Olé Pick-Up Games

Posted on March 16, 2018 by Ole Soccer

We hear people complaining more and more about the United States not making the 2018 World Cup. How there are so many people to blame for the failure that we experienced. I have a question for you.

What if I was to tell you that you were to blame. Am I part of the problem?
You are the part of the problem and NOT part of the solution. You are creating more problems for the next generation here in the United States.

(We aren’t saying Olé has it all together…we are FAAAAAARRRR from that but hear us out)

How? What?

You’re probably thinking how while reading this right. Seems like in the football culture in the U.S. and specifically in the youth soccer scene, we have a “me first” mentality. This mentality is what’s in it for me and what can I get out of it. We worry so much about how I can advance quicker as a professional, or how can my child advance the fastest.

What WE should be thinking about is how can WE advance together. What are WE doing to create more solutions instead of creating more problems. Sounds simple right…yea right! If it was so easy, everyone would be doing it.

What’s holding us back

Three little letters…E-G-O!

Ego is defined as, a person’s sense of self-esteem or self-importance.

Now by reading that we circle back to the same thing, what’s in it for ME…instead of WE? If we are to move forward, our mindset needs to change from this big ego thinking to more of a collective goal mindset. This of course will take time and not everyone will buy into it. I totally get it but will give you evidence below on how OUR club is helping the game locally.

Importance of Open Pick Ups

As a kid all I wanted to do is play football. Whether it be at home, school and even after practice. One key thing we tap into is the importance of pick-up games for young players. When we played on the street as kids, was there ever a ref? You called your own fouls or sometimes you can say, what fouls?!

The importance of “free play” is something that our next generation is in need of. Lots of structure in clubs and philosophies that are all fine and dandy. Trust me, I get it! These last 2 months of watching these pick-up games have been such a joy to be around that it has created FOMO (Fear of missing out) for our families.

If you are not there on Fridays, you are missing out! That is very true, because the Friday environments are something you can’t duplicate. The intensity, creativity, freedom, expression and competition are all part of the Friday culture we are offering for all players interested in coming out.

Who can Show Up

We like to leave this open to all players in the area willing or daring to step on the court. Open to boys & girls born 2011-2005. Competition is stiff, but this is the culture we are instilling at a young age. We are based out of the San Fernando Valley (just North of LA), with families attending from all over the LA County. It’s pretty awesome to see the dedicated families showing up from Palmdale, Pasadena, Los Angeles, Calabasas, and surrounding cities in the San Fernando Valley to be part of the Friday culture.

Going Back

Now, this is just one example of a solution to the obstacles we must overcome in the U.S. As we know, there are a ton of things we cannot, nor should control. But there are some things we need to take control of in our own environments. The solutions start within and then slowly start to spread. Of course, pick-up games are nothing new but how can we make them even better and share ideas of how to raise the game together!

Let’s put our egos to the side, we all want to compete and have our players be the “best” out there. We are on the same path and want to help create a community of change that can help a child learn values not only on the field but off the field that will shape them to be an amazing human being.

I am proud to say that because of this beautiful game I am able to impact lives doing what I love! Thanks for reading and share this if you think someone else may find it valuable.

Join us on Friday pick up games.
Sign up for our email list – CLICK HERE!

One Love,
Walter Merino

Follow:
Instagram
@olesoccer
@waltermerin0

More Effort

Posted on January 14, 2016 by Ole Soccer

When you ask a coach this simple question, “do you prefer a gifted player or a hard working player on your team?” Most coaches would say hard working player, right? But what if you can create a team that has the best of both worlds?

The question is how?

In an ideal world, we would all like to have the most talented and hardest working players. The players that would run through a wall for any coach, any team, any club and know they could because it would be for the benefit of the team.

How do you get more effort from all of your players is the question?

What type of parent, coach, player are you? If you live your life accepting mediocrity, not taking chances, not living your life to its fullest…it will show. I have come to learn that our body can withstand so much more pain than we think.

