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The patches are the absolute best motivational tool I have found in seven years of coaching three daughters. I currently coach a U12 Girls team in the toughest division of our league. --Coach Chad, CA, USA
The STAR patches are a great idea, I use them for my 9-10 year-old little league team. Gold for making every practice, Red for game achievements, Blue for sportsmanship and attitude. I am pleased to say that last night every boy earned a blue star in a 1-0 victory. THANKS!!! --Thomas, CT USA
Our school used the patches last year for reward incentives and they were a big hit. We ran out twice, so we decided to buy 3,000 this time around. Our purchasing office will be in touch with you soon. --Christi, California Elementary School
"I'm so excited to have found you, I've been paying $1 a patch, so this will save me lots of money. Thank you once again." --Coach April, USA
The kids absolutely love the patches. --Amy, league administrator, New York
I can\'t tell you how many smiles these patches put on so many faces each week! --Coach Tammy, USA
I thought my 12 year olds might be too old for the patches, but I thought I would give it a try. They love them! They have team sweatshirts that they iron them on to. I handed them out at practice after the game and they all remembered what patch they were to get - and knew what patches their teammates were getting too!
One other thing - thanks so much for your practice games. We extended our practices from the normal 1 hour the league says to 1.5 hours. Last practice, in the rain, when I shouted out "practice is over" half the girls were saying "Already? Boy that was fast. Can we go a little longer if our mom isn't here (yes!)", etc. Thanks for making it fun (and successful) for everyone.
--Coach Phillip, Premium Member, WA
We used the patches this season and it is the first time I have seen my 8 year old son start to shine and become a leader on the team. --Micah
Thank you so much for your prompt attention to my order. The patches are wonderful and the girls on my junior high team are so excited. We had camp last week and only one girl from the team did not earn a perfect attendance patch - unlike last year when I had an average of four or five missing. --Coach Joan, Pennsylvania
Just wanted to let you know that the motivational patches program that we have introduced to our team this year is amazing!! The kids love them. The last few years the kids have been playing for the Trophy at the end of the year. We never liked the end of year trophy as the only incentive -- we encouraged week-to-week game-to-game progression and teamwork. With the Patch System that we implemented, and with suggestions from other coaches on your website, the kids play for each game and practice for each practice. Nobody has even mentioned the word trophy so far this season! They want Victory/Practice/Goal/Improvement/Assist/MVP patches!! They want to work together, have fun, get patches and win! Isn’t that what sports are suppose to be!! Nice work. You have a customer for life. Our sponsors are more than happy to keep buying the patches as long as the kids keep giving it everything they got week in and week out!! --Coach Robert, CA, USA
These patches have helped motivate the middle school team for juggling competitions and goals scored. They place them on their team bags and compete with each other. --Coach Brooks, OH
I recently ran into a boy (now a young man) who I coached 9 years earlier when he was 13. He's now 22. He told me he still has his soccer jersey with the patches on it. He remembered the patches with a smile. It made me feel good that he had good memories. --David at SoccerHelp
Hi SoccerHelp,
I have been coaching soccer for the last 6 years. My boy's team is
having their best season so far and I believe it is due to the patches
I started giving out after the third game of the season. Since then
we have played much better soccer and are scoring like crazy. We've scored
10 goals in the last two games alone. My girl's U-9 team struggled until recently and they too have come around. They connect the patches
to what they are supposed to do on the field. I give them patches for
everything from crosses to drops to lucky goals and throw-ins. These
patches have turned my girls team around. We only scored 3 goals last
season. This season we have scored 20 goals so far and 5 in the last game, beating a team we lost to earlier. The whole team gets gold stars if they score 5 goals or more and both teams have scored 5 in the last 2 games....thanks Soccerhelp. --Dave, NJ USA, U-11 Boys Select/U-9 Girls Select, Premium Member
I can't say enough about the tried and true results of using these patches! My team lost all 8 games last season, and moral was low. Nothing I tried seemed to make a difference. I try to make soccer a very fun experience for the kids, not bad, by yelling at them. When I came across these patches, I figured I would give it a shot. What could it hurt? Well, I will tell you that this very same team that lost ALL 8 games in the fall, won 7 out of 8 games this spring!!! The kids wanted those patches!!! We placed 2nd, and got the silver medal! Thank you Soccer Help for helping me, help my team!!! These little patches gave them so much more to work toward, and have something to show, for their progression, and accomplishments!
I can't say thank you enough!!!
Thanks!! --Coach Gayla, Missouri
The Dragons
"Just wanted to thank you for the website and all the information contained therein. Two years ago I didn't know anything about soccer, and now my U9 girls' team has a two year record of 17 wins and 4 losses. My parents were excited about how well the girls played, I received many complements on how well they were coached, and most important, my
kids had fun. I attribute much of my success to your SoccerHelp Premium and the patches. The website gave me the knowledge to coach, and the patches gave the girls the motivation. I'll be a member for as long as I coach." --Mike, Washington USA, U9, Premium Member
We coach U6 & U8 girls - just started with the
soccer patches. The girls love them and we are
having them placed on their shorts. We did
various colors for variety. The talk after the
game was all about the patches. Advice - go for
volume discount - the soccer ball patches go fast,
everyone wants to earn one. Service was great, we
had our order in time to give out patches prior to
our first game. Thank you!!
--Coach Jaini - Henderson, NV
I have been using the patches for 2 seasons. The soccer ball patches are for playing hard, fair and having fun and I give a star patch for red star offensive player of the game, blue star defensive player of the game, and the gold star for goals scored. This year I said for EVERY goal scored you get a gold star. Well, we had 4 different players score 2 or more goals with the final score being 10-1 and it's only our 2nd game. I had to express ship more gold stars before our practice this week because I did not have enough.
I think they work. --Mike L.
Last season we lost most of our games. Never having have been a fan of soccer I searched the internet and found your site. I joined Premium and purchased patches not knowing what to expect. At practice we did a lot of the games like dribble across the square and lots of others and found what worked and got the kids the most touches. I did everything Premium said and we went undefeated during the season and second in the tournament winning 4 games and losing the final game to a team that had not lost in 4 years, except to us during the regular season. Many thanks. --Coach Dave, U-10 Rec, VA, USA, Premium Member
At one point in the tournament, my great attacker got kicked in the face, but never broke stride and almost knocked one in from outside the box. At the break, he ran up to me and declared, "I want my Blood Patch now. I'm not waiting until after the game." He played the whole second half with the patch clutched in his fist, and did a great job keeping the score where it was. Both of my teams finished undefeated, so thanks again for the great resources and patches. They work great! --Coach Dan
Hi SoccerHelp,
Just wanted to write and give you some feedback on your incentive patches and how our first season went.
I'm the first year coach of a U-4 soccer team “The Green Machine” in FL.
My boys and girls had the best record of the six team league of 13-0-2. We all had a great time and the kids played their hardest throughout the season. They made sure to give their best effort to earn their patches after every game. Not only did the kids love them but so did all the parents and other coaches as well. They all thought it was a great idea to reward the kids for trying their hardest and making sure they have fun.
Looking forward to coaching again this September. I have included a few pictures of the team. Hope you enjoy them. Notice the patches on the uniform sleeves.
Thanks again. --Coach Albert, FL, USA
Using the SoccerHelp concepts and the incentive patches, my U-8 team just finished the season 8-0-0. This is the same team that last Fall was winless and only scored one goal, and my 4-yr-old team finished their season also undefeated! My kids and parents could not be happier! I am just about to place my third order for more patches, so man did they work!! The kids were more concentrated at practice, gone was the crying after getting knocked down, and their positioning changed almost overnight. They worked so well, I even started using them for my son's 4-yr-old team. In two weeks, they turned us from unaggressive-standers-around, to a well oiled machine. Throughout the season, I had at least 6-7 opposing coaches/parents come up to me and ask me how I got my kids to do that! --Coach Dan, U8 and U5, Georgia, Premium Member
I just wanted to provide you some feedback on the soccer ball patches! I found your website
searching for soccer drills and thought I would place an order to see if my U14 Girls team in
Lexington, KY would think about them. WOW! what a great motivational tool that is very affordable. I use the patches to reward great attitude, passing, assists and goals scoring. I made sure that every girl received at least one patch and they LOVE them!!!! --SoccerHelp Coach
"I started to use the soccer patches this season with my 3rd grade
recreational team. I ordered multi-color packets before, which included
25 black and white soccer balls. I give out black and white soccer balls
for each goal scored and in six games so far I have run out of black and
white patches, so we've scored over 25 goals and I'm ordering more!
