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While it seems like the recreational season just ended, we are fast
approaching sign ups for the 2007 fall season. While your kids are
spending their time skiing, playing other sports, or just doing
homework, our Recreational Committee continues to evaluate the
successes of last season and discuss ways to make it better.
The Recreational Committee consists of the Director of Rec Soccer,
the Director of Development, the Executive Director, and each of the
Age Group Coordinators (AGCs) that oversee a specific age division
in the program. They meet and exchange ideas on a variety of topics,
all aimed at providing the best program for the broadest number of
children in our community. Some of the improvements we implemented
for the 2006 season included:
• Standardizing the “MVSC Laws of Soccer.” By eliminating many
“modified” rules often used in the youth game, we hope to simplify
the game while improving the consistency of referees, coaching, and
overall knowledge of the game.
• Instituting a “small-sided teams” format to more age groups.
Everyone sees the value of playing fewer kids at the youngest ages.
Just imagine 22 six-year olds running amok and you know the
advantage of playing 4 v 4. By applying the same logic to all age
groups up to U12, we increased the number of touches and development
opportunities for all so they are more prepared to play a full-sided
adult game of 11 v 11 in the U14 division.
• Increased the extra development opportunities for all. This year
we offered such programs as Ski-Week Soccer Camp, Goalkeeper
Clinics, Winter Skills Clinic, U9 Academy, and a variety of other
drop-in clinics for both players and coaches. If your child wanted
more opportunities to learn and enjoy the game, we tried to provide
something for everyone.
As the 2007 season approaches, the Recreational Committee is already
evaluating ways we can improve the soccer experience. Topics under
discussion are the improvement of existing programs, the team
formation process, and the structure of inter-league play at older
levels, to name a few. As a Club, the primary goal of the
Recreational Program is to provide a fun and safe soccer experience
for any child who wishes to participate. We hope that children learn
and develop not only as soccer players, but as young people learning
to adapt to new and challenging social situations. I have often
stated that a child’s season is successful if they chose to come
back and play next year.
With that being said, many parents have a vast array of their own
hopes and expectations for each season. Our season ending survey
shows how well we satisfy so many of you, yet it also highlights
possible areas for improvement. Often, the most significant area for
improvement is in communication. A parent may express concern over a
particular situation without realizing that the Club has a specific
policy in place to address that very issue. With a Club totaling
almost 1500 children and run almost exclusively by volunteers, we
strive for the best and count on the patience and understanding of
all.
This year, with improvements to our website, the introduction of
this newsletter, and other educational tools we will be rolling out
in the months ahead, we hope that each of you can gain a greater
understanding of what we are doing behind the scenes, learn a little
about this fantastic game as you go, and help us to give your child
the most enjoyable soccer experience possible in the coming year.
If you are interested in joining the Recreational Committee to help
shape the face of soccer in Mill Valley, please contact me at
jonbontz@yahoo.com.
Jon Bontz
Director of Recreational Soccer |