Now, who is willing to suffer more “pain,” or give a little more “effort,” in order to be the best? Our brain tricks us into thinking we are physically tired, physically drained, but do you give into these thoughts is important. As a coach myself, I try my best to push myself to my limit on a daily basis. This might be physically, mentally, emotionally, etc. When I think I have reached my limit, I try to go just a little longer, push a little more. How are you pushing yourself to your limit?

Step 1: Be Truthful

You are tougher than you think! Kids are tougher than they think as well. If you’re a coach like me, your team is a reflection of you. I have coached some teams where I have not “succeeded” on the scoreboard, losing by so many goals I lost count at one point. After a loss like this, I always ask myself how I could improve my team and my coaching so this doesn’t happen again. The majority of the time when playing a superior team, all you can ask from your players is to try their best. Know they left that field and gave everything they had. What more can a coach ask for?

You can not lie to the person in the mirror. The first step to having more effort is being truthful with none other than yourself!

At practices, do you see the team performing with as much effort as they can? If not, it is the coach’s responsibility to correct that and make sure all players are pushing themselves each time. Pep Guardiola says, “the way you train is the way you play.” I’m sure other coaches have said something similar or maybe even used these same words, but when I heard this, I knew my team, my players would need to step up the intensity at practice in order to perform during their games. More effort comes down to being truthful with yourself, know you left that field giving it your all!

Step 2: Challenge Your Team or Teammates

This is something I am constantly trying to do as a parent and a coach. Look for a peer or another professional you can learn from and challenge yourself to strive for more. If I am a coach, I try to play superior teams to see how my team fairs against them. It is not about who has the better team at the end, it is about who challenges their team and teammates to be their best.

There should be some players on your team that are more advanced than others. Coaches pair these advanced players against each other during drills at training to make sure they push each other. Play against elite and you will become elite. Train like a professional you will become a professional. If you feel like you are not elite as of yet, at least attempt to go against the elite to see how much further you need to go to get on that level.

Most professional soccer players are professional soccer players because they earn the right to sign a contract through years and at times a lifetime’s work. Nothing is handed to anyone in this world, you must challenge your team and teammates consistently. More effort is needed in this aspect and not enough players/coaches are taking the initiative.

How are you challenging your team?

Step 3: You are Your Own Competition

Who are you really competing against? Is it the other team, best players, teammates?

There will always be someone better than you at something! That is the harsh reality of life. We are never going to be the best, someone will always be just a little better. But, as long as I am the best I can be, I will be satisfied with that effort I gave. Last thing I want to do is live with regret, knowing that I could have done just a little more. Gave a little more effort to be better than I was yesterday. Could have run just a little faster, studied a little longer, cared a little more to be MY BEST!

If we are all trying to improve in something everyday, then do it! Write it down, set a goal, crush it and be proud of your efforts to challenge yourself. Will you be successful each and every time? Of course not! But the journey to become that person is something we should all take away from our efforts.

Compete against yourself and be better than you were yesterday and pretty soon, you will be in the elite category and living your dreams!

Hope you enjoyed and please don’t live today without giving just a little more effort.

Written by:

Coach Walter
@OleSoccer
@WaltMerino

Pre-Club Futsal League

Posted on January 13, 2016February 26, 2016 by Ole Soccer

Starting February Olé will have our next developmental league. This will be a soccer league that will be challenging for all players but know our players will learn faster and improve each game.

What should you expect?

The pre-club futsal league will be for boys and girls who may be learning the game but also for advanced players as well. It will be a competitive league where kids must use their creativity and skills they have been learning at practice at each game.

The speed of futsal is much faster than the outside surface or even artificial turf. Tight spaces and lots of touches are exactly what a young player needs in order to develop at any age but especially at a young age.

