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Flames Soccer Club |
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Margo's Corner
March 14, 2014
We are getting ready for our first scrimmage on April 13, 2014 from 1- 4 at the Harper Jr. High School Gym in Davis CA versus the BORP Bombers. It should be a fantastic afternoon of power soccer. Please arrive so that we can begin at 1 pm – that means arrive at least 15 minutes early so that we can get guards on and speed check the athletes.
For our athletes – please keep in mind that this is a scrimmage – not a league or recreational league match so here’s what is important:
1 – Have FUN!!!!!!
2 – Everybody plays – no matter what skill level anyone is at everyone gets to play in a scrimmage. In competitive matches and tournaments playing time will be based on team needs but when we are scrimmaging Everybody plays so that Everybody can achieve goal #1 - having FUN!!!!!!!
3 – Be good sports – this is a great opportunity to practice your already well developed sportspersonship skills. Be friendly and kind to the other team, coaches and referees– they are traveling to Davis and volunteering their free time to give us game experience. Let them know that you appreciate it.
For our parents - Your help is invaluable to the success of our program – THANK YOU. Here are some things to remember as the team moves forward:
1 - The number one reason that youth athletes stop playing sports is….. their parents. Remember your role – you are a fan of a child playing a game. Here’s what recent research tells us:
“Hundreds of college athletes were asked to think back: "What is your worst memory from playing youth and high school sports?"
Their overwhelming response: "The ride home from games with my parents."
Those same college athletes were asked what their parents said that made them feel great, that amplified their joy during and after a ballgame.
Their overwhelming response: "I love to watch you play."
There it is, from the mouths of babes who grew up to become college and professional athletes. Whether your child is just beginning T-ball or is a travel-team soccer all-star or survived the cuts for the high school varsity, parents take heed.
In the moments after a game, win or lose, kids desire distance. They make a rapid transition from athlete back to child. And they’d prefer if parents transitioned from spectator – or in many instances from coach – back to mom and dad. ASAP.
The young athlete doesn’t want to hear it immediately after the game. Not from a parent. Comments that undermine teammates, the coach or even officials run counter to everything the young player is taught. And instructional feedback was likely already mentioned by the coach.
"Let your child bring the game to you…if they want to,”
2- The pithy t-shirt that has gained popularity in the past several years reads: They play, I coach, you cheer. Of ten times we inadvertently coach while cheering – there is nothing so distracting to an athlete as hearing the fan/parent yell “go go go”, while the coach is saying “drop back” Here’s some cheer ideas:
3 – Finally for the parents/fans remember to model the good sportspersonship that you would like to see in your athlete. Applaud good plays made by both teams. Thank officials and coaches for their time and effort. Keep your comments positive, avoid criticizing other athletes – you never know whose parent/friend/fan may be listening and you would be offended if others made negative comments about your athlete.
We are getting ready for our first scrimmage on April 13, 2014 from 1- 4 at the Harper Jr. High School Gym in Davis CA versus the BORP Bombers. It should be a fantastic afternoon of power soccer. Please arrive so that we can begin at 1 pm – that means arrive at least 15 minutes early so that we can get guards on and speed check the athletes.
For our athletes – please keep in mind that this is a scrimmage – not a league or recreational league match so here’s what is important:
1 – Have FUN!!!!!!
2 – Everybody plays – no matter what skill level anyone is at everyone gets to play in a scrimmage. In competitive matches and tournaments playing time will be based on team needs but when we are scrimmaging Everybody plays so that Everybody can achieve goal #1 - having FUN!!!!!!!
3 – Be good sports – this is a great opportunity to practice your already well developed sportspersonship skills. Be friendly and kind to the other team, coaches and referees– they are traveling to Davis and volunteering their free time to give us game experience. Let them know that you appreciate it.
For our parents - Your help is invaluable to the success of our program – THANK YOU. Here are some things to remember as the team moves forward:
1 - The number one reason that youth athletes stop playing sports is….. their parents. Remember your role – you are a fan of a child playing a game. Here’s what recent research tells us:
“Hundreds of college athletes were asked to think back: "What is your worst memory from playing youth and high school sports?"
Their overwhelming response: "The ride home from games with my parents."
Those same college athletes were asked what their parents said that made them feel great, that amplified their joy during and after a ballgame.
Their overwhelming response: "I love to watch you play."
There it is, from the mouths of babes who grew up to become college and professional athletes. Whether your child is just beginning T-ball or is a travel-team soccer all-star or survived the cuts for the high school varsity, parents take heed.
In the moments after a game, win or lose, kids desire distance. They make a rapid transition from athlete back to child. And they’d prefer if parents transitioned from spectator – or in many instances from coach – back to mom and dad. ASAP.
The young athlete doesn’t want to hear it immediately after the game. Not from a parent. Comments that undermine teammates, the coach or even officials run counter to everything the young player is taught. And instructional feedback was likely already mentioned by the coach.
"Let your child bring the game to you…if they want to,”
2- The pithy t-shirt that has gained popularity in the past several years reads: They play, I coach, you cheer. Of ten times we inadvertently coach while cheering – there is nothing so distracting to an athlete as hearing the fan/parent yell “go go go”, while the coach is saying “drop back” Here’s some cheer ideas:
Good effort
Nice try
Great idea
Way to go
Good work
Good decision
Great teamwork
Nice play
Great ball
Good pass
Awesome job
Way to work
Great Defense
Great goal
Keep it positive!
The experts recommend the following:
Before the Competition: After the competition:
1. Did you have fun?
2. Play hard. 2. I’m proud of you.
3. I love you. 3. I love you.
3 – Finally for the parents/fans remember to model the good sportspersonship that you would like to see in your athlete. Applaud good plays made by both teams. Thank officials and coaches for their time and effort. Keep your comments positive, avoid criticizing other athletes – you never know whose parent/friend/fan may be listening and you would be offended if others made negative comments about your athlete.