June 4, 2011 Spr i ng 2011

Smithtown Kickers Soccer Club

Presidents Message Smithtown Kicker Soccer Community, Our spring season is off and running! I have seen many of you already out on the fields of Smithtown both for practices and games. I want to start by giving a big THANK YOU to all of the volunteers that make the Club run and ensure our kids have a great time. Our soccer board members are dedicated parents who put in long hours behind the scenes before and after the season to make all of the soccer activities come together. Our coaches are parent volunteers who are the key to putting the teams onto the field. Be sure to thank the board members and coaches when you see them. I thought it would be an opportune time to pass along some gentle reminders about our conduct as parents and coaches as well as share some thoughts on the climate of the Club. When it comes to games, while the majority of the cheering from the sidelines is positive, I have noticed some things that are not always conducive to our young soccer players’ development, both in terms of skills and in terms of their enjoyment of the game. As you approach games as engaged spectators and enthusiastic fans, please keep a few things in mind. One, this is not a Yankee, Met, Jet, Giant or Manchester United game. The kids do react and internalize comments from the sidelines. We want to make this a positive environment for trying out their new soccer skills, so please refrain from negative or critical commentary. Two, during the week, their coaches have tried to teach certain principles and skills and the games are where they put them to use and work on decision making. Too many times, I hear parents/coaches yelling out play-by-play instructions for players to follow some of which are contradictory or sometimes wrong. For example, when we try to teach kids to control the ball and "pass with a purpose," instructions from the sideline such as "boot the ball" or "kick it" are really not what we want them to do. Just imagine yourself driving your car and having someone from the backseat yelling at you, "hit the gas!" or "turn!" Game situations are opportunities for our players to build their own decision making skills and do that under the pressure and time limits that a game setting provides. Please keep that in mind. I am not advocating a silent sideline, but instead encourage you to make positive comments phrased in the past tense rather than instructing what to do. Clapping, cheering, “way to go,” “nice play,” are all great motivators. Building Character thru Soccer, Pasquale La Manna President

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Contents

Presidents Message 1

Upcoming Events 1

Intramural News 2

Intramural Referee Program 2

Changing of the Guard 3

Travel News 3

Another Changing Guard 4

Up Coming Import Dates 4

Coaches Corner 5

Dear Parents 5

Ask The Referee 6

Pasqua le LaManna - Pre si de nt

Upcoming Events

♦ Travel MVP Awards 6/9

♦ Travel Try-outs during the month of June – check our web-site for more detail

♦ Intramural Festival Weekend 6/11-12

After a long, hard winter that just did not want to let go of its grip the spring is finally upon us. The fields at NY Avenue and St. James School are once again filled with boys and girls playing the beautiful game all day on Saturday. There are over 1000 players registered from age three to twelve across 10 divisions of play. With over 80 teams the numerous volunteer coaches and assistants are in mid-season form with their training routine already. The pre-kindergarten age groups are once again receiving both coaching and player instruction from the NOGA professional coaching organization. They specialize in working with the younger age groups and introducing them to fun games while learning the most basic soccer skills necessary for a solid foundation.

Intramural News

TEAM stands for: Together Everyone Achieves More

Page 2 of 6

Plans are underway for this year’s Festival Weekend June 11 and 12. This is the only time the entire intramural league is together at the same location for the full weekend at Smithtown East High School. The festival is played in tournament format and many fun events will be scheduled throughout the weekend. A full concession stand and souvenir’s stand will also be available. The third annual coach’s game will be played at 3pm on Saturday.

Intramural Referee Program The referee program is managed by Guy Fornuto and it provides opportunities for many of our former intramural players to continue to participate in our league by officiating the intramural games. The program has been updated this spring and now includes a new training class and an extended mentoring program to help the new referees in their roles.

These referees are all still kids, some as young as 12 or 13 years old, so as adults we must not forget this. Many of them are our children, so please be sure to treat them the way that you want your own children treated. Please no yelling at the refs! By giving them your ultimate support you are also helping to teach your own children an extremely valuable lesson about sportsmanship and competition.

“No-one gets an iron-clad guarantee of success. Certainly, factors like opportunity, luck and timing are important. But the backbone of success is usually found in old-fashioned, basic concepts like hard work, determination, good planning and perseverance.” Mia Hamm

Travel News The travel program continues its tradition of success and to build on its relationship with Long Island Professional Soccer, Smithtown Kickers professional training organization. Most teams continued an intensive program of training during the winter months in the local school gymnasiums, at the Winter Skills Clinic, and some trained outdoors on either of the two turf fields at Moriches Park. The travel program is also one of the largest around, with 48 teams registered for the spring season including 765 players and 144 coaches and assistant coaches. Seven of our teams have qualified for play in one of the prestigious premier leagues where teams compete against other top teams not only across Long island but across the entire northeast region of the country. Congratulations to the following premier teams:

