Saturday, November 8, 2008

Pick-up soccer update

Pick-up soccer at WalMart fields:

  • Monday Nov. 10, 4:30 PM
  • Thursday Nov. 13, 4:30 PM
  • Sunday Nov. 16, 3:00 PM
  • Wednesday Nov. 19, 4:30 PM

and if this works we will continue on Sundays and Wednesdays at the times above.

Ron is anxious to get back to the library fields, so if other people prefer that they can discuss. I prefer WalMart fields, partly because all our pop-up goals are going to be used for middle school indoor and it will be hard to keep getting them to all the games.

We can discuss times and days if these don't seem to work. There has been general agreement that Sunday afternoons is good for people, and there has been hope that one weekday would still work for enough people to make it worthwhile.

I won't be at Thursday's or Sunday's games but I will be on e-mail so if anyone needs announcements sent out to the list just let me know.

Lisa

PS John can you post? Thanks!

Friday, October 31, 2008

GASA Night at the Playoffs!

Support the Columbus Crew's bid to win the MLS Cup
(and raise a little money for GASA) by attending
the Crew's playoff game against the Kansas City
Wizards on Saturday, November 8th, at 7:30 PM.

Tickets are $19. $2 from each ticket purchased will
go to the Greater Athens Soccer Association.

Call Avin Assomull at 614-447-4106 to order your
tickets by phone today.

DEADLINE TO ORDER TICKETS: Wednesday, Nov. 5th @ 5pm

James Petrik

P.S. Thank you to all who participated in GASA night
at the Crew last Saturday. The event raised $120
for the Greater Athens Soccer Association.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Pick up soccer update

From Lisa: "We're decided to move back to WalMart fields Monday/Thursday. The kids' leagues are finished. And people are encouraged to come as early as 5:00."

Hope to see all there!

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Pick up soccer now at 5:30

Just an update...Pickup soccer is still going on at the fields next to the Athens library every Monday and Thursday evening.

We have moved the start time back to 5:30PM to try and get more time as the days get shorter. All the same, whenever you can get there is fine.

Anyone looking to get in a good run is welcome. We have been having 20-30 players showing up each night. Players are middle schoolers, high schoolers, adults, and even a few of us in the "over 40" demographic. Experience levels range from newbies on up. So, whoever you are, you are welcome.

Once again, let me give a reminder to not park at the library lot, but take the dirt road at the end of Morris Avenue to the small parking area near the fields.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

GASA Night at the Crew - Ticket deadline October 10!

Greetings Athens Soccer Lovers!

Join a group of Athens soccer lovers for GASA Night at the Crew on Sunday, October 26th at 5 p.m. Tickets to the Crew's match against D.C. United are $14 (regularly a $20 value), and $2 from each ticket sold goes to the Greater Athens Soccer Association (GASA). To purchase tickets, please contact Avin Assomull at (614) 447-4106. The deadline to order tickets as part of this package is Friday, October 10th at 5 p.m.

This is the final game of what has been one of the Crew's best seasons ever. They are currently in 1st place in the MLS.

Let's celebrate the end (or near end) of our local youth, scholastic and adult soccer seasons by having a large Athens contingent at the Crew's final home game this season. This past June we had 54 Athenians attend a GASA night. Let's see if we can double that!

Cheers!

James Petrik

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PS - If you would like a copy of the flier, either for yourself or to hand out to your teams, please post a comment with your address and I would be happy to send you out a copy. ~Shauna

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Anyone want to play pickup Saturday 9/27

Since adult games were cancelled this weekend, I hear a herd of people are going to decend on the East State Street Fields (behind Wal-Mart) to play pickup at 5:30PM Saturday afternoon, Sept 26.

Since the kids are not playing then, we've got real goals and lined fields so it should be fun stuff.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Pick-up soccer meet at Library fields

As practices for the youth leagues are starting, we will move the Monday/Thursday pick-up soccer to the fields behind the Athens library. We are trying to get goals moved back there, but it may take a little while.

Please do not park in the library parking lot, as that has caused a problem in the past. There is a small dirt road at the end of Morris Ave. that leads to a small parking area just as near to the fields.

