May 20, 2012

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Silent Adventure

May 7, 2012 By 1 Comment

Recently, I have been publishing less of my experiences in the Philippines. With many thoughts, feelings and emotions that have come and gone, those that hurt and those that cheer, ones that linger and ones that bury deep, I still carefully record and document them. My feelings are mixed, but nonetheless bold. My stories and experiences flow strong and continuous, yet my voice run quiet.  Restriction do not let me to passionately share my personal experiences and stories as I have originally planned, but the course of life carries on and keeps me from moving forward. To share this entry within this moment is my first in breaking the silence.  This in itself is an adventure. Not by instinctual or compulsive choice, rather by moral reflection, it remains a path I need to take, and it is a path I can still discover, cherish and appreciate.

Sharing my experience of silence is somewhat difficult, and it remains a task I hope to realize. It will remain a reflection of morals and values, and worth more than words can rationalize. Patience is not something you wait for, it is something you work on. With words and the lack of word, silence and patience can reveal true character.

 

 

Filed Under: Training, Travel

Falling Short of a Turn Around Rematch

February 4, 2012 By 2 Comments

In the 2011 UFL Cup, Kaya FC faced Loyala Meralco Sparks in the Cup Semifinals for the first time since the revival of the UFL. With each team riding high on the wave of the football boom in the Philippines and recruiting big named players to the league, both have ramped up for the intense competition. Up until the semifinal rounds, the Loyola-Kaya match-up was one of the most anticipated games, as Loyola boasted Phil and James Younghusband, and Mark and Mathew Hartman. On the other hand, Kaya FC had our own set of National team players including Aly Borromeo, Anton Del Rosario, Jason Sabio, Nate Burkey and myself. Off the field, between the players that match was jokingly coined a “match between the Brit’s and the Americans.”

Until this day, it can easily be said that the game between Kaya FC and Loyola was the most exciting match to watch in 2011. With a comfortable 3-0 lead at half time, Kaya had the sure advantage moving into the second half, only to find a reluctant Loyola narrowing the gap and eventually stealing the game in a high scoring 5-4 victory.

This seemingly impossible comeback surely set the stage for Kaya FC and Loyola’s second match-up. This time, in the UFL League, as the first round of games commenced in a double round robin format, the two teams faced each other, in what was described as an “epic rematch” of the 2012 season. The outcome last time, was a triumphant underdog fight for Loyola to tie the match up and to finally take the win. For Kaya FC it was a bitter snowballing of unfortunate events that lead to a mega loss of the match and a potential cup title. This time with much at stake, Loyola fighting to maintain their win, and for Kaya to recapture the victory they had in their hands in the prior game.

Disappointing to say, Kaya fell short yet again against the orange Sparks. Much can be said about both teams performances, whether or not things could have been done or should have been done, and speculations can be made about all aspects of the match. The truth is before we start analyzing everything, I will use this time to reflect on my own performance and be accountable for the things I had control over.

Upon reflecting on my sub-par performance, I really have to reanalyze all of the controllable factors leading up to and during the match. We as professionals always say “Control the Controllable’s” and forget about everything else. By this we mean: Do what you need to do to best prepare you for the results you seek. For peak performance, it means preparing everything in your immediate control that will directly impact your effectiveness and efficiency.  Despite feeling great at the start of the match, it’s tough to say that after being fouled early in the game, the nagging physical nuisance pulled me mentally into a different state for the rest of the match, and it was quite evident that my “efficiency and effectiveness” suffered.

We can’t control the ref’s, we can’t control what others choose to do or not do, and we can’t control hard tackles by others, but what we can control is how we deal with these factors. Unfortunately, I was unable to physically and mentally overcome the “uncontrollable factors” presented to me in the match and furthermore I failed to take ownership over the controllable ones that would have dictated a positive performance.

All too often, it is hard for people to look past the “uncontrollable’s” and extreme focus is marginalized to excuses and blame. Being accountable and responsible for your own performance is key in moving forward and excelling. I hope to use games like this to further propel me in the right direction. It is a harsh and stern reminder that the game is only physical to a certain point, controlled and limited by your mental capability.

We have to wait until the second round of the UFL League to face Loyola Meralco Sparks in our 3rd overall match-up. What seems to be light years away, we have even more to look forward to, as we seek  unfinished business.

