WELCOME TO LAKES UNITED FC

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WELCOME TO LAKES UNITED FC

A players and parents’ guide to LUFC

LUFC Player Affiliation Manual

Welcome to Lakes United FC

Table of Contents Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 1 Open Letter ................................................................................................................................................... 2 1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 3 2. Organizational Structure ........................................................................................................................... 3 3. Conduct ..................................................................................................................................................... 4 4. Commitment and Attendance .................................................................................................................. 4 5. The Aims and Philosophy of Lakes United FC ........................................................................................... 4 6. Communication ......................................................................................................................................... 4 7. Training and Preseason ............................................................................................................................. 4 8. Inclement Weather ................................................................................................................................... 5 9. Game Day Procedure – Home Games....................................................................................................... 5 10. Game Day Procedures – Away Games .................................................................................................... 5 11. Team Uniforms........................................................................................................................................ 5 12. Coaches ................................................................................................................................................... 5 13. Cost ......................................................................................................................................................... 5 14. The Role of the Parent ............................................................................................................................ 5 15. The Role of the Manager ........................................................................................................................ 6 16. Contacting the Club................................................................................................................................. 6 17. Fundraising .............................................................................................................................................. 6 18. Try-Outs................................................................................................................................................... 6 19. Mini Camps ............................................................................................................................................. 6 20. Guest Playing........................................................................................................................................... 7 21. Player and Parent Consultations ............................................................................................................. 7 22. Scouting LUFC Players ............................................................................................................................. 7 23. Recruiting ................................................................................................................................................ 7 24. Tournament Procedures ......................................................................................................................... 7 In Between Games: ................................................................................................................................... 7 25. Indoor and Skills Academy ...................................................................................................................... 8 26. Levels of Play ........................................................................................................................................... 8

Welcome to Lakes United FC

Open Letter July 28th, 2012 To All Players and Parents, This booklet is a guide for you concerning the standards that I, and the coaches of Lakes United FC, expect from both players and parents here at Lakes United FC. All of the aspects included here have been thought through very carefully, have been researched deeply and are in place to help players become both a better player and person. For parents it is a guide so that the environment is a good one for each player. It is very important that you read this booklet and take all the topics into consideration when you pull on the LUFC jersey or attend a game or training session as a spectator. Have fun and enjoy your year.

Chris Haggerty Director of Coaching and Player Development Lakes United Futbol Club Direct: 763-639-0581 Email: [email protected]

“I don’t believe skill was, or ever will be, the result of coaches. It is a result of a love affair between the child and the ball” – Manfred Schellscheidt

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Welcome to Lakes United FC 1. Introduction At Lakes United FC (LUFC), the travel teams are the true essence of the club. Our goal is to provide a quality soccer organization. We believe that with quality players and coaches we will be able to put a very competitive product out to face the other travel teams in MN at the C3, C2 and the C1 levels. This manual is a working document. It will give you guidelines as to what we at LUFC expect at all times from you as a person and a player. We are not just looking for soccer players, but rather young men and women who are well rounded. At LUFC we are implementing the latest ideas in youth soccer development, and with that comes a commitment to do our best for each player.

2. Organizational Structure There are many facets to the LUFC organization. We have many qualified coaches and our Board members are highly talented individuals whose skill sets provide us with a powerful array of tools needed to run a successful club. Please see the flow diagram below. If you have administrative questions please contact [email protected] . If you have a coaching concern please direct it to Chris Haggerty, Director of Coaching for LUFC, at either 763-639-0581 or [email protected]. He will in turn talk to the coach about the perceived concern or problem

Lakes United FC Traveling Program

Organizational Flow Chart LUFC Board of Directors

Rec Coordinator

Chris Haggerty Director of Coaching

Boys Director

Hanz Lehrke Girls Director Team Coaches

Team Managers

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Welcome to Lakes United FC 3. Conduct

6. Communication

As a person, and a player, we demand the highest of expectations from players at all times whether it is on or off the field. At all times you are representing LUFC and yourself. We only want the highest quality person associated with the program here at Lakes United FC. At all times we expect players to respect all the relative participants in the soccer world including ,but not limited to, coaches, officials, referees, players and parents whether they are from LUFC or an opposing club. At all times we expect players to use good common sense. Any violation of these expectations will be dealt with on a case-bycase basis

Communication is primarily through email and the LUFC website at www.lakesunitedfc.org. You are strongly encouraged to check your email on a regular, frequent basis as this is how information and club newsletters will be distributed. We will not be calling individual players. It is your responsibility to make sure you are informed. Ensure the email address you enter when registering your player on our website is correct as this is the address the club will send communications to. If your email address changes after registration please update your NGIN profile, and notify your team manager/coach and also the club ([email protected] ). We offer each team a webpage on our website and it is the responsibility of the coach to ensure that it is up to date.

