Interview With Ian Shaw, Technical Director Capital Football - Part 2

This program was broadcast on 2xxfm (98.3mhz), Tuesday 28 Spetember 2010 at 7:00PM, through the Australian Community Radio Network.

In Part 2 our discussion with Ian Shaw, Technical Director Capital Football, we continue our discussion based on the Capital Football HPP and the Summer 20's. As things go with Football discussions we get into a lot of related subjects which are never far from thought or discussion. The Capital Football HPP and Coach Education has made a lot of good ground in the last year, as the FFA National Football Curriculum is implemented in the ACT Region (and everyhwere else in Australia). Clubs feature far more in the development dialogue than ever before. There is a very contructive effort being made to eliminate the age relative effect and becom more inclusive of all the talent at age as it develops, largely through the reduction  of the unhelpful aspects of "playing squads". The focus has shifted, slowly but steadily to the benefit of all those young players that wish to be developed, not just the selected few. As much "community development" as "High performance" type development. Good thing too! Its a complicated business, a job never realy completed and one that takes a lot of time, years in fact, before we see the outcomes. Some of the indicators already look very promising. This discussion is worthy of careful listening.

Download the Podacst here:

DRAW - 2010 FFA NATIONAL YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR BOYS

The full competition draw for the Boys Under 14 and Under 15 National Youth Championships can be found on the Capital Football Website.

Go to http://www.capitalfootball.com.au/userfiles/B%2010%20NYC%20Draw.pdf

ACT Under 15 Boys (1995 born) Squad to Compete at the NAtional Youth Championships

All the best to the the ACT Under 15 Boys team to contest the FFA National Youth Championships for Boys to be held in Coffs Harbour from the 28th of September to the 1st of October.

I would think all of these lads are already playing Premier League Under 16 or in some cases, Premier League Under 18 Football this season just passed. There is some first rate talent in this group. It is sure to be a red hot competition at this age.

Jakob Cole
Hugh McGrath
Gianmarco Senatore
Sam Ossato
Keighan Ramirez-Hodgson
Aitamoit Mon
Nathan Tidmarsh
Ilija Cotric
Goran Mukevski
Connor Nolan
Jas Abarquez
Kirby Murdoch
Regan Walsh
Romeo-J Romeo
Michael Taurisi
Rory Larkin

Watch the Capital Football webiste and this Blog for results.

ACT Under 14 Boys (1996 born) Squad to Compete at the National Youth Championships

The following players will compete at the FFA National Youth Championships to be held in Coffs Harbour from the 28th of September to October 1.

These lads have played some terrific football int he lead up to the Nationals and they are well coached.

All the best!

Ben Jackson (GK)
Matt Stirton
Nicholas Matkovic
Alex Gelonesi
Johnno Cimminelli
Antonio Barbaro
Jordan Tsekenis
Jak Olim
Alex Popovich
Joshua Gaspari
Kieran Matress
Ryan Little
Nick Keir
Alex Moscatritolo
Alex Tilley
James Trevanion (GK)
Darian McGarry-Watson

Watch the Capital Football webiste and this Blog for results.

Boomerangs FS to represent ACT in National Club Championships

Boomerangs FS will represent Capital Football in the National Club Championships to be held in Dural next weekend.

Futsal Grassroots Coaching Seminar

This really is a good initiative. If you are coaching a team in the local South or North competitions, do your best to get to this seminar.

FUTSAL GRASSROOTS COACHING SEMINAR

 

 

 

Date: Friday October 15
Time: 6.00pm-8.00pm
Location: ANU Sports Hall
Fee: $25.00
Registration: Register and make Payment Online Now

This seminar has been designed to provide the beginner Futsal coach/Parent with some basic information in regards to coaching Futsal. (Fifa 5-a-side Football).

 

Topics covered will include:

• Practical Session on Basic Laws of the game.
• Theory Session on Basic Team Tactics (Formations, Positions, Individual roles and responsibilities)
• Practical Exercises for the development of players aged 8-14.
• Practical Exercises for team warmups
• Practical Session on appropriate Coach Behaviour

 

Coach Smarter, Not Harder

Sourced from http://www.footy4kids.co.uk/

If something isn't working on the training pitch many coaches resort to shouting louder or making their players do a routine over again until they get it right.

Here's an example: Your U11 players give the ball away too easily in matches so you decide to devote a training session to keeping possession of the ball.

The usual way of doing this is to play games where one team has to keep the ball away from the other team for a set number of passes. Sounds like it should work, doesn't it?
Divide your players into teams and tell them to try to make five consecutive passes before losing possession. Easy! But it doesn't work. If you continue to make them try for a long time without success, they will lose interest and you will be frustrated.

What a coach in this situation should do (and we've all been there) is to take a step back and consider why the game or drill isn't working.

In this example the answer is clear: keepaway is boring. Passing the ball around the pitch with no end product – other than the coach shouting at you to try harder – is not soccer. There's no fun in it. A smarter coach would realise this and stop playing this way.
He would think of a different way to achieve his objective. He might, for example, put up a couple of goals and tell his players that they must pass the ball five times before shooting.

You might think that this is just common sense. And you're right - it is! But, as Roy Keane said: "Coaching is common sense. Trouble is, common sense isn't that common." You have to work at it. If you want to be a smarter coach, you have to be flexible.

If something isn't working, stop doing it and do something else instead. Be creative and don't be afraid to take risks. Smarter coaches also know that young soccer players get bored easily and they have two session plans in their back pocket – one that should work and one they can use if the first plan falls flat.

Coach smarter, not harder!

Men's Premier League Grand Final Wrap Season 2010

The 2010 season has closed, all Men's grand finals in the Premier League concluded. Mission accomplished!
The celebrations for some continue on.... For the rest of us, there is always next season.

The team that won the grand final is pictured below and my wrap on the Men's Premier League Grand Finals (I saw all of them) follows. Some content sourced from Capital Football - well done Russ Gibbs, Media Liaison Officer for the very timely results updates on the CF website all season - it made a big difference.

