So I spent my Thursday night with 11 U/14 girls and 4 similarly aged boys. This was at a different club to where I was last year. I had so much fun, that it really confirmed my coaching intentions.
The girls at training this evening at this club (let's call it Club 1) are younger than the ones I coached last year, but have been playing for longer. It's weird. I started playing at 14 and these girls have been playing for at least a few years and are going to turn 14!
The best thing to see about these girls was their skill level. They're not Ronaldos and Maradonas, but they are still at that sponge stage - where they can learn turns and touches easily. As their minds aren't yet set with tactics, they will then use these skills at any stage of the game. It's great to see this 'free' football.
Such a change from the girls I had last year - older at U/16, and a number were beginners who decided to join a football club for the sake of doing a sport. "Heck, my friends go there, so why not?," rather than the "I want to play football" attitude.
I'm not saying that you shouldn't join a football club just to be social - even I acknowledge that I found football easier to deal with than hammer throwing (my other love, it's a strange mix and now I compete neither of them...) because I had all my teammates to support me. You weren't out there on your own and even the occasional, "Head-up!" when you're feeling a bit blue from an error makes a massive impact on the spirit. Part of the fun about football is that social element, it's just a matter of finding somewhere that has the right competition/social mix.
I suppose the way to define is that you can see the difference between girls who play football because their friends do and girls who play football and become friends with their teammates.
Anyway, I enjoyed my night with Club 1 but I also have another few clubs to look at. Club 1 has me in mind for the U/16 girls who I am yet to meet, but doesn't matter how great the girls are I need to be happy with the club itself. I can't see myself at the club I was at last year because of their association with a senior club I once played at (well, twice or thrice) and I know fairly well.
Club 2 is probably not going to happen due to location (Club 1 is on my way home from work and/or uni, Club 2 is beyond home and Club 3 is on my way home from work and close to uni).
We'll see what happens. After all, for some reason I am yet to respond to an enquiry from last year's club about my coaching future...
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
No wonder Muscat's in the Oz squad...
...who else can take penalties?
Meanwhile, that assistant referee needs to be wearing a cap. The sun must've obstructed his view...
And I think Breeze left his yellow cards at home - it's sheer thuggery out there today. I know it's a derby and it's the major semi, but it's no reason for the players to be as rough as they currently are.
Meanwhile, that assistant referee needs to be wearing a cap. The sun must've obstructed his view...
And I think Breeze left his yellow cards at home - it's sheer thuggery out there today. I know it's a derby and it's the major semi, but it's no reason for the players to be as rough as they currently are.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Half-time at Hindmarsh
Sorry Hamish and John, but I'm finding myself going for the Reds here. I did want Qld to take the premiership and have a chance of hosting the HAL final... but then Ognenovski fouled Galekovic. And the ref... did nothing.
Later, Tiatto fouls Djite, and the ref... did nothing.
Later again, Tiatto slaps (it wasn't that hard) Dodd, and the ref... sends him off.
To some, this may seem 'fair', but it's really not. It's inconsistent and the whole thing could have been avoided if the ref had the balls to give Oggy a yellow in the first foul at 4 minutes. Delovski had a chance to set himself in control of the match - instead he chickened out and gave the players the indication that they could have free-reign.
And so along came Tiatto's first foul - which it could be argued was none of Djite's business, but that's another matter. Delovski again did nothing, we all know it should have been a yellow. So when Tiatto slaps Dodd - while we all know that would have effectively been his second yellow... the ref gives him a straight red.
Perhaps what I'm arguing makes no sense - in short, the ref is being inconsistent and has no control of the match. Dodd should have been given a yellow for trying to get to Tiatto post-red card, and given one to Djite too for the same reason. Only to put those players back in their place and send a message to the rest that no more utter rubbish was going to be taken.
But it really should have been dealt with in that first unnecessary foul by Oggy.
Later, Tiatto fouls Djite, and the ref... did nothing.
Later again, Tiatto slaps (it wasn't that hard) Dodd, and the ref... sends him off.
To some, this may seem 'fair', but it's really not. It's inconsistent and the whole thing could have been avoided if the ref had the balls to give Oggy a yellow in the first foul at 4 minutes. Delovski had a chance to set himself in control of the match - instead he chickened out and gave the players the indication that they could have free-reign.
And so along came Tiatto's first foul - which it could be argued was none of Djite's business, but that's another matter. Delovski again did nothing, we all know it should have been a yellow. So when Tiatto slaps Dodd - while we all know that would have effectively been his second yellow... the ref gives him a straight red.