4. Commitment and Attendance We understand that everyone will at some time have conflicts with training and on game days. It is our expectation that each player will do their best to commit to all sessions. However, if that is not possible you will need to contact your coach via email or phone call at least 24 hours prior to the session. This is vitally important especially for games. The majority of coaching occurs during training, this is the true venue for players to improve.

7. Training and Preseason We offer opportunities to train year round. Information can be found on the club website at www.lakesunitedfc.org . During preseason (March and April) we provide one indoor training session per week per team for free. Individual teams have the opportunity to purchase additional training time. During the regular season each coach will set their training schedule. We recommend each team have at least two training sessions per week (see website for age appropriate training/game ratios). Players should arrive at training 15 minutes prior to the session with a ball, cleats and shin guards on, water, and ready to play. Always dress appropriately, no jeans! All field directions can be found on the club website. We ask that parents respect the players are training and to stay a good distance from the fields during all training sessions. If everybody adheres to the rules, players will enjoy an environment that is extremely conducive to playing, coaching and learning. The type of environment that is envisioned is one that is quiet and without excessive pressure. It is an environment in which coaches can be heard and understood easily. It is especially one in which a player’s every move is not being scrutinized by their parents.

5. The Aims and Philosophy of Lakes United FC Player development is the number one concern at LUFC. The ultimate goal of Lakes United FC is to develop players to be able to go on to the next level, whether it is to move from C3 to C2, C2 to C1, C1 to Premier or to play in college and so on. We have a commitment to our players to put them in an environment that is challenging and will constantly test them. As players mature it is important to move players either up or down to ensure that they are constantly tested at their own individual level. All of these challenges should be within a fun yet demanding environment. Technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of the game will all be taught within the structure of the curriculum.

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Welcome to Lakes United FC 8. Inclement Weather

from the on-line stores on our website at www.lakesunitedfc.org .

We adhere to the guidelines set out by MYSA (http://www.mnyouthsoccer.org/weather.cfm). On training days you should expect a notification from either your coach or team manager if training is cancelled. If you do not receive one then please plan on attending (or contact the coach directly). On game days it is your responsibility to check the game has not been cancelled before you travel.

12. Coaches We have many licensed coaches and are aspiring to have every coach licensed in the near future. All of our coaches are required to follow age appropriate development guidelines in order to ensure the correct stages of player development are adhered to with every player. All coaches are required to attend coaching education classes with the Director of Coaching. Where teams require a paid coach, LUFC will provide the team with an appropriate coach the cost will be passed on to the team.

9. Game Day Procedure – Home Games Directions and schedules for all LUFC teams can be found on the club website www.lakesunitedfc.org and also at the MYSA website at http://www.mnyouthsoccer.org/leagues/standings.c fm . On home game days players need to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the game. This will allow for the players to change and then warm-up properly to ensure they are adequately prepared to play. Every player is required to bring both home and away jerseys to every game and ensure they have the correct equipment.

13. Cost The cost to participate with an LUFC team varies depending on the age of the player. All fees include a two-year uniform, administration, league fees, field costs, Spring indoor training and insurance. The fees do not include any extra training an individual team requests, or paid coaches. Fees can be viewed on the club website at www.lakesunitedfc.org .Financial aid is available to those players that need financial assistance. This should be requested directly from the registrar at [email protected]. We also offer payment plans to spread the cost over an extended period.

10. Game Day Procedures – Away Games Away games will be played in various cities across Minnesota. Coaches will send out a game schedule with field directions for all away games. On away game days players need to arrive at the away venue 45 minutes prior to their game. This will allow for the players to change and then warm-up properly to ensure they are adequately prepared to play. Every player is required to bring both home and away jerseys to every game and ensure they have the correct equipment.

