Hi everyone,

I sometimes forget to fully explain how tournaments work to the new parents/players.  First, try to get to the field about an hour before the first game.  Parking can be tough sometimes and just getting your bearings on where the fields are located can sometimes be a challenge.  Better to be early and look around a bit casually then running to get to the fields at the last minute!!

Tournaments are unique to travel and many people believe that they are the "fun" part of travel.  Tournaments usually have food sales, soccer gear, and other fun stuff to do.  My favorite is kettle corn which is sweetened pop corn.  I usually don't go to a tournament without picking up the biggest bag I can find!!!

The best part of tournaments is hanging out with the team and families and relaxing between or before games.  It is a great time to get to know others as well.  Green White will have around 10 teams at Buffalo Grove, so you'll meet families from other teams as well!!  Also, cheering on other teams is fun and seeing how the older kids play can be educational.  

The goal of a tournament is solely the development of the athletes and to have a good time.  Coaches and trainers learn a lot of what is needed for each athlete and the team as a whole.  The time between games also allows us to talk to the athlete about 1-3 things that they did well or could improve.

Word to parents--your job on the sideline is to cheer on the kids/team.  I do not want to hear any of the parents "coaching" any of the players.  Do not tell our kids to pass, shoot, dribble, clear it or anything of "what to do".  The coaching staff will be doing that and as the kids get older we will specifically lessen the amount of verbal coaching we do.  My philosophy of coaching is designed to make the athlete understand what he/she is doing without the need of yelling at them continually.  The goal is specifically designed to allow them to make their own decisions.  One of the best ways for kids to learn is for them to make mistakes, understand that they made a mistake, and then make the appropriate changes.  While we may lose some games during this learning process, I can guarantee you that every one of the athletes will develop quicker if they are willing to learn from their mistakes.  

If you want to bring a tent, food, or even a grill, please do so.  Bring Gatorade for between games, water during the games, and little snacks for between games.  Like I said earlier, there is likely to be some food for purchase if you want.  There should be some tournament shirts you can purchase as well.  

I believe that we will be setting up camp (tents, coolers, chairs and the like) between the parking lot and the fields.  There may be a new banner with Green White on it.  I am coaching both the Dragons and the Wolves with the trainers help.  I can make every game except that I have a conflict on the Saturday 2pm games (both play at the same time).  Regardless, either the trainer, my assistant or I will be there for the kids.  

One last point  . . you should always bring both jerseys and socks to all games.  Tomorrow and Sunday we will wear green.  A good trick is to take a big ziplock bag and put the other jersey and socks in it and put it in the soccer bag.   If anyone needs a temporary bag, let me know and I can dig one up (not by tomorrow though).    

Things to put in the bag for all year:
size 4 soccer ball (last name and phone number)
water (s) (last name and phone number)
alternative jersey/socks
optional snack
small sunscreen (better to be in car usually)
hoodie or small coat, head band, and gloves in colder weather

Weather looks good!!!  Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow and Sunday.  Don't forget the sunscreen.

Greg