Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Letter from the Technical Director
Club, a focus on players
Generating individual players is a top priority in our club. It is what sets us apart from other soccer teams/groups in our community. Even though team success is very important, what’s truly significant is what is happening with each individual in the club that truly makes Infinity SC special.
The ongoing process of developing people over a long period of time is something that the ordinary person understands. We are used to having a curriculum in our education program, piano lessons, scouting programs, skiing and snowboarding programs. If a student is excelling in the second grade, he/she is likely going to be tested to see if they can perform at another level. If an alto sax player is performing poorly at the start and is sitting third chair and suddenly improves they will move up to second and possibly first chair. If child moves from an orange belt to a green belt in Tae Kwon Do, we acknowledge the accomplishment without making his/her peers move up prematurely. In all of these examples, the focus is on the individual, not their group, and each individual is rewarded for their abilities within a curriculum. Why don’t we embrace the same patient scheme with youth sports?
The beauty of our club philosophy, enabled by having multiple teams, a technical director and licensed/experienced coaches, is that we have been through the bumps and bruises of forming teams, enjoying success, only to dissolve (in quality and/or quantity) as the teams mature in age. We understand that players may find themselves jealous of the teammate that moves up a team because they are excelling faster, questioning what their team is going to do without them. Or that also that parents may find their child moving up to be challenged more because all of the sudden they are no longer the star of the team. However, our club is focused on placing each player in the most ideal environment for their development as a soccer player. This, for some reason, is very difficult to grasp and it is our mission to educate and change the culture in our community. We want a club that focuses on player development first, and team success second. I say this openly, knowing very well that winning is important, and that we should be striving to win every time we are placed on the field, but not at the cost of our players development. Winning is secondary to each player’s skill development and decision making abilities. I will not go in to detail about this, but feel free to check my blog for articles that support the philosophy (www.coachginn.blogspot.com).
On Tuesday, March 12th I received a phone call from one of the u11 girl’s parents around 12:45pm. They were stumbling around the District 7 web site and recognized that we had a game in less than five hours. Due to the chaos the weather had brought, we had a game rescheduled without any notice at all. The next six hours were insane, but the commitment to the players that coaches and parents showed was more than just synergetic. We acted like a club determined to make things work, not just for this newly scheduled game, but for each player throughout the club that was affected by this added match.
The scenario was this: two of the u11 girls were already committed to play with the u10 boy’s team at the same time as their new game because the u10 boy’s team had a couple of injured players and a couple of absent players. They needed players, so as a club we provided two u10 girls that were “playing up” at u11 to play with the boys. These two girls helped the boys to a 9-2 win and contributed by scoring two goals and 2 assists. The comment from the u10 coach was that it was nice to be able to plug two players, regardless of gender, and be confident that they will be able to contribute due to similar training and playing styles. The girls train often enough with the boys that the boys are comfortable playing with the two girls while the girls were confident that they could play with the boys as well.
As the u10 boys kicked off so did the girl’s teammates (the u11 girls). They are playing in the u11 boys league this season to be challenged more after running the table in the girl’s league. The beauty of this game was that although they were missing two stronger players (the players that were playing with the u10 boys,) two players from the 2nd u11 team (u11 select girls) were invited. Even though the girls were down 2-0 at the half, the two select girls started over two of the premier girls, they fit in, contributed, and there was no drop in play. The two select girls contributed in an eventual 3-2 win over a very fast and physical independent u11 boy’s team. They train with each other, they compete with each other and they plan to play with each other when they move to 11v11 next year when they are u12 players. It is fun to be involved with these players, teams and coaches. Although the circumstances may not always be ideal, and that the team may suffer on game day at the younger ages, we are seeing individuals nurtured to become quality players that are comfortable playing in every position, on any team, under any circumstance and team players who openly accept the guest players and work with them.