Men's Premier League Grand Finals 2010
Men's PL 16
Canberra Olympic 4 (Yusef Kamara 13’, 16’, Danny Brice 36’, Michael Bornholt 84’) Woden Valley 2 (Petar Varga 7’, Darcy Crosthwaite 72’)


Two of the best young teams going around  they were a pleasure to watch each week. Congratulations to two very fine coaches.
Canberra Olympic: 1. Matteo Di Giannicola (gk), 2. Steve Tadic, 3. Michael Mauito, 4. Tom Tadic, 5. Daniel Giovinazzo, 6. Ben Plunkett, 7. Jeremy Habtemariam, 8. Yusef Kamara, 9. Josh Ratnam, 10. Billy Illeris, 11. Jock McDonnell, 12. Michael Bornholt, 13. Matt Murcutt, 16. Danny Brice, 17. Oli Brown

Woden Valley: 1. Rory Larkin (gk), 2. Sam Ossato, 3. Josh Calabria, 5. Josh Lind, 6. Jake Wilsener, 7. Regan Walsh, 8. Nathan Swientek, 9. Petar Varga, 10. Alex Popovich, 11. Josh Gregory, 12. Damiano Luzzi, 14. Darcy Crosthwaite, 15. Eliot Bassili, 16. Mohammed Al-Althari, 17. Jordan Tsekenis, 111. Andrew Ciszek

Men's PL18

Tuggeranong United 3 (Andrew Lawrence 73’, 86’, Sam Ramey 84’) Woden Valley 2 (Jonathan Kipnis 8’, Adrian Canizares 65’ (pen))

Tuggeranong United: 1. Callum Hogan (gk), 2. Jordan Carige, 4. Ian Gower, 5. Cameron Moutrey, 7. Andrew Lawrence, 9. Tristan Anderson (15. Sean Kiddey), 10. Cameron Doherty (6. Tim Dehelean), 11. Steven Klug, 12. Oscar Ignetik (3. Joe Campbell), 14. Michael Pritchard (8. Sam Ramey), 16. Jordan Lamb

Woden Valley: 1. Jacob Cole (gk), 2. Matthew Kocic, 3. Nic Connell, 4. Evan Dawson (Regan Walsh), 5. Matthew Salaysay, 7. Steven Lee, 8. Nick Kramer (16. Julien Renard), 10. Milenko Novakovic (9. Petar Varga), 11. Jonathan Kipnis, 14. Adrian Canizares, 15. Arden Law

Men's Premier League Pathways

Woden Valley 4 (Chris Ruiz 16’, Lachlan Nicholls 33’, Bensah Afiabo 61’, Gary Alexander 75’) Belconnen United 1 (Josh Sands 68’)

Woden Valley: 1. Elliott Duncan (gk), 3. Reece Vlazlovski (13. Ikenna Moneke), 4. Andrew Kiley (15. Steve Masters), 6. Chris Ruiz, 7. Lukas Cole, 9. Bensah Afiabo (2. Adrian Stroh), 10. Tom Hirst, 11. Jordyn Nayna, 12. Lachlan Nicholls, 14. Gary Alexander (8. Nick Tsakiris), 17. Grant Davoren
Belconnen United: 1. Keegan Jackson (gk), 2. Eamon Ritchie, 3. Glen Smith, 4. Joshua Shippley, 5. Sam Wynn, 6. Joel Sverdrupsen (14. Josh Sands), 7. Jason O’Dwyer (12. Matthew Phillips), 8. Michael Reeve, 9. Matthew Grayson (13. Lukasz Bednark), 10. Callum Smith, 11. Joshua Broekhuyse (16. John Colley)

Men's Premier League
Canberra FC 6 (Danai Gapare 2’, 45’, Adam Spaleta 9’, 63’, Matt Grbesa 18’, Alex Castro 37’) Belconnen United 0


Canberra FC: 18. Ben Klug (gk), 4. Marcin Zygmunt, 6. Alex Castro (12. Ian Graham), 7. Paul Ivanic (14. Josip Jadric), 8. Matt Grbesa, 10. Stephen Lee, 15. Danai Gapare, 17. Aidan Brunskill, 19. Adam Spaleta (3. Jordan Whittiker), 21. Victor Yanes, 22. Jon Ison
Belconnen United: 1. Rohan Shepherd (gk), 2. Matt Valeri (18. Jason O’Dwyer), 3. Dustin Wells, 5. Taylor Beaton, 6. Phil Borgeaud (4. Lee Pietrukowski), 7. Callum Beaton, 8. Cameron Reinhart, 10. Danny Macor, 11. David Kemp, 12. Jack Blackley (9. Tai Smith), 19. David Arranz

The Men's Grand Final follows..

The Mens grand finals were a mixed bag. The day ended in sensational fashion. Read on...

The Womens Premier League Grand Final Wrap for 2010

The 2010 season has closed, all Women's grand finals in the Premier League concluded. Mission accomplished!

The celebrations for some continue on....  For the rest of us, there is always next season.

The team that won the grand final is pictured below and my wrap on the Women's Premier League Grand Finals (I saw all of them) follows. Some content sourced from Capital Football - well done Russ Gibbs, Media Liaison Officer for the very timely results updates on the CF website all season - it made a big difference.

Women's Premier League Grand Finals

Women's PL 18
Belconnen United 5 (Brittany Tully 4’, Talia Backhouse 13’, 69’, Brittany Smale 44’, 81’) Woden Valley 2 (Meg McLaughlin 7’, 88’)

Belconnen United: 1. Tahlia Gash, 2. Tegan Taylor, 3. Grace Tosic, 4. Lianna Maddaffari, 5. Samantha Lazdovkis, 6. Jess Goyne, 7. Brittany Smale, 8. Madeleine D’Ambrosio, 9. Shiann Knight-Moore, 10. Brittany Tully, 11. Natalie De Marco, 12. Talia Backhouse, 13. Rebecca Richards, 14. Sarah Murcutt, 16. Chloe Gash, 18. Lauren Keir

Woden Valley: 1. Tatiana Curic, 2. Izzy Velzen, 3. Bronte Carlin, 4. Nida Mollinson, 5. Kadee Hollis, 6. Caitlin White, 7. Sophie Velzen, 8. Thembi Compton, 9. Meg McLaughlin, 10. Brittany Palombi, 11. Courtney Allen, 12. Nia Southwell, 13. Morgan McGown, 14. Rachael Goldstein, 15. Jaline Hoek, 16. Amy McLachlan, 17. Rhianna Goldstein