For More Information on KayaFC, Check out our NEWLY Launch Website KayaFC.COM

For More Articles for Lexton Moy Check out Soccerpirrs.com and Follow him on Twitter @LextonMoy

Filed Under: Blog, Playing, Training Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Playing Cup Champions: Philippines Airforce

January 14, 2012 By 2 Comments

Last night Kaya FC played Air force in the United Football League opening game. With the league ceremony and excitement level sky high prior to kickoff, our team seemed pretty focused and determined to play the defending League and UFL Cup Champions. For me, it was the first time we’ve faced any armed forces team in competition. During the Cup we seemingly missed the opportunity to play a whole handful of teams due to the Cup format, so facing Air force was most certainly a big game for us, let alone having to face them our very first match of the season.

Right of the bat, we came out strong, knowing that the Air force side would house a powerful squad and most importantly, display a cohesive game plan. We knew that their team work and unity from playing together would be one of their strengths and we set out to aggressively break that down with organized defending and sharp counter attacks. Early on we had clear chances at net, but only converted one goal. Despite the multiple open chances at goal, this lone goal would end up being the deciding factor of the match. The 1-0 win for us really doesn’t reflect our performance when creating goal scoring opportunities, but at the same time, it might shed some light on other parts of our game that we really need to improve on.

In any case, the result stands, and we’ll take a result in a match against arguably the strongest club in the Philippines. For me, playing against Air Force was a true privilege. They are most definitely the team to chase. There is much respect and appreciation for all the Air Force Players. As I mentioned before,  these guys defend the country off the field. Likewise the other armed forces teams really hold a place in the eyes and hearts of football fans. They are the country’s most respectable teams when it comes to national pride and local football accomplishment for decades now. I look forward to our second match-up with Air Force later this season.

For More Information on KayaFC, Check out our NEWLY Launch Website KayaFC.COM

For More Articles for Lexton Moy Check out Soccerpirrs.com and Follow him on Twitter @LextonMoy

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New Season-New Look: 2012 UFL League Opener

January 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Moving through the Holidays and out the New year, there has been so much buzz around the 2012 United Football League. Today marks the opening ceremonies and the League opening match between two much talked about teams, Kaya FC and current UFL Cup Champions Air force.

Prior to this day, Kaya FC was in need for some regrouping after suffering a touch loses in the UFL Cup, first to Loyala Meralco Sparks in the Cup Semifinals, and then again to Global FC in the third place match, only to finish forth overall int he competition. After the short break, we are back in action to open the league in 2012 fashion and kick off what will be the exciting football season.

For me this game means a whole lot. We as people are always in favor of new starts and a fresh look. This is why we emphasize new years resolutions, makeovers, and transformations. We love to create and recreate ourselves and we love seeing others do it too. For Kaya FC I really feel that the chemistry between the unique characters we have on the team, with the coaching staff, right through the administration and the executives, have create a unity unlike other teams. I only hope that we can translate all of the hard work, dedication and comradery on the pitch and display true football performance. Our first big test will be this very first match against Air Force, who have been a dominant force throughout Philippines Football.

With a new look, new players and crucial changes made to the team, Kaya FC is set to face Air Force later on today. Check out our NEW Kaya FC Uniforms. Catch our new signings: Alu Kigbu (A.K) and Joshua Beloya. Be at the Game to see the new team in action.

United Football League 2012 Season League Opener: Kaya FC vs Air Force 4pm Rizal Memorial Stadium.

For More Information on KayaFC, Check out our NEWLY Launch Website KayaFC.COM

For More Articles for Lexton Moy Check out Soccerpirrs.com and Follow him on Twitter @LextonMoy

 

 

 

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Starting with the “Small Ball”

January 5, 2011 By 2 Comments

small-balls

“The ‘Magic Pill’ to finding your touch…”

With a clear and focused mind ready to start training and jump back into the rhythms of pre-preseason and pre-season, I decided to use the “small-ball” as the main equipment to sharpen up my touch. Many of you might have experience, worked with or seen people training with this “small-ball.” And if you haven’t tried it yet, and you are serious about training, developing and improving your touch, you certainly need to have this be apart of your training.

