News from the Chairman

Hi Rovers Family

We are into our final few games for 2008 and I cannot believe how much has happened in my life over the past few months since I took over as chairman. Time flies!!!

As we start winding down and work to ending off the season on a high there are a few news worthy items that I am sure you are all interested in.


Coaches day held in June
What an incredible day we had, our coaches days was a resounding success. We had 130 kids attend the day with teams from Alberview and Glenview primary. All of this helped us promote our club like never before. A HUGE thank you to Bridgette who was there from early on to help with the coffee and muffins, to the moms who helped in the tuckshop and of course to our coaches who showed what they were made of by being there from 6:30am ready to run as Dudley took them through their paces.

The biggest gain was the incredible knowledge gained by our coaches. This knowledge will help Rovers as we continue to raise the standard of our coaching so we will raise the standard of play.

Fund Raisers
We had a rather good response to our LCD TV raffle we ran. We managed to raise over R12500. Although we initially said we would allocate half the cash raised to the club, as a committee we felt that with current tough times it would be difficult to then ask parents to pay in additional amounts to get a tracksuit for their boys. Therefore we took the decision that any child who sold R250-00 worth of raffle tickets would qualify for a tracksuit from the club. Those who fell short were asked to pay in the difference. Unfortunately this left the club R6000 poorer than planned, but we are after all here first for the players.

We will be looking at holding more of these raffles in the future. As a parent I know how frustrating selling these lists can be but it is the most effective way to raise much needed funds to run the club. Alternatively we will have no choice ask parents for more financial support to help cover costs. So please do everything you can to assist us in making these fund raisers a success.

9th August Game day
We have managed to arrange a game day on the 9th August where ALL our teams will be playing at home. In having this we will be able to open the tuckshop and sell boerewors rolls to raise money. We need volunteers to help so please contact me directly if you can help. Please make every effort to come along and support the ROVERS teams on the day. Teams will be notified of kick-off times before the day.

NB!!! Please use the toilet at home…….we don’t have one……yet!

Tracksuits.
All our boys who sold their R250 tickets and those who elected to pay in have/will receive their tracksuits this week. If there is anyone who would still like one, please confirm with payment by Wednesday the 30th August 2008. The cost is R250-00. We will be placing a small order on Thursday. If you miss this chance you will only get another opportunity next year again.

Donations received.
We have had a few items donated to assist in our building a better club. We have received a donation of the following:
· A signboard and palisade fencing from Emfuleni Golf Estate
· 3 x Light poles from Beach Boys beach soccer. These will be used for our junior field for 2009 season.
· 2 x soccer nets from Beach Boys beach soccer

We do need help to collect some of these items so if there is anyone who has a flatbed that can collect the signboard and palisade from VDB Park please contact me urgently.

Donations needed
· Going forward need help with sign writing on our newly acquired signboard. If there is anyone who has a contact with a sign writer who will help us please contact me.
· We need 6/8, 8m poles to erect for lighting on the top field for the new season. If anyone has poles lying around at work or knows where we can get these donated please let us know.
· For the lighting we will need spots. It is our intention to make the top field our main field. To do this we will need between 12 and 14 spots to ensure that the field is lit properly.
· We will also need 250m worth of cable to wire the field.
· With the poles secured for the baby field we will still need 3 spots and approximately 100m of cable.
Finally we are still trying to raise sponsorship for the club to help build a club house and ablutions. If there is anyone who can assist us in making contact with potential donors please let us know.

Supporters/parents conduct at games.
It is disappointing to hear that some of our parents get so carried away at games that they forget that we are a junior club and the boys who play are not professionals. Parents, I know how excited and passionate we get at games. When a kid makes a mistake, telling him he is stupid, or shouting at them is not what we want to happen. We will protect our players from bullying, even if it is a parent doing it to their own kid. Our teams are in the league to win, we do not apologize or lose focus of this, but if a parent does not know how sportsmanship and general conduct ties into this then they will be asked to go and wait in the car until the game is over. Please don’t embarrass your kid because you don’t know how to behave! Players, referee and coaches are OFF LIMITS! If you have a problem there are channels set up to address your concerns.

That’s all for now. Sorry for the last point but unfortunately issues like this need to be addressed.
Keep up the work and keep encouraging your boys as they have come a long way in their play and development.

