CASL vs UNC
Brian LeFevre and I are currently in North Carolina taking an NSCAA coaching course. We are staying with my friend Tim Healy(former XU player) in his condo for 10 days. Through Tim we were given the opportunity to checkout the CASL facilities and their program. CASL Technical Director Damon Nahas not only gave us a tour of WRAL(CASL Soccer Complex) but showed us the CASL way. Brian really wanted to see a UNC Women's training session, but I wanted to see the beach on our break. Damon arranged for us to attend a UNC training session. I am glad we attended the session but still wished I would have gotten to the beach.
CASL
CASL is one of the top youth soccer programs in the United States. They have 1200 teams in their program with a Soccer Complex/WRAL boasting 26 fields, with 1 stadium turf field and 2 turf fields used for training. The majority of the fields have lights with bermuda grass and are well kept. It is an amazing soccer complex. When you enter the complex at night you will see not only a huge number of teams training but all wearing the club colors of red, black, and white. The players all wear the same training gear and they even have the same water bottle with the CASL logo. It is quite a sight to see. The first sessions start at 4:30 and last from 1hr and a half to 2 hours.
When the players arrive they immediately start juggling. Then the coach asks the team to warm-up which is done on their own. From there they either start with moves or a passing sequence. The session then builds from 1v1 to 2v2 or 1v3 to 5v5 keep away , finishing, and then a game. All the players are talking and communicating very loudly and always giving 100% effort. It is really neat to watch not only the intensity of the players but their communication skills. The sessions are fun for the players through sheer competition and the will to get better.
The session ended with the players and coach shaking each others hand. I watched three players from different teams stick around to work out more. One player asked her coached if he would stay a bit longer to work on her shooting technique. How often does this happen with our players?
UNC
Not only is the UNC campus beautiful but all you see is Carolina blue, even the trash bags are Carolina blue. If you can get over all the Blue then it is one of the most gorgeous college campuses in the country. The soccer stadium is directly on campus and the field is very nice but the stadium is below average with seating of about 1,100 with only one side for spectators. The UNC womens soccer program has won19 National titles. Anson Dorrance has not only been the coach for UNC but has also coached USA to the World Cup Championship.
The team trains about 3 miles off campus at Finley soccer park. There are 5 bermuda grass soccer fields with a pavilion/shelter and 4 trailers for the teams to go into. Each soccer team has 3 full time medical trainers and 1 student trainer. The coaching staff is Head Coach Anson Dorrance and his 5 Asst. Coaches with 4 statistician/managers. Everyone involved in the program is always doing something.
The session started at 4:00pm and kick off with an incredible speed, agility, and strength warm-up. The players went from station to station doing every exercises at 100%. It was not only tiring to watch but very impressive. Right as they finished a 1989 Acura pulls up to the practice onto the field. The car is the worst car in the lot and has not only dents but a huge scratch down the side. As the girls are getting water Anson Dorrance jumps out of the not so nice Acura and begins coaching. He starts with targets on the outside and 4 defenders with a Hawk in the middle. He only works with the first squad. The head Asst. works with the 2nd squad. The number of players training that day was 30 players with 5-7 out watching with injury. He then moves into separate positional training exercises for the players. Then they move into a competition of 1 player driving balls in the air while two player challenge to win the ball. The following sequence is a series of heading exercises. Last they finish with an 11 v11 game. I will say every player is not only competing against each and giving 100% effort but they are all very fast, quick and skillful. When I mean fast and quick think of a lightning bolt. The session was loose in regards to the coaches but intense for the players. They really got after it.
