2010 Lakeshore Fall Soccer

Congratulations on the completion of another school year!

With schools out for the summer, the fall soccer season will be fast upon us.  We want you to be aware in advance of registration dates, and update you on the Lakeshore Soccer Ministry.  Please review this information carefully, as there have been some important changes from last season.  

Above all, we must be reminded that Christian ministry is the heart and core of Lakeshore Soccer.  It is our heartfelt desire to share the love of Jesus Christ to all that participate, utilizing all our God given resources. We will continue to provide a fun, relaxed, non-threatening sports environment, promoting Christian sports-manship for God’s glory.  This ministry can even further improve if we adhere to our basic principles:

• Share the gospel while building Christian character
• Provide an opportunity for prayer and Bible teaching
• Teach the basics of soccer / de-emphasize winning / provide equal play time for all
• Build relationships with the community
• Provide an avenue for fellowship with each other
• Assist parents in youth character development
• Serve others through ministry
• Provide a fun program for our youth

Last year we introduced our very popular LAKESHORE CHURCH AMBASSADORS.  As before, the Ambassadors will continue to be responsible for team prayer and devotions, as well as coordinating team ice-breaker events.  We encourage you to utilize these Ambassadors as a link between Lakeshore Church and the soccer ministry.  If at any time you have a question about Lakeshore Church or any of our ministries, please feel free to ask an Ambassador.  He or she will be happy to assist you.

REGISTRATION this year will be for 6 year olds – 7th graders.  In an effort to be fair and consistent, we have added birth dates as a consideration in registrations for children entering the A-League.  To meet eligibility requirements for registration, a child must be 6 years of age by October 15th, 2009.  Leagues will still remain by grade (A-1st & 2nd, B-3rd & 4th, C-5th-7th).

REGISTRATION FEES are $85 per child with a maximum fee of $230 for a family of three or more children.  Registration is FREE for all Lakeshore Church members and regular attendees.  All payments are due in full at registration.  No late registrations will be accepted. 

REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ON-FIELD ONLY.  There will be no off-site, online or mail-in registrations.  For your convenience, there will be three registration dates available, to be determined at a later date.

As last year, spaces are limited and registrations will be accepted in order of submission.  Please plan to attend one of these important dates and allow ample participation time.  All players are required to come with their parents to field registration for a skills assessment and proper uniform sizing. 

UNIFORMS will consist of printed soccer jerseys with matching socks and will be supplied as part of each registration.  Parents will need to provide shorts, shin guards (which are mandatory) and shoes/cleats.  You will have the option to personalize your child’s jersey with his/her last name only.

TEAM PRACTICES will be held on one of four days; Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays.  They will be coordinated and scheduled by the coaches, based on Lakeshore Sports Ministry guidelines, along with the coach’s preference and time slot availability. 

In the formation of teams, SPECIAL REQUESTS will only be granted to accommodate siblings.  We cannot accept requests for particular practice nights, team-mates, carpooling, etc.          

We will continue our CLEAT/SHIN GUARD EXCHANGE. Beginning at the first registration plastic bins will be available for you to drop off or exchange good conditioned cleats and shin guards.  There is no cost to participate and items will be available on a first come, first served basis.  Any items not used or unclaimed will be donated to East Lincoln Christian Ministries.

Expectations of Parents

The Sports Ministry Team’s desire is to set a standard for parental involvement in Lakeshore Soccer.  Please review these expectations and examine your own goals for participation to assure that they are in keeping with the spirit of Lakeshore Soccer and our stated principles of ministry.  Please make special note of the changes which are underlined. 

• Be on time for practices and games.  Have your child ready for practice.
• Dropping your child off for practice or games is prohibited.  Parental attendance is required for health and safety reasons.
• Parental participation is expected at all practices and games.  Sitting in a parked vehicle is not participation and we ask that parents be on the sidelines encouraging your child and available to the coach at all times.  As a family-based sports ministry, it is our goal to have parents heavily involved in the children’s excitement level and skill maturity, as well as personal and team accomplishments. 
• Encourage your child and the team from the sidelines.  Be a cheerleader for the team.
• Emphasize the importance of a team effort; everybody plays and every child is a winner.
• Good sportsmanship and character are to be modeled at all times.  Keep emotions under control; no negative criticism or body language.
• NO yelling at or arguing with referees or linesmen at any time.
• Make an effort to get to know your team (coach, other parents, players).
• Review the devotional materials sent home with your children.  Encourage and assist your child with scripture memorization. 
• Supervise your children, both players and younger siblings, when they are not playing a game.  For safety reasons, children should never be unattended on the playground, or in and around parking lots.

Thank you for your time, interest, and involvement with Lakeshore Soccer.  The Sports Ministry Team looks to you for our continued success, and we appreciate any comments you may have.