David M

In a few hours, I will be escorting my daughter during their last home game to recognize her as a high school senior, and I've been an emotional train wreck to think this is the end of this chapter. How do I keep from crying during this event soas to not embarass her (any more than I already do).

By the way, she's a tough cookie -- as in 'broke her finger duing a match but continued to play until the ref kicked her off the field for bleeding, whereupon she got it taped up and subbed back in to finish the game' kind of tough.

Of note: Recently I've been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease which has altered a number of hormone levels, which adds to my weepy-ness. Not trying to make excuses, just trying to paint a full picture. The last thing I want to do is make a scene or break down...but just can't figure out how to keep it together.

Recently I approached my U14 daughter's soccer coach to get a recommendation for a technical trainer/foot skills training in preparation for high school tryouts. His reply left me speechless and questioning the 'development' program within the club.

His responce was "She doesn't need foot skills. She's a defender." At U14, I would think it is too early to pigeon hole someone into a single position (center back). Especially since she came to this team having previously played right striker, center striker, right mid, right defender, and left defender. (Unfortunately, her previous team collapsed forcing the move). At our current practice sessions, only the strikers get foot skills technical training while the defenders work on passing, passing and more passing, with the occasional corner kicks and long distance (ie, lob the ball to the left or right channel/corner) kicks. Really disappointed by the lack of technical training.

So, back to the initial question: What would motivate a coach to take this stance? Particularly since I was looking to have her do this outside of team practice? Why wouldn't any coach want a player sharpening their technical skill set?

My daughter is trying to decide if she wants to play tackle rugby or field hockey this summer. She has played both sports and done well.

From an injury perspective, which sport is more dangerous?

Rugby: Last year, two of her rugby team mates ended up with concussions, one with a scratched eye and my daughter's arm got bit (yes, bit) hard enough to bleed.

Field Hockey: Our friend's daughter ended up with a large bruise & swollen lip from getting hit in the mouth with the but end of the hockey stick.

So - Yahooligans - which sport is more dangerous: Rugby or field hockey? Why?

Additional Detail: She would like to play field hockey in the fall for her high school.