Message from the Coaching Director:

Dear Coaches,

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Youth Soccer Coaches Weekly Newsletter! We're excited to embark on this journey with you as we continue to develop players, coaches, referees, and teams who enjoy soccer while instilling life lessons and fostering lifelong friendships.

Coaching is a rewarding but often challenging endeavor. It's perfectly normal to feel nervous or anxious at times.  It's a sign that you care deeply about what you do. Embrace those feelings as a testament to your commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of our young athletes. They are a sign that you are taking your role seriously and that you genuinely care about their development, both on and off the field.

You are not alone on this journey. Our club is a community built on teamwork, support, and shared values. Reach out to your fellow coaches, tap into the resources available, and never hesitate to seek guidance or share your experiences. Together, we can overcome challenges and celebrate successes.

As you guide our players through their soccer adventures, keep in mind that your passion, dedication, and the occasional butterflies in your stomach are all part of the beautiful tapestry of coaching. Embrace them, harness them, and use them to inspire greatness in our players.

Thank you for joining our coaching family. Your contributions will help shape the future of our club and the lives of our young athletes. Together, we'll create lasting memories, instill important life lessons, and foster a deep love for the game.

Best of luck on this exciting journey, and remember, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Sincerely,

DJ Pereira

Cheshire Soccer Club

Youth Soccer Newsletter Issue #1 | Date: September 16th, 2023

In this issue: Sideline Behavior & Our Resource Center Spotlight

Sideline Etiquette: The Do's and Don'ts

As youth soccer coaches and parents, it's crucial to create a positive and supportive environment for young players during matches. Proper sideline behavior can greatly impact the players' experience and development. Here are some do's and don'ts to keep in mind:

The Do's:

1. Cheer Positively: Encourage and applaud good plays, effort, and sportsmanship, regardless of the score.
2. Offer Constructive Feedback: If you're a coach or a knowledgeable observer, provide constructive feedback after the game rather than during play.
3. Respect the Referees: Remember that referees are often young, learning the game, and doing their best. Show respect, even if you disagree with a call.
4. Lead by Example: Model good sportsmanship for the players. Showcase respect for opponents and officials.
5. Stay Hydrated: Bring water for yourself and your child. Hydration is key, especially during hot weather.

The Don'ts:

1. Don't Shout Negatives: Avoid shouting critical or negative comments at players, coaches, or referees. This can undermine confidence and enjoyment.
2. No Coaching from the Sidelines: Let the coach’s coach. Shouting instructions or tactics can be confusing for players.
3. Don't Argue with Officials: Publicly arguing with referees sets a poor example for young players and rarely results in a positive outcome.
4. Avoid Negative Comparisons: Refrain from comparing players, especially siblings, negatively during the game.
5. Stay off the Field: Sidelines are for spectators. Stepping onto the field or interfering with play is not allowed.

Remember, youth soccer is about fun, skill development, and personal growth. Positive sideline behavior contributes to a better experience for everyone involved.

Resource Center Spotlight: "Soccer Starts at Home" by Tom Byer

This week, we're highlighting a valuable resource for parents and coaches: the book "Soccer Starts at Home" by Tom Byer. Tom is renowned for his work in youth soccer development, and his book offers practical advice on how parents can help their children improve their soccer skills right in their own backyard or living room. It's a great read for parents looking to support their child's soccer journey.

Top-Shots Highlights of the Week

Check out some incredible shots from our young talents on the field:

Share Your Shots: Did you capture a memorable moment during a game? Share your photos by Sunday night here: Top Shots Gallery.

Upcoming Events:

• Cheshire High School Soccer Upcoming Games - Boys:
• September 19th: Away @ Career-Hillhouse
• September 23rd: Away @ Guilford
• Cheshire High School Soccer Upcoming Games - Girls:
• September 18th: Home vs. Wilbur Cross
• September 21st: Home vs. Foran
• September 23rd: Home vs. Mercy
• Upcoming Club Events:
• Saturday, September 23 and 30: Picture Day for in-house teams U6, U8, and U10.
• Saturday, October 21: Food drive to help support our Cheshire food pantry, in collaboration with the Cheshire police department.

Coach's Corner Feedback:

We value your input! Share your coaching experiences, challenges, or insights with us. Your feedback helps us grow as a club and as individuals.

In our continued effort to create a positive and supportive soccer community, let's commit to practicing good sideline behavior and encouraging our young athletes. Together, we can make the soccer experience enjoyable and rewarding for all.

Soccer Starts at Home by Tom Byer is available at local bookstores and online retailers.

Stay tuned for our next issue where we'll explore more tips and insights into youth soccer development.

Thank you for being part of our youth soccer coaching family! Together, we're making a positive impact on young lives.

Yours in soccer,

Xavier Lederer

Clubs President

For more information, visit https://www.cheshiresoccerclub.org/ .

Our Core Purpose: Developing players, coaches, referees, and teams who enjoy soccer, while learning life lessons and creating lifelong friendships.

Our Core Values: One Team | Respect | Humility | Hard Work | Growth Mindset | For the Love of the Game