Past News Headlines 2008

Toronto FC shut out in First Kick Opener The Columbus Crew got their 2008 Major League Soccer season off to a positive start with a 2-0 victory against Toronto FC and a win in the first installment of the "Trillium Cup" Saturday afternoon at Crew Stadium.  In the first game played in First Kick 2008, a raucous crowd greeted both teams in Columbus. More than 2,000 Toronto FC supporters packed the stands behind the south goal and greeted their squad with a chorus of cheers and sea of red shirts, but the Crew faithful in the north end defended their home turf with an army of flags, flares and vocal support of their own.  More.

vs      Man U          Liverpool

Match of two champions on March 23.  First place Man U won 3-0. Canada in Olympics? An even more important match closer to home, Canada vs USA on March 20.  Winner will play in the Olympics this summer in China.  UPDATE:  Unfortunately, there was no surprise.  Canada lost 3-0.  Olympic medals won't be coming from soccer this summer.

Activity Camp

Painting on the left, Guitar Hero on the right.  What's your thing?  More at Activity Camps. 

Behold the Soccer Mom
Professional soccer may not hold a prominent place in North American culture, but "soccer moms" certainly do.  Read and watch the full CBC report on the soccer mom.

Happy St. Patrick's Day Did you know? The Toronto Maple Leafs were known as the Toronto St. Patricks and wore green jerseys. In 1999, on St. Patrick's Day, the Leafs wore the green St. Pats retro jerseys.

Indoor Winter Season Fun Day

Trophy Fun Day.  Members of the winter indoor season received their trophies, certificates, pizza lunch & had their final games on March 2.  Check out the pictures, news and Fund Raising info at Indoor Fun Day.  Did you miss Fun Day?  Follow the same link.

JFK Auction
Click Auction for more details.  Winners have been contacted and listed.

National Coaching Diploma

A couple of coaches from JFK's technical team attended the National Youth Coaching Certification Course in February as JFK further increases program quality.  Coach Warren (in white t) received top reviews from the head instructor for his performance.  JFK's technical team, the largest of the Scarborough clubs, comprises of very experienced coaches/trainers which run and/or supervise all soccer programs. Want to join our technical team?  Applicants must have playing or coaching experience.  Academy coaches must have Provincial "B" Coach License or equivalent.  Contact us for more info.

We did it!
We tried to make the teams as balanced as possible.  No team won every game and no team lost every game.  Great job crew.

Disgraceful
Just when you think you've seen it all.

Small-Sided Games Debate
A local club (SBYSC) decides not go with the standards of small-sided soccer for young players.  Read a copy of the forum thread here.  Vote below on your thoughts on the matter.


Todd sports one of the new jersey/short sets JFK is selling in the JFK Store.  Only $30 for international replica sets like this Italian one.  Available in youth and adult sizes.  Also in stock are uniforms for Portugal, Canada, Brazil and England.

Registration Specials
Indoor Spring Fever $59       Outdoor Summer Season $125-$139       Two Season Special $184
March Break Week Activity Camp $80         Summer Week-long Soccer Camps $97
Activity Day (when school is out due to a PA/PD day) $20.  Next day is Friday, February 15.

GIANT GARAGE/RUMMAGE SALE
Huge rummage sale in the JFK warehouse on Saturday, February 16 from 11am to 3pm.  445 Midwest Rd, Units 34 & 35 (south of Ellesmere, off of Midland).  New and used items.  Our members have donated thousands of items for sale.  Proceeds to help needy kids play soccer.  Thank you to every one that donated, volunteered and bought merchandise at our rummage sale.
 

JFK March Break Challenge
Are you interested in adding some competition to your program?  Recreational players from Thomson and West Hill are getting a chance to face each other in a show down.  Who has learned the most over the winter?  West Hill or Thomson players?  Are you up for the challenge?  You need to register for this tournament.  Those that register will be put into challenge teams to play against their rivals.  Each team will play at least 2 games each, refereed by our trained refs.  All participants will receive a medal whether you win or lose.  See your coach/instructor on Sunday.  You can also register in person at the Club House or by phone.  All divisions are full.
 

Happy Birthday JFK On January 31, 2004, Just For Kicks Soccer Club kicked it's first soccer ball.  JFK is Scarborough's largest club with 4,000 annual members.  We are now accepting registrations for our fifth summer season of soccer fun.  Huge celebrations and specials are planned for 2008.  All members of the Outdoor Summer Season will receive $10 back in JFK Bucks that can be used for future programs or in the JFK store.