Info on League

10 Game Season Starts 2/27/16 ends 4/30/16

Location:
17431 Roscoe Blvd.
Northridge, CA 91325
(Inside the church basketball gym)

20 minute halves
Every game will be played between 8am-2pm
5v5 on the court with Goalkeeper included
Maximum of 8 players per team
$70 registration fee per player
$5 ref fee per game for each player
We will have 4 teams in this pre-club futsal league ONLY
4 teams will help us develop and coach each player to their full potential
Uniform cost IS NOT INCLUDED!

Deadline to register your child for the league will be 2/12/16.

Please fill out form below after making payment!

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Top 10 Ways to Hit Your Goals

Posted on January 7, 2016 by Ole Soccer

We are now a week into the new year and what have you changed from last year? Are you still doing the same things you have always done?

Here are the top 10 ways to hit your goals we found out that will help make 2016 your year!

These are not in a specific order but just a few tips that we found that help us here at Olé Soccer be our most productive selves.

1. Get Enough Sleep

This is key to being the most productive and staying on top of your game! Whether you are a coach, parent, player or just a human being…you need to average a minimum of 6-8 hours of sleep every night in order to have your mind and body perform at it’s highest level.

2. Exercise Daily

Even the President of the United States has time to exercise everyday! Think you don’t have enough time? This goes for everyone, but the best time to exercise study shows, is early in the morning before starting your day. You not only feel accomplished but studies show that you have more energy to conquer your day. Get up 30 minutes earlier and workout for 15 minutes to start off, watch the difference it makes in your day. You will be looking forward to your bed at night to make sure you get those hours of sleep and get ready to do it again the following day.

3. Eat Healthy

Have you heard the term, “you are what you eat?” Not sure who said it, but sure does make a lot of sense. I even heard of something to take it a step further, “you are what you think.” So not only do you need to be your best mentally but be conscious of how you think that will in turn help you eat healthier to have your body perform at its highest level. Maximize your performance and avoid processed foods like soda, fast food, chips and so on that are actually scientifically proven now that link obesity, diabetes, cancer and many more diseases to these foods.

We are not doctors, but listen to your body and remember that doctors are not trained in nutrition, they are trained in medicine. Eating a plant based diet or getting as close as possible to it has now been proven to have your body prevent and reverse pre-existing conditions to have your body perform its best. Do your own research like we have, we recommend a few documentaries like Fed Up, Cowspiracy and Forks over Knives that can be found on Netflix.

4. Set Goals

Setting goals on a daily, monthly, quarterly or yearly basis is one of the best things you can do. It can be to lose weight, gain weight, bulk up, get faster, make more money, etc. How do you set a goal? Work backwards and find out how much money you need to make every day in a year to hit your annual revenue goal for example.

Want to make $1 million in 2016? You need to make $2,732.24 every day in 2016 (366 days) to become a millionaire this year. You need to make $113.84 an hour (24 hrs) to hit that goal. This is just an example but it allows you to realize that it is not out of this world to do.

If you want to work on your shooting, speed or passing in soccer, what drills are you working on to make this happen? Is your child working with a personal trainer? Is your child working out on “off days?” If you’re a parent, please do all you can to help your child achieve their goals and ask them what their goals are. Help them achieve success at a young age and they will be addicted to being their best every year thanks to you!

5. Surround Yourself with Positive Role Models

Jim Rohn has a great quote, it says, “you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” Let that sink in for a minute…is that clear now? What group of friends can’t you live without? This may even be family you MUST be with all the time. Where are they currently, what are their goals? If you are scratching your head right now and do not know what they want, this is definitely a red flag!

We found it is okay to be different, stand out and not take the same road everyone is on. If you are to do something significant with your 2016, you will need to be controversial, you will need to be different. Find like minded people or get new friends that can help you achieve your best 2016. One thing I personally found out in 2015 was that being me and only me, accepting myself for me and not worrying about what other people thought of me was the best thing I could have realized. Stop worrying about what others say, because talk is cheap, actions speak louder than words. Do something great and celebrate with those who are by your side.

