Silos

A recent blog was posted by Sam Snow (US Youth Soccer Director of Coaching) on the US Youth Soccer web site. The article was titled: SILOS.

Silos
By Sam Snow

I've been traveling consistently since the first of 2009 to a variety of soccer events. I've been to Orlando, Florida; Antalya, Turkey; St. Louis, Missouri; Greensboro, North Carolina; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Anchorage, Alaska; Pomona, California; Los Angles, California; Warwick, Rhode Island and now I'm on my way to San Jose, California, for the 2009 US Youth Soccer adidas Workshop.
One of the things I have noticed in these travels is the shared passion for soccer of the many people I meet. They all are committed to the game, but not just the game, instead the people in it. While everyone in soccer across the world has their differences with one another the majority truly care about the people in the game.

I have noticed too that many folks are sure that somehow they and their situation are different when in fact they are all the same. Regularly, I hear soccer folks say to me things such as - Well coach, you have to understand that around here our parents are really competitive and they just don't like the idea of not keeping score for their six-year-old. It is an eye-opener for them to hear that everyone in youth soccer in the USA says the same thing. When I tell them that some get it and others are still convinced they are somehow different. The only difference in American youth soccer circumstances is the size of the state and occasionally the accent. Otherwise we are all in the same youth soccer boat with similar successes and challenges.

We must break down the silos that we have built up around us and build one huge team that is soccer in America. It doesn't matter what your role is in the game you are part of the team. Every team member has something to contribute and every team member should be respected for their contribution. All aspects of the game are interlocked like the Olympic rings. You may be in one of the rings furthest from the opposite end, but you are still interlocked. Soccer in our nation still has many hurdles to overcome and we must not be hurdles to one another or create our own hurdles. So let's begin in 2009 to tear down the silos and build our team.

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I want to add, that Infinity Soccer respects what others do in our community at any and every level. We encourage anything that promotes kids playing soccer. We are huge advocates of District 7 and the Utah Youth Soccer Association. There are many great ideas regarding how to go about developing soccer in our country. Infinity Soccer strives to stay informed and up to date with current trends on U.S. Youth Soccer so OUR kids and families have the best opportunity to play and compete at every level. As we look towards the future, we hope that everyone will acknowledge the impressive past of Cache Valley soccer. But the past is the past and the opportunities are there for us to play catch up with the rest of the state and the rest of the nation by creating a more passionate soccer culture in our own backyard.

We are excited about the development of soccer in the U.S., the region, Utah and most importantly Cache Valley and its surrounding communities. The future is bright and the limits are endless. We hope you will attend the Annual Parent meeting on March 31st and or April 1st to hear more about the direction Infinity is going.

Thank you for supporting soccer at whatever level you contribute to this beautiful game...thank you!

Players or Competitors?

Has our system created an unintended consequence in player development?

Dr. Jay Martin - Soccer Journal

In early September, a Division I game featured two Top 10 teams, one from the West Coast and one from the East Coast. In this early-season special, two big-time programs went at each other, each hoping to make a statement for the 2008 season. After the first half, it was clear the West Coast team had better soccer players. Pound for pound, they were more technical than the home team. That team lost 3-0... and it could have been more. Good soccer players who played good soccer but didn't compete. They PLAYED the game; they did not COMPETE the game.

In a recent interview discussing the upcoming hockey season, Columbus Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock told reporters the team would make the playoffs if he could find players `who would COMPETE and not just PLAY" The difference? "Players who PLAY bring skill; players who COMPETE bring everything!"

There is too much playing in American soccer and not enough competing. Playing permeates all levels of the game, from U-5 to MLS and the national teams. We are confusing ability for talent. Allen Fox, author of The Winner's Mind, says: "Most people mistake speed and skill for talent. Real talent STARTS with energy, drive, work ethic and the will to win. Without these attributes, a player can never be great."

We have focused so much on playing that we haven't taught players to compete, to fight, to work hard or to have the will to win. As a soccer culture, we've always had an inferiority complex, so we emphasize playing, technical ability and skills. Our youth play a lot of soccer, but few compete. What happened to all the highly regarded U-17s we've had in this country? Where are they now? They are playing somewhere.

