Category: journaling
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Ref Life: when questioning isn’t questioning.

Originally this was published for the referee community. After bouncing it around with a few of my colleagues I figured it was time to share this with all. Remember be kind to your referees. They are likely giving up family time to make sure you have a game. Can you name US Soccer’s 6 tasks…
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Jr. High: Where are you in your development? Part 1. Key Qualities?

Hey there I wanted to plant a little seed as our off season training takes hold to see where you see yourself in your understanding of yourself. While we may not all agree on the best way to develop into community/grass roots player for our school team, the game still can be the best teacher…
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Ref Life: What does your map look like? Pennsylvania edition.

I’m reaching the midway point of the high school soccer season in the Pittsburgh region. As a referee this is a crazy time of year with games available 7 days a week between USSF, PIAA and adult soccer. The coach in me does not like the approach of 2 games and 3 training days per…
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Jr. High: Believe in the game, believe in change, believe in our community.

The author emphasizes the importance of community-based soccer for youth in various Indiana counties. Key strategies include creating local play opportunities, encouraging regular training, and fostering community. The proposed program involves structured training, open play, weight training, and mentorship from college players, all aimed at developing competitive skills and fostering a passion for the sport.
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Jr. High: Heading, Blocking shots with our Head and the current FIFA, US Soccer Concussion guidelines.

Soccer is a collision sport. There are some risks any time bodies collide at full speed going after one ball. There are risks every time a ball is kicked. It may hit us somewhere that may hurt. These risks are inherent every time we step on the field. As a referee I cannot prevent these…
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Jr. High: When a positional crisis hides all of our development.

There is winning and learning. There is no such thing as winning and losing. We as a team are faced with three main challenges. I’m in year three of trying to change the soccer culture and build a soccer community here in Armstrong, Clarion and Indiana counties. I was lucky enough to grow up in…
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Jr. High: Play, Practice, Play developing a goalkeeper and learning to pressure, cover, balance.

Play 1 and 1 a: PLAY 1. GK Set up: Field size is 20×36 yards. Three teams of four players each. Play 1 a: Developing ball skills, looking to clear balls to far targets. PRACTICE :::::::: Each team defends and attacks two goals. Award bonus points if an…
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Jr. High: Do you remember this from Greg at BG Camps?

I was pulling some information about Japan vs USA for the 2011 Women’s World Cup Final and I stumbled upon this FIFA lesson plan? Does anybody remember Greg and Blair running you through this when they came this summer for the community camp? https://www.fifatrainingcentre.com/en/practice/grassroots/4-to-8/decide-and-deliver.php
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Keeperland: Goalkeeping 101 — Catching, muy importante

There is training to play and training to improve. If you want to be the best goalkeeper on the field during any given day, you need to find time to focus on the basic skill of catching and reacting to kicked balls every time you step on the field. Basic goalkeeping practice is the equivalent…
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Jr High: Scrimmage 1 @ Gateway 4pm.

Congratulations you survived your first day of school and now get to play in your first scrimmage of the season on the Turf at Gateway. Due to first day challenges we have one more challenge- a limited roster. We all need to be 60 minute warriors today and find ways to conserve energy, play the…