As a reminder, we meet at 6PM, and welcome players of all ages. We consistently have middle school ages up to 50+. (Still using that term because L loves it so much!) We typically play until its dark now and welcome anyone looking for a good, informal run to come join us.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

GASA Soccer Equipment Swap/Sale

Elaine Goetz asked I post this. Looks to be a very worthwhile program:

The Greater Athens Soccer Association (GASA) is again holding a Soccer Equipment Swap/Sale, this time for the Fall 2008 soccer season. If you have unneeded or wrong-sized soccer cleats or shinguards, please bring them to the parent meeting at the Athens Community Center on Sept. 9 at 6pm. At this time, you can exchange cleats and/or shinguards for another pair.

If you need cleats or shinguards, and you qualify for Athens Jobs & Family Services services, you qualify for free equipment, if available.

Any equipment not swapped will be available for purchase at a low cost of $2/pair of shoes and $1/pair of shinguards. Any profits from the shoe swap will be used by GASA for field maintenance and GASA soccer programs.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Adult Fall Soccer

Ohio University’s Division of Intramural and Club Sports is offering a 7 v. 7 adult (ages 16 and up) co-ed soccer league. The league will run on the following six Saturday mornings this fall: 9/20, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25 and 11/1.

Games will be played on Ohio University’s Mill Street intramural fields.

The captains’ meeting is on Wednesday, September 10th in the Athens Community Center Conference Room at 8 p.m. The registration fee is a minimum of $250 per team, with an additional $25 for each player over a minimum roster size of 10. (Though the minimum roster is ten, it is recommended that teams carry a roster of at least 12 players to cope with inevitable absences. While there is no maximum roster size stipulated by the league, captains should be mindful of the fact that games are composed of two 25 minute halves; so, if a team grows too large, playing time will be very limited.) To register a team at the captains’ meeting, captains must come prepared to remit their team’s full registration fee in either cash or check.

Provided that enough teams register, the league will be divided into a competitive division and a recreational division. The competitive division is for teams composed largely of more serious soccer players, with experience and fresh legs. The recreational division is for teams where a substantial portion (at least 2/3) are either a) novices to the sport or b) individuals for whom the thought of running at top speed calls up a mixture of nostalgia and fear. Should the league be divided into a competitive and a recreational division, coaches registering a team will be asked to designate the appropriate division for their team at the coaches’ meeting.

If you are interested in playing but don’t know any captains organizing a team, you can either come to the captains meeting or e-mail me your interest. I’ll do my best to connect you with a captain in need of players. If you do contact me, please let me know which division, competitive or recreational, you’d be interested in joining. If you are attempting to put together a team but need a few players to round out your roster, please send me an e-mail indicating a) the number of players you need and b) whether your team is recreational or competitive. Though I can’t promise that a slot will be found for all who are interested, I will do my best to find teams for players and players for teams.

Please note that this league is not being run by the Athens Department of Recreation. They will not be able to answer any questions about the league. Please direct any inquiries to

James Petrik

petrik@ohio.edu

phone (740) 593-4593

Friday, August 29, 2008

Raise Funds for Youth Soccer by Shopping at Kroger.

The Greater Athens Soccer Association invites you to help raise funds for local youth soccer by shopping at Kroger. The funds raised will go to the Greater Athens Soccer Association, a non-profit [501 (c) (3)] organization devoted to supporting youth soccer in the Athens area.

How it works.

Step 1. Arrange to purchase a Kroger Cares card with a value of $5 from GASA by contacting James Petrik at petriksoccer@gmail.com

Step 2. Reload the card (using cash, check or credit card) at any Kroger customer service desk.

Step 3. The Greater Athens Soccer Association will receive a check for 5% of the total reloads.

How the funds will be used.

50% of the funds generated by this program will be earmarked for local scholastic soccer (Athens Middle and High School Teams) and 50% will be earmarked for non-scholastic youth soccer in Athens.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Youth soccer still on for Tuesday!

Come out to the soccer fields Tuesday the 26th at 6:15 and let the kids work off all that energy from sitting in class all day! :) The youth pick-up soccer game is still on! We hope to see you there!

Also, this is the last week for soccer sign up. Final day to sign up is Friday, August 29...

Friday, August 22, 2008

Adult (and young adult) pickup

We'll try again for Saturday, (Aug 23) at 6:00 PM for pickup. Post in the comments if you can make it, so we can see the interest.

Also, Monday and Thursday pick-up games will be moved to 6:00 in the interest of more playing time before dark.