CASL/UNC Program
The common theme to both programs is that coaches and players uphold the highest standard of excellence. Every player in both programs competes with extreme intensity and passion for the game. Through the competitive environment created players realize that they must get better. Every person involved in the program is responsible to give their maximum effort and highest quality. I hope we can create this kind of environment.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
"Can you let the other team score?" No, Sorry we got Hat Trick Murray
3 TFA Team Champions at Cincy United Cup
This past weekend I got a chance to see three TFA teams play in the Cincinnati United Cup. Congrats to all three teams (Girls U10,U12, U13)for not only making it to the finals but winning the final. I was happy to see the effort and style the teams displayed over the weekend. My only complaint was driving from Miami Whitewater to Posey Hartman and back to Miami Whitewater. I am sure that I am not the only one and feel sorry for the out of towns teams. I also really like the uniforms. Although, I can't make up my mind on which jersey I like. What do you all think?
Quote at U10's Final "Can you let the other team score?"
The U10's second game was against CUP. The coaching staff explained to me that this game would decide on who would make it to the final. Cup scored first off a corner kick. Then our team scored a couple goals to to make it 7-1 before CUP scored again. The final result was 8-2 and I can say, I really enjoyed watching the girls. The final was against Kings Elite. In the second half the referee decided to give the girls a water break. He asked Brian Lefevre "Can you let the other team score?" This is a soccer first for me. I have never been asked this question and hope I never do. The other team did score 2 which made it a 6-2 final. Good job girls.
U12 Holt
I was very happy to see Dave Holt's U12 team crowned Champions. Dave had these girls out training a bit more than usual and it showed. It seemed that they were at the training complex every night last week. They were even training on Fri night. It paid off, because their team shape was very good and combinations at times. Good job to Dave and the girls. Coaches take note, adding an extra session to prepare pays off and is very helpful at times.
U13 with Hat Trick Murray
I was a little worried about these girls after friendlies and the first half of the morning game. The other team was no match but our shape was much to be desired. They sorted things out in the second half and started to really click. The second game was much different and I really enjoyed watching the girls. The team won 5-0 and Katie Murray had 3goals. She not only had three goals but they were very good goals. Good job Katie keep them coming. Who would have ever doubted that she could get the Hat Trick?
I can say that after watching these girls over the weekend that I am not worried. They are a great group with much more success ahead of them.
Kern Family
Shout out to the Kern Family. U10 Lizzie and U12 Gwen both were crowned Champions this weekend. They are a great family and that must have been fun for them. I hope this happens often for the Kern family and our teams as well.
This past weekend I got a chance to see three TFA teams play in the Cincinnati United Cup. Congrats to all three teams (Girls U10,U12, U13)for not only making it to the finals but winning the final. I was happy to see the effort and style the teams displayed over the weekend. My only complaint was driving from Miami Whitewater to Posey Hartman and back to Miami Whitewater. I am sure that I am not the only one and feel sorry for the out of towns teams. I also really like the uniforms. Although, I can't make up my mind on which jersey I like. What do you all think?
Quote at U10's Final "Can you let the other team score?"
The U10's second game was against CUP. The coaching staff explained to me that this game would decide on who would make it to the final. Cup scored first off a corner kick. Then our team scored a couple goals to to make it 7-1 before CUP scored again. The final result was 8-2 and I can say, I really enjoyed watching the girls. The final was against Kings Elite. In the second half the referee decided to give the girls a water break. He asked Brian Lefevre "Can you let the other team score?" This is a soccer first for me. I have never been asked this question and hope I never do. The other team did score 2 which made it a 6-2 final. Good job girls.
U12 Holt
I was very happy to see Dave Holt's U12 team crowned Champions. Dave had these girls out training a bit more than usual and it showed. It seemed that they were at the training complex every night last week. They were even training on Fri night. It paid off, because their team shape was very good and combinations at times. Good job to Dave and the girls. Coaches take note, adding an extra session to prepare pays off and is very helpful at times.
U13 with Hat Trick Murray
I was a little worried about these girls after friendlies and the first half of the morning game. The other team was no match but our shape was much to be desired. They sorted things out in the second half and started to really click. The second game was much different and I really enjoyed watching the girls. The team won 5-0 and Katie Murray had 3goals. She not only had three goals but they were very good goals. Good job Katie keep them coming. Who would have ever doubted that she could get the Hat Trick?
