With the completion of the COSA Tournament last weekend, the Fall 2010 season has come to an end, except for the U10 boys who still manage to have one CUSL match left. As the staff watched the groups this weekend, we were really reflective and please with where the players have come since the Dog Days in August. That is how we judge what we do as a staff and a club for you. It is easy to look at what our players don't do well, or understand, but if you can look in totality from beginning of a season to the end it can lead to a better understanding of what we are looking at in terms of player development. Our players did so well over the course of the season and this past weekend with what we have been asking of them. Opposing coaches and even the refs paid our groups many compliments over the course of the weekend, "Coach I really like how your team plays" or "You have a really good team" is said quite a bit to us as we shake hands after the game. We carry that confidence with us into training and onto the field, whether we win or loose. It is always our goal to win when we step on the field and we have those conversations with the players and a regular basis at training and games. It is the staff's responsibility to ensure we go about it in the way that is true to our philosophy. I have seen so many instances of personal growth for so many players and each one is a source of inspiration for me to work harder. As we state over and over, one team or one player is not more important than another. We have seen each one of our players in training and in matches and this helps us to evaluate us as a staff, and your players. Our staff additions and growth have been a true source of strength for the club and your players have benefited greatly from them. Stacey, Laura, Amy, Bailey and Jason have all brought unique perspectives and strengths to the club and we are really excited about our continued growth.
The Spring season (which comes faster than you think) will continue to build on the development points started in the Fall:
U8 - Comfort with the ball, and body awareness
U9 - Comfort with the ball on the ground and in the air, body awareness and coordination, field awareness
U10 - Comfort with the ball at pace, coordination, technical and tactical abilities in small combinations, field awareness and runs without the ball
In the months between now and the Spring, please make it a point to watch the game on TV played at the highest levels. This is a great tool for teaching what players should be doing with and without the ball. It also shows the great passion we hope to pass on to your players as they continue to grow at Ohio Elite.
I personally want to thank all the parents for the support of our program. And We could not do what we do without the greatest TA's in the club:
Susan Santos
Kim Bley (twice)
Eileen O'Shaughnessy
April Schmid
Anna Kelly
Tracy Yu
Jackie Parker
Shelly Staggs
Danielle Temple
Dana Kilgore
Thank you, Stacey, Bailey, Laura, Jason and Amy. It's awesome working with you.
The 2010 OESA Elite Player Developmental Academy Winter training season started the weekend of November 14th at Montessori Academy of Cincinnati, 8293 Duke Blvd, Mason OH, to near capacity participants. Players from many different clubs and organizations filled the gym with excitement. The sessions are set up into two parts: 45 minutes of individual technical training and 45 minutes of futsal play. The technical training focuses on each player having a ball for the full 45 minutes working on various forms of control with varying surfaces of their feet and bodies. "This form of technical training has tremendous benefits for players of any age." Girls Assistant Director of Coaching Nick Flohre noted. The indoor sports surface allows the players to experiment with the ball in ways they can't outside. "The players are given the freedom to progress at their own pace, while consistently being pushed out of their comfort zone." YDA Staff Coach, Bailey Bryant said. All sessions are run by OESA staff members and the curriculum is designed to have the players become more comfortable and express their creativity individually. 
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