It is not always the players' fault. Our "soccer system" or "soccer culture" is dysfunctional. When players are not playing in their club, they simply change clubs. There is no thought about competing for a spot on the team, getting better to fight for a spot... they simply change clubs. The message to players is that striving to get better is not as important as how you play and how you look High school age players don't care much about the outcome of games (whether they are playing in high school or club), but they do care about "showing"...about playing to showcase their skills and ability for college coaches. How many times have you heard a parent tell their son or daughter that they played well or showed well despite losing the game?

Add to this the large number of meaningless games in youth soccer and we have a deadly combination. When young players play in hundreds of meaningless high school and club games, the emphasis slowly changes from the game to the individual. To playing and showing. Competing is lost. By the time the players move to the next level, they haven't learned how to compete. Or, as Allen suggests, they do not have the drive, work ethic or will to win.

Players lose motivation and confidence when the 'Work/play" is no longer easy (i.e. college soccer, or the next level). The rules change at the next level; the emphasis switches back to competing and hard work and the players can't handle it. They think they are playing (and they are) - but they are not competing. We need players who compete and play; players who have the will to win.

Research is clear that constant praising of children's innate ability (athletic or intellectual) can prevent them from living up to their potential. On the other hand, studies show that teaching young people to focus on effort rather than ability helps make them high achievers and competitors in school, on the field and in life.

Why do some players, when confronted with failure, give up while others who are no more skilled continue to compete and learn? Stanford University's Carol Dweck, author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, suggests that the answer lies in people's beliefs about why they failed. It seems that those who were praised for their ability and intelligence when things are easy have trouble changing gears and working hard when things get tough. Children who are taught to focus on effort and getting better rather than the outcome learn to work hard and solve the problem. Soccer players who change clubs never learn to solve the problems that others face because they never face them. The key, says Dweck, isn't ability: it's whether you look at ability as something inherent that needs to be demonstrated or as something that can be developed. She further suggests that many young athletes who are led to believe that talent is more important than effort become uncoachable!

Somehow in the Land of the Puritan Work Ethic, we have separated ability and effort. We are teaching our young soccer players that ability, technique and skill outweigh effort. In fact, our young players believe that having to work hard at soccer is a sign of low ability. Since college coaches are interested in ability, young players don't work hard, they don't compete. When they get to college and things get tough they can't change gears and work hard. They are confused. They played "high-level youth soccer" and made it to a college team playing one way. Now the coach wants the players to change and work hard. Many can't do it.

A high level of ability will inspire confidence in our young players... for a while. As long as things are going well, the players will be confident, but adversity and failure change everything. How our young players react to setbacks depends on their goals. If the goal is to play at the next level by focusing on ability or skill (performance goals), there will be no improvement, but if the goal is to become a better soccer player; to improve ability (learning goals), the young player will work hard, compete and become a better player. Dweck's 2002 study showed that praising children for intelligence (or ability) alone rather than effort actually sapped their motivation.

Culture plays a large role in shaping our beliefs. Our soccer culture perpetuates the belief that talent is the answer. And talent is defined as skill. We focus on talent, we praise those who are talented, we fight for talented players for our teams and, as a result, have created a mindset that talent is the end-all in soccer. The mindset that soccer ability is the only answer is a problem and must be changed. We must return to an emphasis on effort, drive, determination and the will to win in addition to skill and talent.

How do we change from a "fixed mindset" to a "growth mindset" in this soccer culture? How do we change the emphasis from relying totally on skill to relying on using the skill in addition to hard work? One way, says Dweck, is to tell our players about those who were successful through hard work and not only skill. These examples should show that real success needs a combination of ability and hard work. Sports in general and soccer specifically provide many examples of this. Take Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal. He has tremendous skill and soccer ability, but he also is the hardest worker on the field; that combination makes him one the best players in the EPL. The hardworking Claude Makalele is another example. Often overlooked at Real Madrid as only a hard worker, his real contributions were displayed when he moved to Chelsea. Real Madrid struggled and Chelsea became one of the best teams in Europe after his transfer.

Another strategy coaches can use to change the mindset is praise. Instead of praising skill alone, coaches must praise effort, hard work and the will to win. Most people believe they should build up people by telling them how brilliant or talented they are. Dweck's research suggests this is misguided and a mistake.

As coaches, it is time to change our players' mindset. It is time to make work ethic and effort important again. It is time to combine highly skilled players with hard-working players. Our players must stop playing and start competing.

