New Player – New Parents

I’m having a problem with one of my new players on my soccer team. This player is new to soccer and obviously new to our club and team.
Honestly, I run a pretty tight ship when it comes to my team. I expect my players to respect their teammates, listen when I speak to give instruction, [...]

The All Important First Touch

The more I watch non-American professional soccer (South America, Europe, etc.), the more I have a hard time watching American professional soccer….like MLS.
I just watched Seattle vs. New York the other day and was so disappointed in the play of these professionals. These players are 1-million times better than I could ever be.
So…what’s my problem? [...]

I’m So Proud To Be A Coach

Recently, my U7 recreation team played another team from the same area. It was expected to be a good game and very exciting.
Last Spring, my team fell apart against this team. It wasn’t pretty. So, my players were excited to get another opportunity to play this team.
Anyways…we played the game and the outcome was VERY [...]

I Am Now The Law!

After a 16 hour session spread over 3 days, I am now officially licensed as a Grade 8 Soccer Referee.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect for the class. I was a licensed high school referee in New Hampshire back in the early 1990’s. A lot has changed since then.
I am excited to begin reffing a [...]

Registration Numbers Are Down

As President of my club, I’m overjoyed that my club’s membership has grown 22% in the last year…especially when membership has decreased at most of the other clubs in the Charleston area.
I’m not happy that these other clubs are having number issues. I want everyone’s memberships to go up. If membership is up everywhere….that means more kids [...]

New Season Is Coming

I am so excited that a new season is almost here.
My club just finished up an excellent week-long “summer tune-up” camp for our members with Renee Balconi and Ashleigh Woods. Registration for rec soccer has just finished up. And, my teams (yes, I said teams…one U7 and one U8) are ready to begin practices in [...]

Renee Balconi & Ashleigh Woods

My soccer club is hosting a summer soccer camp this week under the direction of Balconi Skillz N Thrillz….Renee Balconi & Ashleigh Woods.
I am so excited to have these two women as the directors of this camp. I really think Renee & Ashleigh are a well kept secret in the Charleston area. They have been [...]

Soccer + God = FUN!

My kids just got back from the first day of a 5 day evening summer soccer camp with a local church. This camp takes the place of the church’s annual Vacation Bible School. They put on an excellent performance of games, skits, snacks, soccer drills and reinforcing the Word of God.
Honestly, I don’t expect my kids to [...]

WV Girls Make Region 1 ODP Pool

I received a wonderful email yesterday that contained the following news:
“I thought folks would like to know that we had two (yes, 2!) WV girls selected for the 1995 Girls ODP Region 1 Pool, this past week! Hannah Abraham and Gabi Mascaro, who will both be playing on the WVUSC Shox Gold U13 Girls team in [...]

India Team Continues Undefeated

The more I see the U16 India Nation Team the more I become impressed with them.
I saw Friday night’s game against the WV U16 ODP (Olympic Development Program) team and India posted a 10-0 victory to remain undefeated. I knew the WV team was in trouble when India scored a few minutes into the game.
I’m [...]