Retaining Players & Increasing Registration

I truly believe that by thoughtfully reading Brett Davis’s commentary; grasping his message and carrying-out what he proposes; we can retain players and bring about a dramatic increase in player registration. 

It has been widely recognized that declining player registration is due to at least three major factors: cash, clappers and coaching. We have addressed these issues and proposed many unique solutions to reverse this trend but seem to be difficult to apply. Finding solutions to complex problems such as this may not be as difficult as we might imagine. Here is what Brett Davis offers…

“Twas the Night before … When all through the Land, Not a player was stirring, and we bet you think that's Grand!

Our uniforms were hung, and cleats polished with care, Our shin guards smelled funny, but the balls all had air.

We children were nestled all snug in our beds, While visions of soccer games danced in our heads;

The games were such fun; just youngsters and the ball, With no interference from adults at all.

Then out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, Just us kids having fun, SURPRISE, nothing's the matter;

We ran and we laughed, each giving our best, We are the only attraction, everyone else is our guest.

The moon up above gave the field such a glow, Creating the feeling of magic for us down below;

When what to our wandering eyes should appear, Only positive comments from our Coaches all year!

The referee was in the center so lively and quick, If he wore red instead of black, it could've been St. Nick;

With patience and fairness the decisions then came; He whistled and pointed, never disrupting our game.

The parents and fans were supportive when they cheered, It's all about us kids; that's for whom this game's geared;

No arguing or complaining, no whining or screaming, Isn't it sad we only see this kind of game when we're dreaming?

Now Referees! Now Parents! Now Coaches and Spectators, On Clubs! On Leagues! On Boards and Administrators.

Lean over closely and lend us your ear, As children we speak softly, but this you must hear....

On this night before Christmas before the rising of the sun, Please give us back the game; Please give us back our FUN.

Oh, 'Thank You' for listening, there's a new beginning in sight, Merry Christmas to all, and thanks for doing what's right!”

Brett Davis

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Notes: Thank you for reading and sharing this with your soccer community. Now, grab your dictionary and look-up the words –‘Children’; ‘Play’ and ‘Game’ before attending another soccer game. 

 And Don’t Ever Forget That… “The outcome of our children is infinitely more important than; The outcome of any game they will ever play!”

 Your FUNdamental, Koach Karl (Karl Dewazien)

• Emeritus Director of Coaching California Youth Soccer Assoc. 1979-2012
• Author - Internationally Published FUNdamental SOCCER Books Series
• Producer - highly acclaimed ‘FUNdamental SOCCER -Practice’ DVD.
• Clinician at: www.fundamentalsoccer.com