Really quite amazing for a co-ed team in its first season in an
all boys league and in addition we have a couple kids who are "playing up" and
are younger than our opponents.
Thank you SoccerHelp." --Coach Lara
This is my first year coaching soccer. My team started out with a big
win against a very good team. We then went on to a 2 game tie and a 2 game
losing streak. Well, our most recent game we won 5-1. It was the best
game I have ever seen us play as a team. I told them of the patch award
system I was going to use. When they recieved the patches I mean you
could see the glow and the excitement on their face they were so proud
and I am talking about 9-10 year olds. This less talented kids recieved a
winning and hustling patch. And as you said I also used the Highest
Patch as the assist patch the Gold Star for us. The kid who recieved was
so happy. I give a patch for goals but only for the first and every 5th
goal. Let me end this because I could go on and on about how good this
system works. --Coach Duane, Kansas
Wow, I can't say enough good things about the approach to teaching soccer through games. I am a first time coach, I learned alot from this website. The kids all participate in practice and seem to enjoy it. We had some first timers on the team and after our first practice were saying "This was fun." On Saturday, we won our first game!!!! But more importantly than that, through using the patches, even the kids were telling each other the good things they were doing. The parents seem to really like the patch idea too. So, I just wanted to say thanks for the website and all the great information on it. I was using the free site, but soon after I signed up for the premium package. It has been a lifesaver for me. Thanks again and keep up the excellent work. --Coach Kris, Kansas
I started coaching in the spring this year and with the help of SoccerHelp we had a very good season. I coached a rec team (U-12 coed) and we went 8-2-0 finishing second in our division. We also scored the most goals (41) and our defense was third (20) in goals allowed. That was with 13 kids and 2 of them had never played before. Your web site, DVDs and patches are great. I have learned a lot and my kids enjoy the incentive patches. With all the practice games and touches on the ball my kids are having a blast. I receive good feedback from the parents telling me their child has played for 3 or 4 years and never had this much fun. --Coach Ed, MS, USA
Hi SoccerHelp,
We have used your patches and practice games with great success.
We have a 9 year old city rec team in south Florida. Its our first year playing together, except for 2 of our players.
Your patches have inspired them all to be much better players. The difference in everyone's play, since we started with the practice games and patches is amazing. I started the season’s first practice without SoccerHelp, and most of the kids were lethargic, unexcited, and bored. My wife found your site, and I realized that your training "principals" made lots of sense. (every kid has a ball in practice, no lines, several hundred touches on the ball in practice each, etc.) The patches arrived in time for the first game, and you would think I was passing out $100 bills after the game. All the kids are very proud of the patches they have earned, and can tell everyone how they earned each patch.
We are half way through our season and have won all games except for the second game. Our greatest success was winning against a team (and coach) that has been undefeated for 3 seasons. Most of the league players all go to the same school, and the players on the other team had bragged (understandably) about their record at school, and my players were nervous about the game. We had a practice 2 days before the "big game", as always, we did your practice games - cone relay race, square dribble, and throw in practice, along with an offense against defense game. On Saturday morning, Before the game we warmed up, and did your 2 practice games again. It was the best kids soccer game I have ever seen, both teams played as hard and aggressive as I've ever seen 9 year olds play, it was very exciting. We won the game 1-0. I was so proud of them, everyone received several patches, as every player was a star.
SoccerHelp has definitely made me a better coach, and shown me how to motivate and create better players. --Coach Michael
Hi SoccerHelp,
Thanks!!! I want you to know that I really appreciate your site and will remain a Premium member as long as I am fortunate enough to coach. The patches are the absolute best motivational tool I have found in seven years of coaching three daughters. I currently coach a U12 Girls team in the toughest division of our league. The Premium tips and games are great. We were losing almost all of our goal kicks this year until I taught the girls the Spread the Field Goal Kick play I found in Premium that spreads the field and has the sweeper follow the ball out. I think we might have lost one goal kick in our last three games of the season. Excellent play. I also started using the Short Corner Set Play with two players in the corner where one passes the ball between the other's legs. I can only attribute one goal to it but we had sooooo many opportunities that were opened up by that play. Our season has come to an end but I will be on your site plotting and planning for the next 7 or 8 months. I might have to try out your indoor section just to get my fix between now and the next outdoor season.
Thanks again for all that you do. --Coach Chad, CA, USA
I love your patches. My U8 soccer team went 8-0-1 this
year and the kids and their parents always want to make sure they get
their patches. --Tim, FL USA
David,
Hi. I wanted to send you a quick email to let you know how much I appreciate you and what you are doing. You saved me countless hours of frustration and work. Seriously, I know that we would not have accomplished what we did in such a short amount of time without SoccerHelp. I committed to coaching my daughter's U10 soccer team last year. I have never played soccer, and, frankly, probably have only watched about 3 games my entire life. Anyway, obviously needing help, I searched for any resources that would bail me out. We had a decent team at the time, they had won 3, lost 3 and tied 2. I was hoping to just do that well under my watch. We were playing against teams coached by coaches that had previously coached travel teams, premier leagues and ODP teams!
After finding your site, I decided I would commit to doing EVERYTHING you said to do. So I practiced the way you said-- signed up for the premium access to the website, practices, patches and game lineups.
Long story short. My girls practiced Dribble Across A Square, I taught COACHING RULE #3, and, most importantly, we began using the patches for hustle, bravery and sacrifice. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A BIGGER MOTIVATIONAL RESOURCE THAN THE SOCCER PATCHES!
You wanna know what happened, right? Well, this was the first year that they were giving out trophies...actually, one trophy.. for first place only. Not only did we win our U10 division, we were undefeated! (7-0-1) The 'better coaches' were absolutely upset about losing to us...after all, they 'knew more', they were more experienced, there was no way they should lose to someone who had never even played! Now we have moved up to U11 and we have begun the season 2-0. I cannot thank you enough! You guys rock! --AB, U11, Premium Member
“We only had 1 win and 4 narrow losses until I subscribed to Premium, used the Practice Games and put into place your tactics for playing a Stopper, marking on throw-ins, goal kicks, punts and free kicks (Coaching Rule No. 3) and using patches as incentives to motivate players. The team we played today would have normally beaten us, but we beat them 3-0 !! The number of assists and striking in the goal box was amazing. The parents were screaming their heads off - they couldn't believe the change in our team. All the kids came off the field heads held high and smiling. SoccerHelp - I am raising a glass to you guys this evening - I think the team is starting out on a great path. You've made the difference today mate! All the best and have a great weekend. The start of ours has been awesome.” --Coach Chris, New Zealand
To all at Soccerhelp,
I should be thanking you. Before I joined SoccerHelp Premium today, for the past 2 soccer seasons I have bought and used your patches and have been using the 10 free Practice Games you offer on your site. I have stayed within your guide lines of being a good coach by making sure my kids have fun during practice and at the games. The patches have become a very important part of my team because it has led to perfect attendance both at practices and games and that leads to good team spirit. My girls are 7 and 1 this season. I have had other veteran coaches come up to me saying how spirited and well my team plays as a team. Parents have already made sure that I am their child's coach next season. For a guy who 2 years ago knew nothing about soccer it's a great feeling. Again, I thank you.
--Coach Jim
"There's this 10 yr old girl, who did not want to participate very much at practice. These patches sure did the trick. She would just sit & watch, or play with the grass, and beg for a patch at the end of practice. We let her know, she would get one after practicing with us. She was awarded a patch for having a great practice 4 of the last 6 practices. Once, she did not get one, because she decided to "sit-out" for about 5-minutes. I let her know that was why she didn't get a patch. She then Earned one the next two practices!" --SoccerHelp Coach
Hi SoccerHelp,
I am a first year coach and have developed my practice and game strategies around the information I have read on SoccerHelp. Our team went 8-1-1 and finished second. The girls on my U10 team had never played together before and they got better as the season progressed. They are having fun and learning the sport. The girls would complain that practice was over. You just don't achieve this by running laps and drills. I know, my 11 year old who I don't coach dreads going to her practices and complains that it just isn't fun. Practice Games work.
I purchased your patches and the kids loved them. At the end of the season, I gave each girl a duffle bag with her name on it so she could iron the patches to it. We decided to play indoor soccer this winter and just had our first game. The girls showed up with their bags and had the patches for all to see. My wife told me that during the game, parents kept asking if I were giving out patches for the indoor league. I had not planned on it but....I don't want to stop a good thing. So I am placing an order for more patches after sending this reply.
Keep up the good advice. There are those of us who really appreciate it.