6. Find a Team

Many people like myself for example try to wear too many hats. It’s the truth, I try to do everything on my own and think I can do it all. I can do lots of things, but not very well. There are tons of people who are good at lots of things, but masters at none. If you want to accomplish something significant, it unfortunately or fortunately will not be done on your own. Find a team to help you get there. This may mean hiring a mentor, coach, accountability partner, friend or even just your spouse. A team needs to be more than one person that will push you to being your best and hold you accountable.

7. Ask for Help

We do not know everything, it is fine to ask for help from an expert. I am a coach but I also ask for help with certain tactics, drills and learn ways to become the best I can be. I love to read magazines, blog posts (like Ole Soccer’s 🙂 ) and books to help me learn from masters that have taken the path I am on. We now live in the information era where we can grab a phone, tablet, computer and research anything we want. How you use this information is up to you.

8. Work Everyday

If you think Messi or Ronaldo became the superstars they are today because they trained only on good days, you are sadly mistaken. You may not see results after a month, a year, 2 years, but eventually depending on your goals, you will start to see progress in what you choose to put your effort in. Great things do not happen overnight, you must work at them everyday little by little and chip away. A soccer player must have an edge on the competition to get to the next level. What are your strengths, is it speed? Skills? Passing? How are you working on your weaknesses or as I like to say on your areas of improvement. We can all get better as something, how far are you willing to go and how bad do you want it?

“When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you will be successful.”
– Eric Thomas

9. Have a Calendar or Planner

I must admit, this took me a very long time to do! I still struggle with this, but once I started with my planner, I saw my productivity level shoot up like crazy! Staying on top of your daily goals, setting up appointments, training sessions and just having somewhere to write down your thoughts was a game changer for me. One that I am looking forward to purchasing is called The Freedom Journal, by one of the best podcasters of our time, John Lee Dumas.

10. Enjoy the Journey

“The best part of life is not the destination, but the person you become during the journey to your destination.” I am not sure if I am quoting it correctly, nor do I know who said it but I really resonate with this quote here. We are all destined for something in our life, we just need to have the courage sometimes to take risks and enjoy the process. If something doesn’t work, so be it. But at least you know that you gave it your all and tried it.

Do not live with regret and really enjoy the journey in becoming the best soccer player, coach, parent, sibling and most of all human being to leave this world better than how you found it.

Is there more?

I hope you enjoyed reading this new type of blog post and know that we are here to help as much as possible. If you feel you received value from this article and other posts from our site, please leave us a message below. I love reading reviews, good or bad (hopefully good) so I can keep improving. Wish you all a happy new year and know 2016 is going to be a life changing year for all of us!

Top 10 Ways to hit your Goals
Written by:

Walter Merino
@OleSoccer
@Soulrebelwm

Futsal League Registration

Posted on January 5, 2016January 19, 2016 by Ole Soccer

Olé will have a competitive futsal league for club level teams in the Coast Soccer League as well as SCDSL (Southern California Developmental Soccer League).

There will be only 2 age groups for the club level teams competing. We are limiting the amount of teams that can enter to 4 per age group.

2008 – Girls & Boys Ages 7 turning 8

2007 – Girls & Boys Ages 8 turning 9

As of 2016, the U.S. Soccer Federation requires youth teams to now play the calendar year. If your son or daughter was born in one of these years above, his or her team can apply to join our league. We will only be taking teams on a first come first serve basis with a maximum of 4 teams per year & per gender.

Futsal League Details

Cost: $375 per team
Ref Fee: $30 each game
(If your team does not show up to a game, you are still scheduled to pay the ref fee the next game)

Starts 2/20/16
Ends 4/23/16

Location:
17431 Roscoe Blvd.
Northridge, CA 91325
(Inside the church basketball gym)

10 week season which includes 10 games every Saturday. 25 minute halves and will be applying the futsal rules as well. Goalkeepers will be allowed and will have futsal size goals. Each team will have a maximum of 8 players on their team and will be playing 5v5 on the court.

Futsal shoes are required and can not wear turf shoes!

