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[Brat Jr]

Oh to be a kid again......

COVER STORY

With jerseys sometimes 3 sizes too big, shin guards that seem like they can cover the WHOLE leg and shorts that go down to their ankles!


The home team scored two own goals, three players had to be carried off the field, one player lost his jersey, there were no referees, fans crowded the sidelines, and the coaches spent the entire game micro-managing the action. Sounds like a soccer nightmare! But welcome to the world of U6 soccer where mayhem ensues, pig piles rule, sidelines are meaningless, and fun is had by all. Where else would a player circle the field getting high-fives from all for scoring a goal against his team? Where else would a player stop in front of the goal box mid-dribble to adjust his shin guards before shooting the goal? Where else would a player frustrated by not being able to kick the ball out of a scrum of participants pick up the ball and place it in a more advantageous spot then kick it? Where else would a player run off the field in the middle of a play because he had to go to the bathroom?

I had the pleasure of watching my four year old grandson, Archer, and his team of four, five, and six year olds. Archer's team was the Orange Magic – a name Archer suggested undoubtedly based on the color of the jerseys and his uncle Robbie's club team. Teams played on a field so small it couldn't accommodate the spectators along its short sideline. But parents politely accommodated one another. Rather than team benches, each team spread a blanket out where the kids lounged. Because of the range of ages, there were definitely varying levels of ability. Yet every kid played an equal amount without regard to skill or outcome. The Orange Magic's top scorer had four goals: two for the Magic and two for the opposing team. After the first own goal, the coach asked the team which net they should score in, and in unison the team stretched out their arms, pointed their fingers and indicated the goal ahead of them. Ten seconds later they received the ball, turned around, and fired into the opponent's goal. Then dutifully pointed the right direction when the coach again inquired which net was theirs.

Sometimes when they dribbled out of bounds, the coaches stopped the play and had them throw the ball in. But usually the spectators crowding on the sides kept the play from going too wide, so play just continued regardless of lines. Each team had two coaches on the field trying to maintain some sense of order, but for the most part they were reduced to shouting, "No hands" and "Turn around."  Despite all the chaos, everyone was having fun, except for the occasional tears for losing the ball, or falling down, or being kick accidentally. No one understood when the coaches asked, "Do you want to come in or stay out," since "in" and "out" were cloudy concepts based on understanding what sidelines meant. So it took some time to figure out whether or not a player would sub. In the meantime action would continue with a varying number of players on the field.

The parents and coaches spent most of the game laughing and cheering. I only observed one parent intent on making his little player rise to a higher level by discussing his play with him and coaching from the sidelines. But after the kid left the field to turn somersaults, the parent backed off. The game ended when the coaches said, "One more goal." We got to watch five or six runs up and down the field before a goal was finally scored. I have never laughed so hard with joy at a soccer game. Everyone declared his team the winner which was perfect because we were having too much fun to keep track. The one thing the players did manage to do with perfection was form the line to shake hands after the game and then head to the right spot to get their after game treat.

Last night I attended Robbie's high school game. All the players ran the right direction, didn't accidentally or on-purpose pick up the ball, dribbled inbounds, substituted without reminder or question, and no one ran off the field to the Port-A-John. All that perfection made for an exciting game, but we lost the joy of seeing kids having pure fun without any pressure to win. After the game I didn't have the same ache on my face from smiling so broadly at Archer and his buddies. Of course I cheered with pride when Robbie went "coast to coast" for a goal, out-maneuvering three defenders. Naturally I was delighted when the team was up 2-0 in the first two minutes. Without question I celebrated when his team won. But I realized something was lost in achieving the victory. Not everyone got to play, the coaches were dead-serious barking out instruction, and winning mattered – a lot.  No one had the luxury of just enjoying the moment without considering the consequences of the play.

That's the price paid for evolving from "youth" youth soccer into "competitive" youth soccer. Many players want to evolve and many parents want their players to evolve. But we have to accept that we lose our innocence. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to experience and remember what soccer used to be like on a Saturday morning. I didn't need to have any more investment in the outcome of the game than cheering on all the players and enjoying the moment. Everyone should go experience again where all soccer players came from so we can recapture the unabashed freedom of enjoying the game without any agenda. It's a feel-good warmth that lasts a long time. 

Susan Boyd, soccer mom and blogger for USYouth Soccer
http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/Blog.asp?post_id=631

The Pulse!  No. #59

Here and Now

http://washingtonpremiersoccer.com/forum/index.php?topic=10174.0

...and never forget; if there is not enough blah blah blah on the games, you only have "you know who" to blame

Brat Jr's YouTube Videos!!

U6 Soccer game  LOL

Another lil kids game

Boys will be boys!

