Thursday October 22 practice is cancelled

Practice is cancelled for October 22 due to weather. See you at 7:15 on Orange 3 on Saturday. Wear the puma uniform with blue socks.

Midnight Madness Schedule

Here is the link to the schedule if you want to print it off. Otherwise, here are our game times and locations. This information is also available on our team voice mail in case you need it during the tournament.

Saturday 10/24/09

8 a.m., Orange 3, LFC Galaxy v Slidell Roadrunners
2 p.m., Yellow 3, Fusion v LFC Galaxy

Sunday 10/25/09

9:30 a.m., Orange 2, LFC Galaxy v MSC Legacy
3:30 p.m., Orange 2, Group A#1 v Group B#1

They are expecting 180 teams and about 7,000 people to be at the park so they have asked everyone to be patient when parking or trying to find parking. So allow extra time to get to the games. All players need to be at the assigned field ready to warm up 45 min. before the game. While we may not be out on the field 45 min. before the game it gets the players together and we can talk and discuss what we need to as a team.

Everyone should have their hotel arranged but if you have any questions, please contact Samoa directly.

Here is a link to the field map.

Thanks,

Rich

Midnight Madness early information

The Midnight Madness tournament is approaching rapidly. Let's go all out for the next week to prepare. We will work hard next week during practice and need everyone there for both practices. I know there are conflicts but if you can put soccer at the top of the list for next week, that would really help the team out.

Here is a link to the preliminary brackets for the tournament. It does not list game times as of 10/16 but you can see the bracket breakdown and who we will play.

Thanks,

Rich

Sweep the Swamp info

Wear the Adidas uniform on Saturday with yellow socks. Be on the field to warm up by 8:45 am, field 5. All game times are listed on the blog calendar along with opponents and field numbers. Just click on the time to open it up and get the other info for that game.

Here is a link to the Crossroads website if you need directions or anything else.

What to wear on Sunday - United Cup

Wear the ADIDAS uniform for Sunday. Field 10 @10 am. See ya there!

What to wear for United Cup

Players,

For the Saturday Games, wear your Puma uniform and but make sure that you have both uniforms.

Thanks,

Rich

Schedule change for United Cup

Our 8 am game has been moved to 4 pm. We will play the same team on field 12.

Thanks,

Rich

Topic of the Week - Communication & Having your back to the goal

Players,

I watched a U17 boys soccer game this week and the score was 6-1. The winning team did two things that gave them a distinct advantage. Now this shouldn't come to you as a complete surprise but take a guess at what the number 1 thing I heard (this is a clue) as I watched the game. COMMUNICATION!!!!!! They were telling each other things like, "Take it left", "man on - send it right", " Drop, Drop", "I am coming left" and on and on. I could hear them talking all over the field. The losing team talked at times but they didn't do it effectively or help each other enough.

If your house was on fire, wouldn't you yell for everyone to get out? Wouldn't you tell them to go out the window or crawl on the ground to the doorway? I firmly believe that on the soccer field, you MUST talk with as much conviction and force as you would if your house was on fire.

The second thing the winning team did was knew how to control the ball with their back to the goal. The defending team allowed them to turn and get a shot off. This happened over and over and you can see the results by the score.

This week I am posting a short article that I think highlights both of those points. Read it and incorporate it into your play. Combine that with the other things we are learning and you will see tremendous results on the field.


Playing with your back to goal
By Tony Carr

This session is aimed at improving attackers' understanding and skills with their backs to goal. It is a skill in itself being able to turn or move the ball into space without having the luxury of seeing where all the defenders and the goalkeeper are.

A lot of being able to play this role comes from communication with the players around them. Movement by the other players is essential so that the player with their back to goal has a lot of options and doesn't end up turning into trouble and losing the ball.

Keeping possession is important because the team will be in an attacking position. Lose it here and your team will be caught out of position vulnerable to the counter attack.

What you have to think about is:
Is the turn realistic?
Is the player getting communication from his team mates?
Has the player made the right decision - pass back to a team mate or turn and beat the defender?

Tony Carr is the Academy Director of West Ham United in the English Premier League

Think about those questions and also remember the importance of communicating all the time not just once in a while or when you feel like it.

