At Soccer Shots, it is part of our mission to impact youth in a positive way, but there are times when the depth of that impact is more profound than we could have hoped for. The following is a letter from a parent of Soccer Shots participants. We have changed only the names to protect the family’s anonymity but the rest is a copy/pasted letter that we wanted to share. Let it be a reminder to all who work with children that the time we spend (even if it’s only 40 minutes, one day a week) can be deeply meaningful.
Dear Coach Matt,
I wanted to take the time to write you an email, to thank you for all you do in running the Soccer Shots Program. Both of my boys, Jason, now 4, and Phil, age 3, have benefited from this program in more ways than you know. That is why I am writing you, to give a first-hand account on how your program is serving others.
To many families, signing up their child(ren) may be on a long list of to-dos, a part of “growing up”…a milestone. For my family, it was a way to bring joy to a life that was hanging on by a thread.
When I initially signed Jason up in the Fall of 2009, it was out of my strong desire to engage him in an activity that was positive and promoted teamwork, self-confidence, and encouragement. You wouldn’t have known this, but it was a very difficult time for the boys and me. At the time, we were living in a home with an active drug and alcohol addict–my husband (and their father.) As you can imagine, this made it very difficult to have a “normal” life and marriage, as life with an addict is very far from that. I was also praying that the soccer program would bring a positive male influence into my son’s life, even if it was only once a week.
Last Spring, you were one of those people. I appreciated your commitment to Jason, especially when you engaged him back “into” the activity and really worked with him, encouraging him to have fun and participate. Your effort was to be commended. You always gave him special attention, and he still talks about playing soccer, and his coach was “Coach Matt.”
This season, Phil was old enough to start the program. He has had Coach Brad, and again, what a wonderful experience it has been. Brad is just wonderful with the kids, and I have tried to thank him on several occasions, knowing that he really has no idea just HOW thankful I am. One particular moment sticks out.
Early in the season, Coach Brad called Phil, “Phil the Thrill” and the name stuck with him. I know to Brad, it may have been an off-hand comment, but to Phil, it meant the world. After all, his coach gave him a special name!
At night, when I tuck him in, sometimes he waits for me to say, “I love you–Phil the Thrill–my little soccer man!” As a teacher, I have served so many families, and have had the pleasure of knowing their stories and sharing in their lives. I really feel God has gifted me in this way of serving others. Please know that I feel you have this gift, too, and THANK YOU for bringing together such an amazing team of people to do this work.
I think those of us in service positions don’t realize the magnitude of the work we’re doing at times, the lives we can be touching and not even know it, even through the game of soccer. The way we react to a child; an encouraging word, a happy disposition, a hug or high-five, even an off-hand “nickname” can go a long way in the life of a child. So today, I want you to know how much you and Brad have meant to my boys, and for that I am forever grateful.
Melissa
We hope this parent knows how much letters like this mean to everyone in Soccer Shots. This is why we do what we do.
On September 13, 2011 Soccer Shots will kick off the first of ten weeks of soccer and fun where each week around 20 children will experience the fun and excitement of Soccer Shots at PLAYGROUP! In addition to our Global Goals pledge, Soccer Shots Los Angeles seeks to give back to the local community in the form of the SSCOA which provides soccer at deserving schools in the community at no cost to the school or parents for an entire season. Each year we plan to give up to $10,000 of Soccer Shots! If you are interested in applying for a future SSCOA, please email losangeles(a)soccershots.org.
PLAYGROUP’s mission is to provide quality, affordable childcare for working families, and to promote children’s emotional, social and intellectual development in a safe and caring environment.
PLAYGROUP joins with families to prepare children for school and community life. PLAYGROUP values and teaches non-violence, cooperation, cultural diversity and the worth of all people.
Tell us HOW Soccer Shots would benefit your children and WHY your school/site/program is deserving of the 2011 Soccer Shots Community Outreach Award.
We have a diverse parent and student base (economic, cultural, professional, etc.) that is likewise representative of our community as a whole. And one of our main goals as a school is to build community among parents, neighbors and the children themselves.
Soccer – as an energetic team sport – would be a true physical manifestation of working together – a fundamental of community building.
We also happen to be a modest school – small grounds and a student body of about 38. The soccer camp would provide an opportunity to organize the children to a weekly trip to the nearby Elysian Park (where we would hold the soccer lessons). Again, providing the opportunity for community building, locale awareness and downright fun!!
Many of our families are from low and modest incomes. Enrolling in a soccer camp just isn’t possible in addition to preschool enrollment. We’re also a non-profit school that has relied heavily on state grants in order to function. With the past state budget cuts, we’ve steadily lost funding and as of this year, have to rely almost exclusively on enrollment fees. To have the opportunity to expose children to a sport is a goal, but financially not possible at this time.
Finally – we’re eager to receive the award primarily because of all the greatness that comes with soccer.
Team building, exposure to physical education and activity, parent involvement (parents would jump at watching their kids run after the ball!!) and a glimpse at physical and mental discipline.
We really hope you consider us for your award. We’d love to start the school year in September with the great opportunity of a fall soccer camp.
