as of March 20, 2006 Join our Mailing List          Search Past Issues

How to Gain the Olympic Edge  Top athletes must learn to focus their energy and perform at peak levels to become the best of the best.  Indeed, the success of a competition is often as much determined by the mental readiness of the athlete as the skill level already attained.  In fact, the best trained athlete can fall flat on his face if he is not prepared mentally.  Former Olympic Gold Medalist and World Cup skier, Barbara Ann Cochran has designed a program, “How to Gain the Olympic Edge” to ‘coach’ athletes in performance situations through positive mental preparation.  She uses her own experiences and successes, coupled with proven principles and exercises, in a curriculum that enables people to achieve their best possible mental ease.   “How to Gain the Olympic Edge” is based on eight factors of mental preparation and how each impacts performance.  The program:  Increases an individual’s success by destroying limits and expanding dreams through goal-setting.  Shows how emotions affect an individual’s performance.  Focuses an individual’s thoughts before, during, and after a competition.  Demonstrates how an individual’s attitude affects outcome---what works, what doesn’t.  Teaches what it means to be mentally tough and helps an individual choose mental toughness.  Allows an individual to discover their own beliefs related to performance.  Enables an individual to change behaviors and beliefs that limit their potential success by using affirmations.  Uses visualization to create an individual’s image of success. Far Post is continually trying to find ways in which to support our players and their development.  Executive Director Todd Kingsbury believes that “performance is 95 percent mental and 5 percent physical.”  Barbara Ann is currently working with some Far Post players to help them gain their competitive edge.  For more information on this program, feel free to contact her directly at (802) 453-5014 or by email at bcochran@gmavt.net. Return to top of page Holland Update  BOTTLE DRIVE!  The U14 Girls team is sponsoring a bottle drive as one of their final fundraising projects for their upcoming trip to Holland.  If you’d like to help them out, you can bring your bottles to MT Bellies Redemption Center, 340 Dorset Street in South Burlington, any time before April 1st and note that they be credited towards the Far Post U14 girls team.     The drop off hours are:  Monday through Friday:  10:30 to 11:30 am and 1:00 to 6:15 pm  Saturdays:  10:00 am to 6:15 pm  Get a head start on your Spring cleaning!  Bring your ‘empties’ to MT Bellies before April 1 and help the U14 Girls fundraising efforts.  For further details or to offer assistance, contact project coordinator, Christie Hewson at Christie.Hewson@vtmednet.org   ORIENTATION MEETINGS!  Two informational orientation meetings have been scheduled for the traveling players and their parents:  Boys Group ~ Monday, March 20, 7 p.m.  Girls Group ~ Sunday, March 26, 1 p.m.  Note to participating families:  if you are unable to attend your team’s meeting, please attend the other!  It’s very important that all players and at least one parent attend.   THANKS!  The U14 Boys team would like to thank Lang Associates and VT Commercial for their contributions to support their trip to Holland.   Return to top of page Far Post Honors & Achievements  Since our last issue of ePost News, many of our Far Post family experienced special achievements ~ some in soccer, and others in areas outside of soccer.  Far Post congratulates the following on their respective achievements and welcomes others to submit news for future issues so they can be recognized for their success!  Send to admin@farpostsoccerclub.com.  U15G Charlotte Dworshak has been attending the Mount Mansfield Winter (Ski) Academy since Thanksgiving.  They started training in Nakiska, British Columbia in November and watched an early World Cup Race.  After qualifying for the State Meet in February, Charlotte qualified for the Junior Olympics held on March 11-14 at Lake Placid.  U14B Ethan Harlow also qualified for the State Meet and was awarded the “Attack from the Back Award" and finished 10th.   U17-18G Liz Forbes is the 2006 Division I Nordic Freestyle Vermont State Champion and was selected for the Eastern Nordic Ski Team.  Liz finished first in the Nordic State Meet skate race and U15-16G Caroline Carpenter placed third.  U16G Katherine Goller and U16B Whitney Mikell made the Alpine Skiing All-NVAC and All-State Teams.  In the Division I Alpine State Championships Whitney Mikell placed fifth in the Individual Slalom championship and third in the Giant Slalom.  U14B Ethan Harlow has been selected to participate in the Mediterranean International Soccer Tournament near Barcelona, Spain with the Region 1 team from April 9 to April 18th.   Former Far Poster Alex Clavelle (2004-05 U18 Boys Team), made the Patriot League Men's Soccer Academic Honor Roll at Bucknell University.   The U16 Boys Team participated in the CDPHP Presidents Tournament on February 19 in Albany, NY.  Although the boys lost their first match against Ajax (Hartford, CT); they beat Highland 4-0 and enjoyed a 2-1 win over Wappinger’s Falls.     Return to top of page Finish the Dream!  Most Far Post families had the pleasure of experiencing soccer at the Tree Farm facility in Essex Junction last Spring.  Whether a player or spectator, all agree that it is a valuable resource for the Vermont soccer community.  Recently, the Tree Farm Management Group restructured their board of directors and elected new officers:   Eric Senn – President  Kay Maloney - Vice President  Cheryl Bowers – Treasurer  Mark Berry - Secretary (and Far Post dad to U13G Kendall)  The inaugural year was a great success in terms of events, visitors (over 88,000) and indirect contributions to the local economy (100 hotel rooms, etc.).  To assist with the retiring of the Tree Farm’s long-term capital debt, several representatives of the user clubs have established the “Finish the Dream” capital campaign.  The campaign hopes to raise $200,000 through donations from individuals and businesses in the community.  The Tree Farm project is a 501(c)(3) organization, so contributions are tax-deductible.  “We are committed to moving this Project forward and having even more people enjoy this fabulous facility," says Eric Senn, President.  "We look forward to an even more successful 2006 season."  Those interested in making a contribution or sponsorship opportunities should contact:  Tree Farm Management Group, P O Box 8436, Essex, VT 05451. Return to top of page Think Spring! (and Summer!)  The unseasonably warm weather experienced a week or so ago makes one realize that the outdoor season is just around the corner.  Far Post has an exciting array of Spring and Summer programs planned for soccer enthusiasts of all ages!  Take a look at the web-pages for each of the programs below for more detailed information.  And, check back shortly as more programs are yet to be announced!  NEW!  FPSC Under 8 Spring Development Program ~ May 9-June 15  Far Post Juniors ~ for ages 4-6 ~ Sessions beginning on May 9 and 11  Summer School of Excellence ~ for ages 7-12 ~ June 19-23  Advanced Group Camp ~ for club level players ages U12-U16 ~ July 10-14  Summer Academy ~ for high school aged players ~ July 11-27  Pre-Season Camp ~ for high school aged players ~ August 7-11  For further information, contact Education Program Director, Ben Hardy, ben@farpostsoccerclub.com, 863-8161. Return to top of page