Coach

Thursday Scrimmage and United Cup

We will scrimmage the Cajun lightning on Thursday at 5:30 @ STM. We have not had a single practice with the entire team yet so this will be extremely important for everyone to attend prior to us playing in the United Cup. Wear Blue Shorts and I will pass out the grey practice jerseys to the players on that Thursday for them to wear at the scrimmage.

The schedule for the United Cup is posted on our team blog calendar. Our first game is 8 am on Saturday morning. I expect all players to be ON the field at 7:30 am. That does not mean arriving at 7:30 am.

The United Cup is a Premier tournament so I expect some great games and everyone will need to play hard. IF YOU CANNOT MAKE IT I NEED TO KNOW ASAP. Samoa passed out the maps and other information for the hotel and our dinner location so if you did not get it, let her know on Thursday. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Here is a link to the bracket and schedules.

Rich

Houma Scrimmage Cancelled

As our luck seems to be this season, the scrimmage was cancelled due to poor field conditions. Nothing more to say. Other than see you on Monday.

Rich

Houma Scrimmage dates and times

We have two scrimmages schedule in Houma at 9:30 am and 11 am on Sunday morning September 27. The maps and directions to the lakes soccer complex are on the blog under the Houma Tournament info links located on the right side. All other information about who we are playing is on the blog calendar. We will play both games on field 2. Please let me know if YOU WILL NOT BE THERE. Wear your YELLOW uniform.

BE AT THE FIELD NO LATER THAN 9 AM.

Thanks,

Rich

Info on Houma Tournament

The Houma Tournament has been cancelled. I am currently communicating with the 3 other U14g teams that were scheduled to play and we will almost surely play a round robin with them this weekend and more than likely in Houma. I am pretty sure it will be on Sunday. I will let you know ASAP.

IF YOU HAVE A HOTEL ROOM, MAKE SURE TO CALL AND CANCEL.

I don't know why we are struggling so much with the tournaments this season . I will see you tonight at practice. Don't hesitate to call me with any questions.

Rich

Tournament update and other related info

Hello parents and players,

I have posted some directional information and field maps for the Houma Klassic Kickoff VIII tournament under the "Important Information" section of the blog. If you want to print them off, they should print on two separate pages even though it might not look like it when you go to the link. I will add other info as I receive it but wanted to start getting it out there.

The girls are looking better on their skills. Thank you for calling me when they can't make practice and for doing your best to get them there. Even coming for 30 minutes is better than not coming at all. Also, help them remember to review the weekly topic on the blog and work through it (I will be posting one today or tomorrow).

The blog calendar is up to date. Samoa has distributed phone cards to all players with enough copies for each parent and player. Keep it handy and it has the team voice mail number on it. The VM should always be updated for practices and other info. Samoa has also distributed all the hotel info so don't forget to make your reservations.

We should have practice tomorrow so I will see you all there. The blog may look a little funny for a while as I am attempting to give it an update (since I am just learning, it takes me some time). If you think you would like to have a way to add pictures to a web album accessible only to those we give the password to, let me know and I will start working towards that. You would be able to individually add pictures. Give me a call if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Rich

Practice Times changing on September 10th.

Thanks for replying regarding practice times. Here are the results:

We will have practice on Labor Day at STM from 9:30a - 10:30a.

We will start practicing at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays starting on September 10th. The vote was actually right down the middle for 5:30 or 6:30 but the day light or lack there of is forcing our hand. We expect to have lit fields next season so it shouldn't be such a big deal. I know the earlier schedule will probably conflict with some of you but I don't know what else to do. We will just have to work around it.

As I said in a previous e-mail, I will get the tournament schedule out to you all as soon as I can. Call me with any questions or concerns.

Blog calendar has been updated.

Rich

Topic of the week #2 A little bit of everything

PARENTS PLEASE HAVE THE PLAYERS REVIEW THIS BEFORE NEXT WEEKS PRACTICE.