All this is at the fields on State Street, behind the China Panda, Burger King, Rent-to-Own, and oh yeah, Wal-Mart. (Still waiting on the first sponsorship check!)

Friday, August 15, 2008

Yet more pick up soccer

Posted on behalf of Lisa Carson...

Hi all,

We had a great game last night and interest has been expressed in playing tomorrow night, Saturday the 16th, same place (the only soccer fields in town), same time (6:30). I know a lot of people will have other plans, not to mention that kids' teams are playing, but enough might show up for a game. Please spread the word!

Lisa C

PS John, can you post this on the website for me? Thanks!



Of course we still play at 6:30-ish Mondays and Thursdays. These games are at the fields behind Wal-Mart.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Reminder, youth pick up game tonight at 6:15 - even in the rain...

Reminder: Tuesdays are the nights for youth pick up soccer games for grades 1-4. Rain or shine (as long as there is no thunder and lightning at the time).

To play, just show up at 6:15 at the Athens Soccer Complex, located on East State Street, behind Walmart. Parents are encouraged to help whenever possible. Please note, this is not a drop off event, parents are responsible for their own children. Hope to see you out on the fields!

Don't forget your ball, shin guards, and water bottle. :)

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Challenger British Soccer Camp

Corrine C. asked I post this to the blog a couple of days ago. I have meant to stop by the rec center to pick up a flyer to get more info for my younger one, but thought I'd post this in the meantime.

Hey everybody,I was at the Rec Center today signing Max and Ethan up for fall soccer and noticed that they had brochures for a soccer camp. It's Challenger British Soccer. The camp is a half-day and runs Mon., Aug. 18-Fri., Aug. 22. There are separate camps for ages 6-9 and 10-13. Cost is $95.

Updated: You can signup for the camp here.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Reminder, Youth pick up game starts tonight at 6:15

Reminder, Youth pick up games start tonight 7/29 at 6:15. To play, just show up on Tuesdays at 6:15 at the Athens Soccer Complex, located on East State Street, behind Walmart. Parents are encouraged to help whenever possible. Please note, this is not a drop off event, parents are responsible for their own children. Hope to see you out on the fields!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Pickup games for grades 1-4 - help needed...

We have several parents expressing interest in getting together once a week for grades 1-4 pick up games. We would LOVE to get this started, but can't handle it alone. Would anyone be interested in helping out and being a consistent attendee? There will be some days that we couldn't make it, and vice versa. The more the merrier and the better chance at success!

Obviously, the kids would need more guidance and intervention than the adult pick up games that are going on. We would need volunteers to help ref the games and help the kids when they have questions or are unsure of what to do. That's much more than a one person job! :) Hopefully, the parents would get involved and help out as well.

I can help advertise and get the word out. Shyler and I can show up and help out wherever we can. We just need other dedicated soccer fans/parents/coaches willing to show up and help out as well. Any takers? :) Let me know of your interest asap and we can start discussing the details and how to organize this.


Shauna Switzer
shaunaswitzer@gmail.com

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Reminder of pickup

Just a reminder that we are playing pickup at the East State Street fields (behind WallMart) every Monday and Thursday at 6:30 PM.

We have a good variety of players from middle school through adult, male and female, experienced and new to the game. Feel free to drop by and get a run in!

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Pick-up this Monday night

Lisa Carson asked I post this...


Hi soccer fans,

I heard some people played in the rain last week. You guys are brave.

I am hoping we will get a game going on Monday at 6:30, same place, so-called WalMart fields.

Come and play! Tell your friends.

Lisa
I'll be there Monday, hope to see you out also and we can all tease Lisa about not being able to post to the blog.

P.S., we did have 4 out briefly in a light rain Thursday, but we quit when the rain began to drive so hard we couldn't hear each other shouting from 10 yards away.

P.P.S. There has been some talk about what to call the fields. I think we should get WallMart to put up money if we call them the WallMart fields. (Or can we auction them off, with the neigboring businesses in the lot: Radio Shack fields? Ruby Tuesday Fields? Staples fields? China Panda fields?) I've been trying to use "the East State Street fields--behind Wall Mart".