Super Registration Special
Two seasons (Spring and Summer) for a total fee of only $184.  Runs seven months (March to September).  Limited availability.

A couple of quotes in honor of Martin Luther King Day...
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience,
but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
"We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools."
Martin Luther King Jr.

Almost two million hits on the JFK web site in 2007 . . . Year Unique visitors # of visits Pages Hits Bandwidth Total 2007  25,224  48,450  307,098  1,846,085  150.05 GB  Total 2006 20,317 38,252 284,494 1,686,323 86.33 GB Total 2005 15,010 27,726 199,199 1,282,095 37.29 GB

JFK/Score executives meet with Scott Granville from Direct Kicks TV Show about upcoming ventures.  More news coming in 2008 about JFK & Score on Scott's new TV show and on GolTV.  Photo from left to right is Nick Voronka (JFK/Score President), Geoff Strauch (JFK/Score Technical Director), Scott Granville (Executive Producer Direct Kicks) and Warren Cleland (JFK/Score VP).

Online Registration Record Set
JFK is no doubt Scarborough's most popular club and the popularity of our programs continues to grow.  This past week, JFK set a record high for most number of registrations since September. 

Bus Trip to Casino Rama
Please join us on Saturday, February 9.  Tickets are selling fast.  Free buffet dinner at Rama.  50/50 draw for cash on the bus.  2pm bus leaves Scarborough, back at 11pm.  Door prizes on the bus.  Only $20.  Must be over 19 years old.  For tickets or info, email info@justforkickssoccer.com.

You could earn one of these foosball games...

Three Table Soccer Games to give out Top sellers of the fund raiser for each of the 3 programs (West Hill Rec, Thomson Rec and All-Star) will receive a bonus prize.  A brand new foosball (table soccer) game just like the ones we have in our Club House.  Sellers will also receive the usual rewards as listed in the newsletter.   Shopping Check out the JFK Store.  We have a wide variety of merchandise selling below retail prices.  Online Registration Record Set JFK is no doubt Scarborough's most popular club and the popularity of our programs continues to grow.  This past week, JFK set a record high for most number of registrations since September.

Spring Fitness for Women
Take a soccer based fitness class at JFK.  Only $49 for 7 weeks.  One hour class includes warm-up, stretching, basic soccer skill development and scrimmage game.  Sundays from March to May at West Hill location at 2pm.  Also coming to the summer season. 

Spring Adult Drop-in
Only $48 for 7 weeks.  One hour scrimmage games.  Sundays from March to May at West Hill location at 1pm.

Win a 32" HD LCD Wide Screen TV
Win a Dell Laptop.  Win a Nintendo Wii.
Win 6 Tickets to a Toronto FC game.
Details in the December Newsletter.  Log on to the Members Area to download a copy.


The Christmas party at the Club House was a huge success.  The start of the snow storm didn't affect the attendance.  Thank you to all the indoor members that attended.  Have a happy holiday to all.


The main Club volunteers their families attended a super appreciation Christmas party at the JFK Club House.  Dinner, dancing and Santa bearing gifts . . . Who could ask for any thing more?  Thank you.

Last Minute Shopping
Check out the JFK Store.  We have a wide variety of merchandise selling below retail prices.

Party at the Club House
JFK is hosting several parties this month at the Club House. Details were sent to several groups of members for the "by invitation only" parties.  


Invited guests attended a free appreciation party at the JFK Club House this weekend..  Next weekend, indoor members are invited to a free party.  Details are in the December newsletter.  The JFK Committee is hosting a Christmas party in 2 weeks in appreciation for our "Super Volunteers".

#1 GOLD WINNER

Toronto Sun Readers Choice Awards Just For Kicks Soccer Club was voted the number one Youth Sport Organization in the GTA according to the Toronto Sun Readers Choice Awards.  Thank you to all the members that voted for JFK and that continue to support us.  Happy Holidays to all. Indoor Schedules online Log on to the Members Area to see the complete indoor schedules including standings and statistics. Spring Fever only $59 That's right, only $59 for the spring season.  Played indoors at your choice of Thomson or West Hill on Sundays from March until May.  More details and schedule here Spring Fever.

Good kick!

Indoor Training  Coach Brian (left photo) works with one of the Recreational players on how to properly strike a soccer ball.  INDOOR NOTICE for Sunday Dec. 2 All games were on as scheduled for West Hill.  All games and practices were canceled for Thomson and All-Star due to no access to the parking lot (cars were getting stuck in the deep snow).  Sorry if this caused an inconvenience to any members.  Remember to always check the JFK Hotline & web site prior to your session if ever you may be in doubt if soccer is canceled.   Parking for Indoor Soccer Don't forget to park lawfully.  Parking in the fire routes could cause you to be tagged and towed (and even risk your membership).  There is more than enough parking spaces.  Drive carefully in the parking lots, especially when there is rain, snow or ice.