Not a Youtube but a great video for Black Hills! WTG GIRLS!
http://videos.theolympian.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=2237337

"Shout out to da newbies"

We see a few brand new posters since the last Pulse Lets give out a Shout and as always, lets give a warm welcome to all new posters!

This week we would like to applaude and give Karma Kisses to:
j jones
StopThinkSpeak
pumapuma
bdog
SOCCER SUUD       
KandK Mom
rnspu96
Beckhams Girlfriend


Welcome aboard! 
   

Hailey #3 from EFC
Goalie recorded shutout against WPFC (3-0 win for EFC). Exceptional play in the second half when WPFC increased the pressure in an attempt to come back from being down 2-0 at half. Multiple saves amidst near constant pressure. Going back last 6.5 games only 3 goals against.
WTG HAILEY!!

Nominations


U14 NWN Keeper Korps. 
They have not allowed a goal all PDL season while each is leading their repective undefeated high school teams as freshman.  Yesterday both keepers had saves that were amazing.  Just when the opposing team starts to figure out one keeper half time comes and a totaly different look is thrown at them. 

U14 #3 Nat NWN defender
   



"...Out on the Pitch"

U14 SH Rev vs Shoreline







U13 WPFC White vs GRFC Blue










**Please continue to send pix's to the Pulse newsroom!  Anything soccer related is welcome!**   

"Help!  Is there a Doctor in the house?"

My Dk has exercise induced asthma. Is there something I can do to help her so she doesn't have to use an inhaler every practice or game?

Asthma occurs in ~5% of the population. Treatment ranges from avoidance of allergens like pollen to medications like steroids. Inhalers are the workhorse of the current medications available. They are easy to use. I use one from time to time.
There are many triggers for asthma such  as cool weather or pollen or ragweed or excitement. Sports is simply another trigger. Coupled with our finicky weather, asthma symptoms are frequent. Avoiding play in cool weather is difficult in Seattle certainly! So the use of the inhaler may be an essential component of being able to keep your DK on the field. If your pediatrician or asthma specialist has allowed her to continue to play then she needs that inhaler.
Now there are some people who feel she will grow out of the condition if she changes her diet. Consult your asthma doc about that one as I am not the expert on this!!
I found this from the AAAAI:(( http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/exerciseinducedasthma.stm )) According to a recent study, at least one in six athletes representing the United States in the 1996 Olympic Games had a history of asthma. Although 4-7% of the general population is reported to have asthma, the number of Olympic athletes who reported asthma was considerably higher. Out of 699 athletes, 117 (16.7%) were found to have a history of asthma, or to have used asthma medications, or both. Seventy-three (10.4%) of the athletes had active asthma, based on their need for asthma medication at the time of the games, or their need for medication on a permanent or semi-permanent basis

Here is a site from the Mayo Clinic that I found helpful  ((  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise-induced-asthma/DS01040  ))

So. if she wants to play, that inhaler needs to be in her bag!!

*Send all medical questions for "the doctor" to the Pulse email address*

WPS FAMILY CIRCLE FOUNDATION!!!

I don't have permission yet to use his name, but "R" could use some thoughts and prayers.
Keep stealing those moments my friend and get better soon.


"COACHS CORNER!"

I would like to start coaching a beginning team of 5 and 6 yr olds.
What training do I have to have to become a coach? Any special equipment or tricks I need to know beforehand?

Honestly I would recommend atleast going through and getting an E license (for any coach) but most area's also have youth coaching license that help. What those courses will really do for you is help you organize practices so that you can be most effective. As far as what to work on at that age its really all about individual technical skills. just get them to get a lot of touches on the ball and to have fun and you have done your job. Way to step up and work with some young ones, I respect you a lot for that.



"VIEW FROM BEHIND THE WHISTLE"


"Questions for the Ref"


Catch ya next time Ref

OTHER NEWS AND GOSSIP AND TIDBITS:

Congratulations to Spokane, WA players Kaylee Tate and Natalie Middleton (River City Rockets G-U14) and  Tiahhna Wilms (Spokane Shadow Play-up GU15), Courtney Hossfield, and Sydney Nelson (Spokane Shadow GU14) for being selected to the IDAHO ODP. Kaylee was selected for the 1994 team and the other girls were selected for the 1995 team.

Best wishes ladies!





Washington Youth Soccer has also decided to run a limited spring league over 6 to 8 weeks that will assist those teams that want a few more tune up games for these cups. We are working out the details now, so stay tuned for more information.

"WPS Paparazzi"


Is this Goiters GOOD side?  


Let me know when he starts playing U5/6 soccer!


I get this mug shot after I just told him how professional he looks


Noses!







"RUMOR MILL"

Due to other pressing commitments, next weeks Pulse will be pre-empted

Brat has a great time driving the rental car to go out and take pics of unsuspecting CP's!

