Anyone reading down this far must really be interested to know what's going on, so I'll explain as briefly as I can. If you know me, I’m definitely long-winded when it comes to complex issues. This one is really complex.
Ignore the date posted at the top of this post. I decided to over-write an old post (it was about the date and time of an indoor game a long time ago). I wanted to keep this post at the end of the page, and over-writing an old one was the easiest way to do that. This post was written on Tuesday, Oct 23, 2007.
The Panthers USA Attack team was formed at U-9 and continued to play until the end of their U-12 season. By that time, enough players had decided to move in separate directions that the team name "Attack" was retired. It is important to note that almost every player that EVER played for the Attack is still playing soccer today. In many ways it is unfortunate that the members of the team have scattered, but I think it is GREAT that all of these kids are still playing. Many of them are still playing together, and about half are still in the Panthers USA organization. Of those that have moved on, they represent Trojans, Lower Dauphin, and York United. Of the players still in Panthers USA, they represent the Flames, Orange Crushers, Panthers FC and the Strike.
I only know of 5 boys that ever played for the team that are not (definitely) currently playing soccer. One is considering coming back to playing this winter. Another I'm not sure about since he moved to Ohio - he's a good athlete and I'm sure he's playing something if not soccer. The last three are young men that I hope will make a comeback to the sport soon. All three are still active in other sports (including at least football, baseball, basketball, cross-country, and wrestling).
The turnover on this team could be blamed on many reasons, and I take responsibility for some of them, but not all. Beginning from the team's first season (at U-9) in 2003, the parents of one player started the turmoil by taking every opportunity to undermine the Coach. Fortunately for all, that player's parents decided to move their son to a different club after just one season. Not long afterwards, there was another parent that restarted the process of subverting the Coach. That parent remained with the team for several years and finally gained an accomplice in the fall of 2006. Together, the two individuals successfully created irreparable rifts within the team.
My point is, these parents ALMOST ruined the game for their children. I often wonder what the team would be like today if the parents of the players would have behaved like adults.
And again, in case you're wondering, why the change to site all of a sudden?
It started last night (Oct 22) when I had a conversation with a gentleman that used to help me coach the Attack, and later I helped him coach. I was kidding him about not keeping this site up-to-date. I had to laugh at my own ignorance - it never really dawned on me that the Attack was gone, and maybe forever.
I often marvel at the wonder of coincidences. Less than 24 hours after my conversation with my former colleague, an anonymous comment was posted to this web site:
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Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 12:48
Subject: [Panthers USA Attack '94 Web Log] New comment on Practice.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "
Practice":
As an avid fan and former soccer player, I am concerned about the Panthers Attack U-14 team. With the amount of talent on that team there should be NO REASON why they should not be winning more games. As I have spoke with other coaches in the league and some parents, I realize that it is not the kids' fault for losing...it's the coaches! The coaches have great players playing the wrong positions and the coaches lack good time management when it comes to the games. I have attended a game or two and I am utterly embarrassed to hear the parents instructing the players, not the coaches. Let's put it this way, I am sorry for the players of Panthers Attack. Your coaches and the league has failed you.
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I'm pretty sure that the comment above is from the "Accomplice" I wrote about earlier. It's sad that he doesn't even realize that his son isn't playing for the Attack any longer. It's because of this "adult" and others like him that the Attack isn't still playing together.
Due to this abuse of the site, I decided to take down the old irrelevant posts. Most had to do with what time time be at a game, the upcoming schedule, practice time changes, etc. Largely stuff that really doesn't matter now. All old comments have been hidden, and no new comments are allowed.
If you’re a soccer parent reading this, let me give you a little advice. I didn’t write this – it comes from the original Attack Coach. He probably didn’t write it either, but who knows; it doesn’t really matter anyway…
Parents,
Here are some of my thoughts and things to think about going into a new season. These things come out of a few years of experience, training, and simply taking a step back to observe myself and the players that I have coached.
How does it feel during a game? How about when we are losing? When we are winning? Take a moment to think about these questions. Do you notice the anxiety level of those around you? The most important thing at such a young age is that your player is having fun and learning. As they get older there will be different objectives that come into the picture.
Everyone feels the tension that builds in any sporting event. It intensifies even more when your child is on the field. How much? After the game, did you congratulate your player no matter how they performed? One of the biggest mistakes that I make with my own children is dragging the game into the car on the way home. I’m usually trying to feed them more information that would make them “better”. Don’t forget to be a supportive parent! The three “B’s” of a perfect soccer parent: Be there, Be seated, Be quiet. I have an unlimited supply of fireballs and lollipops if necessary.
“The six things parents should say to their player”:
Before the match: 1. I love you.
2. Good luck.
3. Have fun.
After the match: 1. I love you.
2. It was great to see you play.
3. What would you like to eat?
Trust me... I have been there. This is not an easy thing to do. Try it and watch the attitude of your player when you take away the “pressure” of wanting to perform for Mom & Dad. We need positive, free-spirited, and fearless players. At this age group one of their biggest fears is “messing up”. If you feel the need to talk about the game or practice, only talk about the good things.
As parents, we need to set the standard on the sidelines. If the other team and their parents are being unsporting, stay above it. Keep the cheering positive, and when they do good things let them know. If a mistake is made, tell them not to worry about it and shake it off. We need to keep our player’s heads in the game.