Perhaps what I'm arguing makes no sense - in short, the ref is being inconsistent and has no control of the match. Dodd should have been given a yellow for trying to get to Tiatto post-red card, and given one to Djite too for the same reason. Only to put those players back in their place and send a message to the rest that no more utter rubbish was going to be taken.
But it really should have been dealt with in that first unnecessary foul by Oggy.
If it ain't broke... Uncle Ernie will fix it!
Of course, in his own Uncle Ernie way.
Last week we all saw what Melbourne Victory could be - what it was last year and what it was going to be leading into the Asian Champions League. With only one of the Allsopp/Thompson partnership playing last week, the team looked and felt different. Fresh, eager to play and they looked free.
This week Uncle Ernie has decided that he wants Allsopp back. We were fine without him, so let's put him in! So someone had to go... Muscat had to stay in the starting eleven - not even Uncle Ernie is immune to Kev's wrath. But there's no room in the midfield... so let's put our old slow leader in the back four! Yes, that makes a lot of sense! Defenders need to be quick to chase down players who break through - Muscat, with his current speed of a snail, is an excellent candidate!
So who to drop? Well, he couldn't drop poor little Matty Kemp - not now. After all, Kemp kept playing throughout all his poor matches - not even being subbed! Ryall's been doing well, although he strikes me as lazy - more on that at a later time. So Seb can stay, he's young too, and Ernie likes to give youth (and the aged - see Muscat) a change. And you'd be mad to remove Vargas from the starting eleven (although it wouldn't surprise me if Uncle Ernie stoops to this at some point, because, let's all face it - a coach who doesn't feel the joy of goals and brilliant saves MUST be mad!)
So Vasilevski was dropped. Out of the starting eleven... and out of the squad altogether!
Let's move onto the midfield - unfortunately, Broxham is there on his own. Ward's been losing balls throughout the whole half and Hernandez isn't really doing much in winning the ball. Caceres has always been lacking in defensive abilities.
I know Broxham's good, but he's not that good to be able to hold out the entire Sydney midfield!
And so Sydney won the ball in their defence, got through our absent midfield, and Sydney's speedy old man Corica completely out-runs Melbourne's slow old man Muscat. Muscat is a liability in the defense line, and it's a shame that Uncle Ernie persists with playing him there.
By all means, if you want to remain injury-free Ernie, keep Muscat on the park - but not in the defense. In fact, why play Allsopp at all and avoid the whole fiasco? We played brilliantly last week... why change?
Last week we all saw what Melbourne Victory could be - what it was last year and what it was going to be leading into the Asian Champions League. With only one of the Allsopp/Thompson partnership playing last week, the team looked and felt different. Fresh, eager to play and they looked free.
This week Uncle Ernie has decided that he wants Allsopp back. We were fine without him, so let's put him in! So someone had to go... Muscat had to stay in the starting eleven - not even Uncle Ernie is immune to Kev's wrath. But there's no room in the midfield... so let's put our old slow leader in the back four! Yes, that makes a lot of sense! Defenders need to be quick to chase down players who break through - Muscat, with his current speed of a snail, is an excellent candidate!
So who to drop? Well, he couldn't drop poor little Matty Kemp - not now. After all, Kemp kept playing throughout all his poor matches - not even being subbed! Ryall's been doing well, although he strikes me as lazy - more on that at a later time. So Seb can stay, he's young too, and Ernie likes to give youth (and the aged - see Muscat) a change. And you'd be mad to remove Vargas from the starting eleven (although it wouldn't surprise me if Uncle Ernie stoops to this at some point, because, let's all face it - a coach who doesn't feel the joy of goals and brilliant saves MUST be mad!)
So Vasilevski was dropped. Out of the starting eleven... and out of the squad altogether!
Let's move onto the midfield - unfortunately, Broxham is there on his own. Ward's been losing balls throughout the whole half and Hernandez isn't really doing much in winning the ball. Caceres has always been lacking in defensive abilities.
I know Broxham's good, but he's not that good to be able to hold out the entire Sydney midfield!
And so Sydney won the ball in their defence, got through our absent midfield, and Sydney's speedy old man Corica completely out-runs Melbourne's slow old man Muscat. Muscat is a liability in the defense line, and it's a shame that Uncle Ernie persists with playing him there.
