COVER
The Pulse! No. #24 *Christmas Special*
COVER STORY & LATEST HEADLINES:2007 First Annual Pulse Christmas Special!!!Here are some of the Christmas jingles sent in by our WPS posters to celebrate the holidays! Names are with-held unless bribed :lol:
#1st submission-Sung to the tune of; "Grandma got ran over by a reindeer"
HSA HEAT got run over by an underdog
Playing soccer at Shoreline by ECFC
You can say there's no such thing as Santa,
but as for WFC Rangers they now believe.
Eddie had been drinking too much eggnog,
and we told him it would be a pain
But he forgot his medication, and he
staggered out the door into the rain.
When we found him at the Stadium
at the scene of the attack,
he had Emerald City logo on his forehead,
and incriminating Adidas cleat marks on his back.
Now we're all so proud of Eddie
He's been taking this so well.
See him out there watching football,
telling everyone around him to go to "Go to hell"
Now it's not Christmas without Heat in P1
All the HSA family's dressed in black
and we just can't help but wonder:
Should we let Heat go onto P1
or send them back?
Send them back!!
Now their goose is cooked
and their Xmas ruined by the boys from ECFC
it's really quite unlikely
that they will ever make it off to Hawaii
I've warned all my NWN
friends and neighbors
Heat has no one to blame but themselves,
but they should be on the lookout for Eddie
carrying a knife and dressed up like an elf... :mrgreen:
2nd submission- Sung to the tune of; "Sung to Jolly Old St Nicolas" Jolly old Bratilla Jr
Drive your van this way
I want to sign your soccer ball
And I must also say--
Yote has some sage advice
Squash says good stuff too
Dragon is the king of all
But the Queen's CrazyLadyBlue!!
:lol: :lol: :lol: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
3rd submission-Sung to the tune of; "Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer"Duffer the red nose drunkard,
had a very shiney nose
it was because he was a fat arse,
and drank til he puked in his bowl
All of the other soccer professionals,
like Neil, Bobby, & Greg tried to be nice;
But that wouldn't get near that dumbarse Duffo,
Cause they were sure that he had lice.
Then one foggy state cup eve,
Ray Charles came to say
"out of all your blithering posts that you write"
I am sure that at least one I saw must be right
Then all the REAL soccer pro's loved him
and they shouted out with glee
gee duffer your pants are so shiney,
whoops, sorry...is that just pee?
4th submission- Sung to the tune of; "the 12 days of Christmas"On the twelth day of Christmas, the soccer god said to thee:
Megson has a huge ego :roll:
Cheese is running laps 
Kennards cooking salmon 
soccermom's dating huh? :oops:
Brat's sending funny messages :lol:
MA's got something in her coffee 
Army's spreading truths :shock:
THE BRATTEBAGGO IS DEAD :mrgreen:
Yote's only playing 10 games 
Dragon's spreading love and cheer :lol:
Duffer is playing with Gumby
And Squash created the best soccer site on the WEB!!! :!:
Submission #5-This one is non-WPS related, but was too good not to post:THE GIFT
Author Unknown
T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF
PLASTER AND STONE.
I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO
IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.
I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.
NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.
WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.
FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.
THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.
THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.
WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALIZED THE FAMILIES
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.
SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.
THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.
I COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.
THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES
AND STARTED TO CRY.
THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
"SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."
THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER
AND SOON DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.
I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.
I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.
THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."
ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."
Submission #6-Sung to the tune of; "on the 12th day of Christmas"Final chorus:
On the 12th day of Christmas WPS gave to me;
12 dumb posts from huh?
11 new pulse sections
10 pic's from paparazzi
9 bad smells from cheese
8 cheers for norpoint
7 votes for gumby
6 new crazy parents
5 dragon posts
4 pictures from V.
3 corn dogs
2 songs by eddie
and squash's new site for all to see!
Submission #7-Sung to the tune of; "Sleighride" Just hear those cow bells jingl-ing
Ring ting tingle-ing too.
