Greetings

Welcome to the 1998/1999 edition of the North Soccer Club Newsletter. There is national news, there is local news and then there is the important news of the season . . . that being of course . . . soccer news that concerns your most prized possessions, your child(ren). So kick off your shoes, grab a soda glass and/or reading glasses and spend a few minutes familiarizing yourself with the Club happenings.

You Can Look It Up

The fall session brings to the Club 125 families and 163 players. The 163 is comprised of 86 boys and 77 girls. Last year (and most likely this year,) over 300 children will participate in at least one of the soccer sessions.

The New NSC Board Profile

A new season brings a new look to the Board of Directors. Returning as President is none other than Dan Ellis. His message continues to be "remember the kids come first." He remains quite excited about "our promising young athletes" and is poised to head the soccer club into the new millennium.

Continuing to bring international flavor to the Club is none other than 'Child developer extraordinaire' Vice President Marty Grealish. Martin has taught us Americans the Irish passion for the game and how to make the game enjoyable for the kids, coaches, and fans.

There is also fresh blood and fresh ideas. Joining the Board are two dedicated 'soccer moms' who have supported the Club and other associations for several years. Susan McCuthan now possesses the green eye shades and is the Club's Treasurer. If your money is gobbled up too quickly give her a call. Kim O'Connell is the Club's Secretary and is responsible for organizing the chaotic activity of the other Board members.

Resuming their endless penance and devotion to the Club, other veterans have fortunately returned for further duty. Doug Weldon (and often Fran) continue to keep the club well outfitted. Bob Preston in turn continues to be the unsung hero who keeps the fields well manicured. Doreen Pacquin directs her unlimited energy towards player development accenting the ladies. All of these individuals are making personal sacrifices to better the Club and look forward to your active involvement.

A sincere thank you goes out to Phil Leahy, Steve Dailey and Marilyn Schneider who have left the Board but who will not be forgotten for their indelible and long-lasting contributions.

Upcoming Events

Enough of the lineup cards. What has or will be happening? Page 4 provides a quick look at coming events. Post it on the refrigerator.

Some people ask, "Why more tryouts? We spend more time trying out then we do playing." The short knowledgeable answer is that every child deserves a fair look. Although it seems repetitive, there are situations where a child can be placed on one team or another depending on the number of interested children and the skill level within a certain age bracket.

Congratulations

A quick blast from the past. Have the Mendes recovered by now? It is right that they possess the satisfied demeanor that most of us would like to have. This summer they entertained a group that numbered more than 50 Englanders. It was a great time and not only did the Brits show us how to play soccer, they showed us how to party, laugh and enjoy each other. The Mendes are to be congratulated for coordinating this special event that brought much more than a soccer education to our families. Bill notes that he continues to maintain a dialogue with this special group.

Team Administrators

"Coaches are meant to develop the kids' skills, others are meant to deal with the paperwork" (anonymous). This philosophy has been the Club's theme song this year and last. To further this idea, last year the league initiated the Team Administers meetings. Meeting the second Thursday of each month the various team administrators collect the current dirt on what is happening in the Club and in turn provide a quick news release to their various team members.

If you enjoy staying abreast of the Club events, or an occasional disagreement, or seeing Dan Ellis employing his stern diplomacy, mark the date and time on the calendar. In all seriousness these meetings have gone a long way to spreading the massive workload associated with running the Club and opened the lines of communication to all people who want to be involved. If you feel as though you are not in the know, find your administrator (or volunteer to be one) and participate.

This revised philosophy has allowed the coaches to coach. They have been going to coaching school (yes, kids aren't the only to go) and the Club has been better for it. Neighboring coaches have stated, on repeated occasions, that they enjoy playing North Attleboro because "those kids are skilled and well coached."

A Modified Look Is Coming

The NSC Club uniforms as we have known them for several years will be changing...somewhat. The existing supplier does not provide that line of uniform anymore so the Club is seeking a similar but slightly different game look. A committee, chaired by Mr. "Bob Barker" Hagan, is evaluating different looks and is targeting for an encore during the first indoor session.

Team Reporters Wanted

Tired of reading about the nine lives of Bill Clinton? Want to stay informed about the success stories of the North Soccer Club teams? Grab a 'Free Press', turn to the Sports section, and share in the accomplishments of the teams profiled within. If your team is not represented, grab a pen and jot down some exploits about your team. It's a treat for the kids and an opportunity for the older folks to have some fun articulating the highlights of the various games.

Voices From the Program

This section will contain various past and present NSC member experiences. This issue shares some thoughts from a few young ladies who grew up in the NSC program.

What a dream!

Making the N.A. High School Girls Varsity Team were three freshman developed within the North Soccer Club program. When asked what the NSC experiences meant to them, Sara Hagan, an offensive force, replied "NSC taught me the enjoyment of soccer, it elevated my play to that required to play varsity. " Bethany Edwards, the starting goalie noted, "the Club taught me the basics, the fundamentals, I was always impressed with the knowledge of the coaches." Meghan Kelley, an anchor on the defensive line, stated that the Club provided her the opportunity to learn the game thoroughly as well as how to be a courteous sportsperson. All three expressed heartfelt appreciation for Coach Weldon, a constant positive influence throughout their NSC careers.

Get Involved

Want to switch from the 'moaning majority' to the 'participating plurality?' The Club is always looking for assistance. Whether it is involving yourself in the rebirth of the Club sponsored dance, helping to maintain the fields, coordinating holiday gift ordering, running clinics, the Club would like your participation. If you are willing to make time, let your team administrator or a Board member know. They will get you involved.

Looking for Holiday Ideas?

As usual, the Club has available soccer merchandise for the holidays. This mailing includes information about this merchandise, so give it a read and note the need to order-by-when information.

Referee Training

There will be a soccer referee’s course in Wrentham in early December. Space is limited, cost is $50. Also the required yearly ref recertification to renew licenses is scheduled for December 5th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Medway. If interested give Dan Ellis a phone call ASAP(and red card if appropriate!)

Dates To Remember

Nov 12 -Indoor Fees Due

Nov 12 -Board/Administrators Mtg

Nov 19 -Coaches Meeting

Dec 10 -Board/Administrators Mtg

Dec 17 -Coaches Meeting

Dec 28 -January 1-Xmas Vacation Tournaments

Jan 14 -Board/Admin.. Mtg

Jan 14 -Indoor Fees Due

Jan 21 - Coaches Mtg

Feb 17-19 - Feb Tournaments

Feb 17 - Board/Admin. Mtg

Feb 18 - Coaches Mtg

NSC Information

The North Soccer Club, Ltd. is a Massachusetts non-profit corporation and is tax exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (c)(3). Donations to the Club are tax deductible. Fees for programs, equipment, merchandise, and camps are not tax deductible.