1999 greetings! Pondering what to do on a cold January morning? Have you already stopped by the bank, run the kid(s) to several activities, gotten the groceries, squeezed in some revenue for the creditors, told Dan Ellis and John Smith hello? If so, relax, pick up this edition of the North Soccer Club news, grab your family calendar and have a laugh.

We have a few items that may interest you on this wintry January day. Besides the normal ‘what’s happening tidbits’ spread throughout this newsletter, are noteworthy holiday-like articles about various teams. They are provided by the different teams and are produced, most probably, by the ever-daring team administrators. If your team had someone ambitious enough to write one, it got published. If your team was not heard from, grab a pen and write an article and submit to your team administrator. Also, there are lighthearted comments throughout to keep you awake. They are not intended to offend anyone and if they do, well...write a letter to the editor.

Our Deepest Sympathy

Unfortunately, one of our own, Steven Mancini, passed away on New Years day. Steven was a soccer enthusiast and a strong family man.

On February 1st, Papa Gino’s is sponsoring a Mancini fundraiser. Give the cook a night off and help the Mancini family in this time of need. Steven will be smiling in heaven.

Tryouts

Soccer news! Let’s start by saying the number of spring outdoor teams has already been established. Important...spring tryouts are currently scheduled for January 30, 1999.

Soccer Corner

Who says that all the Board members do is party and plan how to spend your money? Yes, they do invest a lot of their time planning activities and at times, they come up with some great ideas. One recently surfaced courtesy of VP, Martin Grealish. Get this...Marty suggested that the NSC establish a type of "soccer corner" at the North Attleboro library. The Club would provide some books, video tapes, and other literature on playing and coaching soccer. It would be available for use by interested visitors. NSC highly suggests that if any of you have soccer information that you no longer use regularly , you should drop it off and help build up "The Corner." What a great way of sharing our soccer knowledge!

Sold Out

Looking for more NSC merchandise? Be patient! After several deliveries from the North Pole over the holidays the elves decided to take a break. Rumor is that they will be back in service early in the spring. If you have needs, let your administrator know or talk to Mrs. Clause (aka. Susan McCutchan.)

Clean Up

Does everyone enjoy indoor soccer practice? (Don’t need to answer.) Is it a good opportunity to hone the skills? Please take an added minute at the end of the practice to clean-up the facility and put it in the same condition as when you came. If you do not like to practice, cleanup anyway and consider it good will. With the ever increasing pressure on acquiring gym time the more the NSC Club can do to housekeep the better chances they get in the future for continued gym time.

Uniforms Wanted!

A plea from the management! If you have any NSC uniforms hanging around the house, instead of saving them for your next child or using them as part of your child’s wardrobe, how about returning them to Mr. Weldon, our Equipment Manager. Otherwise, we may have to invite Mr. Ellis over to your house for a closet check.

Coaching Opportunities

Are there people out there interested in coaching these wonderful children? As the military states... "The NSC wants you!" (With a picture of the Board members in the background.) Any individuals that want to grab a clipboard, diagram plays, and contribute some time should contact an NSC board member. Helping kids develop their soccer skills is indeed a memorable and rewarding experience.

1999 Resolution

Did you know that John Smith’s 1999 resolution is to clean something in the Milford bubble? The first person recognizing what it is, gets a free season long parking spot in the lot that is designed for two rows but normally fits three or four.

Some Stats

How bout them kids?? You would think they are worn out after playing soccer for the entire autumn session. But no, they want more. For those of you who care to follow the numbers, the NSC has over 300 different players enrolled since the start in the fall. Currently there are 140 boys and 135 girls playing on 23 different teams. It’s very evident that soccer is slowly but surely making it’s mark on the North Attleboro sports scene. Just think, someday it may actually bump football and basketball in terms of popularity.... and space availability.

Speaking of field availability, does anybody have an answer to playing soccer games at 7:00 am or 11:00 p.m.? Anybody have an inflatable soccer bubble laying around their back yard? Anybody have some creative thoughts on areas where we can conduct practices? If you have a solution to these life challenges, give our field coordinator Bob Preston a call. He has no outdoor fields to manicure this winter, so he’s looking for stimulating indoor work.

Author Wanna-bees

Have you been looking for that Free Press article highlighting the soccer exploits of your child’s team? Have you been looking real hard and not seeing it?? Either many NSC teams are failing miserably on accomplishing anything or their parents are taking a short sabbatical. Based on the coaches reports, we know it is not the former so once again we strongly encourage you author-wannabees to jot some thoughts and brag about your team’s accomplishments. It’s good for the kids, and fun to do.