This video is of the Women's Professional Soccer league (WPS) All star team playing a European club. The WPS has some very amazing players and you should all aspire to have the skills and abilities they have. This only comes through hard work and sacrifice. Here is what I want you to pay attention to:

1. Where are the defensive players when Jacobsen scores the first goal (hint: they are not in the right place) and where should they be?
2. Do the All stars work as a unit? Marta is probably one of the best female players in the world. Did she score every goal?
3. How wide are the wings?
4. How does the midfield operate? Are they controlling the ball and looking for both passing opportunities and scoring opportunities?
5. Do you see anyone using any of the 4 passing techniques we learned in practice?
6. Think about where you play and see what the players in the video do. How can you use what you just watched?
7. Do the All stars give up when they are down 2 points or play like real champions, stay patient and look to their team mates for support?
8. What else did you see that was awesome and something you want to do on the field?

This is a 7 minute video and you may want to watch it more than once. I will be asking you about this at practice next week so make sure to look at it. Have fun watching it.

10/10 @ 10:30 am @ pepperplex in New Iberia

Enough 10's for you? Please put this on your calendar. This will be a full blown scrimmage with Refs and everything. If you can't make it, please let me know soon.

I am also attempting to line up at least one scrimmage before the tournament. If you have any teams you think might be willing to play us, let me know.

Thanks,

Rich

8/20 PRACTICE IS CANCELED

It seems I have already written this too much but TODAY'S PRACTICE IS CANCELED due to weather. Players please, please juggle while watching TV and think "deeply" about the videos posted on the blog site.

Unless we have more rain, I will see all of you on Monday for our regular practice.

Rich

p.s. Thanks for all the "weather watchers" who called me. I never know how it is looking since I work out of town.

Lake Charles Tournament is Canceled

Unfortunately the Lake Charles tournament has been canceled due to low registration numbers. I have scheduled a scrimmage on October 10 in New Iberia with the U14g Blaze from New Iberia. We will probably play around 10 am but I will confirm and let you know as it gets closer.

Let's hope for some decent weather so we can practice tonight!

Topic of the week - POSSESSION PASSING

This will be the first installment of many. I want all the players to watch these short videos and think about what they see. As we practice, we will incorporate these things. More importantly, I want the players to talk to each other about what they saw and how they think it will work in a game situation. The first one is about Possession Passing. Take a look..................

8/13 practice location

Hi everyone,

Sorry I am so late getting this posted. Our practice location for Thursday 8/13 will be St. Thomas More High School. Pull in to the large parking lot like you are going to the football stadium and you will see us there. 6:30-8:00pm.

Please make sure to bring any missing paperwork and make your payments to Samoa.

Thanks,

Rich

New info on team calendar

Parents and Players,

Practice times and dates along with the tournament schedule has been posted on the blog. A couple of reminders:

• I will verify the practice location by Tuesday night or Wednesday morning and update the calendar. You can check it then.
• If you have not turned in all of the required information forms you must do it by this Thursday at practice. This includes the $145 payment ($75 club fee and $70 player fee).
• Please make sure that players bring enough water or sports drinks for the practice. They need to stay hydrated and most are probably out of shape so practice will be hard.
• I encourage parents to come to this practice and meet Scott Yerby.
• Remember to sign up for at least one volunteer duty and contact Samoa with any uniform or related questions.

I will begin scheduling our friendlies. We will do most if not all of them on Saturdays. I have already spoken to the coach of the NELSA Bombers and we are going to try and do a friendly somewhere in the middle maybe with a couple of other teams. We may also travel to other locations as well as have home based friendlies. I think that is it for now but contact me with any questions you may have.

Thanks,

Rich

Important Tryout info for 2009-2010 Season

ALL OF THIS INFO IS UNDER THE "IMPORTANT INFORMATION" LISTING ON THE BLOG AS WELL.

Parents and Players,
There are a couple of items I wanted to make you aware of for next season. I think we cleared this first one up before the season end but I wanted to make sure everyone was clear with regard to club and school soccer. For those going on to play high school soccer, you can still play club soccer at the same time. There is a catch though. Basically, you can be a member of the club team but just can’t practice or play with the club team during your high school season (i.e. approximately from November 1st thru February 15th, although that changes depending on which school you attend and how far in the playoffs they go.) I hope that clears it up for everyone.

