Developmental

Fall 2008 Seasonal information

Option 1 teams (U10-U14)
Option 1 Coach Meeting -August 8th 6PM ASA Office
Practice: Week of August 11th
Games start August 23rd AND August 24th!

Developmental/Intermediate teams U4-U14
Coach meeting-August 21st- 6:30PM ARVADA WEST HS

Practice: Week of August 25th
Games Start Septemeber 6th

Mandatory developmental/Intermediate/Option1 coach clinic
August 21st -6:30PM ARVADA WEST HS

About EDGE Developmental

Mission

EDGE Soccer Club is committed to providing a professionally structured soccer environment which allows each player within the Club to reach their own personal highest playing potential. Our goal is to create an environment where players of all ability levels will be able to enjoy the game of soccer through age-specific training and consistent strength of competition with qualified coaches who will also create opportunities for growth in a positive, competitive, challenging fun environment.

The EDGE has the structure in place to provide players of all ability through our comprehensive developmental program for players ages 4 through 18, the ARVADA EDGE. Our competitive program, the COLORADO EDGE, holds an annual tryout process which identifies and groups players onto teams based on similar playing abilities and is available for players ages 11 through 18.

Philosophy
The ARVADA EDGE is dedicated to providing a FUN, but challenging soccer environment for the children in our program. The emphasis is placed on FUN and player development, through an age-appropriate training program. Each child is challenged at a level which is appropriate for their stage of development. The EDGE prides itself in offering the most enjoyable and rewarding soccer experience for our players, coaches, referees, and families in the Arvada and surrounding communities.

Coaching on the EDGE

By Kevin Wachter

This is my final season. We’ll compete in the Stenger Invitational and in one summer tournament to better prep our gentlemen for high school ball.

It has been an incredible journey to watch over the past 8 years these little boys of 5-6 years of age grow into fine young men and competitive athletes. Of the 21 players on my squad, 18 of them tell me they are going on to play high school ball at Arvada West, Arvada, RalstonValley and Pomona. What a great legacy for the Edge Organization. They are exceptional young gentlemen that have competed with character, resilience and effort through the fall and spring and I’m confident they’ve taken with them the values and experience exemplifying the mission of Edge Soccer.

Win or lose, I see each of these soccer players as champions—ones of whom I’ve been privileged to contribute to their lives. I’ve seen slow, clumsy goofs become big, strong competitors. I’ve seen cocky, talented hot dogs become driven team players and leaders. I’ve seen unmotivated loafers become intense competitors. I’ve seen selfish, cranky punks with attitudes become exemplary team motivators. And I’ve seen Todd and all of you be very helpful, supportive, active listeners and available over the years.

These transformations could not have occurred without the incredible, tireless and enthusiastic support of the parents. Another blessing for me has been to have understanding, mostly patient and always openly communicating parents. Although we have not been without some confrontations over these many years, the occasional issues have been quickly addressed and resolved without any residue of ill will. These young men are who they are because of the love and dependable presence and support of this exceptional group of parents. So many of them have made this journey better for their children serving as trainers, refs, linesmen, assistant coaches, emergency coaches, statisticians, ball chasers, party planners, and refreshment suppliers. My special commendation goes out to those who have carried the responsibility of team manager so competently, only four mothers served in that role for us over our 8 years together.

If someone asks you, Why should I coach? Tell them: “This is a rare privilege you have to contribute to the lives of our children beyond just sport. This is your opportunity to make a difference in the young people’s lives. Yes, teach them all you can about the game but beware, there is more to it. The question is not, why should you coach, but, ‘Are you ready to accept the responsibility and opportunity to impact the lives of these kids?’ Do you want to contribute to the joy, tragedy and exhilaration of watching little kids become athletes?” Or maybe the question is, “If you have something worth sharing with these kids, how can you not coach?”

I’m thankful and humbled by my experience with this team. My life is forever enriched by the myriad memories of coaching this team within this organization. It is with great pleasure and deep melancholy that I complete my tenure as coach of our U14 Option 1, Edge Spartans.

Recent Developmental News

Pointed Practices
03/07/08, By Keegan
Read More...

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REFEREE RAGE

How do you treat a Referee when feel they have made the wrong call? Do you allow your players to talk back to him? Do you give the Ref a piece of your mind from the sidelines? Have you ever used foul language towards a Referee? Do you allow your players to use foul language towards a Ref? Have you ever seen a Referee change a call based on your rantings? This month the FA (Englands governing body over Football) will meet to discuss the poor treatment of Referee's from grassroots soccer all the way to the professional ranks. Click on REFEREE RAGE and read more on Referee abuse. Then, ask yourself whether you are part of the problem or part of the solution. For me, I have been part of the problem. I am now trying to be part of the solution!