FC Alliance Parents,
The season as you know is winding down and many age groups are beginning the process of holding tryouts and forming teams for the 2010/2011 Season.
One of the biggest challenges this time of year is the appointment of our FC Alliance Coaching Staff. This process is made challenging because of the nature of the soccer schedule in our state. Tryouts can take place five days after the age group State Cup competition finals are completed. Some of our FC Alliance Coaches are coaching multiple teams and age groups. Not all these teams conclude their season at the same time. Therefore announcing staff from year to year is complicated because we try to minimize disruptions to teams that are still in play.
I began helping with the club in October 2009. I’ve have been asked by FC Alliance to provide recommendations to assist the organization in its evolution and growth. Here are some of my recommendations that have had an influence on coach placement.
- Age group training: We will be attempting to have both age group teams train at the same time. This will take place on a regular basis which will be determined by field availability. This is a player-centric approach and will allow for better communication between our coaches regarding player development. Teams will train separately but have the ability work cooperative to combine for certain types of training sessions. This approach requires team-work and cooperation between our coaches which impacts coach placement.
- We will begin the process of players moving through our program and having the players being exposed to different coaches. If a coach has been with an age group for more than two years we will evaluate the coach’s ability to continue with the team. Our goal as a club is to insure each age group is being challenged technically and tactically in order to develop as young soccer players. We will also challenge our coaching staff to broaden their coaching talents by being exposed to different age groups, genders and levels. This aids in the development of a club-centric model versus a team-centric approach to development.
- The player evaluation process is player-centric. Players U13 and above evaluate themselves in order to open the door to communicate with their coach.
- We are commited to coach development and support for coach’s growth. Energetic coaches that focus on the players and their growth is the core of a player-centric approach. We expect our coaches to contribute to our club as well as their teams. We want our staff to work closely together and to avoid isolationism within the club.
Other factors used in coach placement.
- Parent and player feedback is an important element to coach evaluation and improvement. It provides input into understanding the effectiveness of our coaching staff on a yearly basis.
- We ask coaches for a commitment to the club and its growth. FC Alliance is committed to the growth and development of the coaching staff.
- Coaches that are loyal to the club and its players and not solely looking at the economic aspect gained from their involvement in the club.
- We believe in fair treatment of coaches
- We have standards that will attract new quality coaches to the club
Based on all these factors we have posted our coaching staff for the upcoming year. We understand that your age group may be continuing with the same coach or a new coach may have been assigned. We want to acknowledge that this can have an impact on your son or daughter and their existing relationship with their coach. We are sensitive to the impact these decision have on families. Please know we are looking have the best long interest of the player in mind when these selections are made.
I look forward to the tryouts and us moving forward together. The entire FC Alliance Coaching and Administrative Staff thank you for your involvement in the club.
Best Regards,
Dave Schumacher
Director of Player Development
FC Alliance
206-963-9919
