then painting them - then setting up all of the goals/nets/sandbags). I'm not sure when I'll be doing this, but I always appreciate the help. Look for an email regarding this in the near future.
General Information
As always, you can read general information about the U8 program at my little web site. The FAQ is good for folks with a limited attention span. The Parent Guide is useful to answer most questions by more inquisitive parents. The Coaching Guide is for you guys. I've made minor changes to all of these docs. It might be worth a re-read if you've seen them before. I also have a blog that basically persists all of these coaching emails. So, if you lose an email, you can always look here.
Thanks for volunteering your time this year. I'm super grateful for your generosity. If you have any suggestions, questions or recommendations then feel free to send them my way.
--Tony