The other amazing part in the chaos of that day was that every player made it to the game with only three hours notice. The parents and coaches among the three teams were great at tracking down player passes, doing the online paperwork to allow the players to use the developmental pass and simply making things happen. When we place the needs of the kids above our own needs, we find out that little miracles happen. Raising a soccer player these days requires players, coaches and parents (especially) to make some major sacrifices. It is not convenient at all to have kids running around. But if anyone saw the girls smiling at half time while they were down 2-0 they will admit that it is all worth it. The girls knew that they had out possessed and out played their opposition. They wanted to be winning, but they knew what they were accomplishing as individuals and as a group. This highly competitive group of players was smiling ear to ear, happy with the way they were playing. They regrouped at half time, were guided in a conversation on how to improve their attack and before we knew it, the opposing side was stunned with a 3-2 loss being handed to them.
On the very same day, another shining moment occurred. I had a training session planned for three other teams at the exact time of these games, but due to the field closures, I had to change it to a street soccer session. I asked a coach that I have been mentoring to help out. He gladly accepted and made it happen. The club unity and synergy was amazing. During this time the u12 Premier boys were training with the u12 Select boys, and the u9 boy’s team impressed everyone watching with their skills and decision making in a loss to a much more physical team.
We often hear the phrase, “it takes an entire village to raise a child,” and in similar fashion it takes a club to create a culture that will develop a player. Over the last three years we have overcome many hurdles in an effort to build a quality premier club for our community. We have changed the culture of youth soccer and continue to be constantly on the cutting edge of U.S. Youth Soccer Association philosophy and curriculum. In an effort to improve our coaches, players and educate the soccer parents we have followed and will continue to follow U.S. Youth Soccer’s BEST PRACTICES manuel while improving our services to our community. We have taken the approach of thinking and researching globally while serving locally. Our community is unique in that we can rally together and build something together if we understand what the potential outcome can be.
We believe that as we all work together, like in the examples above, and help our kids get the appropriate training, our coaches will receive opportunities to continue their coaching education and the club members find ways to volunteer (even in the smallest of ways) that we will continue to lead the charge within our community.
Understanding the many sacrifices it takes from everyone in the club, I am very grateful for the board members that serve diligently to represent the parental and administrative side of our club. They are priceless, and sacrifice countless hours to improve the experience of the players and their families. The coaches are the lifeline of our club; the sacrifices that they make to be on a field with your child are amazing and frequently taken for granted. As parents of the players, you have been outstanding with adapting to the many schedule changes due to weather this spring, and in general our parents make many sacrifices for their children and I applaud them for pulling it off. I can’t even imagine how strenuous it is to get your children everywhere. Last, but not least, the players- all of you work hard, play hard and train hard. I enjoy being part of your development on the soccer field.
As mentioned at the start of this letter, it is Infinity’s goal, as well as mine, to help you fall in love with the game while learning the game. However, I hope that you are learning important life lessons during your experience with Infinity SC that will help you be quality citizens now and forever.
Forever Futbol,
Coach Jeff Ginn, Technical Director
Generating individual players is a top priority in our club. It is what sets us apart from other soccer teams/groups in our community. Even though team success is very important, what’s truly significant is what is happening with each individual in the club that truly makes Infinity SC special.
The ongoing process of developing people over a long period of time is something that the ordinary person understands. We are used to having a curriculum in our education program, piano lessons, scouting programs, skiing and snowboarding programs. If a student is excelling in the second grade, he/she is likely going to be tested to see if they can perform at another level. If an alto sax player is performing poorly at the start and is sitting third chair and suddenly improves they will move up to second and possibly first chair. If child moves from an orange belt to a green belt in Tae Kwon Do, we acknowledge the accomplishment without making his/her peers move up prematurely. In all of these examples, the focus is on the individual, not their group, and each individual is rewarded for their abilities within a curriculum. Why don’t we embrace the same patient scheme with youth sports?
