November 2007

Small-sided Games

Our national coaching schools and many coaches of note have advocated small-sided games as the best way to teach the sport to young children. This notion was popularized in Scotland by the famous coach Andy Roxburgh who was previously the Technical Director of the Scottish Football Association and is now the Technical Director of the Union of European Football Federations (UEFA). In most parts of the world, children learn by playing pick up games in parks and streets and imitate their grown-up heroes whom they watch live or on television. While in coaching schools and camps people have tried to teach the basic skills in isolation and then integrate them into small sided tactical games and then the full game, most playground players' education consists of playing a whole bunch of small sided games and then standing around practicing some of their favorite moves or ones they just saw some professional perform in a game. An interesting and instructive study on small sided games, conducted by the University of Abertay Dundee in Scotland, found scientific support for the notion that small-sided games are more useful in helping youngsters develop the skills of the game. They organized a scientific study to test the efficacy of small sided games compared to full field 11 v 11 games.

According to the authors of this research, advocacy of the small sided games principle in Scotland was based on sound educational and developmental evidence. They cite existing research to conclude that "the belief that the 11-a-side game is designed by adults for adults and should be seen as the last part of the learning journey. Therefore, the 7-a-side game is the intermediate step and the 4 v 4 game is the first step in the ladder." They also discuss with, some scientific support, the fact that different individuals learn differently by responding to different stimuli such as watching, understanding the tasks, hearing explanations and trial and error. This makes it mandatory that each coach provide a coaching environment that incorporates all those learning opportunities.

The study in Abertay Dundee consisted of evaluating several 4 v 4, 7 v 7 and 11 v 11 games and quantifying several parameters that could be looked at objectively. The central thesis was based on the "Long Term Development Model" which stipulates that increased development of technical skills are best developed where there are more touches, more attacking play and more decision making experience during the activities of the children. So the investigators looked at these parameters in the various types of games. The findings supported the thesis and the general conclusion that the small sided games were more efficacious in the development of the players.

In the small sided game the players had more touches of the ball, more passes were played forward, there were more attacking opportunities and shots on goal, all players had greater involvement in attacking and defending, there was greater freedom of expression and 80% of the children believed that they touched the ball more. Incidentally there was less perceived pressure from parents in the small-sided games.

They concluded that small sided games were most useful in teaching the skills of the game to young children because they give them significantly higher opportunities to practice and perform those skills. They also found that the children expressed a much greater sense of joy and less pressure in small sided games. This is in total agreement with the "Best Practices for Coaching Soccer" on which the Boca coaching program is based. While coaches should not use small sided games exclusively, organization in small numbers must be the most common form of teaching the technical and tactical requirements of the game.

[* Small-sided games Study of Young Football Players in Scotland, Independent Consultation Paper, Grant Small, Univerity of Abertay Dundee, January 2006]

Just Boca

Clives Charles, an influential coach of the United States Soccer Federation inspired me to develop the Youth Academy for our Boca players. As head coach of the University of Portland men's and women's program, he was heralded for delivering the school's first national championship to Portland. Clive also had stints with the National team as an assistant to Steve Sampson and as the head coach of the U23 National team which included stars like Demarcus Beasley and Landon Donovan. Before being a successful coach, Clive played professionally in London for the West Ham Hammers of the EPL. He moved to the US to play in the NASL for the Portland Timbers and began a life of coaching in Portland once his playing career was over.

My wife, a Portland Alum and former player of Clive, and I often watched the Portland Pilots play against Santa Clara and USF. At a symposium in Sacramento, Clive and I had a chance to spend some time together. It was enlightening to talk soccer with such an intelligent human being. Most interesting was Clive's playing days in London and West Ham's well known Youth Academy. It was interesting to hear we shared the same philosophies about soccer as some of the European clubs. A common goal at the youth level was to cultivate a comfort and love for the ball at a player's feet while under pressure. This was best accomplished through technical training and small sided games.

Clive created FC Portland by combining some of the methods from West Ham with some his own ideas. Through his efforts FC Portland is one of the top clubs in Oregon and in the United States. His stated goal is, "Through the game of soccer there is an opportunity to develop and prepare young people for the challenges of life." He understood that the Young American soccer player was different than its European counterpart and he/she needed to be fed "soccer" in a manner that was conducive to the player's environment. He wanted players to create a tradition at FC Portland to play creative soccer under pressure, have a confidence on the ball at a young age, and feel like they were a part of something.

