Soccer Families,
Welcome to the 2014 Carolina Rapids Recreation Soccer Program, your son has been assigned to my rec U10 team for the upcoming fall season. The game schedule is being finalized. I’ll pass along what I know at this point and will update everyone as I know more.
****PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL****
I want to make sure everyone receives this information. Please let me know you received this by answering the following:
- Are there alternate or additional email addresses that I should include in team mailings?
- Is it okay to share your email address with the rest of the team?
- How many years has your son been playing soccer?
- Is he Right or Left footed?
- Does he have a preferred position?
- Does he have experience/interest in playing keeper? (In my humble opinion, having an enthusiastic keeper is the single-most important element of the team. I’m not overly concerned about experience. We can teach the position. I just need a few kids that are willing to give it a try)
I can’t guarantee that the players will play where they prefer (in fact, I’m CAN guarantee that they won’t always being playing there J). However, I know by 9 years old, most players have established a preference for certain areas of the field and I’ll take this into consideration when setting rosters.
Team Roster and U10 Format:
Our team is currently made up of 12 players. Teams are still being finalized so this may go up some. The U10 division plays 7 a side including a goal keeper. The games will consist of two 25 minute halves, one referee and will include throw-ins, goal kicks and corner kicks. There will be no direct kicks, no offside, no goalkeeper punts, and no slide tackling. Also, no defensive player may be placed in front of the goal. When the offensive team is taking a goal kick the defensive team must pull back to the midfield line until the ball is played. Substitutions can be made at any time. Coaches coach only from the designated sideline. Half time is 5 minutes. We use a size 4 ball. With the team size we have now, I expect that everyone will have no trouble getting playing time. I will try to make player changes in a few sets around the quarter points so each player gets playing time and breaks in each half.
Practice:
Our first practice will be Friday, September 5 starting at 6:30PM to 7:45 PM. I am trying to secure Richard Barry Park (Next to Beatties Ford Rd.) for practice and will let you know what field we will practice on when I have that confirmation. Here is a link to view field locations: http://www.carolinarapids.org/Default.aspx?tabid=276126
We will have practice each Friday thereafter at the same location throughout the season. Please have the players wear cleats, shin guards, bring something to drink and their soccer ball to each practice.
Game Schedule:
Link for timeline and game schedules http://www.carolinarapids.org/Default.aspx?tabid=277455
I haven’t received our game schedule yet, but our first game will be Saturday September 13. Our games will typically take place at Bradford Park on Hwy 73, East of Huntersville. Click on the link to view the field address and location: http://www.carolinarapids.org/Default.aspx?tabid=276126
Parent Expectations:
Sportsmanship is important for kids to learn. Set a good example on the side lines by offering positive encouragement and support. Know the Parent Do’s and Don’ts of the program.
Parent Do’s-DO BE POSITIVE!
Praise good plays for both teams
Show respect and good manners toward ALL involved-players, coaches, referees, volunteers
Encourage fair play
Be calm
Ask your child to describe what they have learned
Communicate concerns with the coach in PRIVATE
Things to say BEFORE a game
Have Fun! Good Luck! I Love You!
Things to say AFTER a game
It was great to see you play! I Love You! What do you want to EAT?
Parent Don’ts -DON”T CRITIZE
Coaches Referees Players Volunteers Parents
Don’t use verbs during a game
Kick it, Attack, Run, Dribble, Talk, and Shoot
Don’t complain to coach in public!
Don’t yell at the referee!
Don’t coach the kids! Allow the coaches to coach!
Don’t concern yourself with the score!
Don’t Critique your child’s efforts immediately after the game! Wait at least 30 minutes
Remember that ‘Let them play’ also means ‘Let them ref’. It’s the American way to blame the ref. but the referees in this league are solo and can’t be everywhere on the field. They not only have to ref, but also have to be linesman, timekeeper and in some cases instructor on the field. So if a call is questionable, it’s more likely because of the line of sight and not some major conspiracy. Al the referees are trained and know the game of soccer, give them chance to be referees, but not cause them to second guess their own calls.
To review our ‘Let us play’ policy click on the link: http://www.carolinarapids.org/Default.aspx?tabid=276118
I look forward to meeting everyone on Friday. I’m quite certain it’s going to be an exciting soccer season. Please let me know if you have any questions.
--Coach Stanwood
704-677-6993 cell
[email protected]