Region 1 - BU14 Arsenal and GU17 Attack Northeast Regional Premier (NERP) - BU13 Thunder, BU18 Wizards, GU15 Revolution, GU16 Spirit President's League BU17 Sonic In late February many of our top travel teams played in the prestigious Manhattan Tournament (yes, outdoors!), and many came away with top honors: U12 Boys Smithtown Galaxy---champions U13 Girls Smithtown Fire---finalists U14 Girls Smithtown Lightning---champions U15 Girls Smithtown Revolution---champions U16 Girls Smithtown Spirit---finalists Just as important several of our teams won the coveted Sportsmanship award for the fall season. Congratulations to the following teams: BU11 Scorpions BU16 Challengers GU10 Extreme GU17 Power

Changing of the Guard

Every community organization is only as good as its volunteers and this explains why the Smithtown Kickers have had so much success over the years. The volunteers that spend their time and efforts in administering the league often spend long hours performing thankless tasks out of their spirit of sportsmanship and community. The Smithtown Kickers have also been fortunate to have a steady flow of new and experienced volunteers over the years. Ken Indovino has served for 5 years as our Intramural Director. Ken’s dedication and leadership for the past 5 years has allowed the intramural program to continue to flourish. The countless hours of time that he has volunteered were to ensure that every child regardless of ability gets the chance to participate and enjoy the beautiful game. Ken always went the extra mile and his belief in and

enthusiasm for the club has been a great example to follow. Ken took over the intramural Director role from Pasquale LaManna in 2006, after serving several years as the Boys Intramural Coordinator. Pasquale of course has moved on to bigger things and has been our club president for the last 2 years. For the last 2 seasons Ken has mentored our next Intramural Director, Paul Friedrichs, in the ins and outs of running one of the largest intramural programs in the region. Paul has a long history with the club first as a player participating in the formation years of the club, and more recently as a coach. Paul’s father, John Friedrichs, was a founding member of the Smithtown Kickers and was recently inducted into the Long Island Junior Soccer League Hall of Fame. Ken won’t be retiring to the quiet life just yet; he’ll continue to serve as a Board Member and will lead the way in intramural player development and coaches training.

Page 3 of 6

You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you. - John Wooden

I don’t believe skill was, or ever will be, the result of coaches. It is a result of a love affair between the child and the ball. - Manfred Schellscheidt

Upcoming Important Dates Monday, May 30 – Memorial Day Parade in Smithtown Club General Meeting – 5/26 Travel MVP Awards - June 9 Intramural Festival Weekend – June 11/12 Annual Coaches Game – June 11 LIPS Skills Camp – July 11-15 LIPS Shooting Clinic – Week of July 25 LIPS Pre-Season Camp –August 8-12 NOGA Intramural Camp – July 18-21

and all the paperwork, and the travel team meetings too, Jay gave a great deal of his heart and soul to the job. Appropriately so Jay was nominated by the Smithtown Kickers Board as their Volunteer of the Year and was honored at the LIJSL Volunteer Dinner along with 32 others from clubs around Long Island. Jay stepped down from the board and retired as Travel registrar last June. His efforts won’t be forgotten and will always be much appreciated. With big shoes to fill, Bob Cascone, another Board member, stepped in to the daunting role and has picked up where Jay left off. Thanks Bob, and good luck!

Another Changing of the Guard

Talk about people that put in more than their fair share of time, Jay Mulhall has done just that for the last several years serving as both a Board member and travel registrar. Not just giving up his time but his house too! Jay was responsible for travel team registration for the fall and spring seasons and with all relations between the Long Island Junior Soccer League and all of the Smithtown Kickers travel teams. Jay managed a complex registration process that could make getting your license at the Department of Motor Vehicles look simple! From online registration to player passes, player adds and drops, new team orientation,

Page 4 of 6

Special Soccer Program: A special thanks go out Loretta Crawford and Delia Neitzel they are planning to move on and we would like to Welcome Suzanne Ziskin and Cindi Mascia as they transition into their new roles in running the program. The Special Soccer program is for those children with mental and/or physical handicap conditions. This program was initiated to accommodate those children who are not able to participate in a regular or mainstream soccer activity. It provides an opportunity for that child who deviates from the average or normal child in mental, physical or social characteristics to such an extent that he or she requires modified educational practices and services in order to develop to his or her maximum capacity. The buddies that work the players are from our Club. So if you are interested check our website. Kickers Card: We provided all the families with loyalty discount card. These cards offer specials supplied by local supporting merchants as well as with online participating national retail chains. They have provided our families with a variety of promotional events from “20% off any purchase” to “buy one get one free”. We had 14 merchants participate from our community. The Smithtown Kicker cardholder has the ability to shop online through the PFS website and take advantage of special savings at participating online retailers. The card possess a predetermined amount of online funding to buy down on the specials offered. Special thanks goes to Thomas J. Petracca for making this program happen. Banking: We made a banking change from Bank of America to Chase. The cost of doing business with Bank of America was getting to high and was not “Club” friendly. We found a new partner with Chase, who was willing to address our “Club” needs. The Club and teams have a very user friendly online banking system, while the cost of doing business is fiscally sound. The transition went very smoothly with the great efforts of Tom Geiger and Bob Cascone.

