All parents or players who have any aspirations of playing in college should consider this article mandatory reading!
MUST Reading for all Parents (and Players) -- The Scholarship Divide
How safe are the turf fields?
These questions were posed to Brighton Sports Zone regarding their turf field. The owner's response follows:
Over the past 12-18 months we have heard a few 'rumors' about indoor turf fields. In case any of our parents ask us the following questions, how would you suggest we answer it?
1) Is the field cleaned on a periodic basis?
2) Are our kids at higher risk of picking up bacteria from the field vs. an outdoor field?
3) Are any chemicals or cleaning agents applied to the field? If so, are they safe? Do you have a list of these agents upon request if needed?
4) Do you recommend that they shower immediately after practicing due to the field conditions (ignoring typical hygiene concerns)?
BSZ Answer: We spray the fields yearly with an industry recommended anti bacterial solution. I am getting the exact chemicals and will pass them on. All current research and data point to the fields being very safe and no special precautions are necessary. However nothing can offer 100 percent protection from the transfer of germs whether it be on the fields, in the bathrooms or our own homes for that matter therefore I recommend taking all the usual precautions pertaining to the prevention of germs. We strive to offer safe, clean professionally managed facilities and will continue to do so. Please feel free to contact me if you need anything else. Regards, Jeff Frank
Are Tournaments Good for Our Kids?
There is a growing feeling in the soccer community that tournaments, while fun when used properly, are detrimental to our young soccer players. Read the article at this link for a very interesting perspective.
Perhaps You Should Be the Ref
If you find yourself repeatedly feeling like you have to let the official know he's made a bad call, sign up to officiate next season.
What is OFFSIDE?
Offside is one of the most misunderstood rules in the world of sports! If you review this video you will become an expert in what is and what isn't offside!
FIFA Offside Flash Demo
This is a great (but long) flash player description of offsides according to FIFA rules. It contains a description of all conditions of offsides, including "passive" offsides along with useful visuals.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Program
The Strikers board is committed to ensuring any girl with the skills to play travel soccer is afforded that opportunity regardless of their ability to pay the annual dues. A scholarship/financial aid program is available. All information is kept in strict confidence. The following email was received from a recent recipient:
“For the past 8 years, my daughter has been a member of the Penfield Strikers Soccer Club. For some of those 8 years, as a newly single parent, I was struggling with my ability to continue to afford this soccer program. I was also not one who had been in the position before of needing to ask for some help.
Because of necessity, I knew that I at least needed to ask if I qualified for such assistance. I was pleasantly surprised when I (finally) approached the President of the organization, explained my situation and asked for help---and got an positive answer without even asking for proof of my situation! This supportive attitude made me feel glad that I had asked and helped me get through a rough period without my daughter having to give up the game she loved.
Thank you, Penfield Strikers--for making my life a little easier right when I needed it!”
To inquire about this program simply send an email to the club President at president@penfieldstrikers.org. All information is kept strictly confidential between you and the President.