ALITHSA Volunteer Recognition Program

Todd Drake - U7/U8 Coach, U8 Coordinator

ALITHSA would like to recognize Coach Todd Drake for his "above and beyond" volunteer work.

One of the emails we receive nominating Todd said: "My kids and I have been involved with ALITHSA then moved to baseball and moved back to ALITHSA because the ALITHSA organization is run at such a higher level. ALITHSA has strived for excellence with respect to coaching, training, supporting referees and enforcing zero tolerance concerning to conduct on the field (players and parents). Todd Drake as coordinator of U8 has gone that extra mile, he has responded to all inquiries quickly, any time I had a problem or question he would approach the matter in positive up-beat attitude. Todd has done a great job this year."

We took a few minutes of Todd's time to get to know him better.

ALITHSA:

How did you get involved in soccer and how did you pick the game up so fast?

Todd:

My participation started three years ago when my oldest daughter entered U6 and I volunteered to be an assistant - the U6 coordinator "upgraded" me to head coach without telling me so when no others were available. I've been a head coach for my older daughter ever since, and this past year started coaching when my younger daughter entered ALITHSA as well. This past year I was also the ALITHSA U8 Coordinator.

ALITHSA:

What are the three top things for you as a coach?

Todd:

#1, I want to make sure that each child has fun. At these younger ages (U6-U8), most children didn't ask to play but rather they were signed up by their parents, and that's wonderful. I view it as our job as coaches to make sure that their first experience is so much fun that the child loves the sport and is hooked for life.

#2, I want to make sure that each child has a positive experience. Having fun out there on the field is great, doing so in a manner in which they learn to love soccer for the sport as well as the social and other factors is even better.

#3, I wish to make sure that each child gains exposure to every aspect of the game of soccer - equal playing time at every position throughout the season. Far too often in life I've seen children "pigeon-holed" into a specific role because of a specific personal talent, or worse, a perceived lack thereof. To me at the younger ages, this is the time for each child to learn and experience all aspects of the game such that when they get older they can choose their area of specialty for themselves.

ALITHSA:

What in your view are the top three things for the players?

Todd:

Thus far my coaching has been with ALITHSA teams of younger players. Our teams have a list of easy and straightforward goals that we try to talk about at some point during each game and practice. First and foremost is that everyone should have a ton of fun and enjoy every minute of the time we spend together playing soccer! Second is that we always try our hardest to do our very best at everything that we do, whether it be in a skill exercise or a scrimmage, in soccer or at school, everywhere. Third, we do so with a positive attitude and with respect for everyone - our teammates, the other team members, the referees, our teachers, and the game. Learning to master age-appropriate skills then form the rest of our team goals.

ALITHSA:

What can we teach our kids about playing soccer and who is your favorite soccer player (or other sport) role model?

Todd:

We can teach them everything we wish for them to learn - young children's minds can learn and absorb so much! Skills, strategy, sportsmanship, goal setting, positive thinking - they're willing to learn everything we are willing to teach, it only needs to be presented in a manner in which they can understand and learn.

With respect to favorite players, I really appreciate what Mia Hamm has done on the field and off for the sport of soccer. More than her tremendous skills and achievements, she stands out as a role model for young soccer players. For those whom don't know her story, I encourage a search for books written either by or about her - she is a most excellent individual.

ALITHSA:

Please tell us about your most special soccer memory or event.

Todd:

As a parent, watching each of my girls during their "great moments" of soccer play is particularly special - their excitement thrills me every time. As a coach, watching each of the team children grow to find that love for soccer - that is also very special to me. At these younger ages, many start out as timid new players, unsure of what they should do and hesitant to go up against the "stronger" kids whom look like they already know what they're doing. Watching these kids grow and learn their skills, gain confidence, and understand that they can do anything they set their mind to, be that in soccer or anything in life - it's those children's "light bulb" moments that will always be memorable for me too.

ALITHSA:

How in your mind can we make soccer in ALITHSA as creative and fun as possible?

Todd:

Teach teach teach everyone more about the joys of soccer! The more people learn and thus know and understand something, the more enjoyable it will be. Encourage our parents whom haven't grown up with the game of soccer to learn what a great game this is through additional information on our www.alithsa.org website and other soccer activities. Teach positive coaching and help our coaches better understand what skills should be taught to our children at what age levels by providing them with guidelines and training - soccer is about so much more than just scoring goals and winning games. Educate our children at all levels with innovative drills and games to provide them more fun and better training. Encourage everyone to become more involved. With knowledge, everyone wins!

