Hello Gang
Soccer, Soccer, Soccer.....what else is there to talk about. We recently just finished our tryouts. The future for the club is looking really good. About 2 yrs ago we had 6 kids, Im glad to say today we have 85 players that belong to Long Bay Soccer Club. I feel that we have been blessed with quality players more than just a huge number of players. Our mission is to develop players that will compete at a highest level that they can reach. Our coaching staff enjoy working with the kids. The small groups that we have helps us to concentrate more on individuals rather than having 50 kids in front of you.
As a club we are taking an advantage of the summer, the summer is a good time to improve on things that we will not be able to do during the regular season. This season we will start a little bit early than most clubs. We will start doing 4 days session a week. for about 6 weeks before we start training for our regular season.
Feel free to drop us a line any time with questions or comments.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
State Cup Tournament
It has been while since my last post. Things have been hectic on my end, trying to get prepared for the state cup, getting ready for the tournament and setting up training programs for summer.
State Cup was a great success for both the U10 and U11 boys teams. We set a goal at the beginning of the season and I'm proud to say we did achieve that goal. This was to be their first appearance and that's all they talked about at the beginning of the season. Both teams started well Saturday morning. The U11's played first winning their game 1-0. It was pretty close game with both teams starting of rather slow, trying to get the feel of each other. Our goal came in the second half with Charles hitting a great shot right at the corner. My high point of the U11 games was when they played their second game. We talked about moving the ball and keeping the ball. The boys did just that, the first 15 - 20 min of the game we had more position of the ball. With Ben, Jake, Blade and Bryce helping to keep that ball at the back. I was so pleased with how beautifully they each executed the movement of the ball at the back. The boys are slowly getting the concept and that's all it matters now. We made two mistakes at the back but at this age that is not my big concern, I'm concern with are they getting the concept down. That's exactly what they did, they got the concept and even took it to the next level when I saw them starting to play the direct balls straight in the middle for maddox to start the plays. The defence felt comfortable enough to play those direct through balls in the middle. The movement that came from the 4 forward guys helped make a big difference. Maddox fought all the way in the middle, Drew, Charles and Anthony were a constant threat to their (Bridge FA) defence, with Anthony getting two break aways and also hitting a post. If you walked to the fields and didn't know what the score was, you could surely think we were leading within those first 20 min of the game. We ended up losing 3-1 but the score did not reflect nature of the game.
The U10's are another story, the first game was WOW, the boys were 2-0 down first half. Second half we talked about getting back in there and winning the game. I thought we were going to win the game. The game ended up 3-3, the hustle from the boys was amazing. They kept that team on their own half for almost the entire second half. The more pressure you put on the other team the better it is, because chance are they will make mistakes. I cannot pin point individuals in this game, it was the group effort. The second game was even better. We were down 1-0 at half time, I told the boys we are going to win this game 3-2. Meaning we will score 3 and the other team will score 1. Guess what, we went in there and score 3 goals. We ended up winning 3-2. The boys came out and said Coach China you called it.
The boys had a great and a successful weekend. Christian, Sam, Bridger, Boomer, Cian, Noah, Daniel and Chris, all contributed to the team to making it to the final. Key word TEAM, it was not an individual effort. If one or two players are down the others are on point, and vice versa. Their final games showed how fatigue too over, the boys were tired and you could tell that their legs were running out. Both Teams ended up losing 3-0 in their respective games.
The boys played the entire tournament with no subs and still made it through to the final. Now every time I looked to my left or right depending which side of the bench we were sitting, the other teams have 4 or 5 subs, now if this does not tell you about the character of these boys then nothing else will convince you other wise. The only time our boys got water was second half, GET IT, second half of each game. That's pretty impressive for their age. No one complained, they constantly worked hard, even those who were kinda hiding at times they got saved because the other boys had to do twice the job to get the job done. That's what team work is about, take one for the team. Blade played the entire tournament with his injury, Jen you should be proud, Drew was missing a toe nail as well and they both played hard and got stuck in tackles. Jake, Ben, Anthony, Charles, Bryce, Bridger, Noah, Sam, Chris, Boomer, Christian, Sam, Daniel, Cian and Maddox all were hurting some how, but, hey they got the job done. To me that's bigger than "A O.K", its character and that's one thing that is going to take these boys far.