The futsal league registration is based on a first come first serve basis. If you do not register and enter your info your spot will not be saved. Once all spots are filled we will create brackets with teams and advise everyone on the schedule.

REGISTER YOUR TEAM NOW!

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Winter Camp

Posted on November 27, 2015January 2, 2016 by Ole Soccer

Are you ready for the Holiday break?

For those of you interested in having your child continue their development with Olé Soccer during the Holiday break with our newest winter camp. If you have attended our previous camps, you must be sure to sign up fast because space is limited!

Who can attend?

Ages 7 & up
– Club level and potential club level players
– If your child would like to tryout for a club or currently play for a club, this would be a great chance to have them improve during the break

Goalkeeper Camp
– Olé offers goalkeeper mastery camps for your goalies who need that extra attention
– We offer college level coaches who are part of our staff and have experience developing excellent goalkeepers

Goalkeeper Training

Ole Soccer has been producing some of the best goalkeepers in the area under Coach Mario’s direction. Coach Mario has over a decade experience helping develop club ready, college bound and professional level goalkeepers during his time as a coach.

We now have multiple college level Goalkeeper coaches on staff that are more than qualified to help your child improve at the winter camp. Not many clubs or organizations have the knowledge or focus of offering goalkeeper camps and we understand the importance of this. Check out our newest sessions you can attend before camp here on our Goalkeeper Mastery page.

Advanced Training for Field Players

Our training is guaranteed to help players at a young age to learn advanced strategies in order to develop faster. We believe that children at a young age must be challenged just like adults and have the intelligence to learn at a fast level. We do not like to baby anyone, Olé knows that in order for your child to become their best they must train like a professional.

Our advanced training for field players will leave your child with a good experience and know the tactics and drills we are offering will be sure to help them once they return to their teams.

If you have a child playing in Coast Soccer or SCDSL, this is the type of camp you NEED your child to be a part of and CAN NOT miss!

When will this camp take place?

Dates: 12/21/15-12/23/15

Time: 5pm-8pm

Location: St. Genevieve High School
13967 Roscoe Blvd, Panorama City, CA 91402

Cost: $140/3 day Camp Pass or $50 Daily Pass

CAMP IS NOW CLOSED!

Arrive on Time

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Ole Soccer

We are all “busy” right?

The importance of being on time, or arriving to practice or games on time is critical! I read a quote once that says, “the way you do everything, is the way you do everything!”

This is the truth and stuck with me ever since I first read it. How important is it for your child to arrive to their training or games on time? I would say one of the most important things a player can do.

Psychological Benefits

Why should kids arrive on time? Why do I need to be so punctual all the time on my day off? I am rushing from work & daycare, school just to get them to practice! “Hora Latina?”

One of these sound familiar?

Yes, we probably are all busy and as a parent myself I know how busy you can get with a child, let alone multiple kids on multiple schedules.

Let’s discuss why kids must arrive on time to their games, practices and benefits of arriving on time.

Practice good habits

Everywhere we go we are on someone’s clock. If not our own business, as an employee or student we must arrive on time. If you have a meeting, no one will want to meet with you if you do not show up on time. Kids see this and are sponges. If a parent or parents are continually late, kids think this is the norm at an early age and continue to live this way as they get older. We all have habits, everyday we do some of the same things, those are habits.

How can we improve?

One way you can improve is by leaving a little bit earlier. Even 5-10 minutes earlier commute makes a big difference, traffic wise and just having peace of mind that you’re early and don’t need to rush. Another way to improve is to have a few things completed, like homework let’s say, have them get started or have a specific time they do it on practice days to ensure it gets done before or after practice. Stick to that schedule and it will become a habit, almost second nature. Building procedures and habits is one of the toughest things to do, I personally struggle with it myself but know I am getting better day by day.

Physical Benefits

Having your child arrive on time to practice lets a coach know how committed this player and family really is. Coach knows they can count on this player to arrive on time, but also translates onto the field, being disciplined and coachable! Arriving on time allows your body to physically warm up a little bit more than the rest of the players who show up later. A child’s body is already active, but a few extra touches or movement ahead of the scheduled training will only benefit your child that much & give them that slight edge on the competition.

