We circulated a document with our mission, vision, some expectations and budget numbers. Somebody can argue that the meeting isn't necessary since we all know each other and some of the boys have been on the team with me coaching for 3 years. I disagree. The purpose of the parent meeting is to lay out the program and open the floor to any questions, concerns, comments, etc
Even though it's "only" soccer , it's still an environment where parents are leaving their sons in the care of another adult 3-4 times/week. I think it would be a sad day in my coaching if I were to not call the meeting and make Coach Paul and me available for questions.
There is never any friction at these events and it's a nice bunch of families we have on our team, but the process has to be respected and carried out. My voice may sound like noise after three years and most know the drill, but it has to be done.
We did say we wanted parents to have a little more involvement this year around the perimeter of the actual soccer. It's good for the team, it's good for the boys and it's good for the parents to be together.
Next year I will not be caught off guard like that with respect to the meeting place. I will also develop a new format for this so it's not a fourth year of the same old stuff. Maybe get the boys involved. The same type of parent meeting for the fourth year will serve nobody positively, in terms of team development.
I am looking forward to a good year.