Medicine Hat Soccer Association

The indoor season of 2007-2008 was concluded in Red Deer with some special moments during the Alberta Provincials.  These were not memories of a gold medal but those more important, memories of things said and done with laughter and no laughter.

Coaching a group of boys at the respective age of twelve is interesting to say the least.  Last season the boys were teasing each other about who might possibly consider liking a girl and this season they were teasing each other about who did not have a girlfriend.  Attitudes are beginning to appear and I am to understand that each of the boys know everything and I know not too much, bringing my own personal memories back of what I was like at the age of twelve.  The times I spent with both the boys and their families taught me a lot  about coaching but more importantly about myself and my family.  I hope all of families involved with the Crusader's learned and enjoyed their times and remember them as being special.

Each player on our team brought something unique and the team would not have been the same without all of them being there.  I witnessed a lot of maturity from many of the boys over the course of a  few years and at times was astounded at the great things they would say or do that made me proud to be a part of their team.  Eventhough each practice or game would bring new challenges, they  often showed a lot of character and heart.  They never (most times) quit trying and that showed several times coming back in a game being down several goals into the last part of the second half to win or tie. 

It is easy as a coach and parent to forget that it is their time to shine and have some fun while doing it.  Emphasis seems to be more on winning and by winning not only are they better but so are the coaching staff.  Yes, we play to win and winning is part of competing but there are many wins from each player for themselves as they accomplish things that they were not able to do the game before.  I saw this many times during the competitions and thats what makes coaching so rewarding.  If we could compare the boys from this year to last with their abilities by watching game footage, we surely be amazed.

So, I congradulate all the boys and their families for a great season and wish all the very  best .  I would like to thank all of you who helped the team with various team functions and being there as fans.

 Especially I would like to thank Diana for all of her help and the many hours she gave by assisting me and the team with all of the planning and organizing.  Everything Di did she did trying to please and making it the best she could and that is all you can ask of anybody.  Also, I would like to thank Amy who also did so much for the team and kept me straight with funds, I never had to worry as Amy is always efficient and very professional,  a pleasure to work with like Di.  Last but not least I would like to thank Seamus for not only being a great coach but also a pleasure to be with.  Sarcasm brings a new meaning to fun with Seamus being there.  It was a pleasure this winter to work with these great people.

Summer is approaching and try-outs are here, so have a great summer and I will see you all later.

Troy