As a coach I request my team to be at a game no later than 45 minutes before a game. On a competitive team, if you have a player that shows up anytime they wish that does not set a good example for the rest of the group. We are focused on building good habits and leaders that can use the discipline they learn from the sport into multiple avenues in life.

Game Plan is Important

Starting line up and substitutions are key to knowing who is in form

As a coach you have a certain line up in mind for each game and usually know who will be attending each game on a consistent basis. Studying your opponent and having enough time to explain each player’s role in the game is extremely vital!

Coaches can’t stress the importance of understanding shape and formation throughout the game. This can not be relayed to the players if they show up at game time or even after kickoff. Having enough time to discuss tactics, formations and responsibilities is just as important as doing a physical warm up prior to kick off.

If you were the coach and had a player showing up late all the time, no matter how amazing this player is, would you allow him/her to start a game over everyone else who arrives on time? Didn’t think so, same rules should apply to everyone.

Parents should have fun!

Sports is extremely rewarding and soccer is personally one of the most rewarding sports there is. There is a reason why the WHOLE WORLD loves it! We are glad you took the time to read this blog post and want to leave you with this…

As long as you are part of this sport or any sport, the most important thing you must remember is to have fun! Parents, kids, adults or whatever age, go out there and enjoy the moment. We are so fortunate to have access to this sport that has done so much for the world and continues to unite the world through the ball. If you’re a new soccer mom or dad, guardian or grandparent, learn more about the beauty of the game and the rules. If you’re experienced and been around it for a long time, please remember that this game is fun and competitive but if your child is not having fun, is it worth it?

Soccer is fun for kids, it is just obnoxious overly competitive parents and coaches who can be a problem. We here at Ole Soccer want to have a child’s first or 1,000th experience with soccer be the best possible! We offer multiple events throughout the year for your child to participate in. Check out our schedule and connect with us to learn more!

Thanks for reading!

Sincerely,
Coach Walter
info@olesoccer.org
@OleSoccer

Glendale Youth Soccer League

Posted on November 18, 2015January 24, 2017 by Ole Soccer

Ole Soccer will have 2 teams joining the Fall 2015 Glendale Youth Soccer League. Our BU8 and BU7 teams will be participating in this developmental and competitive league to help improve our teams.

When does the League Start?

First games of the season will kickoff 11/21/15. All games will be on Saturday from 11/21/15-2/6/16. There will be a break on Thanksgiving weekend 11/28/15 and 2 weeks off during the Holiday Season.

Schedules and more info on the league will be posted on their website www.GlendaleYouthSoccerLeague.com

Address:
501 S. Pacific Ave.
Glendale, CA 91204

League directors- Artur A. & Jack
We were invited by these coaches and working with local teams in Glendale, Pasadena, Los Angeles and East Valley.

Download the Schedule here

Boys Under 7 Team

First game for the BU7 team will be against Barcelona (non-club) from the Los Angeles area at 11am.

We require the players to show up minimum of 45 minutes before the game to get mentally and physically ready. It is vital to have players show up on time to have the coaches guide them on the instructions for the game.

501 S. Pacific Ave.
Glendale, CA 91204

This BU7 team will be the only BU7 team in the league and will be competing against our BU8 team as well as other BU8 teams in the league. This will not be an easy task but we know the team is capable of competing at a high level.

Roster:

Alvaro Vicente
Adrian Martinez
Christopher Figueroa
Carlos Santamaria
Sebastian Angulo
Josiah Suarez
Christopher Valencia
Angel Aguirre
Henry Guerra
Jakob De Leon
Axel Lopez
Pedro (Chato) Hermosillo
Angel Valdivia

The majority of the players on this team will be 6 & 7 with Axel who is 4 years old, Josiah and Chris Figueroa who are 5 years old. The purpose of this team is to have them play at a high level and also experience good competition. We are not focused on winning, but on competing and learning the game as we feel is best for these players to develop.