ALITHSA:

Anything special you would like to share with all of us in ALITHSA about being a volunteer?

Todd:

You hear this a lot, but I'll reiterate it strongly again - being a volunteer to help children to grow is as rewarding an experience as you'll ever find. Watching young kids grow and being a part of their enjoyment is richly rewarding. As a coach, I have benefited greatly from having absolutely wonderful support from so many team parent volunteers, with everything from practice helpers to my current assistant coaches Matt Mortenson and my long-time coaching partner, John Hichew. As the U8 coordinator, I have been blessed with an abundance of talented and committed volunteers in our league with all our great coaches and assistants and the many parents whom came out to help us make this a tremendous league for all our children!

Volunteering for any ALITHSA task takes far less additional time than one would imagine, and no experience or knowledge is necessary - just a love of working with children and a desire to help make the league better. ALITHSA has many volunteer positions open in addition to coaching if other forms of volunteer work are better suited to your skills. The bottom line is that making a positive difference in our children's' lives and building a great program for our community is a great way to share your time and talents. Come join our great group of volunteers!!!

ALITHSA:

Thank you Todd!

If you know of any ALITHSA coach, asst. coach, team mom, referee or coordinator that goes above and beyond, please let us know about it. We want to regularly recognize those that stand out from the crowd.

Please send your nominations and the reason for the nomination to mvp@alithsa.org.

Past Recognized Volunteers:

Brian Spears
Frank Anguilo
Nino Mandile
Tim Wagner and Dave Sierakowski
Jim McDonell
Steve and Bobbi Schroeder
Bruce Patterson
Kevin O'Callaghan
Mike Luecht
Angie Berkhout
Jeff Ellis
Paul Furlong
Glenn Riedel
Jim McKinnon
Tanya Perez
Kym Griffiths

