Preparation Update

We are less than a week away from the start of practices and I am getting more excited as each day brings me closer to working with the team. Most of the preparation for the season is complete. All that remains is the usual administration stuff like getting registration forms signed, sending in tournament applications and collecting of fees. But that is stuff that all teams must do and my own unique preparations and concerns have been addressed.

Firstly, I have heard back from my regulatory organization in regards to my request for an exemption to play more tournaments at a higher age group. The fair play committee has decided to allow my team to enter only one tournament in an age group higher. I am disappointed with their decision but fully accept it and will continue to move forward without any further discussion. My main concern with is not making sure the team does not get complacent or too cocky with the concept that most of the tougher competition will not be present this season. It is even more important this season that I make sure the practices are tougher than any game situation we may come across. I was initially reluctant to share the fact that most of the top team are not in our league this year with the players but I recently conducted an informal poll on Twitter and the overwhelming response was that players want to know who their main competition is for the season in regards to opponents. As a result of this poll I am leaning more towards to sharing this information with my players. Bottom line still remains that I would rather be in contention for a U17 division 1 gold instead of competing in Division 3 in U19. I am not knocking division 3 as I have been there but the opportunity to win division 1 and claim the title as best in the province is not something that everyone gets every year.

Secondly, all the preparations for Dr. Kim Davies are coming into place.  I have secured a nice meeting place thanks to my long standing relationship with the school staff. The equipment is being provided by a team parent. Funding is being secured by my anonymous source, so we are all ready to go. I have also place invitations to two more players from the senior girl’s basketball team who do not play for me but will be seeking to play elite sports such as softball and rugby. In the spirit of sharing and collaboration I am going to extend an invitation to the coach of the other high school age group team. Needless to say I am very anxious to see how the girls respond to the presentation.