Dear Barbarians:
Through 46 matches played by The Barbarian Football Coalition in regular season games thus far, we have compiled a record of 29 wins, 11 losses, and 6 draws. I am sure that many of you are aware that some of the wins could have gone either way, and the same holds true for the losses we suffered as well as the draws we endured. In any arena though, it is an impressive mark for teams where many are newly formed. The best that we can truly hope for is that the number of games played will aid our effort in The State Cup.
It is not an easy task just entering teams in the State Cup because we have them. There is a lot of decision making besides the obvious that can get in the way of our effort and we must be vigilant that we do not succumb to anything other than what benefits our club’s teams and the players who come our way. Believe me though when I say there are many unresolved issues between league organizers and us that call into question their motives of operation for which The Barbarians always seem to bear the brunt. But in order for us to affect any sort of change in a positive manner we must remain ignorant, and accept them at their word, while doing everything in our power to expose them and a system that does not benefit everyone with a level playing field. After all, The Barbarian Football Coalition are the ones who made the league what it is today. No brag, just fact. In our opinion there is much more that needs to be done and much more we will do to elevate this league and this sport, in Western PA.
Many of you are now at an age where you will be looking to tryout for the various Classic Teams in our area and there are a few things you should keep in mind when you do. You are joining a club and not just a team so be ware of what the club’s philosophy is as well as whom you will have as a coach, and what their philosophy is! Know too, that the Classic League was initiated for players who were serious about the game and were looking to enter college with the chance of gaining an athletic scholarship. There are a lot of costs involved with playing classic soccer: some that are out front and many more that are hidden. Granted, it is not to be considered slight of hand but costs do add up! Once you are involved it is not the end-all, cure-all. It is competitive and you need to know exactly why you are there, to be competitive. Week-end-week-out, every time you step on the pitch, whether in training or in matches, you are there to secure your spot and you are not there for the sake of friendships. Playing time is never guaranteed nor is the length of time you will be there since there are tryouts every year for each team, and now that your state organization has allowed transfers between fall and spring.
This is part of the way in which The Barbarian Football Coalition attempts to prepare you for a higher level of play, in hopes that you will always seek the highest level of play possible. Respect, for the game and all of its participants, as well as for all of those you encounter. Stepping to receive, moving into space without the ball, stepping to tackle and defending your end will prove even bigger in the upcoming trials of tryouts or tournament play, and it is imperative that you demonstrate a constant and consistent effort to do so; to be a team player in every aspect of the word. That is what will win a job for you and what will help you remain in there, and it all starts with the respect the game demands of all of its participants including those who are spectators.
As you know, we are against the dual roster for members of our club who would seek to play in the Prime League on 2 different teams in the same age group. While many of you seek to get those extra touches on the ball it can devastate our attempts to field teams for tournaments and in regular season play, if for no other reason than our style of play. We have emphasized to you that this is not something that can be turned off and on like a light switch, and in many instances we have noticed how it takes players an inordinate amount of time to come around in a game because of the fact they forget for whom they are playing. Along these same lines, inferences by parents to keep their child from attending a game because they’re perception of number of players also negatively impacts our efforts to organize teams, as well the perception that a player cannot learn by watching. It is not what we look for from others in our effort to be competitive.
Some feel that they should only come here and be a part of what we are doing for the sake of their outdoor game, and we understand that, but we are looking for commitment in those who would call them selves Barbarians. The kind of commitment we have made in being the only club in Western PA dedicated to futsal! We do not do like your other clubs do, or parents, by putting teams together for the sake of winning locally and traveling outside our region on a whim. Every one of you who is here knows our intention well before the season begins and how we do everything within our power to ensure those who are here are of like-mindedness. Our focus is futsal and we assure you that if you are not true to this type of commitment you will weed yourself from our ranks without our ever having to do anything. In understanding this further, I will make you aware that in order to be effective at this game we attempt to have those who come our way for a minimum of 3 years and have nothing but praise for those who have been here longer. Those who have represented The Coalition well win or lose, as well as having embraced our philosophy of what it means to be competitive. We appreciate their patience with us, and thank you all for seeing us through our growth throughout the years!
We are excited about our chances of doing well in the State Cup but also realize the task will be greater than our record may indicate. Even though all of our teams that entered the Christmas Tournament did a nice job we know that it is still the matches to be played that will determine who we are and how we will fare beyond this point in time. For the first time in our 11-year history we have chosen Captains for our club. Of course we know that their teammates will acknowledge these players but as with anything we do here, the club members will also be called upon to acknowledge them. As part of their duties they will attend training sessions for the various age groups and participate with the younger Barbarians when they are available. They have been with us for 6 or 7 years each and have represented us in the best of times and through the thinnest of times. It should be noted that they are being appointed “Captains for Life”. They are Matt Dziak, and Nicholas Scioscia. They will wear the Captain’s armband in any tournament their U16 team attends or for any Barbarian Team they are a part of.
Once we determine what teams will enter the tournament we will notify you and we may also have to amend some training sessions to accommodate some areas of concern about our preparation. We have already entered teams for the cup for U10B, U10G and U12B. I am certain we will enter all of the teams currently playing but have some details to work over before doing so. We would also like to make certain we have as much support as possible throughout the tournament and encourage you all to attend as many matches as possible, whether you are playing or not. We also hope that you will come see some regular season matches. It can be an eye opener and further your development as a player. I would also like to hear from parents if you plan to leave The Barbarians mid-season. It is time for us to register teams for second session and I am also attempting to get the Reserve players entered into league play to better prepare them for future endeavors. It will also be our effort to train year-round with many of our age groups to enhance their abilities as players. Will you also let me know if that is something of interest for the U8 through U11 players currently here? In everything we do, thank-you for your understanding in who we are and what we are about.
As usual, I will see you on the pitch!
David W. Sayles