'93 Girls Premier Return From Vegas with Silver

Las Vegas! The very name conjures up images of neon lights and fun. But for the U-16 Infinity Girls Soccer team, a recent trip to Las Vegas was not about the glamor of the Strip, but for most, their first chance to compete in an out-of state Soccer Tournament: City of Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup.

Many factors were stacked against this team from the very start. Minus assistant coaches Caleb Cowley and Crissy Partridge, Head Coach Jeff Ginn had the sole responsibility of coordinating and coaching 2 girls teams at the same time. Also missing were two key players, Kat Murray, who could not attend and Sam Emmett, who was rostered on the U-17 team. Adding to this that the team was trying out a new formation, expectations of this tourney were more of a “chance to play against other out of state teams” and not a “we can win” attitude-except the girls didn’t seem to realize that the Vegas odds were stacked against them and they seemed to think that they were in it to win!

Game 1 vs. Mustang Boca Extreme. This was probably the warmest game as the 2 at night and other 2 daytime games were pretty cold. This game also was the first experience for most of the girls to be part of the tradition of teams trading “gifts” as the team captains met on the field. It was apparently new to some other teams because although all our opposing teams received Infinity Beanies from team captains JD Larsen and Stacey Bair, this first team was the only one that reciprocated with suckers. This was also the team that was listed on the roster as coming from CAN, which we assumed to be Canada, but later learned that they were from California North, although there were some Canadian teams present. First game jitters were apparent in the first half even though the team was using their familiar formation. The first half score was 0-0. In the second half the girls were more confident and they pulled ahead 1-0 when Juliette McCann stole the ball, took a one touch shot with her left foot and drilled it past the goalie from 25 yards out. Late in the second half, the Mustangs managed to put in a goal, resulting in a 1-1 tie.

Game 2 vs. Colorado United Blue. This game may be referred to as our 3 Yellow Card Game…(some refs are so touchy!) Coach Ginn decided to implement a new 1-2-3-3-2 formation in this game, leaving the girls to wonder if their Coach had finally cracked under all the pressure, but as the game progressed, and the girls got into the rhythm of the new line-up, it was as if a whole new Infinity team had taken the field. The new formation resulted in more controlled passing by the mid-field and a more aggressive attack by the strikers. The team literally took control of the game and it showed in the confident, dominant way they played, completely frustrating the opposing team. The only goal in this game resulted from a beautiful cross-field assist by Striker, Nicky Bennett and a finishing shot by Right Full bakc, Laura Dewald. The 1-0 score didn’t do justice to the quality of teamwork that was executed on the field but even so… the girls had just won their first ever out-of state game!

Game 3 vs. Boise National Blast White. If the new formation looked like it was clicking in the previous game, it was deemed a complete success in this one as the girls completely dominated the entire game. Stacey Bair had a hat trick, contributing 3 goals and Danica Hansen and Juliette McCann had a goal apiece, with many other players assisting. Solid defensive play from JD Larsen, Chelsea Curtis, and Porsha Jones resulted in another shut-out and a 5-0 Infinity win.

Game 4 vs. Neusport FC94 South Nevada. Notwithstanding the excellent record of 1 tie and 2 wins, this was a very important game. Our point standing going into this game was 22 points, while the Mustangs that we had tied with in our first game and now having completed their last game, had 30 points.

We needed a win with 3 goals and a shut out in order to advance to the Championship Game. Despite the pressure of knowing we HAD to win or it was all over or maybe because of it, mid-fielders Marsela Murillo, Jessie Clements, Cassidee Nelson and Kaylee Kendrick took control early and kept the pressure on the entire game. The offense did their part with goals by Danica Hansen, Juliette McCann, Nicky Bennett and the only header goal in this tournament by newest team member Maddie Daines, resulting in a 4-0 win and another shut-out from the defense.

After the game, the U-17 and U-16 Infinity Girls teams presented Coach Ginn with a soccer ball that both teams had signed, and the girls had a team picture taken together. It was now very late and very cold , but the excitement was high because the Infinity U-16 Girls were now advancing to the Championship Game!

Much of the team’s success was due to the structured agenda that Coach Ginn had outlined in a detailed hand-out that each girl was expected to follow, or as JD Larsen called it “my Bible, because it tells me what to do and never steers me wrong.” The girls all stayed together in one hotel, with no parents in their rooms, and although there was a little free time allotted each day, most of the girls used the time to try and catch up on their sleep. They arose early each morning for team stretching, and had a set warm-up to follow before each game. The result was a team that came onto the field energized and ready to play from the very start of the game.

Monday, February 16, 2009. President’s Day.

The rain from the night before had stopped but it was still cool and wet. Seeing college scouts wandering around with clipboards, and noticing the size of the championship trophies waiting to be handed out, gave merit to what a big deal being at this game really was. Our girls seemed calm as they warmed-up but as we glanced at the opposing team, Glenview Elite from Illinois, many parents commented on the size of the girls our team was about to play. As the parents paced nervously, the girls played a solid first half but had few opportunities to score. Early on, Nicky Bennet had a pretty header that she redirected just skimming and going over the top of the bar. At half-time the score was 0-0. That changed early in the second half when Annie Hughes had a breakaway and was able to get one past the goalie, putting Infinity ahead 1-0. Annie doesn’t quite remember how it happened but she says she was “loving it” after the goal. Just a few minutes later as the ball was bobbled by Glenview’s goalie, Danica Hansen managed to get control of the ball and put it in the net. Unfortunately the ref called us with an offside penalty and took the goal away but even so, we were still ahead 1-0. Late in the second half the ball hit off the foot of one of our defensive players and hit her hand and we were called for a hands in the box penalty and they were able to score from the resulting Penalty Kick. At the end of regulation play the score was tied 1-1. On to overtime, starting with five minutes of Golden Goal play: whichever team scores first immediately wins. If no one scores its another five minutes with the same rules. The first over-time ended with no score, as did the second over-time so now it was on to a Shoot-Out. This has to be the most intense, pressure inducing soccer situation ever invented, with girls going one on one with the opposing goalie as they take a shot at the goal. Goalies Laura Rosales and Kjaersty Cook had split playing time throughout the tournament and had both played exceptionally and they split responsibilities in this game as well, with Laura as goalie for most of regulation play and Kjaersty finishing the second half and in for the over-time and shoot-out. After 5 shots from each team it was still tied. On to the second round. After one tie and 3 consecutive wins, a championship tie, 2 overtimes and 2 shoot-out rounds, it all came down to one goal made by their team and a missed shot on ours: the game was over. Glenview Elite would be receiving the first place trophy, while Infinity would receive 2nd place medals. It was heartbreaking to see the girls devastated at the loss, because they truly WERE winners in this tournament. They overcame incredible odds to even win one game and then consistently won against good teams, earning the right to play in the Championship Game. Their dedication and unselfish play exemplifies what teamwork is all about.

In a ranking system where the lower the number the better, Infinity U-16 is now ranked Nationally: 859 in Region 4: 270 and in Utah: 9th and this team will prove in the year to come that those numbers will only become smaller!

CONGRATULATIONS U-16 GIRLS INFINITY SOCCER TEAM!!

Thanks to the U-17 Girls and U-18 Boys Infinity Soccer teams, Coach’s Sherri Dever and Robson Chaves and all parents for their support at our games, and congratulations to MVP Laura Dewald.

Infinity well represented at the NSCAA GK Course

Eight Infinity coaches attended the seven hour goal keeping course hosted by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) course in Draper, Utah February 27th & 28th. The accumulation of coaches was the largest represented by any club present. The coaching staff has recognized the importance of goal keeping and want to see a drastic change in how we view our goal keepers at training. By having more coaches understand the needs of the goal keeper and by having new ideas presented to us, we hope that the goal keeper begins to feel like he/she is more part of the team in pre-match warm ups and training. The goal is to have consistent and progressive GK training as well as reinforced instruction during match play.

We also have a young group of coaches being mentored for the future. One of which is being mentored specifically as a goal keeper trainer. We hope that as we put more effort in to the goal keeper position that we will begin to raise the bar of expectations with our teams. Without a quality goal keeper you are less likely to compete at the highest of levels.

Infinity Coaches in attendance: Jeff Ginn, Sherri Dever, Toni Doney, Aric Craig, Kasey Erickson, Larry Tolley, KcKenzie Garn, Crissy Partridge