Firstly, what can I say? Thank you for such an exciting and interesting first day on scsoccer. I’m a fan. Over 750 viewers and 18 replies in a single day. Way to get the word out.
Many of you have helped answer any thoughts or concerns raised during the day but I would like to respond to a couple and clarify a few points that need further explanation.
Talon, you quickly raised the question I knew would surface quickly and glad you did
“Another Lowcountry soccer club?” and followed it up with “Who will the coaches be?”
From there a good dialog (speculation) emerged around our intent with regard to coaching staff, parents, and certification (or qualification). Let me just jump right in.
I have heard the sentiment that we have too many soccer clubs in Charleston a number of times in the 5+ years I’ve been coaching the kids but I just don’t get it. How many of you have to train with about 100 kids next to you squeezed in on two fields? In the fall, 2008 season for example 3 times in a 10 week season I personally witnessed coaches shouting and squabbling over 30 yards of grass and a soccer goal in front of the children they are supposed to be mentoring and training. I currently coach in a division of four teams with three from the same club which means 75% of my games are against the same club wearing the same colors at the same site. How boring is that? sorry Mike and Matt. Isn’t variety meant to be the spice of life and I for one enjoy the opportunity to travel a few miles to different locations and play a variety of clubs.
This spring I lost my training slot and field to a growing army of lacrosse players and ended up running drills in a car park. Of course reminded me of my childhood where I played soccer in the streets of Brighton with two jerseys on the tarmac for goal posts. Oh the good old days, “Seagulls….”
For a few years I helped out with the City program on Daniel Island and we had to play our rec program on Etiwan Park. Have you ever visited this recreation space? Nice place for walking the dog or pushing my 3 year old on a swing, but hardly White Hart Lane.
Also if you polled the nearly 400 kids at Cainhoy Elementary and asked how many played soccer at club level with a ‘real uniform’ and a dedicated and knowledgeable coach, what do you think the response would be? I’m guessing close to zero and so how can anyone say we have too many clubs (or at least affordable programs and facilities – I’m not going there in this post).
Now to coaching…
While we have a good portion of our coaching staff lined up for our initial year, we are sensitive to existing commitments to current clubs and families. With outstanding games left to be played in the spring LYSYA program that will conclude in early May we will unlikely make any broad announcement about our coaches until late April (monitor our website). Yes reading between the lines does mean a number of existing and qualified coaches will be joining us including several champions at league and tournament level (fall James Island and recent Piggly Wiggly). Having said that, I will follow it up by saying in the most part these are also parents of kids playing today including myself. I will also back up ‘Always Offsides” astute comment around keeping the costs down and state that as of today all our coaching staff will volunteer their time and effort for the love of the game which mirrors our philosophy and passion for the sport.
Technical trainers and staff likewise have been forthcoming and helpful and our likely line up of technical trainers will range from elite club players to college athletes, school and college coaches and even the odd professional. Certification and qualifications should not be a concern and we recognize and understand the rules and regulations in this area. Our website also does a good job of explaining our commitment to our coaches and we will be working with SCYSA and other organizations to ensure we fulfill this important pledge. Training does not end with initial instruction and our coaches will receive continued help in improving their skills and certification level as we believe developing our coaches is an essential part of growing the Club and by association improving our players.
We are focusing our initial efforts on the little ones and LSYSA (rec) levels of play but we will consider extending our services if or when the need arises. Thanks again for reading and giving me the opportunity to get on my soapbox.