Keep Kickin’,

Glenn Du Toit
Rovers Chairman
082-9034222

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Rovers U/8 vs Springs

Rovers U/8 demonstrated they're superiority playing 9 side vs Springs. The boys were close to
perfection. At lest performed better than Bafana Bafana, hehehe.

The game had lots of quality passes, a "crackling heather" from Etan, balls hitting the
bar...Was a very emotional match.


Since the beginning of the match, it was very clear how well prepared our boys are, (a big
thanks to couch) The game was basically played in they're side. Our keeper could very well
take a late morning nap while waiting for the game to finish. Had no activities in his box.
(sometimes soccer regulations seams unfair, ne? hehehe).

To be fair, not everything was roses, a credit of an outstanding player must be given to
springs keeper (in my view), our boys kept him busy and did not disappoint his couch or father
(for our frustration).

Nor unusual but different, the visitors had a girl defender that played the game in the same
level as the boys. She was not afraid to confront and take charge from our boys. well done
girl.

In the mist of confusion in the box, kamu found a gap and placed the sphere deep in the
net. That was 1-0.

The game continued with Rovers pressuring the visitors. Parents like me in the sideline
getting nervous and shouting instructions... One of this days the couch and referee will
send me home, for shore, but I cant help it.

came second time and the situation did not improve for Springs. Our boys multiplied the
pressure on the visitors... (were is your good manner boys? hehehe)

In rebound from one of many corner kicks, Alldair blasted the ball that unfortunately hit
the pole, but did not spot there, Kamu, Dean, Jordan had the opportunity to score but they
lost the compass. We could have won for more. But its not a problem, they did well.

Did not take long, Jordan demonstrated his quality's when he scored the second goal of the
match. Well done.

Alldair, Dean and Matt were substituted in the second half, giving place to David (Emerson's),
Branden and Etan.

Congratulation Rovers. Well done.

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Feedback from YOU!

Dear Coaches and parents.

As webmaster of this site, I receive very little feedback from the games and teams in general.
Please make use of this email address roversfclub@gmail.com or celsoamade@hotmail.com to send all info you may have that would like to share. I am available in the second address full time, you may access me via MSN.

Sometime, parents that attend the games take photos, please share with Rovers family at http://www.roversfclub.blogspot.com/.

I am shore that our players would love to show they're friends what they have been doing.
Parents and supporters are also invited to share with us your view of the games.

For the collective, please contribute.

Celso Amade

MSM/Email: celsoamade@hotmail.com

Email: roversfclub@gmail.com

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All-in-One @ Home

Saturday the 9th, will be All-in-One @ home.

Arrangements have been made to have the Rovers Football Club united at home at the same time.

Bellow is the proposed time table for the fixtures, pending update in next week edition.
Login next Wednesday for the last update.

U/12 kick off 8:30 – Home Alberton
U/8 kick off 9:30 – Home Benoni
U/7 Kick off 10:30- Home Alberton
U/11 kick off 11:30 –AWAY to SCAW

Have in mind that food and beverage will be available on site.

Bring all your family and friends for a day of entertainment.

CHECK UPDATED TIMES NEXT WEDNESDAY.

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Dribling - Breakout!

Breakout!
This is a drill designed to improve dribbling skills and get players to keep their head up at the same time. It's easy to set up and fun to do. You need every player to have a ball and as many cones as players.


You will be using the centre circle as the starting point of the drill. Place the cones around the circle an equal distance away, say about 10-20 yards, depending on age of players.

Get the players to dribble inside the circle with the emphasis on keeping their head up while dribbling to avoid each other in the confined space. Get them to attempt different types of skills, including “pull backs”, “outside of foot only” and so on.

After about a minute or so, shout “breakout”. The players then have to dribble fast from the circle to a cone, turn around, and then come back to the circle. It’s really important that only one player can go around each cone, so a player has to find another cone if somebody is already ahead of them.

Stand in the centre of the circle as the players dribble around their cones. The winner is the first one back to you, stopped, with the ball under control. You can make sure that there are no arguments about who is first back by getting them to slap your outstretched hand to signal that they have finished.

If you don’t have strict rules about how the ball is controlled on the way back, you’ll get them flying all over the place as the players race to get back to you. Remember this is both competitive and can be treated as a fitness drill.

