SoccerHelp Patches Reviews and Testimonials

Tip - Give the Patches in a Ceremony in Front of the Team and even the Parents. You will get the best results if you give the patches out one at a time in a "Ceremony" after practice or after a game where all your players are present and where you PRAISE the players and tell them how they EARNED the patches. That way all the players can see what they each did to EARN a patch. The Ceremony will motivate ALL your players to do the things you want them to do and teach them how to earn patches. THIS APPROACH WORKS. This is a Positive Reinforcement approach and the patches are a Visible Symbol of achievement. For more motivational ideas from Coaches and handouts submitted by Coaches, see www.soccerhelp.com/Patch_Handout.shtml

You don't have to iron the patches on for them to work - you can simply give them out to be collected or punch a hole so they can go on a ring or key chain.

"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

"Thank you for creating these patches. This is the first time I have used them and the difference in the kids with these is staggering."

-Coach Dan, Ohio, U8 soccer

"My kids love earning the patches and once they've earned them you can see the pride they feel gushing out of them. Thank you!"

Coach John, Soccer Academy, PA

"Brilliant!!! I have used these patches in the past for my sons Travel Team I coached for years with positive results using these patches... I have dropped back to coach my daughters U10 Travel Team, once again these patches have proven to be a fun motivational tool for these young players. I use them for self accomplishments at practice and games as well as team accomplishments win or lose. The young players really enjoy collecting the different colors. Thank you for making such a simple motivational tool available to coaches and young soccer players everywhere...Well Done!"

-- Dominic, U10 Girls, PA

"The motivational patches arrived in time for the first game and you would have thought I was passing out $100 bills. The difference in everyone's play since we started with the patches is amazing."

--Coach Michael, FL

"My girls absolutely LOVE the patches. We started with them in 1st grade, they are now 4th graders playing competitively, and the biggest thrill is still "what patches did we earn Coach?".

--Coach Angie, NJ

Posted on Amazon for "Iron on B patch 10-Pack" > “Can turn a team around, buy more than you think you will need.”

“Our two teams, U5 and U7 soccer love these patches! We give the B for bravery, when the girls get hurt and want to stay in the game. We have the girls begging to stay in the game and play all positions on the field to earn all the different patches. Before we used the patches we would have to talk some into going out on the field. Other teams are always asking our girls about the patches, what they mean and how they got them. Other coaches ask where to buy them because that's all their girls are talking about. You will need more then you think you will need. The girls are always trying to get as many as they can.”.

--Coach Jen

"I HAVE NEVER SEEN A BIGGER MOTIVATIONAL RESOURCE THAN THE PATCHES!."

--AB, TN

"Once again, my players are super excited about the Soccer Motivational Patch Program. I have several new players in my youngest age bracket and they are so excited about this program. I cannot tell you how much these mean. This is such a wonderful program and it has been tremendously successful for these several years that I have used them."

--Coach Victoria, MO

"Today, we had our most impressive win in about 10 years, defeating a Team by slaughter rule 9 to 2, that we had previously lost to last year 4-0. I have used many of the SoccerHelp Premium techniques and I feel that we are finally starting to build a solid program. We still have a tremendous amount of work ahead of us to prepare for a very good opponent that we will play on Thursday, however is definitely a good start for us. We did not score nine goals the entire year last year! Having said all that, I just placed another patch order. Thanks again for all your help."

-- Brian, VA, Middle School coach, Premium member

"Big fan of your stuff! I'm a newly minted premium member and the drills, ideas and badges have literally transformed my 6 year olds game, confidence and joy in a few short weeks. Getting him to be "brave" vs aggressive has been a God send! The badges work wonders. The dribbling across the square and shoulder games are spot spot spot on and have made him more confident, and more proud of himself as he scores goals, gets more touches on the ball and so forth."

--Eddie M., Australia, U8

"You guys are awesome. Right from my first order I knew I liked your company. My players love the patches and if I don't give them out after a game, they yell at me for them." (Note from SoccerHelp: We can set up Billing Accounts for Schools and Churches).

--Jim, High School Soccer Coach, FL

"The patches are a huge hit! I hand them out after every practice and game. The kids are really motivated to get the patches."

-- Kristen, U4 and U8, MA

"I don't know if you will ever have a testimonials page or not but you need one. I am absolutely delighted with the job you have done with our stars. The orders are not just accurate but very fast and you are helpful with suggestions and ideas for the next season. Just a fantastic job. I have to deal with vendors of all sorts during the course of the pre-season and you are, by far, the easiest one to work with. Most vendors get at least some part of the order wrong and promised delivery times--well, let's say that isn't a high suit. But you not only get items to us on time, in the past two seasons they were ahead of schedule. Thank you for all of your help."

