Please note that we have added a new display option for our online fitness system. The new display sheet is accessed through the menu on the top left (please see image capture below). It shows the totals for each player for each month, as well as the team totals.
The system can be accessed through here to enter data, or here to view responses, both links available under Favorite Sites on the right hand menu.
1. When we won the penalty shootout on Sunday's 1st match, the keeper for the other tream was very upset and inconsolable, so I went to talk to him. I told him he was a very good keeper who had made many saves to prevent us from scoring, which was very true. After our 2nd match against them later, when players were shaking hands, he saw me and recognized me, and I asked him: "what did I tell you?" He said "that I was a good keeper". He smiled from ear to ear, we hugged, and he said a heartful thanks.
2. Dylan came running to see me to tell me that "next tournament we will do better, and the one after that, we will win".
This is why coaches are coaches.
The great.
First of all, the parents efforts on the weekend with the long tournament are immensely appreciated. Thank you.
2nd, a huge thank you to Deb for keeping us on track this weekend, from verifying what we needed to do ahead of time, from entering the players info (including OSA numbers), generating the game sheets, going to registration on Thursday night, and then keeping track of everything on the weekend. Saturday night I was trying to figure out the bizarre tournament schematics and I gave up.
That was an awesome and very long "never-ending" tournament, and a great showing by our team until they tired out. The tournament was very well organized, from the coaches perspective, and good refereeing. 7 matches later, we think it was a great learning experience for our kids. It helped them realize what it takes to win and play at the next level: play a lot more aggressively, much harder, run faster, give 100% effort and focus all the time - including practices. It is clear that we need to improve our fitness as the team's energy sagged in the last matches of every day. We had 5 very, very close 0 or 1-goal difference matches, and our very first penalty shootout, which we won! (see video).
We had a fantastic shootout, with 4 of our players scoring, including our keeper, and him also saving two opponents' shots. We had practiced PKs in our last practice, and our keeper was instructed to stay in the center because balls would be shot at or near him.
The players talked the coach into DQ, so DQ they got.
Next 3
The level of play improved for sure, but we now have 3 very difficult matches in a row, so parents should be patient and supportive. Two of the teams we had very close matches on the weekend are in our own league, but they will only come up later in the season.
The not so good.
Please remember that is against our code of conduct for players or parents to complain or argue coaches' decisions, including playing time.
We have a fair play policy but as this is competitive league players are not guaranteed equal playing time, the coaches make the decision they think it's best for the team at every moment. We are working very hard on the players' development, on our own time and away from our families. We are not paid for this or to be treated harshly, and we do so at our own cost. Playing time must be earned - by the players.
Players should realize that they get 3 days of soccer a week from the coaches, 2 days for practices and 1 day for match. In addition, our practices (2h and 3h each) are longer than 99% of other teams. That is around 385 to 400 minutes per week (not counting the optional fourth night we just added). Overall, the difference between when they are active doing or playing soccer or not is quite small (i.e, playing time in this is a small part). Players should not come just to play matches. Players must come to work very hard, learn, and focus during practices - not just playing matches. Unlike other clubs we try hard to make every player play in every match. Also, please understand that shift times are mostly beyond our control as there are strict rules and limits on when players can and cannot go in, and we realize a lot of this is unknown to parents, as is a zillion other things that are going on.
It is a team effort. One of our most skilled players will no longer be playing due to indiscipline and unwillingness to practice hard. What happened then: the team improved. Nobody is irreplaceable. Do practice hard, there is no other option.
The players get a fourth fitness night a week, starting this week, see previous post
Set the example.
While parents sit on the sidelines and watch, the coaches have to deal with a whole lot more complicated issues. Another team also harassed one of our players, and several players were swearing, we can't do much about them. Guess what their kids learn and how they will behave.
Please remember: Everything coaches and parents do will be emulated by the children.
A 4th night a week for fitness is now been offered by the coach. The first night is today, 5PM or 5:30PM, starting at Lincoln Heigths park. Please contact Raul. It will consist of a long run, speed training, and body building.
This night will not have attendance taken, but players must work on their fitness on their own time too.
Some photos and videos from Sunday.
Next Match is Sunday 8AM, followed by another match later!
Great job by our players today.
Some pics from today:
Official pictures and videos from our players at the National Capital Race Weekend were released today.
The Player of the Month for the month of May is.... David. David was Player of the Week for all weeks in May.
David is always focused, comes to every single practice, always works hard, and on top of that submitted 4 entries on the fitness system (the most of any player, tied with Gustavo).
He will receive another gift as a big thank you from the coaches who could not be happier.
Honourable mention goes to Alex.
Here are the players of the week for May 24 to May 31.
Alex,
David,
Jacob,
For coming to all practices, focusing, and participating in all activities (including fitness runs).
Congratulations to all.