Women's Premier League Reserves

Belwest Foxes 1 (Gemma Matheson 79’) Belconnen United 0

Belwest Foxes: 1. Melanie Luksa, 2. Claire Hill, 4. Lara Weston-Indrascott (9. Ping Saengmany), 5. Vanessa Burdett, 6. Stephanie Trimble, 7. Cassie Rankine, 8. Gemma Matheson (3. Elizabeth Dernee), 11. Emma Gillies (12. Alysha Bowman), 13. Aniko Berguno, 15. Samantha Price, 16. Claire Johnson

Belconnen United: 1. Jocelyn Mara, 2. Sabrynka Zawartko, 3. Bianka Jagarinec, 4. Emma Heaney, 5. Ellie Weston, 6. Caitlin Taylor (14. Kiley Green), 7. Jordan Buchanan, 8. Vanessa Cordett (12. Talia Collins), 9. Danielle Donne (15. Sabrina Spinapolice), 10. Tayla Zanotto (13. Rose Tickner), 11. Sarah Tutt

Women's Premier League
Belwest Foxes 3 (Snez Veljanovska 30’, Cian Maciejewski 45’, Hope Wilkins 73’) Woden Valley 5 (Erin Frewin 2’, Georgia Yeoman-Dale 23’, 56’, 8’ (pen), Ashleigh Palombi 29’)

Belwest Foxes: 1. Melanie Luksa, 2. Kim Crocker (4. Erika Pennyfield), 3. Cian Maciejewski, 5. Hope Wilkins, 6. Katrina Staniforth, 9. Shahreen Goodrick (16. Stephanie Trimble), 10. Snez Veljanovska, 11. Lucy Hanrahan, 13. Julia Hoy, 15. Elizabeth Pearson (14. Sam Price), 18. Hayley Buckingham

Woden Valley: 1. Gill Raymond, 4. Stephanie Coates, 5. Jen Walsh (12. Grace Field, 17. Haley Hinde), 6. Erin Frewin, 7. Sally Rojahn, 8. Isabella Boag-Taylor, 10. Ashleigh Palombi (3. Ellen Kromar), 11. Georgia Yeoman-Dale, 13. Emma Thornton, 14. Krista Hagen, 15. Catherine Brown

The NPL Grand Final wrap follows:

The Womens grand finals were played at Hawker on Sunday. Not one game disappointed with all teams playing in good style, a wonderful atmosphere at Hawker and near perfect weather. What a great day! Read on...

Football Is An All Year Sport These Days

In tonights program we have a Premier League Grand Final wrap (more to follow in the next week), but the rest is given to junior Football development.

We begin by continuing our discussion with Eddie Senatore and Eddie gives his thoughts on the standard of the Under 13 Open competition this season and the impact of the national curriculum. Very intersting and encouraging.

Then its on to Ian Shaw, Technical Director Capital Football. The Summer High Performance Program is the key topic for Part 1 of this interview series.
There have been huge changes in junior / youth player development over the last two years, with the introduction and implementation of the National Football Curriculum. Ian has been at the forefront of impementing changes demanded by the FFA. Its not an easy job, but it's also not above critical examination. Ian has never stepped back from making himself available to the NPL and its not always been comfortable. Everyone in Football has an opinion and in times of change, it can be hard to bring everyone with you, particularly when the change is mandated by the FFA. Waiting and admiring the problem is not an option for any techncial director and staff. So they got moving.
Change we have had and there is a fair bit to be please about. These changes (ie the national football curriculum) will take many years to embed in our football culture and practice. Clubs will increasingly become the agent of theis change. Witness the changes at clubs like Majura, Woden, Belconnen (United, West, South etc), Tuggeranong, Monaro to name a few. Summer programs and Futsal are now well and truly on the agenda. The Boomerangs admission to the NSW Supa League Futsal competition and their success is another.
The emphasis on coach education cannot be overstated, it was and is a key underpinning requirement of successful implementation of the curriculum, all the way down to the depths of junior clubs. We are now seeing many more new coaches (Senatore among others is one of those that make this change possible at the grass roots), trained in the current football thinking, developing the future generations of players - and keeping them in the game. Thats a big change. There is no room for egos in this work.
Listen carefully as Ian talks of the importance of developing as many young players as possible, not just a seleceted few. Building the player base, the opportunities, keeping them in Football, getting them better technically and so on. You might say that this is not really "High Performance" in its purist sense and you would be right - its more important than that - it's ensuring that here in the ACT region we give every young player a chance to get better and in so doing, the whole game improves, with the result that we create a Club competitive environment that nutures good footballers.
We like fast results in Football, but when did the best ever happen quickly in Football? We have made progress in the ACT and more must come, a lot more and that will take time, resolve and greater resourcing (other than from parents pockets) than is to hand at this time.
Ian and his crew have made a difference.

Download the Podcast here:

NPL Classic - Interview with the CEO Vikings Futsal - Part 1

By popular request we have Part 1 of the interview the NPL did with CEO Vikings Futsal, Alastair Miller. This guy really thinks big and he and his organisation deliver the goods. This is one Futsal organistion, no, make that one sports orgainsation that really knows how to get itself organised and promote it's game to people. As a business model, Capital Football Board may wish to take a close look, get a few tips and do something truly inspirational for Football and Futsal in the ACT!

Download Podcast here:

Timely Grand Final Advice - How to Take A Penalty Kick!!!

Sourced from http://www.footy4kids.co.uk/


Given the number of penalty shoot outs lately, this might be useful before this weekend.

How to take the perfect penalty

Whether playing in the park with jumpers for goalposts or at the end of a tense cup final, your players need to know how to take penalties.
Successful penalty taking is not simply a case of running up and shooting. There are a number of techniques that can be taught to even very young soccer players that will dramatically improve their chances of coping with the pressure and help them convert spot kick into goals.

A study by the University of Exeter found that penalty takers who looked at the goalkeeper during their run up often ended up shooting straight at the goalkeeper. Their advice to penalty takers was to try to blot the goalkeeper out to the point where he or she is not there at all.

