Update From Jon

Besides the introductory blog posting, we have yet to really use our Banat Blogspot as a means of communication but here goes nothing. This blog will serve two important functions. First is to impart information as you would expect and the other is to sort of allow us to raise and discuss issues. OK, I might rant a little but I will try to make it entertaining if I do.

Banat Men and Women……
The Banat Soccer Club came into being in 1998 as a men’s soccer team. Through the years, the men’s team known as Banat Arsenal has widely been known in the state as the top men’s team in Arizona. The team has played countless big matches since that time versus many big-name times like Chivas and Seattle Sounders, competed in U.S. Open Cup games and a regional semi-pro league, and even won the most respected tournament in the nation, the Silver Mug (a.k.a “Bud Cup”).

Many of our coaches played for that team as well as for our other men’s teams, Banat Cosmos and Banat Scorpions, who were both championship-caliber teams at various levels. Last year, our men’s and newly-launched women’s teams spent too much time on the east side to earn enough exposure to our own young players so we’ve redeveloped the teams in the west valley under the guidance of Coach Dan Littlefield. The men’s team will be playing their games closer to home, and this Friday night Oct 16th, they will be playing in our own home ground at Thomas Park. Kick-off is schedule for 7pm. Bring chairs and snack and enjoy watching some very high-level soccer.

In a few weeks’ time, Coach Dan will also be putting together our Banat women’s team. Stay tuned here for games and info.

Personal Skills Training…..
Well, I think I’ve given in to the concept. I have long trashed the notion of personal skills training as just another money-making scheme. But I am trying to shed my “old school” mentality. While I still maintain that most youth soccer players can become better soccer players and develop better touch if they simply kick the ball around and experiment on their own as our ancestors did, I realize we are looking at a new generation and things are different. We are over-scheduled and putting skills training on the schedule may be the only way to do it. If every player in our club would just improve their touch slightly, the results would be evident club-wide.

So I am looking at developing a program that is affordable and effective with the cooperation of our coaches. Any feedback or ideas is appreciated.

T-Shirts and Blankets and Caps, Oh My!!!....
Most of us are very proud of our club and want to show it. The popularity of the specialty items on offer prove that. We will occasionally allow our teams to develop an item to sell for fundraising. And, sometimes, we will offer items directly from the club as we will with blankets and caps. A Solicitation for orders on blankets (which are really cool and make awesome banners too!) has been emailed, and in a week or so, I will send out an offer for flex-fit caps.

Banat 5K Fun Run……
Deb Pantle and Tracy Valencia are working on the Banat 5K Fun Run which will benefit the club as well as the TopSoccer Program for developmentally-challenged players. Dick’s Sporting Goods has signed on as a sponsor. Please make sure to spread the word. The Banat 5K Fun Run will take place Saturday, Dec 5th at Estrella Mountain Park.

Winter Recess Camp…..
We will be scheduling a Winter Skills Camp, Dec 28,-31st at Thomas Park. Hours will 9am to 3pm first three days and 9am to noon on Dec 31st. The camp is for players 10 and older. Details forthcoming.

US Qualifies for World Cup….
The US Men’s National Team qualified for the World Cup! Like taking time to experiment with the ball, watching soccer on TV – which there is a wealth of on now – is one of the keys to becoming a better player. Check www.livesoccertv.com for listings.

Thomas Parking…
Please pick up garbage at Thomas Park and let us know if the trash is too full. Please DO NOT park on the dirt areas. I know that during Saturday games non-club people have parked there but let’s be more responsible than them. We’re responsible for the park.

Cards Closed and I Still Haven’t Found What I am Looking For…..
The Cards fields are closed Oct 19-21 because Bono says so. And as a U2 fan I am cool with that. The concert is only one day but the show has so much staging the area will be shut down for three days. Coaches and managers please move practices as necessary.

Here’s to Our Health…
As always, if you are sick or your young player is sick please stay home. I know some of us think that “sweating it out” is a common concept, but keep in mind that what is going around is pretty contagious so please be conscientious. The rule is simple, stay away from people until the fever breaks, and then stay away one extra day. Make sure the young ones don’t share water bottles, keeper gloves or even shirts really.

Coaches are People Too….
Our coaches are dedicated. Too often, they only hear from parents when there is a problem. If you think they are doing a good job, tell them. They’ll appreciate it.

Parents are People Too Too….
Coaches and managers should remember to acknowledge parents’ efforts – it is not easy to manage a club soccer schedule with a daily life. Getting the kids there is an accomplishment and then going the extra mile for the team in whatever activity your team has got going is even more noteworthy.

Managers, the Forgotten Heroes….
Hug a manager today! Seriously. Games rescheduled, people to contact, money to collect, coaches to communicate with, and then their own kids to deal with – managers have always been the unsung heroes of our club. Thank you.

Club Officials, Can’t Live With Them, Can’t Live Without Them!....
Just kidding. I kid because I care and love them so much. Juan Valdez delivers on handling our fields situation. Tracy Valencia handles our club fundraising programs. Kristen Meisl is our ref coordinator. Deb Pantle, our registrar (aka The Miracle Worker) deserves much praise and kudos. And Coach Andy Klunk has helped process uniform orders and line the fields all while winning most of the club’s poker tournaments so watch out for him. Special thanks to James Jones for helping bring the turf art Thomas Park up to speed and his 95B parents for helping remove trash.

And very special thanks to my wife Dorina who is so instrumental to the club in so many ways, and my kids Ilyssa and Marcel who get dragged around everywhere in my club responsibilities.

Community Service…..
If anyone needs community service hours, we have plenty of work helping coach the rec league or cleaning up Thomas Park. Just email me.

Uniforms, Gear, Etc……
By now, everyone should have their unis. Some items may be back-ordered. Some have asked about additional gear. In a week or so, we’ll prepare an “Additional Item” order form with individual item pricing which will still be a break from regular retail prices but will be processed through the club.

Opinions and other Notes…
I had hoped to offer some lucid insights on coaching philosophy and the current state of the youth game, but I know that I have maxed out your attention span and mine so I will save it for next time. But get ready for it, because I plan on launching a scathing analysis of the game locally. But now I need a nap. Thanks for reading!