Curt, Business Director, Park Chapel Sports, IN

"I received the patches and I think they are outstanding! I showed them to my 9 year old and he gasped with glee. He spent all night giving me ideas of how to use each patch. I can tell these will go over great with the boys on his baseball team. Fantastic idea!"

--Jeff, Baseball Coach, CA

"Our school is a big fan of your patches. We use them for PE (stars, D, and lightning bolts), attendance (the Golden A), reading, the counselors use them, and they make a big difference. The patches really motivate the kids and make our job easier. Next Friday, I'm doing a session at our school system's back to school conference. I have it on my agenda to speak to them about using patches to motivate and inspire kids."

--Rebecca, AL ele. school (We sent Rebecca samples to give out at her presentation.)

"I should probably copy/paste this review under all of these different patches.. but I've coached soccer for 4 or 5 seasons now, and the last 3 seasons we've used these patches to motivate the kids (ages 8 and under this season). I've got every different kind of patch and each one gets a theme. "D" for great defense, "A" for offensive attacker, blue star for passing, green soccer ball for sportsmanship, etc.. After each game we sit the team in a circle and quickly review the game. Each and every kid gets a patch in front of their peers along with some comment about what it was they did to earn the patch. The kids LOVE it. They really like that they're not all getting the same patch, and it's interesting how each kid strives for a different patch. Some love to get defense, some aren't happy unless they earn the offense patch, etc.. But it keeps it positive and really motivates the kids. It also helps to rotate patches sometimes so kids aren't getting the same patch all the time. For example, we had a kid who absolutely loved to play defense and didn't want to do anything else. He was very good at it, but after 3 games in a row of earning the same D patch, I needed to find something else to keep it interesting. So we worked on his passing to the offensive players, and when he made a few attempts at passing he earned the passing patch, and he was ecstatic! It's also great to see how the kids all support each other. Every team also has that one kid with 2 left feet. Even this kid will have the good game once in a while (good game for him, relatively speaking), and if you point that out and give him the "on fire" patch, or whatever you want to call it, his teammates will really cheer for him and it just makes the season so much more fun. So in summary, these things are expensive to give away like this, but it really makes an enormous difference to the kids when you give them out along with a positive comment in front of their peers."

--Matt, FL (Posted on Amazon as a review of the SoccerHelp D for the Defense patch and the Red Star patch)

"Great products! I've been using your patches that last 3 years while coaching from U6 through U10 teams and the kids absolutely loves them. Win or lose, they go home happy every game--probably the most important thing in a youth recreational league in my mind."

--Coach Everett, TX, U10

"Hi David, we just won our third consecutive game. The turnaround has been drastic and unexpected, especially when we started the year off losing 8 to 0. Since then we have only gave up one goal! We owe much if not all of our success to SoccerHelp. FYI, I will be placing another patch order this evening so that we have more because we have been giving them out like crazy. Thank you for all that you have done!"

--Brian, VA Middle School, Premium member

"We are adding these patches to a ring that is on the girls soccer bag. We just played our first tournament games yesterday and will finish out this AM and I needed to buy more "D" for keeper saves and defensive blocks. The girls are super excited and proud to add these patches to the rings on their bags."

-- Kim, NY

My husband and I had never coached soccer before and I don't think we would still be coaching except for the patches. They have been a big help with the kids. If a kid cries because he falls or misses his Mom we give a Happy Face if he can stop crying because that makes the coach smile. The lightning bolt is for hustle. The kids like the Gold A because they like the gold thread. We give stars because the kids are stars. We started when some of the kids were 3 and they are now 4 and 5.

--Coach Deana, TX, U6

"Our PTA board loved your reward patches! I'll be calling next week to place an order of 4,000+. We will use them to encourage the Honor Roll, Attendance, Character, Reading, Science, Math, Citizenship and the V patch will be a special reward given at the teacher's discretion to students whose improvement is considered a Victory."

--Anita, PTA Board Member, TX Elementary School

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

Until I found you on the internet we were paying $1.00 each for the star patches, so we save a lot of money by buying Star patches from you. We use them for Girls in Action and now we can afford to give more patches.

