January 5 and 8 practice are cancelled PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS

Hello parents,

First off, we will cancel practice for 1/5 and 1/8 so everyone can settle back in to school. We will have our first practice on 1/12 for those who can make it (I know there are still many conflicts).

Below are 10 questions that will help us prepare for the upcoming season. If at all possible, I need you to reply either by e-mail or call me directly with the information.

1. If your daughter is playing another sport, when would she be able to begin attending Galaxy practices again on a regular basis?
2. What days will you be able to practice during the Spring season? We will have two practices a week so tell me which will be the two best days.
   


3. If your daughter has any conflicts with the posted tournaments, qualifiers and state cup (see the blog calendar) please let me know which ones.


4. Which of these dates could you attend a short parents meeting to discuss fees, schedules and team expectations: 1/28 - 6:30 p.m.; 1/30 - 6:30 p.m.; or 1/31 - 11 a.m.? We need at least one parent and players do not need to attend.
   


5. Fees will be between $125 - $150 unless there are additional uniform costs. If this is an issue, please feel comfortable discussing it with me confidentially as soon as you can.


6. It would be great if each players parent can take stats for at least one game. Please pick a tournament you would prefer to do it at (We will discuss how to do this and there will probably be about 15 games during the season for us to work with.) I will work with you all on this one. It really helps us target areas to improve on.
   


7. Let me know if you can you set up the tent, bench and flag for at least one tournament (we have approximately five tournaments). Weather will dictate the tent.


8. Can you bring florida water for at least one tournament?


9. Players need to bring their own water for every game. They MUST write their name on their bottle as it gets lost or they aren't sure which is theirs. Is there any concerns about that?


10. What questions, concerns or issues would you like to discuss before the season starts?

Please take a few minutes to respond by January 11th. If at least one parent replies, that will make it easier for me than having to call each of you. I appreciate your help in putting this together and I am looking forward to a great season.

Thanks for all you do to support the team and players.

Rich

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Players and Parents,

I just wanted to pass on my thanks for a good year and let you know I am proud of the players for their dedication, hard work and most importantly team spirit. I am very excited for next season as we begin our run up to the qualifiers for State. I hope you all have a great holiday season and as always, don't hesitate to contact me if needed.

Thanks,

Rich

December 18 practice is cancelled

Hello everyone. We are going to cancel the Thursday, December 18th practice. Between midterms and the holidays it just seems like the best for everyone. Study hard girls. I want to hear about all the good grades you get!

Please enjoy the time off and we will see you back on Monday January 5th @6:30. I will be updating the calendar with tournaments and hopefully some friendlies. So check it once in a while.

In the off time, I strongly encourage the players to look at our blog. There are some posts and other info that will help them to visualize what we have talked about and worked on over the past season. If you want to discuss dates, schedules or tournaments, please call me or e-mail me.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Rich

December 4 practice is cancelled

Due to the weather, we will not have practice today. I believe everyone received a call today or was left a VM. Going forward, we will only post on the blog when there are changes so please get in the habit of checking the blog prior to any practices or other scheduled team activities.

Practice will resume next week. I believe Coach Derek and Natalie will be in town and wanted to stop by one of the practices next week so look for them.

Stay warm!

Rich

Mandatory assignment for all players

Players,

I hope you have enjoyed the time off. I have putting together some new practices and thinking a lot about what we can work on. I have included a link to a video that shows some of the things we will focus on this season. The video is of Zidane - arguably one of the best players to ever play the game. Here are the points of the Zidane video:

• Players almost always pass after 2-3 touches - if not 1v1 PASS to the open player
• Players off the ball are always moving into the support position in front, on the side and behind
• Ball is played to space so the team mate can run on to it
• First touch starts everything (fundamentals girls) - WORK ON THIS AT HOME

CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO

This is MANDATORY watching. Every player must watch it. See you on Monday ready for a great practice.

Coach Rich

Final chance for goal keeping training

Parents,

Goal keeping sessions have been scheduled 12/1, 12/8 & 12/15 during our regular practice time. If your daughter is interested in trying it out, please let me know. We will have our regular team practice in addition to the goal keeper sessions on those dates so look forward to seeing everyone there.

There is no cost for the GK session for those on our team and it is a low pressure way to try it out and see if it fits. I already have two committed to trying it and would love to get 1 or 2 more.

Thanks,

Rich

Remember you can always check the calendar on the blog for detailed info.

