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Tips and info on coaching FUNdamental youth soccer from Karl Dewazien
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Soccer is a simple game to play, requiring simple skills. What makes great soccer players is perfecting these skills. Koach Karl Dewazien is a United States Soccer Federation “A” Licensed coach. He has dedicated his life to teaching coaches the most efficient way to teach our children. His techniques are both simple and effective and they get results.
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"The Outcome of Our Children is Infinitely More Important than the Outcome of Any Game they will Ever Play".
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U.S. Soccer Federation "A" license coach Karl Dewazien,Coaching Director for the California Youth Soccer Association North since 1978.
For more information .......
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For the children’s sake: We have met the enemy and it is us
By Karl Dewazien (Director of Coaching-CYSANorth)
As we embark upon a fresh new soccer season, we should take a moment to reflect on what youth soccer is all about and what part we each play in that program.
Youth soccer exists for the children. To be sure, adults play an important role in the program. Without the help of our adult volunteers, the program would not and could not exist. We must, however, concern ourselves with problems created by the egos, issues and attitudes that some of our volunteers bring to the program.
Parents take pride in their children’s achievements. Coaches take pride in the success of their teams and their players. Referees take pride in a game well managed. Administrators take pride in a program well run. Some of us feel great levels of satisfaction from the fact that we are helping children develop. These are natural reactions for our volunteers to have. They are, in their own right, just as appropriate and just as important as the pride the players take in learning a new skill or in playing well against a strong opponent.
These positive reactions support the program and motivate both players and volunteers to participate and remain involved in the program.
Unfortunately, all the reactions and all the motivations involved in our program no not have a positive basis. All too often we see parents and coaches living vicariously through the achievements of their children or players. All too often we see the ego issues of the volunteers negatively impact the children. I believe strongly in the benefits of competition. But, what positive lessons do we teach our children when we adopt a "win at all costs" approach to the game? What benefits do the children derive from parents fighting with coaches about the position that Sam or Suzy plays or whether they are better players than Jim and Janet who got a few extra minutes of playing time?
Even more unfortunately, we have had a rash of administrative issues at the club and league level which have impacted the children negatively. Personnel decisions (Who will coach a particular team?) have become crusades in some leagues. Factions have formed and warred with each other looking for any possible edge to take the other side down. Do any of us truly believe that this fighting offers advantage to the children. Do any of us truly believe that this bickering has anything to do with helping the children?
In far too many instances we have allowed the children to become pawns in an adult's nightmarish chess game. I am not naive enough to believe that anyone can wave a magic wand and make these issues disappear. I am concerned enough about the situation to take the time to write about it in this column. I am distressed enough by what I have seen to ask each of you to join me in a quest for what I hope will be found more readily than the Holy Grail: a program which, both in theory and in fact, protects our youth, insulates them from the problems associated with the adult ego issues and offers them a healthy outlet for their incredible energy.
The adult egos will remain involved in the program. The disputes will continue to exist and the problems that adults have in dealing with each other will not simply go away. We must not, however, allow the children to be used as pawns in this adult game. We must prioritize the protection and well being of the children and recognize the fact that if children are nothing else, they are observant. They see adult conduct and model their behavior after it. Let's give them a positive example to follow.
The life lessons that the players should learn from our program include the importance of each generation of adults helping the next generation form and develop; not the mechanics of using children as leverage to satisfy some adult ego issue. The program exists for the children. We must not take it away from them or allow others to take it away from them. We must ensure that whatever problems and issues we have as adults, the children do not suffer because of them, on or off of the field. Please join me in this quest - for the sake of the children.
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Soccer Builds Character, Teamwork & Physical Fitness
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Soccer for Kids Builds Character, Teamwork & Physical Fitness
Getting your kids to develop good physical fitness habits can never start to0 early. Soccer is a great way to keep your kids active and learn about teamwork and sportsmanship that helps build character for their lives ahead. When first starting your children in a soccer program, it would be a good idea for you as a parent to think about a few very important things, such as… What do you want your kids to accomplish? How do you define success? How can I have a positive influence on my child’s experience?
We often find ourselves as parents getting caught up in the emotional drama that unfolds on the field. A referee’s call, and opponent’s aggressive style of play, or a disagreement with a coaching decision can stir emotions that we haven’t felt in years. We all want to see our children succeed, but one parent’s definition of success may be different than another’s. Many parents define success in win/loss records. Others define it by skill improvement. Still others define it as “giving it your best.” In soccer, especially at young ages, it may be best to define it by how much FUN the kids are having. If they are having fun, they will continue to play. If they continue to play, they will have more opportunity to learn more skills, improve, and win more games. If they aren’t having fun, they may not come back next season.
As parents, we play a significant role in molding our children to become good soccer citizens. Below are a few guidelines for parents to observe to ensure the fun-factor is running high and character is at the forefront:
1.Understand the rules. Soccer is a contact sport with rules just like football or basketball. Know the rules and you will have a better spectator experience.
2.Unless you are willing to don the uniform, leave the rule enforcement to the referees. Verbal disagreement does nothing to change the outcome, but it does put a damper on fun!
3.Allow the coaches to “coach.” Don’t give instructions to the kids during games or practices. They have enough pressure to deal with already.
4.Support your coach. Many of them don’t have soccer experience.. Some may simply have a child in the game just like you and have volunteered their time to give to the club.
5.Volunteer your services. Water, ice, and snacks are always needed for half time and after the game.
6.Cheer at all the matches within the spirit of fair play, regardless of the outcome of the game. Compliment players from both teams who make good plays.
7.Allow players to make mistakes - this is when they learn.
8.Reward and encourage effort, not just wins/losses.
9.Sit back, relax, and enjoy the game!
It is often hard to remember a list of do’s and don’ts. So if you remember nothing else, remember that parents positively influence children’s memories and experiences in soccer. You can set the tone for a healthy lifestyle by setting a positive example at every match. Healthy kids become healthy adults and with the cost of health insurance today, it pays to have a good health history. |
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England Bans League & Cup Trophies in U8 Children
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 For over 30 years the FUNdamental Soccer Philosophy had its' detractors. In days, gone by, it was extremely difficult to find supporters. But, today the inventors of the modern game, have giving us our biggest boost ever!!! .England bans trophies in leagues for youngsters LONDON (AP) - England has banned young children from playing for league and cup trophies in soccer in a bid to remove pressure from parents and coaches. The ruling issued Friday by the Football Association affects under eight-year-olds and is intended to develop their skills on the field. "In the youngest age groups, there's too much emphasis on winning leagues, often to satisfy parents and coaches. That's what we're looking to change. We need better, more skillful players coming through."
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