PARENTS, COACHES AND PLAYERS
WELCOME TO THE FALL 2011 IN-TOWN SOCCER SEASON

Welcome to the fall 2011 soccer season.  As the VP for the Grafton Soccer Club’s in-town program, I thought it appropriate to send you some general information about what you can expect in the coming weeks in preparation for the season.  Hopefully this will answer most of your questions, but if you still need additional information after reading this don’t hesitate to contact me or your age group coordinator.

First, and foremost, the club emphasizes learning the fundamentals, having fun, and playing together as a team.  For this age group we structure the teams and games so that every child has many opportunities to touch the ball.  We keep the team size as small as possible to maximize individual instruction and playing time.  Thank you to all who have volunteered to be coaches.  The more coaches we have, the smaller we can make the teams.  

We are a volunteer organization and there are always opportunities to help out.  If you didn’t volunteer to be a coach, and see your child’s coach doing all the work, please don’t hesitate to step forward and ask if you can assist.

Outlined below you will find information about what you can expect in the coming weeks and the season ahead.  Again, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

AGE GROUPS for the In-Town Program:
In case you are new to the program, here are a few details of how the club is organized:

The In-Town Program consists of two age groups:  Under 6 years old (U6) and Under 8 years old (U8).  The age groups are determined based on the players’ ages as of the Sept 1st school year cut-off.   When you registered your child and entered their date of birth, the website directed you to the appropriate age group.  U6 is typically kindergarten age players, but we have opened this division up to 4 ½ year olds this season as well.  U8 is typically first and second grade players.  Teams are not co-ed – there are separate boys’ and girls’ divisions.

COMMUNICATION – what you can expect for the coming season:
•	Week of August 29th:  Parents will be contacted by coaches.
•	Week of September 5th:  Game schedules will be distributed
•	Week of September 12th:  U8 first practice this week.
•	Saturday, September 17th:  First game for Boys U6 and U8
•	Sunday, September 18th:  First game for Girls U6 and U8

GAME TIMES:
General game times and locations for each division are outlined below.  The actual game schedules will be provided to you by your coach.  Please note, locations are subject to change as a result of limited field space this fall – please check the final schedule.

Boys U6	Plays Saturday mornings at Grafton Lions Club
Girls U6	Plays Sunday afternoons at Grafton Lions Club

Boys U8 	Plays Saturday mornings at Brookmeadow Park
Girls U8	Plays Sunday afternoons at Brookmeadow Park

TEAM SELECTION:
The goal of the In-Town Program is for each child to develop a love of the game and grow as a player.  This is best achieved when the teams are evenly matched, with all kids having opportunities to grow.  To the best of their ability, the volunteer age-group coordinators will assign players with this goal in mind.

There are many requests by parents and coaches to place players on certain teams.  Coordinators will try to make accommodations where it doesn't affect the competitive balance, but there is no guarantee that a particular request will be granted.  

In addition, adjustments to team assignments need to be made from one season to the next in order to maintain a balanced league.   If your child has played before, please don’t be surprised if he or she has a new coach and a new set of teammates this time around.

FORMAT OF GAMES:
U6 game format will be 3 vs. 3, using pop-up nets.  There are no referees or goalkeepers for this age group.  There are no practices during the week.

U8 game format will be 6 vs. 6 with goalkeepers and referees.  This age group will practice one night per week at Brookmeadow Park.  Your coach will notify you of what day and time your child will practice.    

EQUIPMENT:
Every player will need shin guards in order to play.  It is preferable that your child wear cleats, but they are not required.  It is also helpful if your child can bring a ball to practice. No jewelry (including watches or earrings) is to be worn by the players at either games or practices. 

UNIFORMS:
All players will need a uniform, which can be purchased through the club.  If you have ordered a new uniform on-line or would like to purchase one, this can be done at uniform pick-up on Monday, August 29th behind Koopman’s Hardware from 5-7:30pm.  

FIELDS AND PARKING:
U6 games are played at the Grafton Lions Club fields on Brigham Hill Road.  
To allow easy entrance/exit from the field, there is no parking along the main road anywhere at games AND practices.  Please be considerate of others trying to get to the game on time by keeping the road clear.

U8 games and practices will be at Brookmeadow Park in South Grafton on Route 122 behind the Millbury Credit Union.

No dogs are allowed AT any of our fields.

Please remember that we are guests on all of our fields and we must all do our share to make sure that all the TRASH WE BRING LEAVES WITH US.  Parents, make sure the coaches don't have the extra job of cleaning up after your kids or you by doing your part.  By working together we can demonstrate that we are good guests and ensure that fields continue to be made available to our club and your children have a great field to play on.

PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF YOUR VOLUNTEER COACH:
We are grateful to have so many volunteer coaches, but as you can imagine, it isn’t always an easy job.   When parents are appreciative and respectful, the coaches will want to coach again next season.  A little consideration can go a long way.
•	Please let your coach know in advance when your child will not be at a practice or game.
•	Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to game starting time  
•	Please pay attention to practices.  If you notice the coach having to repeatedly address your child for behavior issues, please step in and assist.  
•	It is club policy to require a parent or guardian at all practices and games.  

SIDE LINE BEHAVIOR/CODE OF CONDUCT:
•	All parents are encouraged to cheer on both teams and encourage good sportsmanship, however, please refrain from "sidelines" coaching (yelling out instructions to the players). This is distracting to the players and could potentially be in contradiction with coaches’ instructions. 
•	Please respect the referees. Any issues should be referred to your team's coach. Under no circumstances are parents allowed to address the referees except in case of injury. 
•	Please only give positive feedback to players on both teams.
•	Please do not instruct players to “SHOOT” or “PASS”.  This only emphasizes to the players that they need to get rid of the ball they worked so hard to get.  At this age, we want to emphasize ball control.   
•	Good or poor sportsmanship is taught to our children by the adults they interact with.  Please be a good role model and teach the kids to win and lose gracefully. 
•	Remember, the game is for the children, not the adults.

PARENTS SHOULD ALWAYS BE AT THE FIELD WITH THEIR CHILD:
Parents should always stay at the field during practices and games.  If, for some reason, you need to leave the field, please make arrangements with another parent to be responsible for your child and inform the coach of your arrangement.  Practices and games may end unexpectedly early due to weather, injury or some other unforeseen circumstance.   

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, FEEDBACK:
The club volunteers and their roles are as follows:

U8 Boys coordinator 	
Justin Turcotte	justin_turcotte@yahoo.com 

U8 Girls coordinator 	
Stephen Crowley	crowley9911@gmail.com	  	

U6 Boys coordinator 	
Chris Gouveia	cgouveia@charlesriverinsurance.com

U6 Girls Coordinator	
Rob Follansbee	robert.follansbee@gmail.com

Of course, your coach is also a valuable resource to you.   Please feel free to contact any of us with questions or concerns.

Have a great season!

Jim Thomas
VP- In-Town Program
jim.thomas@catlin.com