WIND-UP EXPERIENCE

On November 21^st (wind-up), the rain and wind held out until the afternoon. A few afternoon matches were called short and the micros matches were cancelled but most divisions got their games in.  The volunteer engine was running on all cylinders with folks helping with concessions, with registration and with Mike and Matt's equipment return. A warm thank-you goes out to all of those who helped wrap up the house soccer season. The kind folks at Tim Hortons did not disappoint again this wind-up. Thanks to John & Linda Brocklehurst, their children and grandchildren who endured the conditions and made sure every kiddie received a medal, a water bottle and a bag of timbits. Thank you to everyone for contributing to a great wind-up.

The Spring House Season kicks off again on Saturday April 10^th and goes through to Saturday June 19^th.  The coaches meetings are slated for Monday and Tuesday March 29^th and 30.  The Mini World Cup will take place in Port Alberni in 2010 but no dates have officially been set as of yet. Stay tuned for news on that great event.

07 December 2009

Stephen Hart named Canada's new national men's head coach

The Canadian Soccer Association announced today that Stephen Hart has been appointed head coach of Canada's national team. Hart will be in charge of Canada's qualification efforts as Canada works toward the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.

'Stephen Hart is the man in charge with the task to lead Canada to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil,' said Canadian Soccer Association president Dr. Dominic Maestracci. 'He delivers an exciting brand of football that has proven to be successful against our CONCACAF opponents. He will have full support of our country as he builds a winning team that will qualify us for Brazil in four years time.'

"I am honoured to be chosen for this prestigious and very important position," said national head coach Stephen Hart. "I am fully aware of the expectation and look forward to the challenge of building a team for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ Qualifiers and beyond."

Hart most recently served as Canada's interim head coach for the 2009 season. He helped Canada compile a record of four wins, one draw and three losses, including a quarter-final finish at the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup. In the group stage of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Hart led Canada to a first-place finish in its group. In the quarter-final stage, Canada lost 0:1 to Honduras who scored on a penalty kick.

    World Cup 2010 Groups

Group A                         Group B                            Group C                            Group D

South Africa                 Argentina                        England                            Germany

Mexico                          Nigeria                             USA                                   Australia

Uruguay                        Korea Rep                        Algeria                             Serbia

France                           Greece                             Slovenia                           Ghana

Group E                         Group F                            Group G                            Group H

Netherlands                 Italy                                  Brazil                                Spain          

Denmark                       Paraguay                         Korea DPR                        Switzerland

Japan                            New Zealand                   Cote d'Ivoire                   Honduras

Camerooon                  Slovakia                           Portugal                           Chile

Job descriptions - Defenders  (From "Footy4Kids")

1) Your main job is to stop attackers shooting - you don't have to win the ball.

2) If you're not the closest defender to the ball, make sure you back up the defender who is closest.

3) Stay alert, try to guess what is going to happen next.

4) Direct attackers towards places where they can't shoot - the sideline is your friend.

5) When you are closing down an attacker, keep your eyes on the ball. Wait for him or her to lose control before you tackle.

6) Be brave! If you have to put your body in the way of a shot, do it.

7) When you have the ball get your head up and look for a quick pass to a midfield player or forward.

8) Stay on your feet - sliding tackles are a last resort.

9) Don't hoof the ball up-field all the time hoping that one of your players will get on the end of it. That's another last resort!  

10) When passing back to your goalkeeper, pass the ball to his stronger foot and to the side of the goal (see 'technique', below)