14. The Role of the Parent The role of each parent is extremely important for all young athletes. At training, we ask that all parents respect that players are training and to stay a good distance from the fields during all training sessions. If parents plan on attending games, we will be happy to have you at our games applauding good play. There is, however, to be no coaching by parents from the sidelines during games or training. Referees are not to be abused in any way. Please do not berate or shout at referees. We all make mistakes and they are never rectified with abuse. Coaches are not to be approached by parents at training or games either before or afterwards concerning players. This is a time for both the coach of the team and the players to be focused on the

11. Team Uniforms Uniforms are included in the registration cost. These are meant to last 2 years, though if you require replacements they are available a-la-carte. You will receive 1 Home Jersey, 1 Away Jersey, 1 pair of shorts and 1 pair of socks. Warm-ups are available

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Welcome to Lakes United FC task at hand. If you have a coaching concern please direct it to the coach at the appropriate time (we recommend a 24 hour “cool-off” period). If it cannot be resolved at this level please contact Chris Haggerty, Director of Coaching, at either 763-6390581 or [email protected] , who in turn will talk with the coach about the perceived problem. As parents, the coaching staff administration and players need your support to make this a very positive endeavor.

above. This will allow us to keep track of the activity and we can also provide support. Any funds raised should be distributed among the participants, not necessarily the whole team. Any funds raised must be reported to the club at the conclusion of the fundraising activity.

18. Try-Outs Try-outs are usually held the first weekend in August, or after the MYSA State Tournament finishes. There are two parts to the try-outs; Technical- which comprises of a number of technical skills which are timed and recorded. Tactical - an evaluation of the application of skills in a variety of full pressure game situations. At this time players are chosen for teams to compete in the following season. Players will be continually evaluated throughout the season. Please remember that there is no perfect try-out formula and we will do everything we can to ensure the correct placement of each player. We appreciate that your child is the most important thing in the world to you. We ask you to understand that our evaluations are meant to improve their development as a player and not a slight on them as a person. It is in everyone’s best interests if the players are correctly placed.

15. The Role of the Manager The role of the manager for each travel team is very important. Communications flow from the manager to players and parents. Managers use email to correspond with the team and keep all participants informed on a timely basis. The manager is a volunteer and is there to administrate the team. The team manager is not there to field coaching questions.

16. Contacting the Club Jeff Copeland, President; [email protected] Randy Power, Registrar; [email protected] Chris Haggerty, Director of Coaching; [email protected] Rec Coordinator, [email protected] Or for general questions; [email protected]

19. Mini Camps We offer a mini camp for U9 – U14 players to kick off the Spring training and another in August to kick off the Fall season. They will be 2 or 3 days in length approximately 2.5 hours each day. It is important that all players attend. This is the start to our seasons. It is a time where a lot will be accomplished. It is not only a time for training, but also a time to build team and club unity. The environment that players will be out in will be both physically demanding and educational from a soccer perspective. It is imperative that during these minicamp hours the LUFC coaching staff get numerous points across. This is an important period for our players in their new season and a time where the tone for the season is set.

Mailing Address: Lakes United F.C. (LUFC) P.O. Box 701 Lindstrom, MN 55045

17. Fundraising Any team can fund-raise. In order to have continuity within LUFC’s various fundraising programs there are a few guidelines to follow. This way there are not numerous activities occurring simultaneously. All fundraising ideas should be submitted to the club in writing to the LUFC general email address listed

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Welcome to Lakes United FC 20. Guest Playing

24. Tournament Procedures

If a player would like to guest play for another LUFC team either during the season or for tournament play, the player must go through both their own coach and the Director of Coaching. Players and parents should not contact other coaches directly. If a coach would like a player to guest on their team then they must contact both the player’s coach and the Director of Coaching before approaching the player and their parents.

On the evening prior to a tournament between 6:007:00pm, players should eat a balanced dinner with plenty of complex carbohydrates. Good examples include pasta and potatoes. Avoid Fried and fast food. Drink plenty of juice and water. Do not drink soda! At approximately 9:30-10:30pm players should be in bed attempting to sleep. On the first day of the tournament 3-4 hours prior to game time, players should be awake. It takes a while for the body and 1 mind to get going. Approximately 2 /2- 3 hours prior to game time, players should eat a good size breakfast of mainly fruits and grains. Avoid fried food. Drink juice, possibly some milk, and water. No Soda! 45 minutes prior to game time, players should arrive at the field. All equipment should be on and be ready to begin warming up. Do not just shoot on goal. If you realize you may not make it to the field on time, contact your coach and put on your equipment in the car so that you are ready to go as soon as you arrive. At game time be both physically and mentally ready to play in a highly competitive game.