Dragon was last seen trying to underwrite an insurance policy for the FDIC




"Dear Canuk"

Dear Wolverine,
I have a 6 year old boy that needs to get away from his mammas aprun strings. What is the best way to bring her around to my way of thinkin?

Have your old trollip pop the brat off her teet for one day. Have her bring a bottle of fine CANadian whiskey and some bag balm. Have her meet the love train at the 6pm ferry to BC this Sunday. After getting her world turned upsidedown about 5 times in one day, she will be a changed broad and will want your girlcub to grow up a REAL man like this guy. Now make me a poptart girlboy



"SIDELINE SNIPPETS"

'come on Ref, start calling fouls in the box"   when there was no foul

"open your eyes REF"

"REF you can't knock players off the ball"

all heard at the SAME GAME!



"THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO MMMMMMMMMMMMMM"?
Part 1
That the most anticipated U13 tier 3 games ( at least on the WPS, Goiter VS Brat "GRFC VS the GRFC adopted mom"/ WPFC ) has no one talking! It was a 3 to 3 game. No recap from any of the CP's, no nothing! Zip-nada-ziltch
There are at least 2 CP's from one team and I have no idea how many for the other, only one I know of.
Was this game that bad?  Come on Brat or Goiter, spill it!

Part 2
Its the KIDS that we talk about, its the KIDS that we watch.
When you take it out on a kid, thats when I jump in.
To the person(s) that sent mean PM's to Java Chip on here....... I hope Karma bites you in the ass! And HARD!
No kid on here or anywhere deserves hate mail for something they didn't say
or do.
If, in the future, you decide to own up to it, I'm sure her and her mom would graciously accept an apology



"Dragon Coachs Interviews!"

Dragon still looking for more interviews (always), send in your information or suggestions to the Pulse! :mrgreen: 

If you are a coach, DOC, trainer, or have anything to do with soccer, contact the editor for your chance to do an interview    







and once again the end of another great effort by all on the Pulse staff!  Thank you for all your help in getting the Pulse out! 






If you would like to donate to WPS click below to go to the front page and click on the Donate button:

http://washingtonpremiersoccer.com/


Thats it for this weeks Issue of the Pulse, hope you enjoy it...and as always never forget to...

Play with Heart & Fire, Heart & Fire Always!

[gr8cgar]

Have not read the whole thing yet ( heck have not even started reading) but one of those kids on the cover does not have any shin gaurds on

[Victory]

I remember the days of having to carry players ON to the field or at least guide them hand in hand.  Great job to the Haliey and the nominees.  My vote  goes to Nat.  She was on fire last week!  I am also sure NWN keepers will be thrilled to see they were noticed (thanks to whoever)

[rollercoaster]

I am sooooooo lucky...not only do I get to watch the HS, the P1/P2 and the PDL in my family....I am lucky enough to still have my little B-U7 player too!!!  Goooooo  KYSA THUNDERBOLTZ!!!   

[Taxicab]

Great Pulse, Brat!

My youngest DD's team is U-8! I have always referred to coaching these young age groups as "herding cats" At U-8 I can actually see them trying to maintain space and looking to pass! It makes game days very exciting!

Go Razzle Dazzle!

[gimmevino]

Awesome job, as usual. Thanks for recognizing Natalie, Kaylee and the other Spokane gals who made Idaho ODP.

[sockemgirlz]

a great Pulse and one that makes me as a coach happy to read the story about the little soccer players....
it puts things into perspective all over again!

Great job POTW!
Great Job Brat and staff!!

[IslanderCoach]

I have to disagree with the Coach in this issue....a new volunteer coach wishing to get involved with coaching the u-littles should start off with the certificate courses and a bit of applying the lessons learned before jumping head long into the E License.

[Brat Jr]

I have to disagree with the Coach in this issue....a new volunteer coach wishing to get involved with coaching the u-littles should start off with the certificate courses and a bit of applying the lessons learned before jumping head long into the E License.

so where does one find info on the certificate courses?

[IslanderCoach]

I have to disagree with the Coach in this issue....a new volunteer coach wishing to get involved with coaching the u-littles should start off with the certificate courses and a bit of applying the lessons learned before jumping head long into the E License.

so where does one find info on the certificate courses?

Brat....the best source is the WYS website under Members, select Coaches and the right-hand column will list upcoming Licensing and Certificate Clinics.  The progression:

U-6 Certificate
U-8 Certificate
U-10 Certificate
E License
D License  (either the end or the beginning, D State or D National)
C License
B License
A License

The cerificate courses are one day classes and field sessions designed to train the new coach, giving them tools and information applicable to particular age groups.  I started with the certificate courses years ago when I was a new recreational coach.  You have to learn to roll over before you can crawl or walk!

[Brat Jr]

THANKS ISCoach. That should help them.

[Brat Jr]

Just need to unsticky to make room up on top.