Competitive Team Try-outs
Calling all experienced players born 1990 to 2000 including academy, rep, select and all-star players.  Males and females.  Want to play for our competitive development team?  Come to our try-outs.  Next try-out is in the gym at David & Mary Thomson CI School on Sunday, December 9 & 16. 
Ages 7 to 10 years old at 10:30am,
Ages 11 to 12 years old at 1pm. 
Ages 13 to 18 at 3:30pm. 

Here we Grow Again
JFK has made another expansion to help keep up with its growing demands and to better serve you.  The JFK Club House has doubled its size.  JFK now occupies the unit beside it.  Almost 3,000 square feet for warehousing, offices, conference rooms, photo studio, party room, retail store, show case and more.  We'll be holding a Club House Grand Opening soon.  Mean while, unit 35 is still in full operation while we complete the renovations at unit 34.  The JFK Club House is located at 445 Midwest Road, off of Midland Avenue, south of Ellesmere Road, by Tim Horton's.

Ginger Bread Cookies Don't forget to buy some cookies at indoor soccer.  $2 Single Cookie. $5 Six Cookie Set. $10 House Kit.  No taxes.  Can also be bought at the JFK Club House.   Indoor Picture Day Indoor members can get their picture taken at the JFK Club House.  Details in the November paper newsletter.  Photo studio hours: Wednesday, December 5 from 5pm to 7pm. Saturday, December 8 from 1pm to 3pm. Wednesday, December 12 from 5pm to 7pm. Saturday, December 15 from 1pm to 3pm. Santa Comes to JFK Meet Santa at the JFK Club House.  Have your photo taken with him.  You can wear your uniform or regular clothes.  Do a soccer pose or sit on his lap.  Choice is yours.  Free candy cane.  Photo packages available.  Santa Hours: Wednesday, December 5 from 5pm to 7pm. Saturday, December 8 from 1pm to 3pm. Wednesday, December 12 from 5pm to 7pm. Saturday, December 15 from 1pm to 3pm.  Tax Receipts JFK programs may give you up to a $500 tax credit.  Official receipts will be mailed near the end of the year.

Members of Score Academy and Just For Kicks attended the Celebrity Goalkeeper Clinic for Charity featuring Craig Forrest (right) and Nuno Santos (left).  All proceeds went to the CHUM Christmas Wish Charity.  The event was held on Saturday, November 24, at the AstraSportsplex in Vaughan.

JFK - Just For Keepers . . . Celebrity Goalkeeper Clinic for Charity All proceeds go to CHUM Christmas Wish Charity.

On Saturday, November 24, at the AstraSportsplex in Vaughan, from 7-9pm. Featuring Craig Forrest (Westham, Ipswich, Chelsea, Canada, Hall of Fame) and Nuno Santos (Benifica Portugal, Spain, Vitoria Setubal, Beira Mar, Leeds United).  Come join Craig (Canada's super goalkeeper and voted the greatest Canadian soccer star by you) and Nuno, one of Europe's top professional goalkeepers), as they take young keepers through a 2 hour instructional goalkeeper clinic.  Ages 9 to 18.  Only $60.   Email JFK for more details.  A dozen JFK members registered and counting.

 
Academy players and parents had an end of season party at the new Club House. 


Indoor players practicing passing with their parents at one of the first sessions.  Actually, they did a pretty good job at teaching their parents how to pass. :)  Check out a detailed description of JFK's one of a kind indoor program.  Over 500 players participating this year at two locations. 

North Scarborough Rotary Club Auction
Bid on JFK in this year's auction.  NSRC's annual TV Auction will take place from 10am until midnight on Saturday, November 24.  The Scarborough Mirror will have a list of items and the auction will take place live on Channel 63 cable TV(Scarborough). . . .  Thank you members that participated in the NSRC's annual TV Auction on Saturday, November 24.  Hopefully you bid on some great gifts.  Your bids are going to help a lot of people through the many actions NSRC is involved in.   