By all means, if you want to remain injury-free Ernie, keep Muscat on the park - but not in the defense. In fact, why play Allsopp at all and avoid the whole fiasco? We played brilliantly last week... why change?
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
How to get more girls to go to the football.
A while ago I was discussing pet dogs with Au (a girl at work). With Facebook blocked at work, I couldn't find any photos of my pup on Photobucket. Yesterday morning I remembered that I did have a photo... so I emailed the link to her.
=========================
From: Cecilia
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 10:20 AM
To: Au
Subject:
I did have a photo of my puppy on photobucket!
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m312/cestaz/73558713.jpg
------------------------------------
From: Cecilia
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 10:32 AM
To: Au
Subject: FW:
Actually, try this one:
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m312/cestaz/P1000430.jpg
------------------------------------
From: Au
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 10:51 AM
To: Cecilia
Subject: RE:
Hahaha… what’s his name?
------------------------------------
From: Au
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 10:53 AM
To: Cecilia
Subject: RE:
Gnaw so cute!!
But the other email/pic combination made me LOL! hahaha
------------------------------------
From: Cecilia
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 10:56 AM
To: Au
Subject: RE:
HER name is P####. Google it to find out where the name was inspired from – it’s a bit of a laugh… well, to me anyway.
That being said, P#### suits her and I couldn’t imagine her to have any other name.
P.S. Yeah, trust me to f@%k it up with a footballer, and a goalkeeper no less! He’s quite hot though . LOL.
------------------------------------
From: Au
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 11:06 AM
To: Cecilia
Subject: RE:
“open area on the outskirts of a town “??? I’m not sure this reference is right, cos I had presumed it would be football related!
And yes he is quite hot!
------------------------------------
From: Cecilia
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 11:08 AM
To: Au
Subject: RE:
It’s pretty much the open prairie area in central Argentina. LOL
I’m imagining someone going, “Here’s my cat. I called it Werribee.” LOL
Yes, VERY hot. Olyroos goalkeeper too – I’m looking forward to the Beijing Olympics. ;) He’s a lot of fun to watch from a goalkeeping point of view. That’s how my semi-obsession with the young boy started anyway…
------------------------------------
From: Au
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 11:17 AM
To: Cecilia
Subject: RE:
“Here’s my cat. I called it Werribee.” …. When you put it like that!! Or, here’s my cat, I called it poo farm – since that’s what Werribee is referred to as.
I’d even watch it for that!! Just how young is this boy?? (coming from the person who has been to four 21st birthdays in the past 2 weeks…)
------------------------------------
From: Cecilia
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 11:21 AM
To: Au
Subject: RE:
Hmm… I’m surprised I don’t know this off the top of my head… about 10 years ago I would’ve been able to tell you his star sign and what-not.
He’s 22, and a month older than my brother… and older than those people who have recently turned 21.
Hurrah! He’s not illegal!
And he’s an Aries. LOL
------------------------------------
From: Au
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 1:23 PM
To: Cecilia
Subject: RE:
Well that fact that he is legal is the main thing… really though, 22 isn’t that young. How old are you anyway?
Hmm so is Aries compatible with your star sign? haha
------------------------------------
From: Cecilia
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 1:30 PM
To: Au
Subject: RE:
23 – but I’ll be 24 before he turns 23. :’( LOL
Oooh… “hot air” when I tried a compatibility test online.
your time together will fan the flames of the Arian fire and elevate your relationship to one of passion
…oooh…
This combination can sometimes be very wacky
wOOt!
You might be able to prod Aries’ interest in self-improvement and become a teacher to them
Oooh… wonder what I can teach him, ey? ;)
The best group of Aries for you is the group born between 31 March and 10 April.
Damn, he’s a 22nd Mar.
I am clearly procrastinating.
------------------------------------
From: Au
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 1:33 PM
To: Cecilia
Subject: RE:
Yes, but you are doing it really well!
Pfft, that’s not much age difference at all… sound very compatible too!
Actually, I found out an interesting fact about my family the other day. Of all the relos that are married, the women are older in pretty much all of the relationships… I’m destined to be with a younger man! haha
------------------------------------
From: Cecilia
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 1:40 PM
To: Au
Subject: RE:
Oh, and you really have to see this kid in the flesh. Drool-worthy.
I was watching him warm up (I like to observe how each of them warm up you see) and I started talking about his physical finer points and now have a friend completely hooked on his stature.
=========================
Later discussions revealed that Au has a friend who wanted to take her to a Victory game. Now she wants to make sure it's against the Mariners. Hopefully Vukovic won't be on national duty or suspended when the time comes...
