Mark Your Calendars!
Spring League play begins January 23-24, 2010, for Shadow's Premier U12, U13, U14 girls & boys teams and our U15 - U18 high school girls teams.
Schedules will be posted soon!
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All-Conference Honors for Shadow Premier PlayersArea high school athletes named to all-conference fall sports teams were announced November 26, 2009.
Congratulations to our 25 Shadow premier players receiving honors!Click here for details
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Indoor Premier Team Practices Underway
Click here for the Shock and Craven's facility schedules!
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"Sweetheart of the Sidelines, Queen of the Field" - Are You the Ultimate Soccer Mom (or Dad)?
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Happy Holidays!
On behalf of Shadow's 633 Select and Premier Players, 52 Coaches, 67 Volunteer Team Managers & Team Treasurers, and 7 members of our Board of Directors, we thank you for your support in 2009 and wish you a blessed Holiday season.
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Reflecting Back and Looking Ahead
by Katie Gantz
Member, Spokane Shadow Board of Directors
As the Holidays approach and another year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the past year and all that has occurred. At our house, the soccer side of our family saw the end of a Shadow and high school playing career and the beginning of college and a collegiate soccer career for our daughter. It's been a year filled with transition and new opportunities.
In the Shadow Soccer Club, December marks the halfway point to our soccer year. We have recently completed Board of Directors elections, watched our teams come together and compete well in summer tournaments, and continue that competition during Fall league play. Now we look forward to the Spring Season, State Cup tournaments, and 2010 Tryouts. What better time to reflect on the words of wisdom we have received from Sean regarding Shadow's mission: to focus on player development and the joy of the game while our teams compete at the highest levels available to them.
Our recent Shadow Board of Directors Meeting gave us a chance to reflect on our mission and review feedback. We found most of our discussion centered not on the players or coaches, but on the parents and their sideline behavior; which is why I offered to write this article. Having had a player in the Club for six years, I now understand that the outcome of a game at U14 has no impact on my child's life, but the events surrounding it has taught her life lessons - good and bad.
I hate to brag, but I believe my Shadow parent group was among the best (I hope you feel the same way about yours) and we have made lasting friendships as a result of our many years together. It was a competitive bunch, and so knowledgeable of the game that we could teach a class on how to make the proper offside call. Many a time we wanted to call the coach's cell phone during a game as our vantage point must have been better than his, otherwise he would surely make some changes! The "unlucky" passes, one too many dribbles and missed scoring opportunities the players would inevitably make could elicit noises I hadn't heard before. However, as a group, we were able to keep things in perspective while on the sidelines. Now in the hotel lobby after the game it might be another story, but on the sidelines we would show a united front supporting our players and our coaches and giving respect to the referees.
As a team, we had suffered some pretty major losses, dropped down from P1 to P2 (where we competed before the Player Development League was formed) and had a different coach each year. As a team, the girls overcame these obstacles to regain their P1 status, place or win in major tournaments including 2 time State Cup semi-finalist and quarterfinalist. And, 11 players went on to play at the collegiate level. Their success happened because of their hard work, competitive drive and love for the game. The wins and losses did amount to placement in league or tournaments, but the character development and passion about the game came from the support of their teammates, coaches and parent group.
As parents we play the major role in developing our child's love for the game. If they are free to play and experiment, which means making mistakes, they are more likely to develop a love for soccer which comes from the joy of playing without being criticized. As we sit on the sidelines, any comments that are made should be of support. It is the coach's job to correct the player, not ours. Please remember that the kids are developing their technical skills, vision and knowledge of the game. They will make mistakes; if they didn't they would be on the National Team. Also, please remember the coaches are going to make mistakes as well. It is very important to support the coach and encourage your player to discuss any issues they might have directly with the coach. This is what has impacted my daughter; not the win or the loss but the support and encouragement she has received, the challenges she has overcome, and the freedom to express herself as a player.
The majority of our parents display great sideline etiquette and make a point of supporting and cheering on their teams. The club has received many compliments from opposing teams about the hospitality that our parents have extended to them. We are very proud of our parents, our players and our coaches! Unfortunately, a few parents have received Red Cards this year and we have received reports of sideline behavior that was too aggressive - whether it be comments made about a player or comments made to a coach. These situations are simply unacceptable and must end. Shadow does have a Parent, Player and Coach Expectations Policy which everyone agrees to when they register with Shadow. So, when you come to a Shadow game be ready to cheer and be positive. Enjoy this stage of your child's life for the pure joy it brings; trust me, it goes all too quickly!
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Spokane Soccer Academy and Marriott Hotels are Shadow's Newest Sponsors
The Spokane Shadow Youth Soccer Club successfully reorganized in 2007 and 2008 by putting the needs and expectations of its players first. With a commitment to teamwork, transparency, and professionalism, Shadow has forged supportive partnerships with organizations that share the same commitment. Our first two Club sponsors were Northern Capital Management (NCM) and Craven's Coffee.
Shadow is pleased to announce two new official club sponsors:
click here to learn more
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Reaching the Next LevelCollege soccer playing opportunities exist for a number of Shadow players if they have strong academic preparation, are highly technical players, have a solid understanding of the game, and are realistic about their level of play. This was the clear message shared by the WSU and U of Idaho women's soccer coaches on November 8 to the 40 Shadow premier high school players in attendance at their unofficial group visit. Thanks to the coordination by Shadow parent and University of Idaho professor Dr. Greg Moller, Shadow players enjoyed watching #13 WSU women vs. #4 UCLA, plus campus/facility tours and Q&A sessions with Washington State University Assistant Coach Jason Goodson and University of Idaho Head Coach Peter Showler. Shadow players have a wide range of soccer abilities. Few will be considered for NCAA Division 1 soccer, others will not find a fit at the college level, and many will fall somewhere in between. Shadow highly recommends that interested players talk with their coach about what level of play they should strive for in college. Honest feedback will help set realistic expectations.  University of Idaho freshman Lauren Layton (Shadow Class of 2009), Head Coach Peter Showler, and Professor Dr. Greg Moller (all standing, left to right), answer questions during Shadow's high school girl's group unofficial visit on November 8. |
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Zackery Lystedt Law Receives National News Coverage
Click here to view the NBC Nightly News story
Prior to the Lystedt Law, Shadow adopted its own policy concerning head and neck injuries sustained by its players in June, 2008. If a head or neck injury occurs, medical attention and professional diagnosis is required. A Shadow player may not return to the practice or game field until they have received a medical release from their health care provider.
What
licensed health care providers are trained in the evaluation and
treatment of concussions/brain injuries and authorized to allow the
athlete to return to play?
- Medical Doctors (MD)
- Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)
- Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)
- Physicians Assistant (PA)
- Licensed Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC)
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