Please make sure to commit everything in this article to memory before reading any updates - there will be a test.  Actually, no test but the updates won’t make sense if you don’t as least GLANCE at this first.  

 

All players (those that registered on time and those on the waitlist) have been placed on teams so far, but the information hasn’t made it to all of the coaches yet so thank you for your patience while we get our players placed.  This may be a good time to tell you our program mantra - FLEXIBILITY & PATIENCE Ohhhmmmmm.

 

Don’t panic if you haven’t heard from a coach.  Everyone will be able to go to the Registration Center and check to see who their coach is  but be warned that we are still trying to fix the rosters so placement on a particular team may change.  Call the office if you can’t find the team information on the website.

 

We have 7  45 minute sessions.  The ending date may vary depending on (dare I say it) rain.  Once you are given a date and time, we will always meet at the same time on the same field/site.  Well, that’s the plan anyway.  We plan to use holidays for makeup sessions.  We may not be able to make up more than one session.  Check this site for make-up dates.

 

The first day, we suggest meeting a few minutes early to get to know your coach and to go over a few rules (see below).  Please write down and bring the coaches name with thier phone number and the team number from the website so you can find the team.  Also, give this information to your great Aunt Harriett when she brings little Bart to the field as it will be difficult to find the "nice guy with the brown hair wearing a red shirt."

 

Please call the weather line at 703-777-5897 before coming to the sessions on questionable days.  We do play in light rain or snow.  There is also a great new notification system we use, www.RainedOut.com, so please check the website for that info.  Rainouts will be posted on the website weekdays but the weatherline and RainedOut are the most reliable on the weekends.

 

 We look forward to seeing you at our sessions.  The MSP is not a drop-off program.  A Parent or an adult must attend each session with the player. 

 

You will be able to find the picture schedule on the website when it is ready.  1/2 the coaches will be scheduled for each date.  Should you have a problem with the scheduled dates, remember two very important points:  the coach may to change to the other date and team attendance is not mandatory.  Either way, the COACH must contact the photographer, Olson Photography, if the team changes or cancels.  Parent must contact the photographer (opphoto@aol.com) if there are problems with their pictures.

 

 

Please be on time as the professional trainers must start and end on time so we can minimize the parking lot hazards - so many kids and cars in one place.

 

All players MUST wear shin guards.  Sorry, but we can not let anyone registered in our program participate without shin guards - NO exceptions.  Cleats are optional.  Regular sneakers are better for most kids unless it’s a wet day.

 

All players must have a size 3 ball, water bottle and dress for the weather.  Coaches will hand out jerseys the first day.   Socks do not have to cover the shin guards at this age but they should.  It’s mandatory when they move up to U6.

 

Snacks should be chosen with wandering fingers in mind.  Little siblings love the goodies that line the fields and some little ones, as well as the players, may be allergic or can not swallow certain items.  Please do not bring items with nut pieces or nut oils and pack small items tightly away from tiny fingers.

 

Parents need to set up the fields/goals and make sure to clean up when teams leave.  All trash MUST be removed - even/especially the little straw wrappers from juice boxes.  As mom used to say "leave it cleaner than when you found it"  or for those Going Green, "Leave only footprints".

 

NO PETS are allowed.  NO PETS are allowed.  NO PETS are allowed - on any site used by Loudoun Soccer.

 

Smoking is not allowed on any site used by Loudoun Soccer.

 

Due to insurance rules, we can not allow unregistered siblings to participate in the program, younger siblings to play up or older siblings to play down.  Please do not ask the coach to make an exception.

 

All players will receive a participation award at the end of the season which will be distributed to the coach during the last session with the pictures.  Teams may decide to have an after the season party., it’s up to the coach.

 

Check the website often (lot’s of great info), update your email address (Registration Center) and watch for the Loudoun Soccer E-Newsletters.  Should you have any questions, suggestions, concerns, problems or compliments, please email msp@loudounsoccer.com.

  

Please ask your parents for assistant coach volunteers if you need one.  I have a pocket full of arm-twisting techniques in case you need them.

 

The trainers will start on time each day, including the first day, so you will want your teams there a few minutes early. Some coaches are very creative and let their teams know some distinguishing factor about themselves so they are easy to find.  We should also have field signs again to make it easier.

 

All coaches receive a complimentary team picture as well as a coach shirt, player jerseys, packets and advice.    Sorry, no end of the season award for coaches, but hey, isn’t getting to play with these little guys/gals reward enough?