NASL  NEWSLETTER

December 23, 2002

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
       This is the 46th issue distributed to the new NASL list. The previous newsletters are now on-line at http://www.nasl.com/current_news.htm 

 
Articles in this week's newsletter:
  1. Upcoming Soccer Calendar
  2. Final Notes on State Cup
  3. State Cup Champions
  4. Engineers Discover Secrets of Soccer Free Kicks
  5. Entry Level (Grade 8) Clinic for USSF Referees
  6. Not exactly your low scoring soccer match.
  7. Need updated information on 2003 Soccer Camps
  8. "Playing with Pain has No Gender"
  9. SUPER: A Sports-Based Life Skills Program
  10. High School Referee Certification Dates
  11. New Indoor Soccer League in Decatur
  12. Just 4 Kicks 5v5 Youth Tournament (with guest WUSA Atlanta Beat) - February 14-16
  13. 2003 Great Patriot Shoot-out Indoor Tournament
  14. Boys ODP Northern Border Festival Schedule
  15. Girls ODP Northern Border Festival Schedule
Soccer Calendar - Dates to Remember

   More information on all events below is available at the NASL website.
  • Registration for Division III and Division IV members may begin - January 1, 2003
  • ODP Border Festival for Boys - Huntsville - January 3rd-5th, 2003
  • AHSAA Referee Camp - January 11, 2002 - more info
  • Great Patriot Shoot-out Indoor Tournament - January 25th and 26th, 2003
  • ODP Border Festival for Girls - Huntsville - January 31, 2003 - February 2nd, 2003
  • Entry Level USSF Referee (Grade 8) Course will be conducted by USSF instructors in Huntsville on Jan 31 - Feb 2 at the First Christian Church on Whitesburg Drive (located about 300 yards south of the
    Drake Avenue intersection). This course requires three days. Times are:
    Friday (1/31) - 6:00 to 10:00
    Saturday (2/1) - 9:00 to 5:00
    Sunday (2/2) - 1:00 to 5:00
    Sign up sheets are available at Pete's Soccer Shops on Whitesburg in Huntsville and the Madison location also. Current referees may re-certify by taking the test at the end of the clinic.
  • Division III and Division IV players may be officially rostered to Spring teams as of this date - February 1, 2003
  • Just4Kicks Youth Soccer Tournament - Feb 14-16, 2003
  • Submission of Registration forms and fees due in AYSA office. These must be true, accurate number of new member registrations and fees. Member cards will be issued to clubs for Division III and Division IV members once forms and fees are submitted. - February 15, 2003
  • USSF "C" License - February 24th - March 3rd, 2003 in Birmingham
  • Statewide Division III and Division IV League play may begin - March 1, 2003
  • HHS JV Super Cup - Huntsville High School will be holding a JV Tournament on March 14-15, 2003 at the John Hunt Soccer Complex. Boys teams from Alabama and Tennessee and Girls teams from Birmingham, Huntsville, Madison and Ft Payne have already signed up. You may contact Jim Saunders  jim.saunders@gti-us.com 256-533-3466 for more info.
  • Final date for Statewide Division III and Division IV League play - May 10, 2003
  • "Spring" Tide American Festival - May 17, 2003

 
Final Notes about State Cup:
      State Cup was an unqualified success for Huntsville for the second straight year.  Despite a fall soccer season that was one of the wettest in memory, the weather was great on December 7th and 8th. Maybe not perfect, but with four times more rain in fall 2003 than in 2002 dry weekends were extremely scarce and this one was dry and beautiful on Saturday and Sunday.
     The Hoover Phantoms U18 boys won their last state championship.  These boys have won every year since they were U10s! 
     The overall quality of play in our state is the best it's ever been.  You only had to look at the U12 girls games in the Division II state cup to see just what we can expect in the future.  
      Special thanks go out to the many, many volunteers who helped make State Cup in Huntsville a rousing success.
 