--Brenda, First Baptist Church, TX

"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

I have begun using soccer patches to motivate my players. They love it! They were so excited when I announced it they could hardly wait to practice or play a game. I give practice patches as an incentive and I had girls making practices that rarely made the two practices per week. I also issue defensive patches, blood patches, assist patches, victory patches and the special lighting bolt hustle patch. We put these patches on the girls' team t-shirts that have the team name on the front with their number underneath. The patches look great and the kids love them.

--Coach C, U8, Premium Member

I have been a volunteer coach at our local YMCA here for 6 1/2 years. I have coached 27 teams. Two years ago, when my daughter moved up to the 10-12 yr old league, I began taking my role as her coach more seriously to help prepare her for Middle School Soccer. However, my team was just average at best. I never played soccer and simply didn't understand enough about the game. About a year ago, I decided to dedicate myself to reading SoccerHelp.com on a weekly basis and I bought my first round of Soccer Patches.

Then I signed up for Premium, which is the best.

In the Fall of 2010 my girls team went 5 wins, 1 loss, 2 ties. In the Spring, I had 11 returning players and went 6-0-2 undefeated, beating every team in the league at least once. This Fall we switched to the Co-Ed league and played our first match against an all boys team beating them soundly 4-1. We did pick up the little brother of one player so we are now 11 girls and 1 boy. But, in short, my girls have worked out using SoccerHelp.com games for 45 of the past 52 weeks and they stand out at our YMCA. They move better, understand more and play like a team of older kids. I can't thank SoccerHelp.com and David enough for their help with this incredible site. I am buying soccer patches again today for two more teams and I fully expect both teams to have successful seasons full of growth. After all, winning isn't everything. But, it's a lot more fun when you do win.

All the best to you guys,

--Coach Brad, U10-12
Charlotte, NC

Thanks in large part to your website and motivational soccer patches, which we call "secret stars," our (now U15-G) Ann Arbor United Pumas went from being cellar dwellers to competitive against older and higher-level teams. We won our first tournament in the fall, 2010 in a U16-G division and finished around .500 in an open high school league (my girls are 8th and 9th graders and the other teams had mostly sophomores, juniors, and seniors). One highlight was beating a high school team coached by a former Manchester United player!

--Nick, MI, Premium Member since 2008

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

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

"We are going to be using the patches as a reward to the Honor Roll Students. They will receive a different color for each term that they make Honor Roll along with a certificate. The patches are good because the kids can put them on their back packs, jackets, scrapbooks or whatever they choose."

--Michelle, Mass. Middle School

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, hunting 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, WA

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.

--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

--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

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

--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

The boys love to get the patches. I use Red for the blood patch, a Good Defense patch, Assist, a patch for every third practice, good sportsmanship (also use for good behavior and listening), and for a shutout of which we have three this season.

--Coach F

I am so glad to have found your company. You have been a great source for ideas and materials. My players love your patches!

--David, MI

"Thanks again for a great website! My U12 girls won the end of year tournament. The main thing I saw in my girl's was a huge increase in their confidence while playing. Some of that was better skills, but more important was being used to playing under pressure and in chaotic conditions due to your practice games. I'm ordering the "V" patches to give my girls so they can remember their 1st Place Victory!!"

--Philip, U12, WA

Thank you for all of the help that I have received from your site. I have really enjoyed and learned from the vast amount of information available on SoccerHelp premium! I believe that I have been able to make a difference with a large number of kids with the help of the SoccerHelp patches and the DVDs that I received from you. I am the Soccer Coordinator for my city. We had approximately 600 kids playing soccer and close to 50 coaches participating in our program this fall. As a result, I have been a bit of an ambassador for SoccerHelp and am seeing the SoccerHelp methodologies spread across the league as more coaches begin to adopt your patches reward system and coaching techniques. Obviously, I see this a big win for our kids and our organization!

Regards,

--Chris, NC

We had an end of year soccer meeting. The overwhelming conclusion was that the kids loved the patches and those coaches that used them for motivation achieved great results. Even on a rainy day, more kids than expected showed up for practice because they wanted a patch.

