Dear Parent(s):
I wanted to take this opportunity to set some expectations as we head into this
season. Youth soccer can be an exciting and fun opportunity for your child to
learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun. As fun as it can be for your child,
different expectations from the coach, parent(s), and player can take away from
that positive experience in several ways. As you read through this letter please
make sure that this meets your expectations of what you want for your child. If
not, this is your opportunity to let me know now, prior to the start of the season.
Coaching
All our coaches are volunteers. They volunteer their time to coach your players,
balancing work schedules and other personal commitments each season. They
give up their weekends and their free time during the week to teach your players
the game of soccer.
It is important that as a parent, you allow the coach to coach. This includes time
at practice as well as at games. Communication to your player during these
sessions should come from the coach, not from the sidelines.
We are a fully recreational soccer club, that will do our best to provide each
player with soccer fundamentals and skills to gain confidence for the game. Skill
level develops at different rates for kids, but effort and having fun can always be
achieved.
Teamwork and developing friendships is an important part of any team sport.
Objectives
1. Help your child develop the skills necessary to be successful at this level
and to prepare your child for next season.
2. To have fun and have the kids develop a love for the game.
3. Learn about the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship.
4. Give positive reinforcement based on effort rather than results.
5. Provide a safe and healthy environment for all the kids on the team.
Playing Positions
Recreational soccer can have drastic differences in skill level among the players.
Coaches will take the opportunity to play your player at several different
positions. While you may feel your player should only play as an Attacker, the
coach may see benefits and certain skill sets that make your player a better
Goalie. Coaches will do their best to play your player where they feel they have
the best chance of being successful.
Player Expectations
1. Have fun and always give your best effort.
2. Expectation for players show respect for the coaches, parents, and other
players on the team.
Parent Expectations
Please try to get your child to practice and games on time. I know this can be
difficult at times and impossible at other times, but it’s really hard to conduct
practice or get ready for a game when players continually show up late. If you
know your child will be late or won’t be able to make it to a practice or game,
please let coach know in advance if possible.
While this is a recreational soccer club, there is a level of commitment. If you
cannot make practices and games because of other commitments, please be
aware that this impacts the team as a whole. A forfeited game impacts your team
as well as the opposing team. It causes disruption to referee schedules. It leaves
fields vacant that were paid through our permits, which can also cause the league
to lose future field space. Lastly, if a game is forfeited we are fined by the league,
which impacts our registration cost.
Get involved in playing soccer with your child. Kids love it when their parents get
involved. Repetition is also crucial for skill improvement. There simply isn’t
enough organized practice time for the kids. They need to work on the skills they
learn at practice at home also.
Please encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all
players, coaches, and officials at every game and practice. Please cheer for your
child during games, but try to keep from yelling instructions to them. Remember
this is their opportunity to enjoy playing in the game. Much of the fun is lost if
their Mom or Dad is always yelling instructions.
Let the coaches coach. Stay off practice and game fields and stay away from
player sidelines during games.
There is a ZERO TOLERANCE policy set forth by the Staten Island Soccer League
with regards to abusive behavior towards referees, coaches, players as well as
parent to parent. Your player could be removed from the league based on the
outcome of such behaviors.
We are looking forward to a fun and rewarding season. If you have any questions
or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email [email protected].
Sincerely,
Mike
Director