McLean Premiere Soccer U9 - U11 Boys Developmental Program

VA Beach Tournament Update

2011-10-04T17:03:00.001-04:00

U11 Fire End of Season Wrap Up

2011-07-05T18:50:00.000-04:00

U9 - U11 Boys Coaches At the Freedom Game

2010-04-10T20:12:00.000-04:00

Coaches Bill(taking photo) Jaon, Mike, Brent and Dave are here at the Freedom game supporting our women's pro team. It is half time and the Freedom are down 0 - 2 but we are sure there will be a great 2nd half come back.

We have also seen a few of our boys running around as well as some of our older MPS girl players.
Go Freedom!
Stay Safe,

Bill
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

IMG00009-20100114-1628.jpg

2010-01-14T16:31:00.001-05:00

Arrived in Philly a short time ago for the NSCAA Convention. Right now I am sitting w/ fellow MPS AGD Jamil Faryadi at the MLS Draft. Nice event!

We just missed the last set of classes but a ton of good ones tomorrow and Saturday.
Stay Safe,

Bill
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

U10 Fire Update Tonight

2010-01-05T13:36:00.000-05:00

We will see how this works out. Hopefully there will be a live "press conference" at 7 PM tonight.

Stream videos at Ustream

Coach Jaon's New Arrivals

2009-12-09T18:28:00.000-05:00

12/08/09

By Communications

All of us at MYS were thrilled to learn of the arrival of twin daughters for Coach Jaon Ahmad, the MPS U9 Boys Age Group Coach, and his family. The girls - Ava and Nadia - were born on December 7th and are expected to make their MPS U9 debut sometime in the fall of 2017. Congratulations and best wishes to all!

U9 – U11 MPS Boys Coaches Participate in Coach’s Clinic

2009-11-11T09:48:00.000-05:00

Last Friday night all of the U9 – U11 MPS Boys Coaches participated in a coach’s clinic, sponsored by MYS/MPS, at Tysons Sport and Health Club in McLean. While there were coach’s from all age groups, both boys and girls, I am proud to say that ours was the only group with 100% attendance. I believe this just continues to highlight the amount of dedication our coaches have toward your sons and our program.

All of us found the subjects to be interesting and we felt like much was learned. The topics that were discussed:

-Review of proper injury prevention warm-up

-At risk athlete assessment (diagnosing which athletes are most at risk and what

we can do)

-Speed off the mark and first step drills

-Flexibility and partner stretching technique

This was also a “hands on” type of training with all of us actually doing various components of the topic areas. The photo on the right shows Coach Mike and Lucas after completing some of the flexibility exercises.

Many thanks to our Technical Director, Clyde Watson, and the MYS Board for providing this continuing education opportunity. Very few, if any, clubs provide this type of training for its coach’s.

Next up is attendance at the VYSA Workshop in January for all of us. There will be a lot of educational topics and sessions that we hope to use to continue our personal development and to pass along to your boys.

Thanks for all of your support of your boys and our program.

Bill Delaney
Age Group Director U9 – U11 MPS Boys

VID 00006-20091009-1846

2009-10-09T18:48:00.000-04:00

U10 Fire boys playing a little beach soccer. How cool!
Stay Safe,

Bill
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Fall '09 Update

2009-08-28T15:29:00.000-04:00

To: All Fall 09 U9 – U11 Boys Parents

From: Bill Delaney – U9 – U11 MPS Boys Age Group Director

I just want to take an opportunity to make sure we are all on the same page as we move forward during this fall 09 season.

Below, I have laid out what I would like to think of as a “U9 – U11 Players Bill of Rights.” The reason I am sharing this with all of you, is the fact that I believe you should know what to expect for your soccer player. A lot of this is an excerpt from an email I sent all U9 – U11 coaches so that we, as a coaching staff, are all on the same page.

