Another Great Week in CAYA

CAYA Families,

Please read the full post as there are important items included…

Game Reminders:

·         Double check field location and game time. All CAYA team schedules are now posted at http://www.ncchampionsleague.com/ (please check schedules as they may have change since first posted)

·         Always check weather hotlines to make sure game has not been cancelled

·         Make sure your son/daughter has both uniforms with them - start to make them accountable for their own soccer bags even if you have to double check

·         Always be early... Rather than rushing to get to the field... it just makes life a great deal easier on your child

·         Wish your child good luck, tell them to compete and have fun

·         Once the game kicks-off, there is very little you can do... so sit back in your comfy chair and enjoy watching your child compete

Game Day Attire 

·         Players should have two jerseys- grey and orange.   Try to stay with the colors below when playing home/away.  We understand at times you may need to deviate from the options below. Please bring both sets of uniforms to all games.  So we are all on the same page: 

·         Orange Shirt- Can be used as a warm-up jersey

·         Orange Jersey- Home

·         Grey Jersey- Away

·         Black Shorts and Socks for all games.

Please remember we are not focused on the outcome or the score of the game.  Of course, we want the players to show a strong desire to compete and of course we want each player to want to win each game they play.  Our focus is more on the process.  The process is how the players apply themselves during the game.   The players will be excited about playing their first game of the season.

Orange Training Shirt:

A lot of CAYA families have requested more training shirt for the year. We received the new shipment of orange training tees for the CAYA division.

The orange shirts are $10 each. They may be purchased by individual families or someone from the team may come by and purchase the additional shirts for the team. If one person is coming to get the shirts for an entire team it would be helpful if we got that order emailed to us so that we can get the order filled and have it ready. Shirts may be purchased during regular office hours and the CASL main office at 3300 Women’s Club Drive from 12-5 M/T/TH/F.

Thank you and have a great 1^st weekend of games.

CAYA in Pictures

If any parents have been taking picture during your son or daughter’s game, please feel free to send some of them into to me at andy.truex@caslnc.com. I will be trying to get them posted to the CAYA blog each week.  

The influence of soccer parents in developing a child’s game cannot be understated.

The enthusiastic and encouraging parent, who plays soccer with their child, supports them in the youth leagues and offers advice off the field can only aid their development.

Here are five positive courses of action a soccer parent can take to help their child.

1. Support Child on and off field

Soccer at a young age is primarily about having fun and arguably the most important role of a soccer parent is to be enthusiastic and supportive. The best players in world soccer will tell you how they played the game obsessively from a young age and you can help your child by practicing with them regularly and developing drills. Just a few minutes passing and dribbling each day could benefit your child dramatically. Provide emotional support, encouragement and constructive feedback. It is, of course, important not to contradict the coach and confuse the child, but being available to offer advice is crucial. Ensuring the child maintains a healthy diet is also key.

2. Attend Games

It is important to attend a child’s games. This may not be possible every week, but being there to give encouragement is one of the most important aspects of being a soccer parent. Parents should ask their children if they actually want to be cheered on during play; some could think of nothing worse. Keep on-field instruction to a minimum because this is the coach’s job. Providing transportation to games is also a necessary requirement of a soccer parent, even if it can lead to less free time at weekends. Volunteering for club duties and assisting coaches when necessary are other ways you can support your child.

3. Learn the Game

Parents should also look to build on their own knowledge of the game. Attending matches with your child is an effective way for you both to build up an understanding of the sport because it enables you to discuss certain plays which you have both seen. Watching on TV, reading about the sport and instructional videos can all further your understanding, enabling you to pass on useful tips to your child.

4. Purchase Soccer Aids

Provide your child with the means to learn more about the game. Installing a set of goalposts in the garden can only help, while rebounders are an excellent way to improve control. There are some worthwhile videos and books available, while sitting down with your child and watching professional soccer matches is also an invaluable way to develop their understanding.

5. Show Respect

Once at matches, it is important to conduct yourself in the appropriate fashion. Only speak to the referee and linesmen if you intend to be complimentary, respect the opposition and keep a reasonable distance from the field (sitting three to five yards back from the sidelines is a rule in many youth leagues). Set a good example, because children copy the actions of adults.

Have a great week and see you all out at the fields this weekend.