No Practice next week

Just a reminder to everyone that we will NOT have practice the week of Thanksgiving. Hope everyone has a great week. As a reminder, check the blog for all info regarding practice and tournaments. The new calendar feature allows you to print and look months in advance.
www.lagalaxysoccer.blogspot.com

Goal Keeper Training

I spoke with the Goal Keeper trainer tonight and it sounds like we can do three sessions once a week the first three weeks in December. Probably on Monday at the same time as our practice (we will have our practice as normal but those involved in keeper training will go with the trainer). If your daughter wants to attend these sessions, please make sure I know so we know what to expect. This trainer will be working with all of the LFC teams that want to send players and if your daughter is interested, it would be beneficial. Let me know ASAP since I need to let the trainer know by tomorrow night. Just send me a quick e-mail.

Rich

Calendar feature on blog

I just added a calendar feature to the blog. It will list all the practices and tournament dates. You will be able to print it off and look ahead several months. Since we are in the off season right now, I have only added the practices for those interested. I will work on making the calendar a little bigger. Let me know if you like it or not.

www.lagalaxysoccer.blogspot.com

Practice is still on going

Parents,

I just wanted to make sure everyone knew we were still practicing at our normal times. I understand there may be some conflicts and I completly understand. Just let me know. I am also going to start using the blog in addition to e-mail. I would suggest that everyone gets into the habit of checking it on a regular basis.

www.lagalaxysoccer.blogspot.com

Thanks,

Rich

LFC Website

FYI

If you are interested, I have posted some short summaries of our tournaments on the LFC website (nothing you don't already know just a nice place to keep the info active). This is a good place to send family, friends or others who may be interested in how the team is doing. I am a bit slow but trying to keep it current.

Also, if anyone has a picture we could use a current one to put on the blog and also on the website. I don't have any team pictures from the Fall Season.

Thanks!

Rich

LSA ODP Program

Parents,

This is info on the ODP program (just click on the image) I have mentioned in the past. If your daughter is interested in playing in college, this is a good way to get some exposure. You can link to the website through the title of this post or here. The fees and schedule are all listed. Let me know if I can help.

Rich

Latest Mandeville Update

It appears that the schedule has changed. Our first game will now be at 2 p.m. against the Mandeville Legacy on Saturday. Our next game will be at 8 p.m. against the Bombers. The final bracket game will be at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday against the Houma Lightning. The Final will be at 3:30 p.m.

I won't send out any more schedule info so make sure you check the Mandeville site (accessible through the blog) in case it changes again.

Rich

Mandeville Blog info

Parents

There is a link to all the Mandeville information on ou blog under important information. Just in case you can't access it through the other e-mail I sent.

Thanks,

Rich

Camellia Cup 2008 Champions

Players,

I wanted to congratulate you for the rewards of your hard work. There were a lot of really good things that happened on the field this weekend and you should be proud. Everyone did their part and showed what it meant to be a team.

As the tournament progressed, I saw a lot more communication on the field between players which gave you more opportunities to move the ball and anticipate the next move. Your fitness level was better than the other teams and that definitely made a difference. What I appreciated most as a coach was your heart! Some of you wanted to die out there in the heat but kept going and giving more than you thought you had. Impressive girls!!

There are some things for us to work on and we will be introducing some new tactics for kick offs and set pieces. Just remember that there is tougher competition than what we saw this weekend and we need to continue to work hard at practice so that when you get on the field, all that hard work and effort will give you the outcome you want.

For now, enjoy your victory because you deserve it but be ready to get after it again during our practices.

Congratulations,

Coach Rich

From Coach Derek

Parents and Players, Derek wanted me to pass this along to all of you but time got away from me so here it is just a little late.

Hi folks. I just wanted to wish the team the very best of luck this weekend in your first tournament of the season. I can't begin to tell you how much I miss the girls, the team and all that goes with it, even the parents !!

Coach Rich has kept me informed of the progress and the new additions and I'm excited for you all. I will be very eager to hear the weekend's results and maybe even catch some of the games if Mr Nick can hook me up !!

Please tell the girls I'm rooting for them and Natalie and I will be there in spirit. Remind them to be "FIRST TO THE BALL"..........and Don, hope you can carry that Scottish accent across the field !!

All the best,
"Coach" Derek.

Slidell Tournament Schedule

We have the schedule now for the tournament. It is on the blog so I encourage you to take a look. It will be listed under Important Information on the right hand side. Our first game is not until 11:30 a.m. on Saturday so a Friday night stay is probably not necessary.

