Good Luck 93 Boys
Thursday, June 12
The CFC 93 Boys will be in Columbus, Georgia to represent South Carolina at the Region III Presidents Cup from June 13-15. They will be playing teams from Louisiana, South Texas and North Carolina. We wish the boys all the best and we know they will do us proud!
Don't Feel Guilty!
Wednesday, June 11
For those of you who have chosen to take it easy for the first part of the summer ... don’t feel guilty! It is important that you give your body and mind some time to rest and recover in between seasons. Now, please note that this does not mean you have permission to become a couch potato all summer; it is in fact an endorsement to cross train during the month of June! It also means that come July you need to begin seriosuly working on developing the foundation of your cardiovascular endurance in preparation for August training! But for now ... Enjoy!
The Value of a Club House!
Tuesday, June 10
I know the many CFC campers who have sought refuge within the air-conditioned walls over the last two weeks do not need convincing. However, the importance of having our very own club house is so easily overlooked! Gone are the days of holding Board Meetings at a member’s house as the Library was not available, no more cramming entire teams into coaches cars to escape thunderous downpours, our very own concessions, and then there are those dreaded words - Porta Potties! I will stop there as I think you get the picture! So next time you enter the club house take a moment to consider where we have been and appreciate what we have!
The Super Duper Organized Manager!
Monday, June 9
On behalf of all the members of Carolina FC, we would like to thank all those managers who so graciously volunteer their time and effort to willingly handle the day-to-day running of a team! From a coach's perspective, the manager is easily the MVP of the team! To anyone who has not yet ventured into the administrative nightmare of youth soccer ... let's just say that this is what makes these volunteers super special! So next time you see your manager, please give them a big smile, a hug and a huge thank you!
Soccer, Soccer, Soccer!
Sunday, June 8
The Euro 2008 started yesterday and I certainly hope that soccer fans everywhere will take the time to watch as many games as they can. First, we need to prove to the ESPN juggernaut that soccer is legitimate and here to stay! Second, the games provide young and old fans alike with an unlimited learning environment and lastly, the game times provide one with the perfect excuse to get out of the blistering sun! Enjoy! PS: Don’t forget USA vs Argentina this evening at 7:30pm on ESPN Classic.
We are Back!
Saturday, June 7
We are back!
Soccer in the Sun!
Tuesday, May 20
As soccer grows in popularity, the needs and wants of the soccer player expand at an equal if not higher rate. Whilst the serious soccer player must remain cognizant of the pressures and strains one places on their body and mind, there are a number of opportunities throughout the summer that one could entertain to satisfy a hunger for the game of soccer! Carolina FC provides the recreational and the competitive soccer enthusiast with a number of options including a series of action packed soccer camps, each highlighted by the decade old CFC camp favorite - Dutch 4v4! Pick up soccer is available to all players, young and old, every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-7:30pm starting June 3 -- at no cost! Rumor has it that there will be a summer 3v3 series too - keep your eyes on the media! And lastly, there is a summer training program for the dedicated player willing to work on their conditioning, strength and playing ability - by invitation only! Check your mail!
Our Product Speaks for Itself!
Monday, May 19
Carolina FC understands that for many players the tryouts are a daunting experience. Anytime an individual places themselves into a challenging environment where the outcome may not be what they want, they are to be commended. One of the toughest things a coach will have to contend with is informing a young player that they have not been selected for the specific team that they had set their mind on playing for. I conclude each tryout session with something similar to the following: Carolina FC encourages all players to entertain as many options as they need to, to ensure that they find the right place to play. Every player’s needs and wants are different and there are a number of options out there. If a player is trying out somewhere else, it will not be held against them. Absolutely, at no time, will a CFC coach attempt to coerce or pressure a player into committing to CFC. Honestly, if we have to convince you to play for us, then we are probably not the club for you. I firmly believe our product speaks for itself! In return we expect players to be honest and forthcoming when it is time to make a decision - which in our case is prior to Saturday, May 31.
The Tryout Process Explained
Monday, May 19
Every tryout session follows the same general guidelines; the players begin with a technical warm-up, and then are paired down into 1v1 or 2v2 situations, and a small sided or 11v11 game concludes the session. The most difficult part is evaluating the players and forming the teams. CFC has 2-4 evaluators per age group to provide each player with the most fair and objective assessment. Individuals are evaluated on their technical, tactical, and physical abilities. A person’s commitment and attitude are also taken into consideration. The dynamics of a team, as in the needs and wants, add another dimension. Carolina FC may begin announcing teams as soon as Friday, May 23.
Can you say Carolina FC!
