The End

Tomorrow will be the end of our season and the end of my time as head coach of the Erin Mills 97 Rising Eagles Soccer Team. It was a two year challenge I took on, not knowing what was to come as I looked to develop soccer players, interact with parents and grow as a budding soccer coach.

I will definably miss coaching this team and over coming peoples expectations of what they believe is possible. In 2008 the Erin Mills Rep "C" team finished second from the bottom in the second division with a Terra raking of 130.

In 2009 I was presented the team and became head coach - in which I set a two year goal to have this team advance into the premier division. With an ambitious goal and new image they became the Erin Mills 97 Rising Eagles.

In that year we went on to win the 2009 OrangeVille Storm tournament Vs Dixie "A" team and finished second in the SRSL Second division earning a promotion to the first division heading into 2010. Our mid season Terra Ranking climbed to 109.

With my committed approach to soccer development and team play - heading into the 2010 summer season found the Erin Mills 97 Rising Eagles welcoming ten new players, building chemistry and searching for consistency in a more competitive first division.

The teams fifth place finish at the end of the season was indicative and in my opinion not over achieved but fare. We had more of a winning record Vs the top four teams than we had with the bottom four teams. However the teams Terra Ranking showed Erin Mills 97 Rising Eagles finishing the 2010 summer season in good standing with a ranking of 68.

All in all it was a two year coach experience I will never forget, my goal of getting this team into the Premier SRSL division was definably possible and maybe still achievable - all depending on what the league structure will implement.

I would like to say thank you, to all players admin and those that supported Erin Mills 97 Rising Eagles. I wish you all the best of luck with your soccer choices and great fortune as the years role by.

Coach
Don

Hey, if you would like to say good bye then this is the time - for your say.

Back to School

Its that time again... summer is over and its time for back to school. Starting off on the right foot by planing your year in advance, setting goals and milestones can increase your chance of a successful year(2010-2011). No matter what obstacle or setback might fall in your way you can always revert back to your goal you set at the beginning of the school year.

Even through as a team our plans haven't gone according to the way we would of preferred - the fact that there was a plan in place allowed us, heading into the end of our season, to still achieve a rewarding result.

There is a saying that goes like this: "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail"

share with us your goals or advice for the up come year - It could be soccer, school or anything else of interest to you.

Happy Labour Day

We are now into our Labour Day weekend and the end of our soccer season is fast approaching. By us staying focused in the last few weeks we were able to win two straight games Vs U14D and U13B teams that to me they showed a lack of energy and discipline - two important principles required to win games.

While other teams might be mentally finished with their soccer season, we however, can not afford to take that time off. With most teams still having three games remaining the race for top four in our division is wide open and one loss out of our three games can take us out of the running. I look at this time in our season as play off games "one game loss and your out".

Enjoy your Labour Weekend!

The Big Three

Each of us are part of a big thing - we are the Rising Eagles. At the beginning of the season we started off strong with specific goals in mind. 1 - was to improve individual soccer skills and confidence and that was accomplished. 2- advance to the next competitive level and I would say this goal can also be achieved simply by your mental toughness and attitude in preparation to our next games -finishing off this season with flare Vs Ancaster, Oakville B and Georgetown three of the top teams in our division.

Now the question remains... do we the 97 Erin Mills Rising Eagles believe we should be amongst the top teams in our division and if the answer is yes! then we must set a new goal and that is "to work our hardest for the next four weeks ( all business) to win three league games straight.

I know we can do it - I've believed we could do it - from the time I selected you girls to be part of the Rising Eagles so, if there ever was a time to prove your ready for this challenge the time is now.

Let me know what you're doing to get ready for the Big Three

Burlington Access Storage Tournament

A very exciting and emotional weekend - we beat a lot of teams this past week and it goes to show that the Rising Eagles are starting to make some noise.

After coming off a spirited win over Oakville B, we headed into the Burlington Tournament on the right foot and what an accomplishment finishing first in our grouping. However playing in Burlington against their B team in the semi-finals was not going to be an easy task to pull off a win. We played tough with the lots of scoring opportunities "I would say a 55 - 45% precession for us and that in it self is lots of consolation competing with a premier team.

As a team we are starting to understand what it takes to win games... a constant focus and competitiveness for an entire game.

This week we will have three important games and there is no doubt in my mind - if we continue to play like we played this week "with high intensity" we will win all three games.

"There are soccer players, and there are people who play soccer.

There is a difference.

WHICH ONE ARE YOU?"