I am unclear on the playoff structure but have asked for clarification. More than likely, since we all play each other, it will probably be the one with the most points after three games since there are only 4 teams in our bracket. As you will notice on the schedule, they are teams we have not played so I am very excited about that. We will play 2-35 minute halves which is great to help with the fitness.

The other factor to be aware of is that we are combined with u14 teams. Again, exciting in that we will have some difficult and I imagine seasoned competition. Great test for our team.

We can talk more on Thursday but don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Rich

Slidell Tournament

Parents,

As we begin our run up to the Slidell Tournament this weekend, please make sure that our players are getting the right amount of rest and nutrition. This is really important. Try to limit caffinated drinks right before and during any games. It dehydrates the players and that can cause cramping, etc. Also, nothing really heavy or lots of sweets (give them a good breakfast). The field is bigger and there is more running. I will be pushing them to keep moving during every game.

Also, don't forget that each player is responsible for their own drinks. I recommend they bring more than one small sports drink in a bottle. The best thing in my opinion is a large jug of ice water. You can't ever have too much water.

Thursday will be an important practice right before the tournament and I may keep them an extra 10-15 minutes to discuss a few items for the tournament.

Once Samoa gets the schedules, she will notify you but if you want to check the website, here it is. We will be playing two 35 minute halves so it will be a real test of their fitness.

Don't hesitate to contact Samoa or me with any questions or concerns you might have.

Rich

p.s. You can see the tournament rules on the website.

Lafayette Tournament

Parents,

I am sad to inform you that our application for the Lafayette tournament has been denied due to lack of teams in our age bracket. We are now scrambling to try and find a tournament that will fit our schedules. Not sure what else to say except that it is extremely disappointing and I am sure our players will be VERY discouraged as well.

I will try and make some calls to other coaches around the state and see what other tournaments they are trying to attend. Frustrating!!!!

How to beat a static defense

Please share this with your daughters.

Watch how the offense beats the defense by making a quick pass behind the defense while the other offensive player makes a run (the second the pass is started), stays focused and puts the ball in the back of the net!

OR

If you are on defense, remember to keep yourself aware of where the offensive players who ARE NOT on the ball are located. Don't get caught watching the game when you should be playing it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI2z7Jo4RWc

Thanks,

Coach Rich

Blog update - Offsides explanation

For those of you who still have questions about offsides, please go to the blog and look under the Important Information heading on the right side. I have added a link to a very good video demonstration of offsides. I have also updated the information about 2008-2009 tournaments and the updated Laws of the Game from FIFA.

Possible Soccer Camp July 21-24

Hello all,

I wanted to pass on some information from Cori regarding a soccer camp that sounds like it would be good for the girls to do. I know some have already attended or are attending a soccer camp this summer but I wanted to get this information to everyone. I like it because it appears to take a slightly different approach which would be good for the players to see. I plan on talking to the camp coordinators in the next couple of days and will have more information to pass along then. If you are at all interested, please let e-mail Samoa. If you have already attended a camp or are registered for one please let her know that as well. I would like to know who is attending over the summer.

In the mean time, please look at your schedules and see if the dates and location (July 21-24 in Opelousas - address on the registration form) would work out for you. Here is the link to the registration and some basic info about the camp. If we have enough interest, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to work out a carpool. You could identify a common meeting point and then carpool from there. That way it wouldn't be such a big deal.

Here is a link to information about the company that does the training. All registration needs to be sent in no later than July 7.

Next year, we will definitely plan early to do something as a team.

Rich

Announcement

Hello all. I look forward to seeing everyone this Saturday at Rich's house, however I need to share something with you in advance.

Some of you were aware of a potential job move for me which has been on the cards for over a year and even before we got the team together last year, I spent 4 weeks in June in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates checking the place out. In the holidays right after Christmas, I went back with Karen and the girls so they could also see the place. It has been in the background for some time now and I had began to believe any move was not going to happen. However, the week before our season finished, my company started making noises and they made me an offer to move the week after. MUCH deliberation as a family has taken place and after that, I have accepted the position which is one of those deals that usually only comes along once. Therefore, probably around mid to late July, Karen, Natalie, Sophie and I are leaving the US and heading off to somewhere even hotter than South Louisiana in July !!

