It is with great excitement that we welcome all of you to our blog for what promises to be a wonderful season, full of surprises, astonishment, perhaps some trying times but most of all excellent soccer.
As coaches, we would like to invite you to join us in this great journey where we hope this group of young boys becomes a truly astonishing group of young players.
Our view of soccer is one that some of you may not be accustomed to experiencing. We work hard to develop players but instill an undying sense of commitment, not only for the game we love, but most of all, for the team and club they represent. So our practices are intense and focused. We aim to improve the players so that when they step on the field, they do well and thus enjoy the game.
Our season has already began with high expectations. We know there is a reason for that: this team has many of the essential components needed to be a force in our Division. We showed great determination during our pre-season games. Then, during our first game against Cordoba Bay, we showed resilience and great power up front. In our second game, we again showed determination, a fierce spirit and signs of great technical ability.
Yet, we wouldn't be coaches if we did not see room to improve. I also know some parents probably saw some things that may have caused them concern.
To you I say "please relax, we're going to be fine" We have only had two games - an entire season awaits us(yes, we go until March next year). Let's give the boys the credit they deserve and keep the positive attitude. We will need to continue this positive attitude for those days when we come face to face with the harsh reality that in soccer, no matter how good your team is, you are going to lose to another team at one point or another.
So, if you have any doubts, please don't - we are just starting out. We know that some of you may have some suggestions. To you we say "sure, we'll hear them" but please remember that in the end we decide how we set up practices and games. Our job is to determine how our team can become better and then create situations that will allow the boys to improve.
Friends, our goal is to teach your sons more than just running and kicking. For that to happen, we ask that you to not only respect our work (yes, that means that if you see us doing a drill with the boys, that you let us do it and do not interfere with it, even if you think it's silly or that you could do it better) but most of all, that you LET US do our work.
Believe us when we say to you that we only have the best interest of the team in mind. That is why we are here at this club now.
As time goes by, we hope that all of you feel as passionate about the beautiful game as much as we do. We will need time to mold this team into a group of not just fellow players, but more importantly, into a group of friends. Let us give your boys our best and let them earn their positions through hard work. The life experience this will bring them is one that they will value for years to come.
Jake, David and I (Roberto) are all committed to ensuring that by the time this season ends, all of the boys will be better than what they are now. Yes, it is indeed a tall task considering the skill they already display. But let me assure you that once we get going, you will be pleased to see the results.
Last, I would like to address one concern some of you may have: "three coaches??! geezz....why so many? won't the kids get confused?" Frankly, we don't believe so. Why? The answer is simple - we believe we can work well together because all three of us share the same vision and ideas in soccer. In fact, you'll find that by having three coaches, we can focus on players on a more individual basis than if we only had one coach (for example, Jake showed up early to one of our Wednesday practices and held a 30 minute individual session with George teaching him some essential goalie skills). Will there be wrinkles to iron out? Perhaps, after all, we are three coaches with strong personalities who at one time or another may not see completely eye to eye. But you can rest assure that this won't destroy our overall vision to make this team a good team - our motto is "La Maquina comes first." So in the end, I say yet again to all of you "TRUST US...we want the best for every player in this team."
For now, know that we are absolutely happy to be here. We are very honoured to be coaching such an amazing group of players.
It's going to be a great season!
Cheers,
Roberto Alberto (on behalf of David del Castillo and Jake Warren)
Podemos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
