A Brief History of the Club and it's Philosophy
Picture-of-G16-Team
First JSSA Magic team - GU15 - Spring 2009
Dear Parents,

I have been coaching youth soccer players and coaches in New England for 38 years, even when I was the Place Kicker for the New England Patriots. I have a passion and love for the game. Winning and losing is part of the game and part of life, but it is not the main focus of coaching the skills and tactics of the game. Soccer is an educational tool for child development on and off the field. I am committed to the total maturity of your child into a strong, well rounded, focused, and polite individual. My staff and I care about each player who joins us for this incredible journey through life, where your family and our club family work together for the ultimate development of your child.

I am a proud father of four children who played soccer from elementary school to All American College level. The soccer life skills have held them all in good stead and helped them become a better Doctor, Lawyer, Software Engineer and an NSCAA Premier soccer coach. My daughter, Felicity Day, the All American and one of the few NSCAA Premier coaches will be the Coaching Director and help with the teams as will I.

We are looking forward to this new club development in our 38 year soccer tradition in New England. Please join us with your child.

Sincerely,
John M. Smith

Philosophy

Our goals at JSSA Magic are to provide an advanced level of soccer and fitness training to your son/daughter and the team, to build solid foundations of proper technical and tactical awareness, to compete at the highest possible level as we learn the 6 V6, 8 V 8, 11 v 11 games, and to have a lot of fun while we grow together. This will be accomplished through mastering the building blocks of of ever increasing difficulty and by putting our training to the test in weekly matches.

Our coaching style at JSSA Magic relies on positive reinforcement, humor and non-stressful, low volume critical feedback. We do our instructing in practice where players’ attention can be concentrated on skill building. We refrain from instructing players on the field during a game unless the directions are for positioning, attentiveness, or encouragement to meet a challenge. Our belief is that a player matures only when he/she is capable of making his/hers own decisions and we encourage all players to rely on each other, as well as the coaches.

Simply put, we believe that soccer is a game of skill and control. We work diligently to teach the techniques of the game (dribbling, passing, shooting, control, heading). We want every player to be confident with the ball at their feet and be able to play 1V1, both offensively and defensively. Our progression includes small group games and working on what we call shape (triangle and diamonds) again, offensively and defensively. We constantly emphasis a good first touch, which means the player can lift his/her head and begin to recognize options or choices that are available at any given point in time. This is what we call tactics or decision making. Now our progression is essentially numbers up situations and we work on 2v1, 3v1, 3v2, 4v1, 4v2 etc. once again offensively and defensively. Our ultimate goal is playing a methodology which emphasizes possession on offense and pressure on defense; a team shape which involves playing in the other teams half and producing many goal scoring opportunities. Player development is and will continue to be our primary focus working with players from 6-18 years old. This method of play will produce good technically sound and tactically aware players which will ultimately produce team success on the field.

Refund Policy - JSSA Magic does not give refunds or credits or release players during the club season. It is anticipated that once a player signs with the club, they are obligated for one full club year (September - June). Once the player accepts the roster spot on a team, that roster spot is secured for the year. Please remember that there is a tryout process in place and therefore there are players who are not offered roster spots.

Testimonials

"John Smith Soccer has been the best thing that's ever happened to my son by far. You're helping him far beyond soccer and it's much appreciated."

"John Smith Soccer is wonderful at teaching soccer skills and strategy. But, more importantly, it is evident that JOhn Smith Soccer, through a caring and family-friendly attitude, as engendered confidence and self esteem in a pre-teen. Words cannot thank you enough."

"My wife and I are very excited that our son and daughter will be playing for JSSA this year. You are running a first class operation, and it is wonderful to be a small part of it."

"Wow! The boys [U13] played well. Amazing coaching. The other team was older, bigger, stronger, more individually athletic. And yet, our boys executed as soccer should be played. John Smith does an amazing job." [U13 won 8-3.]

"Jason [Sullo, GU12 Republic coach], With the Fall season just ending, I wanted to reach out and tell you that we have really enjoyed our experience with you and the team so far. Making the decision to leave her old team and friends...was not an easy decision for [our daughter]. She really wanted a coach that she could respect and be inspired to play for as she had lost that where she was playing. From the first day...all the way through to the last game, you have provided that for her! She has mentioned on numerous occasions how happy she is that she picked your team to come to. She has made some great friends, has learned a lot from you and her confident in herself is coming back to where it used to be. Thank you for all that you do for the girls!"

"My son's individual soccer skills improved a great deal. He also got a better appreciation for some of the team aspects of soccer, such as how position himself in relationship to his teammates during the flow of the game. His town soccer coach remarked to me on how much he imporced this season. I credit Coach Steve Morrison's coaching with this improvement."

"The overall atmostphere and attitude of the club is very positive, which is absolutely critical to my son's enjoyment and learning. This type of enviroment also makes him work his hardest and try his best. His coach [John Smith] is of course great too! Also, having your own indoor facility to practice in when the weather is bad is very helpful. Finally, I thought the level of communication was very good."

"John, I wanted to let you know [our son] has truly loved being on the [BU10] team and all the special time he has gotten with you. His soccer skills, confidence and maturity have made great strides during this short time. Thanks so much for taking all the time to coach them. Watching the practices, I was amazed at how much fun you all had. My favorite was watching you all out there still playing in the dark until the ball could no longer be found."

"John, I think you did a great job with the kids, both U10 and U14 boys...All 3 of my boys love being part of the club."

 
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