Clive added the "Ice Cream Cup" events to the academy to encourage players to play "pick up" soccer and experiment with taking risks with minimal consequences to outcomes. After each event, players would enjoy ice cream sundaes with their friends. FC Portland also developed their U8-U10 players in an academy style setting just as WHFC did. Instead of teams, each age group would have a pool of players that trained together and played small sided games in house to maximize touches on the ball. Periodically teams would play in 8v8 jamborees against other Oregon clubs with no standings or scores for competition.

As a result of these program, the coaching staff found an increased rate of development from each player in the pool. Players were not labeled at an early age based on size, athleticism, or speed. They showed a confidence with the ball while developing a consistency and love to play good soccer and compete when needed. Coaches were able to consistently teach Principles of play to all players within the academy along with basic group tactics through small sided games.

At CASA, we have implemented a program that gives our players the opportunity to develop and play creative soccer under pressure. It is important that our Boca players feel like they are a part of the club. As a youth coach, I always wondered how coaches could develop the players without labeling or putting a ceiling over one's head at the age of 7 or 8. I often ask, "Would Lionel Messi or Robinho be the players they are today if they were placed on B teams in Sacramento at a young age because of their lack of height and physique?"

After seeing a European structure thrive in the United States through Clive Charles and FC Portland, we have been able to introduce a Youth Academy to our young Boca players. Our goal is to teach life learning lessons through the means of soccer. We strive to encourage our players to play insightful soccer. We have inherited Ice Cream Socials to encourage "free play" and schedule Play Days in the summer with local clubs for competition. We have introduced "Me Time" to our academy kids to give them a sense of ownership. Players are given an allotment of time to work on anything they feel they need work on.

While we feel there is always room for change and growth in the structure of the Youth Academy. It gives our club the opportunity to form a "real" team of players that have developed together under the same curriculum for at least 2 years. With the addition of the U8 Academy there is a potential for players to develop together for 3 years before they enter 11v11. Most of all, we are pleased to see our players in the Youth Academy understand they are apart of Boca not Boca A, Boca B, Boca Alpha, Tango, Blue or White. Just Boca.

• 11/1 - Club Meeting 11:30 - 1 @ Club Office
• 11/4 - Daylight Savings Time Ends
• 11/5 - U15-U18 Subgroup Parent Meeting
• 11/12 - Veteran's Day (Office Closed)
• 11/13 - Coaches Meeting 7 - 8 pm
• 11/15 - Club Meeting 11:30 - 1 @ Club Office
• 11/16 - Marketing Meeting 11:30 - 1 @ Club Office
• 11/20 - Manager's Meeting 7 - 8 pm @ Club Office
• 11/22 - 11/23 Thanksgiving Holiday (Office Closed)
• 11/29 - Club Meeting 11:30 - 1 @ Club Office
• 11/30 - Marketing Meeting 11:30 - 1 @ Club Office

For a detailed calendar, view our website's calendar tab.

Congratulations to Rachel Mercik who has been asked by the U17 National Team coach Dean Duerst to play up with the U17's during their tour of Argentina.

Rachel has been in the U16 National Team Pool for the past year and has moved through ODP state, regional and national levels for the past 3 years. She leaves on December 7th to join the U17 National Team as the only U16 called up for this trip. The games will be played in Buenos Aires. The schedule will be announced shortly.

Rachel is also in the pool of girls being considered for the first ever U17 World Cup taking place in late 2008 in New Zealand.

Rachel plays for the Boca Jrs 90 girls team coached by Berhane Andeberhan and Chet Grant. She has played with the Boca Jrs since U14.

"Have a positive impact on someone's life today!"

Those words struck a chord within me a number of years ago and I wrote them down on a piece of paper and carry them in my wallet to this day. They are a reminder that all of us; coaches, parents, administrators, mentors and leaders have an enormous responsibility to help and guide our players to become the best young adults they can become. All of our coaches strive to teach our players to solve problems on the field. To use the skills that they have learned to overcome the difficulties they face in a soccer match. To find ways to work as a team, support one another and pull together while continuing to develop as individuals.

