Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Tournament schedules available

Several area tournaments have their schedules online:

Dulles National Soccer Tournament:
http://www.herndonyouthsoccer.org/dullestournament/home/schedules.asp?menu_category=Home

Busch Gardens Soccer Classic:
http://www.newportnewsfc.com/scores-busch-2008-fall.html

PWSI Toys for Tots Tournament:
http://www.pwsi.org/Toys/schedules/index_E.html

Richmond Striker Junior Friendlies:
http://www.strikerstournaments.com/nikejrschedules.htm

Williamsburg Cup:
http://williamsburgtournament.com/pages/twscup.html


Also, the FPYC Patriot Cup has announced its list of accepted teams:
http://www.fpycsoccer.org/pct_-_accepted_teams1.html

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Mexican Pro Scouts Active in Montgomery County

Looks like one of Mexico's top professional teams, Pachuca, is taking a close look at several Montgomery County area players. A nice feature on it here from the The Gazette newspaper:
http://www.gazette.net/stories/08132008/potospo200445_32460.shtml

Well done, MSC, for developing so many quality players.

Friday, August 15, 2008

A Frightening Story

Today's Potomac Soccer Wire includes a link to a story about a soccer camp coach allegedly sexually abusing a 12-year-old soccer player in Maryland.

It's every parent's nightmare, and a stark reminder of why parents must maintain their diligence.

One of the things my family focuses on is "filming the game." It's a soccer term that we've applied to life -- keep your eyes open for anything unusual. My kids know to alert me or their mom if they see something that ought not be happening. Simply being aware of one's surroundings is something all kids should do.

The story also should be a good reminder for teams that are taking on a new coach or trainer. Make sure you go through the VYSA Kids Safe program - find the details here:
http://www.vysa.com/administration/34948/34948.html

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

USA Men's Olympic Team is Done

As you read in Potomac Soccer Wire, the US men's team is out of the Olympics, falling to Nigeria 2-1 in a game they couldn't afford to lose.

Of course, a red card in the third minute will do that to you! Mr. Orozco, what were you thinking?

The good news is that the US team beat Japan and tied Netherlands, the latter being no small accomplishment. But it seems Peter Nowak's team never developed a rhythm. And I remain disappointed in the overall technical quality of the players. Far too often first touches are poor, the crossing is adequate at best, and the lack of build up from the back is disturbing.

This highlights the importance of the American youth coach. We need to make sure the players that we coach have the individual technical skill to play the game quickly, skillfully and with passion. And we need to create players, not just "defenders" or "forwards." The 11-year-old we have now as a center back may or may not play that position three years from now. We need to teach the kids how to play the game, not just one spot on the field. Then the national teams will get the players it needs to play at a higher level and, perhaps one day, earn gold.

That's the men's team, of course. Our women's team has long enjoyed success, and it appears a spot in the semifinals is promising. No surprise there! Except for Greg Ryan's tenure, the women's team has played attractive soccer for years. And while the Brazilians, Chinese and others have caught up, that will only push the women's team toward progressing. That's a good thing. "The Competitive Cauldron," I believe is what Anson Dorrance called the pressure that's needed to get better. At Division III powerhouse Messiah College, it's "As Iron Sharpens Iron."

So if you're a rec or travel soccer coach, remember that the wins and losses of today are not remembered down the road. But the skills you teach will be with your players for a lifetime.

VYSA State Cup Deadline is Friday

From VYSA:

The deadline for State Cup online application and submission of State Cup roster is 4 pm, Aug. 15, 2008. Boys or girls teams in the U15, U16, U17 and U18 age groups wishing to participate in the Fall State Cup must apply on line with credit card payment and submit a copy of their approved State Cup roster to the VYSA State Office no later than 4 pm, Aug. 15, 2008. DON"T MISS THIS DEADLINE, THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.

Editor's note: They're not kidding about no exceptions. Since it's Wednesday, I wouldn't trust the mail -- hand deliver it to the VYSA office.

Monday, August 11, 2008

WAGS Sportsmanship Award winners

Congratulations to WAGS teams that won the Sportsmanship Awards for the Spring 2008 season. No need to list them all at Full Volley, when you can find the winners here:
http://www.wagsl.com/home/264291.html

WAGS Acceptance List

The WAGS Tournament has posted its acceptance list for this year's tournament (October 11-13) at various field sites in Maryland and Virginia. Go here for details:
http://www.wagstournament.com/General/accept.html

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Welcome to Full Volley

Thanks for checking out "Full Volley!"

Please come back often, as I plan to update this blog multiple times each day with various bits of news, thoughts and meanderings about youth soccer in the Washington DC metro area. And if you have news about a team, player or coach that you'd like to share, please email me at joedoc@potomacsoccerwire.com

Talk with you soon...