Another study by the boffins at John Moores University in Liverpool offered a more scientific approach to scoring from the penalty spot. They suggested that:

• The perfect penalty is struck at 65mph from a run up of no more than six paces.
• The taker should strike the ball less than three seconds after the referee has blown the whistle.
• The taker should approach the ball from an angle of 20-30 degrees and aim high to the goalkeeper's left or right side.

An interesting study by Anna Stodter & Matt Pain of Loughborough University suggests that penalty takers can overcome the pressure of the situation and score more goals if they use cue words such as 'head' (for head down over the ball), 'centre' (strike through the centre of the ball) or 'easy' (effortless).
This study did find that while using cue words was off putting for some players in a practice situation, they did help when the pressure was on by keeping a players' mind 'on the job' and stopping their thoughts from wandering or becoming negative.

The penalty king - how did he take spot kicks?
Alan Shearer scored 54 times from the penalty spot during his league career and scored a dozen for England.
The majority of his penalties were scored in exactly the same way – he ignored the goalkeeper, took a short run and smashed the ball into the top left of the goal as hard as he could. Even though goalkeepers knew how he would take a penalty, they couldn't save them.
The lesson?

• Having a set routine helps when you're under pressure.
• Confidence and focus is the key. Don't try to deceive the goalkeeper.

 References [1] Brian Quarstad, How to Take the Perfect Penalty Kick?, http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2010/05/16/how-to-take-the-perfect-penalty-kick/
[2] http://www.teachpe.com/soccer_football/penalty.php
[3] Anna Stodter & Matt Pain, Taking penalty kicks under pressure - think about It!, Loughborough University

Grand Final Previews From the Premier League Coaches

This program was broadcast on Tuesday 31 August 2010, on 2xxfm (98.3mhz) across the Australian Community Radio Network.


Tonight's program is given to the Premier League Women's and Men's Grand Finals to be held this weekend.
We speak to Darren Viskovic, the Head Coach of the Tuggeranong United Men's Premier League Club. His analysis of the two teams is instructive and he makes a fearless prediction.
Then we speak to the two Head Coaches of the the two Women's Premier League teams that will contest the Women's Premier League GF - Ed Hollis of Woden Valley and Pat Mills of Belwest. The two best coaches and the two best teams in 2010. Makes sense to me! They are both confident of victory and so very different in playing styles.

The 2010 season has brought change to the Football landscape at the Premier League level.

The Men's competition has seen three new teams admitted to the competition. All did well for their first season. The ANU has withdrawn from the Premier League leaving a nine team competition for season 2010. The ANU Under 20 Elite program was a bold, commendable local initiative by John Mitchell, Head Coach, to assist young players post ACTAS, an initiative that made other PL Clubs (and perhaps Captial Football) sit up and take notice in a postivie fashion. Job well done! If Capital Football has any sense at all it will leave it this way and find a way to construct a season that has three rounds instead of two. ACTAS continues to play for points (but not for finals), ensuring that these young talented players, so well coached at ACTAS, remain remote from Premier League Clubs during the season. This is in sharp contrast to the Women's ACTAS program. The ACTAS fixtures midweek at the PPL level were of considerable assistance to many clubs. Perhaps there is a way to see these players play at Club and train / play fixtures at ACTAS in season 2011. Lets hope so, but of course, the requirements of ACTAS Head Coach for his players must come first. The two best teams this season will contest the GF - Belconnen United and CFC.

The Women's Premier League of 2010 has been terrific, it has seen two new teams in Tuggeranong United and Brindabella Blues. Its been a big step forward from the entertaining season of 2009. Both new teams have campaigned gamely and will be far more threatening in 2011. Western Creek have been steady performers, gaining a place in the semi finals, while Belconnen United started poorly, finished strongly, and perhaps the big improver in 2010. CFC was disappointing, producing some really good football at times, but seemed to disintegrate in the second half of the competition. This is one club that simply must persist with the Womens game at the PL level. With time to plan and recruit for 2011, CFC could be a formidable adversary. Belwest took the competition at top speed and got so far ahead early, they guaranteed themselves a PL semi final spot long before the competition rounds concluded, however, the gap did close. Woden Valley took up where they left off in 2009, but with some very important changes - a new coaching staff and a determination to implement the 1-4-3-3 in compliance with the FFA's new direction. Woden Valley have prospered, getting closer to Belwest each time they played them, ending a win in the final round. I guess that's the virtue of having three competition rounds (the men have two). Both teams fielded ACTAS and / or W League players under new and far sighted management by the Head Coach ACTAS Women's program (and Canberra Untied Coach) Ray Junna. The return of these very talented players to the Womens PL competition has been sensational. This works! So now its the two best teams to contest the GF - Belwest and Woden Valley - and it will be as much a clash in systems and styles of play as it is between the players. You just couldn't ask for anything more!

The availability of quality playing surfaces, remains a severe limitation for most Premier League Clubs (excluding Belconnen and CFC). Some no better than a cabbage patch. Training surfaces are worse. The Hawker Enclosed Centre, with its Tiger Turf FIFA standard surface is nothing short of outstanding and the more it is used the more it is used. We must have several of these surfaces available to be used within the next three years,and one south of the lake (Mawson or Kambah), enclosed and with  facilities for players and spectators before the commencement of the next season. Its that critical and that necessary.

Download the Podcast here:

Listen to the Grand Finals Live on 2xxfm

Capital Football have organised for 2xxfm (98.3mhz) to broadcast the Premier League Grand Finals live to the Canberra Football Community.

Coverage of GPL starts at 5.20 (Saturday) and WPL at 2.50 (Sunday)

Now you can do two things at once - get to the game and watch it live and listen to the expert commentary as the game is played in front of you. No doubt there will be guest commentators and game analysis.

If you can't make the game because you are stuck in the garden, transporting the kids or pretending to be interested in domestic duties, well no problem - tune into the live broadcast on 2xxfm. Simple!

Take your portable FM radio , or Ipod with FM radio function and tune in to the game.

Well done Capital Football and 2xxfm (Canberra's premier community radio station for Football in the ACT region).

