An Open Letter to the High School Coaches

[JohnWerner]

As a parent-coach with current 7th graders, it is great to start to be able to see some familiar names showing up on All-District Lists.  9th graders like Alex Richardson (37-4A Girls’ MVP), Pam McFarland (37-4A Defensive MVP), Kirsten Diaz (38-4A Top Midfielder), and Madison Chilton (38-4A Defensive MVP) are well-known to those who have been watching them play in the local and Houston competitive youth leagues over the last few years. 

Some names you see now have little sisters that will be in High School soon:  Alex Richardson’s sister Alivia (7th grader playing on State Classic League team); Kirsten Diaz’s sister Madison (6th grader in Division 1 Qualifying); Madison Chilton’s sister Macy (7th grader, SCL); Emmalee Carter’s sister Julie (6th grader [u]playing up onto[/u] the 7th grade SCL team); Kat Padgett’s sister Raegan (8th grader I think, playing President’s Cup currently) – I’m sure I’ve left some out, so sorry!  All of these are likely to end up on these same lists, and perhaps high upon them, in the next few years.  (There are also a pair of Madisons to look out for next year in Lumberton – you could put together a whole team full of Madisons and be well off).

Whatever your coaching style might be, one thing is true -- before any player reaches 9th grade, the foundation that you are going to be working with in the future has been built ahead of time.  The technique, dedication, and tactical skill-set base that will be entrusted to you is being developed over a hundred or more games and in some cases over one or two thousand hours of practice during their U7-U14 years.  Also, in many cases, during the High School soccer off-season, they continue to play for Club Teams.

There is no single parent-coach or single professional trainer to take the credit (or blame!), but instead a local youth soccer community with many dedicated parent-coaches and a few professional trainers.  They come from different Clubs; they play at different Levels or in different Leagues; they even butt heads from time to time.  But they all share the same goals as you:  to develop players who have a great high school experience, who represent our area in Statewide competition, and who might possibly go on to greater things.  We want to help you, and if you want to help us help you, I respectfully make some requests:

1) Please spread this to the other high school coaches!
2) Thomas Shenton (email [email protected], cell 832-691-0021) is the current Head Trainer at the Beaumont Youth Soccer Club.  BYSC and Spindletop Select are in the process of reuniting and we expect Thomas will have access to all aspects of the current clubs.  In addition to being a fine trainer he is also a reliable and energetic administrator who wants to develop relationships with the entire local soccer community.  Give him a call and get to know him.  Get to know your local Club folks as well if you are far away from Beaumont.
3) If you have time to do some professional/paid training, let us know!  UIL/TAPPS rules place some prohibitions which of course must be honored, but the Academy program is starting formal training with 3rd graders so there are opportunities to work with the kids well before 7th grade.
4) If you know of a former player who is interested in applying to be part of the training staff, let us know!  Coach Hopson was kind enough to tip us off to Brent Waldrup, a former player of his, who is now one of the Spindletop Select associate trainers.
5) Encourage players and parents (again, consistent with UIL/TAPPS rules) to look into the different options available for their child beyond terrorizing the local recreational-level teams.  You know that by the time High School tryouts roll around, the fact that the Sunflowers or the Desperados were undefeated in the rec league for three years straight won't affect your evaluation of the player.
6) Keep on doing what you’re doing.  As local soccer teams get success and accolades, it gives the kids something to look forward to.  They will work harder and you will reap the benefits!

John

[rip2506]

Right On John!