I can say that after watching these girls over the weekend that I am not worried. They are a great group with much more success ahead of them.
Kern Family
Shout out to the Kern Family. U10 Lizzie and U12 Gwen both were crowned Champions this weekend. They are a great family and that must have been fun for them. I hope this happens often for the Kern family and our teams as well.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Weekend Grade= 5 Star, Perfect Weekend
In my first blog you would know that this past weekend was an eventful one for me. Well, it proved much more than what was expected.
GI jOE
We did see GI Joe as a family and Dalton loved the movie. There is going to be a sequel if you didn't already know it.
Grade- Don't go see it. But Dalton gives it two thumbs up
Friendlies
It was definitely a hot one this weekend and I saw some heated games. The U11 vs U12 girls teams played to a 1-1 tie. It was very entertaining and these two teams are going to be very good. I enjoyed watching these two teams play,already a very attractive style of play. The following game was a heated one and I mean not just the weather. The U11 vs U12 boys teams was the best game of the weekend. These two teams played as if it was a championship game. This was a back and forth game with the U12's taking it in a 3-2 final. David Pittman had a nice assist for the third goal. The second half got a bit physical but nothing out of hand. I can't wait to see these boys teams play. They both are going to be a handful. I saw three great goals- an upper 90 blast from U10 Olivia Horton, flick on goal by Matthew Pittman, and the other was upper 90 blast outside the box from Paul Kramers team. It was very hot and it only seemed to bother us as spectators. The players did a great job and I can't wait for the season to begin.
Grade- A+ or HOT
Rascall Flatts Concert
First, I did not know Rascal Flatts were from Columbus Ohio. There was more OH and IO than a OSU football game. Jim Tressel did help end the concert with the band in OSU jerseys.
Second, I will say I had a very good time and all three groups were great. Dierks Bentley was second and he really got the crowd going. Hootie song choices were great with Family Tradition, Purple Rain, a couple Blowfish songs. Rascall Flatts are very good and they just kept playing song after song. There was no waiting around for the next song or them talking nonsense.
Third, I had a better time than I expected and Kelley really enjoyed the concert. Last, Columbus Crew stadium is a great venue to have a concert. I would say one of the best to see a concert.
Grade- A very good time, Kelley loved it
Baby Mason
Could this weekend get any better? Well yes, the Mirizzi's had #2 this weekend. Baby Mason. He is a healthy wide eyed, baby boy. I visited them Saturday night a day after he was born. He was a little heater when I was holding him. Are all baby's so warm when you hold them? I know Dalton was a little heater as well. The next couple of weeks is going to be tough for John. He is not only a teacher but the Boys Varsity Coach at Oak Hills. Welcome to the family baby Mason.
Grade- Awesome
GI jOE
We did see GI Joe as a family and Dalton loved the movie. There is going to be a sequel if you didn't already know it.
Grade- Don't go see it. But Dalton gives it two thumbs up
Friendlies
It was definitely a hot one this weekend and I saw some heated games. The U11 vs U12 girls teams played to a 1-1 tie. It was very entertaining and these two teams are going to be very good. I enjoyed watching these two teams play,already a very attractive style of play. The following game was a heated one and I mean not just the weather. The U11 vs U12 boys teams was the best game of the weekend. These two teams played as if it was a championship game. This was a back and forth game with the U12's taking it in a 3-2 final. David Pittman had a nice assist for the third goal. The second half got a bit physical but nothing out of hand. I can't wait to see these boys teams play. They both are going to be a handful. I saw three great goals- an upper 90 blast from U10 Olivia Horton, flick on goal by Matthew Pittman, and the other was upper 90 blast outside the box from Paul Kramers team. It was very hot and it only seemed to bother us as spectators. The players did a great job and I can't wait for the season to begin.