Womens Premier League Results 2010 - Semi Finals

Semi Finals

PREMIER LEAGUE

Belwest Foxes 4 (Elizabeth Pearson 6’, own goal 24’, Hayley Buckingham 41’, Snez Veljanovska 54’) Weston Creek 1 (Aleisha Tupper 62’)

Woden Valley 4 (Emma Thornton, Catherine Brown, Jen Walsh, Ashleigh Palombi) Belconnen United 1 (Lauren Keir)

The 2010 Womens Premier League Grand Final is as follows:
Sunday 19th September 2010
Belwest Foxes v Woden Valley
(Hawker Football Centre, kick off 15:00)

Mens Premier League Results 2010 - Preliminary Finals

Preliminary Finals

It was all go at Deakin Stadium - good surface, wonderful weather and the chance to play in a Grand Final:

• In the Men's PL Belco did well to hold out Cooma. So its CFC to play Belco in the Grand Final and you would be brave to pick a winner ahead of full time next Saturday.
• The PPL saw Belco go to the Grand Final to play Woden Valley. This will be a fantastic game.
• The P18 game went to Woden Valley and what a game it was! Cooma (aka Marist) had absolutely smashed Woden at Cooma only a few weeks ago and were the form team of the competition in the last 4-5 weeks, peaking at just the right time, a hallmark of Marist PL18 teams of the last few years and a credit to their coach(s). Woden were a bit thin on the bench this game and knew for certain that this was one game that had to be toughed out for the full 90 minutes. As it turned out the game went for 120 minutes, followed by a heart stopping penalty shoot out. I have followed Woden PL18s since their admission to the PL and I can declare with absolute certainty, that I have not seen a more determined and praiseworthy performance by A Woden PL 18 team. It wasn't always pretty to watch from either side, but the margin for error was so very slim. A remarkably "clean" game for one so filled with tension and tiring players. Subs from the bench from both teams changed little, which must have frustrated the coaches, but there was little they could do - players had control - it went beyond coaching and how exactly do you coach for these contingencies? Now this brings me to one matter which I rate as "rare indeed" in football - Marist had two penalties awarded to them in the box in the first twenty minutes of the game. They missed both. You will go to a lot of football games before you see this happen again. You can't coach for this contingency. This was an incredibly narrow escape for Woden, breathed wind into their sails and I wonder if it did not dent Marist's confidence. As I watched I felt certain that the opportunity to finish off Woden early had slipped through Marist's fingers. No such opportunity appeared again in the game. That "near football death" experience galvanised Woden. Both teams played themsleves to a standstill. Marist threw everything but the kitchen sink at Woden, while Woden steadfastly repelled borders, they blunted Marists attack and replied with occassional counter attacks, which gained in lethality as Marist pushed players forward, thinnned the back, looking for a goal! As the game progressed, there seemed to be two complementary deficiencies, one from each team. There was a sameness to the Marist attack, aimed as it was so often at the slippery number 7 striker with blinding pace off the mark. He was very good, but I felt Woden got just enough luck in the first half of ordinary time to work out how best to handle the threat he posed every minute of the game. The second was that as Woden counter attacked, their sharp end was not sharp enough on the day. Reduced to 10 players for extra time, Woden looked more likely to concede. Marist did not spare them. But as I mentioned, this was an exemplary performance among all the Woden PL18 games over several seasons and instead of relenting under the pressure, Woden seemed to take the initiative in extra time and probably looked a shade better in the second half of extra time. Woden rolled the dice - they played to win. If they had done otherwise, if they had fallen back to defend the draw, Marist would have had them for sure. It was gutsy play. Did the players think this through, who knows? As they say "Who Dares Wins". Very true most of the time in football. If Marist had found one more attacking variation, it may have unhinged Woden's defence. But that's just speculation on my part. Extra time finished and both teams looked finished. Woden also owed a fair measure of thanks to their GK, Jacob Cole. He was right on his game. Now it was down to a penalty shoot out - at this point the football stops. Its a lottery. So much pressure renewed after so much pressure absorbed in the football. The game closed with one last twist of fate - The Woden GK Jacob Cole walked up to take a penaly shot (sudden death now!), slotted it in calm as you please, then kept walking into the goal to deal with the Marist penalty shot. He did too, goal saved, game won and Marist heartbroken. I stood looking and said aloud to myself - "I'll be buggered, what next, snow!" Just an amazing game. The Woden Valley coaching staff, Tony Olivera, Pepe Lopera and Alex Redmond have been meticulous in their preparation of the Woden Valley team and its been a long, long season. Who wouldn't want to play with a team that has this standard of coaching and support? However, they looked a wreck at the end of extra time and "shot ducks" after the penalty shoot out - and they won. The Marist coach was the model of patience and careful direction throught the game. No wonder he and his staff produce such good teams. They'll do it again next year, you can be sure of that! If there had been no penalty shoot out we might have been there still under lights and the PPL and PL fixtures would have had to be played during the week. Not a classic match from a technical stand point, but highly entertaining, pure theatre and yes, all about "winning". Sometimes playing to win can be a good teacher. Both sides were well coached and prepared for the game. Neither team let anyone down today. Wonderful football.
• The PL16 game was jam packed with good football and a ton of "football irony"! Woden Valley won 3-1. CFC have bested Woden Valley both times they have played each other this season - but not by much. The Woden Valley Coach, Micheal Azize, in his third and final year as the WVFC PL16 Coach (he has decided to step down to coach younger players at WVSC next season), has manufactured  finals teams each year and they have all been splendidly different in character and successful. Its a pleasure to watch his teams campaign the season. There is a rich vien of talent in the junior football ranks at Woden Valley, its a good place to have you son or duaghter play and learn football. Season 2010's WVFC PL 16 team is a very talented bunch, they had not played together before this season, but from the early pre-season it was obvious that this group of players were a bit special. They are a "possession based" style of team, there is a lot of good process in them, but best of all, they have all got a lot better as the season has progressed. That's down to Michael Azize and his assistant coach George Stewart and lets not forget the Manager Leisa Brown. The irony I referred to previoulsy is well understood by those around both teams. You see, the CFC PL16 team is esssentially the Woden Valley Under 15 team of 2009 and a very good team they were and are today. Some like to say this is Woden Valley 1 v Woden Valley 2 and I can see why they say it. The Coach of the 2010 CFC PL16 team, for reasons best known to himself, convinced the parents of players and players (well most of them, not all) to depart Woden and go to CFC at the end of 2009. It came as a real shock to all at WVFC and WVSC. It was a terrific windfall gain for CFC and one they didn't have to work to produce. For a short period there was a feeling of despair at WVFC as all wondered where the next group of competitive PL16 level players would come from for 2010. Almost a complete Under 15 Div 1 cohort from WVSC club had disappeared. It takes years to produce teams of this standard at a club. Its not a nice thing to experience and so easy to allow oneself to become resentful over it. No sense in that though and wiser heads at WVFC prevailed, focussing on the future and not what had been lost. However, it's an ill wind that blows someone some good and so it was for all those that stayed or trialled for places in a  Woden Valley PL16 team. Players that might not have otherwise emerged at Woden or perhaps been given the opportunity to step up to the PL16 level had the others not left, now had their chance to play PL16 football. This is somthething that's given many, pause for thought and  to reflect on just how much young talent there is out there and what needs to be done to ensure it emerges at the right time, is recognised, encouraged and given the chance to prosper. Not for the first time have people wondered at the wisdom of letting any coach continue to take the same cohort of players through the age groups in a club. As well intentioned as it my be, it is just as likely to be undermined by a more narrow view of the playing talent each season. These "new" players that came to play at WVFC or were drawn from lower grades the season before, came to play for a club with an established reputation for excellent PL16 and PL18 teams and coaching staff. And that's the way it should be, it recommends itself.  There were a couple of important lessons here for WVFC going forward, including the need for a much greater effort to keep the communication channels open between the Junior and PL clubs. This has been taken to heart. The focus from WV club officials went back to the players. It was an excellent decision. The club moved on. The message is clear - this game is about the young players, as many as we can get playing and playing good football - the rest of us just help it happen. In the final analysis, Woden Valley FC recuited and trained the team that beat CFC today, and CFC got a terrific PL16 team from Woden Valley that has done so well for them all season. What more could one club do? As they say - football is the winner, but its not an experience you would like to encounter every season. The Woden Valley PL16 team won in convincing style today, they took control early and looked the real thing the whole game. In one sense they have "over - achieved". Now the Grand Final beckons and Woden Valley play Canberra Olympic (aka White Eagles Under 15 team of 2009 season and another terrific team, well coached) - and what an outstanding game it will be. Funny game football!

