DRUM ROLL PLEASE.............After almost 100 name submissions and a couple of votes to narrow the field and then decide: The CASL Mascot, which is a Plott Hound, (the NC State Dog) is CLEATS! We will notify the winner, who submitted the name, tomorrow.
CLEATS will be unveiled at the CASL Cup on May 21-22. Of course, Cleats may be seen earlier but officially its debut is at the CASL Cup.
Thanks to all the CASL players that submitted names! We really appreciate it!
Charlie Slagle
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Where are we in the Name the Mascot time line?
The deadline for Naming the CASL Mascot passed last Friday and later today the CASL staff will vote to see what names will be on the final ballot! The mascot costume is being worked on right now at, believe it or not, a Mascot Costume Company!
The CASL Mascot is a Plott Hound. The Plott Hound is the state dog of NC (who knew?). The winning entry for the type of mascot was submitted by Meghan Poirier who plays on the 1993 CASL Spartan Elite Black and is a junior at Apex HS!
There were almost 100 distinct name entries that the staff will choose from. Of course, there were some repeat suggestions and also some unique suggestions. Some of my favorite unique suggestions are: The Plott Hound “Thickens,” CASL Rascal, WRALie pronounced Raleigh
When will the CASL Mascot grace the fields of CASL? It is our hope that the CASL Mascot will debut at the CASL Cup which is May 21 and 22nd. This will liven up CASL’s end of season recreation tournament. I may challenge the mascot, at that time, to race me in the “Magnificent Mile” run in downtown Raleigh
Thanks to all that submitted names and soon we will have a name for our HOUND!
Charlie Slagle
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
What is upcoming at CASL and other soccer in the area?
It is always good to look on the CASL website to find out the happenings in and around soccer in the area. A few things sprung out to me as I perused the home page this morning:
1) CASL Cup and other summer tournaments-The Recreation CASL Cup for CASL teams only is May 21-22. This is a fun time and the CASL mascot will hopefully make its debut at this event. Also, the Chelsea 7's tournament will run from June 24-26. This unique tournament is in its 3rd year. It offers 7 v 7 games in a fun atmosphere! The Chelsea 3's will be played on August 6-7. This is a fun 3 v 3 tournament that kicks off the fall season. For more info, go to the CASL web site.
2) The Railhawks open with 3 home games beginning with the season opener against last year's champions, the Puerto Rico Islanders on April 9th. The Islanders beat the Railhawks in last year's championship series. CASL members can get 20% off of Railhawks tickets. For more info, you guessed it, visit the CASL homepage!
3) The CASL Golf Tournament is on April 28th at Lonnie Poole Golf Course at NC State. Come join me and other CASL staff and supporters at this fun event. For more info........visit the CASL homepage!
4) The CASL Camps and Academies go into high gear during the summer months. If you want to learn to score, learn to keep the ball out of the net as a gk, get better at your skills or just have a general soccer experience, the CASL Camps and Academies are your ticket! See the CASL website for more information!
5) The US Women's National Team is training for the 2011 FIFA World Cup and one of their last tune-ups is at WakeMed Soccer Stadium on May 18th against Japan. We need to send our women's team off on a good note as they head to Germany for the World Cup. For ticket info....see the CASL web site!
Tonight....do not forget the 8 pm kickoff between the US Men and Paraguay from Nashville, TN. Hopefully the Yanks will make "sweet music" and get a "W" against this SA opponent!
Keep posted by checking the CASL web site often.....there are charitable giving options, Season Kicket specials and news about CASL teams and players on the website all the time. Enjoy your surfing!
Charlie Slagle
1) CASL Cup and other summer tournaments-The Recreation CASL Cup for CASL teams only is May 21-22. This is a fun time and the CASL mascot will hopefully make its debut at this event. Also, the Chelsea 7's tournament will run from June 24-26. This unique tournament is in its 3rd year. It offers 7 v 7 games in a fun atmosphere! The Chelsea 3's will be played on August 6-7. This is a fun 3 v 3 tournament that kicks off the fall season. For more info, go to the CASL web site.
2) The Railhawks open with 3 home games beginning with the season opener against last year's champions, the Puerto Rico Islanders on April 9th. The Islanders beat the Railhawks in last year's championship series. CASL members can get 20% off of Railhawks tickets. For more info, you guessed it, visit the CASL homepage!
3) The CASL Golf Tournament is on April 28th at Lonnie Poole Golf Course at NC State. Come join me and other CASL staff and supporters at this fun event. For more info........visit the CASL homepage!
4) The CASL Camps and Academies go into high gear during the summer months. If you want to learn to score, learn to keep the ball out of the net as a gk, get better at your skills or just have a general soccer experience, the CASL Camps and Academies are your ticket! See the CASL website for more information!
5) The US Women's National Team is training for the 2011 FIFA World Cup and one of their last tune-ups is at WakeMed Soccer Stadium on May 18th against Japan. We need to send our women's team off on a good note as they head to Germany for the World Cup. For ticket info....see the CASL web site!
Tonight....do not forget the 8 pm kickoff between the US Men and Paraguay from Nashville, TN. Hopefully the Yanks will make "sweet music" and get a "W" against this SA opponent!
Keep posted by checking the CASL web site often.....there are charitable giving options, Season Kicket specials and news about CASL teams and players on the website all the time. Enjoy your surfing!
Charlie Slagle
Monday, March 28, 2011
What happened over the weekend? AND what is the story with this weather?
A cold and wet weekend was with us here in Wake County. Fortunately, we got all the games in on Saturday although it was unseasonably cold and looked like we would get precipitation all day. Yesterday, was mainly a washout and the CASL scheduling staff will be working on rescheduling those games early this week and getting the information out about the make-up games as soon as possible!
The US Men's National Team garnered a good tie in front of 78,000+ in Giants Stadium against Argentina. The US hung in there and came back to tie the game. Messi is unreal and he should be watched as often as possible as there is no one better now and maybe, when his career is done, he will be acclaimed as the greatest player of all time. The US, of course, had trained in town last Monday-Thursday in preparation for that game and the game tomorrow night in Nashville against Paraguay, which lost to Mexico on Saturday.
Some locals had big weekends. Zack Shilawski scored his first goal of the season for the New England Revolution in a 2-1 victory. Zack played for CASL, Cary HS and Wake Forest. This is his second year in the MLS. Chicago Fire captain, Logan Pause, played all 90 minutes in their game. Logan played for Durham Jordan, UNC and a couple of local soccer clubs including CASL. Will Hesmer was in goal for the Columbus Crew, Will is from Wilson and played at Wake Forest Univ. Rookie, and newly signed, Tyler Lassiter was one of the substitutes for the New York Red Bulls but did not see action. Tyler played for CASL, Wake Forest Rolesville HS and NC State.
Also, CASL's own Damon Nahas just returned from a week of being on the US National Team staff with the Under 15 Girls National Team Camp. Damon coaches a couple of teams for CASL including the 1994 CASL Spartan Elite Black team. Two members of that team, Claire Wagner and JoAnna Boyles were at the same camp but were with the Under 17 US National Team. Damon also runs Next Level Academy and Net Sports.
Let's hope Spring returns soon and let's all have a great week of soccer!
Charlie Slagle
The US Men's National Team garnered a good tie in front of 78,000+ in Giants Stadium against Argentina. The US hung in there and came back to tie the game. Messi is unreal and he should be watched as often as possible as there is no one better now and maybe, when his career is done, he will be acclaimed as the greatest player of all time. The US, of course, had trained in town last Monday-Thursday in preparation for that game and the game tomorrow night in Nashville against Paraguay, which lost to Mexico on Saturday.