--Troy, SC

I have been a hockey coach for years and have coached all levels up through and including high school. I have 7 children - 5 boys and 2 girls and it wasn't until one of my girls needed help to make it to the high school level in soccer that I started paying any attention to soccer. The youngest 5 of 7 of my children all love and play soccer and only one of them cared for hockey, so I changed my focus and started soccer. Your information has been invaluable to me as my daughter will graduate this spring and has made the High School Soccer team every year. The patches, videos and tools have given my daughter a chance to play varsity soccer. It has been fabulous to watch her progress and grow in confidence and ability. Thank you so much! I am still coaching hockey (even though the two oldest have graduated and moved on, oldest may yet play hockey at the college level) and have tried to teach the other coaches to implement the small games concept and stop standing in lines waiting for drills. It's a battle, but it's worth fighting. I will also coach soccer this spring and look forward to it. There is so much to learn and so much joy in the journey! I use your principles and drills/games in both soccer and hockey. It's great!

Thanks again,

--Mike, Premium Member, UT

The patches for our PTA Student Awards are working great! The kids that are earning the most are starting to be able to have noticeably more and that is creating some friendly competition and desires to do better. We have been very happy!

--Anita

"I've been a fan of soccerhelp.com for a few years now, using it with both regular season teams and all-star teams. This past fall I had a regular season U12G team comprised of 4 girls with real talent, 4 average girls and 4 girls who had limited knowledge, skill and very limited physical ability. I stuck with the soccerhelp.com practice games, repeating the basics over and over, including Dribble Across a Square, Dribble Around a Cone and Pass, Passing Pairs, and games that emphasized the 1st Defender, 2nd Defender concept. Our season was dismal, 2 wins and 6 losses, most of them blow-out losses. Nevertheless, with fun practice games and patches, the girls had a great season and continued to have fun. It all finally came together for them, and they played themselves into the end-of-season tournament championship game, taking second place. I credit the tried and true practice games and patches I found at soccerhelp.com. Thanks!"

--Coach Jill

"This is our 3rd season using your patches to motivate our players to master new skills and develop teamwork. They LOVE them!"

--Coach Scott, Atlanta, GA

Winning was not good enough for us to so I tried the patch idea and it is a complete hit!

--Marlena, Softball Coach

The patch program, so far, has been very successful from the kids viewpoint. The kids have been very excited about receiving these patches, and many have been placing them on their practice shirts. It is really cool to see all the patches at all the various practices and clinics our league has sponsored. Our league has been running special clinics during the week, a shooting and finishing, and quick feet/agility clinic, and the league gives out a patch for attending these clinics. I have been handing them out at the end of the clinics, and almost all the kids come over with huge smiles, some even try to get in line twice.

I need to order more patches for 2 reasons. First, I had no idea the participation in the weekday clinics would be as well attended as they have. Second our U8 indoor training and season is beginning, and we will be running the program with them as well.

--Gene, MA

I have used your soccer patches before and they were great. I now need some motivational patches for Track & Field. Can you make some suggestions as to what sort of patches would be useful for me please?

Thanks

--Rick

"My girls proudly display their patches on their bags (we all have matching team bags). The patches have given me the opportunity to reward and recognize the positive things they do during a practice or game and they look forward to getting them as they are not given out freely. Funny how a little patch has gotten some of my players to talk more out on the court and hustle after balls!"

--Kristy, U14 Travel Volleyball (Kristy submitted a copy of the handout she uses t

My kids love the patches. Even my U15 Girls team is adamant that I give them out like "last season". I thought maybe they were too old, but they still love to show off a sleeve full of patches!

Thanks,

--Joe, FL

Wow, above and beyond what you needed to do. Thank you. I am looking forward to using the patches with my U9 girls travel team. I think they will love them.

--Elizabeth, U9 Travel, MA

I have just started coaching girls soccer at the YMCA and I've never used soccer patches before. I am very familiar with the concept from playing football in high school and college where we used helmet decals in much the same way that many of your users use these patches. Thanks for providing an economical choice for coaches like me! I shopped around locally first and the least expensive option I could find was $1.00 per patch.

--Derrick, KY

I am a soccer fanatic and coach 3 teams. I also have a group of about 8 teams that have begun working together to be more intentional about building into kids' character, fitness, and love for soccer. Our teams recently began using your star patches with great success. I wanted to thank you for this great resource! I have suggested this to a few clubs in the area that are also very interested in using this for their teams.

--Nate, IL

We just finished putting together warm-up jackets with our team logo and player names and my kids are very excited about these patches, Thank You!!!

--Aaron, U9 and U10 Travel, WA

"First, let me give you the rave reviews that are deserved. Whenever I have a concern with my soccer team's progress that I'm unsure how to address, Soccerhelp is my first and only stop to find the answer. I've been using the techniques and drills for 2 years now with much success. I've been coaching both recreational level and traveling level soccer for 6 years now and am looking to enhance my coaching abilities to advance my team. I've taken several coaching clinics and attended MYSA meetings regarding coaching techniques and practice methods.