Preliminary Finals


PREMIER LEAGUE
Belconnen United 2 (David Kemp 47’, Cameron Reinhart 92’) Cooma Tigers 1 (Marcial Munoz 53’)

PREMIER PATHWAY LEAGUE

Belconnen United 4 (J. O’Dwyer 11’, 33’, J. Sverdrupsen 24’, J. Colley 78’) Tuggeranong United 2 (P. Oxford 1’, S. Oxford 75’)

PREMIER LEAGUE UNDER-18
Woden Valley 1 (S. Lee 35’) Cooma Tigers 1 (C. Phillips 19’) – Woden Valley win 6-5 on penalties

PREMIER LEAGUE UNDER-16
Woden Valley 3 (P. Varga 5’, A. Popovich 11’, J. Calabria 56’) Canberra FC 1 (J. Vanleeuwen 75’)

Women's Premier League Finals Fixtures 2010

There is one game that will probably beat them all - the Women's PL final between Woden Valley and Belconnen United. Two good teams in good form. This is one game not to miss - get there!

Sunday, 11 September 2010

Kaleen Enclosed - Field 1

10:00am PL 18s - Belconnen United v Weston Creek
12:30pm PL Reserves - Belwest Foxes v Weston Creek
3.00pm Premier League - Belwest Foxes v Weston Creek

Kaleen Enclosed - Field 2

10:00am PL 18s - Woden Valley v Tuggeranong
12:30pm PL Reserves - Woden Valley v Belconnen United
3:00pm Premier League - Woden Valley v Belconnen United

Mens Premier League Preliminary Finals 2010

For these teams, the season comes down to one more game. Win and you are in the Grand Final.
When it comes to good football, you can do no better than PL16 and Pl18 games. Get there. All the best to all!

Sunday 12th September 2010 at Deakin Stadium


Premier League
Belconnen United v Cooma Tigers
kick off 16:00

Premier Pathway League
Belconnen United v Tuggeranong United
kick off 14:00

Premier League under-18
Woden Valley v Cooma Tigers
kick off 12:00

Premier League under-16
Canberra FC v Woden Valley
kick off 10:00

A Program Covering Reflections on Coaching the 1-4-3-3, A Parents View of the Australian U13 Girls Experience, Capital Football Disputes and Discipline Review and Some Thoughts on Helping Your Child Achieve Thier Potential in Football

This program was broadcast on Tuesday 31 August 2010, on 2xxfm (98.3mhz) across the Australian Community Radio Network.


This program is jam packed with good informative listening:

• Eddie Senatore talks about his observations of the Australian Under 13 Girls tour of Vietnam (you may recall his daughter (Siena) was a member of this team. Very interesing and encouraging. Eddie reflects on coaching the 1-4-3-3, the relationship between futsal and football, futsal's complementary aspects for the national football curriculum and coaching the 1-4-3-3. Original, thoughtful and practical.
• Heather Reid, CEO Capital Football speaks on the review of the Disputes and Disciplinary procedures which is under way. Definately worth a listen.
• An extract from an interview between sports psychologist Dr Cohn and US (All American) player and coach Al Miller on the subject of assisting your child to reach their potential in football. An excellent piece of work!

Download the Podcast here:

Proprioception - What's that???

Sourced from The Sports Injury Doctor Isuue 5/06/September, authoured by Chris Mallac who has been head of sports med at Bath Rugby and head physio at Queensland Reds Super 14.

There is a bit of talk about "Proprioception Training" among coaches / trainers / conditioners, but mostly physiotherapists because they seem to know more about it and make more sense on this one. If your coach is a physio or has coached at the elite level you have a much better chance of being introduced to this training at club level. Everyone is looking for an edge in Football and this form of training is no doubt resident in the top echelons of football around the globe. Its not news to the AIS and probably not to ACTAS. There are a couple of clubs in the ACT that have introduced this form of training to assist the development of the players. So if you hear about it, this short article will assist you in knowing what it generally means.