Some locals had big weekends. Zack Shilawski scored his first goal of the season for the New England Revolution in a 2-1 victory. Zack played for CASL, Cary HS and Wake Forest. This is his second year in the MLS. Chicago Fire captain, Logan Pause, played all 90 minutes in their game. Logan played for Durham Jordan, UNC and a couple of local soccer clubs including CASL. Will Hesmer was in goal for the Columbus Crew, Will is from Wilson and played at Wake Forest Univ. Rookie, and newly signed, Tyler Lassiter was one of the substitutes for the New York Red Bulls but did not see action. Tyler played for CASL, Wake Forest Rolesville HS and NC State.
Also, CASL's own Damon Nahas just returned from a week of being on the US National Team staff with the Under 15 Girls National Team Camp. Damon coaches a couple of teams for CASL including the 1994 CASL Spartan Elite Black team. Two members of that team, Claire Wagner and JoAnna Boyles were at the same camp but were with the Under 17 US National Team. Damon also runs Next Level Academy and Net Sports.
Let's hope Spring returns soon and let's all have a great week of soccer!
Charlie Slagle
Friday, March 25, 2011
What is on Back of the Net Tomorrow?
Tomorrow on the radio show, "The Back of the Net" (on 99.9 the Fan from 7-8 am every Saturday, hosted by me, Charlie Slagle) will be an array of guests. We will have CASL's own Caroline Lindquist, who plays for the 1993 CASL Spartan Elite Black. Caroline is a junior at Ravenscroft and just returned from participating in the US Under 18 National Team camp in California.
US National Team member, Carlos Bocanegra, was interviewed during the team's stay in Cary this week. It will be great to hear the insight from one of the veterans of the US squad. They will play Argentina in NY Saturday night in a friendly. We will also talk to Curt Johnson, the President of the Carolina Railhawks. He will be talking about the team but also about the Railhawks hosting a game in May between the national women's team of Japan and the US Women's National Team. This will be one of the last tuneups for our women before heading to Germany to play in the FIFA Women's World Cup.
As I write this blog, I am trying to procure for tomorrow's show one of the top high school coaches in the area to talk about his team and the other area teams.
Hopefully, the predicted rain will hold off so that we can get some, if not all, of the CASL games in tomorrow.......we shall see!
"Have Fun and Remember it is Just a Game!"
Charlie Slagle
US National Team member, Carlos Bocanegra, was interviewed during the team's stay in Cary this week. It will be great to hear the insight from one of the veterans of the US squad. They will play Argentina in NY Saturday night in a friendly. We will also talk to Curt Johnson, the President of the Carolina Railhawks. He will be talking about the team but also about the Railhawks hosting a game in May between the national women's team of Japan and the US Women's National Team. This will be one of the last tuneups for our women before heading to Germany to play in the FIFA Women's World Cup.
As I write this blog, I am trying to procure for tomorrow's show one of the top high school coaches in the area to talk about his team and the other area teams.
Hopefully, the predicted rain will hold off so that we can get some, if not all, of the CASL games in tomorrow.......we shall see!
"Have Fun and Remember it is Just a Game!"
Charlie Slagle
Thursday, March 24, 2011
What connection does the Norwegian on the US Men's National Team have to CASL?
Yes, a strange question....but bear with me. There is a player, Mikkel Diskerud, on the US Men's National team. Mix, as he is called, grew up in Oslo, Norway. His father is Norwegian and his mother is an American from Arizona. He moved through the soccer ranks in Norway and played on various national teams as well as a professional squad, as a youth for Norway. Due to his mother's heritage, Mix could also play for the US. He was called up to play for both the US Under 20 and the Norwegian Under 20 team. Players do not have to decide until they are called up, and play, for one of the full national teams as to which country they will represent for the rest of their career. Mix was called up for the US first and has 3 caps (playing in 3 games) for our national team. He had determined that he would go by the "first come, first served" philosophy and the US called him up first. Therefore, his national team fortunes lie with the US!
How does this fit into CASL, you may ask! In the summer of 2008, one of the parents, Bill Bullock, of my 1993 CASL Spartan Elite White team, arranged a trip to Scandinavia for the team. We were the first American side to play in a tournament, the Eskils Cupen in Helsingborg Sweden, in the 40+ year history of the event. We were quite an attraction being the only American team of 650+ teams in the tournament. The team did very well and took home the champion's and fair play trophies for the tournament.
Then the group traveled to Norway where we played two friendlies. Our tour operator, arranged for two 17 year old Norwegian soccer players to be our tour guides in Oslo. They were Chris Ager and, yes, you guessed it, Mikkel Diskerud. Therefore, our tour guides from 3 summers ago both play in the US or for the US. Chris is a player at Boston College, so he was down in our area for the ACC Soccer Tournament and Mix is training with the US National team at the same complex, WakeMed Soccer Park.
I guess there is only one explanation, "IT IS A SMALL WORLD!!"
Charlie Slagle
How does this fit into CASL, you may ask! In the summer of 2008, one of the parents, Bill Bullock, of my 1993 CASL Spartan Elite White team, arranged a trip to Scandinavia for the team. We were the first American side to play in a tournament, the Eskils Cupen in Helsingborg Sweden, in the 40+ year history of the event. We were quite an attraction being the only American team of 650+ teams in the tournament. The team did very well and took home the champion's and fair play trophies for the tournament.
Then the group traveled to Norway where we played two friendlies. Our tour operator, arranged for two 17 year old Norwegian soccer players to be our tour guides in Oslo. They were Chris Ager and, yes, you guessed it, Mikkel Diskerud. Therefore, our tour guides from 3 summers ago both play in the US or for the US. Chris is a player at Boston College, so he was down in our area for the ACC Soccer Tournament and Mix is training with the US National team at the same complex, WakeMed Soccer Park.
I guess there is only one explanation, "IT IS A SMALL WORLD!!"
Charlie Slagle
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
What is the Early Bird Special in Recreation Registration?
This year, as we unveil recreation registration for next fall's season, CASL will implement an Early Bird component. The Early Bird replaces regular registration. Anybody applying and paying during the Early Bird time frame will be guaranteed placement on their team from the spring, if you elect to stay on that team. Anyone else applying during the Early Bird time frame will be guaranteed placement on a team.
If you do not apply during the Early Bird time frame, there will be an increase in the cost (generally $10) and veteran players will not be guaranteed that they will return to their spring team. Also, new registrants will not be guaranteed placement on any team (this all depends on spaces available on teams in each age bracket and whether the fall schedule has been completed (therefore, it is time sensitive-the later you apply the less likely it will be that there will be a spot available)).
Someone might ask, "Why does CASL start registration so early and why the perceived early deadline for guaranteed placement?" CASL starts Recreation registration about midway through the previous season to allow for soccer to be fresh on the minds of CASL members. It also allows the coach to encourage his/her team to register to be on the same team the next season. The guaranteed placement deadline may seem early but there is a lot of work to do to get ready for the next season. The recreation administrators must form teams, find coaches for those teams and, during the summer of each year, move teams up an age bracket. This all has to be done before the scheduler can schedule all the games for the season. We, therefore, work backwards-we determine when we need to give practice and game schedules out to the teams and then work back to as long as it takes the scheduler to schedule the 2,500+ games per season and then how long it takes the recreation administrators to form the teams. After doing that, we determine when the Early Bird ends and placement can't be guaranteed.
Some may complain that the having to pay more after the Early Bird time period is unfair. There is a component of this that is trying to encourage people to register and pay before the guaranteed placement deadline, for sure. However, the CASL staff spends many extra hours dealing with people that miss the deadline and want to get back on their previous team. We hope that the Early Bird price structure decreases the 20% of the applicants that apply after the guaranteed placement deadline.THEREFORE, my advice is to "APPLY DURING THE EARLY BIRD & ALL WILL BE GREAT!" You'll save $ and get back on your spring team, if that is your desire, for returning players and you will get on a team, guaranteed, if you are new to CASL or didn't play during the previous season!
