Kids Talk

With the introduction of a "Silent Saturday" coming up in two weeks time, some of you might be thinking, "Why?"

You might have your kids involved with the CSA/OP Rec Program simply to give your child an opportunity to run around and be involved in an activity. CSA looks at each player in the program having the potential to "move on" with their youth soccer education. It is the job of each administrator, coach and parent to give every child the opportunity to be successful as they take the next step in their youth soccer playing career.

One of the problems many coaches will point to in their end of season evaluations of players is their lack of ability to communicate on the field. "Team Talk" is the glue that holds teams together. Without it, our players are playing with blindfolds on. It is our job to instill the quality of "talking" to our players at the youngest age possible.

How can we expect young players to develop the good habits of talking on the field if they hear the constant barrage of commands from the coach and parents from the sidelines?

Please keep in mind that "Silent Saturday" is an experiment. We hope the game will have a different "feel" and we walk away from the field with positive results.

Feedback is always welcome. Thank you.

Erik Imler