Needless to say this has been a VERY tough decision as we have sincerely LOVED our 8 years in Lafayette, a place we have truly called home, and we will leave with heavy hearts and GREAT memories, none more special to me personally than with my soccer teams. I have told some of you before that had we stayed in Scotland, Natalie and Sophie would probably never have got the chance to play soccer ( football as we call it !! ) and I will never forget the first time we went to Moore Field in the Fall season of 2001. We were gobsmacked when we saw like a million kids playing soccer, including LOTS of girls !! You must understand when I say that, we come from the country that invented the game and girls did not play it and the perception from Europe is that nobody plays "football" in the US, how wrong are they !! I could not wait to get my girls playing and Natalie got her first taste in the Spring of 2002 with the Grass Gators and from that point on we were hooked.

I have many great memories with my 3 teams but none better than this past season with GALAXY and our State Finals weekend. As Rich has already eluded to, we were pretty emotional before the Final game and I don't mind telling you we had tears in our eyes. It was very bitter sweet for me though as I had a feeling it was my last game. We came up short in the end but as I said on the day, our FINAL was the victory over Fury in the semi-final and the fact that Natalie scored the winner just made it all the more sweeter, that and looking at the opposing coach's face !! I will NEVER forget that day as long as I live.

These past 2 seasons have been very time consuming, stressful, infuriating at times but I wouldn't have missed it for a minute !! I have loved it all, spent great time with my kids and all your great girls and I wouldn't change a thing.

What now I hear you all ask ? Well, I can guarantee GALAXY WILL CONTINUE under the careful eye of Coach Rich. Rich and I have been a good balance and our styles have complimented each other, Rich of course being the calming influence and myself the "hot head that is out of control" as someone once said !!! Rich may not have played the sport but I can tell you he studies it and watches a lot of soccer, therefore I know he is totally capable of taking Galaxy forward. We have a couple of ideas on another coach to help and we will see how that turns out. I'm SOOOOOOOO disappointed that I will miss the Fall season when we go to 11 v 11 on the big fields as this is a new dimension and the REAL game of soccer. However, I have assured Rich that I will be Galaxy's "online" consultant in the desert and he has agreed to double my coaches salary from this current season !!

I wanted to get this out of the way now, rather than at our party and let this take over the mood, unless of course you are all doing cartwheels as you read this !!

Look forward to seeing you all on Saturday and please stay positive with your girls on the season ahead.

Yours very sincerely,

Derek.

Soccer Party get together

Hello everyone,

Sorry for just getting this out but I just wanted to send a reminder about the party. It will be at our house this Saturday, May 24th at 6p.m.

I believe Samoa has or will be contacting you about any assignments, etc. We hope everyone can come. Please contact Samoa with any questions and let her know if you will or will not be coming.

We will probably talk briefly about next season so that is why we want to know if you will or will not be there.

Remember to bring swimsuits and towels. We look forward to seeing you all there.

Thanks,

Rich

State cup memories

Most of you were probably focusing on the girls as they were being presented which is a good thing. Derek and I were standing at the bench like a couple of sappy coaches commenting on how amazing it must be for "our girls" to be out on the field. It was truly an emotional moment for us to see them out there. It will go down as one of my best memories.

Those medals look mighty nice hanging around everyone's neck! This is where we want to be next year except with the state cup raised high! Time to get to work!

This is the picture the girls wanted to throw their balls in the air. I guess they threw them really high!

Some where in the circle is Coach Derek. He took over Amberlys spot in the middle. I think they just wanted to rub his head for good luck.

State Cup photo

Here is the link to our team picture. We have also replaced the older picture on our blog with this one. If you are interested, you can download and print the picture from the link.

It seemed wierd not practicing this week!

Well Done GaLAxy

I have said it all but need to say again how proud I am of the girls taking us to the State Final at the first attempt. It is a remarkable achievment and one I never thought possible, even though I'm always very optimisitic as I know what the girls are capable of. Yes, it was disappointing to lose the final in a manner that has not existed this season, but as I said today, yesterday's semi-final seemed like the final to Rich and I and today was pure lagniappe.

Please let your girls know that I'm proud of every one of them. I may not always sound like that with some of my "rants" on the field !! but I certainly don't mean to offend any of them, I just want them all to show what they are capable of, all the time. They are a good group of girls with different personalities which compliment each other but stress the coaches out now and again !!

We will be in touch soon and let you know plans for our end of season get together.

Once again, good job to the GaLAxy girls.

Coach Derek.

Fundamentals list

We have posted a document under the Important Information list on the blog. It is a fundamentals list that has been reviewed with the players two or three times and they have all been given a copy. We have included it on the blog because it is SO IMPORTANT. Please review it and discuss it with your daughters. This is something that all the players need to understand and work on.

Thanks!

One More Weekend

Revised.....mistake on practice times !