Charlie Slagle
If you do not apply during the Early Bird time frame, there will be an increase in the cost (generally $10) and veteran players will not be guaranteed that they will return to their spring team. Also, new registrants will not be guaranteed placement on any team (this all depends on spaces available on teams in each age bracket and whether the fall schedule has been completed (therefore, it is time sensitive-the later you apply the less likely it will be that there will be a spot available)).
Someone might ask, "Why does CASL start registration so early and why the perceived early deadline for guaranteed placement?" CASL starts Recreation registration about midway through the previous season to allow for soccer to be fresh on the minds of CASL members. It also allows the coach to encourage his/her team to register to be on the same team the next season. The guaranteed placement deadline may seem early but there is a lot of work to do to get ready for the next season. The recreation administrators must form teams, find coaches for those teams and, during the summer of each year, move teams up an age bracket. This all has to be done before the scheduler can schedule all the games for the season. We, therefore, work backwards-we determine when we need to give practice and game schedules out to the teams and then work back to as long as it takes the scheduler to schedule the 2,500+ games per season and then how long it takes the recreation administrators to form the teams. After doing that, we determine when the Early Bird ends and placement can't be guaranteed.
Some may complain that the having to pay more after the Early Bird time period is unfair. There is a component of this that is trying to encourage people to register and pay before the guaranteed placement deadline, for sure. However, the CASL staff spends many extra hours dealing with people that miss the deadline and want to get back on their previous team. We hope that the Early Bird price structure decreases the 20% of the applicants that apply after the guaranteed placement deadline.THEREFORE, my advice is to "APPLY DURING THE EARLY BIRD & ALL WILL BE GREAT!" You'll save $ and get back on your spring team, if that is your desire, for returning players and you will get on a team, guaranteed, if you are new to CASL or didn't play during the previous season!
Charlie Slagle
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
What did the US National Team do in practice today?
I went to the US Men's National Team in practice today (Tuesday) at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC. The team is preparing for this Saturday's game against Argentina and next Wednesday's game against Paraguay. Most of the best players from the US are here this week as the European club teams are off this weekend to allow teams to play in International Friendlies!
What struck me about today's practice was the organization and simplicity of the session. After a thorough warmup of the field players plus a separate warmup of the goalkeepers, the goalkeepers stayed separate and worked on balls from various angles. The field players played across the field to 2 small goals on each end of the field. This game was played through zones and both the defensive and offensive side of the ball were emphasized. Coach Bob Bradley let them play for the most part but definitely wanted them to play quicker. He encouraged the players to play 1 and 2 touch balls even though this was not a restriction. He also stopped the action to talk about playing the two touch balls even quicker by knowing the options before receiving the ball. The action was good and the creativity near the goal was interesting to watch.
The game now changed to big goals on 1/2 of the field with the sidelines pushed in about 10 yards on each side. The three goalkeepers all got action and the emphasis was the same, to play quickly and smartly.
After about 1 hour and 20 minutes the main body of work was done and many of the players started to warm down. Others worked on springing teammates free on balls from the midfielders to the strikers. The strikers then attempted to finish on the goalkeepers. This was done with through balls on the ground and diagonal balls over the top in the air.
The coaching staff was prepared with the practice plan. They had all the healthy players getting a good work out. The theme was easy to see and continued throughout the practice. The instructions from the coaching staff were well timed and the information was delivered quickly so the players could get back to the action.
All in all a great session as the team prepares for "Messi and friends" this weekend!
Charlie Slagle
What struck me about today's practice was the organization and simplicity of the session. After a thorough warmup of the field players plus a separate warmup of the goalkeepers, the goalkeepers stayed separate and worked on balls from various angles. The field players played across the field to 2 small goals on each end of the field. This game was played through zones and both the defensive and offensive side of the ball were emphasized. Coach Bob Bradley let them play for the most part but definitely wanted them to play quicker. He encouraged the players to play 1 and 2 touch balls even though this was not a restriction. He also stopped the action to talk about playing the two touch balls even quicker by knowing the options before receiving the ball. The action was good and the creativity near the goal was interesting to watch.
The game now changed to big goals on 1/2 of the field with the sidelines pushed in about 10 yards on each side. The three goalkeepers all got action and the emphasis was the same, to play quickly and smartly.
After about 1 hour and 20 minutes the main body of work was done and many of the players started to warm down. Others worked on springing teammates free on balls from the midfielders to the strikers. The strikers then attempted to finish on the goalkeepers. This was done with through balls on the ground and diagonal balls over the top in the air.
The coaching staff was prepared with the practice plan. They had all the healthy players getting a good work out. The theme was easy to see and continued throughout the practice. The instructions from the coaching staff were well timed and the information was delivered quickly so the players could get back to the action.
All in all a great session as the team prepares for "Messi and friends" this weekend!
Charlie Slagle
Monday, March 21, 2011
What are some of the changes that you will see at WRAL Soccer Center?
In the next 6 weeks, there will be many changes at WRAL Soccer Center! Already the road has been repaved. As mentioned earlier, there is a cell tower going up and the funds coming from rent will help pave more of the roads and parking lots at the soccer center through the years. Many of the old fences have been torn down. Some awnings and other improvements have occurred on the buildings plus a new roof on the maintenance building. AND, of course, the new synthetic surface field, Baker Roofing Field.
What is to come: New fencing throughout the park-some in the same locations and some in new areas. The start of making Eurosport and Great Outdoor Provision Fields into grass stadium fields. Some offices added to the upstairs of the Radford building. The shelter will be enclosed, as well.
This is the start of a ten year plan for CASL. There will be other changes to WRAL Soccer Center as we continue to improve our field surfaces and the other areas of the park. The ten year plan will also have a component of finding new sites to develop other fields throughout the CASL playing area! There will also be IT changes and improvements to communication!
This is an exciting time for CASL and the input from the membership is encouraged!
Charlie Slagle
What is to come: New fencing throughout the park-some in the same locations and some in new areas. The start of making Eurosport and Great Outdoor Provision Fields into grass stadium fields. Some offices added to the upstairs of the Radford building. The shelter will be enclosed, as well.
This is the start of a ten year plan for CASL. There will be other changes to WRAL Soccer Center as we continue to improve our field surfaces and the other areas of the park. The ten year plan will also have a component of finding new sites to develop other fields throughout the CASL playing area! There will also be IT changes and improvements to communication!
This is an exciting time for CASL and the input from the membership is encouraged!
Charlie Slagle
Thursday, March 17, 2011
What is on Back of the Net this Saturday? + Other Musings
Every Saturday, I host the "Back of the Net" Soccer Show on 99.9 the Fan from 7-8 am. I guess that my first sentence isn't exactly right as James Alaverson, the show's producer, will be filling in for me this Saturday, as I will be out of town.
James will talk to CASL Director of Coaching, Rusty Scarborough and CASL Youth Director, Paul Forster, live from outside Tottenham's stadium in London where they will watch (less than 2 hours later) Tottenham host West Ham in an English Premier League (EPL) match. Rusty will talk about the Champions League and his experience watching Manchester United host Marseille (which was on Tuesday) and Chelsea host Copenhagen (on Wednesday). The Champions League is down to the final eight clubs! It is always a thrill to be amongst the crowd in those venues! Paul, the "Back of the Net" EPL expert will then discuss the league as it is winding down to a close. Who gets to play in Europe next year, who gets relegated, etc. will be discussed.
James will then interview me and we will talk about the MLS season kicking off and the US Men's National Team visit to Cary next week to train for friendlies against Argentina (in NY on Saturday 3/26) and Paraquay (in Nashville on Wed 3/30).
Finally, there will be a Carolina Railhawk segment where James will talk to one of the Railhawks' players. The Railhawks open against the Puerto Rico Islanders on April 9th at WakeMed Stadium.