Dear Sports Enthusiast,

Try this little experiment. Place a coin on the floor. Stand about 30cm away from the coin. With your eyes open, attempt to touch the coin with your big toe (it doesn't matter which foot). Now close your eyes and try it again.

If your ‘proprioception’ is in tune, then you should be able to touch the coin or at least get very close to it. However, if your proprioception is not functioning, then you will miss it by miles.

So what is ‘proprioception’? Why is it important, and how do we train it?

Proprioception can be defined as “… an unconscious perception of movement and spatial orientation arising from stimuli within the body itself.”

The word proprius is Latin and means ‘one’s own’. Perception pertains to the human senses – in the case of proprioception, the sense of movement. (Out of interest, balance is not an example of proprioception. Balance control comes from the inner ear and not the body senses. However, the balance systems are intertwined heavily with the proprioceptive systems.)

Common examples from everyday life:

• Walking in a dark room in the middle of the night
• Catching a ball
• Eating whilst reading the paper

 Where does proprioception come from?

Our muscles, ligaments and tendons are stacked with free nerve endings and receptors that allow us to perceive where our limbs are in space. These receptors then feed into the central nervous system (CNS) and the CNS in turn relays information to the brain – both the cerebrum (big brain) and cerebellum (little walnut shaped thing at the bottom of the cerebrum). To make it really complex, the information from these body receptors is then compared to information received from the eyes and ears that allows us to co-ordinate hand/foot-eye coordination and also balance.

"Proprioception can always be improved through training. The learning of any new skill involves training our proprioceptive sense and re-organising the nervous system to suit the new activity."

Why do people have poor proprioception?

The two cohorts of the population that suffer from altered proprioception are the injured/ill and the elderly. As we injure ourselves and damage tissues, the pain mechanisms that feed into our brains tend to ‘fog’ up the nerve cells in the brain so that we don’t have such a defined appreciation of position sense anymore. Furthermore, some anatomical structures play keys roles in proprioception. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in the knee has numerous nerve endings that contribute to proprioception, as does the major ankle ligament – the ATFL. That is why injury to these structures tends to make us feel unstable. The elderly have ageing nerve endings and their nerves do not conduct information as effectively as younger people. They have more trouble with activities requiring body awareness and as a result often bump themselves easily and fall easily.

Can we improve our proprioception?

Absolutely! Proprioception can always be improved through training. The learning of any new skill involves training our proprioceptive sense and re-organising the nervous system to suit the new activity. The nerve endings and sensory fibres in our muscles, ligaments and tendons become more effective at picking up changes in body position. In turn, the nerves become more efficient at transmitting the information to the brain, and the brain becomes better at responding to this information.

Practical examples of proprioceptive re-training in the world of sports medicine include balance board and BOSU ball exercises for post ankle/knee injuries; medicine ball catching drills for post-operative shoulder reconstructions, and laser pointer guidance exercises that post-whiplash patients perform to retrain head rotation and neck rotation position sense.

An example of the laser drill for whiplash is to strap a laser pointer to a patients head and have them focus on a point on a wall or screen. They then turn their head (rotation) and then attempt to rotate back to where the laser was pointing. Research shows that this position sense of being able to bring the laser back to that point is severely compromised in patients who have whiplash injuries. This is because the nerve endings that allow this position sense have been affected so the ability to 'sense' where the head should be directed becomes compromised. They can then perform this drill repeatedly to retrain this sense.

The Top Dangers of Sideline Coaching

Sourced from http://www.kidssportspsychology.com/

Too often well-meaning parents live through their children and expect their kids to take on their own dreams and goals. As a youth soccer coach in Portland, Ore., Sue Mak confesses that she found herself too emotionally involved at times in her son's athletic experience. She often yelled if her son was in danger or if referees failed to watch for fouls, she says.

"If someone would jump on my son, I would say, 'Open your eyes. You almost killed my kid.' If I saw a kid fouling another player, I would yell, 'Ref, watch what's going on!' "

When Mak's son, Justin, was about 12, he told her that she embarrassed him when she challenged referees' calls.

"I realized I was overzealous, so I tried to tone it down. I tried to back off," she says. "I tried to find a way to still be involved in the game but to be a real positive part of the excitement," Mak says.

Parents, like Mak, must learn to strike a delicate balance between being overly involved in their kids's sports activities and not showing enough interest in their athletics.

Coaching From the Sidelines: A Common Parental Error

Too often, well-meaning parents live through their children and expect their kids to take on their own dreams and goals. They evaluate their child's success or failure based on his or her performance--not his or her happiness. They are overly critical. And, like Mak, coach too much from the sidelines.

Says Lauren, a 12-year-old who plays soccer, Lacrosse, basketball and tennis in Portland, "The major problem affecting my confidence is my parents. Dad's cheering embarrasses me. Just before I shoot in soccer, he yells, 'Pull the trigger!" It's so awful."

Rather than expressing enthusiasm by coaching from the sidelines and criticizing, parents need to take a step back. Try to understand why your child takes part in sports. Does he or she play to be with friends? Does your child play because she loves to be part of a team? Or does she enjoy competition?

Once you understand your child's motivations, try to support his or her interests. Ensure he or she has the opportunity to spend time with teammates, to feel like part of a team, and to have fun.

Being supportive also means letting children lead.

Kids who excel in sports are those who are passionate about it. And their drive comes from within--not from their parents. They'll beg you to bat balls in your front yard with them, to rebound while they shoot baskets and to kick a ball in the neighborhood park. You don't ever have to nudge these kids into practicing.

You'll also help your children enjoy sports by telling them they're doing a great job--whether they win or lose. Keep the focus off performance. Concentrate on fun, enjoyment, laughs!

It's also important to attend kids' games, whenever possible. Cheer them on without pressuring them. Try to be supportive of coaches, referees and umpires. It's important to set a good example--even if you don't always agree with the coach, referee or umpire.

As Mak says, "Good sports parents realize this sport is a tool to teach your child about life."

