September 11, 2009

A New Start

F.C. Pride is coming off a very busy and "Great" start of our existence. The girls have made it very easy as they have been working hard to become better skilled soccer players, there has been other things that have been worked on as well... our home field. It Wasn't very long ago that Slaterville Park was just a nice big grassy area for the public to relax and have fun on. Now, thanks to Dan Cragun's idea to place two soccer fields on it, it has turned out to be one of the leagues (I think) best fields to play soccer.

Here are some before pictures:



And some after pictures at the F.C. Pride soccer camp:


June 29, 2009

FC Pride Soccer Camp

We will be joining the U-12 Pride team in a two day camp with ex-collegiate soccer players to help your young players have fun and improve their technical, tactical and individual skills. Please let us know if you will be there so we will have a head count for the trainers that will be giving their time.

July 31, 2009 @ 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (FC Pride camp). Location: Slaterville park.
August 1, 2009 @ 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (FC Pride camp). Location: Slaterville park.

June 25, 2009

(Expectations) Parents meeting

What is the game of soccer-
- It is a competitive game; made difficult by the opponent
- Has an objective; To score goals and to win.
- Has rules to follow and a field to play on.
- It is a free flowing game… meaning no stoppages for coaching
- Players must solve problems in the game

Coaching Philosophy
We will try to make practices as fun for the kids as possible, while providing the practice and instruction that they need to improve. I’ve found that kids expect and respond to well structured and organized practices. So we will strive to keep them moving and active.
Kids gain confidence and a love for the game through positive feedback from parents, coaches, and other players. Skill level develops at different rates for kids, but effort and having fun can always be achieved. I believe that effort weighs more, without it we can not get better.
Also, we want them to know that we’re interested in who they are. (As people)

Teamwork and developing friendships is an important part of any team sport. The kids need to know how important it is for them to support each other and to always be positive towards their teammates. Competition is an important element of any sport and as kids grow they naturally become more competitive. Our role, and that of the parents, is helping the kids develop the ability to deal with competition in a healthy way. Effort and attitude is our focus. If we can achieve that, chances are we'll win the games that we are capable of winning.

Objectives
- Help your child develop the skills necessary to be successful at this level and to prepare your child for the next season.
- Have fun and have the kids develop a love for the game.
- Learn about the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship.
- Give positive reinforcement
- Provide a safe and healthy environment for all the kids on the team.

Team Rules and Discipline
We will have a few team rules that we will make at the first practice. Rules may be added during the season if necessary. If they are not behaving(mouthing off), they will not be allowed to participate in practice for a few minutes, while consequences of breaking team rules will be more on the fun side of things. Players will not be down graded!

Player Expectations
- will participate because they want to, not just because my parents or coaches want me to.
- will play by the rules and in the spirit of the game.
- will control temper – fighting and "mouthing off" can spoil the activity for everybody.
- will respect my opponents.
- will remember that winning isn’t everything – having fun, improving my skills, making friends and doing my best are also important.
- will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me. I will respect their decisions.
- Spend time outside of practice playing soccer.
- Have fun and always give your best effort.
- Play as a team






Practices
Practice is the most important element in soccer development. Parents/guardians of players are expected to ensure players:
- Notify the coach of an anticipated absence well in advanced of the practice
- At the field ready for practice no less than 5 minutes before the start time;
- Be prepared (this includes proper training gear including shorts, t-shirt, soccer socks, shin pads, soccer shoes and appropriate apparel for colder weather, as well as a water bottle).
-Whether for a legitimate reason or not, if a player misses practice they may have reduced playing time in games. To stay sharp and at the top of their game requires practice.
- Repetition is crucial improvement, work on their skills learned at practice, at home.


Playing Time-
We will strive to give each child equal playing time. However, it is sometimes difficult to do. If you feel your child is not receiving equal playing time, please feel free to speak to me about it.
A player's playing time will depend on:
- Effort;
- Practice attendance;
- Practice performance;
- Match performance;
- Player’s physical state;
- Discipline;
- Ability.
We, as coaches, will start the strongest 8 players and end with the strongest 8 if needed. Could change with performance.

Coaches Expectations
- Will be reasonable when scheduling practices, knowing that players have other interests.
- We will teach our players to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials and opponents.
- We will ensure that all players get equal instruction, and support.
- We will not ridicule or yell at the players for making mistakes or for performing poorly.
- We will remember that children play to have fun and must be encouraged.
- We will ensure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the player’s ages and abilities.
- We will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.

Parent Expectations
- will remember that my child plays sports for his or her enjoyment, not mine.
- will encourage my child to play by the rules.
- will teach my child that doing ones’ best is as important as winning.
- will never ridicule or yell at my child for making a mistake or losing competitions.
- will applaud good plays/performances by both my child’s team and their opponents.
- will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting events.
- will respect and show appreciation for the volunteers who give their time for your child.
- Get your child to practice and games on time. If you know your child will be late or won’t be able to make it to a practice or game, please let me know in advance.
- Help out with team volunteer opportunities. We have areas that require parent help.
- Get involved in playing soccer with your child. This may be playing in the yard on days we don’t practice. Kids love it when their parents get involved.
- will never question the official’s judgment or honesty.
- No coaching from the side lines. Let the coaches do their job.




The Do's and Do Not's of Sideline Behavior
In particular, parents/guardians are expected to adhere to the following rules when attending a game or practice. This includes before, during and after the session.
DO encourage your child.
DO encourage the team.
DO treat the other team, the referee and other parents with respect.
DO Refrain from smoking or other inappropriate activities in the vicinity of the field.
DO NOT use foul or abusive language.
DO NOT instruct the players, or question the player choice or tactics of the coach.
DO NOT speak to or question the referee.

Referee Fees- $31.00 per game, these fees will be divided equally among all players. You will be responsible for bringing these fees on your scheduled game day.


Games and Tournaments
The focus of the season is the team’s performance in games. It is crucial for the team to be properly warmed up and briefed by the coach prior to the kick-off of the game.
Parents/guardians and players are expected to:
- Notify the coach of absence well in advanced of the game in order that the proper adjustments to strategy and player roster can be made;
- At the field no less than 30 minutes, ready, prior to kick-off. Coach may ask to be there earlier;
- Be prepared (this includes proper game gear including shorts, uniform, soccer socks, shin pads, soccer shoes and appropriate apparel for colder weather, as well as a water bottle);
- Arrive fresh and ready to play (sleepovers, outdoor activities (swimming) should be tempered on game days)
- Parents/guardians be accountable for players' actions in restaurants, stores, hotels/motels/campgrounds in town and out of town.

Strikers Cup-
Date: Aug. 19-22, 2009
Deadline: July 11, 2009
Fee: U-10 $400 / U-12 $475
Location: Layton
Contact: Brett Porter- 801-546-6865 / porterfam5@juno.com

Utah Rush Mayors Cup-
Date: Sept. 3-7, 2009
Deadline: Aug8, 2009
Fee: U-10 $350 / U-12 $495
Contact: Eric Landon- 801-298-4625 / eric@utahrush.com

President’s Cup-
Date: Sept. 23-Oct. 3, 2009
Deadline: Aug. 26, 2009
Fee: U-10 $375 / U-12 $450
Contact: Drew Hiatt- 801-268-3365 / dhiatt@utahyouthsoccer.net


Are we alright with players pictures on the blog?


Volunteer List-
- Field Management
- Drinks for games
- Phone Calls
- Referees
- Fundraisers

I’m looking forward to a fun and rewarding season. Please remember, "this is our first season together." If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call me.

About the Pride