The Soccer Solutions people, Mick Hoban and Warren Mersereau, have produced outstanding articles in the Soccer Biz section. In this Issue they reflect on the year just gone and ask you to score the performance of your own organization.

Oh! By the way! Did you know that Jurgen Klinsmann is part of the Soccer Solutions team? Not sure just what position he is playing for them just now, but with his qualities he could play anywhere -- even in goal. Well, just a minute...!

Dr. Colleen Hacker, the Sport Psychology Consultant to the US Women’s National Soccer team for past six years, is our guest writer in the Psychology section. Anyone who has had the privilege of talking with her or seeing her present knows that her information is always top-class. Colleen’s article in DTL is no exception. It will make you think… and maybe, act! I am trying to persuade Colleen to embark on a whole series for DTL aimed specifically at the community soccer organizations and their coaches and players. She’s much in demand so she may not be able to make that commitment. But I’m sure after reading her article you will agree that if she could produce a 10 - 12 article series it would be a must for every coach in the world. And we are encouraging her to do just that and then to have a publisher put together a book or booklet.

In her article this time she talks about preparation and confidence building. When we talked on the phone in preparation for this article we agreed that there are so many situations that are very similar for any player -- whether you are playing in the Olympics or against the U12 Eagles in the Silver Division of the Tallahassee Youth League. I know that from first hand experience.

For instance, how do you recover from making a potentially game losing error -- a missed penalty or as a goalkeeper, letting an easy shot through the hands? We’ve all been there, but how do we recover?

As well, pros are not always “in the zone” -- as they call it. And some of them are making millions a year. Trying to be focused on the game is a problem for all levels of play, but one that can be addressed.

Returning contributors Chris Groot, Jamie MacLeod, Keith Hardisty, Brad Olsen and World Class Coaching Editor, Mike Saif, continue the quality of the DTL articles.

Barry Crocker, one of Canada’s National Soccer team trainers, starts a series aimed specifically at helping volunteer-operated teams and clubs deal with the prevention and treatment of injuries. It’ll be a winner.

And a new development in animation from Coach-With-The-Pros. Look for it in the in the Player Section as well as the Coaches Section.

Christmas is coming and we hope you will enjoy DTL over the festive season. The magazine is aimed specifically for the grassroots soccer people so we would love to hear from you (tw). Over the holidays you may have a little more time and motivation as you escape to the darkness of the computer room to do some surfing and composing.

Have a great Christmas and a successful 2002.

Tony