OK, in order to avoid a riot I'd better get the snack thing squared away. My "spreadsheet" didn't work so well last time, so I'll just bring in some old fashioned paper to the game and we can divvy it up there.
Thanks,
Scott
Monday, November 13, 2006
Game #1 and Rosters
Well, game #1 was tough. The kids are still getting used to indoor arena, and Frank Thomas's team is about 1 year older on average. I'm not sure what to expect from the other teams - but for those of you who are new to the team, we had about a 4-6 record in the outdoor season, with steady improvement throughout. The only game that I'm really not looking forward to is on Dec. 16th when we play the Croations. Not to generalize, but historically speaking the odds are definitely not in our favor. We'll just have to get some wins under our belt before then to keep morale high.
9:00AM this Saturday. I've updated the calendar. http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=up5f07fa7p62q4m6mecsgdp758%40group.calendar.google.com A permanent link is on the right side of this blog ---->>>
IMPORTANT - IF YOU DID NOT FILL OUT A WAVER OR FILL OUT THE ROSTER YOU MUST DO IT THIS GAME. I didn't catch everyone last time. Likewise, if you did not pay me $60, please do, as I need to pay the balance for our field time on Saturday.
9:00AM this Saturday. I've updated the calendar. http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=up5f07fa7p62q4m6mecsgdp758%40group.calendar.google.com A permanent link is on the right side of this blog ---->>>
IMPORTANT - IF YOU DID NOT FILL OUT A WAVER OR FILL OUT THE ROSTER YOU MUST DO IT THIS GAME. I didn't catch everyone last time. Likewise, if you did not pay me $60, please do, as I need to pay the balance for our field time on Saturday.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Indoor Soccer Starts This Week!
Yahoo! I've finally got the information we've all been waiting for. Apparently the scheduling for the "small field" games is done last, so sorry for the late notice.
OUR FIRST GAME is 10:00AM on Saturday the 11th. The Mentor Heisley Soccer Club is actually attached to Mentor Heisley Racquet Club (or whatever its called these days). There's a sign on Heisley, the driveway is just a little bit north of the main racquet club parking lot.
Also, we have a practice THIS WEDNESDAY AT 7:00PM. I'm really, really sorry about this late notice. If you can't make it, that's fine, but it will be nice to go over some of the differences between outdoor and indoor soccer.
I'm hoping that they'll have the complete schedule by Wednesday and we can go over any remaining details then.
For games, the kids will need Orange shirts of some sort (team jerseys are fine).
I'll see you on Wednesday or Saturday! The CAGED CHEETAH's are on their way!
OUR FIRST GAME is 10:00AM on Saturday the 11th. The Mentor Heisley Soccer Club is actually attached to Mentor Heisley Racquet Club (or whatever its called these days). There's a sign on Heisley, the driveway is just a little bit north of the main racquet club parking lot.
Also, we have a practice THIS WEDNESDAY AT 7:00PM. I'm really, really sorry about this late notice. If you can't make it, that's fine, but it will be nice to go over some of the differences between outdoor and indoor soccer.
I'm hoping that they'll have the complete schedule by Wednesday and we can go over any remaining details then.
For games, the kids will need Orange shirts of some sort (team jerseys are fine).
I'll see you on Wednesday or Saturday! The CAGED CHEETAH's are on their way!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Indoor Soccer
As some of you may know, indoor soccer is available over the winter. Indoor soccer offers more "touches" of the ball, which makes it great for the kids.
Games are on Saturdays (some Sundays) and would be at Mentor Heisley Indoor Soccer Center. Cost is usually around $90/child depending on the number of kids on the team (its a flat fee for each team). Sessions are 10 games.
Depending on the level of interest (from my own son) I will either form a team or offer interested players to other teams so that anyone who wants to play can. There is absolutely no pressure. At this age (or any age) there is nothing wrong with enjoying the mid-season break (or playing basketball)... This is completely independent of Mentor Soccer Club, so participation is completely optional.
Let me know if its something you're interested in and I will plan accordingly. The session starts on November 6th.
Games are on Saturdays (some Sundays) and would be at Mentor Heisley Indoor Soccer Center. Cost is usually around $90/child depending on the number of kids on the team (its a flat fee for each team). Sessions are 10 games.
Depending on the level of interest (from my own son) I will either form a team or offer interested players to other teams so that anyone who wants to play can. There is absolutely no pressure. At this age (or any age) there is nothing wrong with enjoying the mid-season break (or playing basketball)... This is completely independent of Mentor Soccer Club, so participation is completely optional.
Let me know if its something you're interested in and I will plan accordingly. The session starts on November 6th.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Games 9 and 10
Game 9 - Oct. 7th at 9:00AM
Game 10-Oct. 14th at 10:15AM
I'd like to do something with the kids after Game 10 if we could. I think I'll arrange for a casual pizza party at the field (probably at the pavilion as other teams will need the field).