Things to cheer: Hustle, smart decisions, skilled footwork, teamwork, good communication, accurate serves, passes and clears. Not just goals.
Things not to cheer: A big “boot”, (My definition of boot is a big kick without thought or direction – a four-letter soccer word.) Overly aggressive or dangerous play. (You’d be surprised)
So what I’m saying is be prepared. Sooner or later you’ll see what I mean.
In “Parental Support - The Key to Peak Performance” the first topic is letting the coaches coach. The players have to make their own decisions. Other parents may view it as cheating and referees should correct it if instructions are coming from spectators. When they are in a game, this is their test to see if what they have been taught is sinking in and if they understand. If directions are being shouted out they could be in conflict with what they have been taught. The players that are following instructions and supporting the team in their position will be rewarded for it.
What’s the first thing that comes into your mind when your player has the ball with open space in front of him? Go score? We all want our child to have that opportunity to put one in the net. There are times that instead of always pushing forward, we need to go sideways or back.
I have taught the players that there are three objectives to the game: scoring goals, preventing goals, and maintaining possession. The last one is the most difficult to get through to them because they’re always being told go, go, go! If we do these three things better than the other team, odds are that a win will come from it. Too many times we give the ball up because we are just “doing”, instead of making a good decision. So when the ball winds up on your players foot, watch to see what “they” do with it. I want them to make a good decision for the team.
As you will probably notice, certain players are good at certain things and levels of ability vary. Some players, when put in a different position, will totally change their confidence level and how well they play. The only way to find out what position is meant for your player is to put them there and see how they react. There will be instances where a player seems “natural” when they get to the right position for them.
Even if we don’t win a game we can still have a successful experience if we are doing our best on the field. I am more proud when players have a tough loss than a lucky or sloppy win. Although my preference is complete superiority (I had to stick that one in).
I’m not sure if you know this but the surrounding soccer communities think of York as being behind the times in soccer. Typically the teams coming out of this area aren’t as strong as those in Lancaster or Harrisburg. Why? In my opinion there isn’t as much emphasis put on proper training and development of players at younger ages in our area. Giving players the tools they need, a positive environment, plenty of playing time, and unconditional support goes a long way.
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Parental Support - The Key to Peak Performance
The role that parents play in the life of a soccer player has a tremendous impact on their experience. With this in mind, we have taken some time to write down some helpful reminders for all of us as we approach the upcoming season. If you should have any questions about these thoughts, please feel free to discuss it with us, the coaches.
Let the coaches coach: Leave the coaching to the coaches. This includes motivating, psyching your child for practice, after game critiquing, setting goals, requiring additional training, etc. You have entrusted the care of your player to these coaches and they need to be free to do their job.
If a player has too many coaches, it is confusing for him and his performance usually declines.
Support the program: Get involved. Volunteer. Help out with fundraisers, car-pool; anything to support the program.
Be you child's best fan: Support your child unconditionally. Do not withdraw love when your child performs poorly. Your child should never have to perform to win your love.
Support and root for all players on the team: Foster teamwork. Your child's teammates are not the enemy. When they are playing better than your child, your child now has a wonderful opportunity to learn.
Do not bribe or offer incentives: Your job is not to motivate. Leave this to the coaching staff. Bribes will distract your child from properly concentrating in practice and game situations.
Encourage your child to talk with the coaches: If your child is having difficulties in practice or games, or can't make a practice, etc., encourage them to speak directly to the coaches. This "responsibility taking" is a big part of becoming a big-time player. By handling the off-field tasks, your child is claiming ownership of all aspects of the game - preparation for as well as playing the game.
Understand and display appropriate game behaviour: Remember, your child's self esteem and game performance is at stake. Be supportive, cheer, be appropriate. To perform to the best of his abilities, a player needs to focus on the parts of the game that they can control (his fitness, positioning, decision making, skill, aggressiveness, what the game is presenting them). If he starts focusing on what he can not control (the condition of the field, the referee, the weather, the opponent, even the outcome of the game at times), he will not play up to his ability. If he hears a lot of people telling him what to do, or yelling at the referee, it diverts his attention away from the task at hand.
Monitor your child's stress level at home: Keep an eye on the player to make sure that they are handling stress effectively from the various activities in his life.
Monitor eating and sleeping habits: Be sure your child is eating the proper foods and getting adequate rest.
Help your child keep his priorities straight: Help your child maintain a focus on schoolwork, relationships and the other things in life beside soccer. Also, if your child has made a commitment to soccer, help him fulfill his obligation to the team.
Reality test: If your child has come off the field when his team has lost, but he has played his best, help him to see this as a "win". Remind him that he is to focus on "process" and not "results". His fun and satisfaction should be derived from "striving to win". Conversely, he should be as satisfied from success that occurs despite inadequate preparation and performance.
Keep soccer in its proper perspective: Soccer should not be larger than life for you. If your child's performance produces strong emotions in you, suppress them. Remember your relationship will continue with your children long after their competitive soccer days are over.
Keep your goals and needs separate from your child's experience.
Have fun: That is what we will be trying to do! We will try to challenge your child to reach past their "comfort level" and improve themselves as a player, and thus, a person. We will attempt to do this in environments that are fun, yet challenging. We look forward to this process. We hope you do to!
