Game Three - Gilroy (April 19)

Our last Gilroy game is behind us (PHEW!) The rest of the games are at PA Walsh. Thanks to all the parents for driving down to Gilroy and being on time! We’ve had 100% turn our to every practice and game so far. I know its tough to juggle the many parenting responsibilities so I just wanted to say - great job and thanks!
Once again, the kids all did a fantastic job of listening, passing, handling the ball and most of all having fun! I had both Riley and Gabby practicing with their left foots again to slow down the number of goals towards the end of the game. Although this is a difficult skill to master, especially during a game, they both did a great job utilizing their less dominate foot. Plus, when they had had enough, they let me know about it! This is something we will be practicing on Wednesday and more in games too. All the kids will thank me when they are playing Pro Soccer somewhere.

Avery continues to charge the ball and challenge herself with getting aggressive within the action. She’s really learning to control the ball and take it down field.

Connor and Drake both did an excellent job of rooting for their teammates and listening to directions from the sidelines when not in play. Connor also is very aware of where the ball is at all times and actively tries to stop goals and take control of the ball from the opposition. Drake brings a positive attitude as he tries to get involved in the action during the game and is learning to be less timid.

Lauren did an excellent job of breaking free from the “bunch” and bringing the ball down field to attempt shot after shot. She also is great at passing the ball to her teammates.

Conall does a great job of blocking the opposing team (careful with pushing) and getting into the action. He is also fantastic at passing the ball and making teammates aware of when he is open.

“Eyes on the Game” special mentions: Gabby, Riley, Lauren and Connor. Very nice job! Keep it up!

And many, many thanks to Dusty who did a wonderful job of refereeing and coaching on the field (both teams). I can’t thank you enough and my ankle can’t thank you enough.

See you all at practice.

Coach Jamey

Practice and Future Games

Although we survived the heat Saturday, I did not survive walking from my kitchen to the family room when I tripped and fractured my ankle Tuesday morning. I am currently in a CAM Caste and see the Ortho Surgeon on Thursday (hoping for the best - and status quo for 6 weeks in a caste). I still enthusiastically want to be the coach of the Jackets and know I can do my job without much change. I do however, now need help at each practice. So I am looking for practice volunteers to run around and help. Hopefully we can find 3 or 4 volunteers that can alternate so one person doesn't have to do it each week. My husband John (U8 coach) can continue to help at games, but his practice is at the same time as ours. Dusty and Mark (Gabby's parents) also are available for game help.

Now is the chance you've been waiting for - being involved as a coach as much as you want, without having to commit to being at 100% of the games and practices. Please let me know who is interested. No experience necessary ;-)

Thanks for all your help and support for practice and games.
Coach Jamey

Game Two (April 12)

Hello Jacket players and fans! (A bit of a novel, but worth it I hope!)

We survived the 90 degree heat and had another fantastic game last Saturday. Although, I would like to apologize for the time mix up. Somehow coach Jamey got confused during the second half of the game and thought the 3rd quarter was the 4th quarter and ended the game 8 minutes early. I blame the heat (but it could have been my lack of sleep considering I just returned from a business trip on a 6 am flight that morning!) I know we all drove to Gilroy, and I hope my mistake didn't cause anyone any inconvenience. On the positive note, the kids looked hot and tired so it seemed like they had had enough. It will not happen again though ;-)


SPORTSMANSHIP:
I am amazed at how well the kids are all doing in all areas of the game so early on - especially team sportsmanship and camaraderie.

I was astonished by all the eager volunteers willing to play for the Green Gators who were short on players. At this age, it was fantastic to see how many kids were willing to help out the other team. Its hard enough getting to know your own players and coaches so early on, let alone move to another team for the day. I recognize some of the kids were stepping outside of their comfort zone with this and they all did a fantastic job!! Special shout-outs to those who wore green - Riley, Avery, Lauren, Gabby and Connor (I hope I didn't miss anyone!)

GAME PLAY:
The kids all continue to learn the basics of the game - kick-offs, throw-ins, corner kicks, etc. As you can tell, my coaching style is to let the kids play ball as much as possible, and not be a stickler about all the rules of soccer at this stage. As the weeks progress, we will get a bit more structured, but never 100%. If we did, there would be a lot of standing around waiting and that's just not fun for 4 & 5 year olds. We do however always want to stress the safety factors in the game. The only rule we enforce whenever we see it happen is "no pushing". Each week we add a
rule and stress it to the kids:

Rule #1 (The most important thing) - HAVE FUN!
Rule #2 - Listening
Rule #3 - No pushing

Ask your kids these rules to see if they know them. They work equally as well in life as they do in soccer!

PLAYER Shout-outs:
Riley did a terrific job stealing the ball on defense and controlling the ball back to his goal for shots. He also has done a fantastic job of bouncing back after small disappointments during the game and speaking up when something bothers him. I can't encourage this enough for all the players. Gabby comes to the field with smiles and laughs during games and practice. She's a wonderful cheerleader for everyone and is doing a fantastic job of controlling the ball down field. Lauren always has her head in the game. Her ball concentration is amazing. She's tough and aggressive with the ball, but never a ball hog. Conall goes after the ball with enthusiasm. He is eager to get into the game and does a great job passing the ball and encourages everyone to pass the ball as well. Drake continues to work on getting into the action. He is focused on the ball and ready and waiting for his chance to steal it away on a miracle
break out soon!! Avery is enthusiastic about soccer and follows the ball throughout play. She does a wonderful job of controlled dribbling and taking it down the field. She's also one tough cookie as I saw her go down a few times last game and bounce back up. Connor does a great job of listening when given instructions on line-ups, throw-ins, etc. He is eager to practice passing to teammates and can take that ball away from offensive players to defend our goal. All the kids are fantastic listener for coaches from both sides! KUDOS to everyone again!

Game One (April 5, 2008)

All the kids did an awesome job of listening, passing and most of all having fun! Since we were scoring quite frequently and we wanted the Dark Blue Dragons to have fun too, I was having all of the kids do extra passing and some of the kids practice kicking with their less dominate foot (LEFT for everyone on the team). Although it was tough to remember at first, Connor, Lauren, Gabby and Riley all did an EXCELLENT job of practicing this skill. I could actually see them start to kick with their right foot, then stop and use their left foot. It was a tough drill but they each did a great job with it.



Conall did a fantastic job of getting into the game and going after the ball as well as an exceptional job of listening and following directions at the kick-offs and throw-ins. Avery did a terrific job of passing the ball and taking shots at the goal from a distance. And Drake did a great job of focusing on the game and paying attention to the coaches.




All the parents did a wonderful job of enthusiastic support and encouragement from the side lines. I know the kids love those positive encouraging shout-outs “Great pass, nice try, good shot”– so keep them up! Special thanks to Dusty for running around first half refereeing and coaching. I don’t know about you but my legs were sore! All in all, great game last week! Hopefully we can keep that kind of enthusiasm all season.

See you all at practice today – as long as it doesn’t rain.
Thanks,
Jamey