| Body & Soul Ultimate Soccer Adventure |
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| Coaching Corner: Finishing Ground Balls |
This installment of the Coaching Corner comes from the book Soccer Skills and Drills, published by Human Kinetics. It comes from Chapter 4: Shooting. For information on how to order a copy of Soccer Skills and Drills, CLICK HERE.
Purpose: To practice using the appropriate foot and appropriate surface of the foot for shots on the goal.
Procedure: Place six balls around the periphery of the box. Balls will be rolled toward the penalty spot for players to finish. Players line up behind three cones. As balls are played toward the space between the penalty spot and the top of the box, players shoot at goal using the apppropriate foot and appropriate surface. Players change starting positions after each attempt at goal.
Coaching Points: Players should always shoot with the foot closer to the ball. Players should not let the ball run across the body to the opposite foot.
For drill animation, CLICK HERE. |
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| Meet Elizabeth Rappolt, An Extraordinary Volunteer and Coach |
Return to newsletter. 
Meet Elizabeth Rappolt
An Extraordinary Volunteer and Coach
By Deloris Roach, Special to soccer California
Libby Rappolt is shown here at the CYSA's annual Hall of Fame Dinner. She was chosen as the District 1 Coach of the Year in 1998.
Elizabeth "Libby" Rappolt does not watch TV. She doesn't have the time. Her day starts and ends with soccer.
"I get up in the morning at 6 a.m. and get on the computer looking at emails," she says.
She receives from 15 to 40 a day from team administrators, coaches and parents associated with District 1's Viking Club and Viking League. She is president of the club and director of coaching for the league.
The rest of her day is spent taking her son, a high school senior, off to school; working part-time at a soccer equipment shop; practicing with two teams that she coaches; making dinner for her family; and at night attending soccer-related meetings, or working on registration and other administrative tasks for her club and league. She donates an average of 20 hours a week as a District 1 volunteer, in addition to her six paid hours as a coach.
Why does she do it?
"I am concerned that there are not a lot of healthy activities for kids," she says. "I want to provide something where kids can build their self esteem, especially girls."
She is pleased with the strides made in women's sports since the passage of Title IX, but concerned about the emphasis society places on female attractiveness, or form over substance. She explains that she thinks particular attention should be paid to girls between the ages of 12 and 14, because self-esteem-building activities are so important for adolescent girls.
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"It's the age where they start paying attention to their looks," she says. "Team sports is about your efforts on the team; not what you look like; and there's built-in support from your teammates."
District 1 Commissioner Ilona Montoya says Rappolt's gifts of time, energy and creativity have contributed greatly to the growth of the district's recreational program.
"The majority of our recreation players come in through the Viking Club," Montoya says. "Libby wants everybody to play."
In fact, Rappolt initiated one of the most popular programs in the district (other than traditional soccer play) - Micro-Soccer for children four to seven years old. She worked with other parents to start the project when her own son was only four years old. She wanted to give him a chance to play, despite his tender age, because she knew and valued the benefits of soccer. Now, 188 teams and hundreds of kids play Micro-Soccer.
She also contributed to the formation of Six-A-Side Soccer for girls 15 to 17 years old. Seventy girls now participate in Six-A-Side Soccer, which gets its name from the number of girls on each team. Games are conducted without a goalie and are meant to give teens who don't want to be in a competitive league, a chance to play just for the fun of the game. The program is in its second year; Rappolt says she would like to see something similar for boys.
She says her focus is always on increasing the number of kids who play soccer and not necessarily on creating champions.
"The percentage who can become champions is small. I define success as, 'Have you had such fun that this game is something you want to play your whole life?'" she says. "There is lots of focus on the elite player, but you don't have to be a great player to have a great time."
Coach Libby Rappolt (standing, far right) is shown here with one of the teams she coaches, the "Valkyries," after they won the Tiburon-Mill Valley Tournament this past August.
She is proposing yet another innovative project where the purpose will be simply to provide a fun experience. It's called Drop-in Soccer and will consist of U9-11 players coming to a given location at an announced time, being randomly assigned to four-person teams, and playing a series of games.
Rappolt emphasizes, however, that none of the programs she's helped start, or other programs in the district, could exist without the help of many other dedicated volunteers.
"All of our programs are volunteer-based; it's really a community effort," she says. "I am just one of many hard workers in the youth community."
In addition to being a super volunteer, Rappolt is also an exceptional soccer player. She has been on several championship teams, including her present one, the Over-40 team with the Golden Gate Women's Soccer League. The group recently won its third US Nationals Women's Premier Championship.
She has also been a coach for 20 years and currently oversees two U12-13 girls' teams, the "Valkyries" and "Courage." In 1998 she was chosen as the California Youth Soccer Association's District 1 Coach of the Year. In 2007 she was honored by the Soccer Old Timers' Organization for her numerous and extraordinary contributions to soccer.
Rappolt holds two science-related bachelor's degrees, one in biochemistry and one in molecular biology, but she admits that over the years, her love for bugs has given way to her interest in making soccer available and accessible to children.
"My passion for soccer took over my passion for science," she says with a laugh.
And hundreds of children who play soccer in District 1 are beneficiaries of that change.
Become a District 1 Volunteer
District 1, like most CYSA districts, is always in need of volunteers. Currently people (parents, grandparents, friends, etc.) are needed to help with the Olympic Development Program as evaluators and trainers; keep fields clean; serve as team managers and coaches; and to perform secretarial, accounting and scheduling duties. If you think you could be a volunteer, please call Libby Rappolt at 415-753-3111 or email her at sfvikingssoccer@sbcglobal.net.
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| Middle School Soccer Coach Opening |
Middle School Soccer Coach Opening
Position:
Assistant and head middle school soccer coach positions available for Fall 2008 (Grades 6-8)
Qualifications:
- Must have coaching experience and ability to work with competitive middle school boys
- Must be willing to teach skills, strategy, a positive attitude, good sportsmanship, and life lessons that may arise
- Licensed coach USSF "E/D" or higher
- Competent and knowledgeable soccer coach
Where: Small independent school located in the Pacific Heights District. Practices are at Morton Field in the Presidio. Game locations vary
When: League runs from September through November 2008. Practice days and times vary. For example, 8th grade teams practice 3-4 days a week from 2:30-4:30pm and 6th grade teams practice 2 days a week from 3:30-5:30 with games on Saturday.
Compensation:
A stipend up to $2,000 will be given to qualified head coaches
A stipend up to $1,500 will be given to qualified assistant coaches
Please respond with coaching experience to ROGERGOL4@aol.com |
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| Over 30 Women's Tournament Team Forming |
| We will play 4 -5 tournaments per year. Practices will begin 6 weeks before each tournament. We are all about having fun and playing the beautiful game. It is also important that our players can make the commitment and can plan their schedule around the tournament. There will also be player fees as well as some travel expenses that players will need to be able to cover. You don't need to be a highly skilled player, just willing to practice and have team spirit.
If interested please call Laura at 510 691-0280 or email laura@laurahorton.net
Click here for flyer .pdf
"Do you know what my favorite part of the game is?
The opportunity to play. It is as simple as that."
Mike Singletary, NFL Linebacker
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| Play BEACH soccer At Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk June 21 & 22 |
Play BEACH soccer this
SUMMER!
At
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
 June 21 & 22
Visit our website for all the information
www.proambeachsoccerusa.com
Sign up soon! Spaces fill up fast!
Play soccer and have a family weekend of fun! |
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| San Francisco Seals Summer 2008 Drop-In Clinics |
San Francisco Seals
Summer 2008 Drop-In Clinics
Individual Skills and Technical Training
Age Group:
5-11 years old
2-16 years old: Individual Training, Including Goalkeeper and Striker work, available(Group or Team sessions by request, 7 or more Players)
When:
4:00 - 6:00 PM Weekdays from May 27 - July 25, 2008
Where:
USF's Negoesco Field (second location TBA)
Coaches:
Paul Aigbogun, Head Coach, San Francisco Seals
Shani Simpson, Assistant Head Coach, San Francisco Seals
Cost:
5 Day Pass: $100.00 10 Day Pass: $175.00 20 Day Pass: $300.00Full Summer Pass: $400.00
Mission Statement:
The San Francisco Seals play in the Premier Development League providing opportunities for local rofessionals, and elite college and high school players to play high level soccer and advance their careers. Our youth mission is to improve the basic skills and enjoyment of thegame among young aspiring soccer players. TheDrop-in clinic is a non-competitive environment thatfocuses on individual skill development.
More Info: www.sfsealsacademy.com
Inquires to: sfseals@gmail.com
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FLYER
& REGISTRATION FORM |
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| San Francisco Viking Soccer Club Seeking Coaches For Summer Soccer Camp |
San Francisco Viking Soccer Club
Seeking Coaches For Summer Soccer Camp
The San Francisco Viking Soccer Club is seeking coaches for the Viking Summer Soccer Camp.
The camp consists of 4 one week all day (9am-4pm) sessions at West Sunset/Jim Lucey Soccer Fields in San Francisco.
(July 21-25, July 28-Aug 1, Aug. 4-8 and Aug. 11-15)
The job pays $18.00 per hour.
Philosophy and Mission of the Camp
The primary objective of the Viking Soccer Camp is individual player development using the small game method of coaching; in a safe, positive and child friendly playing environment.
If you are interested in being a coaching candidate for this camp:
- Email your coaching resume showing your coaching experience; listing dates and locations. Please include any coaching or teaching licenses you may possess.
- Email references from teams and parents.
- Email a short letter explaining why you are interested in coaching at this camp and your personal youth soccer camp coaching philosophy.
To Toby Rappolt/Camp Director
toby@sunsetsoccer.com |
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| SF Viking Summer Soccer Camp |
KIDS GET A T-SHIRT,
BALL AND BAG
SF VIKING SUMMER CAMP has been around for years, yet for many of our soccer players it is their first camp experience. Our staff consists of nationally licensed coaches, former professional, and college players, who were selected for their ability to teach and their passion for the game. 
Our coaches ensure that players of every age and ability level will have fun learning the game of soccer. The low player to coach ratio enables the coaches to provide continuous attention and individual skills training. The camp also provides a variety of group exercises, small-sided games, and full field matches. In addition to this first class training every player will receive an official camp shirt, soccer ball, and bag. At the end of the week every player will also get a personal evaluation from the coaching staff.
PHILOSOPHY:
The San Francisco Viking Club Soccer Camp is designed to instruct boys and girls ages 5 to 15 in individual skills while improving techniques and tactics. The Viking Soccer Club will develop, enhance, and increase the skills of each soccer player regardless of level or playing ability. Finally, the Club will provide an atmosphere that is welcoming, engaging, and FUN.
SF Viking Soccer Club Phone Number
415-753-3111 Mailbox #2
Camp Emergency Phone Number/
Camp Director's Phone Number
415-846-6446
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION |
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| U.S. Soccer Adds Additional Summer National Coaching School From JUNE 21-29 In Mt Hermon, Mass. |
From the U.S.SoccerCommunicationsCenter:
U.S. SOCCER ADDS ADDITIONAL SUMMER NATIONAL COACHING SCHOOL
FROM JUNE 21-29 IN MOUNT HERMON, MASS.
Don't Miss the Opportunity to Earn a Nationally and FIFA Recognized License;
Learn From the Top National Coaches in the United States
- U.S. Soccer has announced an additional coaching course site to be held June 21-29 at Northfield Mount Hermon School in Mount Hermon, Mass. The small preparatory school near the border of New Hampshire will conduct "A", "B", and "C" license courses. The newest addition will complete the courses offered in an already busy June.
· 2008 Coaching Summer Schools Application
National summer courses are already set for June 7-15 at Darlington School in Rome, Ga., and The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., and June 21-29 at Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest, Ill.
As always, space is limited for these select courses. Registration is underway, so apply now to ensure your spot. More information on the National Coaching Schools is available at ussoccer.com, or by contacting the U.S. Soccer Coaching Department at coaches@ussoccer.org or 312-808-1300.
Coaches are encouraged to keep their membership current with CoachesNet, U.S. Soccer's coaches club. For more information visit http://www.ussoccer.com/coaches/net/index.jsp.html.
National Coaching School Courses - More Information
- ussoccer.com -
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U.S. Soccer Federation, 1801 S. Prairie Ave, Chicago IL 60616
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| Youth games coming to San Francisco - They can use some help for the upcoming games |
Youth games coming to San Francisco
They can use some help for the upcoming games
Rich Fern
Overview
On July 10 -15 2008 San Francisco, California will host the 42nd International Children's Games. Athletes from 100 cities representing 50 countries and spanning six (6) continents will compete in eight sports and participate in cultural activities designed to foster understanding and friendship. World famous Golden Gate Park, the University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University and AT&T Park will provide venues for this exciting event. The San Francisco Games will bring together 2,000 athletes, 12 to 15 years of age, from 100 cities representing 50 countries from around the world, to put forth their personal best in track and field, tennis, swimming, volleyball, soccer, table tennis, basketball and golf. To see more details about the event, please go to our Fact Sheet.
The 42nd International Children's Games is endorsed by the International Olympic Committee and is the only global, youth athletic event that combines sports, educational programs and peace-motivated cultural exchange. San Francisco, with its multi-cultural heritage, is the ideal venue for this event and is honored to the host the world in our great city.
History of the International Children's Games
Having seen his own childhood disrupted by World War II, Yugoslavian Professor Metod Klemenc had a vision to promote peace and friendship through sports to the world's youth. He organized the first International Children's Games in 1968 with the participation of teams from nine European cities. Through 2006, over 30,000 children ages 12 to 15 have participated, representing over 200 cities and 60 countries. |
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