Player's Information
Arrive at all Games and Practices Prepared To Play:
Athletes should come to games and practices ready to play. This means that every player needs shin guards, shoes appropriate to field of play, have all jewelry removed, have plenty of water, and uniforms (regular and alternate) for games. We also advise players to wear mouth guards to protect from unpredictable elbows and tumbles. Players cannot enter games or participate in contact drills without shin guards.
Push yourself to work hard and perfect the things you have the most trouble doing. If you have difficulties doing 1-touch shots or passes, practice them even harder rather than shy away from practicing them because you might look bad. You will look even worse if you don't practice them and then you need the move during the game and blow it. If we all knew how to do everything well, we wouldn't need to practice.
Talking to the Coach:
Getting to know your coach is an important part of feeling at home on your team. Coaches have different philosophies on how they want their teams run. All coaches want their players to arrive at all functions, on-time and ready to play. They also must have your respect and need you to listen carefully to instructions and respond promptly. It is disrespectful to the coach to talk when he or she is talking to the team or to not follow direction promptly. Some coaches will have very little tolerance for such behavior. Coaches do want you to have some fun with your teammates and feel proud of your membership.
It is important that you talk to your coach to learn what you need to focus on to improve your play. When your coach gives you these instructions, do not take it as criticism, but rather a challenge for you to follow his instructions so that "you" can improve.
Coaches love it when players practice on their own. Juggling and dribbling can always be done at home. Top players practice these skills at home many times a week. They also watch soccer on TV and practice skills and moves they see on their own. Top players are not afraid to try things beyond their comfort zone, and then they practice it until they can do it reliably during games.
Coaches for younger players usually have player development rather than winning games on their minds. You might be able to play your top 6 players all the time to win games, but how are players 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 going to feel about not getting to play? How good are you going to be when players 1 and 3 have to miss a game and you need to play kids that haven't been playing? It is important to develop all players so the team is strong. There is plenty of time to focus on winning when you get older. Even then, you need at least 14 or 15 good players to win championships. You won't win a championship if a coach didn't develop all players at younger age groups.