For the record, I did know Vuko was of legal age, but it's one of my favourite things to say when the time comes.
And Wayne, I directed her to your blog for reasons that should be clear.
=========================
From: Cecilia
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 10:20 AM
To: Au
Subject:
I did have a photo of my puppy on photobucket!
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m312/cestaz/73558713.jpg
------------------------------------
From: Cecilia
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 10:32 AM
To: Au
Subject: FW:
Actually, try this one:
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m312/cestaz/P1000430.jpg
------------------------------------
From: Au
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 10:51 AM
To: Cecilia
Subject: RE:
Hahaha… what’s his name?
------------------------------------
From: Au
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 10:53 AM
To: Cecilia
Subject: RE:
Gnaw so cute!!
But the other email/pic combination made me LOL! hahaha
------------------------------------
From: Cecilia
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 10:56 AM
To: Au
Subject: RE:
HER name is P####. Google it to find out where the name was inspired from – it’s a bit of a laugh… well, to me anyway.
That being said, P#### suits her and I couldn’t imagine her to have any other name.
P.S. Yeah, trust me to f@%k it up with a footballer, and a goalkeeper no less! He’s quite hot though
. LOL.------------------------------------
From: Au
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 11:06 AM
To: Cecilia
Subject: RE:
“open area on the outskirts of a town “??? I’m not sure this reference is right, cos I had presumed it would be football related!
And yes he is quite hot!
------------------------------------
From: Cecilia
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 11:08 AM
To: Au
Subject: RE:
It’s pretty much the open prairie area in central Argentina. LOL
I’m imagining someone going, “Here’s my cat. I called it Werribee.” LOL
Yes, VERY hot. Olyroos goalkeeper too – I’m looking forward to the Beijing Olympics. ;) He’s a lot of fun to watch from a goalkeeping point of view. That’s how my semi-obsession with the young boy started anyway…
------------------------------------
From: Au
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 11:17 AM
To: Cecilia
Subject: RE:
“Here’s my cat. I called it Werribee.” …. When you put it like that!! Or, here’s my cat, I called it poo farm – since that’s what Werribee is referred to as.
I’d even watch it for that!! Just how young is this boy?? (coming from the person who has been to four 21st birthdays in the past 2 weeks…)
------------------------------------
From: Cecilia
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 11:21 AM
To: Au
Subject: RE:
Hmm… I’m surprised I don’t know this off the top of my head… about 10 years ago I would’ve been able to tell you his star sign and what-not.
He’s 22, and a month older than my brother… and older than those people who have recently turned 21.
Hurrah! He’s not illegal!
And he’s an Aries. LOL
------------------------------------
From: Au
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 1:23 PM
To: Cecilia
Subject: RE:
Well that fact that he is legal is the main thing… really though, 22 isn’t that young. How old are you anyway?
Hmm so is Aries compatible with your star sign? haha
------------------------------------
From: Cecilia
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 1:30 PM
To: Au
Subject: RE:
23 – but I’ll be 24 before he turns 23. :’( LOL
Oooh… “hot air” when I tried a compatibility test online.
your time together will fan the flames of the Arian fire and elevate your relationship to one of passion
…oooh…
This combination can sometimes be very wacky
wOOt!
You might be able to prod Aries’ interest in self-improvement and become a teacher to them
Oooh… wonder what I can teach him, ey? ;)
The best group of Aries for you is the group born between 31 March and 10 April.
Damn, he’s a 22nd Mar.
I am clearly procrastinating.
------------------------------------
From: Au
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 1:33 PM
To: Cecilia
Subject: RE:
Yes, but you are doing it really well!
Pfft, that’s not much age difference at all… sound very compatible too!
Actually, I found out an interesting fact about my family the other day. Of all the relos that are married, the women are older in pretty much all of the relationships… I’m destined to be with a younger man! haha
------------------------------------
From: Cecilia
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2008 1:40 PM
To: Au
Subject: RE:
Oh, and you really have to see this kid in the flesh. Drool-worthy.
I was watching him warm up (I like to observe how each of them warm up you see) and I started talking about his physical finer points and now have a friend completely hooked on his stature.
=========================
Later discussions revealed that Au has a friend who wanted to take her to a Victory game. Now she wants to make sure it's against the Mariners. Hopefully Vukovic won't be on national duty or suspended when the time comes...
For the record, I did know Vuko was of legal age, but it's one of my favourite things to say when the time comes.