Collingwood Tournament

Its been a very busy few weeks for me and time organization has never been one of my strongest suites - whereby I have not blogging on our team active soccer adventures. I use the word adventure on purpose... mainly because the beginning of our soccer season has had a little of every emotional, wins and losses neatly tied together in one month.

The Rising Eagles in my view is shaping up to be a very powerful and focused team. What seams to be happening with us is total understandable considering all the new additions to this team that's searching for consistency in a competitive division.

Our trip to Collingwood Invitational Tournament was one of fun mixed with success just loosing by one goal in the final game. An experience that we can learn a lot from to make us stronger as the season progresses.

The following pic are in appreciation to Warren (Hanna's Dad) for taking and supplying them for the whole team to enjoy.







Let us know what was the best part of your time in Collingwood by leaving your comment.

Over the weekend the Erin Mills 97 Rising Eagles had their garage sale and team social . With lots of support and great weather it turned out to be a successful and fun day.

As the pictures start rolling in they will be posted on blog - as of now here are a few complements of Stefani.





Thanks, Rising Eagles what a fun day :)

Woody Bailey's Appearence

Wooooo, just before practice yesterday I got to take a good look at the technical skills acquired by the 98 girl's B Team ( Jackie and Cliff Head Coach) the girls were having fun displaying their skills and you could see it in their faces.

Throughout the winter the GU12 B Team participated in Wood Bailey's Soccer School and I noticed from the last time I saw them a dramatic shift and focus on the girls foot work and confidence. The balance, hesitation, direction change and purpose the girls displayed with the ball on the field or even in a 1V1 situation captured my attention.


I've known Woody for quite a few years where he has always had the naturally soccer technical foot work that eventual allowed him to receive a school scholarship into University where he could continue developing his soccer skills.

Now, Woody is focusing on transferring his technical soccer knowledge over to youth players that are interested on developing total control of the ball. I was very interested and excited to have our girls exposed to Woody's soccer program so, I called him last night and through our conversation he has agreed on making a guest appearance for us tonight.

Here is a few video clips of what Woody will be displaying for us this evening... enjoy. :)

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3

Our First Tournament - Outdoor 2010 Follow-Up

For me its not about winning a championship - its all about how we compete in games. Raising ones level and handling intensity to overcome challenging competition in the face of adversity builds champions.
This weekend I believe we learned a lot about are selves as a team. Each girl on the team raised their game to the best of their ability bring a level of focus that I can say was successful. If we as players on this team continue to develop, focus and bring our highest level of intensity to games and tournaments it going to be a fun and rememberable summer 2010.

For me this quote sums up the 2010 West Niagara Tournament

"It better to try and fail, than to never try at all".

If you have an experience, thought or feeling from WN tournament share it with us by posting it here.

Our First Tournament - Outdoor 2010

Hi Eagles, we can determine if we are going to have a successful outdoor soccer season by simply bring the right attribute and mental focus to each and every individual game. One game has nothing to do with the other except- taking away something positive that will strengthen you for our next game.



Our first tournament (West Niagara Ontario Division -2010) for the year will be played this weekend and it can define how will approach and succeed this season as a team.

So, Rising Eagles lets go into this tournament compete hard, rise above all obstacles and have fun!

From the 97 Rising Eagles - Happy Mothers Day!

There aren't enough words to express the love mothers bring to the world so, here is a short poem to all you mothers in the world.

Being a man - existing, comforting, caring and sacrificing for his children is just a fraction of what mothers are made up of . Being a man - playing, laughing and entertaining is just a fraction of what mothers are made up of. Being a man - lacks the fractions of what mothers are made up of.

Thank you, mothers for being you... Don


Hey Eagles, let your mothers' know how much you appreciate and love them by posting a message here.

Conclusion - Angela's Speed Training Sessions With The Rising Eagles

Setting the proper foundation, planting the right seeds at the onset and cultivating with understand and purpose produces marvelous fruit. In the last few weeks Angela took our girls through what I call a life time experience (planting the seed).

She showed them how to run with proper form "noise to hip" This fundamental technique is the first building block to an explosive running style that will always impact our young Rising Eagles athletic choices.

Here is a collection of pics from the speed training session to enjoy :)




I would like to say thank you Angela, the girls really enjoyed you upbeat and fun energy. If anyone has any feedback or remark(s) on the speed training session it would be ideal to get your comments posted here...

Burlington Exhibition game Vs Rising Eagles

As I reflect back at our last team performance - I realized we had a good showing considering - we our welcoming new Eagles into our style of playing 11v11. Even though we still have lots of areas of our game to work on we competed with a team that also moved up from the SRSL second division last year into the first division this year with us... but most importantly they have stayed together and added depth to their team.

