Travel Program 2010 – The Direction
Dear Parents and Athletes,
As we move towards the start of a new soccer season, there are some important changes to be communicated. Over the last few seasons our Travel Program has been hit and miss on teams successes. We need to improve our program so that being successful is the norm not the exception. Success should not to be measured just in wins and loses but also in the areas of development and commitment.
To address our development issues, we have put in place a plan for continuous development, a document that can be found on our website. This document that we call, “A Guideline for Continuous Improvement”, will hopefully help shape our travel program for years to come. We have implemented a vehicle for technical help in the person of Andy Dunwoody to help our players and coaches. Each team will work with Andy this season.
Commitment is as important as anything we do. As a board, we are committed to supporting our coaches and players. We are committed to the guidelines we have published and making sure strategies are implemented. You will see your VP of travel at practices and games as often as possible in an effort to monitor team progress. Our coaches are committed to doing their best to prepare our athletes to compete.
The last part of commitment, the most important factor, is from our parents and our athletes. While we understand that families will vacation over the summer months, it is expected that any individual entering in our program will be committed to attending the bulk of the scheduled games and practices through the season. A usual week consists of 1 game and 2 practices. We also expect that planned missed time will be communicated to coaches well in advance. For the athletes, we expect them to approach games and practices with equal enthusiasm. We expect 100% effort and attention at all times. We expect them to respect their coaches.
Going forward, planning for the next season will start before the current season is over. This year, expect to see 2011 travel teams outlined before the end of September. In order to do this we will have to figure out which teams are viable going forward. If through-out the 2010 season a team is seen to be low in commitment, meaning attendance and effort, it will be unlikely that we will field a team for that age in 2011.
If we stay committed to development, wins will come! The current direction we are taking will not be a quick fix, as it will take time and resources to implement everything needed. Expect to see small improvements this year and more in subsequent years.
Hopefully this direction will be understood. This is a competitive program, and those participating should expect …..a Competitive program. An alternative to the competitive program is our great house league which is based on equal play and on social aspects.
Yours in Soccer,
Jerome Wihby
VP Travel CUSC
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