Youth Soccer News: The State Cup Roller Coaster Ride

As I was driving back from Lancaster last weekend, trying to get my car heater to its highest point as quickly as possible so I could feel my toes and fingers again, my thoughts were for the parents of those young brave kids that were running around the fields in long-sleeve under armor, gloves, long pants, and in some cases head beanies. I’m sure some of the players would have worn heavy overcoats as well, if the referees would have allowed it. Such is life in Lancaster during Cal South State Cup – you never know what you are going to get. But 30 degrees and a cold bitter wind cutting its way across the playing fields at 9:00 in the morning is just too much.

Those parents put so much time and effort into following their kids to all these venues, that it would really have been nice to have some decent weather and superior playing fields for such an important event. But as always, we cannot predict the weather at these locations no matter where they may be. Lancaster just seems to get most of the parent rage. I am sure if Cal South had 34 fields in one location in North San Diego County, Riverside County or Orange County, where it could be so much warmer with no wind, they would be quite willing to move locations. We can dream can’t we?

I saw SUVs, in the parking lot filled with blankets and pillows, families cooking on portable barbeques, automobiles with family pets sleeping in the back seats, and a whole bunch of kids sitting in heated cars waiting until the last minute to venture onto the “State Soccer Stage,” as we will call the playing fields of Lancaster.

The roller coaster ride up the 138 highway is like a crowded freeway on State Cup weekend, all heading to the “State Soccer Stage” known as Lancaster Soccer Complex. The 34-field complex is home to Cal South State Cup, with every one of the of the fields filled with potential State Champions and maybe future world cup stars. It is truly a sight to behold.

Lancaster is not the most popular venue for a competition. I heard so many comments this weekend in hotels, restaurants and on the fields: “Why do we have to always end up in Lancaster”? “Is it always windy up here?” “It was nice when I left home, I did not bring a heavy jacket.” “The fields could have been better,” and so on.

Yes, Lancaster Soccer Complex can be a severe test of character for any young player, team or coach, but probably most of all for parents, trying to do what is best for their child in keeping them warm in such conditions. Personally, I grew up in these conditions in another country, and I know I have played many times in my youth in much more difficult conditions, including snow, sleet and fog. But if I had been born in Southern California, I would probably not be a fan of Lancaster in these conditions!

If your team is in State or National Cup, you are eventually going to end up in Lancaster – that is a given – so you have to be prepared for any conditions. Over the years I have seen it all on those fields, the good, the bad, and the downright ugly! Every team has to try to adapt to the playing conditions – some do, and some don’t. It does not matter how good you are, these fields can change any game completely, and they do.

Saturday

The games went on regardless of the wind and the cold; the only thing missing was probably the rain or sleet.

I was coaching at State Cup with my two teams, a BU11 and a BU13, so the psychological aspects of the conditions were important to my input to my teams. Our playing fields were pretty decent for this time of year, and in the games I watched the fields were not too bad.

I have a pretty good BU11 team at San Diego Soccer Club (SDSC), and we had ambitions of a good run at State Cup. We came through our bracket pretty handily in Ventura the week before, so expectations are always there, but this is State Cup and anything goes. Here it’s one and out. We had entered the round of 32 knowing that every game would be like a final itself, and so it should be; the further you go the harder it should get.

In Saturday’s game we matched up with a very good Santa Barbara team. They were very well organized, well coached and had key players in certain positions, which would cause any team problems. It really was a hard fought game by both sides, and we were fortunate to win 1-0 in the last minute of regular time. I do believe both teams played their hearts out and neither deserved to lose. Our parents and players celebrated as if we had actually won the final. It was a very exciting game, and going to the very last minute, the emotions were running extremely high by that time.

The pictures in this article are from the game against Santa Barbara.

Sunday

Sunday morning in the round of 16 we were to play a well-organized Nott’s Forest team from our area in San Diego. We had played them a few weeks earlier and the game was tight, so we expected it would be a battle to the wire; and it was. There were very few chances in the game for either team, and the windy conditions did not let either team play good soccer. Once again came down to the last few minutes, but this time we were on the reverse side and conceded that late goal to be eliminated from State Cup. This time my parents and players had to watch the others have the same feelings as we had the day before. As usual there were tears and sadness, which is typical with any 10 year old, but that goes away very quickly at that age. They will have their time again.

Such is that roller coaster experience of State Cup

State Cup is always a wonderful experience for the kids and families. I always tell the kids to take something away from every game win or lose. I hope they do, as these are all life lessons.

My BU13 SDSC team played in National Cup also in Lancaster the same weekend. They did not have the best of weekends and were eliminated from their tournament. This has been my team for the last two years, so now they will move forward with a new coach. It is always sad to say goodbye to kids and families you have worked with, so we had an end of season pizza party in Lancaster. That is when you see the real kids, just having fun and hanging out with their friends.

As I get older and see the kids possibly for the last time, I always think about where they may be five to ten years in the future. Many of my former players have kept in touch with me over the years, and it is great to hear about their progress, their lives, their families and their jobs. Memories never fade, they never go away, they just go into sleep mode like a computer. Then one day you get a call or an e-mail and it brings it all back once again.

We as soccer coaches try to instill not only good soccer habits but life lessons. I think that is an important as part of our program. I know it is with my teams. I care about them as individuals and am concerned about how they conduct their life. 

Related Articles: John Napier on SoccerNation