The Etowah Boy's soccer team is getting ready for what is sure to be an exciting season. The players have been working vigorously throughout the off-season getting prepared and I know their hard work will result in a successful season.

We have laid the groundwork for consistent success in our program and with the many returning players that we have, our team will have the added advantage of experience in what is one of the toughest soccer classification in Georgia.

We look forward to another strong season in 2012, our student-athletes had tremendous success this past year.

2011-2012 is guaranteed to be an exciting season as we strive to build a tradition of excellence - encouraging both athletic and academic leadership!

Please support the Etowah Eagles Boys Soccer Team

The accomplishments and improvements our teams have enjoyed are impressive. Our athletes, coaching staff, and parents have all worked hard to create a winning culture that now expects to consistently be among the best in Cherokee County and in our region, 5-AAAAA.

Unfortunately, due to tightening school budgets, high school athletics are NOT funded by our county. The cost of uniforms, officials, transportation and equipment is almost entirely funded by the parents and athletes of our program and the generous donations of friends, family, and local businesses. On behalf of the coaches and staff at Etowah, I would like to personally thank you for the continued support of Etowah Soccer.

Coach Chris Stahler
Head Coach
Etowah Boys Varsity Soccer

Etowah Girls Soccer principles and philosophy

Before we start the active part of our season with fitness work, I wanted to let you know how things are done in this program. Knowing what is expected makes it easier for you to be ready to compete. Please read through both the principles and philosophy sections.

Principle #1-you can’t play if you can’t run

Fitness test is new this year. My own creation, I call it suicide laps. Here’s how it goes: 1 lap on the track 1 half suicide (start on the end line, go to the goal box, back to the end line, back to the penalty box, back to the end line, go to the midfield, back to the end line). 5 rounds, start and end with a lap. That means you will do 5 half suicides and 6 laps on the track. We will set the baseline time for you on 1/3 and then retest again on 1/19.

Principle #2-you can’t play if you don’t have skill

You will play 1 v 1 games against as many people as possible starting on 1/4. In these games you get 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie. You get 1 point per goal up to 3 goals. The maximum score you can get for any game is 6 (3 for the win and score 3 goals or more). Games will last 2 minutes. If you are new to the program, you will be playing more games than veterans. If you are looking to move up a level, then you will need to play varsity players.

Principle #3-we are responsible for our own success

Regardless of your skill level or fitness, you can accomplish much by working together and finding ways to solve problems as a group. Coaches will not be responsible for your success; we will only try to provide the environment for you to overcome the obstacles and achieve your own success. The first obstacle is financial, we needed to raise money. We are almost done with that obstacle and you have performed admirably, let’s try to finish the job with our last two fund-raisers. Your teammates on the Leader’s council take an active role in how our team appears and what we do together. You are part of that decision making process. Take your job seriously.

Principle #4-you will get a chance to prove yourself on the field

If you make the team, you are expected to play. Because wins matter to all of us, some people will play more than others. You will be given a chance to play and earn more playing time based on your impact on the game. Sometimes your playing time will be dependent on the opponent and the conditions, but throughout the season, you need to be ready to play and to seize the moment and have a big impact on the game. The coaches are not perfect and mistakes will be made, but you need to know that the better you play, the more you will play.

Principle #5-We represent the community

Unlike club soccer, you play with your neighbors. You represent the coaches, the school and the community. Take that responsibility seriously. Think about that when someone asks you to do something stupid. Make good decisions for your health, your grades and your future.

Principle #6-we play because we love to play

Need I say more?