--Coach Dave, USA, U10, Premium Member
This is a fabulous incentive for team players that just need a little
more confidence. I was amazed last year what the patches really meant to
the kids.
Thank you.
--Margaret
I NEVER played soccer before. My daughters team needed a coach and no one stepped forward. The team was going to be canceled - that is how it started for me.
I now coach two teams each season and learned how to coach all on www.SoccerHelp.com. PLAY THE GAMES and read the helps. You will be amazed. I use the patches, too. I love the current suggestions found on the website, but previously I had used them only for assists.
The results were amazing. I had 8 kids on the team and we played 4v4. By the third game in the season, we had 100% of the kids scoring a goal in just about every game because our more skilled players WANTED a patch, so they set up the less aggressive players. Once those less aggressive players got the taste of scoring and having the crowd cheer for them, well, I will just say it was exciting!
My parents loved our league games because all their kids scored (we were VERY liberal on determining who had assists so that all the kids had multiple patches before the end of the season). To see 3 year olds passing and assisting astounded me, too - I never would have thought it possible.
This is compared to our competitors who had one or two skilled kids score all their goals. Even at that, with the SoccerHelp system, we generally outscored the other teams 3 or 4 goals to every one they made. We often scored 18 or more goals in a game. Several of the other teams had kids cry or walk off the field because they were too tired, or some would simply play with the grass. NOT the SoccerHelp kids. We had a blast! --SoccerHelp Coach, USA
David,
I just wanted to let you know that the girls love the SoccerHelp patches. I give them out every Monday at the start of practice. Now it’s kind of humorous to see the girls really counting their goals and assists and making sure that I know exactly how many each had during the game. Most of them didn’t even know what an assist was at the start of the season or how important they are to the team. Now they love practicing their passing. I’ve been using the patches for goals, assists, tough defenders, and hustle. My daughter scored 2 goals in the last game and she couldn’t wait to get home from practice last night so my wife could put her patches on her school back pack! Thanks again.
Sincerely,
--Steve
Hi SoccerHelp,
When I took over a U9 girls team, they had not won a single game in the last 2 years. Not only that, the team could not score any goals. This year, we started using patches and we have won our first 2 games by comfortable margins. We have emphasized how the players can earn them (e.g., team work, skills, hustle and defense) and we have had a tremendous response from our girls (and parents). Attached are a couple handouts that we use to help us manage the patches which other coaches may find useful. Since we keep winning, we are in need of more patches. :) --Coach Sumer, Texas
"Johnny, a 10 yr old, was a WILD MANIAC for the first half of the season. Kicking balls, disrupting practice, made you think twice about being a coach. We had given everyone a Green-Practice-Patch after our first practice. He did not EARN another practice-patch till well after the middle of the season. The FIRST time Johnny behaved fairly well during practice, we awarded him with a Green-Practice-Patch, and told him why, "because you tried hard, you were focused on learning the ball-control drill, and behaved during practice. I'm happy to say, Johnny has earned a patch 5 practices in a row!!" --SoccerHelp Coach
Dear SoccerHelp.com:
I coach 2nd grade girls CYC soccer. After each season, I see the girls that want to play improve, however, the girls that are being "forced" to play seem to never make any progress.
So, this season I started using the merit patches mainly for the weaker players. From day one, it has been a success. Yesterday one of my "weaker" players scored her first goal, ever. It was awesome. Everyone on the team is now aggressive and hungry to play and earn the merit patches.
One problem I have been having this season is winning 50/50 balls in the open field. So last week, I ordered the lightning patch. I introduced the patch at our last practice and told my girls, like the red star (for toughness), the red lightning bolt could be earned for being tough and fast, getting to and winning the 50/50 ball. It worked! As I mentioned, one of my "weaker" players scored her first goal ever, and everyone on the team had "new found" speed and aggression. We won the game against one of our rivals 3-0. In the past seasons we would struggle with this team. That was not the case yesterday.
The patches work!
We are 4-0-1 with 22 goals for and 4 against for the first half of the season. Everyone on the team contributes now, not just the 5 that stood above the rest. Your tactics and drills from marking players to fundamental development has made coaching easy.
Thank you, --G.W., MO, USA
"Before I set foot on the soccer field for the first time to coach my very first team, I saw these patches and just KNEW that I had to use these things. My kids are very young and they absolutely go bananas over the patches. I pretty much use them as one of the articles suggested, giving a black ball out for practice for the boys and pink ones for my girls. I’ll give out various colors for different things for games. They work for me in that I won’t give them out if we have a “bad listening” practice, (of course I’ve never held them back, but the threat is there.) The kids just think they are the greatest and I can’t tell you how much I enjoy giving them out! The parents get creative with how they iron them on in patterns on the jerseys, I equate these things to the stickers that you see on football helmets. I iron each and every one on my son’s jersey with all the joy and pride that a parent could possibly muster. I can’t get enough of these darn things, I’ve even given some to the siblings of my players because they are such a big hit. My kids are the envy of the league!
Thanks a million!" --author_form
I was amazed at the effort they displayed to earn the patches and how motivated they became to learn the skill. I have had several parents tell me stories of how their children talk about getting practice time in at home so they can earn another patch. --Coach Hal, Texas, U.S.A.
The girls really love the patches. I tried them last year for the first time, not really knowing if they would be a hit or a bomb. Big time hit. The girls started trying much harder in practice.
That attitude carried over into games, some games I had no choice but to give everyone a patch for a game, because they all played better than they ever had. I ended up ordering three times, because the original order was just a small test order and the girls improved so much, they received more patches than I anticipated. --author_form
"Your Soccer Ball patches are the cat's pajamas. I had no idea how much kids would kill themselves on the pitch for a tiny piece of cloth. All I have to say is you have to earn these..., and all of a sudden they’re aggressive, they hustle and best of all - they pass and score. Truly a wonderful idea. Keep up the website and the incentive patches." --Coach Joe, Florida
- Attackers and Support: I handle the "problem" of selfish play by rewarding not only those who score goals, but those who assist. This rewards feeding and passing, so those who assist can earn the same patches. Coach Dennis
- Defenders: I reward defenders with the blue star patches. The blue stars are "star defender" patches for great plays like: blocking a penalty, or catching a ball in the air for a keeper, or a defender clearing in a very critical play or a defender pouring their heart and giving 110%.
--Coach Dennis
Thanks for the great service...my 8 year olds just love these patches! I think it may be the only reason they come to practice! :) --Coach Dawn , NY
The reason I love the one inch patch, is because it is an inexpensive and easy reward. These work well with immediate feedback to elicit immediate response. My players treasure them, and wear them proudly like badges of honor.
I'm considering an additional patch program this year for personal goals achievement. I set personal goals for each player on my team. When they achieve that goal (i.e. complete 3 passes in one game), they earn a colored soccer ball patch. I tried it out a few weeks ago with my indoor team. It worked very well!! It got some girls to accomplish skills in one day that I'd been trying to teach them all year.
By the way, I would not recommend rewarding kids for scoring goals. If you can, reward the efforts that lead up to the goal. I tell my kids that the person who scores the goal is just the last person to touch the ball in a series of great plays. --author_form
You're amazing!! Thank you soooooooooooo much for getting the patches to me so
quickly yet again. I love doing business with you!! And now I have another
soccer team that I'm coaching, so I'll be ordering more patches in the near
future. Thanks for your efficiency!! --Coach River =)
These patches are awesome! I had a parent from my team last year come up to
me yesterday. She said that her daughter "heard" that I give out patches
and she was disappointed that she was not going to be on my team because of
them!
Thanks SoccerHelp!
--Coach Bryan, California
By the way, the Patches are still working. My team beat a team (2-0 ) that they would not have had a chance with 4 weeks ago. Thank you! --Coach Curtis, USA
My kids love the patches! This is my very first year ever coaching soccer, and I'm having a blast! We give the light blue patches to every kid on the field when we score a goal. We stress the team concept. Everyone gets a patch because someone had to throw it in, someone had to pass it, and someone had to score.
The dark blue goes to every member on the field when we go an entire quarter without letting the other team score.
My kids are the envy of every team in our league!