The next item is the team for next year. The Louisiana Soccer Association, the Association for the entire state, has some very strict rules about team formation and soliciting players. This year, tryouts for our age group (U14-U19), are allowed from June 1-18. That means we can only have tryouts and CANNOT SOLICIT OR EXTEND OFFERS FOR PLAYERS TO JOIN THE TEAM until June 30th. If a coach, player or parent (from any club) attempts to recruit players anytime before that date, it can put that club in violation of the state rules. You can however let anyone, and I highly encourage this, know about the dates for tryouts. If you know someone who wants to attend tryouts, have them e-mail me at richjstewart@yahoo.com.

Our team tryouts are tentatively scheduled for June 3, 6:30-7:30 and June 9, 6:30-7:30 both to be held at Comeaux High School (this information will also be on the LFC website www.lafayettefutbolclub.com). All members from last year’s team are invited to attend and I would love to see ALL of the players there. I highly encourage players to attend both tryouts but attendance at least at one of them is mandatory. However, if you have conflicts or cannot attend or just want to discuss the format of the tryout, please let me know well in advance. Please understand I cannot make any solicitations or ask for commitments from the past team members, or any potential team members, until June 30th or I will be violating the LSA rules. Regardless, we will need to add at least one or two more players to the team. As a reminder, we have a roster limit of 18 players. Only players born after July 31, 1995 can attend the tryout. Feel free to call me if you have any concerns or need to discuss it in more detail.

Finally, for summer soccer camp, it sounds like there are some conflicts but I would recommend that the players try to attend the ULL residential camp. There is a residential option ($300) and a commuter option ($200) so choose the one that fits best. This is not a mandatory camp for the team merely a suggestion. Each player needs to register to attend and when you do, tell them you are on the Galaxy team so you get the discount (I think Samoa spoke to them about it and they offered to extend it past the deadline but I will let Samoa comment on that). Here is the link to the website. The residential camp dates are July 16-19.

Thanks,
Rich

End of Season notes

Parents and Players,

I just thought you might want to know how LFC did as a club so I am passing this e-mail along to you. The excerpt below is from an e-mail sent by Jim Diehl, Club President:

LFC's eight (8) teams are all awesome. Thanks to all for taking the time to spend time with the players and guide them with your patience and knowledge.

A re-cap of some of the statistics to inform the public about:
3 State Champions

2 State Finalists

2 State Semi-Finalists

We all need to congratulate Karen Smith and her team for a well earned State Championship!

The club continues to grow and outside teams are expressing an interest. There are several U11 teams being formed so if you know of anyone who wants to attend tryouts, they are scheduled in the next couple of days and all the information can be found on the Club website, www.lafayettefutbolclub.com.

The club has a small group working on locating and securing fields for the fall. Once we have something concrete, I will pass it along to all of you. Our goal is to have a location that can be more central and provide lighted fields for the fall.

Look for a few e-mails coming out in the next few days regarding tryout dates, commitment letters for next year and our summer camp plans. Below are the sanctioned dates that we can hold tryouts and more info will be sent to you soon:

U14-U19 Boys & Girls

Tryout Period: June 1 – June 18
Dead Period: June 19 – June 29
Premier Invitation Date: June 25
Division 1 Invitation Date: June 30

In closing, let me say that I am extremely proud of our players for their efforts and success. I have taken a few days to think about what we have accomplished as a team and one thing, among many, that stands out is the girls finally are beginning to understand that a team is made up of many parts and every player has a role but no one alone can carry the entire team. It takes every player working as a cohesive unit and understanding their role and the roles of the others to win. As we continue teaching, identifying learning experiences (like our last game) and using those experiences as a platform for more development, Galaxy will become an example of what a team is and an example of how a team operates on and off the field.

Thanks for everything,

Rich

4/30 practice with trainer

Players and Parents,

Chris is available to work with the girls on Thursday. We will practice from 6:30-8:00.

Rich

Cargill Park directions and map

Here is the directions and field map for Cargill Park.

Here is the directions and map to the Holiday Inn hotel.

Last week of practice and quarter final schedule

Parents and players,

Excellent job over the weekend working together as a TEAM without enough players and a very stiff wind. You went out and got the job done. Three wins in three games. That is what you needed to do and you did it!

Our final two practices will be 3/27 Monday 6:30-7:30ish because I wanted the players to have one more session with the trainer and this was the night he was available. The last practice will be on Thursday 3/30 and will follow the same schedule.