So, what is this magical method? Quite frankly, there’s nothing extraodinary about it. Simply put, you training with a ball significantly smaller than the current size ball you compete with. It can be a different size and a different weight or even a different material that effects the bounce or speed.

How to? and Why we do it?

Very simply, you perform all the same technical skills as you would practice with a normal ball, except with this different ball. This includes all technical skills from your feet all the way to your head: dribbling, passing/receiving, shooting, heading. Areas that small-ball training is particularly effective in is passing and receiving out of the air. This includes volleys, half-volleys, and work with the thigh, chest, and head. You can use anything from a skills ball (size 1.5 or 2), tennis ball, foam hand ball, or sponge ball be creative and make it challenging. I choose to use a rubber bounce ball that is smaller than a size 3 or a rubber size 2 ball that is weighted a bit heavier. This way the size, weight, and the type of bounce is altered. But remember when you get efficient and good with that this small-ball, be sure to change one of these attributes, so that you can maintain a challenging training method.

When training with a ball of different size, weight and bounce, you are subjected to a different kind of stimulus and therefore a different type of training. Your senses and perception of the ball are effectively heightened and you become more sharp. Concentrating on a smaller object will make your touch more efficient and more accurate.

So, if your looking to sharpen your touch and increase your accuracy try a small ball. And remember be sure to tell us how your working with it. Cheers!

Filed Under: Balls, Training, Training Aids Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Pressure of Preparation for Preseason: Essential Components of Getting to the Next Level

January 4, 2011 By 1 Comment

LIU

Spirrsblog.com April 22, 2009

So, a few months ago I really started playing with the idea of moving to another country and playing professional soccer for a season or two. I began doing some research and started looking into clubs, levels, locations, seasons and time-frame for the near future. But as I began to explore my contacts and do my research on this new chapter in my life, my father asked me one question that would smack reality in my face (which he has done very effectively throughout my development). He said “Even if we got everything set in place… flight, living, clubs and trials…will you be ready to leave tomorrow?”

Hello! The fact of the matter, and what he was hitting directly on the head was that I had just came back from a long trip to South Africa, having not played or trained for 3 months. Although, I felt confident and optimistic, the truth was, I was not ready. It’s funny how a player’s mentality can shift as they get older and more experienced. I remember growing up, preparing or season after season, team after team, try-out after try-out, and being very successful at each step of the way. And a big part of that was the pressure of preparation. I realize something strikingly similar about the feeling I had growing up each time I took playing to another level. Every time the pressure of preparation seemed to decrease a little. It was like getting use to taking tests, or feeling more and more confident and comfortable with preparing for something bigger. It was like preparing was a task you got better at and the better you got the easier, more efficient and more concise it became. Now, although I feel very confident and efficient with getting into playing shape, this feeling can not by any means replace actually doing IT.

Things to be aware of.

Now, although confidences and comfort in preparation can be a good thing, it should not and cannot replace the work and effort of preparation. There are 3 Pre’s in “pre-season” or “pre-tryout” that are absolutely crucial for success at any level.

The first “Pre” is the Pressure. There needs to be an initial urge, motivation, inspiration for training and getting ready. There needs to be a balanced and healthy level of pressure for success and failure that is the fuel for training. Because without the desire to succeed along with the aversion of failure, it is impossible to push to the next level.

The second “Pre” is the Preparation. There needs to be an effective and productive preparation that will train you in all aspects needed to get ready for the demands of the game. This involves “controlling the controllable’s.” Enhancing, training and preparing individual skill, technique, tactics, mental sharpness, nutrition, and lifestyle.

The third “Pre” is the simple Prefix. This is the simple meaning of “prior to,” “in advance of,” and “before.” This is a very easy concept, yet the one hardest to maintain. This takes discipline, consistency and planning. It is vital that time is allotted and maintained before hand so that you can maximize potential.

Together these three very important Pre’s can set the tone for success. The first two, pressure and preparation, sets the foundation for getting ready and the third, sets the tone and time frame for success. For anyone thinking about, or starting to get ready for preseason or any tryouts, here’s a bit of advise: “Control what you can, and do it with proper timing all in advance…Start early and be consistent.”

Stay tuned for Posts and Articles on My Training Schedule/Program. And Please…Share your current, past or future experiences about the Pressure of Preparation for Preseasons or tryouts, at any level. Cheers!

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