Last year, I had a U12 team playing 8v8 including GK. The team had several young and inexperienced players, and to compensate I attempted to implement a 2-1-2-2 formation to better utilize the strengths our team did have. We had a very strong GK who was also our top scorer. We had a very talented and calm Defenseman and we had several fast and enthusiastic midfielders and strikers. Unfortunately, we did not have success with this formation because I was unable to properly instruct each player on his specific areas of responsibility, and more importantly the areas that were NOT his responsibility.

This season I am coaching a U11 traveling team with many similar dynamics to my team from last Fall. I wish to implement this 2-1-2-2 formation, but I do not want to repeat my failures of last year with another group of boys because I fear it will impede, rather than accelerate, their progress.

I very much want to take advantage of the skill sets my more talented players have, while putting my less talented players in positions where they can be successful and contribute to the overall success of the team.

I put in an order today for 130 motivational patches, and am BEYOND excited to introduce them to my team next week. I have no doubt that adding them to our reward system will motivate them even more!

Thanks again for all you do!"

-- Matt
U11 Boys Coach
Minnesota

Your lightning bolt patch rotated 90 degrees is currently the most coveted "Slide" patch on my 10-12 year old girls fast-pitch team. I couldn't get them down in the dirt before I added a patch for it to my system. By the way, love all the new patches you've added. Now I can recommend my baseball/softball people to you as well as my fellow soccer people. I'm currently trying to develop a patch incentive system for a new (10-12) volleyball team. The bolt rotated to a sharp 'S' would work nicely for spikes! Keep up the good work.

--Kathy, Phoenix AZ

Many thanks for getting my order out so quickly. I believe I'm the first coach in our region using your patches and I'm sure our players will love them. I would not be surprised to have other coaches/players asking about your patches so you might get other orders from our Soccer region here in CA.

Thanks again and have a great weekend.

--Jorge, U12B, CA

We received the patches yesterday and are very excited about the boys reactions when we pass them out. Your rapid turn around time and helpful staff make your business an asset to the Soccer community.

Thank You,

--Aaron, U9 and U11 Select, WA

Season after season, these Patches continue to keep the girls excited about soccer, even when they lose.

Thanks again,

--Tony, OH

I have begun using patches to motivate my players. They love it! They were so excited when I announced it they could hardly wait to practice or play a game. I give practice patches as an incentive and I had girls making practices that rarely made the two practices per week. I also issue defensive patches, blood patches, assist patches, victory patches and the special lighting bolt hustle patch. We put these patches on the girls' team t-shirts that have the team name on the front with their number underneath. The patches look great and the kids love them.

-- Coach Chris, U6 and U8, TX

I am needing to recorder patches, and we are only in the middle of the season. Boy am I happy. My U9G rec team is playing great this season, and your patches are excellent motivators. We already beat the U9B academy team and all my players received the Champions Patch for that win. We have two more academy teams to play and one very strong U10 rec team (with twice the biomass as my team). I am hoping I will need 30 more Champion patches. My girls are also playing much more aggressively, and I have been handing our many more Intensity patches than I thought I would. I need another 20 of these.

--Coach Howie, GA

We had our first baseball game last night, and the kids and parents absolutely love the patches. Each kid gets a patch after every game, and they are already talking about doing what it takes to earn one of each. I made my own spreadsheet with the patches across the top and the kids names down the side, the date and team played at the bottom. I just check the boxes, so I can remember who has received what patches each game. Gold star is "the general" for leadership Red star is "the blood patch" for extra hustle, or getting hit with a ball, and toughing it out Blue star is "the special effort patch" for giving the best that you have the whole game D is "the defensive patch" for a great individual or team defensive effort all game, or a specific play V is "the victory patch" for each victory that the team achieves I let the kids name the next one. Lightning bolt "the thunderstruck patch" the other team has been thunderstruck and doesn't know what just hit them. This player had a great offensive game, multiple hits, a homerun, game winning hit, or had a breakthrough offensive moment, maybe their first hit of the season.

Thanks,

-- Tim, OK, U10

I really, really like SoccerHelp Premium. It has helped immensely with my U8 boys team. I announced that patches would go to whoever did a rake or a pullback during a game. They were running over to me during the game (even with a live ball on the field which they shouldn't do!) to make sure I noticed when they did it to make sure they win their patches. Their patch challenge has changed now with each one having a different challenge. For example, and I wouldn't do this as a general principle, but the ones who haven't scored a goal yet will win their next patch either by scoring a goal or making a long dribble. And if they still haven't scored by the last game I may add "or if I see you close to the score goal!!" Again thanks!!