Boys Under 8 Team

First game of the season will be Saturday 11/21/15 at 12pm.

This new team consists of a mixture of players coming together to form one of our newest teams here at Ole Soccer. Some of these players will be playing together for the first time and others will have some experience playing together.

One thing I can tell you is that both teams will be ready to play!

Roster

Alexis Villagran
Emiliano Cardenas
Mark Rodriguez
Triztan Grajales
Havok De Leon
Adam Lopez
Gabriel Kartch
Louie Piceno
Joshua Hernandez
Gianluca Cavallini
Ernest Walker
Javier Espinoza
Brian Martinez

Per the league meeting on 11/17/15, each game will be as follows:

8v8 games
20 minute halves
Unlimited Substitutions
Home Side will be on side of field closest to street
League will provide game balls
$25 per team for referee fee
Club level referees
Possibly 3 refs but as for now just 1 center referee
Goal kicks will be punts from goalkeeper instead of goal kicks from 6 yard box (new club rule)
Parents must remain off the field and in designated fans area
Schedule and games might be canceled last minute and will notify us ASAP if something changes
Each team must be sure to be professional and will NOT permit parents to be coaching on the sides, only the Head Coach will be allowed to instruct the players
Each team will have their own side of the field

Above are some of the rules and topics that were discussed at the meeting for everyone to be clear on. It is extremely important our parents stay respectful towards each other and as always respect the other teams as well. If for some reason one of our parents can not be respectful and courteous to other teams or our team, they can possibly be removed from the team permanently.

The Glendale Youth Soccer League will have playoffs for the first 4 teams on the top of the league. There will be 2 semi-final games and also be a 3rd place game 2/13/16 as well as a final 2/20/16. The first and second place teams will be receiving medals, but only first place team will receive the League Trophy.

Please be sure to stay updated on the league status, updates and if you have questions please contact them directly.
Thanks for reading and please be sure to come out to our games and support our teams!

Thanks,

Coach Walter
info@olesoccer.org

Ole Futsal League

Posted on November 12, 2015January 5, 2016 by Ole Soccer

Futsal has been recognized as one of the best ways for the youth to develop and improve fastest.

What is futsal?

(Via Wikipedia) Futsal started in 1930 when Juan Carlos Ceriani Gravier, a teacher in Uruguay, created a version of indoor football for recreation. His goal was to create a team game that could be played indoor or outdoor but that was similar to football, which became quite popular there after Uruguay won the 1930 World Cup and gold medals in the 1924 and 1928 Summer Olympics.

Its name comes from the Portuguese Futebol de salão , which can be translated as “room football”. It was developed in Brazil in the 1930s and 1940s. It is a 5 versus 5 game played indoor or on a flat surface.

Olé Futsal League Starts February 20, 2016!

Olé Soccer is launching a developmental futsal league for kids ages 4-10 years old. We here at Olé are providing every opportunity possible to those in our organization and those who would like to be part of it, the best training and overall development possible. We believe that in order for a player to excel, they must be able to play on multiple surfaces and environments to receive the most amount of practice as possible.

The Futsal league will be an excellent form of practice and allow our youth to develop here in the San Fernando Valley. As there are some Futsal facilities in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles areas, there aren’t many actual Futsal leagues. Olé couldn’t be happier to be offering this league for our community and help improve the level of play to compete with the best players around.

Check out what some of the United States Soccer Federation coaches had to say about the U.S. Futsal Development.

What does my child need?

First thing you must do is make sure your child gets introduced to the sport, we highly recommend having them attend some practices before coming out if this is their first time playing. Here is a good start if you live in the San Fernando Valley or surrounding areas, Friday Night Clinics. We offer these clinics every Friday for kids ages 3-12 who are just getting introduced to soccer or who are very advanced and play club soccer. Also offer Friday night goalkeeper clinics for kids ages 4 and up which dedicates time to each goalie who wants to learn or excel in their position.