I got this comment from a previous post from Sperry:
"Any chance CASL could hire an off-duty police officer on these huge tournament weekends to help our visitors (and us) get out of WRAL? I've seen it done at tournaments in Charlotte and Winston-Salem recently and have been impressed by the thoughtfulness. Could we do the same? "
To Sperry: We have been doing this occassionally for our CASL visitraleigh.com National Soccer Series presented by Chelsea events but we have decided that it will be a common practice for those tournaments in the future. We will have to see what the modifications of the policemen's duties will be when the Perry Creek Road construction is complete (hopefully by this fall). Perry Creek will be five lanes with a large left hand turn loading lane for turning into the park if cars are coming from US 1 (Capital Blvd).
Sperry, thanks for your comment!
Looks like great weather for the weekend. It should be a great weekend for soccer (Of course, I think that almost all weekends are great weekends for soccer!)! "Have Fun and Remember it is Just a Game!"
Charlie Slagle
James will talk to CASL Director of Coaching, Rusty Scarborough and CASL Youth Director, Paul Forster, live from outside Tottenham's stadium in London where they will watch (less than 2 hours later) Tottenham host West Ham in an English Premier League (EPL) match. Rusty will talk about the Champions League and his experience watching Manchester United host Marseille (which was on Tuesday) and Chelsea host Copenhagen (on Wednesday). The Champions League is down to the final eight clubs! It is always a thrill to be amongst the crowd in those venues! Paul, the "Back of the Net" EPL expert will then discuss the league as it is winding down to a close. Who gets to play in Europe next year, who gets relegated, etc. will be discussed.
James will then interview me and we will talk about the MLS season kicking off and the US Men's National Team visit to Cary next week to train for friendlies against Argentina (in NY on Saturday 3/26) and Paraquay (in Nashville on Wed 3/30).
Finally, there will be a Carolina Railhawk segment where James will talk to one of the Railhawks' players. The Railhawks open against the Puerto Rico Islanders on April 9th at WakeMed Stadium.
I got this comment from a previous post from Sperry:
"Any chance CASL could hire an off-duty police officer on these huge tournament weekends to help our visitors (and us) get out of WRAL? I've seen it done at tournaments in Charlotte and Winston-Salem recently and have been impressed by the thoughtfulness. Could we do the same? "
To Sperry: We have been doing this occassionally for our CASL visitraleigh.com National Soccer Series presented by Chelsea events but we have decided that it will be a common practice for those tournaments in the future. We will have to see what the modifications of the policemen's duties will be when the Perry Creek Road construction is complete (hopefully by this fall). Perry Creek will be five lanes with a large left hand turn loading lane for turning into the park if cars are coming from US 1 (Capital Blvd).
Sperry, thanks for your comment!
Looks like great weather for the weekend. It should be a great weekend for soccer (Of course, I think that almost all weekends are great weekends for soccer!)! "Have Fun and Remember it is Just a Game!"
Charlie Slagle
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Why watch Soccer?
I believe, that in the United States, our youth soccer players do not watch enough soccer. Watching players play at a higher level does a couple of things. First, it showcases the talent of the players. Watching great players perform moves, get out of tight situations, bend a ball violently on a shot, cut down the angle (by a gk) on a shot, etc., allows the viewers to see that a) it can be done and b) how it is done. Then players go out and try some new moves on their own or in practice....maybe even in a game (I think practicing that move might be beneficial first, however).
Secondly, it shows how these players play within their team's system. Lionel Messi (what a goal he scored last week against Arsenal) does not use all his moves all the time. He and all the world class players are very proficient first time passers of the ball. Simple and playing the way you face are huge attributes to the game and teams' systems and successes.
Thirdly, watching players run off the ball can be beneficial, as well. The timing, destination and the pace of the runs are important factors.
Lastly, feeling the excitemant of the game due to the intensity on the field and in the stands is a great learning experience. There were 36,443 in Seattle last night for the First Kick Game of the MLS season (won by the LA Galaxy 1-0). Therefore, that excitement is not limited to countries and leagues outside the US. The MLS is definitely turning the corner and it will be fun to watch it blossom.
There are plenty of options to watch soccer. A younger player can watch an older club team play or a high school soccer game. We have some of the best collegiate programs (both men and women) close by to watch. The TV is now loaded with domestic and international soccer (what a change form 20 or even 10 years ago).
Watching the other American sports is common practice. We, adults, grew up watching and idolizing major leaguers, NBAers, NFLers and the like. Youth tend to watch and then emulate!
Hence, go watch a game as a family! The Railhawks open on April 9th and have plenty of games during the next 6 months. They are a quality team and it is an educational but also fun experience. DC United isn't that far up the road. Local club games are free to watch and close by. Players will improve by watching other better players and then going out to practice what they have seen! Have fun watching this great game!
Charlie Slagle
Secondly, it shows how these players play within their team's system. Lionel Messi (what a goal he scored last week against Arsenal) does not use all his moves all the time. He and all the world class players are very proficient first time passers of the ball. Simple and playing the way you face are huge attributes to the game and teams' systems and successes.
Thirdly, watching players run off the ball can be beneficial, as well. The timing, destination and the pace of the runs are important factors.
Lastly, feeling the excitemant of the game due to the intensity on the field and in the stands is a great learning experience. There were 36,443 in Seattle last night for the First Kick Game of the MLS season (won by the LA Galaxy 1-0). Therefore, that excitement is not limited to countries and leagues outside the US. The MLS is definitely turning the corner and it will be fun to watch it blossom.
There are plenty of options to watch soccer. A younger player can watch an older club team play or a high school soccer game. We have some of the best collegiate programs (both men and women) close by to watch. The TV is now loaded with domestic and international soccer (what a change form 20 or even 10 years ago).
Watching the other American sports is common practice. We, adults, grew up watching and idolizing major leaguers, NBAers, NFLers and the like. Youth tend to watch and then emulate!
Hence, go watch a game as a family! The Railhawks open on April 9th and have plenty of games during the next 6 months. They are a quality team and it is an educational but also fun experience. DC United isn't that far up the road. Local club games are free to watch and close by. Players will improve by watching other better players and then going out to practice what they have seen! Have fun watching this great game!
Charlie Slagle
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
What is the heavy equipment doing at WRAL Soccer Center? How nice is Daylight Savings Time?
Many have probably wondered what the large equipment is doing at WRAL Soccer Center. We found out last year that the property was a prime location for a cell tower. After some negotiations, some red tape and jumping through some proverbial hoops, a contract was signed. CASL will get a yearly sum for hosting this cell tower and the money earned will be used for one thing..........PAVING! As you have seen, we have repaved the main "U" road at the facility. The cell tower revenue will be used to pave more of the dirt road and more parking lots at the soccer center!
How bout DST.....Daylight Savings Time! I, for one, would rather wake up to the dark and get daylight longer into the evening. As a soccer league, it allows for better timing of practice schedules, reasonable start times for Sunday games and just an overall better soccer day. Some of that may be due to the March spring forward of the clocks also coincides with warmer weather! For whatever reason, I'm glad it is here!
Charlie Slagle
How bout DST.....Daylight Savings Time! I, for one, would rather wake up to the dark and get daylight longer into the evening. As a soccer league, it allows for better timing of practice schedules, reasonable start times for Sunday games and just an overall better soccer day. Some of that may be due to the March spring forward of the clocks also coincides with warmer weather! For whatever reason, I'm glad it is here!
Charlie Slagle
Monday, March 14, 2011
What are this posts parameters? ET AL
I was talking to my son Barry (the assistant men's soccer coach at Wofford College) yesterday and of course due to our ages, he is much more tech savvy than I. We were talking about this blog and he suggested that I have scheduled times for the publishing of my posts. It sounded like a great idea......so.........here it is!
It is my intention to publish a post during the season before noon on Monday through Thursday. Of course, being the verbose guy that I am, there might be other posts at other times as the inspiration hits me or there is a need.
A couple of other things about this blog......I want to thank the blog's 17 followers. I, also, want to encourage people to ask questions of interest to them and I will try to answer them individually or on the blog as a topic.