Great Work Boys.
State Cup was a great success for both the U10 and U11 boys teams. We set a goal at the beginning of the season and I'm proud to say we did achieve that goal. This was to be their first appearance and that's all they talked about at the beginning of the season. Both teams started well Saturday morning. The U11's played first winning their game 1-0. It was pretty close game with both teams starting of rather slow, trying to get the feel of each other. Our goal came in the second half with Charles hitting a great shot right at the corner. My high point of the U11 games was when they played their second game. We talked about moving the ball and keeping the ball. The boys did just that, the first 15 - 20 min of the game we had more position of the ball. With Ben, Jake, Blade and Bryce helping to keep that ball at the back. I was so pleased with how beautifully they each executed the movement of the ball at the back. The boys are slowly getting the concept and that's all it matters now. We made two mistakes at the back but at this age that is not my big concern, I'm concern with are they getting the concept down. That's exactly what they did, they got the concept and even took it to the next level when I saw them starting to play the direct balls straight in the middle for maddox to start the plays. The defence felt comfortable enough to play those direct through balls in the middle. The movement that came from the 4 forward guys helped make a big difference. Maddox fought all the way in the middle, Drew, Charles and Anthony were a constant threat to their (Bridge FA) defence, with Anthony getting two break aways and also hitting a post. If you walked to the fields and didn't know what the score was, you could surely think we were leading within those first 20 min of the game. We ended up losing 3-1 but the score did not reflect nature of the game.
The U10's are another story, the first game was WOW, the boys were 2-0 down first half. Second half we talked about getting back in there and winning the game. I thought we were going to win the game. The game ended up 3-3, the hustle from the boys was amazing. They kept that team on their own half for almost the entire second half. The more pressure you put on the other team the better it is, because chance are they will make mistakes. I cannot pin point individuals in this game, it was the group effort. The second game was even better. We were down 1-0 at half time, I told the boys we are going to win this game 3-2. Meaning we will score 3 and the other team will score 1. Guess what, we went in there and score 3 goals. We ended up winning 3-2. The boys came out and said Coach China you called it.
The boys had a great and a successful weekend. Christian, Sam, Bridger, Boomer, Cian, Noah, Daniel and Chris, all contributed to the team to making it to the final. Key word TEAM, it was not an individual effort. If one or two players are down the others are on point, and vice versa. Their final games showed how fatigue too over, the boys were tired and you could tell that their legs were running out. Both Teams ended up losing 3-0 in their respective games.
The boys played the entire tournament with no subs and still made it through to the final. Now every time I looked to my left or right depending which side of the bench we were sitting, the other teams have 4 or 5 subs, now if this does not tell you about the character of these boys then nothing else will convince you other wise. The only time our boys got water was second half, GET IT, second half of each game. That's pretty impressive for their age. No one complained, they constantly worked hard, even those who were kinda hiding at times they got saved because the other boys had to do twice the job to get the job done. That's what team work is about, take one for the team. Blade played the entire tournament with his injury, Jen you should be proud, Drew was missing a toe nail as well and they both played hard and got stuck in tackles. Jake, Ben, Anthony, Charles, Bryce, Bridger, Noah, Sam, Chris, Boomer, Christian, Sam, Daniel, Cian and Maddox all were hurting some how, but, hey they got the job done. To me that's bigger than "A O.K", its character and that's one thing that is going to take these boys far.
Great Work Boys.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Job Well Done
Another weekend in Columbia for a tournament. Both the U10s and U11 played two games on Saturday. Both teams played well for both of their games, the U11s won the first game 6-1, while the U10s won 5 - 1 on their second game. We pushed the ball well, making passes and making good combinations. Charles decided that he would score all the goals....hahaha. He scored 5 goals while Anthony scored another.