In addition, toward the bottom, is a brief explanation of the “escalation pathway” for any concerns/issues. I ask that all of you please attempt to work out things between your coach and manager first and foremost. Far too often I receive complaints about a player’s position or playing time without that parent having made any attempt to speak with the coach about it. Worse, and fortunately an infrequent occurrence, some folks feel they should just go “right to the top” and attempt discussion of these issues with members of the MYS Board with out allowing an opportunity for the coach to address it first. Understand that I, or the board member, are probably going to tell you to speak with the coach first anyway. Please understand the rationale for this policy and know that there are several layers of “appeal” if you can not resolve it at the team level.

Players’ Bill of Rights:

Positions: at this stage, I expect all kids to be trained to play every position and to allow an opportunity to play in at least two different positions throughout each season’s games. We should not be locking kids in at these ages to certain spots based on what we think at this time OR what we may think is best for the win! Now, some kids can only handle so much and it may be in a player’s interest to limit them to one position for this season. No problem, just make sure you communicate this to the parents!

Practices: will be fun and technically based. This age range is critical in providing the proper technical foundation for these kids if they are to enjoy future success (and to continue to love the game of soccer). We are developing kids NOT training teams to win as many clubs in the area are doing. Make no mistake, there is a huge difference!

Training teams to win means winning at all costs to include locking kids into one position, kick ball type of game with no skill development, coaches making on field decisions for players, not playing certain players, recruiting bigger and faster and stronger kids (what have you done for me lately attitude), and cutting kids because something a little better may have come along etc., etc. In the majority of cases I have seen over 25 years of coaching, this approach eventually fails as the teams truly developing players tend to start beating those teams who were probably beating them at U9 – U11

Goal Keepers: again, not a good idea to lock a kid into this spot even if he/she claims this is their passion. No kid should play more than ½ a game in goal. The only remote exception is if it is the finals of a tournament and the kid really wants to play and it benefits the team. That should be a very rare exception.

For the U11’s we can start looking at kids full time if all feel this is in the best interest of the kid. Some kids want to be keepers at this point and maybe it is the best for them. Again, a discussion with the parent and child should occur so that all are in agreement and expectations are managed.

Playing time:

U9 and U10 teams: I want to make sure all players get a minimum of half the game playing time. This is of course dependant on the fact the kids are showing up for practice, behaving, working hard, etc. Obviously, if they are not doing these things – or were late to the game – that guarantee goes out the window. We need to remember that this group in particular is still developmental. With like players theoretically on the same team, this should not impact the game too much – especially if you put the right balance of kids out on the field.

U11 teams: playing time CAN go to 20 mins. minimum as these games will count for division placement in the spring. The goal is that all still play at least a half but we do need to slowly introduce the concept of personal accountability to the player. Either way, U-11 is sort of a “Transitional” period and age appropriate competitiveness is an important concept for us to introduce. With the advent of 8 v 8 at U12 we may revisit this issue again.

Please know that there are some exceptions to the rules. If you find a kid is really struggling you can adjust playing time and limit him/her to one position. The key is to communicate what is happening to the parents involved. Most will be fine as long as you let them know what is happening up front and that this is an attempt to get them on the right track long term.

Parent-Player Conferences: will occur toward the end of each season. These provide a great opportunity to provide positive feedback as well as to ID stuff they may need to work on with the parent present so that all involved understand and are on the same page. You can schedule these during a practice or two where the kids are playing World Cup or something and you pull them out one by one for a sit down with the parent. I have also held them before and after practices and have even scheduled an evening at Starbuck’s to meet up with folks.

If a player is struggling during the course of a season and you feel a move to one of the other teams is needed and beneficial to the child, start talking to the parent(s) then. There really should be no surprise to any player and parent at the end of the season if they are moved to one of the other teams. Players who are “on the bubble” as it relates to the age group player pool should be made aware they may be compromised if there is a strong turnout at tryouts.

There should be communication with the parents so as to keep most everyone on the same page.

The escalation pathway for a parent concern is team coach, Head Coach for age Group, Age Group Director (ME), and then to Rich Maresco (Travel Director). They would eventually huddle and handle with Clyde Watson (Technical Director) as they deem appropriate.