Friday, July 4, 2008

Girls' Soccer Clinic

GIRLS SOCCER CLINIC REGISTRATION FORM
WHEN: July 16-18, 2008
WHERE: Athens High School Practice Fields
TIME: 10:00AM to 12:30 PM
Must Check In and Check Out everyday. Do not just drop off the players.
Grades: 7th thru 12th
COST: 1 player - $40 per player
2 players (same family) - $75

Mail Form & Check Payable To: For additional information call/email:
Caiti Grippa Caiti Grippa 740-590-2515 or 740-594-3337
6989 Beechwood Drive Caiti21@yahoo.com (best way to contact)
Athens, Ohio 45701

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Soccer ball, shin guards, sun block, and water bottle with name.
COORDINATORS: Caiti Grippa, former & Sheri Huckleberry
STAFF: Caiti Grippa, Sheri Huckleberry, Rebekah Grippa, Cait Browne, & Whitney Walker

Monday, June 30, 2008

Pickup Soccer Thursday

We'll go again with pickup soccer Thursday at the East State St. fields (the ones behind Wall-Mart). A good mix of adults and middle/high school age kids were out last week, so come on out if you want to get a good run in.

New time: We're going to try a 6:30 PM start at the request of several folks. If you arrive at 7, no worries, we'll still get you in.

Also is anyone interested in adding another day in addition to Thursday? Monday sounds good to a number of us. You can add a comment if you like to add an opinion. We'll decide Thursday and post here what the decision is.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Pickup Soccer (again) Thursday

Just a reminder that we will continue to play pickup on Thursday nights at the East State Street fields (behind Wall-Mart) at 7 PM.

We had a good crowd (about 21) last time, let's keep it going! See you there.

Also, the second European Championship ("Euro 2008") semifinal is on tomorrow on ESPN2 at 2:45PM between Spain and Russia.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Pickup Soccer Thursday 6/19

at 7PM at the East State Street (Wall-Mart) Soccer Fields

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Wednesday 7 PM pickup at the Wall-Mart fields

Tomorrow night (Wednesday) the two large soccer fields will have makeup games from the adult league's last weekend going on.

There is plenty of space for pickup if anyone else who wants to show up. I (John Cotton) will be playing with my adult team(s), but will have a bag of balls to borrow if you need.

If you are wanting to come out, you may want to comment below to get a "buzz" started.

Monday, June 9, 2008

GASA Potluck/Cookout of June 7th

Thanks to all who attended the potluck/cookout this Saturday. I was really pleased with the number who turned up and loved the assortment of dishes contributed.

One item I wanted to bring to your attention is the following: the Gilbraiths left a bag containing horseradish sauce and some pool test strips. If you discover that you happen to have these items, please contact Jody Gilbraith at gilbraith@nelsonvilletv.com.


Thanks,

James Petrik

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

3rd and 4th graders go to Columbus Crew on Aug. 16

Please join 3rd and 4th graders from the Athens Rec league and their families as we travel to a Columbus Crew soccer game on Saturday, August 16th. The Crew is playing FC Dallas at 7:30pm that evening. A block of tickets has been reserved for the "Athens Soccer Heroes". To purchase tickets, please call Read Allen (Columbus Crew Coporate & Community Relations Manager) at 1-614-447-4131, and ask for tickets in this block. Tickets are $22/person. If enough tickets are purchased, we may qualify for special activities such as to have our name in lights on the billboard, or to be ball kids for the game! Please see the Columbus Crew website,
http://columbus.crew.mlsnet.com/ , for more details.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Pickup soccer

Anyone want to play pickup? Wednesday 7pm at the East State St fields (behind Wall-Mart)

Saturday, May 24, 2008

GASA 7th-9th League End of Season Tournament

Tuesday May 27th, kickoff 7PM
Game 1: Germany v. Portugal
Game 2: Italy v. France

Thursday, May 29th, kickoff 7PM
Final: Italy v. Germany
3rd Place: France v. Portugal

Games will be played at the East State Street soccer fields, behind Wall-Mart on East State street in Athens.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Sunday Pick-up Soccer

Because the Wall-mart fields are so muddy, lets play this week at the library fields. Normally, we are not to park in the library lot when we use these fields, but as the library is closed on Sunday, it's okay. We try to get it started around 4, so anyone wanting to play, just show up.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

GASA 7th-9th league schedule updates

Due to the May 3rd rain out of our leagues games and the adult league games, we have had to change the time of this coming Saturday's games.

This Saturday May 17th, the games will start at 1:15 PM.

