With the 2008-09 season concluded just over two months ago and try-outs just completed for the 2009-10 season, I would like to take this opportunity as Head Coach of this tremendous club to thank all of the players, coaches, volunteers and board members for the tireless work they put in. I have now been in Abbotsford for 8 ˝ months and I am continually impressed with the dedication and hard work that is put forth in particular by our coaches, assistant coaches and team managers.

The players continue to play with drive, passion and a desire to improve. Keep this up as this is what the game is about. Whether you play at Metro/Select level or Recreational pick-up soccer in the summer, please enjoy your time on the pitch.  Do not get too worked up when you make a mistake but also do not be too flippant about it either. It is essential as a player that you learn from that mistake to improve. Everyone makes mistakes and it is not important that you have made the mistake but rather how you react to that mistake. For example: if you give the ball away rather than throw your arms up in disgust, work hard to win the thing back. That is a positive reaction to a mistake. As coaches that is what we are looking for.

Tip of the month:

When defending against an opponent who receives the ball with his/her back to goal make sure that you get” touch tight” to the player. Too far from the opponent will allow the player to be able to turn with the ball and come at you. Too close and the player will be able to spin you and go past you with the ball. If you make the player play the ball backwards you have done your job. Being too eager, diving-in and getting skinned is not advisable especially when playing against a technically gifted player.

The PDL Mariners are now in full swing and have a record of 3 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw. Currently they are in 6^th place but if we win all of our games in hand we will be top of the table as we have played 4 less games than most teams. It is a very competitive league with some tremendous teams.  Come and enjoy fast-paced quality action right here in Abbotsford. You will definitely see some future US and Canadian National team players grace the turf at Bateman as current US and Canadian National team members have participated in the North West Division of the PDL in the past.

Remaining Home Games

Saturday June 21^st vs Ogden Outlaws at Bateman

Sunday June 22^nd vs Vancouver Whitecaps at Bateman

Saturday June 28^th vs Yakima Reds at Bateman

Sunday June 29^th vs Tacoma Tide

Friday July 4^th vs Cascade Surge

Sunday July 6^th vs Vancouver Whitecaps

The Super Y League is also well under way. The teams are having mixed results right now but four of our eight teams have a very realistic chance of making the North American Finals which are held every year in Tampa, Florida.

Many thanks to Alfons Amazonas who has been running the U14 Spring soccer league. They begin the play-offs on Monday June 23^rd down at Clayburn Middle. It is Atletico vs Chelsea and Juventus vs Barcelona, both games kick-off at 6:30. On Wednesday June 25^th the Final and Consolation Final take place same location and kick-off as Monday.

Joke of the Month

A David Beckham joke for you! After all he was in Canada recently and he did play for Manchester United,

David Beckham is celebrating; "43 days, 43 days!" he shouts happily. Posh asks him why he is celebrating.
He answers "Well Honey, I've done this jigsaw in only 43 days."

"And that's good?" asks Posh.
"You bet Hon" says David."It says 3 to 6 years on the box."

See you on the pitch,

Shaun Lowther