First day of indoor.  Players tried on their free t-shirts and had a quick lesson on dribbling.  In a typical indoor session, the player wears their indoor uniform.  Players are grouped together for soccer lessons headed by professional certified instructors.  They take part in drills & small sided learning games.  These sessions are geared at teaching players based on their age & skill levels.  Approximately half the scheduled time is soccer school or clinic time.  This helps give all players equal learning & playing time.  After the clinic time, the players are separated into their teams, then headed by their coaches (and/or instructors), they have a game against each other confidently using skills acquired in their clinic time.  In the first month, the instructors not only teach the players, but they evaluate them. The reason is to properly gear the program to their skill level, provide a basis for the individual player achievement throughout the season and to assist in dividing the players into evenly skilled teams.  One month into the season, all players will also receive a color team jersey.  Recreational (Rec) players are primarily beginners or novices.  They train in a fun atmosphere to acquire the basic skills to play the game.  Their team games are for fun with no standings, therefore eliminating any pressure the players may otherwise feel to perform.  The concept is to concentrate on stress-free learning and having fun.  All players should play approximately the same amount of time.  “Betterâ€� players are not favored by playing more time than “weakerâ€� players.  “Cupâ€� format type games may be used closer to the end of the program to give players a greater sense of what the competitive games are like but no formal recognition is given to the winners in order to keep the game friendly.  All players receive the same trophy at the end. All-Star players have played before, usually a few years depending on the age group.  Their training is a little more intense, yet still fun.  Once the teams are set, they may play a few exhibition games that are also used to further teach the players. Then in January, formal games begins which have team standings and player statistics.  The games are competitive in nature.  Referees, timekeepers and the instructors help maintain a healthy atmosphere, along with the volunteer team coaches.  An extended "cupâ€� format is played with the top two teams facing each other on the last day for the Indoor Igloo Cup Championship.  The winners take home the Cup trophy while the runner-ups and all the other teams receive participant trophies.

    

The Greeks Come out at Night Toronto FC goalkeeper Kenny Stamatopoulos and JFK Coach & VP Helen Tsakalidis at the TFC 90th Minute Party on November 1st.  The best fans in the world (including many JFK'ers) honored the team for their successful inaugural year.  Great effort boys!  Click on the pic for a video of the party (the lighting is poor, but the audio says it all - may take a few minutes to download). Go TFC Go!

Indoor Starts
The first session is primarily an introduction with the uniform & schedule handouts, etc. and a practice.  Times listed below are for the 1st & 2nd sessions, not necessarily for the whole program.

All-Star 1st Day Starts November 4. U09  at  11:45am north gym U11  at  11:45am south gym U13  at    2:15pm south gym U15/17 at 4:45pm south gym Day One The first day for the All-Star divisions was Sunday, Nov 4. Don't forget to wear your uniform next week. See ya.

Thomson Recreational 1st Day (A.K.A. West Scarborough) Starts November 11.  U06 at 1:00pm north gym U07 at 2:00pm north gym U08 at 3:00pm north gym U10 at 4:00pm north gym U13 at 5:00pm north gym West Hill Recreational 1st Day (A.K.A. East Scarborough) Starts November 11. Tots A at 10:30am south gym Tots B at 11:30am south gym U06 at 3:30pm south gym U08 at 2:30pm south gym U10 at 1:30pm south gym U13 at 12:30pm south gym

Indoor Season Availability    # = number of available spots. If the division is full or almost full, please call or email to to check last minute availability.  There may be a pending cancellation to allow another registration.

Division  #  WH U06  0  WH U08  0  WH U10  0  WH U13  1  WH Tots  0  Division  #  Th U06  0  Th U08  0  Th U10  0  Th U13  0      Division  #  AS U09  0  AS U11  0  AS U13  0  AS U17  0

FUN DAY . . . WOW! News and pictures from Fun Day online.  Click here.  Several JFK coaches attended the Ontario Soccer Association's Coaching Conference on November 10th.  International guest coaches were Tosh Farrell (Everton Academy), Jeff Pill (US National Staff Coach), Bryan Rosenfeld (CSA U17 Coach) and Jose Sulantay (Chile U20 Coach).  About 600 coaches in all attended the conference.  Above photo, coach Tosh runs a session with a U10 squad.

Here we Grow Again
JFK has made another expansion to help keep up with its growing demands and to better serve you.  The JFK Club House has doubled its size.  JFK now occupies the unit beside it.  Almost 3,000 square feet for warehousing, offices, conference rooms, photo studio, party room, retail store, show case and more.  We'll be holding a Club House Grand Opening soon.  Mean while, unit 35 is still in full operation while we complete the renovations at unit 34.  The JFK Club House is located at 445 Midwest Road, off of Midland, south of Ellesmere, by the Tim Horton's. 

Interesting Web Facts