Rochester Pride - RSC Lightning '96

Parents, I am very much looking forward to this season and getting to know those of you new to the team, and see all of you returning to the team again. Every time I take on a new team it is quite a challenge and sometimes a little overwhelming. For a roster of 20 players, that generally means 60 new people for me to meet, get to know, names to learn, faces to recognize - plus siblings, best friends & sometimes grandparents, aunts & uncles. That also means 60 or more people to get to know me as well. And among so many people it can be very easy for questions, answers, ideas, and messages to get lost, misinterpreted, or misunderstood in the crowd. In an effort to minimize any miscommunication and to expediate the "getting to know you" process, I would ask that after practice Thursday 30 Aug, rather than wait in the car for your player that day, please take a few minutes and come meet with us at the equipment area immediately following practice. This year I am pleased to see a number of familiar faces so the transition may be a bit more smoothly than in other years. Nonetheless, in order to make full welcome our new team families, as well as review some important and basic items, I still feel that a short meeting is a great way to get off to a good start. Basically, I'll just cover what I hope to accomplish with the team and give you an idea as to my approach to the game, my goals, and my expectations. I will answer any and all questions you may have. This will also be a good opportunity for you to meet the other parents of the team and get to know each other as well - which is always a nice way to start out the season. It is not my intention to make this a long drawn out affair, maybe 15-20 minutes or however much longer you decide. A couple of things I will be asking which I'd like you to please consider: 1 - A volunteer to put together a refreshment schedule. 2 – Volunteers for a “phone tree” – to pass along information to the full team if needed. Usually this would have to do with weather related cancellations of practice 3 - One or several volunteers to keep stats from the team bench during matches. This is often an enjoyable activity for a sibling as well as a parent. There is much for me to analyze and this information is crucial to effectively help me assess the team's performance & development and aids me in determining upcoming training needs. 4 - (this is a big one & #1 on my wish list) - A volunteer with a video camera to tape our matches from beginning to end so that I can analyze the matches at home. This will greatly assist my efforts to plan practice sessions and aid the team's progress. The big trick with this favor is to really focus on the match play with the camera rather than just your daughter. This is a lot to ask but highly, highly appreciated. Anything else you wish to cover or ask is entirely encouraged. That is precisely why I want us to all get together like this. So if you can, please take a few minutes Thursday. I am certain that it will be pleasant and beneficial for everybody. Thank you all in advance. - Coach K WHEN: Thursday, August 30th TIME: 7:00 pm - just after practice for 15 - 20 minutes or so WHERE: Brooklands Elementary Soccer Field - by the goal with all the equipment on the practice field.