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 :)