Dear Barbarians:
There is a lot going on around us in the world of futsal and hopefully The Barbarians will be able to remain a driving force for continuity and consistency locally, regionally, and nationally. Much of what we are able to do in shaping the conversation about the game is done in our approach and manner of anonymity and selflessness. It, our approach and manner, is increasingly effective in the world in which we find ourselves today; one in which everything and everyone is feverishly working to gain that competitive edge: if only they knew how to compete or with whom, they might get farther along than where their motivation leaves them.
It is perhaps an over simplification on my part to be driven, to stay the course of development even when there is virtually no one to openly discuss things with on a level where it may prove beneficial to our desired outcome. Once you learn the discipline of knowing what you are after and understanding you may never know the way there but at the end of the tunnel, it should be hoped, that all the trouble of delving into the darkness the tunnel has brought, the light at this end is brighter than the light with which the journey began! There is always Hope, even when our confidence has been shaken and our patience is not where it should be and, even if we are gone. Too many are unaware of the course or direction but most along this journey for whatever reason provide us the continuity and consistency of purpose. You see, we can only do what we do with those who are here not those who go astray. We thank you for being, here.
We are committed to the development of individual players within the team concept for the betterment of this club and have proven time-and-time-again that our methods work. Those who come and remain here develop a much better understanding of the game and its many nuances than those who come here and run from here to there, from training session to training session, trying to play for as many teams and in as many games/tournaments and in the process develop nothing more than confusion; the greatest of all competitive edges. Yet for whatever reason there are still folks who tout our praises while they are here and even after they leave but while they were here physically they are just unable to adapt. Folks, we do our best to strive to be consistent in our approach continuously offering the best we have to offer and let each of you know we are developmentally oriented. Consistency and continuity, not complacency is what we offer. It sinks in with some yet many have no patience, or have the need to be the center of attention, but believe me our focus remains our charges’ development and we can ill afford to do what others do for you in the manner they do. What they do is truly of no interest to us here, especially when we know what we do here works for your betterment and development as player and person, and cannot be undone even by those who undermine or are disruptive.
Now do not feel that this letter is anything of a reprimand, not our intent at all. It is however a caution to those of you who openly show disregard for the letter and spirit of the Barbarian Handbook, or willingly feel obliged to share information in an effort to deceive others. Two things several of you who have been here know is that, “if the shoe fits”, and “better to get the information from the horse’s mouth rather than the horse’s”. We do not spend our time speculating and hope that each of you will refrain from doing so as well. It is always refreshing to me to see the different approaches people use in talking to me to gain information about something they feel is imminent or pending in a match, or the world of futsal, but I ask each of you to remember I share information with everyone at the same time so that we are able to lessen the confusion on your part. It may be difficult to comprehend but, for those of you who wish to speculate then remember the opinion you form is merely conjecture without evidence! It is our sincere hope that you will remain patient with us so that we may remain so with you.
It has been over 4 years since we have named a Captain in our club and in keeping with somewhat of a tradition we have appointed one over the course of U15/16. Captaincy within this organization is a lifetime appointment with the understanding, “that which is given can also be taken away”. In our history we have appointed a total of 6 but only 3 remain in command of the Captain’s armband for various reasons. We believe that this appointee will be one who will remain steadfast to this club and its overall betterment as well as a committed effort to advance in futsal. We also believe the same of his second, or vice-captain who will wear the armband if the Captain is unable to participate for whatever reason. Please join me in acknowledging the appointment of Matt Rytel, Captain. Matt has served in the Barbarian FC since U8 and remained dedicated giving a consistent effort in training and in match play always representing the best aspects of being a part of this organization.
Equally impressive is the commitment and dedication exhibited in the vice-captain by selection of Josh Kucmeroski, participating in the club since U9. Matt and Josh were not chosen solely on their skills as players but were chosen because their leadership, commitment and dedication in every aspect of training and in representation of the Barbarian FC in match play and in tournaments over their time here is unparalleled and unequaled. Unequivocally, they have demonstrated to all who are present, ‘THIS IS HOW WE PLAY, EVERY SECOND OF EVERY GAME’. We remain hopeful that they will continue to exhibit their distinction and never settle for anything less than their best from themselves and their club mates as well as teammates. Congratulations and thank you for your level of commitment and dedication to the parents as well.
There will be more news to follow without complication or confusion; straight talk from around the corner and the world of futsal. Anyone care to speculate?
As always, I will see you on the pitch!