We also work hard to educate our players about things such as teamwork, dedication, persistence, respect, character, and how to handle failure as well as success. We try to emphasize that while winning isn't everything, the effort and determination to be successful is paramount. We emphasize that all of our players have a personal responsibility to give their best efforts in practices and matches so that the group as a whole can experience more success. We want to develop self confidence in our players and an attitude that they can achieve anything if they will strive toward their goals with enthusiasm, determination and positive persistence. Our subgroup coaches and all the other club coaches, approach every practice, every match and every tournament with the same mind set. We all want to use these opportunities to further the education of our kids. One of our most important goals as a subgroup and as a club is to ultimately assist our parents, doing whatever we can, to develop not only terrific soccer players but also great young people. Our coaches endeavor to raise the level of our players every time they have an opportunity to do so.

We can all join them in developing our players and our children by remembering those eight words and trying to live by them every day. Let's commit to joining our subgroup coaches and be driven to "have a positive impact on someone's life today!" The "someone" is your son or daughter and our players.

See you on the field.

Go Boca!

Fall is in the air and with it comes a few changes to the fields and their use.

Larchmont:

The Larchmont fields are starting to go into their annual dormancy stage and along with that the grass begins to BROWN-UP. No need for alarm as it is normal activity for Bermuda grass to do so. We have begun the process of over-seeding the fields with Rye Grass. This will not only protect the Bermuda underneath, but it also adds color to the fields. The Rye Grass will disappear in the spring with no trace it was ever there. As always, please use discretion this time of year in using our main home field under poor weather conditions. Check the club weather line if you're not sure (489-2272 ext 102.)

Additionally, the Porta Potties are now being serviced twice a week and hopefully this has helped to decrease the aroma that can sometimes drive people away. Thanks for sharing your concerns so that improvements could be implemented.

Cordova High School:

Cordova is now 100% booked for November. There are a few openings in December. My congratulations go out to everyone for providing quick response to use requirements and showing the willingness to share the facility with other teams. We plan to use Cordova at least through January at which time we may switch over to Mather Sports Complex when the new field is completed there.

Please remember we are stewards of this facility so treat it as if it were your own. Cordova has a strict rule: NO SUNFLOWER SEEDS ALLOWED ANYWHERE NEAR THE FIELD.

Capital Christian:

This facility will be off line starting in December.

Mather Sports Complex:

The Main Soccer Field is currently scheduled to be open by January '08. CASA is first in line to reserve. I will keep everyone posted on the progress at Mather.

As always, thanks to everyone for the continued care and respect of all of our fields, other teams and kids.

Attention All Teams,

We are excited to announce that we will have our own Club Futsal Program this year.

Here are some of the early details:

• Program to run from January 6th - February 24th (Sundays for 8-weeks)
• Program will be held at Mather Sports Complex Basketball Gym (Indoors)

Teams involved so far include:

Boys

• U9 Boys
• U10 Boys
• U11 Boys
• U12 Boys

Girls

• U11 Girls
• U12 Girls-2 (Both Teams)
• U15 Girls (Frank)
• U17 Girls

There is still time for other teams to sign up.

Scheduling of games and how it will all work will be announced later once all teams have replied.

We are very excited that not only do we have enough interest we also have a safe, dry and convenient location.

Thank you teams for letting us know your interest.

Hello Boca Family,

Many of you may not know but for years there has been a competitive men's league in Sacramento called CCSL (Central California Soccer League.) In fact, many of our Boca coaches have played for one team or another in the league over the years and some still do. I have been playing on a team called Sporting that has been playing in the CCSL for 10 years and has been very successful.

I am thrilled to share with everyone that Capital Athletic Soccer Academy and Sporting have affiliated to create CASA SPORTING. The union between Capital Athletic and Sporting creates many positive opportunities.

• Boca players who have graduated from the youth system will have a place to play if they remain in the area
• Older Boca players can play while still in the youth system to get a chance to play at a senior level for college or European preparation
• Having Boca players join Casa Sporting quickly creates a strong, cohesive team because of shared values
• Casa Sporting has good connections with Sporting of Lisbon which could help players wishing to try their luck in Europe

Not only is this an opportunity for the players to play, but it gives coaches an outlet to play. We already have a few coaches on the roster such as Antonio Sutton, Brandon Cavitt, and myself, Jeremy Field. We have started the season with 2 wins 0 loses and 2 ties. Its fun to have our teams come out and support us, and we invite all the Boca families to come out and support us, cheer for us, and make fun of our mistakes. For many of you who are looking for a place (that is free) to take your kids to watch soccer this is a great place. I have been going to O'Neil Park (aka Southside Park) from a very young age. The history of the league is rich with drama and good football.