Home Page Recreational Program Travel Program Registration Parent Participation Rec Schedules Travel Schedules FAQ Medical Waiver Form Maps to Parks Incident Report Form Volunteer Recognition Referee Information The Laws of the Game ALITHSA Constitution Board Meeting Minutes Contact Us		ALITHSA Volunteer Recognition Program Todd Drake - U7/U8 Coach, U8 Coordinator ALITHSA would like to recognize Coach Todd Drake for his "above and beyond" volunteer work. One of the emails we receive nominating Todd said: "My kids and I have been involved with ALITHSA then moved to baseball and moved back to ALITHSA because the ALITHSA organization is run at such a higher level. ALITHSA has strived for excellence with respect to coaching, training, supporting referees and enforcing zero tolerance concerning to conduct on the field (players and parents). Todd Drake as coordinator of U8 has gone that extra mile, he has responded to all inquiries quickly, any time I had a problem or question he would approach the matter in positive up-beat attitude. Todd has done a great job this year." We took a few minutes of Todd's time to get to know him better. ALITHSA: How did you get involved in soccer and how did you pick the game up so fast? Todd: My participation started three years ago when my oldest daughter entered U6 and I volunteered to be an assistant - the U6 coordinator "upgraded" me to head coach without telling me so when no others were available. I've been a head coach for my older daughter ever since, and this past year started coaching when my younger daughter entered ALITHSA as well. This past year I was also the ALITHSA U8 Coordinator. ALITHSA: What are the three top things for you as a coach? Todd: #1, I want to make sure that each child has fun. At these younger ages (U6-U8), most children didn't ask to play but rather they were signed up by their parents, and that's wonderful. I view it as our job as coaches to make sure that their first experience is so much fun that the child loves the sport and is hooked for life. #2, I want to make sure that each child has a positive experience. Having fun out there on the field is great, doing so in a manner in which they learn to love soccer for the sport as well as the social and other factors is even better. #3, I wish to make sure that each child gains exposure to every aspect of the game of soccer - equal playing time at every position throughout the season. Far too often in life I've seen children "pigeon-holed" into a specific role because of a specific personal talent, or worse, a perceived lack thereof. To me at the younger ages, this is the time for each child to learn and experience all aspects of the game such that when they get older they can choose their area of specialty for themselves. ALITHSA: What in your view are the top three things for the players? Todd: Thus far my coaching has been with ALITHSA teams of younger players. Our teams have a list of easy and straightforward goals that we try to talk about at some point during each game and practice. First and foremost is that everyone should have a ton of fun and enjoy every minute of the time we spend together playing soccer! Second is that we always try our hardest to do our very best at everything that we do, whether it be in a skill exercise or a scrimmage, in soccer or at school, everywhere. Third, we do so with a positive attitude and with respect for everyone - our teammates, the other team members, the referees, our teachers, and the game. Learning to master age-appropriate skills then form the rest of our team goals. ALITHSA: What can we teach our kids about playing soccer and who is your favorite soccer player (or other sport) role model? Todd: We can teach them everything we wish for them to learn - young children's minds can learn and absorb so much! Skills, strategy, sportsmanship, goal setting, positive thinking - they're willing to learn everything we are willing to teach, it only needs to be presented in a manner in which they can understand and learn. With respect to favorite players, I really appreciate what Mia Hamm has done on the field and off for the sport of soccer. More than her tremendous skills and achievements, she stands out as a role model for young soccer players. For those whom don't know her story, I encourage a search for books written either by or about her - she is a most excellent individual. ALITHSA: Please tell us about your most special soccer memory or event. Todd: As a parent, watching each of my girls during their "great moments" of soccer play is particularly special - their excitement thrills me every time. As a coach, watching each of the team children grow to find that love for soccer - that is also very special to me. At these younger ages, many start out as timid new players, unsure of what they should do and hesitant to go up against the "stronger" kids whom look like they already know what they're doing. Watching these kids grow and learn their skills, gain confidence, and understand that they can do anything they set their mind to, be that in soccer or anything in life - it's those children's "light bulb" moments that will always be memorable for me too. ALITHSA: How in your mind can we make soccer in ALITHSA as creative and fun as possible? Todd: Teach teach teach everyone more about the joys of soccer! The more people learn and thus know and understand something, the more enjoyable it will be. Encourage our parents whom haven't grown up with the game of soccer to learn what a great game this is through additional information on our www.alithsa.org website and other soccer activities. Teach positive coaching and help our coaches better understand what skills should be taught to our children at what age levels by providing them with guidelines and training - soccer is about so much more than just scoring goals and winning games. Educate our children at all levels with innovative drills and games to provide them more fun and better training. Encourage everyone to become more involved. With knowledge, everyone wins! ALITHSA: Anything special you would like to share with all of us in ALITHSA about being a volunteer? Todd: You hear this a lot, but I'll reiterate it strongly again - being a volunteer to help children to grow is as rewarding an experience as you'll ever find. Watching young kids grow and being a part of their enjoyment is richly rewarding. As a coach, I have benefited greatly from having absolutely wonderful support from so many team parent volunteers, with everything from practice helpers to my current assistant coaches Matt Mortenson and my long-time coaching partner, John Hichew. As the U8 coordinator, I have been blessed with an abundance of talented and committed volunteers in our league with all our great coaches and assistants and the many parents whom came out to help us make this a tremendous league for all our children! Volunteering for any ALITHSA task takes far less additional time than one would imagine, and no experience or knowledge is necessary - just a love of working with children and a desire to help make the league better. ALITHSA has many volunteer positions open in addition to coaching if other forms of volunteer work are better suited to your skills. The bottom line is that making a positive difference in our children's' lives and building a great program for our community is a great way to share your time and talents. Come join our great group of volunteers!!! ALITHSA: Thank you Todd! If you know of any ALITHSA coach, asst. coach, team mom, referee or coordinator that goes above and beyond, please let us know about it. We want to regularly recognize those that stand out from the crowd. Please send your nominations and the reason for the nomination to mvp@alithsa.org. Past Recognized Volunteers: Brian Spears Frank Anguilo Nino Mandile Tim Wagner and Dave Sierakowski Jim McDonell Steve and Bobbi Schroeder Bruce Patterson Kevin O'Callaghan Mike Luecht Angie Berkhout Jeff Ellis Paul Furlong Glenn Riedel Jim McKinnon Tanya Perez Kym Griffiths