I'm sure I will be ordering more! --Coach Chris, Delaware
Greetings, I used your soccer ball patches for the first time last season and was AMAZED at the response from the players. The team was a 2nd grade boys Rec league team, and really was amazed at the motivation that these seemingly insignificant patches provided. I used a black/white patch as a "teamwork" patch to reward general team skills (especially passing and assists) and hustle, and a red/white patch as a "blood" patch to specifically reward tough play. I handed them out sparingly, especially the blood patch, so the boys really coveted them...I really was surprised the way it motivated them. They put them on their game jerseys and were quite a source of pride. The idea was so successful that I plan to use them every year now. Kudos to whoever came up with the idea! --Coach Rick
These are fantastic! I've looked for these for years and found your site last year. I use these as post-game awards for my players (black for each goal/assist, green for offensive player of the game, red for defensive, blue for best hustle, and the much coveted gold patch to be given only occasionally for exceptional play or sportsmanship). My guys kill themselves for the patches, and they look great on our team jackets. Thanks. --Coach Mark, VA, U.S.A.
I bought soccer patches for my daughter’s soccer team last summer from SoccerHelp. I had to place a couple of orders last year for the soccer patches. They proved to be a HUGE incentive to the girls. The patches were so much fun for the girls that I thought I would try to find some for her softball team. Thanks for a great product! --Coach Tisha, CA, U.S.A.
I think the patches are the greatest idea ever. I hand them out for each practice that a child shows up to and then their parents can iron them on wherever they want to on their shirts. Thank You for your website and the patches. --Coach Scott, U.S.A.
"I love 'em! Thanks! Quick, honest service. A++++" -- Coach Scott, CA, USA
My second order and we have had only one game. I started giving them out for best practice players and if they made every practice. For games it was for every goal scored and the hardest playing player (boy & girl). Our team scored 11 goals! --Coach Scott, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
"Please don't every get rid of these patches! My kids love them and so do I! Thank you!" --Coach Alissa, U.S.A.
"I use these for my 9-10 year Rec soccer team and they are GREAT motivational tool." --Coach Becky, FL, U.S.A.
"This is my first year as a coach for 7 year olds and your sight has helped me a lot so far and I'm really looking forward to using these patches for the kids." --Coach Jim, NY, USA
Wow! The Soccer Patches have been GREAT. The girls really work hard to get those little patches. --Coach James, U.S.A
We purchased these iron-on soccer ball patches for our GU-14,
Gold-Emerald team and awarded one each week to the "Player of the Game. Great incentive!
--Coach Kimberly, WA, U.S.A.
These patches are an awesome incentive for players. They get excited after every game to see who is going to get a patch, especially the coveted Red (blood and guts) patch. It’s been a very positive experience. --Coach Aaron, MO, U.S.A.
You have been really great!!! The kids really work hard to get their patches. We are rally doing well; our record is 5-1-0. Thank you. --Coach Tyler, CT, U.S.A
I started to use the patches last year and they are a big hit. My girls are having a great season and are earning their patches. The girls look forward to patch day every week. The parents love them and think they are a great idea. --Coach Eugene, NY, U.S.A.
Your patches and advice have been very helpful to our fall season. We have scored 10 goals in our first two games with 1 goal allowed! Your formations and attacking ideas have really worked. We have scored more in two games, than in the entire season last year with the same team! Thanks! --Coach Dave
As my son says, "E-X-C-E-L-L-E-N-T!" They are exactly what I have been looking for. --Coach Hal, North Carolina, U.S.A.
Thank you so much for the patches. This is my third order and we love them. --Coach Scott, AZ, U.S.A.
My girls love these patches. This is my second order. I ran out of the colors that I use for defense, hustle, and assists. What a great idea!! --Coach Becky, FL, USA
The soccer patches are brilliant, they are a brilliant idea and award. --Coach Dave
I've been handing out the "Blood" patches you sent. The kids love them and they been proudly displaying them on their shirt sleeves. I just ordered some more, thanks. --Coach Tim
Wow! The Soccer Patches have been GREAT. The girls really work hard to get those little patches. --Coach James, TX, U.S.A.
Thanks for making the patches available! I’m halfway through my season and I'm out of "blood" patches! Thanks! --Coach Richard, Florida, U.S.A.
I love your patches this is my third order. --Coach Kevin, WA, U.S.A.
David---Thank you for the soccer patches suggestion paticularly the blood patch idea. We are playing up this season, we won our first game Sat and the patches are a huge hit with boys and parents! I ordered more Sat. Go Vols, this may be a special year. ---Coach Brian, Tennessee, U.S.A.
"We love these!" --Coach Ramon, WA, U.S.A.
I started using the soccer ball patches last year and the children loved it! I'm now in my second using them. It's great how it motivates them. --Coach Michelle, NY, U.S.A.
Hi David..Wanted to follow up as promised with regard to the 3-1-4-2 you recommended and we played this weekend..what a difference! We ended in a shutout…a 0-0 tie, which was a definite victory for us against a bigger and stronger team. The 3 FB’s stayed home and were patient throughout the match, hutting down almost flawlessly anything that came their way. The real show-stopper though was putting my strongest player at the single stopper position as you recommended. He played unbelievably and my only worry was when I had to rest him and have another player fill in for awhile. It really pays off to play your dominant player in this spot. --Coach Dave, U.S.A.
It all started with a Google on "softball patches" and "baseball iron ons". When it first came up as "soccer help" I skipped over it thinking it wouldn't pertain to softball. Turns out, what you have is exactly what I needed! Thanks! By the way...we are located just outside of Knoxville, TN. I've searched high and low from one end of this town to the other and didn't find anything quite as suitable as what you offered (especially for the price). Everything I found with softballs on it was either too large or too expensive. People will be asking where we got them, I'm sure, and I won't hesitate to pass on the word. --Coach Dawn, TN, U.S.A.
Hi, can't believe I need even more patches. Fantastic motivator for my girls! --Coach Beth, Edwall, WA, U.S.A.
Awesome example on incentives to keep players motivated! --Coach Jennifer, NH, U.S.A.
Another order already. These are a hit! Thanks! --Coach Dawn, TN, U.S.A.
Our players love the patches, but we ran out!! Ship the patches right away!!! --Coach John, Woodstock, IL, U.S.A.
I am impressed with your website and customer service. I found your site on Google, however, you were among many sites which came up. I coach several teams in basketball, baseball, and soccer, and plan to use your patches in the future. --Coach Rich, Illinois, U.S.A.
I coach U10 Boys and these patches are a big hit. We award them at the end
of each game and in front of the parents. The kids can't wait to see if they
will receive one or more patches for their game play. I also use them when
someone does extra well. --Coach Stephen, Colorado, USA
I started using the soccer ball patches as you suggested, and it rally does work. --Coach Chuck, Lexington
I just wanted to say thank you for the speedy service of getting my order to me.
Soccer got off to a late start this fall season and I completely forgot to order
my patches. I'm just lucky I had a few left over from last year although the
kids were mad they did not all get the same color. Anyway I ordered more than
enough for this season, and I put the word out to other coaches because now the
other teams' kids are starting to ask why we have patches.
Again, thank you. --Coach Jim
I've given the other coaches your website address - the kids love the patches - the other kids always ask where we got them. In the spring, I'm going to take my extras to the coaches meeting and pass them out. I think the incentive really helps them to focus - and a lot of the advice has validated some of the things that I've coached from a purely a "what would I do iftheis were anything else in life." I really do think it's easier to be a good sport if you know what you're doing and aren't frustrated by the game.
Thanks! --Coach Kent
These patches are even better than I had originally hoped. Our first graders go bonkers over these things. Also, please tell David that he was right about How To Coach Very Young Soccer Players DVD being great. I wish I had ordered that before the season started! --Coach Michael, Illinois
I handed out Patches for the 1st time after games at an Award Ceremony
with the Parent's participation. What motivation and anticipation the U-11
Soccer Players displayed as I asked the Parents to help me remember events
in the game so that Patches were given to the appropriate players. I about
got mugged by the players think this might have been candy. As Jackie
Gleason use too say, "How sweet it is". Thanks for the patches and awarding
all the soccer players with patches. --Coach Randy
The patches have been a HUGE success. The girls can't wait to get their team sweatshirts (and for the weather to get colder) so they can show off their awards (ironed onto their sweatshirts)! --Coach Kevin, PA
I re-read "Most Important Things To Teach" and "23 Of The Best SoccerHelp Tips & Tactics" regularly - they are in the folder I take to every practice and game. I find that they help me stay focused on what the girls are doing and what needs to be done to correct/improve their play. Well worth the SoccerHelp fee just on their own. --Coach Bryan, U-9 Girls, USA
This is my first year coaching soccer. My 9 and 11 year olds play on the team I coach. It has been a challenge for someone who knew relatively little about soccer strategy, but very rewarding. Your website and the coaching information on it (and yes the soccer ball patches, too) have been a HUGE help to me. Thank you for what you do.