Snickers State Cup Champions
http://www.nasl.com/state_cup.htm
U13 Boys HSC Strikers '90 Blue
U13 Girls Mtn Brook Angels '90
U14 Boys Vestavia Steamers '89
U14 Girls NAU Samba FC
U15 Boys HSC Strikers '88 Blue
U15 Girls Attack '88 Blue
U16 Boys HSC Strikers '87 Blue
U16 Girls NAU Rampage
U17 Boys Vestavia Steamers '86
U17 Girls Attack '86 Blue
U18 Boys Hoover Phantoms
U18 Girls Attack
   
Division II State Cup Champions
U11 Boys Jets '92 Blue
U11 Girls NAU Red Hots
U12 Boys Jets '91 Blue
U12 Girls Lady Kicks '91
U13 Boys Mobile Soccer Club '90
 
 
Engineers Discover Secrets of Soccer Free Kicks
http://www.fluent.com/about/news/pr/pr43.htm

Three collaborating groups of researchers have unraveled some of the underlying mysteries of "bending" a soccer ball during kicking .....
Really cool simulations.
Entry Level (Grade 8) Clinics for USSF Referees


         Entry Level USSF Referee (Grade 8) Course will be conducted by USSF instructors in Huntsville on January 31st - February 2nd, 2003 at the First Christian Church on Whitesburg Drive (located about 300 yards south of the Drake Avenue intersection). This course requires three days.

Times are:
Friday (1/31) - 6:00 to 10:00
Saturday (2/1) - 9:00 to 5:00
Sunday (2/2) - 1:00 to 5:00

      Sign up sheets are available at Pete's Soccer Shops on Whitesburg in Huntsville and the Madison location also.  Interested parties can contact either me or Tommy Hunt for further info.

Mike Costello michael.costello@boeing.com
 

Not Exactly Your Low-Scoring Soccer Match

    ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) - Newly-crowned Madagascan champions AS Adema thrashed their opponents 149-0 in a top national league soccer match after the opposition deliberately scored one own goal after another in a protest over a refereeing decision.
    Radio Madagascar reported Friday that Stade Olympique l'Emyrne scored the own goals against Adema as a protest after SOE's coach Ratsimandresy RaCzarazaka lost his temper with the referee.
    Spectators told the radio that following the row Thursday between RaCzarazaka and the referee at Adema's home ground in the port of Toamasina, SOE repeatedly kicked the ball toward their own goal after each kickoff and scored 149 own goals in the process.
    Adema's players reportedly stood around looking bemused, doing nothing to stop the opposition from self-destructing.
    Radio Madagascar claimed the result represented a new world record score in a first class match.
    SOE were last year's Malagasy champions who surprisingly won through to the second round of the African Champions League this season. Adema clinched the Malagasy title last weekend.

 
Need updated information on 2003 Soccer Camps
      I am in the process of updating the website information on soccer camps.  If you are involved with a soccer camp please e-mail your updated information for 2003 to dsports@hiwaay.net.
       http://www.nasl.com/camps.htm
 
PLAYING WITH PAIN HAS NO GENDER

 by Harvey Araton - New York Times
 
      SHE was in excruciating distress on the trainer's table, one leg as tight and unbendable as a goal post, her right eye bruised and her vision blurred, her tongue numb and her words slurred, her stomach nauseated and her body dehydrated. The worst of it was that Lauren Arase couldn't shake the sickly sensation that she, the senior goalkeeper playing in her last game, the championship game, had quit.
      She wondered what people would say if her team lost, and what it might say about women in sports — this without even considering the growing chorus of Title IX critics who argue that women don't deserve equal athletic footing on scholastic and collegiate levels because, for reasons biological and cultural, they lack the same interest and appetite for athletic competition as men.
      "I felt like a wuss," Arase would say, "because all my life, I believed that I couldn't show weakness, I couldn't pull myself out if I was hurt, I couldn't let people say, 'She's just a girl.' Through all the injuries and adversities, I always believed that I couldn't just play as good as a man, couldn't be just as tough. I had to play better, be tougher, because only then did you get respect."

    To finish reading the complete article go to  http://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/22/
sports/soccer/22ARAT.html
 
SUPER : A Sports-Based Life Skills Program
Steven J. Danish, Tanya Taylor, Lisa Harmon


     Increasingly, sport participation has become a non-school activity. With all the pressures on schools to improve the academic performance of its students, sport and physical education have become targets of elimination. Intramural sports, and for that matter, physical education has almost been eliminated at most secondary schools.   School-based sports have been reduced for all but the most talented student athletes.  Perhaps these cutbacks are a result of the inability of those who support sport to make the case and ensure that sport is designed to promote adolescent social and personal development as well as provide opportunities for fun and exercise. SUPER was developed with the specific intent of teaching both sport skills and life skills as a means of enhancing participants' athletic and personal development. 
     SUPER (Sports United to Promote Education and Recreation) is a sports-based life skills program developed by the Life Skills Center at Virginia Commonwealth University designed for middle and high school-aged adolescents.
     SUPER is taught like sports clinics with participants involved in three sets of activities: learning the physical skills related to a specific sport; learning life skills related to sports in general; and playing the sport.  Each clinic runs approximately two hours with the life and sport skill instruction being taught for about 30-40 minutes each.  We have developed 17 life skill modules.  They are: Developing a Team, Dare to Dream, Setting Goals--Part 1, Setting Goals--Part 2, Setting Your Goal, Making a Goal Ladder (A Plan), Identifying and Overcoming Roadblocks, Seeking Help from Others, Using Positive Self Talk, Learning to Relax, Managing Emotions, Developing a Healthy Lifestyle, Appreciating Differences, Developing Confidence and Courage, Setting Personal Performance Goals and Goal Setting for Life.  The first seven modules are taught as a group and in order. The other 10 modules can be taught in any order and/or can be omitted depending on the time available. Other modules are being developed, including a parent and coach component.  SUPER is not sport specific and has been taught in conjunction with a variety of individual and team sports.
     How are life skills learned? They are not learned through mere participation--no ball or venue has ever taught life skills. They are not learned by hearing lectures from well-known athletes about the dangers of certain behaviors or the value of other behaviors--we remember only about 10% of what we are told.  Life skills must be purposely planned and taught.  They cannot be caught.  Remember the Chinese proverb - I listen -  and forget, I see - and remember, I do - and understand.
     For more information contact Dr. Steven Danish (888.572.1572)
High School Referee Certification Dates

       All, please know that for attending the AHSAA Northern District Camp on January 11th, you would be exempt from the Re-Classification exam for 3 years, for those referees who are State Class 2, and State Class 3 referees. Everyone, must re-certify ever year, as a Referee for AHSAA.
      Also, these are the tentative dates, and a letter from the AHSAA State Office will be mailed later this week, with the official dates and times for all of the AHSAA Rules Clinics throughout the State.

CY2003 AHSAA referee certification.

District Camp:
1/11/03, SAT, TBD Time, Huntsville (TBD location)

Other classes:
1/23/02, THU, 7:00 - 10:00, Florence (Coffee HS)
1/27/02, MON, 7:00 - 10:00, Huntsville (Whitesburg MS)
1/30/02, THU, 7:00 - 10:00, Guntersville (Rec Center)

Tommy Hunt
AHSAA - Northern District Soccer Director
(h) 256-882-2992, tjhbama@comcast.net
(w) 256-895-1612, tommy.j.hunt@hnd01.usace.army.mil
New Indoor Soccer League in Decatur

     I am passing along information from David Kross about a new indoor soccer league being held in the new gymnasium at Central United Methodist Church in Decatur. You may contact David Kross at 353-6941 or cumdavid@hiwaay.net
     The information is posted on-line at
http://www.decatursports.com/indoor/cumc_league.htm

     The basic details are below:
     Central United Methodist Church is going to host a winter indoor soccer league. The divisions are U8 boys, U8 girls, U10 boys, U10 girls, U12 boys, and U12 girls. If we do not get enough response we will open up an U14 division. You may sign up as a team or as an individual. Individuals will be put in random on teams (dependent on the number of individuals that sign up). A roster can hold up to 8 players. We will make teams out of the individuals that sign up. We will try to work out the schedules so that teams that were 'put together' will mostly play teams that were 'put together.' The fee for a team is $200. The fee per individual is $25. This fee covers the cost of referees, the facility, goals, and workers to open/close the facility. The deadline for an individual or a team to enter is December 30. Schedules and teams will be posted/mailed out January 3. Space is limited to 24 teams.

       Highlights:
  • Games will be on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
  • Tuesday games will be played from 5 until 7:30.
  • Thursday games will be played from 5 until 7.
  • Saturday games will be played from 8 to 12.
  • The facility will be available for practicing Friday and Saturday evenings.
  • Coaches will receive an informational packet after a team signs up.
  • First practices will be January 7, January 9, and January 10.
  • The games will begin January 11 and end March 8.
  • Each team is guaranteed eight games (there may be more).
  • Practice times will be available on a reservation basis.
  • Cost: $200/team or $25 per individual
  • Deadline to sign up: December 30th, 2002
    Sign up by taking this form to Central United Methodist Church on the corner of Jackson Street SE and Sixth Avenue SE in Decatur. If you have any
    questions call David Kross at 353-6941 or email at cumdavid@hiwaay.net
Just 4 Kicks 5v5 Youth Tournament (with guest WUSA Atlanta Beat) - February 14-16

Inaugural 5v5 Youth Tournament

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS 


The ATLANTA BEAT
FEBRUARY 14TH, 15TH AND 16TH, 2003 

  • Boys and Girls

  • U-9 to U-14

  • Limited to 66 teams

  • 3 games per team guaranteed

  • Registration fee:  $275.00 per team.

  • Maximum 9 person roster.

  • Contact Ricky Crawford 256-534-4939 or 256-990-1134

  • e-mail rickydc@mindspring.com

       Opening ceremonies will begin Friday 14th at 5p.m. with live music, food and other activities. Games will start Saturday 15th at 7a.m.. Atlanta Beat will conduct a mini camp on Friday 14th 2003 from 7p.m. till 10 p.m. The cost per child is $55.00. There are only 80 spots for this camp so be quick to register. Dinner with team will be auctioned off prior to start of the tournament.

 Register on-line @ www.just4kicks.info

2003 Great Patriot Shoot-out Indoor Tournament
 
  • WHEN: Matches will be played Saturday and Sunday, January 25th and 26th, 2003.
  • WHERE: All matches will be played at Bob Jones High School in Madison, AL.
  • COST: Early bird registration: Save on your entry fee! Team entry fee reduced to $75 if postmarked by November 30, 2002. Fee must accompany your application. The entry fee is $85 per team and must accompany your application. The deadline for applications is January 3, 2003. Teams accepted will receive a packet of schedules, maps, rules, etc. Make checks payable to: Bob Jones High School Soccer Boosters and mail entry forms to: 
    Patriot Shoot Out
    c/o Mary Lynn Botts
    126 Stoneway Trail
    Madison, AL 35758
  • WHO: Boys and Girls Teams U8 through U14  
  • FORMAT: Six-player teams - Teams will play with five field players and a goalkeeper. Maximum number of players on the roster is 10 and this number will be strictly enforced. Each team will be scheduled at least three, 20 minute matches. Indoor “fuzzy” ball will be provided. Please do not bring your own balls into the facility.
  • ELIGIBILITY: All players require:
    listed on team roster – frozen for the weekend 
    (TEN players max per team - no exceptions!)
    proof of age (birth certificate or player card with picture)
    medical release form (blank provided)
    indoor shoes and shin guards
    players may only play for one team in an age group.
  • Download the 2003 Zipped Entry forms at http://www.nasl.com/bjshootout/bobjones.htm
Boys ODP Northern Border Festival
January 4th & 5th, 2003
Boy's Border Festival Schedule
 