The make up game for the May 3rd game will be Saturday May 24th at 1:15 PM:

  • Portugal v Italy (Field 4)
  • France v Germany (Field 5)

Saturday, May 3, 2008

GASA 7th-9th league games cancelled 5/3

Games have been cancelled today, May 3, due to the weather.

Anyone needing a soccer fix, tomorrow is supposed to be nice, so feel free to meet for pickup at 4 at the fields behind Wallmart.

Monday, April 21, 2008

A comment on goals

Not really a Joe Paterno fan, but I really like this quote and wanted to share. It says something about a way to approach competition that I believe we should keep in mind, especially as we develop young men and women beyond sports.

"There are many people, particularly in sports who think that success and excellence are the same thing and they are not the same thing. Excellence is something that is lasting and dependable and largely within a person’s control. In contrast, success is perishable and is often outside our control… If you strive for excellence, you will probably be successful eventually... people who put excellence in first place have the patience to end up with success… An additional burden for the victim of the success mentality is that he/she is threatened by success of others and resents real excellence. In contrast, the person fascinated by quality is excited when he/she sees it in others."
-- Joe Paterno – Penn State Football Coach - 1990


BTW, I have not been trolling Penn State boards. I found it as part of a very worthwhile document several years back that can be found here http://www.torosoccer.com/files/document/file_name/13577/learningvswinning.pdf The document was put forth by the US Womens National Teams as a position statement on player development verses winning. Worth a read.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Sunday pickup soccer

We're going to move the Sunday pickup soccer for Middle School aged kids outside starting this weekend (4/20).

We will play from 4-6 PM at the East State Street Soccer Fields, which are behind Wallmart on East State Street in Athens.

Hope to see you there.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Week 1 GASA 7-9th Results

Our first week of games went very well with 2 close hard fought games:
Germany 4 - 2 France
Portugal 3 -3 Italy

I'll start posting league tables (standings) next week.

Also, a big thank you to our 4 uniform sponsors:
Germany - Diagnostic Hybrids
France - Taylor Family Dealerships
Portugal - University Estates
Italy - Floor and Moore

Finally, thanks to Downard Photography who donated funds to purchase practice equipment for two teams.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Sunday pickup reminder

After a week off, we will continue with pick-up this Sunday March 30 for 7th-8th grade aged boys and girls. This is at Athens Middle School from 4-6PM.

Hope to see you there.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Sunday soccer 1 week break

There will be no Sunday pickup soccer this weekend March 23, due to Easter Sunday and spring break.

We hope to see you for the next session on Sunday, March 30th 4-6PM.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Spring soccer registration

There will be a registration table for Spring 7th, 8th, and 9th grade soccer, tomorrow March 15th at the Athens Community Center from 9am-noon.

Hope to see you there.

More information can be found here or by emailing gasaleague@gmail.com.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Sunday soccer extended

Athens middle school has agreed to allow the sunday indoor pickup to continue.

The basic details are Sunday afternoons from 4-6 at the Athens Middle School Gym. All boys and girls of 7th and 8th grade age are welcome to play.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Spring soccer for 7th-9th grade boys and girls

The Greater Athens Soccer Association (GASA) has announced a Spring Soccer league for 7th-9th graders.

Play will be on Saturdays from April 12-May 17th, and then have an end of Season tournament Tuesday May 27th and Thursday the 29th.

To the right, I have posted a link to further information and registraton forms. (Or here.) Registration forms can either be mailed to: The Greater Athens Soccer Association, PO Box 870, Athens, OH 45701-0870 or brought by the registration table in the Athens Community Center on Saturday March 15th from 9:00AM – 12:00PM.

Email questions to gasaleague@gmail.com or you can comment on below.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Spring soccer league for 7th-9th graders

We will soon be announcing a community league for 7th-9th graders in the Greater Athens Area.

Information and registration forms will appear on this blog in the near future.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Sunday soccer

Just a reminder that we are still playing pickup soccer on Sundays from 4-6 at the Athens Middle School Gym. All boys and girls of 7th and 8th grade age are welcome to play.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Sunday pick up and the Super Bowl

At yesterday's Sunday pickup for middle schoolers I was asked a few times about next week. We will continue with our normal session from 4-6 PM on February 3 for all who would like to come. I believe the kickoff is after 6 anyhow.

(Of course, this would not even be an issue if only the NFL would adopt some sort of a "bowl system" rather than this outdated playoff format.)