21. Player and Parent Consultations Players are encouraged to keep open channels of communication with their coach at any time. There is an “open door” policy with Chris Haggerty, Director of Coaching also. If parents want to consult with a coach concerning their child they should call at a time that is convenient with the coach. In order to prevent any miscommunication please have your son/daughter with you when you talk with the coach. Our goals are to develop every player and produce well rounded athletes. We need everyone pushing in the same direction to ensure that we are successful.

In Between Games:

22. Scouting LUFC Players

1. Take off your shoes, socks and shin guards. Wear sandals if possible. Do not under any circumstances go bare footed. 2. Put on a dry t-shirt. 3. Eat lightly. There is usually not that much time between games. Make sure that you drink plenty of water. A little Gatorade is fine, but you must drink more water. No fast food, fried food or soda! 4. Get out of the sun and heat. If you can get inside do so. If you cannot get inside, stay in the shade. 5. Stay off your feet! Do not run around!

In order for the Directors of Coaching and coaches to know all the players and their abilities, a scouting effort has been put in place. If you see the Director of Coaching, Boys Director, or Girls Director at your game or practice session writing notes. It is because they are evaluating the team, the players and the coach for continuing development.

23. Recruiting The club does not condone recruiting in any fashion. If a player or parent contacts an LUFC coach about moving to an LUFC team dialogue can continue. If a contact occurs, a player or parent should be directed to the Directors of Coaching. There should never be an initiation by an LUFC coach or parent to a player or parent from another club.

After the first day players should eat a balanced dinner with plenty of complex carbohydrates. Good examples include pasta and potatoes. Avoid Fried and fast food. Drink plenty of juice and water. Do not drink soda! At approximately 9:30-10:30pm players should be in bed attempting to sleep.

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Welcome to Lakes United FC On the second day of the tournament follow the same schedule as the first.

Competitive 2 (C2): U11-U19, Competitive and players possessing good skills - Winter training (starting by January), possible winter leagues, compete in good level competitions and attend 3-4 tournaments. Practice or play 2-3 nights a week and some weekends in summer. U11 & U12 play 8v8 and U13-U19 play 11v11.U11 & U12; 30 minute periods, U13 & U14; 35 minute periods, U15 & U16, 40 minute periods, U17, U18, & U19; 45 minute periods.

25. Indoor and Skills Academy Indoor training is an integral part of the LUFC developmental process for our U9 through U14 teams. We offer our Skills Academy, an individual technical skill based program. This is a 45-75 minute session that takes place once a week from November through to March. We also offer “pickup” 3v3/4v4 sessions during that same time period. In March we begin team training and host a 4v4 competitive league. This is a perfect format to give players plenty of touches and many opportunities to showcase their new skills. You can find details of these activities on our website at www.lakesunitedfc.org

Competitive 3 (C3): U11-U19, Skill building level - Winter training (start by February), compete in developmental competitions and attend 3+ tournaments. Practice or play 2-3 nights a week and a few weekends in the summer. U11 & U12 play 8v8 and U13-U19 play 11v11.U11 & U12; 30 minute periods, U13 & U14; 35 minute periods, U15 & U16, 40 minute periods, U17, U18, & U19; 45 minute periods.

26. Levels of Play Definitions for the various levels of play offered by MYSA and LUFC, and what you can expect:

Under 9 and Under 10 Development: Maroon (higher) and Gold (lower) levels. Skill building level. League play against local teams Scores are not kept Practice or play 2 nights a week and some weekends in the summer. Teams play 6v6; 25 minute periods.

Premier Soccer: U13-U19: Most competitive level; a select group of elite players. Winter training (starting November), winter leagues, travel to out of state/region tournaments, have additional coaching/training fees, compete in the highest level competitions. Practice or play 4 nights a week and weekends in summer. Teams play 11v11 – U13 & U14; 35 minute periods, U15 & U16, 40 minute periods, U17, U18, & U19; 45 minute periods.

Competitive 1 (C1): U11-U19: Highly competitive; a select group – Winter training (starting December), winter leagues, have additional coaching/training fees, compete in high level competitions and attend 4+ tournaments (some may be out of state). Practice or play 3 nights a week and weekends in the summer.U11 & U12 play 8v8 and U13-U19 play 11v11.U11 & U12; 30 minute periods, U13 & U14; 35 minute periods, U15 & U16, 40 minute periods, U17, U18, & U19; 45 minute periods.

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