During the off-season (I'm not sure that there actually is one), I will reevaluate the timing and volume of the blogs. The main premise is to keep the CASL membership informed!
My desk has seen a few instances of sideline misconduct from over the weekend. We need to do everything in our power to eliminate this kind of activity. It does not have a part in a youth sports organization. CASL will review and impose sanctions, as necessary! We can not and will not let a few individuals spoil the fun for the masses!! Looks like a cool, and maybe wet, beginning of the week and then a beautiful weekend for games!
Charlie Slagle
It is my intention to publish a post during the season before noon on Monday through Thursday. Of course, being the verbose guy that I am, there might be other posts at other times as the inspiration hits me or there is a need.
A couple of other things about this blog......I want to thank the blog's 17 followers. I, also, want to encourage people to ask questions of interest to them and I will try to answer them individually or on the blog as a topic.
During the off-season (I'm not sure that there actually is one), I will reevaluate the timing and volume of the blogs. The main premise is to keep the CASL membership informed!
My desk has seen a few instances of sideline misconduct from over the weekend. We need to do everything in our power to eliminate this kind of activity. It does not have a part in a youth sports organization. CASL will review and impose sanctions, as necessary! We can not and will not let a few individuals spoil the fun for the masses!! Looks like a cool, and maybe wet, beginning of the week and then a beautiful weekend for games!
Charlie Slagle
Sunday, March 13, 2011
What did I see walking around on a Saturday day of games?
I had a great day roaming the fields at WRAL Soccer Center yesterday. I always enjoy watching the younger players play. As I was watching an U8 game, I was standing near a coach on the field (he was on the field, I wasn't) in a spirited hard fought contest. His son was in a defensive position in our 4 v 4 league. While the game was going on but there was a lull for his defense playing son, the son looked at his dad/coach and asked, "Do we have snack?" My thought, of course, is that it is the whole experience for these young players and, YES, the snack is a big part of the experience. We, as parents and administrators, must always be mindful of the whole experience when watching games and practices.
I was also watching a younger 11 v 11 classic game and was standing by myself near one of the corner flags. A young linesman was working that sideline and was doing a good job. In a close game, a long ball over the top cleared one player and went to a player for a breakaway. That player shot and hit it right at the goalkeeper but unfortunately for the goalkeeper, it went through his hands and then his legs and into the goal. The coach of the goalkeeper said nothing to him but did engage the young referee by questioning if the player that the ball went over on the way to the breakaway player was in an offside position and that, according to the coach, yes he was and that he was influencing the play (I thought that the player was in an ONside position and wasn't influencing the play). To the young referee's credit, he listened to the coach and was respectful and the game resumed. My thought, in this situation, was the person that needed talking to was the goalkeeper. He needed encouragement from the coach and his fellow teammates, but none was forthcoming(it may have come at halftime-but i wasn't around at halftime....)!
I, also, received a note from a referee who was doing an Under 10 game at Cedar Fork Park. He described a play where a goalkeeper reached for a ball and in the ref's opinion, did not touch it as it went out of bounds. The referee signaled for a goal kick but the young goalkeeper told him that he touched it and he changed his call to a corner kick. This same referee noticed that one parent during the same game, on a few occassions, was lauding the play of the other team (a good pass, a good throw-in, etc.). This parent thanked the referee for his service after the game and the referee inquired as to who he was................the aforementioned goalkeeper's dad!
I'm sure on Monday morning (if not before), I will either directly or indirectly hear about some negative incidents that happened during games this weekend. I, however, wanted to share with you these two positive stories and also my take on a particular coaching situation that I witnessed! Let the games continue and Have Fun and Remember, it is Just a Game!
Charlie Slagle
I was also watching a younger 11 v 11 classic game and was standing by myself near one of the corner flags. A young linesman was working that sideline and was doing a good job. In a close game, a long ball over the top cleared one player and went to a player for a breakaway. That player shot and hit it right at the goalkeeper but unfortunately for the goalkeeper, it went through his hands and then his legs and into the goal. The coach of the goalkeeper said nothing to him but did engage the young referee by questioning if the player that the ball went over on the way to the breakaway player was in an offside position and that, according to the coach, yes he was and that he was influencing the play (I thought that the player was in an ONside position and wasn't influencing the play). To the young referee's credit, he listened to the coach and was respectful and the game resumed. My thought, in this situation, was the person that needed talking to was the goalkeeper. He needed encouragement from the coach and his fellow teammates, but none was forthcoming(it may have come at halftime-but i wasn't around at halftime....)!
I, also, received a note from a referee who was doing an Under 10 game at Cedar Fork Park. He described a play where a goalkeeper reached for a ball and in the ref's opinion, did not touch it as it went out of bounds. The referee signaled for a goal kick but the young goalkeeper told him that he touched it and he changed his call to a corner kick. This same referee noticed that one parent during the same game, on a few occassions, was lauding the play of the other team (a good pass, a good throw-in, etc.). This parent thanked the referee for his service after the game and the referee inquired as to who he was................the aforementioned goalkeeper's dad!
I'm sure on Monday morning (if not before), I will either directly or indirectly hear about some negative incidents that happened during games this weekend. I, however, wanted to share with you these two positive stories and also my take on a particular coaching situation that I witnessed! Let the games continue and Have Fun and Remember, it is Just a Game!
Charlie Slagle
Saturday, March 12, 2011
What fields are open and closed on Saturday March 12th?
Due to the heavy rain this week and the time of year(spring fields have less absorption due to the bermuda grass being dormant and the winter rye not absorb as well), the fields that CASL uses are still pretty wet. Therefore, some fields are closed today while others are open. On the open fields, games will be played as scheduled and we ask the coaches to be mindful and not warmup in the wetter areas.
The fields that are closed are: Panther Creek HS, Thomas Brooks Park, Davis Drive Park and Preston. The games lost today will be made up at a later date. Info on the make-up dates for these games should be available early next week. Have a great time out there, be sure to "Have Fun and Remember that it is Just a Game!"
Charlie Slagle
The fields that are closed are: Panther Creek HS, Thomas Brooks Park, Davis Drive Park and Preston. The games lost today will be made up at a later date. Info on the make-up dates for these games should be available early next week. Have a great time out there, be sure to "Have Fun and Remember that it is Just a Game!"
Charlie Slagle
Friday, March 11, 2011
What is on Back of the Net Tomorrow (3/12/11)?
I host a Saturday morning radio show called "Back of the Net" which airs on 99.9 the Fan from 7-8am. The show is sponsored by Dunn Physical Therapy. Last week we had US Men's National Team assistant coach Mike Sorber on and he announced that the US Men's National Team would be training on March 21-24 at WakeMed Soccer Park in preparation for their friendlies against Argentina on 3/26 in NY and against Paraquay on 3/30 in Nashville. These practices will be closed but America's best will be in town!
Tomorrow, we will have 4 guests. Our UEFA Champions League expert, Michael Milazzo will discuss the round of 16. Four 1/4 finalists have been determined and 4 more will be determined next week.
We will also have Jim Wright, CASL's Director of Recreation. Jim, whose primary responsibility is recreation coach training, will discuss the various goings-on with CASL Recreation! Rob Andrews, CASL's Director of Challenge, will also be on. He will discuss the CASL Challenge League and the CASL Challenge Ambassador program. The Ambassador program is entering its third year and over 100 CASL challenge players will be playing in a tournament in Sweden this summer!
Our last guest will be Martin Rennie, the coach of the Carolina Railhawks. He will talk about the team as they prepare for their opener, April 9th, against the defending champion Puerto Rico Islanders! Tune in to keep up with the soccer news in the area!
Charlie Slagle
Tomorrow, we will have 4 guests. Our UEFA Champions League expert, Michael Milazzo will discuss the round of 16. Four 1/4 finalists have been determined and 4 more will be determined next week.
