So I had my first tournament with both my Summer Select teams this past weekend and I can safely say I was very, very pleased with the boys. Let me just quickly run you through our results: my U10s lost two, drew one, and won one while my U13s won two and lost two. Now, considering these players have only just got together, I think you would agree those results are pretty decent. Not only that but we were up against strong teams that have been working together for at least one year. Overall then, I was very proud.
However, I was extremely disappointed with the organization of the tournament (it took place in Hackettstown by the way...). The reason why I say that is because of this...the referee would come up to me and ask to give a linesman's flag to a parent on the sidelines. This was only the case for the U10 games. Can you believe that? In one of the games we lost 6-3 and I am not joking when I say this but 80% of the goals in that game were offside. It was chaotic. I'm not blaming the poor parent chosen to act as a linesman but the organizers who thought it would be okay to do this. What made it even worse was that some of the parent-linesman received abuse from other parents for doing such a bad job - unbelievable if you ask me!
As I said before though, I was very proud of my players - particularly my U13's as they came up against very tough opposition. In our second last game for instance, we faced a team with extremely large and strong boys. We lost the game 3-0 but never ever did the boys give up - they stuck at it. More importantly though, they all gave their best, which is all I can ask for. As a soccer coach, I believe in teaching the game the way it should be played, which is passing and moving. The U13s put in their best performance in the last game by winning 1-0. We were passing, moving, and creating chances. The team we were playing against were only kicking the ball upfield, which for me is not the way to go.
I'm looking for improvement in both my teams and I definitely saw that emerge during the two days of the tournament. I'm very lucky because both my teams consist of great kids - brilliant individuals. Not only does it make my job easier, but it makes it the more pleasurable. I'm absolutely loving it at the moment and I'm sure the kids are too. All I can say is - bring on the next tournament!!!!
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Well done, and good luck for the next tournament. Let's hope they find some qualified linesmen before then!
ReplyDeleteI can imagine that the lack of efficient officiating was frustrating when you know the rules so well, but the main thing is that you saw some improvement in your teams over the two days - and they enjoyed themselves. The other important aspect at this grassroots level is coaching the kids properly. Anyone can kick a ball upfield and get others to run after it. To teach youngsters at this age to stay in position and play a structured, disciplined passing game is not easy - but the rewards later are very high. Keep up the good work and good luck in the next tournament.
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