Page 5 of 6

Communication: Ensure the terminology you use is clear and precise. Let players know you are in charge. Positive Reinforcement: Whenever possible give individuals and/or groups positive reinforcement. Refrain from using negative comments. Use praise as an incentive. Initiative and Creativity: If the drill or game is too advanced, modify to increase the chances of success. Make a Difference: Be motivational and inspirational. Enthusiasm and being energetic are contagious. Keep Players Active: If the drill is static, create need of helpers or assistants to keep everyone involved. Individual Awareness: Be aware of player differences. Aggressive or quiet, recognition of player personalities will allow you to respond to all players, and they will respond to you positively.

Coaches Corner

Quality: In all demonstrations make the desired objectives clear. If a player shows mastery of a skill, use him/her to demonstrate. Technique: In all drills and games Continually emphasis the use of correct techniques. Player Movement: At all times make players aware of importance of readiness. Emphasize weight forward on toes and bouncing instead of flat footed-ness. Rotate Positions: All players should be active as servers, assistants. In game situations change positions each quarter. Respect: Continually get players to support one another. To show good sportsmanship towards all players including opponents, and respect for others attempts and effort. Equality: Give equal attention to all players in group or games. Do not leave the less competent players behind nor slow the advanced players. Fun and Enjoyment: Players will respond and want to continue if things are fun. Create their enjoyment.

“Telling yourself you can do it is

good, showing yourself you can do it is better!”

Dear Parents The parent’s role is one of support to the players and coaches. Parents should not engage in “coaching” from the sidelines; criticizing players, coaches or game officials; or trying to influence the makeup of the team at any time. Every parent and spectator is expected to:

• Learn and respect the rules of soccer, and the rules of our club. • Show respect and courtesy to the game officials, coaches, and players at

all times. • Respect the game officials and refrain from questioning their decisions or

from addressing them in a loud, disrespectful, or abusive manner. • Cheer for your child’s team in a positive manner, refraining at all times

from making negative or abusive remarks about the opposing team. Maintain control of your emotions and avoid actions, language, and or gestures that may be interpreted as hostile and humiliating.

• Ensure that your child is at all games and practices at the required time or provide the coach with an appropriate excuse beforehand.

• Teach and practice good sportsmanship and fair play by personally demonstrating at the conclusion of a game, win or lose.

• Soccer is more than just a game. It is one of the best ways, we as parents, can develop the character of our children by having them work with other team members in a concerted effort to be their best. Our contribution in supporting them – and others on their team and the opposing team – provides a positive role model that will benefit all of our children many years from now.

Ask The Referee

Smithtown Kickers PO Box 822

Smithtown, NY 11787

Phone: (631) 366-0099

E-mail: smithtownkickers@gmail.com

On Saturday June 25th and Sunday June 26th, you will receive 20% off of your entire purchase with the Sports Authority located at 2110 Nesconset Highway Stony Brook, NY. In addition, from 7pm-10pm on Sunday they will have apparel and products specific for our league available to us. Please contact Adam Conlon at adamsportsauthority@hotmail.com for reservations. Come see the Sports Authority booth at Festival Day on June 11th and 12th for give always, discount cards as well as information about the special weekend.

NOGA will be on-site at Festival Day June 11th and 12th pre-registering players for their Soccer Camp. Also, they will be on hand to play fun games and give out some free items.

Question: When a ball is played back to the keeper by one of his/her own players with their feet and the keeper picks it up, what happens?

Answer: Great question, keepers can only play the ball with their hands if a shot was taken or their own team mate plays the ball back using any part of the body other than their feet. In this case the ball is given to the other team at the spot of the foul. It is not a penalty kick; it becomes an indirect kick for the other team.

Page 6 of 6

Smithtown Kickersfor letting us sponsor you.

Thank you

On Saturday June 25th and Sunday June 26th, you will recieve 20% off of your entire purchase with the Sports Authority located at 2110 Nesconset Highway Stony Brook, NY.

In addition, from from 7pm-10pm on Sunday we will have apparel and products specific for your league available to you.

For specific product requests and how many people you will be bringing, please contact Adam Conlon at adamsportsauthority@hotmail.com.

2110 Nesconset Highway Stony Brook, NY 11790Phone: 631.979.1080 Fax: 631.979.1076 x323

Season Kick Off July 2nd Weekend Games Only

Girls and Boys Divisions

10 Game Season

Shirts Are Provided

$90 Per Player

Call 361-9288 or

register in person

Registration ends

June 20th

Intramural Age Groups:Intramural Age Groups:

Clinic: 4 year olds

Pee-Wee: 4-5 year olds

Midget: 5-6 year olds

Bantam: 7-8 year olds

620 Middle Country Rd.

St. James, NY, 11780

631-361-9288

info@thesportsarena.net

www.thesportsarena.net

FULLY FULLY

CLIMATECLIMATE

CONTROLLEDCONTROLLED