Welcome to the kickoff of the 2006 soccer off-season at Council Rock South. It is with great excitement that I report for my fifth season as head coach here at South. As most of you know, we are continuing to build a tremendously successful program, evident by four consecutive playoff appearances, two league championships, and a remarkable third place finish in the district playoffs and a PIAA state berth just two years ago. It is the goal of the coaching staff here at South to continue to develop athletes at a very high standard. It is by this virtue that we, as a staff, administer the true lessons that these players will take with them through life.
“Believing is the first step in achieving!”
Our philosophy is to use this wonderful game of soccer as a vehicle for our student athletes to develop such skills as determination, dedication, and discipline. The confidence a young man can achieve through exercising such skills will be lifelong. The assessment of such goals are not necessarily witnessed in the win/loss column (although winning certainly does add to the fun!). It is, however, directly observed in the relationships we build along the way. We will become teammates, friends, soldiers, and brothers as we tackle many obstacles as a team.
“The harder you train, the smaller those obstacles become!”
This will be shown in our seniors as they learn maturity and develop leadership skills by mentoring their younger teammates, while our youth learn from their elders’ experience. For example, our captains will hold practices throughout the spring and summer, and they will be the first to lead their team onto the field when the season opens. They will be the ones who are called upon to regroup the players after a difficult loss, demonstrating resiliency and unyielding confidence in themselves and their team. They will be the first to introduce newcomers to high school athletics by hitting the tackle, emphasizing the winning standard here at South. They will also be the first to pick those newcomers off the ground, encouraging the compassion necessary to succeed.
“Pain is weakness leaving the body”
Preseason is one of the most anticipated events of our season. The two mile run, the beep test, and the famous Freedom Sprints will always welcome the boys back to school. We will run hills, steps, and suicides until we become impervious to the pain. The feared fitness tests of our pre-season, however, are nothing more than a two week gut-check. You will be in remarkable shape before we see September, and you will reap the benefits of it when we welcome playoffs in the cold days of October.
“Some players want it to happen, others make it happen!”
In a closing note, whether the team wins or loses is not an indication of it’s successes. Success is a mentality, not a score. It is exemplified in only the truly disciplined athlete. Allow your success to begin NOW. Do not wait until August to make your move. In order to succeed in this program, you must have passion!
“How you train today determines how you perform tomorrow!”
Good Luck to all of you!! Alan Nicholl and Staff