-- Coach Don, TN

I will be ordering soccer ball patches for the upcoming soccer season. Thanks again and I look forward to doing future business with your company.

--Courtney

I started using motivational patches this season with my U7 team, and it was a huge success. There were three ways players could earn badges. They earned a badge at each game, or two if they did something spectacular. They earned a badge every 3 practices attended. And they also earned 'Skills' badges. I made a chart with skills such as juggling 3 times, kicking the ball half the length of the field, chipping the ball over a goal, dribbling around a circuit in a set amount of time, etc. At the end of each practice, the kids had time to practice their skills and earn badges. They never wanted to leave, and it was great to see them working on soccer skills at home, or showing up early to practice, or staying late. Great motivational tool. In setting up the badge system, I borrowed heavily from the letters I found on soccerhelp.com. I would love to email you my skills chart and explanatory note to parents to post so that I might help someone else down the line. Please let me know who I can email them to.

--Coach David - Colorado

During the girls' Challenger camp this week we had one take the ball hard off her face. I use the happy face patches exclusively for face balls, and, after the initial tears had stopped (eight and nine year olds), I approached her and confessed I had one last patch no had yet received this year. I told her it was saved for those especially tough girls who'd been drilled in the face and did she want to see it... There was a little smile that appeared, she came with me to my kit (a couple of plastic tackle boxes) and chuckled when she saw the smiley face patch. She put the patch in her backpack and trotted back into the mini game immediately. The girls are improving, but are still largely lost and a bit discouraged, but they gather around after the game for patches and lobby for as many as they can get - and I am way generous. They're sporting bandannas with their numbers and a bunch of patches which they tie to their backpacks or wear on their heads. Time to reorder, my stock is running low again.

Thanks,

-- Jeff, AK, Competitive Coach

I received my baseball patches order last night. The shipping was certainly speedy and I appreciate it. The patches will work perfect for the baseball team. I am completely satisfied with them so, thank you.

--Amanda

We had a great season. We went 8-3 and took runner up in a double elimination tournament.

--Mark, OK , Premium Member and soccer patches customer

"Each player has a team scarf - placing the patch reward on the scarf is an excellent way to promote good participation and motivate the players to push themselves!"

--Dent, CA

My girls love the patches. I remain positive and they stay happy, too. Thanks for your site, it really does help me.

--Jeff, Alaska

I've used your patches for a couple of years now for a middle school coed soccer team. Frankly, I didn't know what to expect when I handed them out after the first game. Would they find them too childish? To sum it up, our best player had scored four goals in one game (blue soccer ball) and I was out of the boy patches. I offered up, jokingly, a girl's goal patch (pink soccer ball), and he said, "I'll take it!" The kids crowd around to see what patches are being distributed and covet them all season long. We've used them around the matting on photos, on practice shirts and on game shorts. In fact, my kid - marking a stud opposing player - ran around for a half hanging on to a hustle patch (lightning bolt) that was partially ripped from his shorts. He couldn't let it get lost! I've literally given out hundreds and hundreds of these patches over the past two seasons and they're a huge hit. Thanks.

--Coach Jeff

Dear SoccerHelp,

I'm in my 3rd year of coaching soccer at the local "Y" (rec league) and have been a SoccerHelp "mentee" for my entire coaching career (ha!). My son is only 5 1/2 yrs old and will start his 6th session/season in another month.

In the last fall session, I coached a team of twelve 3-4yr olds playing 6v6 without a goalie. Of the 12 players, 4 had played with me in previous seasons. Unfortunately, there was not enough 3 yr olds to sign-up, which resulted in the combining of the 3/4 yr old divisions. Needless to say, the skill set between a first session 3yr old versus a 4th session 4yr old could be quite drastic. Obviously at this age, we don't keep score and focus more on getting the kids comfortable with the game and having fun; however being a competitive person in nature, I'm always tracking goals, turnarounds, acts of bravery, defensive stops, etc. (primarily for my use in awarding soccer patches).

