FCArmstrong

Fun-damental, Local, For kids of all ages.

  • About Coach Dave
  • Putting the fun in fundamentals.
    • Foam Rolling- Overview
    • Ref Life
  • Ref Life: Role Model Mindset- Pay

    Ref Life: Role Model Mindset- Pay

    How do we give the next generation of referees the opportunities they need to grow and develop? How do we let them focus on the game and not on the external factors that prevent them from feeling safe? I spent the past weekend working the Plum Kickoff Classic for PA West Travel teams. These are…

    dpankiewicz

    August 27, 2024
    2024, journaling, PIAA, Referee Development, Referee Support, RefLife, WIAA
  • Somos Americanos: One Nation, One Team

    Somos Americanos: One Nation, One Team

    After watching the MLB game at Rickwood Field last night, I took a moment to reflect how far we as a nation have come since the 1960’s but realize we still have a long way to go. US Soccer has been introducing a new series.

    dpankiewicz

    June 21, 2024
    Uncategorized
  • Ref Life: Story Corp – Parents

    Ref Life: Story Corp – Parents

    Is there anything you wish parents understood about being an arbitro? This beautiful game is not basketball where every time we see something we need whistle the play dead. Wait and let the players learn to play through a foul, maybe they will show you something magical. Just like life, futbol teaches us to work…

    dpankiewicz

    May 29, 2024
    2024, confidence, journaling, LOTG, Referee Development, Referee Support, RefLife, Spirit of the Game
  • Ref Life: Story Corps- Red Card memories.

    Ref Life: Story Corps- Red Card memories.

    Do you have any favorite stories from issuing a red card? Normally a 2nd yellow card for unsporting behavior is an easy red card to issue. Normally I don’t think twice about the caution. Normally I let the laws of the game guide me and don’t double thing the situation. Normally I don’t take into…

    dpankiewicz

    May 28, 2024
    2024, confidence, journaling, LOTG, Referee Development, Referee Support, RefLife
  • Ref Life: Story Corp in Pittsburgh

    Ref Life: Story Corp in Pittsburgh

    Ok so this may not be truly about being a ref, but in the spirit of reflection and sharing our stories, this was an item I wanted to share. I have been blessed to have great mentors in my soccer life as a player, coach and referee. Some of my mentor’s may have told me…

    dpankiewicz

    May 26, 2024
    2024, confidence, journaling, LOTG, Referee Development, Referee Support, RefLife, Spirit of the Game
  • Ref Life: Observing Memorial Day off the pitch.

    Ref Life: Observing Memorial Day off the pitch.

    Hello Fellow Referees: This is a big showcase/tournament/shootout/beach blast weekend for those that make the big $$$$ hosting tournaments in destination places. Do you normally spend your Memorial Day working one of these events? If so, please stop! This is a holiday to spend with friends and family to reflect on how the United States…

    dpankiewicz

    May 25, 2024
    2024, journaling, Referee Development, Referee Support, RefLife, Uncategorized
  • SoccerParenting.com: keeping your players safe.

    Hello Soccer Families: I’ve been keeping an eye on a site called SoccerParenting.com to see how they tackle some of the issues I see from the sidelines as both a coach and referee. Next Friday at noon EDT they are having a zoom meeting with the US Soccer Federation medical director. Feel free to sign…

    dpankiewicz

    May 7, 2024
    Uncategorized
  • Protected: Referee Life: Remembering those that love the game.

    Protected: Referee Life: Remembering those that love the game.

    There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

    dpankiewicz

    2024, Referee Development, Referee Support, RefLife, Spirit of the Game, Uncategorized
  • Let the game be the teacher.

    Let the game be the teacher.

    The coach is frustrated with the impact of Youth Soccer Regional Travel Super Clubs on futsal training in Pittsburgh. He’s exhausted from officiating bad soccer, limited opportunities for players to play and master basics, and the lack of creativity and experimentation. He suggests thinking outside the box or creating a new playing environment.

    dpankiewicz

    March 1, 2024
    1v1, 2024, 3v3, confidence, DFK, Futsal, Goal Kick, journaling, JR High, Las Porteras, Run of play, Training, Womens World Cup
    ball control, confidence, fun, goal-setting, individual growth
  • Jr. High: Can we hub and spoke grassroots development?

    Jr. High: Can we hub and spoke grassroots development?

    Pittsburgh is a city that has a topography, hydrography, geology, logistics, bridge and tunnel issue. Player development in soccer is just like the public education system. You player development tends to differ based on where you are located in the region and how much your local municipality is willing to invest. What if we created…

    dpankiewicz

    February 1, 2024
    1v1, 2024, 3v3, Futsal, journaling, JR High, Referee Development, Run of play, Training
Previous Page
1 2 3 4 5 6 … 13
Next Page

About the Blog

Coaching and officiating are all about communicating and finding ways to improve.

Popular Posts

  • Ref Life: Developing new refs and the IFAB’s Footballrules.comFebruary 19, 2026
  • Ref Life: Doing the WorkFebruary 14, 2026
  • Ref Life: Indoor ModificationsDecember 6, 2025

Newsletter

Subscribe to our email newsletter for a weekly dose of travel inspiration.

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • FCArmstrong
    • Join 97 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • FCArmstrong
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar