I hope this title got your attention. We are about to embark upon our inaugural season at NNFC and I thought I would share a few observations I have made during my many years spent with youth soccer. I have played the role of parent and coach on many teams. Both have been rewarding experiences. However, both roles are uniquely different.

The parents' role is critical to the success of any team. Experience has proven that the most successful teams are those with supportive parents. A parent can help motivate a young player. This happens through positive encouragement and by creating a team-spirited atmosphere. On the contrary, criticism of a player (whether it is your son, daughter, or another player) is destructive to any team. As a coach, the most important advice I give my players' parents is to be positive and carry that positive attitude about the team home after each practice and game. After all, it's all about the kids and their development and success.

The coach's role is that of dictator. This may sound harsh, but bear with me. The most effective teams are those that are disciplined, understand their roles and responsibilities, prepared and fulfill their mission without an argument or a vote. The coach is the leader and must create the environment for all of this to happen. If a coach is continually concerned about what all the players and parents think of his decisions, then the team will be as effective as the U.S. Congress. Let the coach be the coach and parents cheer as loud as they can.

A final word about the players; after all, this should be all about them, not about us. For any player to be successful, they must understand the whole game of soccer. Often this means that a player may not play his "favorite" position or that which he "always" plays. A forward needs to understand what the defense is experiencing. The only way this can happen is by playing defense. Select soccer is about winning. Equally important is the development of our players. Parents can help by encouraging their child to play many positions and supporting the decisions the coach makes. This is a lifelong lesson that will help them in their future careers long after youth soccer.

I look forward to this season and cheering my kids on from the sideline. After all, from what I have seen so far, we have the best parents and the best coaches in the area. How can we not have a great season?

See you on the sidelines,
Joseph Witt