It must be The Timbers,
the ones from the land of cow poo.
Outside the balls are flying
And parents are yelling go Blue ( or red)
It must be the Timbers,
The ones from the land of cow poo.
Giddy-yap giddy-yap giddy –yap
They’re loud
The bells in the crowd
A group of parents loud and proud
Giddy-yap giddy-yap giddy –yap they groove
Way down in the couve
They’re gliding along on the field
With precise in every move
The parents are nice and rosy
But those bells are noisy as heck
They belong out in the field
of poo on a cow around it’s neck
We’ll take 5 down South
To meet them for a duel
Oh not the Timbers
The ones from the land of cow poo
This match will definitely be the game of the day
They both will play with heart and fire all the way
Kicking the ball and running with grace is what we’ll be seeing
Across the field piercing our ears we’ll hear a ring
Ring! Ring! Ring!
There’s a happy feeling coming from the pitch that game
When they cheer for their girls and call out their beloveds’ name
Those bells will ring and we’ll match each ring with a cheer
A wonderful time of times
At this competitive time of year.
Thank you to all the CPs/CKs that submitted songs for our Christmas Special...they are all very creative!! :mrgreen: HEADLINES!NEIL CALLAHAN...REST IN PEACE SOCCER HERO...
Washington Youth Soccer lost one of its heroes last Wednesday, when Neil Callahan, President of the Seattle Youth Soccer Association, passed away at age 55. Attached is a link to an obituary that appeared in Sunday's Seattle Times :
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/obituaries/2004076048_callahanobit16m.htmlNeil’s roots in youth soccer go back to his work with the Queen Anne Soccer Club, where he worked on the board and served as board president for many years. Neil has been a driving force in recruiting and developing volunteer coaches at all age levels, and in changing the developmental focus from team development to individual player development.
As Queen Anne President, Neil organized a spring soccer league, in conjunction with a few other clubs, based largely upon the notion that there was a huge demand for recreational soccer participation beyond the traditional fall league schedule. The Seattle Spring Soccer league now includes the entire Association, and las year had over 3,000 players.
In addition to his leadership role at SYSA, Neil coached the U17 Diamondbacks and the U12 Falcons, and was a fixture on the Seattle Blues in the Greater Seattle Soccer League. He was a player, a coach, a referee, a soccer parent, and a friend to all who crossed his path.
Neil is survived by his wife Joan Rosenstock, daughter Abby, age 16 (SYSA U17 Diamondbacks), and daughter Alex (ECFC GU12 White). Please remember them in your thoughts and prayers.
In Neil's memory, SYSA has established the Neil Callahan Scholarship Fund, which will assist youth recreational soccer players with registration and player fees. Donations may be made online at
http://sysa.bonzidev.com/frameset.php, or by check made out to SYSA, with “Neil Callahan Scholarship Fund” on the memo line, sent to SYSA, 6208 60th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Dragon hopes that all our WPS family keeps his family in our thoughts and prayers, Rest in peace Hero...
Seattle to MLS: 2009 will be a year to cheer!!!
Drew Carey explains his partial ownership and 'Barcelona' membership ideas for Seattle MLS at George and Dragon on November 13th.
by David Falk
www.GOALSeattle.comIt's been more than a month now since Major League Soccer announced the awarding of a franchise to the City of Seattle starting play in the 2009 season.
In that short time the new club have already sold nearly 11,000 season ticket deposits and appear poised to be one of the better, if not the best supported teams in the league.
It has been a very long journey to get here for Seattle soccer fans. MLS will be in its 16th season when Seattle joins for its first. There have been several attempts to bring big league soccer to the Emerald City over the years. Finally the right combination of wealthy investor (Joe Roth) and local soccer devotion (Adrian Hanauer) has met a stadium plan (Paul Allen) and a dynamic owner/fan spokesman (Drew Carey). This merging of talents and billions has put Seattle MLS on the fast track to be big, and soon.