--Regards, Coach Doug
You can add me to the testimonials. I have 4 kids, have been coaching soccer for about 10 years now and the patches have been one of the best motivators I have ever used. You wouldn't happen to know where I could find football or baseball patches similar to your soccer patches would you. I want to be able to do the same in those sports that I coach also. (SoccerHelp now has Baseball and Basketball Patches! Click here for Baseball Patch and Click Here for Basketball Patch) --Thanks, Coach Jeff, Durham, NC
Patches, they LOVE these. I have seven types:
Black: Practice patch, each kid gets one at the end of practice as long as he has put in a good effort. (I have never not given one out) Game patches, earned ONLY in games (max one per game) Red: Bravery, when a kid gets nailed shakes if off and gets back in the game, the blood patch. My kids leap back up from the ground now, they never cry. Other teams have playing whining and crying and they get coddled off the field. This patch has really toughened my kids up. (In a good way) Blue: "turning around" in a game.
Blue and Yellow "Defense" stopping the other team from scoring in a game.
Green: "Passing" must be an intentional, deliberate pass to another one of our own team
Light Blue: "Spirit/Hustle" Every kid gets this if he hasn't earned one of the above
If a player does multiple things, I choose the best one, or a color he doesn't have a lot of on his/her jersey. Their left sleeves look like checkerboards of patches. They love them, big, big, big... --Coach Doug, USA
Patches have been a hit here in Richardson. Everybody is asking my wife constantly where we get them, and the girls work hard for them. The red is for best defense, the blue is for best offense (it makes the other team blue), and the black one is for the player that hustles the most in the game. Thanks again for your help. --Coach Frank, Texas
"We are so excited to be able to purchase the fast-pitch softball patches this year! After using the patches last year for 7 to 15 year old girls, we were amazed at the success of them. We wanted to offer something to encourage good effort, good attitude, most improved as well as outstanding plays. These patches did the trick BIG TIME! We were surprised by the fact that even the big girls proudly wore them! We even have players asking us if we are going to be able to offer the incentive patches again next year! This is a tried and true method for any coach/league out there! Thank you “SoccerHelp” for offering the patches! Your customer service and willingness to expand into the
fast-pitch softball arena has been the best." --Coach John, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Wow, I can't say enough good things about the approach to teaching soccer through games. I am a first time coach, I learned alot from this website. The kids all participate in practice and seem to enjoy it. We had some first timers on the team and after our first practice were saying "This was fun." On Saturday, we won our first game!!!! But more importantly than that, through using the patches, even the kids were telling each other the good things they were doing. The parents seem to really like the patch idea too. So, I just wanted to say thanks for the website and all the great information on it. I was using the free site, but soon after I signed up for the premium package. It has been a lifesaver for me. Thanks again and keep up the excellent work. --Coach Kris, Kansas
"Awesome! Thanks so much. We love these patches. This is our teams
second order. I can't believe how these motivate the kids! It's
amazing to see such a turnaround in our team.
Thanks again for a great product!" --Coach Larissa, Arizona, USA
Coming back again this year. We use these patches for girls Softball and Soccer (this is our 3rd year) and will gear up for little boy T-Ball next spring. Thanks for a great product. --Coach Tisha, California
"I coach 5-6 year old boys. I started handing out the patches following our practice session after we played our first game. One of my player’s mother told me her son usually played timidly and stayed in the background. He was so proud of the star patches and soccer ball patches that now he is one of the better and more aggressive (in a good way) players on the team. He comes home with the patches and tells his mom that he got a patch for his great play, hustle, defense, etc. All the boys look forward each practice to receiving the patches. Last game the whole team played so well, we won 7-0 that they all got a star patch and a soccer ball patch. Thanks for letting us know all the success stories, they have helped." --Coach Larry, New Jersey, USA
"Your incentive patches are great! I coach 1st graders and they love the patches. I give black/white soccer ball patches for each game attended and use the other colored ball patches to reward good play and effort. The star patches are for extra good effort. I keep track to ensure all the kids will receive at least one incentive patch by season's end. The patches are a great way to give confidence to the players who may just be learning or not as skilled as the others. Thanks for helping me motivate the kids while also making them happy." --Coach Michael, Maryland
"Last year as an assistant coach at the Navy base Recreational league our team's coach
introduced your soccer incentive patches to the kids. He gave 1 patch to each
kid each week for attending all practices and games that week, and each game he
awarded 2 patches, 1 each for the best offensive and best defensive player. The
kids worked so hard to earn those patches, it was amazing.
This year I coached my own team for the first time, and I continued that policy
with the patches. It was worth all of the money I paid for them. My kids worked
themselves to collapse trying to earn a patch each game! The disappointment when
someone else would get it was pretty serious, but they worked even harder the
next game. I think it was a huge contributing factor in our 8 - 1 - 1 record!" --Coach Jeff, USA Navy
"For the last 2-3 years I have been using the your iron-on patches and was the only coach in my league to use them. My daughter (8 years old) was recruited by the travel team and the coach of my daughters new team saw how my team last year had shirts full of the patches and asked about them. When I told him most of the them were for attendance at games and practices he was impressed that all the girls had about equal amounts of patches and I told him that's how I was able to coach a good team, because I had good attendance. Last Friday my daughter had her first practice for her new team and not only did the coach have the patches for the girls (which by the way it seems he recruited almost all of my girls, lol ) but he told me he also joined the SoccerHelp Premium site. So that is my testimony as to how well these patches work . Thank you again for all your help in the past years and years to come." --Coach Jim B.
"I am coaching a boys U9 team and just completed the first tournament with a
4-0 run. As a testimonial regarding the soccer patches I wanted you to know how my
kids are very competitive to win one of four patches we award each game. I
have even heard that the parents comment on a good play stating that such a
play might earn a patch. My team is the only one presently using the patches
and I think it makes a difference in how the boys compete. We use a red and
white patch for the "blood and guts" award where a player plays through a
minor injury or rough play. We use a black and white patch to signify an
outstanding defensive effort. The blue and white patch is for hustle and
encouragement. The final patch is a maroon and white patch give for
outstanding effort to the team. We do not always award a patch in a game and
have given two of the same color in a few cases. So far we have only awarded
one maroon patch in five games just to indicate how special that patch is.
The boys will be having the patches stitched onto their uniform shorts.
Thanks for the great motivational tool." --Coach Tom, IL, USA
I have been using the patches for 2 seasons the soccer balls are for "playing
hard, fair and having fun" if they do so they get one then the "star" patches
are for red star offensive player of the game, blue star defensive player of
the game, and the gold for goals scored...now here comes the "well" part. This year
I said for EVERY goal scored you get a gold star. I think something snapped in my
team we had 4 different players score 2 or more goals with the final score
being 10-1 !! and it's only our 2nd game.
I had to exprees ship more gold stars before our practice this week I did not
have enough.
I think they work. --Mike L.
Love the patches I gave out the first ones last week and my kids are excited and the envy of the other teams (u-8). The parents and I want to make this fun for the kids and this is one perfect way to show the kids how well they are doing! --Debbie, VA, USA
"This is my second or third order from you for these stars. My girls love
them and really play hard to get them for their hats. I've given away so
many just four games into the season that I'm unsure if I'll have enough
available for the remaining games!" --Coach Kenneth, PA, USA
The kids loved the patches at the first practice almost as much as the parents did!!!! --Coach Kevin, USA
"You guys are awesome! I am the only coach for our club that presents the patches. The kids love them. Last season we had the best record in our club, the girls work hard but I know the patches have something to do with it also." --Allen, Idaho, USA
The patches are a great motivation for bringing the kids out to practice. I did not believe your advertisement until I tried the patch system. Thanks. --Coach Carmella
My name is Josh and I live in south Nashville and I am a second year parent coach of my son's U7 soccer teams. I found your site during a few late nights searching the web for help to create a better soccer experience for my boys and for me as a parent coach.
Your site was exactly what I was looking for! Since becoming a
premium member I have seen a dramatic improvement in my team performance and the boys have responded beautifully to your motivational patches. I have had coaches of U12 boys and girls asking
me how I have been able to get my U7 boys to understand the soccer
"theory" and perform well in games. Each time I am asked I tell them
about SoccerHelp.com! --Josh, TN
Importance of Stopper, Patches and Coaching Rule No. 3; Letter from U-10 Coed Rec Coach Playing 9v9:
Hi SoccerHelp,
We had 1 win and 4 narrow losses until I put into place your tactics for playing a stopper, marking on throw-ins, goal kicks, punts and free kicks (Coaching Rule No. 3) and using patches as incentives to motivate players. The team we played today would have normally beaten us, but we beat them 3-0 !! The number of assists and striking in the goal box was amazing, lots of far post positioning by our team, I changed the Stopper half way thru first half. My first choice at stopper ended up having no real energy, the second choice was amazing - he went like a steam train. I told him the whole field was his, as long as he ran back to position each time the other team went on attack - he did this - and performed incredibly well. Our defenders did see some action but it was more clearing type work.
