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FCArmstrong

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

  • About Coach Dave
  • Putting the fun in fundamentals.
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    • Ref Life
  • 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
  • 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
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About the Blog

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

Popular Posts

  • Ref Life: Being match fit requires a plan for active recovery.April 23, 2026
  • Ref Life: Reflection, post-game review and areas to continually learn.April 10, 2026
  • Ref Life: Self Assessment 2026.April 2, 2026

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