  • Dates: Boys Border Festival – January 4th & 5th
     
  • Sites: Huntsville, John Hunt Soccer Complex

    Saturday, January 4th
     
  • 9:00am Alabama Coaching Staff Breakfast (upstairs) (AL Staff)
  • 9:00am Alabama Teams check in report to fields for Fitness Testing
  • 12pm Alabama Lunch with teams & meeting with Staff
  • 2pm Optional light training/walk through with Staff Coaches
     
  • 5pm
    Field 1 – 89Boys Team #1
    Field 2 – 89Boys Team #2
    Field 3 – 90Boys Team #3
     
  • 6:30pm
    Field 1 – 88Boys
    Field 2 – 87Boys
    Field 3 – 90Boys Team #1
    Field 4 – 90Boys Team #2
     
  • 8pm
    Field 1 – 86Boys
    Field 2 – 85Boys

    Sunday, January 5th
     
  • 9am
    Field 1 – 89Boys Team #1
    Field 2 – 89Boys Team #2
    Field 3 – 90BoysTeam #3
     
  • 10:30am
    Field 1 – 88Boys
    Field 2 – 87Boys
    Field 3 – 90Boys Team #1
    Field 4 – 90Boys Team #2
     
  • 12pm
    Field 1 – 86Boys
    Field 2 – 85Boys
     
  • 2pm - Alabama Teams meet with Staff Coaches
Girls ODP Northern Border Festival
February 1st & 2nd, 2003
Girl's Border Festival Schedule
 
  • Dates: Girls Border Festival – February 1st & 2nd
     
  • Sites: Huntsville, John Hunt Soccer Complex

    Saturday, February 1st
     
  • 9:00am Alabama Coaching Staff Breakfast (upstairs) (AL Staff)
     
  • 9:00am Alabama Teams check in report to fields for Fitness Testing
     
  • 12pm Alabama Lunch with teams & meeting with Staff
     
  • 2pm Optional light training/walk through with Staff Coaches
     
  • 5pm
    Field 1 – 89Girls Team #1
    Field 2 – 89Girls Team #2
    Field 3 – 90Girls Team #3
     
  • 6:30pm
    Field 1 – 88Girls
    Field 2 – 87Girls
    Field 3 – 90Girls Team #1
    Field 4 – 90Girls Team #2
     
  • 8pm
    Field 1 – 86Girls
    Field 2 – 85Girls

    Sunday, February 2nd
     
  • 9am
    Field 1 – 89Girls Team #1
    Field 2 – 89Girls Team #2
    Field 3 – 90Girls Team #3
     
  • 10:30am
    Field 1 – 88Girls
    Field 2 – 87Girls
    Field 3 – 90Girls Team #1
    Field 4 – 90Girls Team #2
     
  • 12pm
    Field 1 – 86Girls
    Field 2 – 85Girls
     
  • 2pm
    Alabama Teams meet with Staff Coaches

NASL NEWSLETTER:

       You may sign up for the NASL e-mail list and also provide changes (including removing your name from the list) to your current e-mail address and phone numbers by using this form at  http://www.nasl.com/Email.htm This is our means of keeping the local soccer community up-to-date on events and items of interest.  If you have something to contribute please e-mail me at dsports@hiwaay.net
All of the above information and more is on-line at http://www.nasl.com

Thanks for being involved in soccer in Alabama. 

Ken Gamble - NASL Secretary
"Next Goal Wins!"