Best of luck this fall season!

Best Regards,

Bill

Club Accomplishments

2008-11-01T08:45:00.000-04:00

All,

Thought I would take a moment to highlight some recent club accomplishments. This is soccer's version of "March Madness" where teams across the entire state of VA compete to be crowned State Champs for their age groups. State Cup play starts at U12 and the U12 - U14 competition is usually in the spring.

I am passing this along to our age group so that you are aware there is a club philosophy and culture that is taking shape. We feel we are creating a very solid developmental program that is building the foundation for future opportunities such as the State Cup. I would like to think that this is but one illistration that there is a rhyme to the reason of MPS and what we are doing at the younger ages to help the kids prepare for whatever they want to accomplish at the older ages.

-Bill

Congratulations to our new State Champions--
--results of games, Sunday, October 26, 2008
The VYSA State Champions will play in the Region I Regional Championship Tournament, July 2-7, 2009. The Region I Championships will be held in Huntington, West Virginia. The Region I winners go on to play the US Youth Soccer National Championships to be held in July of 2009 in Massachusetts.
U16 Boys McLean MPS Hurricanes
U18 Girls McLean MPS Freedom

In addition we had the U15 Girls McLean MPS Strikers as a runner up in their age group and the former State Champs U17 Girls McLean Dragons were in the Final Four of thier bracket. Several other MPS teams made it to the Quarter Finals which is all very impressive!

VA Beach

2008-10-08T18:18:00.000-04:00

All,

Below is what I have put out to my U9 teams. I am excited that all the MPS U9 - U11 boys teams will be staying at the same hotel! Should be a great time!

Some items as it relates to the VA Beach tournament. First, I hope no one is attempting to drive down Saturday morning. I have had a couple of players and their families try this in the past and the result was pretty bad - at least for that individual player. Please make sure your son is in VA Beach by Friday evening if at all possible (the earlier the better). I would also recommend you leave rather early as holiday traffic has been known to turn a 3 - 3 1/2 hour trip to the beach into 5 PLUS hours.

Make sure the cell phone you have with you is the one that is in our One Call Now system in case of last minute issues so we can get in touch. Especially important is Friday night as, on occasion, tournaments make last second adjustments to the schedules - especially if it has been raining.
Also keep in mind that it may be a bit chilly in the morning (and evening) so make sure your son is prepared! Otherwise it appears day time temps should be in the 70's! Nice!

Now the part where I make some little U9 players very unhappy with me - I must ask that there be NO swimming at the pool or beach before or in between games on both days. No horseplay at the beach either in between games!!! This will wear the boys out and put them in a position to fail (not perform their best) if you will. They need to rest in between games. Pool and/or beach and play can happen AFTER your teams games for the day!!!!! Friday works also.

Proper eating and drinking habits also need to be on display in between games. I will speak with everyone after their first games to emphasize what you can, and can not, do as I did at our first tournaments (White and Gold might remember). Ideally your son should finish eating breakfast at least one hour prior to his first game - if you have an 8 AM game. One and a half to two if the games are a little later.

In regard to the soccer complex we will be at: give yourself plenty of time as parking can be a bit rough. It can also turn into quite a hike for your U9 player so do not cut it close. Figure anywhere from a 5 - 10 minute trek from the car to the field!

Make sure you bring ALL uniform parts to each game. We will start off with Green shirts first game for each team but that could change depending on color conflict.

Also, please make sure any canopy's and bench we have show up to the tournament if at all possible!

More information may be forthcoming. In case I do not see you prior - I hope you and your families have a safe trip down!

-Bill

Player Development Verses Training Teams to Win

2008-08-22T08:09:00.000-04:00

These U9 – U11 ages are the formative years as far as individual technical development and creativity. It will be ultimately critical to place these players into an environment that will embrace and encourage individual development and creativity. Too many youth coaches put a high premium on winning and they thus train the teams to win verses developing them. In my opinion, the reason we (the US) have yet to produce a Ronaldhino is that we discourage that particular player during this critical time. I have seen little potential Ronaldhino’s in our area at U5 – U8. However, many coaches and parents have a name for this type of player who shows that individual skill and creativity – ball hog.