This past weekend we joined over 70 other Soccer Shots franchise owners, directors, and corporate staff at our 2011 Annual Meeting in Charlotte, NC.
The two day meeting was full of insightful speakers and workshops, presentations of upcoming system wide improvements, and of course priceless interactions and conversations with individuals dedicated to the Soccer Shots community and the families that we are so fortunate to serve. Speakers included Dr. Dave Hood, President of iFranchise and former President of Auntie Anne’s and Greg Griffith from the U.S. Soccer Foundation. Looking forward we are excited to offer:
• New Email System consisting of custom templates.
• Custom Survey Tool which will be available for parents and site directors to provide feedback.
• Revised Curriculum with many exciting updates!
• New In-School Display, Posters, Brochures, and Weekly Updates!
Look for many updates and improvements in the coming months and year!
Soccer Shots is a youth soccer program for toddlers to elementary school children where we use soccer to teach more than just fundamentals of the game.
Our curriculum also works on character development such as teamwork, and appreciation plus physical development like coordination and motor skills.
We do this through fun, noncompetitive games that use imagination and creativity.
As a leader in the field of soccer for toddlers to 8-year-olds we know the importance of continuing children’s physical education at home and want to share a game that parents can do with their children. This at-home game will help your child not only learn to pass the ball with control but will also get them running around and having fun.
Passing is a basic skill that is simple to learn and practice. First step is to dig out a soccer ball (or one of similar size) and show your child that when passing, it is best to use the inside of your foot. Doing this allows for a straighter, more controlled pass. If you kick with your toe, there is less of a chance the ball goes where you intended because you have less control.
Now it’s game time! Here’s a simple exercise to help your child practice their passing: Tunnel Game.
The idea is to have your child properly pass the ball between your legs, or “the tunnel”. Once they pass it, it’s their job to run past you to retrieve their ball and do it again. You can vary the distance depending on your child’s ability and make sure they continue to use the inside of their foot. You may also try using the other foot too, that way they start learning to use both feet.
Take turns with your child so you can be the passer too.
Spending time playing with your child is quality time that is more meaningful and profound than you may think. Beyond bonding, you will be instilling the importance of an active lifestyle plus, we bet you’ll have fun too!
We believe that soccer, the world’s greatest game, can be introduced in really creative and exciting ways to kids ages 3-8.
Kids who play soccer are exposed to great fitness habits like running, character forming lessons such as teamwork and tons of fun.
We teach the beautiful game by mixing skills with games, so kids have a great time every week at their park, club or preschool soccer class.
Soccer Shots offers a variety of games that give kids a chance to show off what they’re learning. The “Shooting Stars” game allows kids to demonstrate their new-found knowledge of dribbling, control, and shooting. Their mission is to dribble around the area, control their ball next to a cone, and knock it over by shooting the ball. To make the kids focus even more on their dribbling and control, the instructors will act as aliens to try and defend the cones, forcing the kids to try and avoid obstacles in order to knock down all the cones.
Playing soccer based games with kids is a great way to let kids be creative, use their imagination, and have fun as they pretend to be spaceships shooting soccer balls at asteroids and aliens in outer space. If you want to do this in your own backyard, cones can be found at your nearest sports store. They’re inexpensive and a worthwhile investment as you help your child enjoy soccer, the world’s greatest game!
(Guest post from Coach Matthew at Soccer Shots Los Angeles)
One little girl spent an entire season sitting on the sidelines. In fact, she would complain of being too tired to play and ended up lying down most of the class. I had a meeting with her teacher and discovered this behavior occurred in class as well.
Along with the Director of the school, we spoke to the parent as to our concerns of her daughter’s well-being. We suggested that she first have her daughter checked out by her doctor.
After finding out that she had no physical issues, we all encouraged the mother to enroll her daughter the following season of Soccer Shots.
At this time, I told her mother not to push too hard because children, with a little encouragement and patience, have a way of turning things around in their own time frame.
I reinforced that children learn and engage differently and this is not a reflection of her parenting. I remained very patient and gave her the space that she needed while continuing to offer encouragement.
This little girl ended up being the first to volunteer in every class. She was fully engaged and we could not get her off the soccer field after class ended.
All that was needed was patience, a little time and encouragement from a team that cared deeply about this child.
Don’t let all the fun and games fool you, no matter how much your kids love Soccer Shots and entertain you with tales of all the fun games we play, Soccer Shots is also a SKILLS program! Studies have shown that a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down! And, 9 out of 10 singing nannies recommend it during all household chores for children 3 years and up!
But seriously, we all learn better and retain more when we are enjoying the activity. We also retain more when doing vs. just being lectured or reading about something. Learn while you laugh!
Keeping this premise in mind, Soccer Shots has created non-competitive games that incorporate ball skills, imagination and FUN!
Our kids are astronauts one day and superheroes the next, shuttling their precious cargo from planet to planet protecting it from asteroids or the cookie monster! Sometimes they are bears or tigers searching for food after a long sleepy winter. They are encouraged to make up their own games and exercise their creativity as well.