Please let me know if that will work or if you have any better ideas.
Game 10-Oct. 14th at 10:15AM
I'd like to do something with the kids after Game 10 if we could. I think I'll arrange for a casual pizza party at the field (probably at the pavilion as other teams will need the field).
Please let me know if that will work or if you have any better ideas.
Games 7 and 8
Sorry I never updated the blog after game 7. Busy busy busy. The simple fact is that the kids all seem to "get it" now. They have fun and they play hard, and most of the coaching that I do is probably for my own benefit.
They know where to put the ball, and while they might not stay in their forms or positions the whole time, they usually know that if they're defense, and the ball starts coming back towards their goal, to hussle.
The game last night was tough, we got that first goal in less than a minute and then couldn't quite repeat that trick. Our goalies were outstanding. 3rd quarter would have been a blowout without Helena's 6 saves in a row.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. The kids have settled in to the game, and I think the rest of the season and next spring will be fantastic!
They know where to put the ball, and while they might not stay in their forms or positions the whole time, they usually know that if they're defense, and the ball starts coming back towards their goal, to hussle.
The game last night was tough, we got that first goal in less than a minute and then couldn't quite repeat that trick. Our goalies were outstanding. 3rd quarter would have been a blowout without Helena's 6 saves in a row.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. The kids have settled in to the game, and I think the rest of the season and next spring will be fantastic!
Monday, September 18, 2006
Game #6
Tremendous game tonight! Not that it matters... but the score was 5-2.
I can't help but be impressed at how consistent our team is. The level of play has improved dramatically since the first games. The score, of course, reflects that. They surprised us in the very beginning with a couple of goals and we held them from there and really dominated. I try not to make a big deal of it in front of the other team (you know they feel), but the kids deserve to feel pretty good about it.
See you all at game #7 tomorrow! Hopefully we can keep it up, and hopefully the game won't be called for lightning!
I can't help but be impressed at how consistent our team is. The level of play has improved dramatically since the first games. The score, of course, reflects that. They surprised us in the very beginning with a couple of goals and we held them from there and really dominated. I try not to make a big deal of it in front of the other team (you know they feel), but the kids deserve to feel pretty good about it.
See you all at game #7 tomorrow! Hopefully we can keep it up, and hopefully the game won't be called for lightning!
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Pro Practice Cancelled September 12th
Pro Practice has been cancelled this evening due to rain. I do not know yet whether it will be rescheduled for another day.
We've got a long break until two games in a row on the 18th and 19th. So keep those feet moving and I'll see you all then!
We've got a long break until two games in a row on the 18th and 19th. So keep those feet moving and I'll see you all then!
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
PICTURE DAY and GAME #5
Don't forget - PICTURES AT 8:45 AT KREUGER. TEAM PICTURES ARE FIRST - SO PLEASE BE ON TIME.
GAME #5 at 10:15 (sorry about lag between pictures and the game).
I'll see you there!
GAME #5 at 10:15 (sorry about lag between pictures and the game).
I'll see you there!
Game #4 Notes
Wow! What a game! All the kids really did it today. We had the same great defense and aggressive offense, but this time we got a goal, AND we stopped every single attempt by the other team. Our goalies were incredible and our defense really did a great job.
You'll notice that we've gone a little more aggressive on the offense (effectively moved to a 2-1-3 lineup, instead of 3-0-3). That requires a lot of mobility from our midfielder, but it worked very well tonight.
The kids seemed OK with the full quarter playing time. We'll keep trying that and I'll sub as necessary if they get tired.
On another note, I had a chat with Daphne, the commissioner for U7 and clarified a few things. We WILL have refs in Spring. They thought that they would be too disruptive for the fall. As you may have noticed, not every single error/infraction gets called right now. The idea at this point is to LET THEM PLAY, which is what I was originally told, but started getting mixed messages. So if you see a goal kick thrown in, or something similar that doesn't create a safety issue, don't be surprised if we just let it play. Originally I had mixed feeling about this, but I've come to agree that the game is more enjoyable if its not getting stopped every minute for an indirect kick.
Please tell your kids again what a great job they did and how proud I am. They didn't let up for the whole game and it showed.
You'll notice that we've gone a little more aggressive on the offense (effectively moved to a 2-1-3 lineup, instead of 3-0-3). That requires a lot of mobility from our midfielder, but it worked very well tonight.
The kids seemed OK with the full quarter playing time. We'll keep trying that and I'll sub as necessary if they get tired.