As Rich said, I would also like to add my congratulations to all of the girls for their efforts thus far. We were very close to having an unbeaten weekend, if not for a deflected shot into the goal and I was so sorry for the girls not getting a result they fully deserved. It might also have silenced a few other folks !! It was a great team effort as Rich laid out and the team spirit is evident.

Anyway, mission accomplished for the weekend, we are in our first state finals and at home field which is great. I encourage everyone to bring as much family support as possible to cheer your girls on next weekend. As Rich said, it is knockout time ( single elimination as you guys say here ! ) so it's win or bust. Whatever happens from here is a bonus as far as I'm concerned but I think we are capable of doing well IF we focus this week.

We will practice this week on Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30 to 7.00 and I'm pleading with you for EVERYONE to make these last 2 practices of the season so we can prepare them as best we can for the STATE FINALS. I know you all have other things going on but this is one week I'm hoping you can change your schedule.

Thanks a lot.

New soccer videos on blog

Hey Galaxy. My dad let me post some videos under important information on the blog. Go check them out!! See you at state, Sav.

Good job qualifying GaLAxy!!!!!!!!

I am going to jump on early and tell the players how absolutely proud I am of their accomplishment. They made it to the State Cup on their first try! Way to go Galaxy. Coach Derek (I am sure he will write his own post) and I are so very proud of all your efforts. Many of you played hurt, played in positions you were a little unsure of and all of you supported each other. That is a mark of a true team.

Make sure to enjoy your accomplishment this week but remember that on Saturday the hard work it has taken to get here needs to really show. Think hard about what you did well and what you think you can improve on. We will have a couple of practices this week to mostly talk about a few tactical issues and of course, work on our fundamentals.

Here is the link to the State Cup Brackets. Check it often as they will put in the team names once they make the draw but you can see the times we will play. It is a random draw which means the teams are not seeded according to play and it is single elimination which means that if you loose, your out. Keep your spirits up and have a great week while we prepare for the Cup!!

Congratulations Players!!!

p.s. here are a couple of rules to keep in mind: if a game ends in a tie, there will be up to 2-10 minute overtime periods and then if they are still tied, it will be decided by FIFA kicks.

Another Good Job !

Hey folks, I just wanted to say thanks again to all the girls for making this another great weekend. This was a very tough Sunday with 3 games and that semi-final being a real energy drain and in the end was just too much. However, I want to play those Bombers again with fresh legs and a field marshall behind their parents !!!

I also want to say some thank you's beyond the team. Firstly to Samoa for getting the new shorts lined up for us this weekend so we could finally where those darn white shirts !! Secondly, to Eddie for getting those great hoodie's and T shirts in place for this weekend and I know everyone was glad to where them this morning ! Lastly, to our tent and flag guys who hussled in the background there !

I hope you enjoyed the weekend, I know I did.

Derek.

Good Job GaLAaxy !

Well done today girls, great effort in 2 tough games. You came very close to winning another tournament and you all dug deep. We were not at full strength and some of you were carrying injuries, so great result considering.

GEAUX GALAXY !

Tabasco Shoot Out Pictures

Way to Go GaLAxy. As coaches and parents we are proud of all of you and your team efforts. I hope you look at these pictures often and remember how hard you worked!


The last picture has a couple of funny looking old guys but the rest of team looks pretty good!

Congratulations from Coach Derek and Coach Rich.

Champions of the World

Well, okay maybe not the world but the GaLAxy took first place in the New Iberia Tournament. They should be proud of their performance and feel extremely happy with the win. They have worked hard as evidenced by their 1st place finish.

If anyone has a picture, please e-mail me and I will post it here.

Congratulations GaLAxy!!!!!!!!!

New Blog feature

We have added a new feature to the blog. There is now a "call me" button. If you want to leave a message for us to let us know you can't make a practice or you have a concern or whatever, do the following:
1. double click the Call Me button
2. input your name, unclick "private", enter your call back number
3. click call me
4. you will immediately receive a call back from the voice mail service. After you hear the welcome message, leave your voice mail.

That's it. Try it out and see if you like it. While you are at it, let us know if you are able to post comments, and if you received this post in an e-mail. I am also interested in any general comments about the blog - do you like it, hate it, don't understand it, want some help learning how to use it- whatever. Just let us know.

Check this often for updated information

This blog will serve as the most current source of information. Check it often to make sure you know about practices, games and other concerns regarding the team. Instead of responding to e-mails, you can simply add a comment to any post. Our tournament dates are posted to the right on the links page along with other important information.