"Big" is the word for Seattle pro soccer these days. Big attention for the club announcement, big ownership, big early ticket deposit sales. Even the owners are talking big. Lead investor Joe Roth, a Hollywood movie mogul, talks about helping Seattle become known worldwide for its new club. He professes confidence that this will be a club with dynamic success on and off the pitch.
As Seattle MLS scoops up the soccer headlines with visits from Drew Carey and growing ticket sales, the Seattle Sounders of the USL First Division are transitioning to play their last season. They'll do it at Starfire Sports Complex down in Tukwila.
The Sounders will provide a chance for a certain number of players to earn their way on to the 2009 Seattle MLS roster. Seattle can claim rights to players in 2008 and bring them up to MLS in 2009.
Seattle MLS has yet to pick a club name. They did entertain 'suggestions' on their website and got over 6,000 replies. Hints from owner Adrian Hanauer and Joe Roth seem to indicate that the new club will go a new direction with their name choice. Expect something that sounds like an international football club name would sound.
2008 will be a busy year for the new Seattle MLS club. They will be choosing a club name sometime this spring. They will be recruiting and scouting for players through he Sounders and worldwide. They will be undergoing a search for their first head coach, which they hope to announce in the Fall.
Major League Soccer took big strides in 2007 to gain a bigger audience when players such as David Beckham, Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Pablo Angel joined the league. The talent level rose and big crowds followed Beckham where ever he played. Toronto FC debuted last year to sellout crowds of 20,000 for each home match and loud fan support. Seattle is joining the circuit with things on the rise.
The Seattle MLS club will be run by the Seattle Seahawks on the business and marketing side, and by Hanauer and Roth on the soccer side. The decision to call Qwest Field home means the club will be a 'downtown' or 'city' club and can work on attracting families from the burbs as well as adults who are city-dwellers.
The front office has been meeting fans one on one this December at various local soccer pubs. They are passing out T-shirts, shaking hands, watching world football on big screens,and getting to know Seattle's soccer culture. It's an effort to get fans ages 21-30 to embrace the club and give it a 'supporters atmosphere' on match nights.
Most-recently it was learned that Seattle MLS also has big designs on working with Starfire. The Manchester United Soccer Schools are packing up and Seattle MLS will be bringing their own brand of schools to the Tukwila park soon. Starfire's Field Turf fields will also eventually serve as the practice grounds for Seattle. The facility will undergo a series of improvements to get ready for Seattle MLS training. It is also likely that a Seattle MLS reserve team will eventually call Starfire home.
The first month of life for the new Seattle professional soccer club has come and gone. The chance to make a good first impression is over. What kind of impression has Seattle MLS made? A very good one. They have left the impression that they'll spend the money it takes to be good. They have left the impressions that Seattle will have some kind of 'known international star' on its roster one day. They seem determined to not only be successful, but very successful.
www.MLSinSeattle.com has been updated almost daily with new stories about the team. Fans have bookmarked the club's website to keep up with all the latest news.
Seattle soccer fans have responded to the club with the fastest-selling ticket deposit count in league history. It's a great way to say 'thank you' to the people who have worked so hard to get a club for us.
In just over a year soccer players from all around Puget Sound and the State of Washington will be able to see high-level heroes they can aspire to be like. Coaches and trainers can talk to their players about how 'the guys on Seattle' won the big match. The buzz of seeing the great goal and fantastic win will echo out from Qwest Field over into Pioneer Square as 25,000 fans cheer their new passion.
You can't wait for 2009 either, right? :mrgreen:
In the back: Joe Roth, Adrian Hanauer (left to right), new Seattle MLS owners along with Drew and Paul AllenWPFC Supports SOCCER WITHOUT BORDERS!!! 
Soccer Without Borders is a non-profit organization that uses soccer as a vehicle for positive change in the lives of marginalized youth. The Soccer without Borders program combines soccer instruction and play with arts based Life-skills Education. Through these activities, young people come into a greater understanding of their bodies, voices, minds and communities, encouraging them to make healthy choices for their futures.