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Adult Indoor Soccer at the Ping Center

The Greater Athens Soccer Association in conjunction with Ohio University’s Division of Campus Recreation is organizing a 5 v. 5 adult (ages 16 and up) co-ed indoor soccer league. The league will run on Saturday mornings, beginning on February 2nd and ending on March 8th. (Though it is still contingent upon the number of teams that enroll and other factors, it is possible that there will be no games on February 9th due to the Ping Center’s Rec Fest. Should this be the case, the season will consist of five games. In the unlikely event that a game or games are canceled due to a snow emergency, no attempt will be made to make-up the lost game/s.)

Games will be played at Ohio University’s Ping Center.

The captains’ meeting is 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 31st at the Ping Center in meeting rooms B and C. (If you are not a Ping member, please tell the front desk that you are there to attend a captains’ meeting for GASA/OU adult indoor soccer. The registration fee is a minimum of $160 per team, with an additional $20 for each player over the minimum roster size of 8. (While there is no maximum roster size stipulated by the league, captains should be mindful of the fact that games are composed of fifteen minute halves; so, if a team grows too large, playing time might be very limited.) All teams must have a captain or representative attend the captains’ meeting. To register a team at the captains’ meeting, captains must come prepared to remit their team’s full registration fee in either cash or check.

Participants who are not members of the Ping Center will need to either become regular paying members of the Ping Center or purchase a book of six admission tickets for $25. (This means that the total cost of participation for a non-Ping member would be $45.) These tickets will afford access to the Ping Center, but only to the indoor soccer area and during the hours of the league. These tickets can be purchased on the day of the first game. If you would like to pick up a packet of tickets before that time, please contact Ashley Johnson johnsona6@ohio.edu or Brad Whittaker whittake@ohio.edu.

There will be five game slots on Saturday mornings at the following times: 9:30, 10:15, 11:00, 11:45 and 12:30. These slots will be divided among the following divisions in the league: 1) a four team competitive division, 2) a four team recreational division and 3) a two team introductory division. The competitive division is for teams composed largely of more serious soccer players, with experience and fresh legs. The recreational division is for teams where a substantial portion (at least half) are either a) novices to the sport or b) individuals for whom running at top speed is a distant memory. The introductory division will be for players interested in a VERY relaxed atmosphere with other beginners. (There is the possibility that the games in the introductory division might be run as pick-up games, with players from a single pool divided into two teams immediately prior to each game. Pennies will be available for this purpose. If there are enough players interested in the introductory division, games will be six on six. If you are interested in the introductory division, please let me know by e-mail in advance of the captains’ meeting. )

If you plan to attend the captains’ meeting to register a team, it would facilitate planning if you would notify me in advance of the meeting of your intent to do so and whether your team would be competitive or recreational. (Prior notification, however, is not a requirement for registering a team at the meeting.)

If you are interested in playing but don’t know any coaches organizing a team, you can e-mail me your interest at . I’ll do my best to connect you with a coach in need of players. If you do contact me, please let me know which division (competitive, recreational or introductory) you’d be interested in joining. If you are attempting to put together a team but need a few players to round out your roster, please send me an e-mail indicating a) the number of players you need and b) whether your team is recreational, competitive or introductory. Though I can’t promise that a slot will be found for all who are interested, I will do my best to find teams for players and players for teams.


James Petrik
petrik@ohio.edu
phone (740) 593-4593

Monday, January 21, 2008

Sunday soccer feedback...

Had another week of Sunday pickup. 22 kids, 2 hours, load of fun.

Feel free to post any feedback here...

US 2, Sweden 0

Goals by Robinson (15') and Donovan (48', pen).

The player that stood out the most to me was Altidore, who came on at half. I really think this may be the one. Congrats also to Robinson, scoring on his international debut. Pretty sweet for a defender.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Weekend soccer items:

  • US Men's National Team plays Sweden 8:30 PM Saturday. Televised live on Fox Soccer Channel.
  • Pickup soccer 4-6 PM Sunday at Athens Middle School gym for any interested 7th and 8th grade boys and girls.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

One of the best ever

Thought I'd post a video link to some classic Johann Cruyff highlights, including


  • One of the best first touches ever, and the second is not bad either. (0:41)

  • A collection of the move that carries his name, the "Cruyff turn". That's one to practice at home! (0:49)

  • Cruyff playing for the Washington Diplomats of the old NASL. I may have been in the crowd actually! (And yes, I was at home practicing that turn.) (1:06)

  • An example of why you pay attention during a penalty kick. "Hello, defense?" (2:40).