In short, my team clearly dominated as we were undefeated in the 7 games we played by outscoring the other teams 115 to 14 goals. My team only had 4 2nd session 4 year olds on the team and had a child that was only 2 1/2 (and probably too young to have signed up). I think the team's success was a direct result to leverage the SoccerHelp games we play in practice teaching the fundamental concepts of kicking the ball, keeping our heads up and just having fun. By end of the season, every player (except the 2 1/2 yr old) had scored a goal.

Thanks again for your continued support and wisdom on this game that I'm growing to love . In watching the World Cup games with my son, it was a great experience (even though the scoring was minimal). At one point during a game, my son turned to me and said, "Dad, did you see how he kicked the ball to open space." It's great to see he's starting to understand and put some of the concepts together.

--Tim, KY

I appreciate what you do. SoccerHelp saved me years of learning the hard way and last year we won a tournament using things I learned such as strength on the ball, an organized defense and counterattacking. The patches really help motivate my players.

-- Matt, U10 competitive coach, FL

The kids absolutely love the patches.

--Amy

The patches are a big hit!

--Bryan, U12 AYSO

The soccer patches arrived. So after our light practice before the game and discussion of formation and positions, I showed the kids the patches and explained the lightning bolt was for energy and if they hustled the entire game they would get one. The D was for good defense and goalie play. The gold star was for good offensive plays such as passing and scoring, but mostly for passing. The red soccer ball was the red badge of courage for bravery, getting up after a collision, an injury, etc. The C was for coach and if they listened to me during the game they would get one. The kids seemed very interested in the patches. When our player suffered the knee injury, one of our players asked me, "She is going to get one of those red soccer ball patches, isn't she?" I said "She sure is!" During the game we had a couple of collisions and another couple of kids got hit in the face with the ball, and our athletic goalie told me he was feeling sick and may need to come out of the game (he was sick earlier in the week), but the kids continued on and played bravely. So they all got red patches. I don't know if they played harder today because they always give it a good effort and bounce back up after collisions, but I noticed after the game they did not seem unhappy because they lost. They were more interested in the patches as I handed them out and they kept reminding me off all the good things they did during the game to earn the patches, which I could not deny. I explained to the parents about the motivational patches and it was really neat to be able to celebrate and encourage the good things the kids did even though we lost. I got some positive feedback from the parents and my wife who was skeptical of the patches. When we got home, my son wanted me to iron on his gold star for making a good pass and a shot on goal, and his D for clearing the ball defense a couple of times, so I ironed the patches on his sleeve. He put his shirt/jersey back on and proudly showed the patches to his best friend later in the day. Also as a bonus, today my 4 year old son scored his first goal and played great defense and goalie. He asked me if he could have a patch too. I said, "Sure!" So I ironed on a Blue Star with the white background which matched his shirt/jersey. He put it on and was very proud of his blue star.

--Fred, MD

My daughter's soccer team has really enjoyed the patches we purchased through SoccerHelp. This team also plays floor hockey. We were wondering if it would be possible to have hockey patches made?

--Kelly

My wife's sister lives in California and she has coached her three daughters rec and or club teams through the high school level. She now actually plays on a women's' adult team. She thought the positive reinforcement motivational patches are a great idea because she has seen many coaches that yell at the kids and stress them out. Also, one of my player's father liked the patches and wants to use them for the basketball team he coaches.

--Fred

I am a Marine Captain stationed at Marine Corps base Quantico in Virginia. I am coaching a young team of military dependants (children of military members) for the first time and I have found your website very helpful in my teaching techniques. I would like to respectfully request your consideration with a special "military" discount on a selection of your patches. (Note from SoccerHelp: We offer a military discount. If you are in the military, let us know. We greatly appreciate the sacrifice our military makes).

--Cesar

Thank you so much for the quick shipment. Our season starts next week and we are excited to see if the patches motivate our players more. Thanks so much!

--Laura

In my search to figure out how to better coach our little ones here on base, I found a great website called soccerhelp.com. After signing for a 30-day membership, I found some motivational patches that would incentivize our kids to do better during both practice and games.

--Cesar, USMC

In previous orders, you're been very kind to send small sample packs of additional patches. I've used those to get 2 other coaches using the patches. I appreciate your gesture (marketing) and hope it's working for you with others as well.

Thank you,

--Mark

The patches are really popular here and the newsletters you send I forward to coaches and they love it. They have gained such popularity that each season I find we are ordering more and more!!

Thanks again for everything!

--Jubin

Wow that was quick, I don't even have the shirts yet! I will definitely order with your company again.

--Sam

Our girls U9 and U10 asked if we were having patches again this season.

They just love earning patches! The "C" is great for our pre-season camp sessions. Thanks!