We will also have Jim Wright, CASL's Director of Recreation. Jim, whose primary responsibility is recreation coach training, will discuss the various goings-on with CASL Recreation! Rob Andrews, CASL's Director of Challenge, will also be on. He will discuss the CASL Challenge League and the CASL Challenge Ambassador program. The Ambassador program is entering its third year and over 100 CASL challenge players will be playing in a tournament in Sweden this summer!
Our last guest will be Martin Rennie, the coach of the Carolina Railhawks. He will talk about the team as they prepare for their opener, April 9th, against the defending champion Puerto Rico Islanders! Tune in to keep up with the soccer news in the area!
Charlie Slagle
Thursday, March 10, 2011
What are the dangers around a soccer game or practice?
I'll try to list some of the dangers that are around the soccer field during games and practices. I'll start with the more severe dangers and work my way to the less severe.
Lightning: Lightning can be a killer and no game nor practice is worth the risk of tempting fate. CASL employs the 30/30 rule, if lightning is witnessed and thunder is heard within 30 seconds of the flash of lightning (it means that the strike was closer than 6 miles) then everyone should get off the field and seek shelter. People are not allowed on the field until 30 minutes after the last such occurance. You need to remember that lightning can be on the edges of a storm, so, no rain needs to accompany a lightning strike. I sometimes see players out of shelter waiting for the game to resume when it is not raining. This is very unsafe. Players, and all others, should be under shelter or in a car until it is clear to go back to play! DON'T MESS WITH LIGHTNING!
Goals: Goals need to be anchored with sand bags or some other anchoring device. All the CASL fields have sand bags or other implements to anchor goals, however, during practices, goals may be moved and the sand bags don't make the trip. All (coaches, referees, players and parents) should make sure that your goal is anchored. As a side note, the sand bag doesn't go on the net to keep it down it goes on the goal itself!
Driving: It should go without saying, but, I'll say it anyways. Our soccer parks have children engrossed in something other than looking out for cars. Please slow down and make sure that all stay safe. To our teen drivers: Please realize that you need to be extra careful around the soccer parks. Text or call before getting started and take your time while in the parks!
Sideline: Spectators have a tendency to crowd the sideline. This is unsafe for the players and the spectators. Not all spectators are paying 100% attention and chairs, stools and umbrellas are not a good way for a player to stop. I often see other smaller children playing right next to the field and not paying attention to the game, this is an accident waiting to happen. Also, please know where other (non-playing) children are during a game. It is easy to get too honed in on the action on the field and not know what another sibling might be doing. I see kids climbing on goals, fences and nets. I see others near the road or parking lot. Hopefully, we can all be vigilant!
Sun: We all should get in the habit of using sunblock. Games can last from 1 hour to 2 hours and players and spectators should get used to getting in the habit of being protected from the sun!
There are many perils that occur in a contact sport such as soccer on the field. That is why we have trained referees and why we train the coaches to teach good practices on the field. However, the dangers listed above have simple solutions, if we all pay attention and are vigilant. "HAVE FUN and REMEMBER it is JUST a GAME!"
Charlie Slagle
Lightning: Lightning can be a killer and no game nor practice is worth the risk of tempting fate. CASL employs the 30/30 rule, if lightning is witnessed and thunder is heard within 30 seconds of the flash of lightning (it means that the strike was closer than 6 miles) then everyone should get off the field and seek shelter. People are not allowed on the field until 30 minutes after the last such occurance. You need to remember that lightning can be on the edges of a storm, so, no rain needs to accompany a lightning strike. I sometimes see players out of shelter waiting for the game to resume when it is not raining. This is very unsafe. Players, and all others, should be under shelter or in a car until it is clear to go back to play! DON'T MESS WITH LIGHTNING!
Goals: Goals need to be anchored with sand bags or some other anchoring device. All the CASL fields have sand bags or other implements to anchor goals, however, during practices, goals may be moved and the sand bags don't make the trip. All (coaches, referees, players and parents) should make sure that your goal is anchored. As a side note, the sand bag doesn't go on the net to keep it down it goes on the goal itself!
Driving: It should go without saying, but, I'll say it anyways. Our soccer parks have children engrossed in something other than looking out for cars. Please slow down and make sure that all stay safe. To our teen drivers: Please realize that you need to be extra careful around the soccer parks. Text or call before getting started and take your time while in the parks!
Sideline: Spectators have a tendency to crowd the sideline. This is unsafe for the players and the spectators. Not all spectators are paying 100% attention and chairs, stools and umbrellas are not a good way for a player to stop. I often see other smaller children playing right next to the field and not paying attention to the game, this is an accident waiting to happen. Also, please know where other (non-playing) children are during a game. It is easy to get too honed in on the action on the field and not know what another sibling might be doing. I see kids climbing on goals, fences and nets. I see others near the road or parking lot. Hopefully, we can all be vigilant!
Sun: We all should get in the habit of using sunblock. Games can last from 1 hour to 2 hours and players and spectators should get used to getting in the habit of being protected from the sun!
There are many perils that occur in a contact sport such as soccer on the field. That is why we have trained referees and why we train the coaches to teach good practices on the field. However, the dangers listed above have simple solutions, if we all pay attention and are vigilant. "HAVE FUN and REMEMBER it is JUST a GAME!"
Charlie Slagle
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
What happens after a Rained Out Day?
Last Sunday, CASL games were rained out on all of the natural surface fields in the CASL system. When determining whether to call off a day of play many factors are considered. We try not to rely on the forecast of rain, since, as we all know, that is an inexact science. Primarily, the well being of the players is taken into account. Field conditions play a part in this as a bad surface can be dangerous. Secondly, we take into account if the game can be played within some sort of normal parameters. Puddles throughout the field would cause for ball stoppages and would make the game very little like soccer. Thirdly, we take into account the field surface itself. Getting in one weekend of games at the expense of ruining the fields for a long period time is not a good trade-off. The fields in the spring are less able to absorb a generous rain event due to the main grass (bermuda) being dormant at that time of year. In the fall, the bermuda grass is still in its growing season and soaks up the rain at a much greater rate than does the overseeded rye during the spring. Hence, it is more likely that a spring game day might be called off than a fall game day (remnants of hurricanes not included here-as they tend to come in the fall season). Therefore, all of these factors are considered when deciding to call off a day of soccer or part of a day of soccer.
Once a game has begun, it is the referee's decision as to whether a game can continue or not due to worsening weather or field conditions. In the case of lightning, either the referees or a representative of CASL at that complex will make that decision. CASL nor anyone should not challenge a lightning event as the danger is GREAT! CASL uses a 30/30 rule which will be discussed on a later blog.
Once a day or part of a day of games is called off then CASL begins the process of rescheduling the games. CASL wants everyone to play their full complement of games during their season and therefore attempts to reschedule all games. Seasonally, we usually build in a rain make-up weekend where we can shift games to that day. In fact, the recreation games that were missed on Sunday 3/6/11 have been moved to Sunday 5/15/11. The missed Challenge games are being rescheduled after consulting the various challenge age group coordinators. This is being done, as I type. After the rescheduling process is complete, the games are then recorded on our scheduling system and then are posted on the CASL website, http://www.caslnc.com/.
This whole process is not simple but one that we have had to do many times throughout the years. We hope that everyone can play all of their games and that all can be available for their make-up games, as well! Hopefully, it looks like good weather this weekend.......but we all know about planning too far in advance. "Have Fun and Remember it is Just a Game!"
Charlie Slagle
Once a game has begun, it is the referee's decision as to whether a game can continue or not due to worsening weather or field conditions. In the case of lightning, either the referees or a representative of CASL at that complex will make that decision. CASL nor anyone should not challenge a lightning event as the danger is GREAT! CASL uses a 30/30 rule which will be discussed on a later blog.
