Soccer is not on the mind for most people until school is back in and they need to sign their kids up for something to do!. But that’s okay – That is why I have an opportunity to do what I do – BUILD A SOCCER CULTURE!

I am very happy to be heading into the Fall Soccer Season. I miss being out on the fields everyday working with players, parents and coaches. Summer is a busy time for Soccer Camps and clinics but team training and FUN games – that’s what Fall Soccer should be all about!

My soccer league, Easton Youth Soccer League in MA, has recently kicked off our Recreational Program. We have over 1000 players ages 4 – 18 that will be competing in a FUN and NON – COMPETITIVE environment. Our Saturday format includes 4 v 4, 6 v 6, 8 v 8 and 11 v 11 games – age appropriate of course. We focus on the FUN and DEVELOPMENT of our players, coaches and fans. The most memorable times of the Fall will be the after game snacks (hamburgers, pizza, chips, water, soda and other stuff) being scarffed down and then all the running around after the kids are full – in the past this provided much entertainment for me!

As the Director of Coaching – the fall affords me the opportunity to take a macro approach to the league and the direction we are going. I get to see out players competing with little pressure. I believe that this type of environment is necessary – especially for kids at the younger ages.

I will look to address the importance of these less PRESSURE FILLED training environments in Blogs to come – Until then “enjoy the beautiful game”.

I was viewing pictures of all the programs we run here in Easton and I am amazed at all the smiles and laughter on the field. It doesn’t matter if it is our 3 – 4 year olds in the Pre-K program or if it is our 12 years old out on the field in a tournament – the “good times” are rolling in.

It makes me realize how “the beautiful game” is so much more than just a competitive sporting event. It is a culture – a reason to gather with friends, family and strangers to take part in something very special. It is not about the wins or losses – but about the community and relationships we create and foster throughout the years.

Yes – many of our players want to be professional players, go to college and play for their high school teams – however – the ultimate goal is to develop a great citizen first and a great player second. Regardless of the outcome of our games – we should always take the opportunity as parents and coaches to educate our players about the game and more importantly life.