Throughout January, we will have a collection bin at our turf field during games. We are seeking donations of the following:
• New or used soccer boots
• New or used soccer shorts, socks or jerseys
• New or used soccer balls of any size
• New or used training gear and scrimmage vests
• New or used back packs or soccer bags.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact James Endicott at
james@sumnerpostal.com or call him at (253) 508-4703.
James also told WPS that if teams had trouble getting donations to their location, he would come and pick up donations in person or take care of shipping arrangements :mrgreen:
State CUP CRAZY!!!This section will come alive again once the state cups starts. With Predictions and recaps, etc :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
CRAZY PARENT WATCH:"Shout out to da newbies"Dragon see's a few brand new posters he wants to give a Shout out too! And as always, lets All give a warm welcome to all new posters!
This week Dragon would like to applaude:
soccerjunkie
JAFO
Denali
Welcome aboard! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
"A view from the Mini-Van"
Holiday wishes from an Average mom...
Taking a week or two off to be with my family. Holiday wishes to you and yours :mrgreen:
"WPS Paparazzi"Four Great pictures taken at the 1995 age group ODP training session this past weekend!
#1
#2
#3
#4"...Out on the Pitch"Please submit pictures for the newsletter to the Pulse emailHere is a little holiday contest for you...Can you name all the boys teams seen in these pictures??
#1
#2
#3
#4**Please continue to send pix's to the Pulse newsroom! Anything soccer related is welcome!** :mrgreen: "Help! Is there a Doctor in the house?"
In the spirit of the season, I would like to take this time to thank everyone on the Forum for making this a home . A home for engaging in at times a funny, poignant, pointed and irreverent rehashing of the soccer world...and life!! This is indeed a comfortable place to visit . With my cup of coffee ( or my glass of wine) I often smile and sometimes scream at the screen in front of me!! But I am always enlightened by the info and insight that many bring to the table.
Although I have met few of the hundreds that are on now, I feel like I know so many of you in spirit. Duffer with his irreverent truth. Dragon with his kindness. Yote with his sage advice. Brat with her humor. The list goes on and on. And special thanks to Squash for allowing this Forum to morph into the Pulse of WA!!!
OK enough sappy $&^% already. Onto the meat of the Pulse. Because so many will be out doing things other than soccer (is that even possible :roll: ), I thought this week would be a good time to review Winter Sports Issues. Here goes. And don't let your coaches know that you are reading this as they expect you to be home watching videotape of your next opponent
Reprinted from The AAOS of which I am a proud member!!
Tips to Prevent Winter Sports Injuries
People spend hours of recreation time on activities ranging from sledding, snow skiing and tobogganing to ice hockey, ice skating and snow boarding. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), however, if the proper precautions are not taken to ensure warmth and safety, severe injuries can occur.
Winter sports injuries get a lot of attention at hospital emergency rooms, doctors' offices and clinics. In 2004, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 51,524 injuries from ice hockey; 49,600 injuries from ice skating; 74,000 injuries from sledding, snow tubing and tobogganing; 35,483 injuries from snowmobiling; 143,990 injuries from snow boarding; and 144,379 injuries from snow skiing. Injuries include sprains and strains, dislocations and fractures.
Countless numbers of winter sports injuries happen at the end of the day, when people overexert themselves to finish that one last run before the day s end. A majority of these injuries can easily be prevented if participants prepare for their sport by keeping in good physical condition, staying alert and stopping when they are tired or in pain.
The AAOS urges children and adults to follow these tips for preventing winter sports injuries:
1)Never participate alone in a winter sport. (What fun would that be)
2)Keep in shape and condition muscles before partaking in winter activities.
3)Warm up thoroughly before playing. Cold muscles, tendons and ligaments are vulnerable to injury. (Don't roll out of bed onto the slopes)
4)Wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles, helmets, gloves and padding. (I know it doesn't look cool...too bad 
)
5)Check that equipment is in good working order and used properly.
