Middle School Soccer- a different perspective
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Middle School Soccer- a different perspective | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Submitted by Keith G on Thu, 2008-05-15 12:11 | |
|
|
For Parents of Middle School Aged Soccer Players: Your club's Board has the right and duty to do what it feels is best for the club. However, it is important to know that the position presented on middle school soccer was not discussed directly with the head girls soccer coach or Athletic Director at Heights High School and they do not necesarily agree with it. I appreciate Mr. Alcorn removing certain items on this website which we believe to be factually incorrect. The HS head coaches and AD are meeting soon regarding this very important issue and we are hopeful that after the meeting, the Board will have the courtesy to discuss the issue with us, as promised previously. While there are weaknesses in our middle school program, as presented on this website, ESK's position is inconsistent with the concept of "supporting respective high school programs," for a number of reasons. This is especially true on the girls' side of the ledger. I will gladly discuss these reasons privately or at a public forum after our staff meeting, but I do not wish to get too involved on what can be an anonymous message forum. I simply wish to inform you of the issue and potential conflict. Ultimately, we all want what is best for our children and I am hopeful that all involved parties will have a dialogue on this very important issue very soon in order to reach a solution that is best for everyone involved. Thank you. Keith Gisser |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
Middle school soccer update
After meetings with Hts High Boys Head Coach (and HUSC DOC)Sean Sullivan and CH-UH Athletic Director Kristin Hughes, the Hts High Atheltic Department plans to implement the following changes to our middle school program:
There will be three district-wide middle school soccer teams, a boys competitive team, a boys developmental team and a girls competitive team. A meeting was held in mid June and these changes were generally well received, both by HUSC families and Middle school-only families.
Middle school coaches will be expected to hold or acquire appropriate coaching licenses and will be instructed by their respective HS coach in proper techniques of instruction, in order to provide an integrated program. We welcome current HUSC coaches to apply for these paid, middle school positions.
Transportation will be provided to practices and possibly from practice back to the home school.
This improved program will give our middle schoolers a head start on preparing for their high school careers, while still allowing casualplayers to experience the game..
It is important that middle school athletes learn the time management skills needed with a five-day-a-week schedule of training and matches to lessen the stress of the transition to the high school.
While 7th and 8th graders may choose to play with HUSC, we urge all 8th graders to participate as part of the middle school program.
Families of boys should discuss with Coach Sullivan his preferences following middle school season, although we hope HUSC will continue to offer indoor soccer to these players (as does the high school affiliated Tiger Soccer Club).
On the girls side, the preferred path to HS soccer is: upon completion of the middle school season to play in an ability appropriate high school league with the high school coaches (as opposed to an age appropriate only league, then in High school spring travel league, again with the high school coaches, and finally with the entire Heights High team (or appropriate private school team) in the Beaumont High school summer league, which Hts High co-sponsors.
I have offered to discuss this psoition with the board of HUSC and to date have not received a response.
My e-mail is klgisser@earthlink.net if you have questions or concerns.
Keith Gisser
Head Coach-Lady Tiger Soccer
Cleveland Hts High School