If we continue to focus and try at practice on the key factors of development instructions and challenge our self to adjust and "get it" with an open mind - you will start to see your level of play, excitement and fun increase.

Here is some picts from our exhibition game Vs Burlington "C" team.







Leave your comment and remark on how we can gel faster as a team...

Speed Training with Angela Bailey

Speed is a critical asset in most sports. Knowing the fundamentals of how to run with technique and form is key in being able to continually develop ones speed. Well, I worked out the details with Angela Bailey Canada's Olympic Medalist. Angela will be donating two evenings this month towards training the Erin Mills 97 Rising Eagles and guests on how to run with lighting speed.

Angela worked with our girls last year and all the girls and parents were excited and had fun. Angela was able to keep the two hours of training engaging, interactive and educational.


It takes a big commitment, dedication and hard work to be able to acclaim Olympic status. The girls will have the privilege to tap into and learn from Angela Bailey's journey to her personal best.

The few years I've coached competitive girls soccer - I've shared my experiences and challenges with Angela whereby she has written a few web articles of great help.

Soccer speed training
Train to run faster

For those parents that are serious about dampening or eliminating their or their child's athletic mental obstacles, set backs or fears then Angels"s

Olympic sports hypnosis cd for athletes seeking SUPERIOR SPORTS PERFORMANCE

is well worth purchasing and utilizing at every plateau of your or your child's sports life cycle. Every CD that is purchased through the Erin Mills 97 Rising Eagles $10.00 will go to words our team sponsorship.

Following is the information for the two days Angela Bailey will be training the 97 Rising Eagles:

April 20th, 2010 and April 27th, 2010

Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Location: Hershey Center Field 1 (teams fitness training day)

Note:
The cost for this special team speed training session will be $40.00 per participant with all proceeds going towards team fundraising. (You are not obligated to participate)

There will be a maximum of 10 training spots available for each scheduled day. Requested training days will be on a first come bases so, book fast to confirm your selected date.

Confirmation dates will be accepted through comments to this blog post or email don@travelpapers.com.

2010 First 11 v 11 Exhibition Game

Great weather, exciting game, we had fun and most importantly we showed up against a team that I believe will be in the running to win the first division this year. For our first game as a team this year played well. I got a chance to look at some of you girls for the very first time playing 11v11 as well as playing in different positions.

Hey, look at those little eagles



I also got a good idea as to what our strengths are and the areas we need to focus on. As this season rolls along we will be able to take advantage of these strengths while developing and finishing off strong.

Katelyn, yes Tanisha did you and Sian here that?


Did you see that Shanel ...what?
Look at Hanna go! our new Eagle

Lets stay focused and work extra hard by participating in Eagle Fit through the month of April - as you can see being extra fit will play big dividend in the out come of games and tournaments.

Lets us know your thoughts on todays game by submitting your comments below

Eagle Fit

The success in any team or organization is in its preparation. Laying down the foundation and building the structure is defiantly the less glamorous stage of any successful venture but, its the most important.

In soccer the foundation of a successful team is based on the fitness level of its players. With fitness comes mental toughness " over coming competitive challenges at every level of performance". You feel good, your sharp, confident and you exuberant success.


This is why I have decide to label the month of April "Eagle Fit" three days of the week will be dedicated towards fitness training. The team has assigned two days for fitness (when there is no exhibition game) the other day you should assign your self as personal fitness hour or two.

Just to make sure all the girls are at a satisfactory fitness level to begin the 2010 soccer season a fitness test will be conducted by the Erin Mills Soccer Club (EMSC) and me.

For those girls that require a fitness routine you may contact Nelia.

Just in, my sister Angela Bailey Olympic medalist has just confirmed to work with our girls again this year to increase their speed more info to follow.

Any questions or advice post it here...

Spring into Spring

This winter season was very successful as individuals and as a team. We learned that we can choice to be winners by the attitude we bring to practices and games, thus fulfilling our alternate goals.

Now, we can move forward with our heads held up high and leap into spring with great optimism.


Our 2010 summer season starts today, right now. Take sometime out, reflect on what kind of individual and team goals you would love to be part of this summer and share that with your team mates, family and friends. We can create and we have the support to make this summer one of the best soccer season we have ever had.

Leave your comments by telling me how you intend to make this summer the best soccer season you have ever had.

Playoff Time

Congratulations! we end the regular season in second place. Now, we must get ready for the playoffs. Its not about how your start, its really about how you finish that will define this winter soccer season.