As a coach I was pleased with both teams performances. The U11s worked for each other, the four guys who played at the back (Ben - goalie,Bryce, Blade and Jake) did a wonderful job by covering for each other. It is funny how they understand each other. This great work continued the entire tournament. You would say that they have been playing together for years, but its only been a year with me. If I start talking about each player this would take 10 pages, but I would just summarize their performance as OUTSTANDING. Maddox worked really HARD, he is getting more aggressive every game he plays, given the fact that we was sick the whole week and missed practice. You could never tell, he was very aggressive and he understands that he needs to improve his speed of play. He made some great plays for us, that resulted in giving the 3 guys and a girl chance to score. The 5 players that played forward did a wonderful job. Guess what, each game we played we scored more than 5 goals, now that must say something about their performance. I believe everyone who played forward scored at least one goal. That is great work, a big SHOUT-OUT to (Charles, Drew, Anthony, Ben, and Callie). Ya'll did wonderful job. That was a great statement you placed for yourselves. That you are all capable of scoring goals, and the passes that you guys made we awesome. It was fun to watch on the sideline. We are slowly getting to were I could bring my stand to make hotdogs while you guys play. We will get there eventually. If you don't understand don't worry just ask your child they will explain....hahahaha.
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On the other hand, the U10s won the Championship. Lets talk about how they got there. Remember when I told you guys about Bridger, guess what he scored his first tournament goal today in the Championship game. The big thing about this team is their speed of play. They move the ball so fast that makes it harder for their opponent to keep up. Even though they are small in size, they make it up by their speed. I heard during the semi-final, the other coach saying watch out for their speed. Their ball handling its great. Even though they don't have a set keeper, everyone who played in goal contributed great. From Daniel, Noah, and Cian, they all did a great job playing in there. They made some awesome saves. The guys that played defense did great work. Like the U11s the U10s covered for each other, I mean they were there to make sure that ball never goes in goal. They even gave away a penalty kick, which Daniel saved. Boomer, Sam, Cian played wonderful together. Chris, Noah, Daniel and Bridger worked really hard, these boys are so tiny and little that if you see them go against some of these boys you would feel bad but guess who comes out with a ball on a 50/50 ball, my boys. Chris had yet another great weekend, his work rate was great and I think it rubbed off to his teammates as well. Cian finished well on the semifinal game. Daniel, Bridger and Noah scored important goals for us. Because of the nature of the games being so close in goals, every goal played a big role.
Thats great work boys, very proud of both teams,
keep working hard and remember "It is only a GAME" but most of all remember to have FUN!!!
As a coach I was pleased with both teams performances. The U11s worked for each other, the four guys who played at the back (Ben - goalie,Bryce, Blade and Jake) did a wonderful job by covering for each other. It is funny how they understand each other. This great work continued the entire tournament. You would say that they have been playing together for years, but its only been a year with me. If I start talking about each player this would take 10 pages, but I would just summarize their performance as OUTSTANDING. Maddox worked really HARD, he is getting more aggressive every game he plays, given the fact that we was sick the whole week and missed practice. You could never tell, he was very aggressive and he understands that he needs to improve his speed of play. He made some great plays for us, that resulted in giving the 3 guys and a girl chance to score. The 5 players that played forward did a wonderful job. Guess what, each game we played we scored more than 5 goals, now that must say something about their performance. I believe everyone who played forward scored at least one goal. That is great work, a big SHOUT-OUT to (Charles, Drew, Anthony, Ben, and Callie). Ya'll did wonderful job. That was a great statement you placed for yourselves. That you are all capable of scoring goals, and the passes that you guys made we awesome. It was fun to watch on the sideline. We are slowly getting to were I could bring my stand to make hotdogs while you guys play. We will get there eventually. If you don't understand don't worry just ask your child they will explain....hahahaha.
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On the other hand, the U10s won the Championship. Lets talk about how they got there. Remember when I told you guys about Bridger, guess what he scored his first tournament goal today in the Championship game. The big thing about this team is their speed of play. They move the ball so fast that makes it harder for their opponent to keep up. Even though they are small in size, they make it up by their speed. I heard during the semi-final, the other coach saying watch out for their speed. Their ball handling its great. Even though they don't have a set keeper, everyone who played in goal contributed great. From Daniel, Noah, and Cian, they all did a great job playing in there. They made some awesome saves. The guys that played defense did great work. Like the U11s the U10s covered for each other, I mean they were there to make sure that ball never goes in goal. They even gave away a penalty kick, which Daniel saved. Boomer, Sam, Cian played wonderful together. Chris, Noah, Daniel and Bridger worked really hard, these boys are so tiny and little that if you see them go against some of these boys you would feel bad but guess who comes out with a ball on a 50/50 ball, my boys. Chris had yet another great weekend, his work rate was great and I think it rubbed off to his teammates as well. Cian finished well on the semifinal game. Daniel, Bridger and Noah scored important goals for us. Because of the nature of the games being so close in goals, every goal played a big role.