Sunday, January 13, 2008

First Sunday indoor feedback

Wow. What a great first session tonite was. We had 22 kids and played (by my dodgy count) 11 rounds of 8 minute games. I hope everyone had a fun time.

Thanks to all the parents who have volunteered to help supervise. I'm putting together contact info and (I believe) Lisa will be in touch.

If anyone wants to add comments to the discussion, please do so. In the meantime see you next week.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Sunday evening indoor soccer

Just a reminder that indoor soccer in the Athens Middle School Gym starts this Sunday, January 13th from 4-6pm.

Any girl or boy of 7th and 8th grade age in the area is welcome to play.

Remember to bring water, shin guards, and gym appropriate shoes. Also bring your completed and signed Player Information and Waiver Form. I will have a few extra there if you didn't get yours via email.

See you there.

US Mens National Team on Saturday night (1/19)

U.S. Men vs. Sweden will be broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel on Saturday 1/19/2008 at 8:30 PM (Eastern).

Some info can be read here.

This is a friendly match leading up to the February 6th "friendly" match against Mexico and World Cup qualifying which starts in June. The players called up are mostly those playing in the MLS (plus 3 from Scandanavia) as most European leagues are in mid-season, but there is some excellent quality in the side.

Anyone want to comment below on thier starting XI?

United States Roster vs. Sweden
Goalkeepers (4): Steve Cronin (Los Angeles Galaxy), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Will Hesmer (Columbus Crew), Zach Wells (D.C. United)
Defenders (9): Dan Califf (Aalborg BK), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Ramiro Corrales (SK Brann), Todd Dunivant (Toronto FC), Clarence Goodson (San Jose Earthquakes), Drew Moor (FC Dallas), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution), Eddie Robinson (Houston Dynamo), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
Midfielders (7): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Justin Mapp (Chicago Fire), Pat Noonan (New England Revolution)
Forwards (6): Josmer Altidore (New York Red Bulls), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Eddie Johnson (Kansas Cit y Wizards), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire), Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution), Jeremiah White (AGF Aarhus)

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Sunday middle school pick up

Indoor soccer in the AMS Gym Sundays from 4-6pm from this Sunday January 13th until March 2nd for 7th and 8th grade age boys and girls. We want this to be first and foremost – FUN and an equal opportunity for everyone to play on a level team. Non-AMS students (including home schoolers) are welcome too!

The format for this will be "street soccer", meant to immitate kid-organized pick-up games of yore. There will be adult supervision which will divide up small-sided teams, but kids will determine their own positions and tactics as well as call their own fouls.

Players need to bring thier own water, shin guards, and gym appropriate shoes. We will have indoor soccer balls.

Each player will be required to have a parent/guardian signed waiver form, as well as a signed player agreement that states they will abide by the gymnasium and playing rules. We can not let anyone play who does not have the forms signed and turned in.

If you have not recieved the forms, send me (cotton@ohio.edu) or Jay (foothills6@juno.com) an email.

Monday, January 7, 2008

First post

To get things started, how about a link to a Le Tissier video.

Test this as a messageboard

Soccer information for the Athens, Ohio area can be easily posted here.

I also had a few moments to try something out today. My wife has been playing with a blogging website and has mentioned how easy it is, compared to maintaining a website. I gave it a few minutes and was able to set up the website: athenssoccerinfo.blogspot.com
Some features are:

  1. We can post information and anyone with web access can check for updates, news, etc.
    - I'm thinking we could add posts like "Soccer Saturday at 4 at the library".
  2. I can add each of you (or others) as authors so you can add your own posts.
    - Allows distributed communication.
    - May make minutes easier to post and communicate for GASA
  3. Any reader can reply to posts.
    - Nice to get feedback, which would cover about 3 or 4 subjects flying around the emails lately.
    - Even to just decide if there is a quorum to play.

If you think this is a good idea, I can add you (all, individually, or others) as authors. I can also add the Sunday soccer rules/form as a post. By the way, the site registration is free.

Finally, everything you see was set up in less than half an hour, so all design/titles, etc is open for criticism, change. More bits are easy to add. (The poll is an example: It took 1 minute to add.)