As you recommended, I played our best goalie in the field because he’s a great athlete and our second choice goalie was in goal - I was nervous at commencement of game. But the other team hardly got near our penalty box!!!
Marking improved all thru game, I gave out patches at half time for marking and assists. This really got my team going. Me yelling out to player as he/she went by – "you've got a patch for marking Logan".... or "Jack, you're patched for hard attack!" You should have seen the kids faces then watched them react on the field!!
The parents were screaming their heads off - they couldn't believe the change in our team. All the kids came off the field heads held high and smiling. They knew they'd achieved something great.
SoccerHelp - I am raising a glass to you guys this evening - I think the team is starting out on a great path. You've made the difference today mate!
All the best and have a great weekend. The start of ours has been awesome. --Coach Chris, New Zealand
My team sure loves the patches!! Last year some parents sewed them on wrist bands or head bands. The challenge was finding the time to sew them on in a timely manner so as to maintain the motivation. --Eleanor
My daughter came home from school yesterday and was so excited because several of her friends were asking her where she got her soccer ball patches from. Hopefully, her enthusiasm will be contagious. --Coach Steve, CA, USA
David - Long time not talk to! I just ordered 100 more patches. My U14 girls went 8 - 1 last season, giving up one goal all season in the only game we lost (1 - 0). We are off to another good start, with 7 - 0 and 5 - 0 shutouts so far. My girls love their Mud Axes you sent last time I ordered patches!
Keep up the good work... --Coach Tony, GA USA
Amazing how well the patches work. --Coach Mike, USA
The Patches are GREAT! I love them! This is the second season I have used them and they are working out wonderful. Thanks again. --Jessica
The patches have been the greatest motivator for our girls. They LOVE earning them! --Coach A, Girls U7
The kids Love these Patches!!! --Coach Mike, LA, USA
I want to thank you for sending the soccer ball patch order to my house so promptly. I was very pleased to get it on time and before the soccer games on Saturday. My 4-5 year old players work hard to get these patches awarded to them and really look forward to showing them off. I believe I am the only coach in my league that uses these awards, and I know that there will be more. Many coaches and parents from other teams tell me how nice they look and have shown interest. You should consider marketing to my Club to promote these wonderful tools. --Coach Brian, LA, USA
"I'm using the soccer ball patches as skills based patches, so they earn a color for a specific skill. I'm using the star patches as game patches. They earn these for accomplishments during games (i.e., goals, assists, saves, etc.). I haven't used the lightening bolt patch yet but was considering using it for fitness accomplishments. What will the victory patch look like and when do you think you will have them? I'm having the team put the star patches on their team jackets...it looks awesome!" --Coach Curtis
I love this site, I am a Premium member and this is my second year
using patches. They are the best, the kids do stuff just for the patches! This is
my second order this year and it would not surprise me if I need a
few more by the end of the year. Thanks for being here. --Chad, CA, USA
Hi. These incentive patches are working so well, our team is WINNING big. They are doing so well that I need 50 more lightning bolt patches. --Coach Lisa
"My boys will walk thru walls for these patches." --Coach Jeff, Pennsylvania
Your patches ROCK! My girls love them!! --Greg, Florida
I can't tell you how much fun your patches have brought to my GAME! You guys are the best!!!! I love these patches. --Tammy, California
The kids love the patches for soccer. Onto basketball! --Jay, CT, USA
The patches worked GREAT this year. --Steve, TX
"I bought each of the girls a bandanna which they tied on their bags. Then they could iron the patches on the bandanna for all to see. It was a great motivator because they could see the patches accumulating." --SoccerHelp Coach
At one point in the tournament, my great attacker got kicked in the face, but never broke stride and almost knocked one in from outside the box. At the break, he ran up to me and declared, "I want my blood patch now. Im not waiting until after the game." He played the whole second half with the patch clutched in his fist, and did a great job keeping the score where it was. Both of my teams finished undefeated, so thanks again for the great resources and patches. They work great! --Coach Dan GA, USA
These patches work like majic!!!! great idea, it really motivates my players. --Michael, FL, USA
I tried some of the soccer incentive patches last year with my U11 Girls team to see what would happen as we had gone through our whole regular season without a win and very few goals scored. The result was fantastic! The girls play on the field changed to a whole team effort. The went from being last in the standings to serious championship contenders in the play-offs. I almost had to fight the girls off as they practically swarmed me after a game to see who was going to get a patch. It is with this reaction and result that I decided to offer these various patches to coaches and associations across Canada. These patches work and the kids love them! --Coach Steve, The Soccer Patch, Manitoba
I used them last year and they made a big difference. In our league at the GU8 level we were 1st place overall and we won the year end Cup Championships too. ;o) The patches were a big hit!! --Coach Howie, Ontario
I am a second year coach. If we win our games, the players get stars and if we lose, they get a soccer ball patch. After the first week's tie, the kids wanted stars and I explained the rules of winning and not giving up, playing hard, etc. We are undefeated since. --Coach Jay, Ontario
We have finished our house league and the (baseball) patches worked great. At the end of each game the kids ran out of the dugout to have the team meeting to see who would be awarded the star and game ball. They all proudly wore their patches on their hats, and kids on other team kept asking them about them. --Coach Rick, BC
David,
I introduced the patches to my two U12 girls teams at last nights training session.
I must say that I was surprised at the difference they made to their attitude and work rate. I expected them to be a little cynical but they weren't - they thought the patches were 'cool' and really wanted to earn one!
The difference was particularly noticeable among the two or three 'difficult' children. Their attitude was transformed. I only hope it keeps up!
I ironed a couple of the patches to a T shirt printed with the name of my club and wore it so they could see what the patches looked like. During training I explained exactly how they could earn one for themselves. In the warm up (ball juggling) I gave one for three consecutive juggles (they're not very good at them!). In the next exercise (a three person passing game) I gave patches to the team that could go the longest without making a mistake - it went on forever!
Thanks for sending me those patches. I will certainly be recommending them to the other coaches at my club and I'm working on a way to recommend them to the people who visit footy4kids.
Great stuff!
--Coach Steve
This is my second time around with your patches. The first time was 5 years ago when my son started playing soccer, now my 3 year old starts. Great site!!! --Greg, TX
Once again thank you for your very prompt shipping and the patches. We immediately put them to use. And timely it was as I only had two left from the last order. Kids are excited about them, especially the D for my defenders, and the stars for my \"team plays /
passing combinations\". Take care and we look forward to using you more in the
future. --Charlie, WA, USA
I used the patches last season. They are great and I like the new ones. Keep up the creativity! --Sean, Club Coach, U9 Girls
I have been looking for something simple and easy to use as an incentive for my U10 now U12 soccer team. Thank you very much. Finally, someone has come up with low cost and easy way to help motivate players in a positive way. This spring season will be the first time I am going to use patches as an incentive and I expect them to do wonders. --Ciaran, MA, USA
I love using the patches and I use your games for all of my ages (from pre-k to my novice women’s team). --Lisa, TX, USA
Hello from New Zealand,
We have found your incentive badges to be of great help here with my academy.
Cheers!
--Terri
I just wanted to say thanks. This will be our 2nd season and the kids love getting the patches. I give them one for each goal they score. We have 4 year olds. Thank you again. --Alisa, TN, USA
"I have one child on my U6 team who regularly misbehaves even with his parents around...
I had a couple of heart to hearts with him, but that didn't seem to help much.
I started giving patches at the last practice. He earned one for bravery at the last game for getting up so quickly after falls. I had told him that he would get something for that. He was so excited. After I gave the patches out (game patches and practice patches) I told him about a special patch he could earn for listening and following directions. We worked on a couple more practice games and he reported to me every time he listened. "Coach. I've followed directions 3 times in a row!"
It is amazing what a little thing like a patch can do.
And for the sake of this child, I'm just as interested in his development as a well behaved child and young man as I am about how great a soccer player he becomes.