6)Wear several layers of light, loose and water- and wind-resistant clothing for warmth and protection. Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature. Wear proper footwear that provides warmth and dryness, as well as ample ankle support. (Tape your ankles if they are weak or if you have had many sprains)
7)Know and abide by all rules of the sport in which you are participating. (LOTG apply everywhere!!!!)
8 )Take a lesson (or several) from a qualified instructor, especially in sports like skiing and snow boarding. Learning how to fall correctly and safely can reduce the risk of injury. (Plyometrics baby!!)
9)Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in temperature to ensure safety. (Did you read last week's Pulse? )
10)Seek shelter and medical attention immediately if you, or anyone with you, is experiencing hypothermia or frostbite. Make sure everyone is aware of proper procedures for getting help, if injuries occur.
11)Drink plenty of water before, during and after activities. (Just like soccer)
12)Avoid participating in sports when you are in pain or exhausted.(If you can't practice because of injury you shouldn't be boarding!!)
So there you have it. Play smart in the cold. Treat every sport you play the same way. Get warmed up, be in shape and stretch!! The calories you burn while boarding or skiing are as high as a soccer match. So use the same precautions to pre-game meals and fluid intake. HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY KWANZAA! HAPPY ROSH HASHANA! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
*Send all medical questions for "the doctor" to the Pulse email address* GIRLS U13 NORTH-CALIFORNIA REPORTS!!!
Report on the NORCAL CUP CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!
Well Washington fans we got the showdown for the Norcal Cup Championship between the Mustang Blast and Your (adopted) Central Santa Clare Valley Chilipeppers, just not the final result as Blast prevailed 3-2 in a Great game.
The Peppers opened the scoring 1 min. and 30 seconds in on a great feed from # 15 Zarette to #13 Marissa who ripped a left footed shot that Beth the Blast keeper never even saw. The teams then battled back and forth until Riley #13 from the Blast was taken down just outside the box. Kim #? took the kick and put it into the left upper corner to tie it up 1-1 and thats the way the half ended.
Th Blast would go up 2-1 as Riley#13 (STATE ODP) broke away from the tight marking of Sam #21 and then pushed the ball by Pepper goalkeeper Leslie. Sam and Riley were a definite battle inside the war as the two went toe to toe against each other for 70 mins. . The Peppers would tie it up about 7 mins. later on a corner from Marissa to Zarette, score 2-2. The two teams squared off somemore, the Blast would score the decisive goal with 8 mins. to go on a little pop up shot that Leslie couls not save.
Congratulations to the Blast on their 2nd straight Norcal Cup Championship and also to the Peppers never give up determination. We hope to get another shot at the Blast come early January at their Winter Turf tourney but a team you may know ? " FC Crush" might take them out first. we are out until that Tourney so have a Happy Holiday Season, Stay Safe and See all you Crush coaches, players and fans at the Winter Turf.
Great job Chilipeppers!!! We are all very proud of all of your gals making it to the finals and giving those Blasters a run for their money! The Norcal Cup is the US Club version of state cup for those of you that don't know...so what matters to us here is that you win your Regular State Cup and represent Nor Cal in Hawaii! Happy Holidays Peppers and Parents from all of us here in Washington! :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
**And now, a brand new section as we add another "sister team" to our growing site!!!**GIRLS U13 EASTCOAST/VIRGINIA REPORTS!!!
...The Heat gals show off some bling bling as they win the Disney Showcase just a few weeks ago!http://www.vsaheat.net/Lets all give a big round of applause to our new sister team all the way from the EAST COAST!!! Virginia to be specific! The
VSA Heat Blue!!! This team was not only their state's State Champion last year at U12, but also the Regional Champs!!!
Hello Dragon and all of WPS from the VSA Heat! We are a U13 Girls Travel Soccer Team and a proud member of the Virginia Soccer Association. Our team is based out of Haymarket, Virginia and participates in Division 1 of the Washington Area Girls Soccer (WAGS) League. Lead by Coach Gus Donolo, the Heat’s training methods and play are heavily influenced by the Brazilian style and approach to developing soccer players.