You can also do the drill by how many times each player has come back to the circle to slap hands for a two minute time period.

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Teach 4v4 System

The best 4v4 by far It should be Government policy that soccer coaches use small sided games before the age of 13. The 4v4 system accelerates development of technical ability and game intelligence. Over the next few months David Clarke will be looking at coaching the 4v4 system, what it involves and what you and your players will get out of it.

So why teach 4v4?
Small pictures are clearer for children; space and options are more compatible with their abilities. 4v4 is the smallest sided game you can have that has all the elements of a real soccer match without any of the confusions that surround learning football.

In a real soccer match children have the option of passing the ball forwards, square or backwards. Three children cannot do this because one of the directions will be missing. With five children the extra one duplicates one of the elements. He becomes “also wide, also deep or also back.” This “also” position clutters the picture.

4v4 also provides the minimum numbers needed for all of the parts that make up a soccer game. One player is up top for penetration. Two are needed for width and one holds back to supply depth. In 4v4 the responsibilities are very clear. All tasks are covered and none are shared which keeps things simple.

What do the players learn
You are improving young players’ technique through a far greater number of ball contacts. The emphasis on control, passing and shooting gives the fundamental building blocks of football. And its fun for all the players, they are all involved, they attack and defend. The number of passes is increased and therefore the one touch control, one touch pass, sequence is used all the time. It is also a good indicator of players’ fitness because they are constantly running and playing the game. It is soccer learning at its best, fun, creating match situations and therefore a learning environment.

My experience
When I first started out as a coach as a team we grew sick to death of the best teams having big boys at the back who could kick hard and a fast player up front who could score goals. Wham bang thanks for the three points.

That was when I turned to the 4v4 system - AC Milan, Ajax and Barcelona were using it so why not me? Now all my teams train that way. They not only enjoy themselves but by the age of 13 they have become successful on a team and individual basis. And boy have we produced some good players.

Evidence it works
You don’t have to look far to find the countries that use small sided games. It’s a list of world champions: Brazil, Holland, France, Spain, Germany, Italy all play small sided games at young ages. You can see it in your players who visibly grow up during these games and you can feel the sense of achievement for yourself when players respond to the freedom.

Cut it out
Never mind the points system, the winning comes later. If you teach kick and rush football at the expense of technical development you’re not doing anyone any favours. You may win more matches with the younger age groups but you’re taking all the fun out of it. And you will find you’re pushing the stronger, faster players at the expense of some of the more gifted.

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Get Your Wingers Dribbling

Get your wingers dribbling If you reckon your wide men's dribbling skills could do with some polishing up, there are several areas you can work on to improve effectiveness.
Time to dribble.Type your post here


Many coaches believe there is a time and a place for dribbling: in the attacking third of the pitch. Lose the ball here and the risk of the opposition creating a goal scoring opportunity is reduced; dribble successfully (e.g. go past the defender) and the chances of being rewarded with a goal increase.

A is for Attitude
Your winger must be positive, in training and matches, and believe he has the ability to beat the full-back. Even with the first controlling touch their body should be side on and they should be looking to commit a defender.

One way they can gain confidence is for you to encourage them and accept it’s likely THEY WILL FAIL MORE THAN OFTEN THAN THEYSUCCEED.
Dribbling is a high risk/high reward skill – risks have to be taken to create goal scoring opportunities, and when you understand that, it will put the unsuccessful attempts in perspective. Remember, criticising them for being tackled and losing the ball will only make them less likely to try again.

The other way to build confidence is to get your winger to...
Practice, practice, practice

Every winger should have skills he can use to beat a defender. Once techniques such as the step over are acquired, set up 1v1 games sessions. Remember, observe if your attacker is:
Comfortable with the ball and able to keep it under close control Playing with their head up so they can see their options Slowing down as they approach the defender Using body feints to unbalance the defender Able to change direction once the defender is unbalanced Exploding past the defender with their head up

Other ways to beat a player
A winger doesn’t have to dribble past a defender to beat them. A one-two is always effective, or if, for example, your full back has the ball, the winger can drag their marker with them towards the ball, and spin off behind the marker into the space vacated when your full-back plays the ball over the top. Alternatively, if there’s space to run into and they’re quicker than their opponent, a winger can just knock the ball past and give chase. Finally, sometimes there’s no need even to beat a man – David Beckham, has made a career out of taking one touch to control the ball and with his second touch bending dangerous crosses around thedefender marking him.