--Coach Lee
Hi SoccerHelp,
We had an end of the year soccer tournament with individual games as well. Four of the top five scores in the obstacle course were from my team. Most of my success this year is really based on stuff I used from this site. From the patches to games/drills, I got most of that from here. --Greg, Premium Member
Hi,
I coach a girls' middle school Rec and Ed - grades range from 5-9, mostly 6th graders - and I recently subscribed to SoccerHelp Premium. I have to admit, when I first read about the patches I thought they would be considered corny by my girls, but I'm open-minded enough to have given it a try. But skeptical enough that I wanted to first try the idea, without spending any money!
So as our indoor season was going along, without actually ordering any patches yet, but liking the idea, I impulsively decided to give the girls what I called "secret stars" with the intent of later ordering your star patches and handing them out later. I told them that for exemplary play, improvement, or special motivation I would award "secret stars" and that they would never know if I awarded it or not, because it was secret. So I kept a sheet on my clipboard and simply put a star by the girls' names as I thought they earned it. They were very curious and commented on it throughout the practice, sneaking peeks at my clipboard.
Well, we had a great practice, and the next game was an indoor one against a team that had beaten us easily the last time out. We had been 0-5 on the season at this point. (For background: we were not that bad. We had just finished an indoor season at 3-4-1 in January and February, finishing strongly. Feeling optimistic, for March and April, I enrolled us against much tougher competition, against upper division teams that had been together for years, against my Rec and Ed patchwork squad. Additionally, the other teams were mostly two years older (U-13 as opposed to my mostly U-11 team) and of course they were bigger than us. So before the game, I told them that if they won I'd award them each three "secret stars."
You'd have thought I'd just offered the greatest present in the world. They cheered like crazy, ran onto the field, and proceeded to *easily* trounce our much more talented opponent, 3-1!
The next game, we played the first place team, that had mercied us the first two times (something like 9-2 and 10-3). I told them before the game, I did not expect them to win, but I had specific goals for them and would award secret stars if they met those goals: give up no more than 3 goals a half, score at least two goals a half, and not to get mercied. We got the first goal, battled the whole game, and closed it to 6-5 before falling 7-5 in the last minute. The other coach - a local soccer legend who had founded our premier private travel league 20 years ago - was amazed.
I went on to say in my original email: ... I think the idea of the stars plus the element of mystery with the "secrecy" really has the girls intrigued about it. I plan to order the stars, hand them out in envelopes at the end of each practice, and tell them to iron them on. I can't wait to see their faces because as of now, they have no idea that they'll even get "real" stars - the secret ones have been good enough so far!
Now fast forward for a quick update: here's what happened in the outdoor league that we just finished in June: against the same competition that we'd previously gone a combined 3-10-1 against in the past two outdoor seasons, we finished a combined 9-2-2. Our two losses were to a team that averaged two years older per position and had previously beaten us 7-0 last fall. We lost 2-0 and 3-2. Our two ties were against our archrival that had beaten us 5-0 last fall.
The girls loved the stars. I would hand them out at the end of each practice with a note saying why they earned them. I gave red stars for team accomplishments (big wins, shutouts); I gave gold stars for individual accomplishments (making a great play, extra motivation, showing assertiveness on the field, notable goals, great assists). They would reach for the envelopes like candy (it was all I could do to remind them to wait 'til they got home to open them. Still they looked through the envelopes to see how many "shapes" they could make out.)
The other thing I did was take the samples of the other patches (the bolt, the V, the D, and the A) and for each of the last four games, told them I would hand them out to the person who played the most spirited defense, showed the best motivation or attitude, contributed to victory, etc.). Every game the girls showed up with the most recent patches they'd earned. Each had a unique pattern of how they ironed the patches on their shirts. It was beautiful.
I am now 100% sold on the idea of patches to motivate players. Slight disclaimer: the big improvement in our record was due in large part to getting some new and better players. But all I have to do is look at the dramatic change in how they changed their play after I first told them about "secret stars" to know that the patches also played a large role. They have also helped me keep my team together as we move to private league next fall, when many other teams have seen their teams split apart at this age for the myriad leagues around town. Now everybody wants to play for the Pumas - I even had two girls from our archrivals want to jump over to our team!
--Coach Nick, Michigan, USA
"I have used your patches for many years with my teams who were younger and stopped when I started coaching ages 14/15. But guess what -- they work on the older kids too! When I started using the patches we started winning!" --Coach Scott, U-16, WI
Hi,
I love the patches! I am using them this season with my U12 girls. I have a question about getting a different color or new color added... I use the ball patches for skill progression awards like this:
white/blue - 10 Juggles
blue/white - 15 juggles
blue/gold - 20 juggles
gold/blue - 25+
This way the players earn "Gold" as they get better.
Thank you!
--Chris
"I coach Girls U11 Signature team. At the beginning of the season, the girls would not go to the ball, they were having difficulty finishing, and would not work together in any part of the field. I could not even be certain whether they would give a full effort. I set up a system of patches and it generated a lot of buzz. Here's what I did.
We have different uniforms for home and away, so I didn't want to put the patches on the uniforms. But each girl already had a team backpack. Those sometimes last more than a year, so we created a 2-inch wide strip of black ribbon that loops around the top handle of the backpack and secures with a small piece of velcro. I hand out the patches at the end of practice on Mondays and the girls iron them onto their ribbons. Some girls have several ribbons on their backpacks now.
Our team colors are blue and white. I give out blue on white patches for goals and assists. White on blue for outstanding defense. Maroon on white is the blood patch. Gold on blue for the MVP. Light blue on white is coach's choice given to players who were doing specifically what was asked of them during the pre-game even if it didn't get them another patch.
There is no patch specifically for the midfielders. I expected them to have the opportunity to earn both patches and their finally starting to. I had to prime the pumps with the coach's choice patch for those mids who join the attack and recover quickly onto defense.
This week, after 12 games, I finally get to give out my first defensive patch to a forward who consistently played strong defense to keep the ball in our opponents penalty area. What a success!"
--Kevin, Fullerton Rangers GU-11
"I give the patches as incentive rewards to encourage motivation to work hard. I purchased
warm up jerseys that the kids wear to school on game day and over their uniforms before a game that they put the patches on. This allows the whole school to see their success!! I coach a Jr. High co-ed team and patches are really cool for us!! Thanks SoccerHelp.com!!"
--Kelle G. Riverside Christian School
My name is Josh and I live in south Nashville and I am a second year parent coach of my son's U7 soccer teams. I found your site during a few late nights searching the web for help to create a better soccer experience for my boys and for me as a parent coach.
Your site was exactly what I was looking for! Since becoming a
premium member I have seen a dramatic improvement in my team performance and the boys have responded beautifully to your motivational patches. I have had coaches of U12 boys and girls asking
me how I have been able to get my U7 boys to understand the soccer
"theory" and perform well in games. Each time I am asked I tell them
about SoccerHelp.com! --Josh, TN
I have been using the Soccer Incentive patches for 2
years now and they are great. --Ciaran, U8 Boys, Premium Member
We love the patches. They really motivate our players to do their weekly devotions. --Kathy
I got the patches today and they look fantastic. Thank you again. --Coach Kevin
I used the patches last fall and the kids loved them. Thanks --Coach Chris, UT, USA
When I coached U10 and U12, the kids practically fought for the patches.
--Coach Chuck, IN, USA
My players are loving your patches. We use gold star for player(s)
of the game, blue baseball for hitting, red baseball for pitching, D
for defense, lightning bolt for base running, A for attitude, Smiley
face for funny play. We're half way through the season and many players
are starting to work on the other sleeve. Easy to apply...most of the
dad's are doing the ironing. Good stuff! Thank you from Pleasanton
Foothill Little League, Single A Rivercats. --Coach Tony
I'm a Premium member and have used SoccerHelp for three seasons. I never played or watched soccer growing up, so the site has been a tremendous help to me. I have used the practice games extensively, taught Coaching Rule #3, and awarded patches for bravery, hustle, assists, etc., and my players have improved a lot and enjoyed themselves each season. --Coach Tom, U8
I am really excited to get the patch reward program going because I know it will be a great motivator for my kids. --Kelly, U12, FL
Love your patches. I've attached how we use them. Thanks for all you do. --Sharon, MT
We lost our prior game 6-2. This game, I told the girls that if they HUSTLED and played BRAVELY that they could have a gold star patch. This was my first time using the patches and I wasn't sure if they'd go for it. The girls thought it was pretty cool. A girl that is injured was at the game and even said, "I want a gold star!" Anyhow, the effect of practices and the pep talk and the gold stars was amazing! The girls were night and day different on the field. The parents noticed it, too, and my wife told me all the comments after the game. One parent remarked to me during halftime, "They are completely different this week. Its night and day. What did you do this week?" The defense was hustling and fighting for the ball every time it was in our defensive half. EVERY girl was hustling and getting after the ball, every girl. My brand new, never played soccer before two weeks ago girl... was trying to win balls! The score was 2 - 1 in our favor at the end of the game and we were outmatched in the talent and skills department by the other team. If the girls give me that effort week after week, I'll accept a win, lose, or draw... because I will know the girls gave everything they had to give. --Coach Al, U11, Premium Member
They patches have been a big hit. They all want to get the special hustle patch and defense patch so it's doing a good job reinforcing those areas.