The beauty of our club philosophy, enabled by having multiple teams, a technical director and licensed/experienced coaches, is that we have been through the bumps and bruises of forming teams, enjoying success, only to dissolve (in quality and/or quantity) as the teams mature in age. We understand that players may find themselves jealous of the teammate that moves up a team because they are excelling faster, questioning what their team is going to do without them. Or that also that parents may find their child moving up to be challenged more because all of the sudden they are no longer the star of the team. However, our club is focused on placing each player in the most ideal environment for their development as a soccer player. This, for some reason, is very difficult to grasp and it is our mission to educate and change the culture in our community. We want a club that focuses on player development first, and team success second. I say this openly, knowing very well that winning is important, and that we should be striving to win every time we are placed on the field, but not at the cost of our players development. Winning is secondary to each player’s skill development and decision making abilities. I will not go in to detail about this, but feel free to check my blog for articles that support the philosophy (www.coachginn.blogspot.com).
On Tuesday, March 12th I received a phone call from one of the u11 girl’s parents around 12:45pm. They were stumbling around the District 7 web site and recognized that we had a game in less than five hours. Due to the chaos the weather had brought, we had a game rescheduled without any notice at all. The next six hours were insane, but the commitment to the players that coaches and parents showed was more than just synergetic. We acted like a club determined to make things work, not just for this newly scheduled game, but for each player throughout the club that was affected by this added match.
The scenario was this: two of the u11 girls were already committed to play with the u10 boy’s team at the same time as their new game because the u10 boy’s team had a couple of injured players and a couple of absent players. They needed players, so as a club we provided two u10 girls that were “playing up” at u11 to play with the boys. These two girls helped the boys to a 9-2 win and contributed by scoring two goals and 2 assists. The comment from the u10 coach was that it was nice to be able to plug two players, regardless of gender, and be confident that they will be able to contribute due to similar training and playing styles. The girls train often enough with the boys that the boys are comfortable playing with the two girls while the girls were confident that they could play with the boys as well.
As the u10 boys kicked off so did the girl’s teammates (the u11 girls). They are playing in the u11 boys league this season to be challenged more after running the table in the girl’s league. The beauty of this game was that although they were missing two stronger players (the players that were playing with the u10 boys,) two players from the 2nd u11 team (u11 select girls) were invited. Even though the girls were down 2-0 at the half, the two select girls started over two of the premier girls, they fit in, contributed, and there was no drop in play. The two select girls contributed in an eventual 3-2 win over a very fast and physical independent u11 boy’s team. They train with each other, they compete with each other and they plan to play with each other when they move to 11v11 next year when they are u12 players. It is fun to be involved with these players, teams and coaches. Although the circumstances may not always be ideal, and that the team may suffer on game day at the younger ages, we are seeing individuals nurtured to become quality players that are comfortable playing in every position, on any team, under any circumstance and team players who openly accept the guest players and work with them.
The other amazing part in the chaos of that day was that every player made it to the game with only three hours notice. The parents and coaches among the three teams were great at tracking down player passes, doing the online paperwork to allow the players to use the developmental pass and simply making things happen. When we place the needs of the kids above our own needs, we find out that little miracles happen. Raising a soccer player these days requires players, coaches and parents (especially) to make some major sacrifices. It is not convenient at all to have kids running around. But if anyone saw the girls smiling at half time while they were down 2-0 they will admit that it is all worth it. The girls knew that they had out possessed and out played their opposition. They wanted to be winning, but they knew what they were accomplishing as individuals and as a group. This highly competitive group of players was smiling ear to ear, happy with the way they were playing. They regrouped at half time, were guided in a conversation on how to improve their attack and before we knew it, the opposing side was stunned with a 3-2 loss being handed to them.
On the very same day, another shining moment occurred. I had a training session planned for three other teams at the exact time of these games, but due to the field closures, I had to change it to a street soccer session. I asked a coach that I have been mentoring to help out. He gladly accepted and made it happen. The club unity and synergy was amazing. During this time the u12 Premier boys were training with the u12 Select boys, and the u9 boy’s team impressed everyone watching with their skills and decision making in a loss to a much more physical team.
