Congratulations on making the 2015 Cheatham Middle Soccer Team!!
This is to inform you that you and your athlete have made the roster for the 2015 CMS soccer team. This privilege comes with lots of responsibilities for both player and parent. I do not take for granted the role of either party as we are all in this together.
As athletes you are responsible for preparation, participation, a great attitude at all times, being in control of your body and mind at all times and many other demands that need to be met in order to be ready and successful on and off the pitch. School work and behavior is just as important to me and our program as zipping one in the back of the net or sacrificing your body to dive in front of a would-be opposition shot. You are now held to a higher standard and a stricter set of rules than the common child walking around Cheatham Middle School. This is not something to boast, but it is something to remember with each decision you make. You now represent every coach, every player, and every student that is a part of CMS! I felt that you fit the mold of my vision of a CMS soccer player, and hope that you hold up your end of the deal that you are signing up for. Condition properly, put the proper food and liquids into your body and plan ahead so that nothing will hold us back.
As parents you are responsible for transportation, monetary obligations, last minute phone calls because kids are kids and all of the other thousands of duties you already have as parents. I understand how tough your job is and do not want to make it any tougher because of your child’s love for the game. I will do most everything possible to make things transparent, timely and easy on you so that you can sit back and enjoy watching your child grow as a young man on the pitch. Safety, education and character are my guiding principles. I will have more information with you in the near future and will stay in contact with you as often as I can in regards to schedules and any information I can pass on to make your responsibilities easier.
As a coach we are responsible for protecting, caring for, educating, guiding, being honest with, preparing for, building up, helping, being there for…….and countless duties that could never fit in a word document. I hope that you have seen my desire to get and keep people involved with all of the processes that go on in running a program and that I am open to ideas and help and any kind of criticism. Please, however, do so in an appropriate way and time if needed. I am also aware of my love for run-on sentences! Email works amazingly to address quick questions and concerns and also set up any kind of meeting that needs to be had. I will NOT talk about anything problem related directly after a practice or game of any kind. I pour absolutely everything I have into my guys and usually have one mentality when I am on the field. I would hate very much if there was a misunderstanding over a mundane issue because I didn’t have time to consider your viewpoint properly. I do not think that we will have any issues. We have an exceptional bunch of guys who will all find a way to contribute somehow to the team in a positive manner. In the same breath, this isn’t park ball and you are not “paying to play”! I have every intention and plan to win every game I stand on the sideline for. I have not kept a single player that I know will never see the field. I cannot promise any amount of playing time, nor will I discuss this matter with a parent before I have discussed it with a player. Players will understand their role on this team. I have a large number of younger guys. That does NOT mean that they won’t play, or start; but in some cases they are here to learn and grow with the older guys and fit in when and how they can.
I ramble a bit, but I want to be up front and rest both of your minds that every intention I have is pure and positive for the progression of my players. My goal is that every player ALWAYS has a chance to play until they no longer wish to. If they want to play club, I want them ready. If they want to play high school, I want them ready. If they want to play in college, I want them ready! If they want to play beyond that, I want them ready and to understand the processes and commitments that it will take for such a journey.
This is my life, please contact or come to me almost anytime and we can discuss anything about your player, the program, or just the awesome game that we all love.
Murphy Durham
Cheatham Middle Boys Soccer Coach
615-992-8279