All in all it's been a great addition to the program and I see us using for years to come.
--Jim, League Coordinator
I have nothing but good things to say about the patches, your website, and the excellent customer service you guys offer. If only all vendors and retailers were so easy to deal with!
Thanks again. Looking forward to receiving my most recent order and placing future orders with you as well. --Brett
Before we started, I told my assistant coach to hold on and I went and got 5 Bravery patches out of my soccer bag, held them up in the air and told my team, if I see brave play, I was going to pass them out to that player. And boy did this change some behavior. The coolest thing was, I gave out three patches for bravery and when I did, I stopped practice right when it happened and had the kid come up to me and I explained what she did and why she was receiving the patch. One girl held onto her patch the rest of practice in her hand, she didn’t want to let it go. But back to the coolest thing about it, the three patches I gave out was to three of my most timid players (significant breakthrough). --Coach Aaron
Our girls are really try hard to get those patches. They have helped out a lot with the motivation of the team. --George, U12 Comp, FL
Here is an effective idea for a SPIRIT patch for little girls. I use several "specialty" patches, most of which I only give one (or none) per game:
Defense patch ("D"), Hustle patch (lightning bolt), Monster Kick patch (red star), Turnaround patch(blue star), Bravery patch (purple soccer ball - like the Purple Heart) and Assists (gold star). But the one patch that I use for girls that do not achieve one of these specialty patch is the SPIRIT patch, for having a good attitude, trying hard, etc. I use the PINK SOCCER BALL patch as every little girl loves pink and while they did not get a specialty patch, they are still happy to get a pink soccer ball. This has really kept up my motivation for the lower skilled players who still like their patch although they are all driving towards one of the specialty patches. --Coach Chrissy
The patches are a great motivation for our players age 5 to 12 to practice and make it more fun for the players, trainers and coaches. We award patches for attendance and achieving skill levels, and it is easy to see just by looking at the jerseys who has been practicing hard because the patches show the player\'s progress. The players work hard to earn the patches and we are very pleased with the results.
--Kevin, soccer academy director
I was sold on your patch system and now I am sold on your company. I hope this is a start of a long and rewarding partnership. We are ready for a full implementation of the patch system in April. --Tom, Soccer Club Director
The kids love the patches. I took your suggestion and purchased some maroon soccer balls as "Blood Patches". "Blood" patches are a special favorite. The kids brag about the Blood patches more than anything else. I will stock up on them before next season. The "A" are a good way to recognize a few players with good attitudes and limited talent. I have a few kids who sometimes only play 10 minutes per half with limited effectiveness. Things like "Blood" patches and "Attitude" patches help me get the most out of them. It's a perfect thing for 14 year old boys. I think Gold Star "General" patches have helped bring out some good vocal leadership in a couple of players and my defensive players love the "D" patches. --Sean, middle school coach and Premimum Member
Just ordered some more patches. I have never enjoyed a soccer season like this one and your website deserves kudos for that. It has made coaching and preparing for practices much easier. Thanks a bunch. --Aaron, Premium Member
Our kids are so excited about soccer I actually have a waiting list for me to be the coach for Spring! I will continue to recognize, refer, and be a member of SoccerHelp because I am a first time soccer coach and never played soccer before! I have recruited 2 other families and another soccer coach so far this season to your products. My son's Teachers have taken notice and will hopefully adopt the reward system as well. I coach my son's football and baseball teams and you can rest assured that I will continue to be an advocate and customer of your products! --John
I'd like to thank David for this website and post a little story about my rookie year coaching co-ed recreational U-10
I had so much fun with these kids. I am hooked on coaching. It was only about 8 weeks ago that I had no idea what to do or how to coach. This website helped immensely. We ended the season 6-1 and I saw such a remarkable improvement in these kids that I just had to post here about it.
We played "dribble across a square", "dribble around a cone and pass relay race" and "win the 50/50 ball" every practice. I had horrible problems with the kids bunching up at the beginning of the season but somehow beat it into their skulls to get open and run away from the teammate dribbling the ball.
Some of the most valuable things I learned here...
- Don't get thrown over. This little gem really is worth a couple goals a game. When we marked up properly , we easilly won the ball 90% of the time. Super easy to teach, and super easy to coach from the sidelines.
- Stay strong in the center. I played 1-1-1-2 in 6v6 and it was really hard for the other team to get past my waves of defenders, we gave up very few goals.
- The patches really work. Kids really wanted one at the end of the game. I got about $100 into buying the dang things but I should have enough for Spring season and I'm going to see if I can get parents to chip in five bucks or so next season.
I'm just so proud of these kids. We played our last game today, and kids were staying open, raising their hand and calling for the ball. There was actually some passing going on and they were mostly staying in position. The improvement I saw in 8 weeks was just astounding, and I think I was a much more effective coach by devouring so much of the information in here.
Now I can't wait till Spring to do it all over again!
Coach Bob, Premium Member --Coach Bob, Premium Member
The kids go nuts for these patches. We are 6-0. --Coach Stephen, U12, Premium Member
We are going to be using the patches as a reward to the Honor Roll Students in the Middle School. They will receive a different color for each term that they make Honor Roll along with a certificate.
I heard about your web site thru one of the other parents in the school. In the past we have rewarded the students with ice cream sundaes and as one of the Parent Co-Chairs this year I was looking for another way to honor the students that focuses on their achievement. The patches are good because the kids can put them on their back packs, jackets, scrapbooks or whatever they choose.
--Michelle, Mass. Middle School
I received the package of soccer patches in time for our practice this past Thursday, and my players were ecstatic to get their patches. I appreciate the great customer service and will be a returning customer and refer others to you. --Kelly, TX
I got the patches. Thank you very much. They are great. I have been using them this week in my classes and the kids are nearly fighting over them to get one!. Great way of motivating them. --Aled, Physical Education Director
Hi Dave,
The club members love the patches. --Tom, Director
Doug and David:
Well we did it.
My girls won the championship tournament in a shootout.
To get to the finals we were short two of our good players on Saturday. The girls who were normally our substitutes played extremely well and we won 1-0.
On Sunday, we had all of our players and played to a 0-0 tie. We then had a shootout. One ball squibbed by the other team's goalie. That was it - we won.
The Soccer Help Program really worked well on two girls, who at the beginning of the year, I wouldn't have picked to play on my team. One cried every time she fell and the other just stood there.
It was Doug's Video that gave me the tools and encouragement to train these two and help them obtain the confidence to play at a level beyond anyone's expectations. The examples Doug showed of the various personalities on his team were tremendous. Doug showed me that patience and fun works in the long run.
These girls never scored a goal but they always stopped the ball and turned it around and helped the team. They were always in the right place at the right time. In the semi final, when it really counted, they performed and because of them the other team did not score a goal. The patch rewards and fun games worked extremely well for these girls.
It was a fun road.
Thanks again and again.
Troy, Premium Member --Troy, Premium Member
I have co-coached my daughter's soccer team for a few years now, and stumbled upon your site prior to our U10 travel soccer season last year. We were looking for a way to motivate the kids going into our travel season and thought your patches would be a great way to reward kids for various learned skills, showing up to practices, and extra training session offered by the league, and try to get them more excited about the game. We found that our patch program could not have worked out better. At the end of practice and games we would reward our players with the patches earned, and every player would enthusiastically gather to see who received a patch.
I again ran this program for our fall U12 town recreational league team. Again it was a success, even with the older "Jr High" players on our teams, (which I was a bit skeptical about how the older kids would receive it).
Our patch program had intrigued enough of our coaches that it was discussed at a Travel league meeting and I have been asked research the cost of instituting the program leaguewide for our U10 and U12 divisions for both boys and girls. I estimate it would be about 5,000 patches, and possibly more, depending on how the coaches utilize the program.
--Gene
Hello,
I have started buying your patches over the past two seasons and have had lots of positive feedback. I was wondering if you have any options for a local distributer.
Kind Regards,
--Jodie, New South Wales, Australia
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