I’m happy to announce I’ve put together a whole “new” program this year.Given the conditions in the world today, we did not expect our normal volume of registrations and to be honest, I didn’t know what type of volume to expect, just that it would be “different” from what we had seen in the past.This is the reason why I put a focus on getting registrations in and closing registration as it would allow me time to see what the numbers in each age group look like and determine how to best go about this season.

Given the change in volume of registrations, I had to come up with a new plan on how we would proceed and I’m happy to announce I think I have it figured out but not before the Rec Department decided they would put basketball out there…. No worries, I think I have it so that there is no interference.With timings lined up, I needed to figure out format.In the past, our older kids focused on more competitive games with no training and our younger kids focused on training and games.This season, we will make some adjustments.

2020 Fall Rec Changes

• Unfortunately, I am going toremove the Friday Night Red Bull training sessions from this season.Friday Night Red Bull training will be back next season (baring any setbacks), just with the volume of kids and the way the Saturday program will work, the Friday night session doesn’t make as much sense for us.
• All sessions this Fall will be at the Armory.We will not be playing any sessions at Lawrence Intermediate School (LIS).
• Season starts Saturday September 12^th.Season will be10 weeksand we will haveour final session on November 14^th.
• Birth Years 2014 thru 2017– We will continue to use the “Play Train Play” model which is supported by US Youth Soccer.This model has kids working on playing 3v3, then a training session to focus on core skill development and then finishing off with another 3v3 game.This process is not a change to what we have done in the past.
  • This will be led by a NY Red Bulls trainer with the help of at least 2 parent coaches to help the kids with their drills or in the game.Instruction will be led by the NY Red Bulls trainer to drive the entire session (including the games) whereas in the past they only led the “training” piece of Play Train Play.
• Birth Years 2003 thru 2013– We will slightly change this season to 5v5 or 7v7, depending on the age group and head count in an age group.Instead of playing just a game, we will do a 15 minute training session, followed by a 5 minute break to get water and create teams and then go into a 40 minute game.This is slightly different than what we have done in the past.
  • For most of these age groups, NY Red Bull trainers were utilized as part of these sessions in previous seasons, this season they will be.
  • Similar to the younger age groups, NY Reb Bull trainers will lead the sessions along with at least 2 parent coaches to help coordinate and communicate.Again, the NY Red Bull trainers will drive the sessions and the games and the parent coaches will help.
• Instead of each player receiving a team name and uniform color, this season will be different.Each child will receive shorts, a red Lawrence Hamnett shirt and a yellow pinnie/scrimmage vest.Each week, based on the age group,you will go to your respective field wearing your red Lawrence Hamnett shirt and also bringing the yellow pinnie/scrimmage vest with you.When it is time to make teams, the Red Bull coach or one of the parent coaches will divide kids up and ask a group of players to go put on their yellow pinnie/scrimmage vest.With the volume of kids that we have, this is the best format that we can get kids onto the field and divide up players each week to make it challenging for them.

HELP NEEDED?

• I need your help, I am looking for weekly volunteers to help administer certain rules around COVID-19.We have made it easy and contactless.We need volunteers to wait in the parking lot as people pull in and stop each vehicle so that the driver can show you their phone (from a distance) and a green logo will appear saying they can come in.If there is no green logo, they need to be directed out of the parking lot to leave.It’s a very simple task but it will take your time and without itWE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HAVE A PROGRAM WITHOUT THESE VOLUNTEERS.If you can help, I would appreciate it.Please go to this site and set up a time slot for yourself.
• REGISTER HERE -https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F4EA4A72EA4F58-2020

What Do You Need To Get Before September 12^th?

• Each player should have:
  • Soccer Cleats
  • Shin Guards
  • Soccer Socks
  • Water Bottle
  • Soccer Ball (size appropriate based on age)https://www.nike.com/help/a/soccer-ball-sizes

COVID-19 Safety?

• Lawrence Hamnett “Return to Play” information is located here:https://www.lawrencehamnett.com/Default.aspx?tabid=926839
  • The first link “LHSA COVID-19 Protocol” talks about our protocols which continue to evolve and change.
• Everyone should wear a mask when coming to/from the parking lot
• Players will be allowed to take their mask off when coming onto the field to play (once they leave the field at the end of the session, they must put their mask back on)
• Please do not make me come around to tell you to put a mask on or I will ask you to leave the facility
• Please socially distance yourself from other groups
  • If a group of people are together and you are not part of their social group, please sit/stand at least 6 feet away from them
• IMPORTANT – We will be introducing a format for the parking lot at the Armory.
  • When you pull in you will need to fill out a survey to be allowed in.The survey is a short questionnaire (currently 3 or 4 questions) that asks you about temperature checks that you need to take before you come and about your contact with other people.Based on your answers, you will get a green or red signal.That signal then needs to be displayed to get into the parking lot.Please do it the day of (as it says the date) and do it before you get to the field to not slow down traffic in the parking lot.
  • LHSA Screening Questionnaire
  • If you do not do it, you will not be allowed in the parking lot.

• IMPORTANT – Please remember, we are guests of the Armory and at any time could be kicked off for not following instructions, please don’t spoil it for everyone else!

Session Times/Location

• The last Coed age group of 2003 – 2007 looks like a big age group but 75% of the kids are actually 2007 birth year and there are 3 girls in the 2003 to 2005 age group (14% of the kids in the age group) that I think will make this work well.

I want to thank everyone for their patience.This has not been easy on any of us and I was worried about getting everything together in time not knowing what the numbers would look like. If you can help volunteer your time above in the “Help Needed” section, I would really appreciate it.

I can’t wait to get the kids out there having fun, running around and learning more about the game.

Thanks,

Dan Spiteri

Lawrence Hamnett Soccer Association