On another note, I had a chat with Daphne, the commissioner for U7 and clarified a few things. We WILL have refs in Spring. They thought that they would be too disruptive for the fall. As you may have noticed, not every single error/infraction gets called right now. The idea at this point is to LET THEM PLAY, which is what I was originally told, but started getting mixed messages. So if you see a goal kick thrown in, or something similar that doesn't create a safety issue, don't be surprised if we just let it play. Originally I had mixed feeling about this, but I've come to agree that the game is more enjoyable if its not getting stopped every minute for an indirect kick.
Please tell your kids again what a great job they did and how proud I am. They didn't let up for the whole game and it showed.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Picture Day
Game #4 - September 5th at 6:15PM - just a reminder...
September 9th, next Saturday is picture day (and a game). Our pictures have been move up slightly to 8:45. For pictures it is VERY IMPORTANT that we get everyone there on time, especially since we are nearly first. The people with 3:00PM appointments will appreciate it.
Doug Schaefer has volunteered to coach the game that day (Game #5 at 10:15AM) (as I will be on my way to a cousin's wedding in Columbus). I hate missing a game, but its a 1:00 wedding...
So I'll see you all at 6:00 or so on Wednesday. I hope you have a great holiday and I hope the kids can recover from starting school (exciting but never easy).
September 9th, next Saturday is picture day (and a game). Our pictures have been move up slightly to 8:45. For pictures it is VERY IMPORTANT that we get everyone there on time, especially since we are nearly first. The people with 3:00PM appointments will appreciate it.
Doug Schaefer has volunteered to coach the game that day (Game #5 at 10:15AM) (as I will be on my way to a cousin's wedding in Columbus). I hate missing a game, but its a 1:00 wedding...
So I'll see you all at 6:00 or so on Wednesday. I hope you have a great holiday and I hope the kids can recover from starting school (exciting but never easy).
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Game #3
That was a tough game. The kids really tried their hardest and got within range a bunch of times but couldn't put it in.
I think if you look at U7 games, the way we are playing is very typical - the defense more or less just gets the ball AWAY and hopefully a forward can pick it up and run with it. That part usually works for us. I've been playing the defense pretty far forward in the thinking that its better to score some goals than keep the game tied at 0-0.
There are two things I think the kids can work on, or that you can talk to them about.
1. Attacking the ball. The only person who should be reluctant to attack the ball is the last defender, everyone else should go after it for all they're worth.
2. Keeping the ball. The natural instinct at this age for a lot of kids is to get the ball and kick it away immediately. They need confidence that they can handle the ball and keep it away from the opposing team - this takes practice and time. Confidence, not skill, is the biggest difference between the players at this age. This certainly applies to #1 as well. The team today was VERY aggressive and it showed.
That said, these are things that apply to any U7 team. I've been amazed at how consistent our team is in that everybody is trying and doing a very good job. If we get just a few people to figure out how to get the ball in the goal, we'll be in great shape.
On a side note, I reviewed the roster... We have a VERY disproportionately young team. I'm not sure why, but it does make things challenging. I'm sure you noticed the the other teams seemed a little bigger.
I hope everybody is having fun, I know it can be frustrating to lose after all that effort. All we can do is work on it and stick it out, and it will come together. I've been through this with my daughters, and it only takes a few wins to really help the team out.
Now that I've seen what the kids can do, I could start putting in positions that they do well at, but I'm still inclined to rotate them. This is still an instructional league, and I've got to balance learning with trying to win.
Thanks everybody - I hope you have a great Labor Day weekend and I'll see you next Tuesday!
I think if you look at U7 games, the way we are playing is very typical - the defense more or less just gets the ball AWAY and hopefully a forward can pick it up and run with it. That part usually works for us. I've been playing the defense pretty far forward in the thinking that its better to score some goals than keep the game tied at 0-0.
There are two things I think the kids can work on, or that you can talk to them about.
1. Attacking the ball. The only person who should be reluctant to attack the ball is the last defender, everyone else should go after it for all they're worth.
2. Keeping the ball. The natural instinct at this age for a lot of kids is to get the ball and kick it away immediately. They need confidence that they can handle the ball and keep it away from the opposing team - this takes practice and time. Confidence, not skill, is the biggest difference between the players at this age. This certainly applies to #1 as well. The team today was VERY aggressive and it showed.
That said, these are things that apply to any U7 team. I've been amazed at how consistent our team is in that everybody is trying and doing a very good job. If we get just a few people to figure out how to get the ball in the goal, we'll be in great shape.
On a side note, I reviewed the roster... We have a VERY disproportionately young team. I'm not sure why, but it does make things challenging. I'm sure you noticed the the other teams seemed a little bigger.
I hope everybody is having fun, I know it can be frustrating to lose after all that effort. All we can do is work on it and stick it out, and it will come together. I've been through this with my daughters, and it only takes a few wins to really help the team out.