Positional play
One of the key reasons teams employ wingers is to stretch defences width ways, thus creating gaps infield for forwards and attacking midfielders to exploit. The most obvious way to do this is to ask your wingers to stick close to their touchlines when your team has possession.

This way, they can either receive balls to feet, allowing them to run at the defender, or they can run into the space behind when a ball is played inside the defender.

Sticking wide also makes them free for the ball switched diagonally across, say from a central defender. Receiving this type of ball means a winger is more likely to find himself in a favourable 1v1 situation where the defender has no cover.

End product
Once the player has beaten the defender on either the outside or inside, you want an end result.

This means can they:
• Shoot

• Cross the ball/pull it back for an attacker

• Play a defence-splitting pass?

If these options aren’t on they must retain possession – unless, of course, there’s another defender to be beaten!
Type the rest of your post here

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Coach Your Goalkeeper to Defend High Cross Corners

Coach Your Goalkeeper to Defend the High Cross Corners, free-kicks and crosses can cause chaos if your goalkeeper doesn't jump high and catch the ball. International goalkeeper David James says practice, practice, practice.

A. Defending the High Cross
Use a 15m x 15m square. Put your goalkeeper and two attackers in the square. Put a player at each corner with a ball. The coach calls out a number (1 to 4) and that player kicks a high ball to the keeper. The keeper has to attack the ball and win it in the air under pressure from two attackers in the box. Keep repeating, practice is important.

B. Defending the High Cross and Clearing
Put your goalkeeper in the goal against two attackers. Two players with multiple balls stand on the wings to cross high balls into the box. Two other players are 25m down field in a marked off target area (cones will do). The goalkeeper attacks the high ball, wins it in the air and immediately turns and throws it downfield in the opposite direction from which the cross came. This switches the field and catches the attackers still charging at the goal.

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Rovers U/7 & U/8 @ Boks Tournament

The Keeper replacement

Dangerous Situation

Looks like:

Sarg: "On your post soldier"

Soldier: "Yes Sargent"

The thee Mosqueteeres

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How to Keep Keepers Keen

How to Keep Keepers Keen It can make a young goalkeeper's life a lot easier if they're always in the right position to make the save.

Always on the go
Before a goalkeeper even uses any part to touch the ball, they should be making constant adjustments to their position in relation to where the ball is on the field of play – even when it’s at the other end of the pitch! Below, we look at where keepers should be positioned in general play and when facing a shot.

Phase 1: The middle attacker plays the ball to themselves, at any angle left or right, and gives chase. They shoot with their second touch.
Phase 2: The middle attacker plays the ball left or right to either of the two supporting attackers. The supporting attackers can either shoot first time or take a touch before shooting.
Phase 3: The middle attacker can either take a touch left or right and take a shot, or pass. If they pass, the supporting attackers can now shoot on their third touch if they choose to.

THE COACH SHOULD OBSERVE THE KEEPER’S MOVEMENT FROM BEHIND THE GOAL.
As easy as 1-2-3
1. If the ball is in the attacking third of the pitch, the keeper should be in the front third of their penalty area.
2. If the ball’s in the middle third, they should stand in the middle third of their penalty area.
3. If the ball’s in the defending third, they should position themselves a little distance from their goal-line.

Sweep it up
Why is all that important? Because as well as making saves, a goalkeeper’s job is to provide support for their defence. The space between the keeper and defenders should be small enough to make it tricky for opponents to play a ball into it without either the keeper or defenders getting there first. A good position also means the goalkeeper is available to receive a backpass from an under pressure teammate.

Stop that shot – part 1
To prepare for a save, goalkeepers should:
Constantly adjust their position in relation to the sideways or backward/forward movement of the ball.Be towards the midline of a triangle formed by lines joining the position of the ball and the two goal-posts (see diagram).Once in line, plant their feet and be balanced when the attacker is in possession and in a position to shoot.Get on their feet quickly again after saving the shot and be ready for the next one!