The Heat recently finished their Fall WAGS season with a record of 7-0-3. Along with participating in Futsol training in the winter, the Heat have now begun their first winter indoor session in which they are playing in the U14 Premier League. Their first game on 12/1 was played against the Herndon Sting which the Heat won 7-1. Their next game was played against our state rivals, the Chantilly Firecats. It was a hard fought, extremely physical game but the Heat came out on top with a 9-6 victory. This past weekend the Heat took on the ABGC Fury and were able to experiment with player positions and technical skill. They came away with an 11-0 victory.
Along with our indoor season, the Heat have seven of their sixteen players in the 94 (Maria, Allie, Ashley, Caitlyn, and Morgan) and 95 (Alexa and Emma) state pools for ODP. They are all making the long journey down to Richmond, VA each weekend for practices. The highlight of the week for the Heat girls was a team Christmas party complete with a highly competitive white elephant gift exchange.
Thanks so much for agreeing to come onboard the WPS bandwagon! We look forward to hearing great stories about your team every week! Go Heat!!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
OTHER NEWS AND GOSSIP AND TIDBITS:"SIDELINE SNIPPETS"CP on the sideline; "come on kids, play harder! Move forward! This is boring....think of the spectators" :lol:
"COACHS CORNER!"This weeks topic for the coach is
"Pre-Vacation talk"
Well i dont have any parent questions this week, So I will talk about something people have asked me quite a bit this year.
1. Why do I spend so much time doing this article?
2. What makes a good club?
1: I spend all this time because I think the more parents know then the better desicions they can make, and the more their kids will benifit from that. Theres nothing wose then standing on a sideline with a group of parents watching a game, and hearing rediculusly dumb comments going on that are so ignorant it makes you want to slap the parents right there.
2. There are a ton of things that go into a good club, but I will try to answer this as simply as possible, and I'll go from the top to the bottom. First you must have a good Board leading the club. If they make poor decisions the club will fall apart. Next a coaching director that not only cares about the kids, but also spends time outside the club bringing in quality coaches and players. Club togetherness. Basically what I mean by this is a club that practices at the same locations, and has enough teams to help each other out. Its amazing how much the kids enjoy playing for a club they can take pride in and also is like a family to them. Finally good coaching. You need a mix of coaches, I like to group them into three catagories: "resume coaches" I'm refering to the coaches who have a gamut of experience and these are the coaches that everyone knows. When they take over a team or start a team it brings in the top talent because of their reputation. "Solid coahes" These coaches dont have the reputation of the resume coaches, but they are working on it. They are good enough to be a strong coach and develop very good teams. "Developing coaches" these are usually your young up and coming coaches. The ones that are mostly assistants at this stage and are just starting their coaching careers. By having a good mix you are more likely to have longer club sucess.
Remember if you have any questions please just send them to Dragon, he does a great job of making sure I get them quickly enough to answer them all.
"VIEW FROM BEHIND THE WHISTLE"Myths of the Game and other Nonsense
This is a time of year I look forward to spending some great quality time with my family with a much needed short break from soccer.
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Whatever your plans may be for the upcoming holiday season, I hope you all have safe and warm holidays in the company of those closest to you. May the New Year bring you many new happy opportunities to create fantastic family memories!
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Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year to all!!!!!!
The Ref
"Dear Eggy"Eggy and family wishes all of you happy holidays and a wonderful new year! :mrgreen:
"My 2 cents worth...The Posters Voice!"
Twas the Night Before State...
Twas' the night before STATE, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even mighty mouse;
The uniforms were placed at the bed with such care
In hopes that GAME DAY soon would be there;
The players were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of a championships danced in their heads;
And mamma in her ‘kerchief and I in the buff
Had just settled down for a…. (That’s none of your business);
When out on the pitch there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
In hopes that some burglar didn’t find my good stash
I gazed out the window to the beautiful site,
Just a dusting of snow had fallen that nite
When what to my wondering eyes should I see,
But a miniature soccertaxi and lead by Gumby
With a little old driver behind the wheel of this wagon
I knew in a moment it must be The Dragon!!!