What our Soccer Shots kids don’t know is that through it all they are learning to dribble, properly kick the ball, pull back, protect the ball with their bodies when they play keep away and also score goals. They are learning teamwork and sharing the ball when they pass it one another. Soccer Shots is their introduction to organized sports in a positive, fun filled environment.
As they grow older they will already be equipped with the skills necessary to participate in other soccer programs such as AYSO, city leagues, club soccer, etc. They will be able to acclimate into more competitive programs with the skills they have “inadvertently” learned through Soccer Shots.
So as we enjoy the summer fun outdoors and all the activities it has to offer, keep in mind fall is just around the corner! Our fall season will be starting up sooner than you think at your local preschool or local community park. And if you know any schools that would benefit from a program like this, please let us know! We will come in and do a FREE demonstration for the children 3-5 years old and set up a fall season of soccer fun!
(Guest post from Coach Karthik at Soccer Shots Los Angeles)
Recently I began coaching at a new school in Mar Vista. When I got to my first session I noticed one of the kids crying because I was new to her and she couldn’t associate me with a familiar face. To make myself more approachable to her, I noticed she was wearing a South Africa jersey and a polka dot hat.
During the walk over from the classroom to the playing area, I complimented her jersey by saying, “I loved it!” I asked her if she watched the World Cup last summer. We proceeded to chat as she told me that the jersey belonged to the “Bafana, Bafana.” I asked her if she knew what it, “Bafana, Bafana” meant. She was unsure of the meaning, so I told her it meant “the boys, the boys” in Zulu. She got a kick out of learning something new. I joked with her asking if she’d give me her hat because it was so cool. She smiled through her fading tears and said, “it’s a girls’ hat and you’d look silly in it!” I replied by just taking a hi-five, which she happily gave me.
By the time we started the session she was very comfortable being around her new coach. I even made her my helper for the warm-up, which proceeded to help the situation. At the end of class she even gave me a hug.
A week later (today), she was really excited to see me and couldn’t wait to get started with soccer.
Not to sound cheesy, but days like that will make your week!
The Los Angeles Soccer Shots Team would like to congratulate Rian Heim, our Director, on his acceptance of the role of President of the Franchise Advisory Council for the West Region. Rian was unanimously selected by all three Franchisors and the three other Regional Council Presidents.
As Regional Council President, Rian will represent the franchisee constituents of the Western Region. He will also serve as the Regional Council’s delegate to the Presidents’ Council biannual meetings. Generally speaking Rian will represent the 20+ franchisees in the western region to make sure their voices are heard and to insure important issues are addressed in an effort to continue to provide an unsurpassable program while streamlining all facets of the franchise.
July 4th, Independence Day, is almost upon us evoking images of red, white and blue banners, parades down Main Street, apple pie and baseball, our national pastime. But what about soccer? People outside the USA can’t believe we don’t eat, sleep and breathe it like they do! It’s not just a sport to them, it’s a culture!
Those of us who love soccer and want to introduce our children to the “Beautiful Game” often are hard pressed to do so.
“Kids everywhere else grow up living, breathing, dreaming soccer. Here, kids in the suburbs go to regimented practice twice a week, play a game in front of screaming parents on the weekend and that’s it. No soccer on TV. No pickup games on the neighborhood vacant lot, honing their skills on a bumpy dirt field while dribbling around cinder blocks and tree roots.”
We create a fun, non-competitive atmosphere to introduce your children, ages 3-8 to the wonderful world of soccer!
We incorporate games they already know such as freeze tag, duck-duck-goose, red light green light, keep away and incorporate them with soccer skills such as dribbling, passing and scoring goals. We encourage them to use their imagination and dribble as fast as rabbits or as slow as turtles or be spacemen exploring new planets, collecting space rocks.
Here are some sources and events that will introduce our youth to Soccer Culture in the United States:
The FIFA Women’s World Cup is now playing from June 26 – July 17 in Germany. Team USA already won their first match against North Korea 2-0!
JULY – Several Club Friendly Games are being played all over the United States in Seattle, Washington DC, Chicago and right here in Los Angeles. Our own LA Galaxy is hosting Real Madrid on July 16th and Manchester City on July 24th! Here’s a great chance to catch Soccer Fever! For a full soccer schedule online or tv, click here.
Check out our Soccer Shots’ Fall School and Park Programs (park schedule will be announced on Facebook)! It’s a great skills program that compliments AYSO and other City and Club Programs!
Soccer Shots is a leader in youth soccer development for children ages 3-5 & 6-8.
Offered at preschools, daycare centers, and parks, our nationally recognized non-competitive skills program offers a high energy, fun, age-appropriate introduction to the wonderful game of soccer.
Soccer Shots is owned and directed by Rian Heim and his wife Alyssa. Their passion for soccer and working with youth was their motivation for bringing Soccer Shots to Los Angeles. 2011 marks the fourth year that Rian and Alyssa have been running Soccer Shots here in Los Angeles. Together they make every effort to deliver a solid program that children, parents, and schools will benefit from and enjoy. They currently live in Playa Del Rey with their one year old son Charlie and dog Buddy.
Soccer Shots Los Angeles Blog