We often hear the phrase, “it takes an entire village to raise a child,” and in similar fashion it takes a club to create a culture that will develop a player. Over the last three years we have overcome many hurdles in an effort to build a quality premier club for our community. We have changed the culture of youth soccer and continue to be constantly on the cutting edge of U.S. Youth Soccer Association philosophy and curriculum. In an effort to improve our coaches, players and educate the soccer parents we have followed and will continue to follow U.S. Youth Soccer’s BEST PRACTICES manuel while improving our services to our community. We have taken the approach of thinking and researching globally while serving locally. Our community is unique in that we can rally together and build something together if we understand what the potential outcome can be.
We believe that as we all work together, like in the examples above, and help our kids get the appropriate training, our coaches will receive opportunities to continue their coaching education and the club members find ways to volunteer (even in the smallest of ways) that we will continue to lead the charge within our community.
Understanding the many sacrifices it takes from everyone in the club, I am very grateful for the board members that serve diligently to represent the parental and administrative side of our club. They are priceless, and sacrifice countless hours to improve the experience of the players and their families. The coaches are the lifeline of our club; the sacrifices that they make to be on a field with your child are amazing and frequently taken for granted. As parents of the players, you have been outstanding with adapting to the many schedule changes due to weather this spring, and in general our parents make many sacrifices for their children and I applaud them for pulling it off. I can’t even imagine how strenuous it is to get your children everywhere. Last, but not least, the players- all of you work hard, play hard and train hard. I enjoy being part of your development on the soccer field.
As mentioned at the start of this letter, it is Infinity’s goal, as well as mine, to help you fall in love with the game while learning the game. However, I hope that you are learning important life lessons during your experience with Infinity SC that will help you be quality citizens now and forever.
Forever Futbol,
Coach Jeff Ginn, Technical Director
Letter from the Director of Operations
What an exciting time to be a part of Infinity Soccer Club! It has been almost one year since I was asked to serve as Director of Operations and it has been a great year to be involved with our club. We have explored many options to improve what we offer you, and have asked for your input as we made some decisions.
Overwhelmingly the people that I talked to wanted to stay the course and work together to continue to make something special for our community in Cache Valley. As a result, we are moving forward, proudly wearing our blue and green and working hard to make sure we keep the players first and foremost in every decision we make.
As we get ready to start our spring soccer season I want to list for you just a few of the things we have in the works:
· May 9th we will be getting together as a club to celebrate the year in our annual banquet. This event will be held at the Riverwoods Conference Center, and we are so grateful to Dell Loy Hansen for his generosity in helping us make this happen. Please order your tickets today: http://www.infinitysc.com/banquet.html
· We have formed a relationship with Dr. Matt Rhea and Race Rx to help our athletes become better conditioned with his state of the art, sport specific conditioning programs. We currently have over 100 athletes working with Dr. Rhea and are excited about the overall performance enhancement our kids are experiencing.
· We have approximately 200 recreational players with District 7 signed up for our Infinity Academy during the spring season.
· We are working on a new website with lots of improved functionality. We are targeting rolling it out at the banquet (wish us luck!).
· Our coaches committee is meeting regularly to work on soccer curriculum and planning documents. We are actively planning for the future and the needs of the club.
· And finally we have great parents who are helping us with new marketing ideas and materials. Thanks to Tad Thornton and Ruth Ashton for all of their hard work. Ruth is responsible for this newsletter and I am so very grateful for her help!
Please feel free to contact me at lisa@infinitysc.com with any of your questions or concerns. And please don’t hesitate to let me know if we do something right along the way as well. Best of luck to all of our teams and
players this spring! Go Infinity!
Lisa Godfrey, Director of Operations
Overwhelmingly the people that I talked to wanted to stay the course and work together to continue to make something special for our community in Cache Valley. As a result, we are moving forward, proudly wearing our blue and green and working hard to make sure we keep the players first and foremost in every decision we make.