Thats great work boys, very proud of both teams,
keep working hard and remember "It is only a GAME" but most of all remember to have FUN!!!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Well Fought win!!!
Phoenix vs Casl Hurricances (NC)
The second game of the Lady Phoenix was a well fought win. We went down one nothing in the last 15 minutes of the game. What stood out for me with our girls was they never once screamed at each other. Instead, they kept on passing the ball around and trying to be first on every ball they went after. Carmen, Nicole C, Tara and Emily did a fantastic job in defense. They pushed forward and that aloud the midfielders (Megan H, Kayla, Angela, Franny and MB), whom they all did a great job in the midfield, to pressure forward and close the spaces early.
The last 10 minutes was the high point of the game as Nicole, Megan and Caroline pushed forward and started taking shorts on goal. Nikki scored an equalizer and Megan scored the winner. I was so proud of the girls not because they only won, but because they showed some good character, by sticking together and working hard. Except for the fact that they almost gave me a heart attack. The other coach came up to me and said careful Coach you might get a heart attack...LOL. Thought that was funny.
We did not only win, but played as a team. Even for the girls that were sitting outside with me, we all cheered and screamed and laughed as we put pressure on the other team. Which I need to add that they did a great job, they not only almost gave me a heart attack they did not make it easy for our girls at all. It was a well fought win at the end.
Again great job team. Keep the good work up.
The second game of the Lady Phoenix was a well fought win. We went down one nothing in the last 15 minutes of the game. What stood out for me with our girls was they never once screamed at each other. Instead, they kept on passing the ball around and trying to be first on every ball they went after. Carmen, Nicole C, Tara and Emily did a fantastic job in defense. They pushed forward and that aloud the midfielders (Megan H, Kayla, Angela, Franny and MB), whom they all did a great job in the midfield, to pressure forward and close the spaces early.
The last 10 minutes was the high point of the game as Nicole, Megan and Caroline pushed forward and started taking shorts on goal. Nikki scored an equalizer and Megan scored the winner. I was so proud of the girls not because they only won, but because they showed some good character, by sticking together and working hard. Except for the fact that they almost gave me a heart attack. The other coach came up to me and said careful Coach you might get a heart attack...LOL. Thought that was funny.
We did not only win, but played as a team. Even for the girls that were sitting outside with me, we all cheered and screamed and laughed as we put pressure on the other team. Which I need to add that they did a great job, they not only almost gave me a heart attack they did not make it easy for our girls at all. It was a well fought win at the end.
Again great job team. Keep the good work up.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Saturday 8am
Phoenix vs SCSA ONE7 (NC)
With the weather being chilly and raining at times, the Phoenix took charge of the game early as we scored two quick goals in the first 15 minutes of the first game. The girls were trying hard to stick to our routine, which is trying to move the ball around. They executed that beautifully in the second half as they moved the ball nicely. I heard Angela H. shouting "lets pass the ball around girls". I was happy with the way they combined some of the passes. At times they seemed very comfortable at the back to pass the ball around even though the field was wet and bouncy at times. We were happy to come out with a win. The team we played against did a very good job by not giving up. They had a lot of speed and they managed to beat us to a lot of first time balls. The quicker you get to the ball, the better it is because you will have possession of the ball and then you can do whatever with it. See if you don't have possession of the ball then you need to run around and try to win the ball back, and guess what, that's not FUN.
All in all,the girls did a great job by coming out with a win. Well done Phoenix.
With the weather being chilly and raining at times, the Phoenix took charge of the game early as we scored two quick goals in the first 15 minutes of the first game. The girls were trying hard to stick to our routine, which is trying to move the ball around. They executed that beautifully in the second half as they moved the ball nicely. I heard Angela H. shouting "lets pass the ball around girls". I was happy with the way they combined some of the passes. At times they seemed very comfortable at the back to pass the ball around even though the field was wet and bouncy at times. We were happy to come out with a win. The team we played against did a very good job by not giving up. They had a lot of speed and they managed to beat us to a lot of first time balls. The quicker you get to the ball, the better it is because you will have possession of the ball and then you can do whatever with it. See if you don't have possession of the ball then you need to run around and try to win the ball back, and guess what, that's not FUN.
All in all,the girls did a great job by coming out with a win. Well done Phoenix.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
U11 (02/21/2009
vs Columbia United 97 Boys Blue
The drive to Columbia was not that bad. We made it in time and had enough time for the boys to warm-up. As usual we did not have a sub. We previously played against this team and we won. Drew started in goal for us, at the back we had Jake, Bryce and Blaid. Maddox, Ben and Anthony played midfield. While Josh who was guest playing started as a forward. One thing I like about these boys is they can basically play anywhere. This makes my job so much easy because I feel comfortable enough to let them change position and move around the field.
We moved the ball beautifully, I mean the boys were stringing the passes, switching play. They look good. We were up one nothing the first 10 minutes of the game. We gave away three easy goal, we were 3 goals down in the first. Jake, Bryce and Blaid did well second half as they only aloud one shot at our goal. Another thing that made me proud about the three guys in defense was the way they covered for each other. They communicated well and moved the ball beautifully at the back. Blaid was consistent in winning a lot of tackles. Bryce even scored on a corner kick. While Jake had an equalizer for us in the second half.
Maddox had an awesome game, he controlled the whole midfield. He did exactly what we talked about in practice. He was holding the midfield and help distribute the ball from the left to the right, vice versa. He also helped in defending by being the first to the ball. Ben had an awesome game and he defended and attacked very well. He made some really good choices, which made him look like a star. His passing was great and he did not hold on to the ball much as he moved the ball quickly and accurately. Anthony did a great job as he was consistently running at their defense. He also managed to get us a penalty kick as he was fouled in the box. I was happy to see him take charge by wanting to take the penalty. He look more confident and happy to be out there. Josh played well for us, he worked hard, like Anthony he kept running at the defense. He kept the ball for us and that helped the midfielders in pushing up more. Drew did a great job in goal. Like any other keeper, he does not like to be scored on. The three goals were good goals, any other keeper would have had a hard time saving them. He did great when he played the second half as I pulled him out of goal to play in the midfield and forward.
What I was really happy about was to see the boys sticking to the game plan and moving the ball beautifully.
Remember "It is only a game, be creative, have FUN!!!"
The drive to Columbia was not that bad. We made it in time and had enough time for the boys to warm-up. As usual we did not have a sub. We previously played against this team and we won. Drew started in goal for us, at the back we had Jake, Bryce and Blaid. Maddox, Ben and Anthony played midfield. While Josh who was guest playing started as a forward. One thing I like about these boys is they can basically play anywhere. This makes my job so much easy because I feel comfortable enough to let them change position and move around the field.
We moved the ball beautifully, I mean the boys were stringing the passes, switching play. They look good. We were up one nothing the first 10 minutes of the game. We gave away three easy goal, we were 3 goals down in the first. Jake, Bryce and Blaid did well second half as they only aloud one shot at our goal. Another thing that made me proud about the three guys in defense was the way they covered for each other. They communicated well and moved the ball beautifully at the back. Blaid was consistent in winning a lot of tackles. Bryce even scored on a corner kick. While Jake had an equalizer for us in the second half.
Maddox had an awesome game, he controlled the whole midfield. He did exactly what we talked about in practice. He was holding the midfield and help distribute the ball from the left to the right, vice versa. He also helped in defending by being the first to the ball. Ben had an awesome game and he defended and attacked very well. He made some really good choices, which made him look like a star. His passing was great and he did not hold on to the ball much as he moved the ball quickly and accurately. Anthony did a great job as he was consistently running at their defense. He also managed to get us a penalty kick as he was fouled in the box. I was happy to see him take charge by wanting to take the penalty. He look more confident and happy to be out there. Josh played well for us, he worked hard, like Anthony he kept running at the defense. He kept the ball for us and that helped the midfielders in pushing up more. Drew did a great job in goal. Like any other keeper, he does not like to be scored on. The three goals were good goals, any other keeper would have had a hard time saving them. He did great when he played the second half as I pulled him out of goal to play in the midfield and forward.
What I was really happy about was to see the boys sticking to the game plan and moving the ball beautifully.
Remember "It is only a game, be creative, have FUN!!!"
Sunday, February 15, 2009
LBSC vs Summerville
Having played this team before, for some reason every time we play them, I feel we have a our work cut out for us. We beat them in the past, but that did not make me at ease, as the game was about to start. We played both games without substitutes, now these boys are only U10. They ran none stop, they controlled the game. Even though we struggled the first 12 minute of the first half. When Chris scored the first goal, the nerves turn down a notch. The boys started getting in their rhythm, and the rest is history. Bridger did well, he started taking players on, even though he would fall all over the place at times, again he is the youngest of them all out there. I think he will turn out to be fine young player. Sam continued his streak of great performance. He has been one solid and consistent player. When we switched to the 3-1-1 formation, the boys felt comfortable and started playing their game. Chris continued scoring goals and Daniel netted one as well. Boomer is coming around, he controlled the back and only allowed 2 shoots at the goal. Cian performed great even though I was scared cause he felt sick at one point. To me he showed great character as he played the whole game and never complained. Thats determination and dedication that these young boys have shown.
I was pleased with everyone's performance this weekend.
Great work U10. Keep up the good work. Come out prepared this week to work hard.
Coach China
I was pleased with everyone's performance this weekend.
Great work U10. Keep up the good work. Come out prepared this week to work hard.
Coach China
Determination and Hard work......
The U10's traveled to Summerville, SC in search of a needed win. They recovered well from two last weekend defeats in Columbia. They played man down the first 20 minutes of the first game. They came back from one nothing to scoring two goals that put us back in the game. The hard work that these boys put forth was breath taking. I for one was pleased that they could play man down and still control the game. We won 7 - 3, with Chris M scoring 4, Daniel scoring 2 and Boomer scoring his first Long Bay goal ever. Cian and Sam, had a outstanding performance the way they controlled the back. Sammy won almost all the tackles he went after. Daniel and Chris had their magic connection once again. Bridger is finding his feet and he is coming around and he is a new inclusion in the squad.
All in all it was a team effort and the boys did wonderful.
All in all it was a team effort and the boys did wonderful.
It's only a game!!!
What we do as players goes a very long way. What you do as a player on or Off the field will say more about who you are as a player. Working hard really helps to improve your skill, quickness, and your fitness. No one likes getting up in the morning to workout, but like the Coke machine in that factory, what you put In is what you get Out.
If you don't work hard during the training, chances are you will not perform well over the weekend. Even if you are a very good player, chances are soon or later that will catch up with you in terms of your fitness and skill work. Therefore it is important as a player to go to practice and also do some extra work by yourself at home without the coach. Try to teach yourself some new moves.
A lot of coaches teach what they know, not what they don't understand. Therefore you might know something that the coach does not know how to teach or do.
Have fun, be creative, understand its only a game!!!
If you don't work hard during the training, chances are you will not perform well over the weekend. Even if you are a very good player, chances are soon or later that will catch up with you in terms of your fitness and skill work. Therefore it is important as a player to go to practice and also do some extra work by yourself at home without the coach. Try to teach yourself some new moves.
A lot of coaches teach what they know, not what they don't understand. Therefore you might know something that the coach does not know how to teach or do.
Have fun, be creative, understand its only a game!!!
Become a best player!!!
Soccer is not only a game of skill and tactics but a game of fitness as well. The further along you come in your soccer career the less substitutions occur in a game. This means more playing time and less rest for the elite players. In order to become an elite soccer player you must practice and play all year round.Be an advanced footballer.
Work on your ball skills to be a high-level soccer player. In addition to practicing 3 times a week with your team(s), you should be practicing by yourself or with friends; either in your backyard or an open field. The following are some of the things you should work on.
1. Juggling
2. New Moves
3. Shooting
Work on your ball skills to be a high-level soccer player. In addition to practicing 3 times a week with your team(s), you should be practicing by yourself or with friends; either in your backyard or an open field. The following are some of the things you should work on.
1. Juggling
2. New Moves
3. Shooting
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