Grade- A+ or HOT
Rascall Flatts Concert
First, I did not know Rascal Flatts were from Columbus Ohio. There was more OH and IO than a OSU football game. Jim Tressel did help end the concert with the band in OSU jerseys.
Second, I will say I had a very good time and all three groups were great. Dierks Bentley was second and he really got the crowd going. Hootie song choices were great with Family Tradition, Purple Rain, a couple Blowfish songs. Rascall Flatts are very good and they just kept playing song after song. There was no waiting around for the next song or them talking nonsense.
Third, I had a better time than I expected and Kelley really enjoyed the concert. Last, Columbus Crew stadium is a great venue to have a concert. I would say one of the best to see a concert.
Grade- A very good time, Kelley loved it
Baby Mason
Could this weekend get any better? Well yes, the Mirizzi's had #2 this weekend. Baby Mason. He is a healthy wide eyed, baby boy. I visited them Saturday night a day after he was born. He was a little heater when I was holding him. Are all baby's so warm when you hold them? I know Dalton was a little heater as well. The next couple of weeks is going to be tough for John. He is not only a teacher but the Boys Varsity Coach at Oak Hills. Welcome to the family baby Mason.
Grade- Awesome
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tristate Futbol Alliance, Rascal Flatts, and GI Joe Movie = Excitement
Blockbuster Weekend
This weekend the movie GI Joe comes out on the big screen. Well, I have know this for about a 2 months. Since the first commercial my son Dalton has asked "When can he see the GI Joe movie?" This question has been asked every three days by him since early June. I am not kidding at least every three days.
This is the same time we had the Tri-state Futbol Alliance try-outs. In my head I have been asking the same thing "When do we get to see these teams play?". This weekend is our club friendlies and I can't wait to see our teams play. We had a ton of fantastic players come to our try-outs and now they all come together.
The Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker (AKA Hootie), and I forget the other guy, are having a concert this weekend. Kelley and I are attending this concert Sunday. YEE HAW or WOO HOO, not really, I am taking one for the team. All three are Kelley's(my wife) favorite country bands. This part of the weekend is going to be painful.
For all different reasons my family is excited about this weekend. The good news is my schedule for the weekend- Sat. Friendlies (all day) then GI Joe movie at night, Sun. Friendlies then Concert at night. You got it, I will have soccer on the brain while Kelley and Dalton have whatever on their brain. I hope eveyone is as excited as I am about this season.
TFA Friendlies + GI Joe+ Concert= Blockbuster Exciting Weekend, YEE Haw
My wife may kill me if she reads this blog. But YEE HAW.
This weekend the movie GI Joe comes out on the big screen. Well, I have know this for about a 2 months. Since the first commercial my son Dalton has asked "When can he see the GI Joe movie?" This question has been asked every three days by him since early June. I am not kidding at least every three days.
This is the same time we had the Tri-state Futbol Alliance try-outs. In my head I have been asking the same thing "When do we get to see these teams play?". This weekend is our club friendlies and I can't wait to see our teams play. We had a ton of fantastic players come to our try-outs and now they all come together.
The Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker (AKA Hootie), and I forget the other guy, are having a concert this weekend. Kelley and I are attending this concert Sunday. YEE HAW or WOO HOO, not really, I am taking one for the team. All three are Kelley's(my wife) favorite country bands. This part of the weekend is going to be painful.
For all different reasons my family is excited about this weekend. The good news is my schedule for the weekend- Sat. Friendlies (all day) then GI Joe movie at night, Sun. Friendlies then Concert at night. You got it, I will have soccer on the brain while Kelley and Dalton have whatever on their brain. I hope eveyone is as excited as I am about this season.
TFA Friendlies + GI Joe+ Concert= Blockbuster Exciting Weekend, YEE Haw
My wife may kill me if she reads this blog. But YEE HAW.
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