Dates to Remember

Jan 14 Board/Admin Mtg

Jan 14 Indoor Fees Due

Jan 21 Coaches Mtg

Jan 30 Spring tryouts

Feb 13-16 second session playoffs

Feb 17-19 Feb Tournaments

Feb 17 Board/Admin Mtg

Feb 18 Coaches Mtg

Mar 11 Board/Admin Mtg

Mar 11 Third session fees due

Mar 18 Coaches Mtg

Team Profiles

Ladybugs U10

The Ladybugs are a great group of girls that like to have fun while playing soccer. The girls like to joke around with each other and with their coaches, but also work hard to play a good, clean game. The team players alternate in all their positions so they understand the importance of each player contributing to the game. The Ladybugs all support each other and have become very good friends. The indoor session has brought significant improvement to the team as they are presently undefeated. The team coaches, Doreen Paquin and Ken Effler, have a great rapport with the girls and enjoy them.

The Chieftains U8

At the end of a particularly long game - long due to a warped score which was not in our favor, Coach Charlie called all the kids over in a huddle. He looked into their long faces and put a wonderful perspective on the game. He congratulated them on their effort as he could see by their sweaty, red cheeks that they hustled out there ... and that was something that could not be taught! He recognized that they were trying their best in spite of the outcome. What better lesson this season than how to keep a positive attitude amidst adversity? We have a lot to learn from you —- thanks, Coach! Happy Holidays to All!!!

The Stars U14

The Stars shined brightly throughout the entire fall season. The girls won several games by wide margins. There were plenty of fresh legs to go the distance as Coaches Weldon and Hagan carried a squad of nineteen. This successful crew was divided into two teams for the indoor season. Victorious soccer achievements have declined as basketball has become a diversion for many. However, spirits still soar. Hopefully the Stars will illuminate again this spring as they unite their talents.

U8 Kickers Give It Their Best Shot!

The U8 Girls Kickers are coming along. The team is composed of mostly all first-time players with one returning player, Annie Bayer. The North tallies are from Kristina O’Halloran and Lauren Goldberg. The girls have been playing their positions well. The Kickers have great rushing from forwards Kristina O’Halloran, Monica Costella, Alison Hodgkins, and Taylor Gallagher. Defenders Katelynne Mackie, Nicole Hurd, Jessica Perilli play well in turning in strong efforts. Annie Bayer, Breanne Dusel, and Jillian Haney have excelled in the goal. We wish them good luck in their first year in indoor soccer.

Boys U-10 Sting off to Exciting Start

The U-10 Boys Sting are off to a high-flying start (including Geoff Purdum’s high kick over the head of Plainville’s goalies to score from midfield!). The Sting have even used a trick to win (Matt Rosbicki’s hat trick against Wrentham). Don’t worry - next time we will bring hats to throw! Goal scorers for the Sting so far are Matt Rosbicki (4), Steven Kummer (3), Jarrod Clark (2), Geoff Purdum (2) and Tim O’Halloran (1). Chad Lareau has been outstanding in goal for the Sting. Steven Demers, Brendan Hamilton, and Michael Lawrence have boosted the offense with their speed and passing skills while James Glennon, Danny Hayes and Chase O’Neil have been stepping it up on defensive. Come check the Sting out - they are exciting to watch!

Boys U10 Raptors

Seasons Greetings from the Raptors. This team welcomes many first time players to the NSC. Under the direction of coaches Paul Murphy and Curt Ventola, the Raptors have been working hard at improving their game. Most importantly though, the boys have really unified as a team. Go Raptors!

The Freedom-U10 Girls

The U-9 Girls, formerly known as The Kickers, became the U-10, The Freedom, when we moved indoors. Vanessa, Tracy, Brenna, Maryanne, Jennifer and Lauren miss their good friends who have moved on and welcome Brianne, Jessica H., Kerry, Amy, Shayna and Jessica G. to the team. Coach Koukol has been working her magic; the girls are learning and a good time is being had by all.

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.

Feedback?

Do you have any constructive ideas on how to improve the Club? How about this newsletter? Remember that it is easy to obtain criticisms, but complaints with potential solutions carry considerably more weight. We encourage you to sound off to any of the Board members. Discretion is of course advised. If you feel uncomfortable doing that, please pass an E-mail to the NSC web site at www.midnightltd.com/nsc/index.htm or to this newsletter’s editor, Bill Edwards, at willo@ici.net. If requested, your suggestion will remain unnamed.

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.