The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Local news The realization that there are only four weeks left in the regular season is hitting home. A lot of work goes into a very short season, and with the facilities we have, plus the projects we are working on, we need to extend our season to help our kids develop their skills to the highest level possible. With this in mind, the Phantom Lake Soccer Club is considering a second season in August. This will again be a short season, ending in mid September, but another six weeks of is not out of the question. Certainly there could be fewer teams, it is holiday season after all. Our recent survey said that interest is there, and we welcome any feedback regarding this issue. If the second season goes ahead, we will need volunteers for all positions. We would hope to make a decision in the next few weeks. If you have an ideas on this or other ways to improve what we do, please contact me. There have been suggestions that there should be select teams representing the Phantom Lake soccer club. In other words 'rep' teams, chosen from the best players in their respective age groups. During this second season, and subsequent regular seasons, we could develop teams to represent Flin Flon. If there are any coaches out there who would like to run tryouts, practice sessions, plus road trips to tournaments, please contact any executive member. We need volunteers and preferably qualified coaches for these positions. If you are interested please contact me. During the past couple of weeks it looks as if winter has returned. We have lost at least three days due to the cold and rain. The Phantom lake Soccer Club will make every effort to schedule make-up games. Please contact your division coordinators for times of rescheduled games. Just a reminder, check the soccer hotline at 687-8200 if the weather is inclement. Intro to soccer During the past two weekends we have held sessions at the Phantom Lake soccer field on Saturday mornings. This is a great way for parents, together with their kids, to learn the basics of the game. I have learned that we have some very talented young players and some moms with impressive skills too! The next sessions will be advertised at least a week ahead. Kirkham's coaching tip of the week The long ride home So you turned up on time. Your son or daughter played their hardest, but lost. It's a feeling we have all had, and it's not a good one. That long ride home from the tournament or even your local field can be one of the longest you make. But look on the bright side, they played a game they love with friends, and had fun. For you parents, this is the time when your kids need you the most. It's not the time for criticism, but to reinforce the positives. Every player has positives during a game, the one good move, goal, or long run down the sideline. For you players, don't get me wrong, I don't like losing - at all. Winning is the reason we players turn up, but the one thing I have learned is that you will never win every game. A recent national U.S. study highlighted the 'ride home' as one of the most negative times of their youth sport experience. Parents, please don't fall into the trap of criticizing your players. Soccer is a team sport, when one player is blamed for the loss, he or she will feel that they let the entire side down, and think to themselves 'why bother playing again?' Encourage your kids. Help them to learn from the loss what skill they need to concentrate on to improve, and help them to do it. Do some backyard drills, watch a game together on television, practice the basics. You never know, you might just teach your player a very important life lesson Ð that hard work and practice really do work. Until next week Ð keep on kicking!