Shop that shot – part 2
When an attacker’s through on goal in a 1v1, the goalkeeper should also:
Move along the line to the ball if it’s outside the playing distance of the attacker, and as fast as possible. Once the keeper has closed down the attacker, they should slow to a couple of arms’ lengths away and force the shooter to make a decision. Slowing down makes it easier to react, and makes it harder for the attacker to dribble around the goalkeeper.

Remember: The goalkeeper is a specialist position so it deserves special attention.

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The moooood.

I am sure these fellas enjoyed the most.
The weather was a bit chili and windy...
But they made the best of all for the occasion...
I know where to be in the next time!

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Past Weekend @ Boks.

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Shape Up Your Team

Shape up your team to defend all over the pitch Shapes are important in soccer. They happen all over the pitch, but you must make sure your players know how they work. Playing 3v3 matches shows you how to use triangles.

3v3 helps your players keep shape
Playing 3v3 brings up situations that often occur in 7-a-side or 11-a-side. It illustrates
how poor shape has an effect on the other players, making their own job much harder. The
triangular shape in midfield is very much something coaches can use to great effect all over
the pitch. But you must use it properly. Have a look at the diagrams and I'll show you what
I mean:

In the top diagram the white team have the ball and have to bring it out from their own
goal. The grey team has adopted the shape of a triangle, however, the middle player has
dropped back deep to protect his goal, in effect becoming a sweeper behind the other two
grey team players. This means that the white player bringing the ball out is unmarked and
can either directly attack straight down the middle or create 2v1 situations with his team
mates. The two grey wingers have a problem. Do they mark their player or go towards the man
with the ball.

A simple wall pass opens the path to goal
By moving away from the player they are marking they leave themselves open to a simple wall
pass and leave the goal at their mercy. If they stay, this creates a 1v1 directly in front
of their own goal. Or the white player can elect to move towards one of his teammates
creating a 2v1.

Problem for the man on the ball
In the bottom diagram the grey team is still in a triangle but the middle player has moved
up to the man on the ball. This gives the man on the ball an immediate problem as he tries
to bring the ball out. He is under pressure to pass the ball because he dare not dribble
past him. Passing is difficult so the grey team are more likely to win the ball. The grey
player can also force the player to pass one way or another by moving slightly to one side,
forcing a pass and allowing a grey team mate to intercept.

The difference in these two situations highlights not only how bad shape can make effective
team play more difficult, but also how important communication is. If you don’t explain how
it works young players might conclude that the situation in the first diagram is reasonable.
They can play like this for quite a while believing they are following your coaching, and
then blame one another for any mistakes that lead to goals.

Key coaching tip: Teach your players by showing them both these situations.

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Rovers U/11 vs Elsburg

We are Black, We are White, We are Strong as Dinamite, Rovaaaasssss!

The celebration of another victory. U/11 Side won 2-0 against the Elsburg.

Yes Dean! Its cool to win!

To be feared in the field, but we can be sportsmans too.

Man of the match. Excelent performance!

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Tournament Notice

Event: Boksburg Junior Soccer Tournament
Date: Saturday 5 July 2008,
Venue: Boksburg Stadium
Times: 08h00 to approx 15h30

Requirements: R30-00, shin pads & sun screen
Contact: Carlene 078 523 1542 (U7's & U/8's)
Contact: Angie 072 427 6165
Food will be sold at the event

Rules & Regulations apply as laid out by the Eastern Gauteng Soccer Federation

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Kids and Cash

When should you start giving pocketmoney? And how can you develop healthy money habits in your children? Dr Kathleen Gurney from the Financial Psychology Corporation gives the following advice.


1. Children have distinct money personalities and they are developed early in life which determines how they manage and relate to money.

2. From toddlerhood on, children give clear signals of how they think and feel about, and are likely to behave with, money.

3. We routinely try to change behaviour patterns that we're afraid will sabotage our kid's changes in life, so why not try to work on their money habits too?

4. Accentuate the positive: Encourage the positive aspects of your child’s financial personality as you discourage the negative ones. Applaud your spender when he or she spots a true bargain or shows some restraint - ability to delay gratification. The reward should be non-financial in nature - take to a favourite destination such as a restaurant.

5. Start early - children start receiving money as gifts, going to the stores with parents, receiving an allowance. Allowances send important conscious and subconscious messages. Given to kids to recognise active participation in their household, an allowance is an effective means of teaching a relationship between money and effort: helping with dishes, washing the car. It creates a connection between effort and earning. Much more positive than children simply getting what they want on demand.

