Message to 2021 Coaches
First off, I would like to apologize for this long overdue message.
We have continued to suffer the ups and downs over the last 14 months closely monitoring our Local Health Unit as well as our League and District news and it like most news in Ontario right now, for every 1 step forward we have taken 2 steps back.
The nice thing is that when that happens it gives us a bigger view of what lies ahead. Over the past several months we have been in touch with many clubs and continue to find ways to ensure that there is a season this year. It may be a different season then what we are typically used to but we are committed to providing a program for our members this year.
We have already taken steps in that direction by submitting and getting approved our Return to Play Plan, as well as registering all of our teams within the leagues that we operate. Final Uniform and Equipment distribution will be set up as soon as we get the go ahead to start playing.
Some housekeeping items to make you all aware.
Pre-Season Practices – we have secured field space again at the Strathroy Community Christian School for when Soccer operates if the Strathroy – Caradoc Parks & Recreation Department does not have our normal fields ready to go. We will keep you all informed as new information develops.
Regular Season Game & Practice Days – Game Days are listed on the EMDSL website at the following link. Practice days will be up to you, with most teams U15 & Up practicing and playing at an 830pm start so we can allow our younger age groups at the earlier time slot.
Please send me your practice days (2) as soon as you can and look at the link for EMDSL Game Days
https://emdsl.e2esoccer.com/ViewArticle.aspx?NewsID=77
Notes for our Adult Teams below:
Ladies 2nd will play on Tuesdays·
Ladies U21 L3 will play on Wednesdays·
Mens 3rd will play on Thursdays
Rosters – Kristy should have sent you all your team rosters by now. If you have not received one please send the club an email at
[email protected] so she can connect with you.
Tournaments & Festivals – The Club will not be hosting a Tournament or Festival this year. All teams that wish to play in a Tournament or Festival that will be your choice, however I strongly recommend that you speak with your parents first as some families may not feel comfortable in participating.
Coaches & Managers Clinics / Requirements – as per Ontario Soccer Bulletin #: I2021-041 In order to allow our Coaches to continue with their education and to work towards their Coach Education Program Certifications, Ontario Soccer has temporarily delayed the requirement to complete the practical component in order to coach in 2021.
However, please note that Coaches are still required to complete Making Ethical Decisions, Making Headway and Respect in Sport for 2021. Coaches that complete the Theory portion, through either Google Classroom or the new Canada Soccer Online Grassroots Coach Education Program, will be approved to actively coach in 2021 and classified as “Theory-Trained” until a practical component can be safely provided.
EMDSL League Meeting – One Member of Each Team (Coach or Manager) Must attend the following ZOOM Meeting for each age group. Please keep these dates in your calendar and make sure you are represented for
Saturday May 08, 2021.
- U8 & U9 10:00 -10:45am
- U10 & U11 -11:00 -11:45am
- U12 12:00 -12:45pm
- U13-U18 - 1:30 - 2:30pm
Just to repeat attendance is mandatory and for teams that do not have a representative attending, fines issued to the club will be passed on to the team.
Important Websites
- Canada Soccer – https://canadasoccer.com/
- Ontario Soccer - https://www.ontariosoccer.net/
- Elgin Middlesex District Soccer Association (EMSA) - http://www.emsadistrict.com/
- Elgin Middlesex Soccer League (EMDSL)– https://emdsl.e2esoccer.com/Default.aspx
- Western Ontario Soccer League (Mens WOSL) - https://wosl.e2esoccer.com/
- London & Area Women’s Soccer League (Women’s LAWSL) https://lawsl.e2esoccer.com/
- Western Region Soccer League (WRSL) - https://wrsl.e2esoccer.com/
- Coaches Courses - https://www.ontariosoccer.net/coach-courses
- Making Ethical Decisions (MED) - https://www.coachesontario.ca/nccp-training/competition-introduction/make-ethical-decisions/
- Making Headway in Soccer - https://coach.ca/nccp-making-head-way-soccer
- Respect in Sport (Soccer) - https://ontariosoccer.respectgroupinc.com/
I know this is a lot of information especially since most of us have been over a year removed from the game and have to get back in to the “groove” again, so if any of you need help with anything please do not hesitate to ask, and feel free to send me your practice days as soon as possible as we are waiting on a draft schedule to come out shortly.
Yours in Soccer,
Jason Kaspersma
Technical Director
Strathroy United FC
226-376-4916 (m)