And Wayne, I directed her to your blog for reasons that should be clear.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Losing my virginity
I've been struggling to write this season. Perhaps it's the poor form of the A-League in general. Maybe all the blame goes to Melbourne, particularly the home performances where I end up having to endure a train ride home in a a foul mood.
Last night I had a change in my game watching actions... I forfeited my reserved seat to my brother's friend and purchased a GA pass - at $12 with my uni student card being displayed, I was trying to figure out how much I would save dropping to GA next year in a season ticket...
I ended up spending most of the match at "North End" on level 1. Initially I was scoping level 3 - where I found that there were TWO touchlines! Telstra Dome is not very steep, so you tend to be far from the action with no elevation to see things. When in my usual Gold spot, I can't see the near touchline and I estimate the far one.
Eventually I found the vaguely familiar (but mostly unfamiliar) face that I was looking for (hi Watt!) and joined the Northern Terrace on level 1 for the remainder of the match. I haven't left a Melbourne Victory match in a happier, content and at-ease state since last season. I'm not sure if it was the result, but I think that even if we had've lost I would have felt the wholeness that I left Telstra Dome with.
I may have spent most of the past three seasons on the wings, but I think my heart does belong in the terrace. After spending time at South End, I think I've finally found my home. It really was a good way to (in hindsight) end the season for me.
I'm still trying to figure out why I enjoyed the Northern Terrace amongst mostly strangers so much more than my few times in the South End amongst people who I know a bit.
I think it's because it doesn't really matter if you knew anyone - as long as you were in the NT and singing for the team you felt like part of the group. Whereas I don't know if I would feel that in the South End unless I already knew someone.
At one point the terrace prepared itself to jump. Everyone in the row links arms and off we go jumping about. Whoever it was that was standing next to me included me in the action - and it's this general comradeship that created a buzz about the place that I hadn't experienced since walking about the stadium at half time during the Grand Final.
We all felt something special was happening then - but we didn't yet know what. Something special was also happening again last night with (mostly) everyone back on level 1, singing in unison and generally spreading the love.
On the field, Melbourne was finally getting it's act together - perhaps the supporters and the team really do share a connection and all we need is positive energy. We just have to make sure we carry it through the Asian Champions League campaign. Until then, well, now I can say that I am no longer an NT virgin.
I still have to lose my away trip virginity. ;)
Last night I had a change in my game watching actions... I forfeited my reserved seat to my brother's friend and purchased a GA pass - at $12 with my uni student card being displayed, I was trying to figure out how much I would save dropping to GA next year in a season ticket...
I ended up spending most of the match at "North End" on level 1. Initially I was scoping level 3 - where I found that there were TWO touchlines! Telstra Dome is not very steep, so you tend to be far from the action with no elevation to see things. When in my usual Gold spot, I can't see the near touchline and I estimate the far one.
Eventually I found the vaguely familiar (but mostly unfamiliar) face that I was looking for (hi Watt!) and joined the Northern Terrace on level 1 for the remainder of the match. I haven't left a Melbourne Victory match in a happier, content and at-ease state since last season. I'm not sure if it was the result, but I think that even if we had've lost I would have felt the wholeness that I left Telstra Dome with.
I may have spent most of the past three seasons on the wings, but I think my heart does belong in the terrace. After spending time at South End, I think I've finally found my home. It really was a good way to (in hindsight) end the season for me.
I'm still trying to figure out why I enjoyed the Northern Terrace amongst mostly strangers so much more than my few times in the South End amongst people who I know a bit.
I think it's because it doesn't really matter if you knew anyone - as long as you were in the NT and singing for the team you felt like part of the group. Whereas I don't know if I would feel that in the South End unless I already knew someone.
At one point the terrace prepared itself to jump. Everyone in the row links arms and off we go jumping about. Whoever it was that was standing next to me included me in the action - and it's this general comradeship that created a buzz about the place that I hadn't experienced since walking about the stadium at half time during the Grand Final.
We all felt something special was happening then - but we didn't yet know what. Something special was also happening again last night with (mostly) everyone back on level 1, singing in unison and generally spreading the love.
On the field, Melbourne was finally getting it's act together - perhaps the supporters and the team really do share a connection and all we need is positive energy. We just have to make sure we carry it through the Asian Champions League campaign. Until then, well, now I can say that I am no longer an NT virgin.
I still have to lose my away trip virginity. ;)
Saturday, January 12, 2008
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