Sunday, May 18
May is an exhilarating time of the year for Carolina FC. The excitement of becoming bigger and better is infectious! Our Academy Evaluations were a tremendous success! My prediction of 25% growth in the Academy Program was embarrassingly off - it appears we will be expanding our collection of budding soccer stars by an incredible 50%! Now the focus turns to the Select Tryouts. If the number of players registered for tryouts is anything to go by, we may just be preparing ourselves for another bumper year as far as growth is concerned! Game on!
This Academy Stuff Works!
Friday, May 16
This Academy stuff works! Why? A few reasons: Small-sided games dictate that a player get more involved in all aspects of the game, increasing the number of learning experiences; there are no league standings; and a total de-emphasis on game results allows coaches to focus on individual player development versus team success! No State Cup for obvious reasons! Players train in pools which is instrumental to building solid teams for the future. Of course the concept alone does not guarantee success. It takes an organized program with a quality coaching staff, committed parents, and dedicated players ... and we have got it all right here! Go CFC!
The Trainer System Defined!
Thursday, May 15
Carolina FC fully endorses the Trainer System. Why? Because we know it works! The Trainer System is a result of many years studying the local soccer scene, evaluating the coaching resources, and determining the needs and wants of the player. The conclusion is that there are simply not enough qualified coaches available in the immediate area to satisfy the demand. The Trainer System nullifies this issue by maximizing the return on the quality coaches presently on the CFC Staff. The Trainer System allows every player to be exposed to the many qualified coaches at CFC - not just one! The game of soccer is not a science; therefore, the unique styles and personalities of each coach will help educate and foster a greater understanding of the game. The results speak for themselves!
The 1000 Touch System
Wednesday, May 14 @ 1pm
The 1000 Touch System is a simple concept. BUT - there is nothing simple about its implementation and execution! Its success is in direct correlation to the coach’s ability to teach and the player’s determination to learn and develop good habits! At the Academy level, the 1000 Touch System is utilized for over 50% of a player’s training experience. Why? Technique! A proper understanding and execution of the fundamentals of the game increases a player’s ability to learn and excel at the beautiful game of soccer! Try it! It works!
The CFC Way!
Wednesday, May 14 @ 8am
The CFC Way is all about you! CFC is a Family Club - we are more than just soccer! Achieving success on the soccer field is a goal of the club, the teams and every player! However, it is the intangibles that make us different, make us special, and in many cases make us better!
Getting a Jump on the Future!
Tuesday, May 13
The success of CFC’s Academy Program can be easily evaluated by its continued growth. Our present registration numbers show an increase of over 25% for the 08 - 09 season. But the success of this program is not about numbers, it is about leadership, coaching, organization and most importantly -- the PLAYER! The Academy Program concentrates on individual player development and very little emphasis is placed on team results! Every Academy player is exposed to the 1000 Touch System and begins to learn the CFC Way! So, if you are serious about becoming a better soccer player - register today! Academy Evaluations continue through Saturday!
This is Why CFC is Different!
Monday, May 12
Two Words! Casey Bolduc! Casey joined us at the age of 12 when she became a member of one the most successful girl’s teams in the history of Carolina FC: the CFC 89 Girls! Since then Casey has represented South Carolina at the State Select (ODP) level, she has coached for CFC at the Micro Soccer and Developmental Program levels, and she has even served as a manager for her Select team! This year Casey capped off her youth soccer career by being selected to the
SCISA
All
State team and leading her Oakbrook team to their first ever SCISA State Championship! (See Article). We thank Casey for defining the CFC Way and we wish her all the best as she enters her collegiate career with the Charleston Southern Lady Buccaneers (See article).
Wallbangers!
Want to become an instant celebrity? CFC is looking for a few superstars to infuse some energy onto the walls of our Clubhouse! On Saturday, May 10 we will be auctioning off the rights to members for someone to become CFC’s first official Wallbanger! Are you a Wallbanger?
And the winner is ....
If the Ball Could Talk!
The purpose of getting this ’Ball to Talk’ is to provide you the soccer playing family with as much information as possible to keep you informed, educated and potentially entertained! You are encouraged to send your questions or comments to Justin@CarolinaFC.net and it may just be that we kick your email around!
.... The Nameless (For Now) Blog!
(Re: All things soccer in Spartanburg during the month of May!)
What’s in a name? Suggestions include From the Sidelines, The Way It Is! (My favorite), Educate Yourself (My second favorite), Think About it! (Hmmm ... anyone starting to see a theme here?), The Beautiful Game, DOC Perspective (Boring on all accounts), An Inside Look, From the Touchline, Justin’s Jive (Can you say desperate?), and perhaps the one that might win it all ... If the Ball Could Talk! Vote now by emailing me at Justin@CarolinaFC.net
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