Parents should avoid bestowing and withholding without explaining why or giving a child the opportunity to handle it. That may create manipulative behaviour that angers both parent and child.

Few parents make it a significant part of parenting from an early age. They don't make enough of an effort to create, guide and monitor. Parents can be more conscious of helping to make and create good financial habits.

Kids aren't taught essential money skills in schools so they have to be taught at home. Without basic education and skills, kids mismanage their money. They don't know how to budget, use credit wisely, prioritise their expenditures.

Money is a taboo and many parents feel awkward about exposing their own attitudes, behaviour and financial information. That sense of privacy is apparent to children who model the same behaviour.

Whether the family has a lot of money or just enough to pay the bills, communicating with your children about it should be a priority. By discussing money matters with your children, you'll be sharing values, as well as information. Providing them with a financial education will enable them to become responsible adults.

Family money scripts
Communicate some of the universal virtues that can be attached to money and receiving, spending or saving it: Thrift, charity, self discipline, generosity, sharing.

Children need practical experience, not just an explanation or lecture. Give them money to spend. Incorporate lessons about money into lessons about their everyday life - make it relevant.

Teach children to have an identity, and encourage self-awareness, self-confidence and self-reliance.

Try the following at each age:
3 to 5:
Begin discussing money. Take your children on shopping trips to buy groceries or gifts. Talk about how you weigh choices and decide. Give them small amounts of money occasionally, and ask them to pick among three or four choices.

6 to 7:
Introduce a small allowance. Don't link the money to household chores; simply assign chores as part of your child's family responsibility. Discuss what can be done with the money. Give the money every week at a set time, without fail. Don't take it away for punishment.

8 to 10:
Give annual raises. Increase the child's allowance and responsibilities each year on an easy-to-remember date like New Year, and provide opportunities to earn extra money by doing additional chores. Help your child to open a savings account and talk about what to save for.

11 to 14:
Start to set goals. Invite your child to join you in family budget conferences. Talk about long-term goals, such as tertiary education. As a savings incentive, match any amount that he or she contributes to a savings account.

15 to 18:
Help your children attain independence by opening a cheque account with an ATM card. Consider giving them a family credit card, provided they pay their own bills. Encourage them to get outside jobs. And include them in decisions about paying for tertiary education.

Successful money management begins with knowing yourself. Help your children develop a positive, functional connection and relationship to money rather than a dysfunctional one.

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How to Pass the Ball Out from the Back

How to Pass the Ball Out from the Back

Good teams can pass the ball out from the back in a structured controlled manner. Tony Carr,
Academy Director at West Ham United, explains how to coach your players to do it.

Key Coaching Tip
Give your players the confidence and encouragement to do it!
Passing out from the back of defence, whether a back 3 or back 4 requires, first, that the
players are comfortable in possession of the ball, and second that the coach gives the
players the confidence and encouragement to do it.

In Diagram 1 below, set up with 3 defenders in each half versus 2 forwards. Before the ball
can be played into the attacking half, all 3 defenders have to touch the ball. This makes
them involved in the first phase of the attacking movement and hopefully the attackers will
receive a more controlled pass.

1. Defender 1 passes to defender 2, 2 to 3 and 3 passes forward to 4.
2. 4 and 5 try to score. When they have either lost the ball or shot at goal repeat the
process.

Pass out from the back to create 3v3
If we advance Diagram 1, after all the defenders touch the ball allow 1 dark shirted
defender or 1 white shirted defender to break into the attacking half making 3v3.
Get your midfielders to accept the pass
Finally, as Diagram 2 shows, add a midfield section allowing a midfield player or defender
to break into the attacking third of the pitch making 3v3.

YOU’RE NOW PASSING YOUR WAY TO THE OPPOSITION GOAL!

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Rovers U/7's Team

7 of the U/7’s team
(Unfortunately a couple team mates couldn’t make the game)

Action shot with James & Damon
-with Chairman (Glenn) in background

Damon takes on the player & wins the ball

Stunning Team work!!

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More of U/7's Team Glory

What a throw!!!

Beautiful Skil of Jordash

Alec lines up, shoots & SCORES!!

LADUUUUUUUUMMMAAAA !!!

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