Well, little Johnny certainly does not want to be called a ball hog so pretty soon he becomes a passing machine. He is then complemented on “what a team player he is.” Another potential Ronaldhino lost!

The goal of our MPS Developmental Program is to develop these boys and “build the foundation” for their soccer future. I would also like to think we are building a lot more than soccer players with our focus on life lessons and other associated items that sports can build. Focus is on individual technical and creative development as well as building the players’ confidence. Confidence is probably the single most important key at these early ages!

My history tells me that players develop at different rates much as they all physically grow at their own pace. The superstar at U9 is not necessarily the superstar at U13. The beauty of our MPS developmental system is that it allows for that individual growth at their own pace and provides an environment for whatever level your child is at.

Training teams to win means winning at all costs to include locking kids into one position, constantly shouting instructions on what to do (thinking for the kid), kick ball type of game with no skill development, not playing certain players, recruiting bigger and faster and stronger kids (what have you done for me lately attitude), and cutting kids because something a little better may have come along etc., etc. In the majority of cases I have seen over 25 years of coaching, this approach eventually fails as the teams truly developing players, building a technical and creative foundation, tend to start beating those teams who were probably beating them at U9 – U11. When training teams to win “succeeds” there may be some tournament and state cup titles but usually with only one or two players on the team that originally started out at U9.

The developing players approach can then lead to team success at the older age groups (when it really counts) as we are starting to see in MPS with a bunch of state cup champion caliber teams. I have personally coached a state cup champion, runner up, and final four teams using this approach.

I have also seen it work in one of our older boys teams as one kid who started off on the Gold team is now on the Green team. He developed slowly but surely and is now one of the better players in the age group. In the win at all costs world, this kid would be with another club and may or may not be the player he has become. There are a couple of other success stories in some of our other age groups but this one stands out at the moment.

All that said know that we do attempt to win every game. That is what sport is all about. It is up to us coaches to balance the line up and provide the right mix to position the kids to succeed as individuals and as a team. The approach can and has cost us some games. However, I believe we may lose the early battles but will end up winning the preverbal war.

Understand in this age group range there are, and will be, numerous peaks and valleys. Please stay patient and understand we are looking at long term benefit verses short term glory.

Take Care,

Bill

U9 – U11 Players Bill of Rights

2008-07-15T08:36:00.000-04:00

To: All Fall 09 U9 – U11 Boys Parents
From: Bill Delaney – U9 – U11 MPS Boys Age Group Director

I just want to take an opportunity to make sure we are all on the same page as we move forward during this fall 08 season.

Below, I have laid out what I would like to think of as a “U9 – U11 Players Bill of Rights.” The reason I am sharing this with all of you, is the fact that I believe you should know what to expect for your soccer player. A lot of this is an excerpt from an email I sent all U9 – U11 coaches so that we, as a coaching staff, are all on the same page.

In addition, toward the bottom, is a brief explanation of the “escalation pathway” for any concerns/issues. I ask that all of you please attempt to work out things between your coach and manager first and foremost. Far too often I receive complaints about a player’s position or playing time without that parent having made any attempt to speak with the coach about it. Worse, and fortunately an infrequent occurrence, some folks feel they should just go “right to the top” and attempt discussion of these issues with members of the MYS Board with out allowing an opportunity for the coach to address it first. Understand that I, or the board member, are probably going to tell you to speak with the coach first anyway. Please understand the rationale for this policy and know that there are several layers of “appeal” if you can not resolve it at the team level.

Players’ Bill of Rights:

Positions: at this stage, I expect all kids to be trained to play every position and to allow an opportunity to play in at least two different positions throughout each season’s games. We should not be locking kids in at these ages to certain spots based on what we think at this time OR what we may think is best for the win! Now, some kids can only handle so much and it may be in a player’s interest to limit them to one position for this season. No problem, just make sure you communicate this to the parents!