Once a day or part of a day of games is called off then CASL begins the process of rescheduling the games. CASL wants everyone to play their full complement of games during their season and therefore attempts to reschedule all games. Seasonally, we usually build in a rain make-up weekend where we can shift games to that day. In fact, the recreation games that were missed on Sunday 3/6/11 have been moved to Sunday 5/15/11. The missed Challenge games are being rescheduled after consulting the various challenge age group coordinators. This is being done, as I type. After the rescheduling process is complete, the games are then recorded on our scheduling system and then are posted on the CASL website, http://www.caslnc.com/.
This whole process is not simple but one that we have had to do many times throughout the years. We hope that everyone can play all of their games and that all can be available for their make-up games, as well! Hopefully, it looks like good weather this weekend.......but we all know about planning too far in advance. "Have Fun and Remember it is Just a Game!"
Charlie Slagle
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
What is the Economic Impact of the CASL Tournaments?
Recently, there has been some publicity about the Estimated Economic Impact (EEI) that the NHL All Star Game provided the area. The number was in the $11 million range. This number is derived, primarily, from hotel room nights and prepared food purchases from out of the area guests. The All Star Game was a great event for the area and has received plaudits from many in this country and Canada! I congratulate the Hurricanes and all the volunteers etc. on a job well done!
CASL's main tournament series, The CASL visitraleigh.com National Soccer Series presented by Chelsea Football Club (yes, that is the full name, I'll go with The National Soccer Series to provide some brevity the rest of the way) occurs usually over 5 weekends in Novemeber and December annually. There are four weekends of play over those five weekends (there isn't an event Thanksgiving weekend). These weekend Shootouts and Showcases are for Classic level teams. The Shootout tournaments are for Under 10-14 ages with one weekend being a girls' weekend and the other a boys' weekend. The Showcase tournaments are for the High School age players (Under 15-19) and are watched by many college coaches, who are on the recruiting trail. The Boys' Showcase and the girls' Showcase occur on separate weekends.
Last year, 2010, there were a total of 1140 teams from 40+ states in the National Soccer Series weekends. The girls' Showcase attracted 440 teams (there were over 300 teams that couldn't be accepted due to lack of field and hotel room space). Over 650 women's college coaches came to watch the event.
On an annual basis, the CASL tournaments EEI is between $8-10 million. In 2008, CASL also hosted the USYS Southern Regionals, with the help of Wilson Youth Soccer and the City of Wilson, with 184 teams for the six day tournament. That year, the National Soccer Series in addition to the Regionals generated close to $14 million of Estimated Economic Impact.
We are pleased to, yearly, host these tournaments and, of course, always wish for good Southern weather during the events. This year had great weather until the next to last day of the girls' Showcase when we had that 4 inch snowfall on Saturday afternoon. There are many staff and volunteers that make these events an annual success and my hat is tipped to all of them!
Charlie Slagle
CASL's main tournament series, The CASL visitraleigh.com National Soccer Series presented by Chelsea Football Club (yes, that is the full name, I'll go with The National Soccer Series to provide some brevity the rest of the way) occurs usually over 5 weekends in Novemeber and December annually. There are four weekends of play over those five weekends (there isn't an event Thanksgiving weekend). These weekend Shootouts and Showcases are for Classic level teams. The Shootout tournaments are for Under 10-14 ages with one weekend being a girls' weekend and the other a boys' weekend. The Showcase tournaments are for the High School age players (Under 15-19) and are watched by many college coaches, who are on the recruiting trail. The Boys' Showcase and the girls' Showcase occur on separate weekends.
Last year, 2010, there were a total of 1140 teams from 40+ states in the National Soccer Series weekends. The girls' Showcase attracted 440 teams (there were over 300 teams that couldn't be accepted due to lack of field and hotel room space). Over 650 women's college coaches came to watch the event.
On an annual basis, the CASL tournaments EEI is between $8-10 million. In 2008, CASL also hosted the USYS Southern Regionals, with the help of Wilson Youth Soccer and the City of Wilson, with 184 teams for the six day tournament. That year, the National Soccer Series in addition to the Regionals generated close to $14 million of Estimated Economic Impact.
We are pleased to, yearly, host these tournaments and, of course, always wish for good Southern weather during the events. This year had great weather until the next to last day of the girls' Showcase when we had that 4 inch snowfall on Saturday afternoon. There are many staff and volunteers that make these events an annual success and my hat is tipped to all of them!
Charlie Slagle
Monday, March 7, 2011
What is the CASL Board of Directors? Who is CASL Chairman of the Board, Vincent Mangelli?
The CASL Board is comprised of 12 voting board members. The Executive Committee has the chairman, the vice chairman, the secretary and the treasurer. The other eight spots include playing divisions and geographic areas that CASL covers. The playing division board members represent recreation, challenge, boys classic and girls classic divisions. The geographic areas are Raleigh , Cary/Apex/Morrisville, Garner and Wake Forest
The CASL Board is an oversight group that approves initiatives of the CASL staff. The board approves large expenditures, large contracts and the yearly budget. The board is a conduit for CASL members to provide feedback and ideas for the betterment of the club. The Board has between 4-6 yearly meetings and the Executive Board has additional meetings, as well. The CASL CEO attends all of the Board’s meetings and other members of the CASL Management Team attend, as needed.
The board members are as follows:
Chairman-Vincent Mangelli
Vice Chair- J. B. Kelly
Secretary- Brian Reid
Treasurer- Chris Tikvart
Recreation- Kevin Johnston
Challenge- John Alis
Classic Girls- Lee Evans
Classic Boys- Peter Williams
Raleigh-Ron Frederick
Cary/Apex/Morrisville- Susan Boop
Garner- Karen Hancock
Wake Forest- Mark Francher
Immediate Past Chairman- Bill Barnett
The CASL Board will change on August 1st. The new board members were approved February 15th at the CASL Annual General Meeting held at the Marriott Crabtree.
Throughout the writing of this blog, members of the board will be introduced, beginning today with the Chairman, Vincent Mangelli.
Who is CASL Chairman of the Board, Vincent Mangelli?
Vincent Mangelli is entering his second three-year term as Chairman of the CASL Board of Directors. “Vinny” took over the position from Bill Barnett when his three year term expired in 2008. He has been around CASL for 12 years as both his sons played in the organization and Vinny has been an assistant coach, head coach, referee, chairman of the challenge division and now chair of the Board.
Vincent keeps volunteering for the club because of “the pride in our soccer club, the sense of community in our playing customers and their parents and the feeling of family amongst the CASL staff-despite the size of our club, there remains a personal touch and a one to one relationship.”
His most enjoyable part of being in his position is “without question, it is the many friendships that I have developed with staff and players/parents over the years!” The most challenging part for Vinny is “the education of those who have grown up with limited exposure to the “beautiful game”; getting buy-in that Slagle’s “Remember it is Just a Game” is more than a catch phrase-especially when it comes to youth players and youth referees.”
Vincent’s influences came from the two gentlemen that preceded him as the Challenge Director, Mark Sherman and Steve Beaulieu. They provided the foundation for his broadened role in the organization.
Vinny grew up in Brooklyn , NY and has a real job with Kuehne-Nagel here is Raleigh
Vinny does a great job in this position due to his passion for children and the knowledge of how youth sports can positively affect the child’s life for years to come. He also is a tireless worker that will talk to anyone about the game and organization. He has a great grasp of how a youth sports organization should be run.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
What did you miss on Back of the Net?
Today's Back of the Net had a few exclusives! #1: US Men's National Team Assistant Coach, Mike Sorber, announced that the team will be training in Cary in preparation for their friendlies against Argentina in NY on 3/26 and Paraguay on 3/30 in Nashville. The practices will be closed to the public but our US stars will be in our midst!
#2: Damon Nahas, CASL's Technical Director announced that he will be working with US Soccer Women's National Staff later this month, primarily with the U15's but will also be working with the U17 National team. Two CASL players, Claire Wagner and Joanna Boyles will be at that training camp.
Chris Dunn of Dunn Physical Therapy talked about the knee and was very informative.