In the future, we are also hoping to start a women's senior team. Hope to see everyone out there.

Schedule of home games at O'Neil Park

• 11/4/07 - 2 pm vs Real San Juan (yes San Juan has a team as well)
• 11/11/07 - 12 pm vs Dixon
• 11/18/07 - 10 am vs Aguias (Coach Paul Hansen plays for this team)
• 12/2/07 - 2pm vs FC Ireland (this one is at Orangevale Park, Orangevale)
• 12/9/07 - 12 pm vs Titanes
• 12/16/07 - 12pm vs San Jose

I will post the 2008 schedule in future newsletters.

Go Boca!!

Directions to O'Neil Park: O'Neil Park is located between 9th and 6th St on Broadway. From Watt Ave., take 50 west to the 10th St exit. Continue straight and turn left on 9th and cannot miss it. It is very close to fire station on Broadway and 9th if you get lost.

The Capital Athletic Soccer Academy Marketing Committee is in full force. We formed the committee back in August as a result of a manager's meeting discussion that focused on ideas to improve our club outreach at tryouts and tournaments. Discussion ranged from these outreach ideas to name branding, getting the word out and improving our website. Because the club's best assets are the resources within it, we called out to parents with marketing backgrounds, experience and interest to join a committee to begin setting priority and direction on these topics.

At our first meeting, we set our goal: Brand our club as the Premier Soccer Academy in the state. We began discussing ways to best accomplish this goal. We acknowledged that we have both short-term and long-term goals. For the short-term, we want to focus on our promotional materials and getting the word out for tryouts. For the long-term, we want to have a more dynamic website, an automated registration system, and name recognition.

Visible improvements that were a direct result of the marketing committee include:

• Differentiating age specific coaching goals in our fliers to recreation coaches
• Revamping the website
• Adding accomplishments and successes to the website
• Name branding education
• Launching OneCause.com

We are currently working on:

• Tryout brochures
• Adding testimonials and video clips to the web
• Adding our recent interview with Mykell Bates to the web
• Quantifying member goals
• Youth marketing blitz

The marketing members include: Darlene Biederer, Jana Mercik, Mark Mayes, Conor McNulty, Jeff Gregg, Peggy Valine and myself. This committee spans many age groups and includes a coach! I want to thank them for putting an extra effort into helping move our marketing efforts forward.

Dear Boca Supporters,

How would you like to start earning money for our club every day - just by shopping? Now you can! CASA has enrolled in the OneCause Shop & Earn program, a year-round shopping program that allows you to earn contributions for CASA through everyday purchases. It's absolutely FREE! In fact, you can even save money on your purchases with One Cause's weekly merchant specials and seasonal promotions.

It's so simple! All you have to do is register with OneCause and start shopping online at www.onecause.com with hundreds of your favorite leading merchant websites, select stores, and catalogs. Up to 36% of each purchase goes right back to our nonprofit organization!

Here's how to get started

1. Go to www.onecause.com and click Join. Choose "Capital Athletic Soccer Academy" to receive the contributions from your purchases.
2. Fill out your Profile Information and choose your Preferences. (You can also register your debit and credit cards on OneCause's secure server so that CASA earns the contributions from your purchases you make in-store at hundreds of national and local merchants.)
3. Opt-in to receive emails about purchase confirmations, new merchants, special promotions, and extra bonuses. Be sure to add onecause@onecause.p0.com to your address book.
4. Set www.onecause.com as your home page or as a shortcut! It's easy - while you are in your Internet browser, choose Tools from the top menu, select Internet Options, and add www.onecause.com as your Home Page. The next time you log onto the Internet, you'll be set to shop at OneCause.
5. START SHOPPING!

Remember, the more you shop through OneCause, the more you earn for our nonprofit organization! Share with friends and family.

Enroll TODAY at www.onecause.com!

If you own a business and would like to become a part of the Local Bonus Merchant Network or if you know someone that does, please contact our OneCause Champion at 489-2272 or call 888-200-2088 to enroll Today!

For a complete list of participating merchants and to review the percentage you can Earn on each purchase go the the website. Here is a partial list:

• Amazon.com
• Wal Mart
• Dell
• Best Buy
• ebay
• target
• Barnes & Nobel
• iTunes
• Eddie Bauer
• Expedia.com
• Target
• Nordstroms
• The Home Depot
• Circuit City