Practices: will be fun and technically based. This age range is critical in providing the proper technical foundation for these kids if they are to enjoy future success (and to continue to love the game of soccer). We are developing kids NOT training teams to win as many clubs in the area are doing. Make no mistake, there is a huge difference!

Training teams to win means winning at all costs to include locking kids into one position, kick ball type of game with no skill development, coaches making on field decisions for players, not playing certain players, recruiting bigger and faster and stronger kids (what have you done for me lately attitude), and cutting kids because something a little better may have come along etc., etc. In the majority of cases I have seen over 25 years of coaching, this approach eventually fails as the teams truly developing players tend to start beating those teams who were probably beating them at U9 – U11

Goal Keepers: again, not a good idea to lock a kid into this spot even if he/she claims this is their passion. No kid should play more than ½ a game in goal. The only remote exception is if it is the finals of a tournament and the kid really wants to play and it benefits the team. That should be a very rare exception.

For the U11’s we can start looking at kids full time if all feel this is in the best interest of the kid. Some kids want to be keepers at this point and maybe it is the best for them. Again, a discussion with the parent and child should occur so that all are in agreement and expectations are managed.

Playing time:
U9 and U10 teams: I want to make sure all players get a minimum of half the game playing time. This is of course dependant on the fact the kids are showing up for practice, behaving, working hard, etc. Obviously, if they are not doing these things – or were late to the game – that guarantee goes out the window. We need to remember that this group in particular is still developmental. With like players theoretically on the same team, this should not impact the game too much – especially if you put the right balance of kids out on the field.

U11 teams: playing time CAN go to 20 mins. minimum as these games will count for division placement in the spring. The goal is that all still play at least a half but we do need to slowly introduce the concept of personal accountability to the player. Either way, U-11 is sort of a “Transitional” period and age appropriate competitiveness is an important concept for us to introduce. With the advent of 8 v 8 at U12 we may revisit this issue again.

Please know that there are some exceptions to the rules. If you find a kid is really struggling you can adjust playing time and limit him/her to one position. The key is to communicate what is happening to the parents involved. Most will be fine as long as you let them know what is happening up front and that this is an attempt to get them on the right track long term.

Parent-Player Conferences: will occur toward the end of each season. These provide a great opportunity to provide positive feedback as well as to ID stuff they may need to work on with the parent present so that all involved understand and are on the same page. You can schedule these during a practice or two where the kids are playing World Cup or something and you pull them out one by one for a sit down with the parent. I have also held them before and after practices and have even scheduled an evening at Starbuck’s to meet up with folks.

If a player is struggling during the course of a season and you feel a move to one of the other teams is needed and beneficial to the child, start talking to the parent(s) then. There really should be no surprise to any player and parent at the end of the season if they are moved to one of the other teams. Players who are “on the bubble” as it relates to the age group player pool should be made aware they may be compromised if there is a strong turnout at tryouts.

There should be communication with the parents so as to keep most everyone on the same page.

The escalation pathway for a parent concern is team coach, Head Coach for age Group, Age Group Director (ME), and then to Rich Maresco (Travel Director). They would eventually huddle and handle with Clyde Watson (Technical Director) as they deem appropriate.

Best of luck this fall season!

Best Regards,

Bill

MPS Fire Green Win VA Beach Columbus Day Tournament!

2007-10-14T20:40:00.000-04:00

The U11 MPS Fire Green captured the Red bracket of the VA Beach Columbus Day Tournament! They defeated the Richmond Kickers 4 - 0 scoring 3 goals in short order mid way through the second half. Great job boys!

Welcome!

2007-09-27T16:41:00.000-04:00

This site is still under construction. It will be a Blog for the McLean Premiere Soccer (MPS) U9 - U11 Developmental Program. This will also be utilized in conjuncture with the new MPS Blog Talk Radio.

-Bill