Attire Needed

Please have your child bring flat shoes, futsal (rubber soles) preferred. Having your child prepared is extremely important because you can avoid injuries like falls, blisters or worse for not being prepared. Uniforms will be an extra cost and will not be included in the league registration fee.

You can not expect a player to perform at their best without the proper gear and proper nutrition.

Nutrition

We here at Olé are major advocates of nutrition & wellness. You can not expect the body to perform at its highest level if you are not fueling it with the proper ingredients. It is highly encouraged to speak to our Nutrition & Wellness coach, Carlos Charney and our chef, Coach Jasmine Delarosa. Be sure to follow up on Social Media @OleSoccer, as well as checking out our blogs for health tips and recipes to take you and your family to the next level.

Our mission is to not only improve the fundamentals and skills of your child but to also be sure they leave our program with as much information they can use off the field when it comes to maximizing their health and well-being. Wherever you decide to put your child, please be sure it is the absolute best possible solution for them. Money should not be an issue, we are really trying our best to provide our service to all willing families!

“You have a Formula 1 car and can’t expect it to perform its best if you are putting Unleaded fuel in it.”
– Coach Walter

Where will this take place?

Olé Soccer is based out of the San Fernando Valley area and will be starting our first Olé Futsal League at the Northridge, California. Please be sure to sign up for our email list to stay updated on the location and the schedules.

Prices and schedule info coming soon!

How do you separate the teams?

We will have only 4 teams per ages groups at the moment. Maximum of 9 players per age team so each player can receive enough playing time to learn the game.

Born 2011-2010
– Boys & girls that are 4 to 6 years old
– If your son/daughter is too advanced for this age group we will speak to the parent and decide if they would like to be challenged and moved up a division

Born 2009
– Boys & Girls who are 6 turning 7

Born 2008
– Boys & Girls who are ages 7 turning 8

Born 2007

– Boys & Girls who are ages 8 turning 9

Born 2006

– Boys & Girls who are ages 9 turning 10

Where do I reserve my child’s spot?

We are excited you are considering having your child be part of our program and know he or she will benefit from all we have to offer. First thing you must do is know that this is a commitment from all of you! Olé is anxious to meet new friends as well as see returning faces for our new league.

Please fill out information below to have your child’s spot reserved. Please be as detailed as possible and keep in mind this first season will be nothing but recreational for the time being. More details on cost, practices and teams will be provided in the next few weeks.

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Once you sign up, your contact info will be added to our list of pre-registered players to update you on the upcoming events and details of the league.

Agility with Passing and Turning Drill

Posted on October 28, 2015October 29, 2015 by Ole Soccer

Who can benefit from this drill?

Ages 6 and up (advanced to intermediate)

What is needed?

Cones/Markers (4)
Soccer Ball
Energy & Hunger to Improve

How to set up drill:

Set up a triangle with 5 feet in between each marker
Set up hurdle/cones next to side marker so player can jump back & forth over
Have player start on either right or left side of the triangle
Player starts by jumping over hurdle then returns to receive ball
Basic step is to receive with the inside of foot
Once player receives the ball, have them take 1 or 2 touches to the top marker/top of triangle then turn to cut back and return pass
Immediately repeat the agility from Step 4
Repeat this 10x per side and add more advanced steps for skill level of player

What is the benefit of this agility with passing and turning drill?

Amazing for fitness (If done with intensity the player should be getting tired by 9th or 10th rep)
Great for first touch
Works on cut backs or spins
Focus on returning the pass with accuracy and correct technique
Players must demand ball and helps with leadership skills on the field

We hope you are enjoying these drills and see the benefit of having young players develop and be challenged at a young age. Ole Soccer is dedicated to maximizing the amount of touches each player receives at each session in order to grow their confidence on the ball.

If you would like to see more drills or interested in personal training for your teams or child, please contact us directly – info@olesoccer.org