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Interested in joining the Chantilly Blast?
The Chantilly Blast is a boy's U13 travel soccer team. The Blast are always looking for new, talented players. If you are interested in joining the Blast and were born after 31 July 1994, then simply contact one of the coaches listed under the Coaching Staff link.
1. Is there a fee to join the Chantilly Blast?
Yes, fees are determined by the team at the end of each season for the upcoming season. The total budget is divided equally among all Blast families.
2. What does the fee cover?
o Club Dues
o League Dues
o Tournament Fees
o Equipment needs
o Winter training facility fees
o Training fees (we have had special trainers come in for specialized training)
o "Coach's Fund" - a petty cash fund for coaches to make decisions on special outings, last minute equipment needs, med-kit needs, popsicle on hot days :o), etc.
3. Are the team coaches professional?
No, the team coaches, while highly qualified (click on "Coaching Staff" link for bios), coach for the love of the game and are not paid for their services. The Blast is currently trained by a professional trainer, Roberto Parada as well as various Goalkeeper trainers. Also, professional guest coaches have been brought in to assist on specific skill development as well as to give the boys multiple points of view to reinforce learning of soccer skills from multiple sources.
4. Do I have to provide my own supplies?
Yes and No - Players are expected to purchase and provide their own shin guards, shoes, and practice ball. The Blast Team provides most everything else including:
o Uniform (jersey, shorts, socks) - home and away
o Fleece Team Jacket
o Team Bag
The team also provides common team supplies such as a portable team bench (so players do not have to sit on the ground during games) and practice accoutrements (poles, pinnies, cones, extra practice balls, etc.)
5. What is the team's philosophy regarding competitive play?
Click on "The Blast Philosophy" link to view the overall Blast Philosophy.
6. How effective has the Blast Philosophy been?
Humbly we say very effective. From a purely competitive perspective, the Blast have done well. Our first season (spring 2006) saw the Blast finish first in the ODSL U10 boys division 2 (record 7-1-0). A move up to ODSL U11 boys division 1 for our second season (fall 2006) saw the Blast compile a 3-4-1 record (4th place). Our third season (spring 2007) saw the Blast staying in ODSL U11 boys division 1 but improving to a 3rd place finish with a record of 4-1-3 (The Blast also allowed the fewest goals in the division giving up just 9 goals in 8 games). Our fourth season (fall 2007), a jump up to NCSL U12 boys division 4, saw the Blast finish in 6th witha 3-5 record (but 3-1 after a slow 0-4 start).The Blast finished their fifth season (spring 2008) with a record of 4-5; however, a measure of the team's grit came in their first round appearance in the Virginia State Cup tournament. Taking on the LMVS Hawks (eventual runner-up in the tournament and rated #1 in the state at the time of the tournament), the Blast fell 4-2. That 4-2 score however, represented the best showing against the Hawks until the semi-finals.
But the on-field record only tells part of the story of the Blast Philosophy. We'd like to note that just two player have left the Blast over its three year history (and one of those players left because he moved 500 miles away). This retention rate speaks well to the coaching techniques and team cohesion fostered by all associated with the team.
7. Will my parents have to "volunteer" to assist the team?
Part of the Blast philosophy is that the team parents run the team. We prefer to have the coaches concentrate their energies on coaching so a number of ad-hoc duties have been assigned to other team parents. Among the duties currently assigned to team parents are:
o Assistant Referees (3) - NCSL requirement
o Team Social Organizer
o Team Treasurer
o Team Webmaster
8. Where do the Blast practice?
The practice location for the Blast is ultimately determined by the availability of field space. The Blast are part of the Chantilly Soccer Club which support fields in and around the Chantilly area. For the 2008 seasons, the Blast have practiced at Lees Corner ES as well as Franklin MS. We also have access to fields at Poplar Tree Park, Crossfield ES, and Fred Crabtree Park.
9. Do the Blast practice year-round?
Practices are most intense just before and during our playing seasons, Spring (April - June) and Fall (September - November). The Blast also try to practice during the winter using indoor faculties. As with other aspects involving significant costs, options for off-season practice are discussed with all team parents and a mutual decision is made. The coaches also strongly suggest off season physical training that includes general athletic or cross-sports training and self improvement soccer drills. Coaches distribute recommendations and are always available for extra workout advice.
10. Is it true that the Chantilly Blast had a subtle but positive impact on DC United's 2007 season?
Devon McTavish of the DC United helped-out with a Blast practice during the spring of 2007. Before that practice, Devon had played in just 5 games with the United. Since that practice however, Devon has played in 22 games (starting 20 of those games) and being noted as one of the better defenders on the team. We're not saying that a little hard work on Devon's part didn't add to his success, but it can't be denied that his performance improved drastically after he attended a Blast practice. On this note, the Blast extends the opportunity to assist with practice to any other DC United player who could "benefit" from the experience.
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Chantilly Blast
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