More rapid than eagles his CP’s they came,
And he whistled , and shouted, and called them by name;
“Now, Gumby! now Cheese, now Duffer and Mufassa!
On Ceasar, on squash, on Yote and Bratilla
As he tore up my lawn spinning donuts around
I heard Dragon yell get my butt OFF the ground
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”
Finally they lifted the old man to the top
And they all settled to the roof with a loud crashing flop
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the shakes
The drinking and dancing that each CP makes
I bolted out the bedroom and raced to the hall
When down the Chimney came Dragon, with his bag and his ball
He was dressed all in fur, and moved with a limp
I thought to myself what a huge soccer pimp
A bundle of gear he had flung on his back
And he looked like “the man” with that big giant pack
A wink of his eye and a smirk on his face
I soon found no reason to hold onto the mace
He was of few words and went straight to his work,
And filled the players boots, then turned with a jerk
And laying his finger aside of his nose
Then holding his goodies up the chimney he rose
He sprang to his wagon, and a shout he did make
And they bolted as fast as a fat kid to a cupcake
But I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight
Happy State Tourney to All, and to all a good night!!!
THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO MMMMMMMMMMMMMM?"Dragon Coachs Interviews!"Dragon was waiting for a really great one today, but the coach must of been busy and did not get it in by the deadline.... :cry: We will continue to get good ones for the future and hope to have one for our first 2008 edition! :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 Guest Editor's, EDITORIAL:
State Cup Preparation
There are many different approaches taken on the coaching side of things for preparing a team for state cup. I will give a few different approaches that you may come across this year or maybe in the future years you are involved in soccer. These are of course my observations and you may or may not ever encounter these approaches.
1) Time off: Giving time off allows time to recover from seasonal injuries, illness, time to be with family, etc. Many coaches will give the team off around the holiday. Some 2 weeks before the New Year and some the week of XMAS and the week of New Year. This allows the players to begin to miss the game again as well. Some coaches may give "fitness homework" during the time off so that players maintain where they are at. This approach makes the team hungry to play soccer and hopefuly win state!
2) Overload: Too much is not always a good thing. Some times a philosophy is that players need to train, train, train, and then train some more to cover everything that hasn't been absorbed by the players. They will scrimmage tons, practice a lot, and peak too early. Little time off will be given and players will not be "hungry" to play the game even if it is for state cup.
3) Mini camp solution: Leading up to state cup time you will see time off given to recover from a long season and to be with family and friends. Then, on the weekend you will have a scrimmage game against 1 or 2 types of opponents: 1) easier opponent so that the coach can build confidence in the team as well as iron out some tactical/technical issues 2) Harder teams to prepare the team for what they may be up against and prepare them for more speed, aggressiveness, organization, technique, etc. After the scrimmage a mini-camp (3-4 days of training back to back) will take place to go over tactics, set plays, etc. This will typically be the week of your first state cup game so that the players memories are fresh on what to do to win the game.
One approach might work for one team and not another. It is up to the coach to determine what is the best way to fully prepare the team so that they have not reached their full "TEAM" potential before the state cup tournament is over. I am curious what CP's and their child's team are doing....is it one of these approaches? Combo of 2 different approaches?
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Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.--Special Olympics Athlete Oath.
Thanks Brookey for the great article! You can guest Edit anytime! :mrgreen:
**The Pulse will NOT be published next week! See you all after the holidays...have a very merry Christmas and a Happy Newyear!!!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: and once again the end of another great effort by all on the Pulse staff! Thank you for all your help in getting this out each week! :mrgreen:
***All of you may have noticed as well that the PULSE now has a 2nd email address (the AOL one). You may use either one!***
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!
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Topic: THE PULSE - #24 (Read 611 times)