Coaching From The Sidelines: Striking A Balance

As a rookie soccer coach 20 years ago, Mak struggled to find a balance in how she gave feedback to her team. After experimenting with a number of styles, she discovered that children benefit most if they receive mainly positive feedback. Her job, she decided, was to be a master cheerleader.

If you, too, learn how to be a master cheerleader, your children will experience many benefits. They'll have more fun, learn important life lessons, and likely stay involved in sports for a long time. Remember, 75 percent of kids drop out of sports by the time they are 13. That's because they're no longer having fun!

Men's Premier League Finals Games Being Played This Week

A number of the Mens PL grade(s) preliminary finals games had to be postponed and rescheduled due to weather. Keep checking the Capital Football website for any changes.

Monday 6 September
Pathway League Woden Valley v. Belconnen now at Hawker FC Monday 6 Sept. kick off 8pm

Tuesday, 7 September
PL16 Canberra FC v. Canberra Olympic now at Hawker FC Tuesday 7 Sept. kick off 6pm
PL18 Woden Valley v. Tuggeranong now at Hawker FC Tuesday 7 Sept. kick off 8pm

ACT Girls win Bronze, Boys hold Ranking at School Sport Australia Under 12 Football Championship

Report by NPL roving reporter Simon Kravis

The ACT girls team won the Bronze medal in the School Sport Australia Under 12 Football Championship held at Nelson Bay, NSW last week, equalling the achievement of the ACT girls in the 2007 Championship and improving on the 4th placing achieved by the ACT girls in 2008 and 2009. Boys and girls teams from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory also competed, with New South Wales winning gold and Queensland silver in the Girls competition in a tight contest.


The ACT girls, coached by Tom Crossley, improved greatly over the week after bruising losses to New South Wales and Queensland on the first day, and went on to beat South Australia, Victoria and Northern Territory in the preliminary stage. In the round-robin stage they drew with New South Wales but lost again to Queensland. Maddie Shevlin scored four goals, with one goal each from Ruth Kravis, Georgia Fogarty, Mykala van Deyk, Eddie Nelson, and Samantha Roff.

Although they dominated most of their games with excellent defensive and midfield work the ACT boys team seldom managed to turn their chances into goals and were placed 5th, ahead of Northern Territory, in the same position as last year. With better finishing, they would have broken the dominance of New South Wales and Queensland in the boys competition, and with the 2011 competition to be held in Canberra, next year’s team may have a good opportunity to do this.

Football-Connect Disability Football Open Days

Capital Football website advises the following fantastic initiative, with the cooperation of three outstanding ACT Clubs - Western Creek, Belnorth and Belconnen United. There is no fee for these activities - well done! This is a first rate piece of community leadership through our game. Parents, get your children to these football activities - we need you in the game. More Clubs step up to the plate please.

Belconnen United/ Belnorth Football Club and Weston Creek Soccer Club in partnership with Capital Football-Football Connect and the ACT Government are helping to develop community club based football programs for children with disabilities.

Weston Creek and Belconnen/Belnorth will be holding disability Open Days in September and October for athletes with disabilities, parents, guardians, carers and families to come along and participate in organised football sessions, meet club members and officials a have great time participating in and watching small sided football games.

Following the Open Days participants will have an opportunity to sign up for the Capital Football disability development programs(Football Connect) in October/November and eventually sign up for a club in preparation for the inaugural Athletes With Disabilities (AWD) junior league set to commence in May 2011.

Belnorth/Belconnen Football Club Open Day


Sunday September 19, 2010
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, McKellar Park, Walkley Place, McKellar, ACT, 2617
Ages: 6-18
Cost: Free

Weston Creek Soccer Club Open Day


Sunday October 10, 2010
10:00AM to 12:00PM, Waramanga Playing Fields, Badimara Street, Waramanga 2611
Ages: 6-18
Cost: Free

Womens Premier League Fixtures 2010 - Round 21

Round 21

Sunday 5 Sep 10

2:00PM Belwest Foxes v Weston Creek Kaleen Enclosed 1
2:00PM ANU WFC v Belconnen Utd ANU Willows 1
2:00PM Brindabella Blues v Tuggeranong Utd WFC Calwell 2.3
2:00PM Woden Valley v Canberra FC Woden Park Enclosed

Mens Premier League Semi Final Fixtures 2010

Mens Premier League Semi Final Fixtures 2010 - All PL Grades

Premier League:

Sunday 5th September 2010

Canberra FC v Belconnen United
Deakin Stadium, kick off 16:00

Cooma Tigers v Canberra City
McKellar Park, kick off 16:00

Premier Pathway League:


Sunday 5th September 2010

Belconnen United v Woden Valley (Deakin Stadium, 14:00)
ANU FC v Tuggeranong United (McKellar Park, 14:00)

Premier League under-18:

Sunday 5th September 2010


Woden Valley v Tuggeranong United (Deakin Stadium, 12:00)
Canberra FC v Cooma Tigers (McKellar Park, 12:00)

Premier League under-16:

Sunday 5th September 2010
Canberra FC v Canberra Olympic (Deakin Stadium, 10:00)
Woden Valley v Belconnen United (McKellar Park, 10:00)

The Ron Smith Interviews - Part 3

This program was broadcast on Tuesday 31 August 2010, on 2xxfm (98.3mhz) across the Australian Community Radio Network.

Tonight's program is the third of our interview series with Football Analyst, Elite Coach, former Head of the AIS Football program (10 years), mentor to many of our finest players, specialist technical / analytical advisor to the Socceroos and football national treasure, Ron Smith.

Ron has been engaged to review the Capital Football High Performance Program.

In this fascinating interview, the third in this series, Ron speaks to some subjects that are sure to arouse your interest and are all connected to the notion of a high performance program - age relative effect, does Futsal have a place in football development, what do you do in Summer with the HPP (run competitions or a high performance program to develop players) and Coach education (something important to Ron). Ron speaks of the need to "create the learning environment" and when coaching, asks himself this question " Is the player seeing what I am seeing?" and how to ensure you get the learning across to the player.

As ever, you could just keep listening to Ron talk on Football! A remarkable fellow!

Download Podcast here: