PSC What's new?

Thanksgiving is just around the corner as I ponder what message to convey to our members. Do you remember how the holiday originated? The first winter of 1620 in the new world was brutal to the pilgrims. Nearly half of the original band died. The following harvest in 1621 was bountiful and the colonists decided to celebrate with a feast. Their guests included the Indians who had helped them survive that first year. The word “Thanksgiving” means to give thanks for divine goodness. To me it also means to give thanks to those who give. Here’s my list of Thanksgiving.

May 14, 2002 - the dedication of the Portage Soccer Complex. The realization of a 10-year dream to develop a home for today’s players and for generations to come.
The dedicated volunteers - men and women - who built our dream. Words are simply inadequate to express our appreciation for your sacrifice.
Our partners in the United Soccer Foundation (AYSO Region 74, River Oaks Soccer Club and AYSO Region 212, Sting Soccer Club) for trusting PSC to be good stewards of the player field development fees they invested in our complex knowing that we would return their generosity during the redevelopment of the Prairie View and River Oaks complexes.
AYSO Region 74 for being our development partner and the foundation for our travel soccer program.
All the PSC families who have made a pledge to the USF capital campaign; may your generosity be returned to you ten fold.
Our Board of Directors for your time, commitment and dedication on behalf of the children you represent.
Our Tournament Board and the many volunteers who over the years (16 and counting) work diligently to organize and operate a first class event.
Our past presidents - John Calnin and Bob Kucinski - for their leadership, vision and commitment to the PSC.
Our coaches and managers for the many hours spent with their teams. Sometimes the payback isn’t immediate; it may be ten years from now when a young adult recognizes you and says thanks for being there and that you made soccer fun.
Finally and most importantly, thanks for our children. Their smiles and enthusiasm whether the game was won or lost they are all winning kids! Hold them close to you - these years pass so quickly.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, best wishes for a safe, happy holiday season and a prosperous new year.

Coaches Corner - Blake Glass

Please read and fill out the Coach Evaluation Form printed on the following page. You can help our Club further raise the level of coaching by providing feedback both positive and negative. Fill out the form and mail at your earliest convenience.

As we head into the New Year, here are some thoughts guaranteed to make us better players, coaches, and parents.

New Year’s Resolutions

For players:

1) I will practice my ball skills (juggling, dribbling moves, control) on my own at least ten minutes a day.

2) I will always give my best effort at practice and games.

3) I will not show dissent toward a referee, no matter what is called.

4) I will play any position the coach puts me in without complaint.

5) I will always bring my soccer ball and water to practice and games.

For coaches:

1) I will make myself more knowledgeable about soccer by watching, listening, reading, and asking questions.

2) I will have a challenging and fun practice planned before I get to the field.

3) I will not show dissent toward a referee, no matter what is called.

4) I will strive to develop players first and win games second.

4) I will keep my manager and parents informed about all practices, games and any changes to the regularly scheduled routine.

For parents:

1) I will learn the rules better and strive to understand what offside really means.

2) I will be involved with my child’s development by kicking the ball to them when they need a partner.

3) I will not show dissent toward a referee, no matter what is called.

4) I will cheer for and encourage my child and other team members win, lose or draw.

5) I will get my child to practices and games on time.

Congratulations to PSC Teams

During the Fall 2002 season, the following teams captured first or second place honors in league play.

1st

U10 girls Wester 2nd

U11 boys Brown 1st

U11 girls Jansen 1st

U11 girls VanderSloot 2nd

U11 boys Martin 2nd

U14B boys Simmonds 1st

U14 girls Kucinski/Williams 1st

U16 girls Salman 2nd

Portage Soccer Club – Coach Evaluation Form

Player’s Name (optional)_______________________________ Age Group U-___ Boys/Girls

Coach’s Name ___________________________

Please respond to the following statements by indicating to what extent you agree with them. Complete a separate survey for each child you have in the club. Answer each question after considering how your child’s coach impacted each. It may be helpful to read through all the statements prior to responding, so you are familiar with the focus of each, because some will seem to overlap. Please circle your response clearly.

1. Fun was maximized. Players allowed to enjoy being on the team and playing soccer.