Dear GUSC Academy family,
I hope you are enjoying your summer.
Now that we have made it through the Tryouts process and summer break, I would like to formally introduce myself and share my goals and vision for the Academy this coming year. I am the new Academy Director for Gaston United SC. I have been with the club for the last three seasons years as a coach and director. The last year and a half I have been the Recreation Director and we have made huge leaps with that program. I am excited about this year -- again expecting to make huge leaps. I have seen the talent and skill that is out there and it thrills me to think of the possibilities!
I want to make sure going forward that our communication line is always open. If you ever have questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to get in touch with me -- via phone (704-560-0885) or email (guscacademy@hotmail.com).
Here are a few key points that are relative to the Academy's direction, goals and future.
* The Academy will center on age- and skill-appropriate technical training: one player, one ball. This means a lot of ball work (dribbling) and small-sided games.
* The Academy will promote development by utilizing pool, individual and team training. We will break up into groups based on level and ability to better serve the individual developmental needs of each child.
* We will create a learning environment at practice and games where players are allowed to make mistakes and learn to think on their own creativity, without repercussions. (I need your help in this area -- so we can collectively take the pressure of "winning" out of the equation.)
* The Academy will focus on quality of training and play rather than numbers and quantity. Quality over quantity! Quality coaches and quality training! We have a stellar core of coaches. I am very excited to have them on board.
David Shearer: U9 boys, head coach
John Kelly: U9 boys, assistant
Patrick Sery: U10 girls head coach
Jeff Phillips: U10 boys head coach
* Gamedays will provide ample opportunity for match experience. Most game days will allow for 2 games per age group. We will have an "A" and a "B" team within the divisions. The goal is to have all players at an "A" level by the end of the season. This gives players options for game experience and coaches a chance to evaluate.
* Coaches will evaluate players at the mid-season and end of the Fall and Spring. This gives the parents an idea of where their child is at during the season and what needs to be addressed.
* Aug. 11 -- 6 pm, at Robinson Elementary School, Monday and Thursday (6-7:30 pm): This is the date and time of our first practice.
We need managers!
Each team needs to have a team manager. If you are interested, please call or email me. Below are the manager duties:
1. Collect team fees that are used for referees, tournaments, and possibly other team expenses or equipment.
2. Pay the officials for each game (which should be just one referee for regular season games). GUSC pays half the referee fee and the opposing team pays half. Must be cash.
3. Send out directions via email to all parents
4. Keep the manager book provided by the club. The book includes player cards and rosters. The cards must be shown to the referee before the game with the roster.
Interested in being a manager? Please notify me ASAP!
Closing thought:
My goal is to make this Academy program the best it has ever been. Please keep in mind that development and learning are the goals, not the score. We can coach to win, that is actually easy to do. Coaching young players just to win does not develop their overall skill, ability and understand of the "beautiful" game. It actually can give them a very one-dimensional view of the game. What we want train for the future, where players are in an environment that gives them the bigger picture and prepares them to succeed at a very high level later in their career. This does not mean a "winning" mentality will not be fostered; in fact, we will be promoting aggressive play and attack-minded soccer. I need your help to promote this attitude and philosophy to our players. Keep in mind, you are the largest influence on these small minds right now.
Thank you for your time. See you on the pitch.
Jeff Phillips
GUSC Academy/Recreation Director
704-560-0885