Now that I've seen what the kids can do, I could start putting in positions that they do well at, but I'm still inclined to rotate them. This is still an instructional league, and I've got to balance learning with trying to win.
Thanks everybody - I hope you have a great Labor Day weekend and I'll see you next Tuesday!
Pro Practices
OK, finally some clarification from the league on the vague "practices" shown on the schedule. This is good news...
These are practices run by a professional coach that the club has hired for this. They are at Garfield Park Baseball(?!) Field #4 behind the tennis courts.
9/12, 9/26, 10/10 at 5:00-6:00 (on the calendar)
These should be fun and useful. Please note that the first practice has been CHANGED from 9/14 to 9/12 (Tuesday).
These are practices run by a professional coach that the club has hired for this. They are at Garfield Park Baseball(?!) Field #4 behind the tennis courts.
9/12, 9/26, 10/10 at 5:00-6:00 (on the calendar)
These should be fun and useful. Please note that the first practice has been CHANGED from 9/14 to 9/12 (Tuesday).
Game #2
Super job everybody in Game #2! The difference was amazing. With the little amount of practice we got, the games really teach quite a bit. Our defense was very good through most of the game. I know a lot of the kids from the other team, and they are a bit older than ours, so our performance was very good.
We need to work on GETTING the ball and not hanging back. I know its hard sometimes when you're afraid it'll get past you, but sometimes you just have to charge in and get it. If we can get that figured out, we'll start scoring some goals.
PARENTS - it helped a lot having the kids that were out on the sideline near me. The subbing went A LOT faster, but we can still do a little better. In all fairness, the kids had no idea what subbing was the first game (they thought we lined up for kickoff). If you could make sure your kids are on the sideline during the game (if they are not playing) that really helps. Also - not to be a scaremonger, but there is apparently a coyote in the woods between the Kreuger and Hopkins elementary (seriously).
I'll be trying to keep the playing time more even tonight. I may have accidently shorted some kids, so I'll work that out tonight.
Its great that the kids are so excited to play, and once they start scoring, the level will rise even more. It seems like everybody is having fun, and that's the important thing.
We need to work on GETTING the ball and not hanging back. I know its hard sometimes when you're afraid it'll get past you, but sometimes you just have to charge in and get it. If we can get that figured out, we'll start scoring some goals.
PARENTS - it helped a lot having the kids that were out on the sideline near me. The subbing went A LOT faster, but we can still do a little better. In all fairness, the kids had no idea what subbing was the first game (they thought we lined up for kickoff). If you could make sure your kids are on the sideline during the game (if they are not playing) that really helps. Also - not to be a scaremonger, but there is apparently a coyote in the woods between the Kreuger and Hopkins elementary (seriously).
I'll be trying to keep the playing time more even tonight. I may have accidently shorted some kids, so I'll work that out tonight.
Its great that the kids are so excited to play, and once they start scoring, the level will rise even more. It seems like everybody is having fun, and that's the important thing.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Games
Please try to show up maybe 10 minutes early for games. It gives me a small chance to talk to the kids and get them lined up. I say that as a parent who rarely ever made it early to games, so do what you can.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Game #1
Great job, team! After just 2 practices I saw a lot of hard work out on the field. I saw a lot of hustle and nobody gave up for the whole game (a little longer than regulation...).
I was very proud of how everyone kept playing and fighting for their team. For game #2 we can work on protecting our goalie and making the final shot at the goal. Those are both skills that can take a while to come together for a team. I know we'll be able to do it.
I'll see you all at Game#2 on Tuesday at 6:15PM. And don't forget game #3 on Wednesday, same time! The DiNardo's are bringing snack for Tuesday, and the Schaefer's for Wednesday.
And I'm bringing a new stopwatch...
I was very proud of how everyone kept playing and fighting for their team. For game #2 we can work on protecting our goalie and making the final shot at the goal. Those are both skills that can take a while to come together for a team. I know we'll be able to do it.
I'll see you all at Game#2 on Tuesday at 6:15PM. And don't forget game #3 on Wednesday, same time! The DiNardo's are bringing snack for Tuesday, and the Schaefer's for Wednesday.
And I'm bringing a new stopwatch...
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Welcome
Welcome to possibly the first ever Mentor Soccer Club Team blog! I don't know how useful this will be, but I thought it was worth a shot. I'll use this for communication with the parents and kids as well as a place to provide some nice links for youth soccer information. It's going to be a great season!
One note, due to privacy concerns and all that, I will stick to first names only in any posts and avoid any "identifying" information. Hate to be paranoid, but I'm sure you understand.
One note, due to privacy concerns and all that, I will stick to first names only in any posts and avoid any "identifying" information. Hate to be paranoid, but I'm sure you understand.
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