The schedule for quarter finals is posted and our first game will be against the Madisonville Storm. That is one of the teams we beat in Baton Rouge. The draw for the following game won't occur until the completion of the first game at 8:45 (on field 3 at Cargill Park in Shreveport).

It would be nice for everyone who is staying to try and stay in the same hotel if possible. That way the girls can hang out together through out the day. If there are players whose parents can't go, please try and get a ride with someone (I can take someone) and we might need to have players stay with other players families (we can have someone if needed). I am pretty sure I know those who are NOT coming but if your daughter is not coming, please send me an e-mail just to verify.

I look forward to a great week and would ask all the players to go to bed early, eat well, stretch at home every day for a few minutes and think about what you want to accomplish this weekend. Because of your hard work, you are going to the quarter finals for the State Cup! Remember no one ever gave anyone a championship. A team has to earn it as a team.

See you tonight!

Rich

Qualfier schedule and directions to park

Here is the link to the park directions and field map.

4/23 practice and player meeting

parents and players,

We will practice from 6:30-7:30 and Nick will be bringing some pizza for the girls after that. We will have our players meeting from 7:30 - 8:00. I know there are some conflicts and some will need to arrive late and some leave early. Please let me know what your plans are so Nick will know how much pizza to buy.

Thanks,

Rich

Quick Parents Meeting today if possible

Parents,

I know this is short notice but we need to meet today during our practice time if at all possible. We will have the trainer there at 6:30 so we can meet and discuss a few things. I would like to have at least one parent for each player to be there.

I do not have time to make a call to each parent so please if you can each make a call or two to someone just to make sure that everyone get notified. I would greatly appreciate your assistance.

The timing is terrible with upcoming qualifiers and State cup but I think we need to talk and figure out how to get through the next two weeks.

Thanks,

Rich

Important Sunday Scrimmage Update

Parents,

This round robin is turning into a mess! I just got off the phone with Warren and it appears that one of the teams (you can probably guess which one) has created some scheduling issues at the last minutes for their own benefit. So here is how we have to proceed at this point.

We will now have an 11 am scrimmage against U14g Force team. This team is very good and I think the girls will benefit greatly from playing them and it should be a very technical game.

At 2 p.m. we will play the Global Racers. They are a great team as well and we can work on a few of the things we saw when we scrimmaged them last night.

We will NOT be playing the Fury. I think the Global Racers have also decided not to play them as I understand it.

IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS OR CAN'T MAKE THE GAME PLEASE CONTACT WARREN DIRECTLY AT 781-1731. Warren will be coaching the team on Sunday since I will be out of town. Sorry I won't be there to help and for all the confusion but the team is in good hands.

Because we will only play two games and because the Global Racers have requested a rematch for Top Shelf, we will play our Tuesday Top Shelf game against them. I know we have way more soccer in the next two weeks than you all bargained for so just do what you can.

Publish Post

Again, I apologize for all the changes but it has been a bit crazy trying to line up the scrimmages. Please thank Warren for all his effort in getting all our scrimmages organized this season. He has done a great job and provided the team with a lot of good opportunities to play some good teams.

Rich

4/16 Scrimmage - Moore Park Field 1

We just got the field number. We will play on field 1. Please wear BLUE uniforms.

The scrimmage will start at 6:30. Please be there at 5:30 if at all possible. I will be late but Warren will start the practice at 5:30. Call one of us with any questions.

Rich

April Calendar updates

Parents and players,

First off, great job last night. The movement off the ball and quicker passing is getting better. Let's keep working on that along with communication.

PLEASE CHECK THE CALENDAR AS ALL UPDATES FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS HAVE BEEN MADE THERE. Clicking on the calendar entry will give you the details you need. There have been several changes so please look there for them.

Just a couple of other notes. I think the session with the trainer was VERY effective so we will have Monday practices for the next couple of weeks with him. I have shortened some practice times and moved the players meeting (again, check the calendar for details).

Tomorrow we will have a short practice (at Moore Park) before the scrimmage. Once we have a confirmed field, we will let you know. We have made some calendar changes and that probably won't work out for everyone (including me) but we are trying to give the team the best chance of success for the playoffs so just do what you can given all the other demands on your time. I appreciate your patience and especially your support of the players.

