It takes a village to raise a soccer player. The teams that I've seen get on top and stay and top do so with a soccer community. I know coaches at Summerville and Wando at the youth level that feel plugged in to the system. I know coaches at Goose Creek and Moncks Corner that don't feel or don't want to be plugged in. Compare our records.
Coach Chass gave me a chance to assist him at Berkeley a few years ago. It use to be brand new players each year with no carry over. Now we are getting players that have skills and conditioning and actually know the sport very well.
In order to get better we split forces and made a JV team. This was a small step back to go forward. I still coach with the youth teams in fall, the biggest challenge for me has been playing ambassador between HS and youth. I like being on the field and sharpening the skills not trying to convience a first year U12 Boom Ball expert that just because you win a game or two....well you get the picture.
As a model program in 4 A we are not it, are we a model for teams without a progam and wishing to get better? Yes, we are getting more right now than wrong. We can do better and that is our ultimate goal as I am sure is everyones.
I was lucky to have been on a team that won a state championship. I remember the feeling the hard work the dedication. I dream of seeing my girls get that chance.
