Aside from my kids games this weekend, I was able to catch 3 other games. I'm a bit amazed at what people say/do/pay for.
1. Opening kickoff of a 9v9 game. Bit of a short field. Whistle blows, big strong girl from the back runs up and kicks the ball at the goal. Keeper saved it. Kicking parents cheered for such a great kick. With all of the player development initiatives, small sided games and prior season build out lines, is this what we are trying to teach?
2. Kid gets hurt in a game. While the coach, referee and parents are checking on her, the opposing coach gives some instructions to his team. Sideline of the hurt player goes a bit crazy saying this is classless. Really? What should the coach do? It's not like he was congratulating anyone for fouling the hurt player. He was giving instructions on positioning.
3. 11v11 game. Winning team is winning because of their athleticism. Solid team. But the winning team couldn't pass a ball on the ground if their life depended on it. Big kicks, high in the air into the attacking third to win the ball and shoot ASAP.
4. Same 11v11 game. 2nd half starts. Ball goes out of bounds in about 30 seconds. Coach calls for a substitute. What could have possibly happened in 30 seconds to get this player pulled to the bench? About 2 minutes later, he subs again. I didn't pay attention to overall playing time, but this team had about 16 players.
5. Heard about a player on an 07 team quitting the team after Saturday's game. Team still has 2 games left in the season. Parent refused to pay outstanding balance unless the coach gave the parent the player card. I guess mom was upset that her kid got subbed off for a player that might not be as strong as her kid. Sounds like this players will be on her 3rd team in less than 3 seasons.
1. Opening kickoff of a 9v9 game. Bit of a short field. Whistle blows, big strong girl from the back runs up and kicks the ball at the goal. Keeper saved it. Kicking parents cheered for such a great kick. With all of the player development initiatives, small sided games and prior season build out lines, is this what we are trying to teach?
2. Kid gets hurt in a game. While the coach, referee and parents are checking on her, the opposing coach gives some instructions to his team. Sideline of the hurt player goes a bit crazy saying this is classless. Really? What should the coach do? It's not like he was congratulating anyone for fouling the hurt player. He was giving instructions on positioning.
3. 11v11 game. Winning team is winning because of their athleticism. Solid team. But the winning team couldn't pass a ball on the ground if their life depended on it. Big kicks, high in the air into the attacking third to win the ball and shoot ASAP.
4. Same 11v11 game. 2nd half starts. Ball goes out of bounds in about 30 seconds. Coach calls for a substitute. What could have possibly happened in 30 seconds to get this player pulled to the bench? About 2 minutes later, he subs again. I didn't pay attention to overall playing time, but this team had about 16 players.
5. Heard about a player on an 07 team quitting the team after Saturday's game. Team still has 2 games left in the season. Parent refused to pay outstanding balance unless the coach gave the parent the player card. I guess mom was upset that her kid got subbed off for a player that might not be as strong as her kid. Sounds like this players will be on her 3rd team in less than 3 seasons.