Of course, more tidbits were shared with the show's guests. Tune in on saturday mornings from 7-8 am on 99.9 the Fan!
Charlie Slagle
#2: Damon Nahas, CASL's Technical Director announced that he will be working with US Soccer Women's National Staff later this month, primarily with the U15's but will also be working with the U17 National team. Two CASL players, Claire Wagner and Joanna Boyles will be at that training camp.
Chris Dunn of Dunn Physical Therapy talked about the knee and was very informative.
Of course, more tidbits were shared with the show's guests. Tune in on saturday mornings from 7-8 am on 99.9 the Fan!
Charlie Slagle
Friday, March 4, 2011
What big announcement will be made on Saturday's Back of the Net Show?
I host the "Back of the Net" Show brought to you by Dunn Physical Therapy every Saturday from 7-8 am on 99.9 the Fan. I have guests that talk about soccer on each week! Tomorrow, there will be an announcement made that has something to do with the US Men's National Team. Please tune in and listen to USMNT assistant coach, Mike Sorber, as he makes the announcement! Should be a good way to start off a great weekend of soccer!
Charlie Slagle
Charlie Slagle
Why is Opening Day Exciting?
WHY NOT, I say! Yes, this is the opening weekend for CASL challenge and recreation play and the CASL staff are as excited as the players are about this! The fields are in good shape for spring (spring is tougher than fall due to it not being bermuda grass growing season and the cold winter hurt the rye overseed, but the fields are in pretty good shape) and the fields are lined. The referees are ready as well. Most everyone has multiple practices under their belt...........so........let's begin!
One reminder: CASL expects sportsmanship from all participants which includes players, coaches, parents and referees. Think before engaging your mouth and think "would I want this to be said to me in a similar circumstance!" Most times the answer is no and if the thought process comes first there is a good chance that it won't be said. Cheer on your own team, even cheer a good play by the other team (they are somebody's kid, as well). However, DO NOT make negative comments about opposing players or referees-this helps no one.
Have fun with our beautiful game and we'll see you on the pitch!
Charlie Slagle
One reminder: CASL expects sportsmanship from all participants which includes players, coaches, parents and referees. Think before engaging your mouth and think "would I want this to be said to me in a similar circumstance!" Most times the answer is no and if the thought process comes first there is a good chance that it won't be said. Cheer on your own team, even cheer a good play by the other team (they are somebody's kid, as well). However, DO NOT make negative comments about opposing players or referees-this helps no one.
Have fun with our beautiful game and we'll see you on the pitch!
Charlie Slagle
Why is CASL saying OOPS?
We want to apologize about the difficulties we had with the "Name the Mascot" e-mail. I'm no IT guy, but I know it wasn't working at 5 pm when we said it would be.........GOOD NEWS....it is working now. See my previous blog or check the CASL web site to see how you can enter the Name the CASL Mascot competition. We have received a number of entries already and are looking for many, many more!
Charlie Slagle
Charlie Slagle
Thursday, March 3, 2011
How can I name CASL’s first mascot?
It is an exciting time as CASL will be ready to unveil its first mascot during this year’s CASL Cup. We had a Pick the Mascot competition with our older CASL girls and the state dog of NC, the Plott Hound, was the winner. Meghan Poirier was the CASL player that submitted that entry.
NOW, we are going to name the Mascot. If you are a CASL player that plays Under 14 or below, you’ve got your shot! Please see the info on the CASL web site on how to enter: http://www.caslnc.com/home/default.asp?menu_category=Home&menuid=1439&parid=1439
This mascot will be out at games, will be able to be in team pictures, will be at community events (who knows, she/he could challenge me in the Beat CASL’s Old Man competition at the Magnificent Mile in September-I think I’ll have the edge, however), etc.
Entries will be accepted until March 25th and then the winning name will be announced on April 5th. This hound needs a name! “Fleas” give this a try and maybe you will win some nice prizes for your team and yourself!
GOOD LUCK to all!
Charlie Slagle
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
What are the responsibilities of the CASL Management Team? Who is Lisa Stevenson?
The CASL Management Team is composed of 4 positions. Those positions are CEO, Chief Executive Officer, which I, Charlie Slagle, charlies@caslemail.com , am the CEO (see blog on Thursday 2/24/11 for information on me). Working with the CEO are the Business Manager, the COO, Chief Operating Officer, and the DOC, Director of Coaching. Each of these positions has staff that work with them to fulfill the various needs of CASL.
The CASL Business Manager is Lisa Stevenson, lisas@caslemail.com. The Business Manager is responsible for all financial matters that concern CASL. She assembles information for the staff to help the CEO create the budget yearly and is in charge of Human Resources, as well as other financial duties. The COO is Michael Milazzo, mikem@caslemail.com. The COO is responsible for all the business operations of the organization. This includes the administrators of the various playing levels, the numerous CASL events including tournaments, CASL communications, CASL IT, field maintenance and the marketing of CASL. The DOC is Rusty Scarborough, rustys@caslemail.com. The DOC is responsible for all soccer aspects of CASL. The DOC oversees the directors of each of CASL’s levels and is responsible for the soccer direction of the club and league.
The Management Team meets at least weekly to determine the direction of the league. The positive interaction of this group and the sharing of ideas that are garnered from CASL staff and outside sources help decide that direction.
Let’s meet the members of the Management Team:
Who is Lisa Stevenson?
CASL Business Manager, Lisa Stevenson is in her eleventh year with the organization. Lisa had two sons that played in CASL and started working because she “enjoys youth sports and CASL is a great organization.” Her grown sons, Andrew and Mark, played at all levels of CASL. What motivates Lisa about CASL is that “CASL’s programs and community outreach are strong and ever evolving, which keeps things pretty exciting.”
Lisa grew up in Bethlehem , PA and graduated from Dartmouth College
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
What are the responsibilities of the CASL Management Team? Who is Michael Milazzo?
The CASL Management Team is composed of 4 positions. Those positions are CEO, Chief Executive Officer, which I, Charlie Slagle, charlies@caslemail.com , am the CEO (see blog on Thursday 2/24/11 for information on me). Working with the CEO are the Business Manager, the COO, Chief Operating Officer, and the DOC, Director of Coaching. Each of these positions has staff that work with them to fulfill the various needs of CASL.
The CASL Business Manager is Lisa Stevenson, lisas@caslemail.com. The Business Manager is responsible for all financial matters that concern CASL. She assembles information for the staff to help the CEO create the budget yearly and is in charge of Human Resources, as well as other financial duties. The COO is Michael Milazzo, mikem@caslemail.com. The COO is responsible for all the business operations of the organization. This includes the administrators of the various playing levels, the numerous CASL events including tournaments, CASL communications, CASL IT, field maintenance and the marketing of CASL. The DOC is Rusty Scarborough, rustys@caslemail.com. The DOC is responsible for all soccer aspects of CASL. The DOC oversees the directors of each of CASL’s levels and is responsible for the soccer direction of the club and league.
The Management Team meets at least weekly to determine the direction of the league. The positive interaction of this group and the sharing of ideas that are garnered from CASL staff and outside sources help decide that direction.
Let’s meet the members of the Management Team:
Who is Michael Milazzo?
CASL COO, Michael Milazzo has worked 12 years for CASL. He also is CASL’s Marketing director and is the GM of the CASL Chelsea FC Academy. Michael grew up in Connecticut
Michael is a soccer purist and is driven to “turn soccer into a professionalized, main stream sport in the US
Michael’s most enjoyable part of working in the sport is “to watch players realize their potential through self expression and creativity on the field during training and games.” His biggest challenge is “changing the culture of the game in the US
Michael has been coaching his son for three years, now in the U7 Futures program and thoroughly enjoys coaching at this grass roots level again.
Michael does his COO job well due to his passion for the sport of soccer and CASL. As members see improvements to the WRAL Soccer Center US
Charlie Slagle
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