As we get ready to start our spring soccer season I want to list for you just a few of the things we have in the works:
· May 9th we will be getting together as a club to celebrate the year in our annual banquet. This event will be held at the Riverwoods Conference Center, and we are so grateful to Dell Loy Hansen for his generosity in helping us make this happen. Please order your tickets today: http://www.infinitysc.com/banquet.html
· We have formed a relationship with Dr. Matt Rhea and Race Rx to help our athletes become better conditioned with his state of the art, sport specific conditioning programs. We currently have over 100 athletes working with Dr. Rhea and are excited about the overall performance enhancement our kids are experiencing.
· We have approximately 200 recreational players with District 7 signed up for our Infinity Academy during the spring season.
· We are working on a new website with lots of improved functionality. We are targeting rolling it out at the banquet (wish us luck!).
· Our coaches committee is meeting regularly to work on soccer curriculum and planning documents. We are actively planning for the future and the needs of the club.
· And finally we have great parents who are helping us with new marketing ideas and materials. Thanks to Tad Thornton and Ruth Ashton for all of their hard work. Ruth is responsible for this newsletter and I am so very grateful for her help!
Please feel free to contact me at lisa@infinitysc.com with any of your questions or concerns. And please don’t hesitate to let me know if we do something right along the way as well. Best of luck to all of our teams and
players this spring! Go Infinity!
Lisa Godfrey, Director of Operations
Letter from the Infinity President
Dear Parents:
It’s an exciting time to have your child involved with Infinity SC. We continue to grow and develop as a club and there are obvious signs of a maturing organization. There are a lot of initiatives going on, many of them driven by you. As many of you have discovered, it’s good to get involved, be a part in the development of your children, and share your talents with the others. We all have heard the saying, “Many hands make light work”; this is very true within the club. I thank those who willingly share and encourage us all to be involved in some positive way.
We have wonderful coaches in the club. I attended a coaches meeting recently and was reminded how lucky we are to have such committed people who are willing to coach our kids. It’s also great when we see the efforts of our coaches and trainers pay off. In the words of Sam Snow, “Soccer is sport, winning is fundamentally important”. Recently our U14 boys Premier Team coached by Jeff and Jamie Wood, won the Icebreaker tournament in Mesquite, Nevada. Congratulations U14’s, it’s great to see your success; it instills within the rest of the teams a desire to do the same. Thanks for your leadership!
The board is working on many initiatives to enrich your experience with the club. We have your best interest at heart. You’ll see incremental progress and I’ll share more at a later time. Thank you for being a part of Infinity SC. Let’s make some noise!
Paul Gibbons, President
It’s an exciting time to have your child involved with Infinity SC. We continue to grow and develop as a club and there are obvious signs of a maturing organization. There are a lot of initiatives going on, many of them driven by you. As many of you have discovered, it’s good to get involved, be a part in the development of your children, and share your talents with the others. We all have heard the saying, “Many hands make light work”; this is very true within the club. I thank those who willingly share and encourage us all to be involved in some positive way.
We have wonderful coaches in the club. I attended a coaches meeting recently and was reminded how lucky we are to have such committed people who are willing to coach our kids. It’s also great when we see the efforts of our coaches and trainers pay off. In the words of Sam Snow, “Soccer is sport, winning is fundamentally important”. Recently our U14 boys Premier Team coached by Jeff and Jamie Wood, won the Icebreaker tournament in Mesquite, Nevada. Congratulations U14’s, it’s great to see your success; it instills within the rest of the teams a desire to do the same. Thanks for your leadership!
The board is working on many initiatives to enrich your experience with the club. We have your best interest at heart. You’ll see incremental progress and I’ll share more at a later time. Thank you for being a part of Infinity SC. Let’s make some noise!
Paul Gibbons, President
Friday, April 22, 2011
u6 & u8 Academy with Lady Aggies ~ Benny Hill style!