Bringing a high soccer intensity to practice and games will defiantly allow you to enjoy a successful playoff run. Good Luck.

Playing with Intensity

There are some losses you can accept - we moved the ball, we had most of the chances but the Milton Magic wanted the game more than us. However, I would say this was one of our better games we have played in sometime... good show.

Wining games is all about being able to raise ones intensity level to sustain competition - the question is how does one do that. I realize the sooner a player starts focusing and preparing for their next game the higher their intensity level.




There is a lot of factors that help to increase a players intensity level and they vary from player to player. It all starts by reflecting back on how you prepared before your last game and did your performance live up to YOUR expectations. Continually to monitor and tweak your game preparation and experience would eventually lead you up to better understand how to increase your intensity in any soccer environment (practice or game) .

I came across an ideal check list (print it off) that will help guide you to increasing your intensity level.

If you have any other advice on how to increase ones intensity level share it with us by leaving your comments.

Playing with Passion

This weeks loss was another indication of what will happen if you don't take individual responsibility for your performance. Every thought and step you take has an outcome on how you will approach your next game and how you will finish the rest of your season.

As leaders you must look deep into your selves and ask the questions am I preforming at my very best come game time. If the answer is yes then you have nothing to be concerned with because you have done what all successful athletes do - "leave it all on the field win or loose".



If your answer is no then right now... as you read this post... is a good start to making the difference that will allow you to increase your soccer passion and performance.

Look for a soccer ball around the house and bring it with you everywhere you go (school, bed, dinner etc) do not let it out of your sight for one week. This simple drill will allow you the access to play soccer at a level you have never played before.

Staying on Top of your Game

Better effort today - we just came up a goal short to a team that wanted to win a little more than us - in my view they did deserve this game however, we did have our fare amount of chances to win.

We are now in second place at Hershey playing the first place team our "B" team next week. Even through we beat them twice this regular season the big question to me is "are we learning how to win games?"


When your winning or on top of your game what does it take to stay there?

It takes dedication and hard work to be on top of your game- it much easier to adjust and make changes as you challenge your self to climb the ladder aiming for the team or person at the top. This is why I have a new found respect for teams or individuals that constantly remain at the top of their division or profession year in and year out winning championships.

What do you feel we can add to our game to improve consistent play?

One of those Games

It was one of those games that we had five girls absent in our match vs Milton Magic and we were still able to come away with a 1-0 win way to go 97 Rising Eagles. I've noticed a very interesting trend coinciding with "I would say" the last five games we have played. All the teams in our division have come out and challenged us with high energy and purpose from the first blowing of the refs whistle to the end of the game.

I've talked to the girls about this happening - "Teams no matter what position in the standings they are in from the last or close to the top... if there is one game they will all get up for is the number 1 team and that happens to be us."
So, what does this mean? The Rising Eagles must take their game to the next level if they want to ward off slipping down the divisional standings.

The next level is simply playing fundamental soccer with confidence.

If you have any other suggestions on how the Rising Eagles can take its game to the next level please, leave your comments.

New ADP Date Added

Hi Rising Eagles - for those of you that would like an extra training day in the week. You can attend ADP - Advance Development Training on Saturdays at the U of T Mississauga campus from 11;30am to 1pm Boy and Girls U11/U12/U13/U14 .


The more touches you have on the ball the better you will be come. This is what the philosophy behind ADP is "more quality touches on the ball".

SNAP Mississauga Newspaper

Its always good to be recognized for something other than what we do or our individual needs. This month the Erin Mills 97 Rising Eagles was featured in our community newspaper (SNAP) for our door to door outstanding Christmas carolling efforts supporting the Keep Smiling Alliance.

We were able to raise $1,000.00 that will go towards purchasing a large number of stuffed toy hippos (Butter Cup) that will be distributed across hospital to put a smile on terminally ill kids faces.


Its time like this when you can look back on with a "smile" pride and accomplishment.

Our First Loss

Tough loss Erin Mills Rising Eagles, to the 98 Mississauga Falcon team, we just couldn’t match their energy and commitment today.

Over the last few weeks my coaching style has come under attack and maybe justifiably so. I’m a hard nose, high energy committed coach that demands accountability on and off the field and I understand that approach works with some and not others.

As the head coach of the Rising Eagles and reflecting back on today’s game made me realize I needed to explore less of an emotional and enthusiastic attachment to the outcome of games.

As this team continues to grow and succeed we will be challenged with new obstacle and setbacks it is how we handle these situation that will determine our success going forward.

"Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare."
~Japanese Proverb

All comments are welcome