As always, if you have any questions please let me know.

Rich

Calendar updates - important info

Parents and Players,

As we prepare for our District Qualifiers and State Cup, we need to redouble our efforts. So, we will have a scrimmage indoors against the Global Racers on Tuesday 4/14 and a scrimmage on Thursday 4/16 at Moor Park (we will let you know the field and exact time as soon as we know). We are scheduled for a round robin on Saturday 4/18 against the Cajun Fury, Global Racers and one other team.

Remember that our trainer will be coming this Monday. Please look at the calendar since I have moved our player team meeting up one week and shortened the Monday practice after qualifiers. If you click on each of the calendar entries, you will get other details which include times, locations and supporting information.

Please let me know ASAP if you have any conflicts with any of the scheduled scrimmages, etc.

Thanks,

Rich

April 13 practice with Trainer

Parents and Players,

On Monday, we will have Chris Craton who was the St. Pius Soccer coach coming to conduct a session for the team. If at all possible, please try to be there. We will have it at our normal time 6:30-8:00 on the LFC Front fields.

If you CAN NOT make it, please e-mail or call me.

Rich

4/7 top shelf Scrimmage

We will start playing at 6:50 tonight at top shelf. I haven't heard from anyone so I assume that means everyone will be there. Players should come a few minutes early and warm up and stretch on their own. It is not necessary to wear uniforms but wear your yellow Galaxy Shirt if you have one. I will be bringing the pennies as well.

See you all there!

Rich

Crossroads Tournament Notes and scrimmage

Galaxy,

Great job working through your bracket this past weekend to reach the finals. It seems like we are always fighting injuries and difficulties as we move towards the finals in almost any tournament we play. We also had a limited number of subs. I commend everyones efforts and hard work.

We have about two short weeks before we go to our District Qualifiers. Let's take full advantage and work hard. We will have a scrimmage this Tuesday at Top Shelf (Check the Calendar) against the Cajun Lightning. We want to work on first touch, movement off the ball and making runs after a pass. The first two probably sound like a broken record but we need to work on them. The last one is something we have mentioned during the last several practices but the three combined together will make us successful for qualifiers.

Good job this weekend! Go Galaxy!

Zoom Reports player self evaluation

Parents,

If you receive an e-mail from ZoomReports, it is a request for the player to complete a self evaluation. While I realize we are coming to the end of our season, I would like them to conduct the self eval and then we will have a good starting point for next year. In addition, I would like to try and have them evaluated by a trainer before we end our season. Again, so they can have something to think about during the break. It will also act as a baseline for next season.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks,

Rich

District qualifiers info

Here is the link:

District Qualifiers April 25-26, 2009

Let me know if you have any questions.

Rich

Crossroad Cup info

Here is the link to the schedule for this weekend. Please make sure the players are there 45 minutes prior to each game. If you are not going to make it, please let me know. If there are any other questions, please call me.

Rich

3/26 practice will be on the back field

parents and players,

One of the other LFC teams will be holding a scrimmage on the front field on March 26 so we will practice on the back field.

Thanks,

Rich

Red Stick follow up notes

By now, I think everyone has received the info about BRSA not rescheduling the remainder of the Red Stick tournament. This is a real bummer because the girls were playing so well. They were rested and ready for another day and progressing to the finals. I had a good feeling about it.

The scores were 6-2 and 9-0. Impressive! Keep up the good work and let's get ready for the Crossroads tournament!

Go Galaxy!

Rich

info on 3/18/09 - Thursdays practice

I did not hear from everyone but here is the plan for Thursdays practice. There are an unusual number of conflicts so having a practice does not seem practical. What I can do is meet with those players who want to work on individual skills and positions at the practice field at COMEAUX HIGH SCHOOL from 7-8 p.m. for a session. We will work on striking the ball, defensive positioning and discuss how the different positions play on the field.

If you are planning to come, please let me know via e-mail. If I don't hear from anyone I won't show up but if even one player would like to work on anything, I will be there to work with them.

Thanks,

Rich

3-16 practice is cancelled

Well, Mother Nature has not cooperated so we will not have practice today. Please be at Top Shelf tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. I have a couple of items to discuss with the players and I would like them to get some drills in before we start scrimmaging. We have to be off the court by 7:50.

Thanks,

Rich

Red Stick Tournament notes

Parents and players,

All information for the tournament can be accessed by clicking on the links below.

Please wear blue uniforms for our first game. Make sure to bring your white jersey in case we need to change. When we are listed first we are the home team and would change in case of a conflict.

Click here for the schedule. Be at the fields 45 minutes before each game for warm up and instruction.

Click here for field layouts (look on the bottom right of the page). Probably the easiest way to get to the fields is to take I-10 and get off on the Bluebonnet exit. Take it all the way down to Burbank (several miles) and make a left at the light. The fields will be a little ways down on the right side of the road. Enter at the first entrance and all of our games will be played on fields 1-3 which are the very first fields when you enter the park. Tournament rules can also be found by clicking on the link for field layouts.

Hotel info is posted on our blog under Important Information. Just click on the 2009 Spring Hotel List link. Finally, here is the link to our Baton Rouge Hotel.

GO GALAXY!!

Rich

Hub City Tournament notes

Parents,

We only had 6 players at practice tonight. Some let me know they couldn't make it but I did not hear from the majority. I know there are always conflicts but do the best you can to get there even if it is just part of practice. The practice before the tournament is the most critical for tournament prep.

As for the tournament this weekend, please be there at 7:30 a.m. Wear the blue uniform. All other info is posted in past blog posts so check for it there.

Rich

Congratulations Tabasco Shoot Out Champions

Players and Parents,

I just wanted to say how proud I am of the players and their efforts. They did a great job for their first tournament. Warren reminded me that the Global Racers were the U13 State Finalists last year. They were an excellent team and a lot of fun to play. Hopefully we can scrimmage them again in the next few weeks.

There are only four teams in our Hub City Tournament this weekend but they will be tough. Click on the link to get to the tournament page.

Also, we received notification that we have been accepted for the Baton Rouge Tournament. There are 12 teams in our age group so it is shaping up to be a great tournament. They should have the schedule out soon.

Finally, please be at Top Shelf tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. so we can have a short players meeting to discuss a few items from the tournament. We will end practice at 7:50 p.m.

Thanks for all the support and as always, call me with any concerns.

Rich

Tabasco Shoot out clarification and notes

Okay, so the coach got confused and told the girls the first game was at 8am. WRONG!! It is at 11 am. So please have the girls show up at 10:15 wearing their BLUE uniform. They need to bring their white shirt in their bag. All other information is listed on the blog. The game is at the Pepperplex in New Iberia. Here is a link for field layout and directions. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!

Scrimmage 2/26 and Tabasco Shootout info

The Global Racers have cancelled the scrimmage on 2/26. They will be playing in the New Iberia tournament so we will see them there. We will have practice instead and really need everyone to be there for the final practice before the tournament.

The Tabasco Tournament schedule is here and also on the blog under important information. Players should wear blue uniforms for the first game but bring your white jersey. Please show up 45 minutes before each of the games. If you have any questions, please contact me directly.

Thanks!

2/19/09 Scrimmage and other info

Our scrimmage will be @6:30 on the front field. Players should wear their WHITE UNIFORM. Please let me know if you will not be there. If at all possible, players should arrive 10 minutes early and begin warming up on their own if the coaches aren't there.

We will have another scrimmage on 2/26 with the Global Racers at Moore Park. I will be posting the field and exact time when I know. Please check the blog calendar.

There will be no practice on Monday or Tuesday due to Mardi Gras. Our first tournament is next weekend in New Iberia.

Please call me with any questions.

Rich

2/9 scrimmage info

Players should wear their blue uniforms for the Monday scrimmage. We will warm up starting @ 6:30 for about 15 minutes and then play 2-35 min. halves.

Players stay focused and be prepared. I want every player to take this scrimmage as seriously as if we were in the State Cup. I expect a high level of intensity from every one of you. Our focus for this scrimmage is:

1. Good first touch
2. Good movement OFF the ball
3. Good passing as a unit

Parents, please make sure your daughters read this post! Thanks, Coach Rich

Calendar updates

As a reminder, please remember to check the blog calendar. I have made some practice changes and scrimmage dates. If you click on the item in the calendar, it will open a window with any details about the practice, tournament or scrimmage (if there are any to see). I just wanted to remind everyone of the importance of checking often for changes.

Important info on the Hoodies

Karen passed the following info on:

I will pick-up everyones money, who ordered hoodies, on Monday at the scrimmage. They will be ready on Tuesday. Can you also explain that the hoodies are $12 instead of $9? It was a miscommunication. She thought sweatshirts and meant hoodies. Please tell everyone I apoligize for the misquote. If they do not want what they ordered because of the price difference, we will find someone to purchase it.

Please contact Karen directly with any questions.

Practicing in cold weather

Parents,

Please make sure that when your players show up for practice they have enough warm clothes. Many are coming in shorts and t-shirts with only an undershirt. The complaints I get from them are that their ears and hands get cold. It may help to have them bring a hat (or whatever they can to cover their ears and gloves). They can wear gloves both during a game and practice. It is not uncommon to see high school kids with gloves and head bands during a game. If you get them gloves, make sure they are appropriate for soccer if they are going to wear them in the games. They will need to have some "grip" on them for doing throw ins. You may need to go to a soccer specific store or website.

You know your children best so please make sure they are dressed warm whatever that means to you. It is a lot easier to take things off if they get hot but many complain they are cold and it does affect their practicing.

The weather is going to be cold and we are going to practice so they need to come prepared.

Thanks,

Rich

2/9 tentative scrimmage

We have a tentative scrimmage scheduled for Monday 2/9 from 6:30-8 (normal practice time). I need to know if your daughter will be available.

This is the boys team we scrimmaged last season. Immediately following the scrimmage, we will have pizza and drinks for all the players on both teams. As this is also Alexcia's birthday we will get to sing to her and have cake.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS.

Rich

Galaxy Hoodies and Top Shelf release

Parents and Players,

If you want a Galaxy hoodie, Karen Smith is coordinating the order. They are $9 and the deadline to order is Wednesday so if you want one contact Karen via phone or e-mail kkkkkk@cox.net.

Also, I have a release form that needs to be signed by a parent BEFORE the player will be able to play at Top Shelf. I will have the release with me on Monday at practice or you can sign it at Top Shelf on Tuesday (or any Tuesday after that). Without a parent's signature they will not be able to play at Top Shelf.

Thanks,

Rich

January 19 practice & parents meeting

Practice will be at 5pm on Monday the 19th. Also, our parents meeting will be Friday, January 30th @ 6:30 p.m. at my house. If you need directions, please e-mail me. Please remember this is for the parents only and not the players.

I know the date of the meeting doesn't work for everyone but it was the majority. If you can't make it, send me an e-mail. I will send you the notes and discussion items.

Thanks,

Rich

JANUARY 15 PRACTICE IS CANCELLED

Due to the very cold weather expected tonight, we will cancel practice. Remember to check the blog calendar for any updates. We will hold practice on Monday even though there is no school. Please check the blog for Monday practice time. If I can make it a little earlier, I will (say around 5p.m.

Rich

Still waiting on responses

PRACTICES WILL BEGIN AGAIN ON Monday 1/12. CHECK THE BLOG CALENDAR FOR MORE INFO.

Parents,
For those who did not respond to the questions I sent you (they are on the blog if you don't have the e-mail) previously, please do so today. I know there will still be conflicts through January and probably the first part of February for practices. From the few responses I did get, I imagine our practices for the remainder of this month won't be well attended due to other sports. If your daughter misses practice due to other sports, school or church concerns, that is understandable but if they just aren't coming because they don't want to, that could be a problem. I need to know from a going forward point what conflicts each player will have and who is committed to attending the tournaments, etc. If you have already responded, thank you.

If your daughter is not playing another sport, she needs to be attending our practices starting this week. Fitness, as always is a concern and we are going to begin working on that pretty regularly along with fundamentals for the rest of this month. Before our break, we had begun working on several new ways of approaching defense and offense (if your daughter is playing school soccer, they are probably receiving similar instruction). We will pick back up where we left off.

If you have any questions or need to discuss the tournament dates or practice schedule call me.

Thanks,

Rich