Thanks to the USU Women's Soccer team for working with our youth!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Soccer America Magazine 'Whether boys or girls: be consistent, send clear message'
Two Interviews by Mike Woitalla
INTERVIEW #1
A youth coach for nearly three decades, Theresa Echtermeyer is a director of coaching with Colorado United and also coaches the Mountain Vista High School boys and girls teams. She is a National Staff Coach and Instructor for the NSCAA. Echtermeyer spoke to us for the Youth Soccer Insider's ongoing interview series on key issues facing American youth soccer.
SOCCER AMERICA: If you had a magic wand, how would you use it to improve youth soccer in America?
THERESA ECHTERMEYER: This would have to be a magic, magic wand. I would like to see us all work together more so that we would be supporting our players of all ages and all levels.
You’ve got USYS, the Federation, US Club Soccer. You’ve got recreational, competitive. You’ve got professional, collegiate, high school, youth. There are so many different things that have the potential to pull us apart. Because sometimes when you’re competitive, whether to win a championship or to have players at your club, we forget we’re really all in it together.
SA: As someone who oversees the recreational program at Colorado United/Highlands Ranch Soccer Association, has coached competitive youth ball, W-League, and coaches high school ball -- you’ve been involved in many different areas of the game …
THERESA ECHTERMEYER: What I’ve seen is we really have more opportunities to learn from each other and help each other out, which at the end of the day helps the kids.
The more we share ideas and the more we work together the better it is for our kids. So we should always be asking two questions with every decision we make.
First, “Is this what’s best for the kids?”
Second, “Is this what’s best for soccer in America?”
REST OF INTERVIEW CAN BE FOUND BY CLICKING HERE
INTERVIEW #2 Tom Howe helped found St. Louis' Scott Gallagher SC in 1976 and coached future stars such as Tim Ream, Brad Davis and Pat Noonan. One of his alums, Cal coach Kevin Grimes, calls Howe "a legend, one of the best youth coaches ever." Last year, after Scott Gallagher merged with Busch SC and Metro United, Howe left and started a new club, Woodson City Rangers. Howe, a St. Louis product himself who starred at SIU-Edwardsville and played in the old NASL, spoke to us for the Youth Soccer Insider's ongoing interview series with leaders of U.S. youth clubs.
SOCCER AMERICA: If you had a magic wand, how would you use it to improve youth soccer in America?
TOM HOWE: I wish everybody would try and play like Barcelona. If all the clubs across the country did that you’d have some pretty smart players when they hit the ages of 18, 19, 20.
And there’d be more people wanting to watch soccer in this country. Barcelona’s the best team I’ve ever seen. They’re just fun to watch.
Another thing about Barcelona -- they don’t have a lot of these gigantic athletes who everybody wants to get these days.
SA: What’s the key to playing like Barcelona?
TOM HOWE: The ability to play in tight spaces. You spend tons of time playing in small, tight areas, and then when you get on the big field it’s not a big deal.
I think more teams need work on the possession game. All the best teams in the world over the years have been great technical teams – like Spain, Barcelona. Teams like that play the best soccer.
At the youth level, too many people play more to win. My point is, if you teach your kids to play like Barcelona you’re eventually going to win.
SA: But while you’re learning to play like that you might not win …
TOM HOWE: That’s exactly right. Learning to play like that takes a long time, but once you get it, you’re going to be good. The problem is a lot of people don’t have the patience.
You tell your young players don’t boot it no matter how much pressure you’re under. We want you to get good at this. And at a certain age, you know what, they learn how to deal with it.
Look at how many players we have in this country. At this stage we should be a lot better than we are.
SA: Over the years, have you seen American youth teams playing better soccer?
TOM HOWE: At the youth level, I still see a lot of long balls -- not from all teams. There are more and more better teams each year, but I wish more would try to play good soccer.
We play against teams that boot the ball a lot, and they might beat you. But they won’t beat you five years from now.
