July Newsletter

Belle Clair Newsletter

 July 2010                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 Website:  www.belleclairsoccer.org

Belle Clair 2010 Fall League Preparations Begin!

Another exciting Belle Clair fall soccer season is just around the corner.  As opening game weekend of August 21^st draws nearer, coaching responsibilities, player development training, and team support need to be in place.  Here is some information for each as we all prepare to offer the best possible learning environment and playing experience for each participating player.

Coaching Duties

A coach’s letter, along with team rosters, has been sent to all Belle Clair coaches.  Coaches are responsible for contacting all players and inform them of their place on the team.  Practice dates, times, and location information should be shared with all players and parents.  Coaches may begin team practices as early as the week of July 26^th.

The team uniform pick-up date has been set for Saturday, August 14^th.  Coaches are responsible for arranging to have a team representative (coach or parent) pick up the uniforms at The Family Sportsplex between 8:30am and 12:30pm. 

Player Development Training

Dave Fernandez will again conduct training sessions during the week for all K-6^th grade teams and coaches throughout the fall season.  These sessions will begin the week of August 9^th, and take place on the Belle Clair fields at the Family Sportsplex.  Training sessions will take place each evening (Monday-Thursday) where teams will be scheduled to attend, along with the team coaches.  The complete training schedule with Coach Dave will be posted on the Belle Clair website by July 26^th.  Coaches are asked to schedule around their assigned training dates with Coach Dave when scheduling their own team practices. 

A 3-day training camp will be offered to all 7^th & 8^th grade teams and coaches.  This camp will take place August 2^nd-4^th on the Belle Clair fields at the Family Sportsplex.  This camp was very well attended last year.  Its purpose is to prepare the older teams for the upcoming season, and to share important information about team structure and player management with all the coaches.  All 7^th & 8^th grade coaches will receive follow-up information about this camp.  The schedule is as follows:

7^th & 8^th grade boys    5:45pm- 7:00pm

7^th & 8^th grade girls     7:00pm-8:15pm  

Team Support

Every year, Belle Clair hopes to attract sponsors for all teams participating in the fall league.  At this point in time, we have only 50% of the teams with sponsorship support.  The cost of a team sponsorship is only $175.00.  If there is any interest or knowledge of team sponsorship possibilities, please contact Dave Fernandez immediately at Fernandezd@belleclairsoccer.org, or call the Belle Clair phone at 618-974-8809 for more detailed information.           

 “Soccer Talk”. . .  with Program Director Dave Fernandez (I’ll say it again!)

What it takes to be a Belle Clair Coach

During the fall league, Belle Clair has over 300 volunteer coaches working with all the kids in the program.  Most of these coaches are parents who have a child playing on the team.  Some of them have been working with the same team for several years, and have literally seen the kids grow up as a Belle Clair player.  Some coaches are not parents at all.  These people simply enjoy working with kids, love the game of soccer, and are willing to give their time to coach a Belle Clair team.  We are very fortunate to have both types of coaches commit their time to working with kids.  Belle Clair could not exist without these people.

The beauty of coaching youth soccer is that the game itself is the best teacher.  One doesn’t have to have vast knowledge of the game to be a responsible youth coach.  It just takes a little understanding on how to create a fun learning environment for kids to enjoy.  I believe the following characteristics and/or qualities best outline the requirements of a Belle Clair coach.  

• Anyone who cares about making each child on the team feel good about their efforts. . . Should become a Belle Clair coach!
•  Anyone who understands that individual development (socially, emotionally, & athletically) is more important than team or game success. . . Should become a Belle Clair coach!
• Anyone who understands it’s not “what you say” to a young player but “how you say it” is what makes a lasting, positive impression. . . Should become a Belle Clair coach!

I will continue to do whatever I can to provide relevant coaching education and on-going assistance to every Belle Clair coach.  I hope together we can make your stay at Belle Clair a very positive and rewarding experience.  Coaching clinics will again be provided this summer for new and returning coaches.  I hope all coaches will make every effort to attend the appropriate clinic for their team.  Together we can work to create a better playing and learning experience for all Belle Clair kids.   

See you on the Soccer Fields!

Dave Fernandez

Program Director

Fernandezd@belleclairsoccer.org

Remaining Belle Clair Coaching Clinic Dates

Tuesday, July 20^th—2^nd, 3^rd, & 4^th grade team coaches

Thursday, July 22^nd—5^th & 6^th grade team coaches

All clinics will begin at 6:00pm and take place on the Belle-Clair soccer fields located behind the Family Sportsplex.  Coaches are asked to attend the clinics.  All parents are welcome to attend as well.

Kindergarten & 1^st grade Coaches meeting

Wednesday, July 21^st, 6:00pm @Belle Clair fields—This meeting is VERY IMPORTANT for all kindergarten and 1^st grade coaches.  The content of the meeting will illustrate and explain how the K & 1^st grade games are structured.  At these ages, the coaches are responsible for facilitating the games without any game officials.  Important information will be handed out.  This meeting was very well attended last year and was extremely helpful.  Some changes have been made for the 2010 season.

Belle Clair Night at AC St. Louis Game

It will be BELL CLAIR NIGHT at the AC St. Louis soccer game on Saturday, September 18th, as our professional men’s team takes on the team from Austin, TX at 7:10pm at the Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park in Fenton, MO.  As part of the evening festivities, there will be a pre-game parade around the field that will include all Belle Clair players, coaches, and parents in attendance.  Belle Clair will also provide player escorts to accompany the starting players from both teams onto the field during starting line-up introduction, as well as ball boys/girls during the game.  There will also be half-time games for Belle Clair players to take part.

Special ticket prices will be available for all Belle Clair families.  Information on how to obtain game tickets through the Belle Clair website will be posted on the website by August 21^st.  This special event will be a great way for all Belle Clair families and friends to come out in abundance and show support for our professional men’s soccer team.

Belle Clair Board Member Positions Available

The Belle Clair board is seeking out people who are willing to commit their time and work toward the common goal of improving the game for all kids.  A Director of Marketing and a Director of Special Events are needed at this time.  Board meetings are held once a month.  Anyone interested in more detailed information with these positions should contact Program Director, Dave Fernandez.  Your time and talents will be greatly appreciated and are for the good of the game. 

If you are able to help the league in a volunteer capacity or would like more information on becoming a volunteer or board member, please contact Dave Fernandez at 618-974-8809 or email at Fernandezd@belleclairsoccer.org. 

CALENDAR OF EVENT:

July 20^th, 21^st, 22^nd – Coaches/Parent Clinics (see specifics in newsletter)

Aug. 2-4—7^th & 8^th grade player camp (see specifics in newsletter)

Aug. 9^th—K through 6^th grade training with Coach Dave begins (training schedule will be posted on Belle Clair website by July 26^th)

Aug. 14^th—Team uniform distribution @Sportsplex (see specifics in newsletter)

Aug. 19^th—Belle Clair Board Meeting

Aug. 21^st—Fall league games begin