-
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…
-
Ref Life: When you miss something in real time.

Guess what? As a referee we are human and do make mistakes or miss things. Yep that includes me. I had an epic miss last night during my match. However as a referee team, we caught the miss and made the correction during the normal flow of the game. Did you know as a referee,…
-
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…
-
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.
-
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…
-
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…
-
Ref Life : Plum KOC Weekend 2023

Since I’ve been back in soccer there is one weekend that always gets me. First as a coach and for the last 15 years or so when available as a referee. This year I had games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Only one red card for excessive force. One of my partners sent a parent…
-
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…
-
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
-
Jr. High: 23 Aug 23 Picture Day, Futsal Training.

Hey team, Yesterday was a lesson in winning and learning. Between the weather, headcount, small field, officials, and an injury we learned a lot. Here are my takeaways from the scrimmage. Big thank you to the parents that supplied snacks/drinks/ice for our road trip! Reminder that pictures are after school today in the main lobby…