You’re going to lose until you get to a certain age. Then you get to a certain level you’re going to be really good. You’re going to play the game the right way – and it’s a beautiful game when it’s played right. I don’t think it’s such a beautiful game when it’s played in a different way.
I can hardly watch college soccer except for a couple teams. Akron -- I like watching them play. They play well and they won the national championship playing like that. Why do a couple of teams play like that and nobody else does?
SA: Tim Ream is a remarkably good young American defender in that he relies more on smarts than brawn and keeps possession for his team after he wins the ball. He said you were his biggest influence as a coach in his youth days …
TOM HOWE: He was on one of our last really good [Scott Gallagher] teams. He said that because he learned that at Gallagher, where we made our defenders pass it out of the back. We’d get criticized for passing too much.
I think when you play like that you get good at it. I think that’s the proper way to approach it. Timmy’s just a very good passer out of the back. I think that’s why Timmy’s so calm on the ball. He’s been doing that since he was little.
REST OF INTERVIEW CAN BE VIEWED BY CLICKING HERE
INTERVIEW #1
A youth coach for nearly three decades, Theresa Echtermeyer is a director of coaching with Colorado United and also coaches the Mountain Vista High School boys and girls teams. She is a National Staff Coach and Instructor for the NSCAA. Echtermeyer spoke to us for the Youth Soccer Insider's ongoing interview series on key issues facing American youth soccer.
SOCCER AMERICA: If you had a magic wand, how would you use it to improve youth soccer in America?
THERESA ECHTERMEYER: This would have to be a magic, magic wand. I would like to see us all work together more so that we would be supporting our players of all ages and all levels.
You’ve got USYS, the Federation, US Club Soccer. You’ve got recreational, competitive. You’ve got professional, collegiate, high school, youth. There are so many different things that have the potential to pull us apart. Because sometimes when you’re competitive, whether to win a championship or to have players at your club, we forget we’re really all in it together.
SA: As someone who oversees the recreational program at Colorado United/Highlands Ranch Soccer Association, has coached competitive youth ball, W-League, and coaches high school ball -- you’ve been involved in many different areas of the game …
THERESA ECHTERMEYER: What I’ve seen is we really have more opportunities to learn from each other and help each other out, which at the end of the day helps the kids.
The more we share ideas and the more we work together the better it is for our kids. So we should always be asking two questions with every decision we make.
First, “Is this what’s best for the kids?”
Second, “Is this what’s best for soccer in America?”
REST OF INTERVIEW CAN BE FOUND BY CLICKING HERE
INTERVIEW #2 Tom Howe helped found St. Louis' Scott Gallagher SC in 1976 and coached future stars such as Tim Ream, Brad Davis and Pat Noonan. One of his alums, Cal coach Kevin Grimes, calls Howe "a legend, one of the best youth coaches ever." Last year, after Scott Gallagher merged with Busch SC and Metro United, Howe left and started a new club, Woodson City Rangers. Howe, a St. Louis product himself who starred at SIU-Edwardsville and played in the old NASL, spoke to us for the Youth Soccer Insider's ongoing interview series with leaders of U.S. youth clubs.
SOCCER AMERICA: If you had a magic wand, how would you use it to improve youth soccer in America?
TOM HOWE: I wish everybody would try and play like Barcelona. If all the clubs across the country did that you’d have some pretty smart players when they hit the ages of 18, 19, 20.
And there’d be more people wanting to watch soccer in this country. Barcelona’s the best team I’ve ever seen. They’re just fun to watch.
Another thing about Barcelona -- they don’t have a lot of these gigantic athletes who everybody wants to get these days.
SA: What’s the key to playing like Barcelona?
TOM HOWE: The ability to play in tight spaces. You spend tons of time playing in small, tight areas, and then when you get on the big field it’s not a big deal.
I think more teams need work on the possession game. All the best teams in the world over the years have been great technical teams – like Spain, Barcelona. Teams like that play the best soccer.
At the youth level, too many people play more to win. My point is, if you teach your kids to play like Barcelona you’re eventually going to win.
SA: But while you’re learning to play like that you might not win …
TOM HOWE: That’s exactly right. Learning to play like that takes a long time, but once you get it, you’re going to be good. The problem is a lot of people don’t have the patience.
You tell your young players don’t boot it no matter how much pressure you’re under. We want you to get good at this. And at a certain age, you know what, they learn how to deal with it.
Look at how many players we have in this country. At this stage we should be a lot better than we are.
SA: Over the years, have you seen American youth teams playing better soccer?
TOM HOWE: At the youth level, I still see a lot of long balls -- not from all teams. There are more and more better teams each year, but I wish more would try to play good soccer.
We play against teams that boot the ball a lot, and they might beat you. But they won’t beat you five years from now.
You’re going to lose until you get to a certain age. Then you get to a certain level you’re going to be really good. You’re going to play the game the right way – and it’s a beautiful game when it’s played right. I don’t think it’s such a beautiful game when it’s played in a different way.
I can hardly watch college soccer except for a couple teams. Akron -- I like watching them play. They play well and they won the national championship playing like that. Why do a couple of teams play like that and nobody else does?
SA: Tim Ream is a remarkably good young American defender in that he relies more on smarts than brawn and keeps possession for his team after he wins the ball. He said you were his biggest influence as a coach in his youth days …
TOM HOWE: He was on one of our last really good [Scott Gallagher] teams. He said that because he learned that at Gallagher, where we made our defenders pass it out of the back. We’d get criticized for passing too much.
I think when you play like that you get good at it. I think that’s the proper way to approach it. Timmy’s just a very good passer out of the back. I think that’s why Timmy’s so calm on the ball. He’s been doing that since he was little.
REST OF INTERVIEW CAN BE VIEWED BY CLICKING HERE
Friday, April 1, 2011
Infinity SC's 2nd Annual Banquet Announced
The banquet will be held on Monday, May 9th at 6:30 p.m. at the Riverwood Conference Center. Please check your game schedules and make any necessary adjustments so you can be with us.
Tickets will cost $15.00. The event space is being graciously donated by Dell Loy Hansen and Elements will be providing the food. More details on how to purchase the tickets will be forthcoming.
A silent auction will be held. Each team is responsible for providing 3 items for the silent auction. The money raised by the silent auction will be split 50/50 with the teams.
Teams are encouraged to get team sponsors for the event. We will be recognizing those sponsors at the tables and throughout the event space. Team sponsorships will begin at $100.00, but are not limited, so any higher amounts work as well. Teams get 100% of their team sponsorship money.
Any items provided by the board of directors will go directly to the club.
I will be forwarding forms to use for your silent auction items and team sponsorships early next week. I also have a list of businesses in town that have given in the past if anyone needs ideas. Plan on having all silent auction items turned in by Friday, April 29th.
Thanks for all of your hard work and dedication to Infinity Soccer! We are building a unique club that we can all be proud of.
-Lisa Godfrey
Director of Operations
Tickets will cost $15.00. The event space is being graciously donated by Dell Loy Hansen and Elements will be providing the food. More details on how to purchase the tickets will be forthcoming.
A silent auction will be held. Each team is responsible for providing 3 items for the silent auction. The money raised by the silent auction will be split 50/50 with the teams.
Teams are encouraged to get team sponsors for the event. We will be recognizing those sponsors at the tables and throughout the event space. Team sponsorships will begin at $100.00, but are not limited, so any higher amounts work as well. Teams get 100% of their team sponsorship money.
Any items provided by the board of directors will go directly to the club.
I will be forwarding forms to use for your silent auction items and team sponsorships early next week. I also have a list of businesses in town that have given in the past if anyone needs ideas. Plan on having all silent auction items turned in by Friday, April 29th.
Thanks for all of your hard work and dedication to Infinity Soccer! We are building a unique club that we can all be proud of.
-Lisa Godfrey
Director of Operations
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