FCArmstrong

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

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  • Putting the fun in fundamentals.
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  • Ref Life: when questioning isn’t questioning.

    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…

    dpankiewicz

    January 9, 2024
    2024, Futsal, journaling, LOTG, RefLife, Spirit of the Game
    2024, confidence, individual growth
  • Jr. High: Player actions– what are they and where are you? Part 2

    dpankiewicz

    November 14, 2023
    Uncategorized
  • Jr. High: Where are you in your development? Part 1. Key Qualities?

    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…

    dpankiewicz

    November 9, 2023
    2023, confidence, journaling, JR High, nutrition, Training
  • Ref Life: When you miss something in real time.

    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,…

    dpankiewicz

    September 25, 2023
    2023, DFK, LOTG, PK, Uncategorized
    Communication, confidence, fitness
  • Ref Life: What does your map look like? Pennsylvania edition.

    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…

    dpankiewicz

    September 19, 2023
    2023, journaling, LOTG, Uncategorized
    fitness, individual growth, PIAA, Stretching, travel
  • Jr. High: Believe in the game, believe in change, believe in our community.

    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.

    dpankiewicz

    September 13, 2023
    2023, BG Trains, confidence, Futsal, journaling, JR High, Las Porteras, PIAA, RxFit Ford City, Training, Uncategorized, Womens World Cup
    Communication, goal-setting, individual growth
  • Jr. High: Heading, Blocking shots with our Head and the current FIFA, US Soccer Concussion guidelines.

    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…

    dpankiewicz

    September 10, 2023
    2023, journaling, LOTG, Recovery, Uncategorized
  • Jr. High: When a positional crisis hides all of our development.

    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…

    dpankiewicz

    September 6, 2023
    2023, confidence, journaling, JR High, Las Porteras, Womens World Cup
  • Ref Life : Plum KOC Weekend 2023

    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…

    dpankiewicz

    September 3, 2023
    2023, confidence, LOTG, Uncategorized, WIAA
  • Jr. High: Play, Practice, Play developing a goalkeeper and learning to pressure, cover, balance.

    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…

    dpankiewicz

    August 30, 2023
    2023, confidence, journaling, Run of play, Training
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About the Blog

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

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