Hello Soccer families......the kids are progressing, from a parent's view - I know it can be discouraging, and from the players view it can be hard to stay positive.

I am very proud of this team - they are always excited to go out on the field, they are smiling while playing, and very encouraging of each other. I also want to point out that even when they come out after an injury - they want to go right back to the game. Good job boys - keep up the good work.

Our game this Sunday is at 8:30 a.m., early, but before Super Bowl parties start!

One item - I want to recognize each every player for their hard work and determination. The kids are awesome! I am very proud to be your coach and to keep working with you.

During our game last Sunday, we had four players that asked to play positions not usually played and they did a GREAT job in those positions: Warren and Matthew moved to defensive from the Forward/Offensive position; Ryan and Berkley asked to be Goalies and did an AWESOME job! Brady - you are doing a GREAT Job! I want to recognize Brady for his accomplishments during these sessions, keep up the good work of Goalie!

I am always asking the boys about positions - the indoor season is about exposure, exposure to other teams, other positions, different team set up, etc. It is intended to be a learning experience and if they show an interest in a position, I will give them that opportunity.

Thanks again for your support, the kids are a great bunch together. See you this Sunday.

Coaching tip of the week:

IF YOU DON’T SHOOT, YOU DON’T SCORE!

SOME THINGS FOR OUR TEAM TO REMEMBER:

• Demonstrate a positive, aggressive but controlled attitude - Don't forget the power of your voice to your team-mates. Talk to each other on the field.
• Remember and apply the work on individual pressing - make the other team work harder then you are, pressure them by trying to steal the ball.
• Observe the opponents positions and your team mates - head up, look at the other teams position and your team mates - don't kick the ball towards the other team.
• Keep compact as a unit - stay close enough to talk and pass up the field. Remember we are a TEAM.
• Cover spaces as well as players - don't just worry about the players, think about open areas on the field that the ball can cross and get there to stop and steal that ball!

GO SONICS!

Comments on Sunday - January 18th game

The boys did an excellent job of holding positions on Sunday -

Matthew and Ryan as forwards moved into the goal to be ready for a pass while Warren, Berkley, Alex, Tyler, Josh and Joseph moved the ball down the field - the ball handling skills have improved and the team work is coming together.

Brady, Eric and Jacob took turns at playing goalie. Brady - great job getting the ball out of there with power kicks, Eric - you did a great job! First time playing goalie and you stopped those goals - keep up the practice!

I have been rotating the kids between offensive and defensive positions so that they can get a better idea of what they like, and so that I can see where their strengths are.

Our next game is Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Arrive around 12:20 and we can get in a few minutes of pre-game practice.

In the meantime, parents if you can help the kids with practice during the week that would be great and review these tips:

Key Coaching Points
1. Cut off the path to goal.
2. Try to keep possession of the ball.
3. Shoot at every opportunity.
4. Go to the ball, don’t back away from it.
5. Help the player with the ball by getting into a supporting position.
6. Get ready to change.

Thanks again and have a wonderful week - see everyone on Sunday!

Hi guys! Good first game- we are starting to play much better as a team. Remember that most of these teams play together in other leagues. Thanks to all returning players and welcome to our new teammates, Eric, Joseph and Ryan. Great first game Ryan! Ryan scored his first goal in Soccer today!!
Our next game is at 7:30 next Sunday. Please let me know if you not be able to make it.

Suzanne