Mission:

The club program develops a natural progression in teaching techniques and created instinctive solutions to problems on the field.  The teaching and coaching methods instill a sense of pride, skill and tenacity in soccer players at all age levels.  With our unique methodology, the Raptors/Dactyls soccer club caters to the male/female student -athlete who aspires to higher goals.  We are designed for success and we are demanding.  The Raptors/Dactyls soccer club are in every sense of the word a true soccer club for the male/female player.

Goals:

1.      To play competitively against top level teams in major soccer events such as the State Cup, Midwest Regional League and Regional tournaments.

2.      To prepare for a successful career in soccer in high school and beyond.

3.      To develop a knowledgeable and supportive group of parents with love and respect of the game.

The Plan:

Implement a demanding soccer program that provides players, parents and coaches with the opportunity to each contribute their best.

The Program:

It is based on a coaching philosophy that addresses the development of the whole player. At the younger ages (12 and down) the philosophy stresses playing well and not just winning. At ages 13 and up, the emphasis is still on playing attractive soccer but the focus is now on competing at the top levels and playing time is a coaching decision.  Players are trained to perform at consistently high levels by showing them how to join their skills with those of their teammates.  They are trained to work and play with confidence.  Progress requires mistakes to advance as a player, team and club.  The coaches will often use mistakes as training tools.

The program consists of indoor and outdoor training:

The outdoor season, usually consists of 2-3 training sessions per week, plus games.

The indoor session is an important part of the team’s preparation for the spring.  The indoor game/training serves as a tool to teach technical and tactical combinations used to improve the outdoor game.  Long layoffs hurt the player’s development and the team’s competitiveness.

Commitment:

Implementation of this program requires a high level of commitment from players, parents and coaches.  Everyone must think through the level of commitment they are prepared to accept, and should discuss with their age appropriate Director of Coaching what is expected from them before the season starts.  Though players are not discouraged from playing other sports, or participating in other activities, soccer is expected to be a  priority.  Coaches will work through conflicts with players and parents if possible

Raptors/Dactyls Soccer Club

Player responsibilities:

Attend all practices, games and tournaments unless specifically excused.  Players should give notice of conflicts as much ahead of time as possible.  Attendance records will be kept.

Behave properly at practices and games, that means:

·        Treat teammates, coaches and parents with respect

·        Be courteous to referees and other game officials

·        Never use foul language

·        Always shake hands with opposing players after a game and never argue with, or respond to provocations of opposing players, coaches or parents

Be properly dressed and ready to warm up prior to each game at the appropriate time according to your team coach.

Be at practice 10 minutes before practice start time.

Be at games, a minimum of 45 minutes prior to kick off.

Bring your bag with an alternate set of uniforms, a filled water bottle and a soccer ball to all games and practices.

Observe the following rules for away trips:

·        Be in you rooms by curfew time set by team coach.

·        No swimming until after the last game of the day.

·        Show respect for hotel guests and the people who serve you.

Raptors/Dactyls Soccer Club

Parent responsibilities:

·        Be a reliable chauffeur to your player and fields.  Get them to practices and games on time.  Encourage players to take responsibility for arranging rides calling if they are going to be late, absent, etc…

·        Be an inspirational teacher.  Teach your player to take responsibility for her game and to avoid making excuses every time things do not go their way.  Encourage her to talk directly to the coaches about team and individual concerns.

·        Be a vigilant nutritionist.  Supervise pre-game meals and use nutrition to improve player’s diet.

·        Be a really good “nag”.  Ensure the players behave properly on trips, pack all required equipment and dress properly for games and practices.

·        Be a rousing cheerleader.  Use positive language such as “way to go”, “well done” and “good job”.

·        Be a shining example of verbal control.  Do not shout out technical practical messages such as “boot it”, “clear it”, “send it”, shoot it”,”don’t play with it”, etc…  These comments will confuse the player and may conflict with the coach’s game plan.  Don not complain on every call, mistreat, to threaten officials and respond to provocation for the opposing team.

·        Be an earnest banker.  Pay fees promptly, or inform the club manager of any delays.  Avoid procrastination on payments that only result in more costs to the whole program.

·        Be a model student.  Learn as much as you can about the game from the coaches, your daughter or television.

·        Be an astute communicator.  As questions and make suggestions.  Avoid harboring bad feelings and misunderstandings by talking to the age appropriate Director of Coaching about anything that concerns you.

·        Be trustful of your daughter, you do not need to watch her training session and behavior at the training sessions.  This is the responsibility of the coaching staff.

·        INFORM COACHES OF ADVERSE MEDICAL CONDITIONS.

Raptors/Dactyls Soccer Club

Coaches’ responsibilities:

·        Be fair and consistent in the application of team standards.

·        Teach the technical skills of soccer

·        Provide fitness training to improve muscular flexibility, strength, endurance, power and speed.

·        Develop and teach tactical moves appropriate to different game situations and player’s abilities.

·        Set proper standards of discipline and sportsmanship.

·        Motivate and challenge players consistently to do their best.

·        Encourage creativity in players while teaching them to use that creativity.

·        Foster open lines of communications with players and parents.

Team Manager responsibilities:

·        For a team to function smoothly it needs a dedicated team manager.

·        Set up a system of communication with parents and players on schedule and other team matters.

·        Help to ensure that team is in compliance with league and state regulations for playing.

·        Help promote and plan social events and fund raising ideas.

·        Refrain from making comments related to player performance or coaching tactics.  Direct all questions from parents concerning these questions to the appropriate age group Director of Coaching.

Plans for bad weather:

·        Parents are never to assume that a scheduled game will be cancelled.  The team must show up.  Only a referee may cancel a game.

·        Coaches will decide whether to cancel or reschedule a practice

·        Coaches will sometimes use tough weather conditions to physical and mental strength.  However, players will never be exposed to dangerous weather i.e. lightning will always cancel practices and matches.

Raptors/Dactyls Soccer Club

Criteria for playing time:

The starting line will be based on:

·         Players long term performance in practice and games

·         Commitment, determination, attitude, discipline and dedication

·         Coachability and responsibility

Playing time will be based on:

·         U13-U18

·         Determined by attendance, Attitude and work rate.

·         The pre-game plan, tactical and technical situations presented during the game

·         Substitution is not based on the clock, but by the game situation

·         U9-U12

·         Determined by attendance, attitude and work rate.

·         During high level tournaments, will be based on the game situation.

·         Training session are the best chance to learn, and compete for the starting line up and starting time

Attendance at training sessions and games:

·         Players are expected attend and be punctual as described under the player’s responsibilities section.  Please review activities schedule such as those from school before the season begins, ad where possible identify and notify coaches of conflicts with training sessions and games.

Schedules:

·         Manager and coaches will provide schedules and calendar as soon as available.  All games will be played regardless of won or loss record.  Be aware that schedules can and will change.  Where possible do not schedule vacations during the season.

Dress

·         The appearance of players is a vital extension of the game.  Training attire is required at all sessions, and club uniforms at all games.

Players should:

·         Arrive on time and dresses properly for weather, wear warm ups over uniforms in cold weather

·         Bring alternate uniform, filled water bottle, and a ball (properly inflated) to all games

CONTACT INFO:

IF THERE ARE QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS PLEASE  CONTACT THE APPROPRIATE AGE GROUP DIRECTOR OF COACHING.

PETER GLON:

DIRECTOR OF PLAYER DEVELPOMENT 

GORDY POLYUANSKIS:

DIRECTOR OF COACHING FOR ALL DACTYLS TEAMS

HUGH WARD:

DIRECTOR OF COACHING FOR ALL RAPTORS TEAMS