--Jaini, NV

This is our second year ordering soccer patches. The kids loved them last year! These patches are for the 4-5 year old clinic, and the advanced 6-8 year old clinic.

--Ryan, MD

Awesome product! Been using for three years now and the kids love it. Thanks!

--Patrick, NM

We have found the patches are an excellent way to keep the kids focused and engaged in the game. We are buying extra patches so our kids can give opposing team members each a patch in thanks for playing the match. We think that will teach a great lesson.

--Lauren

Jude slept with his soccer patch.

--Amy about a 5-year old

I appreciate you getting my patches order out promptly and the consistent good service Have a great day!

--Chris, NC (customer for 5 soccer seasons)

Thanks so much! I am an ice skating coach and am planning to use these for my skaters. My students have helped me come up with a patch plan for the different things each patch will be awarded for and they are so excited!

--Josselyn

The patches are really popular here and the newsletters you send I forward to coaches and they love it. They have gained such popularity that each season I find we are ordering more and more!!

Thanks again for everything!

--Jubin

The patch program has been a hit with the kids. It has them all talking and working harder to get the patches. Thank You.

--Sara, MI

We love your patches. We use them for our baseball team. The players earn them and actually put them on their hats. The kids know what each means and they try and earn them and they love wearing their hats and telling people what it all means.

--Laurie, TX

I have used patches in the past but skipped it this year and loss most 50/50 balls in our first game...please send as fast as possible thanks.

--James, OR

I think the patches are a wonderful motivational idea, particularly as awards for the kids demonstrating newly acquired skills. I now have 3 teams earning badges, and am constantly spreading the news about how well they work. My boys wear their patch shorts proudly and can still tell me exactly which skills they earned their patches for.

--David, CO

Just wanted to let you know that I ordered some more patches this week. The kids on our team love them!

--Clay

Thank you! The little 5 year old girls on my soccer team love the patches.

--John, CA

My soccer team and the P.E. Teacher at my school have really enjoyed the patches. This is my third order!

--Kim, CA Ele. School

You guys are the best! I just got the patches! They are perfect! Quick service and great items!

Have a great day and look forward to shopping with you again.

--Angela, CA

I love SoccerHelp and the players love the patches. We are the only team in the whole league that uses them, but maybe that will grow as other kids are starting to notice that our players have a sleeve full of cool patches. Thanks for the information and help!

--Rod

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I received the patches today including the extras. Thank you for your excellent and prompt attention to my patch dilemma. You have earned a customer for life. Our last game is tomorrow and I now have enough patches for each player. These patches are so cherished by my players and create so much extra drive on the field. I wish you a great week and look forward to using your site many times in the future.

--U8 soccer coach Jon, Michigan

I started the season with 5 of my 9 players from the winless summer team. The kids kept earning their soccer patches and we continued with the SoccerHelp type drills/and games. I kept encouraging them to hang in there because I was confident we would win a game. The second half of the season we won 2 games, tied one game, and lost to the best team 1-5 (2 of their goals were lucky goals) again but we played them very tough and shut them out for 3/4 of the game. The kids had a lot of fun this season and most if not all will play again next year. We thank you for your help.

--Fred

I have been a customer for the last couple years. The patches have worked great for us and the kids love them. Thanks you for your product! We ordered red lightning bolts, blue stars and red D's for this year.

--Mike, WA

Our players (and their parents) LOVE the patches. They are a wonderful and effective motivator and rewards.

--Greg

Thanks for all you do.

--David, CO

My players love the patches.

--Brett, CA

We and our girls LOVED the motivational patches.

--Stacy Morse

I'm new to baseball coaching but the boys on our team are already competing for the "awards", and we haven't even had a game yet. I had very successful soccer teams, and I give a good deal of credit to the desire the kids had to accumulate patches in their jerseys.

Thanks again.

--Joe, FL

My kids are so excited about the patches.

--Jennifer, TX

I love your patches- and so does my team! They are an awesome motivational tool! My team (4-5 y.o.'s) were the envy of the league at the year end BBQ as they proudly wore their uniforms adorned with all their patches

Thanks for delivering such a great product!

--Doug

I have had phenomenal results using the patches with my soccer team.

--Greg, N.C.

We are so excited to get the patches!

--Amy, AZ

I have confirmed that overnight express mail delivery is available for my address. Thanks - the kids are going to really love these patches on Saturday!!

--Elizabeth, TX

I received the patches and was excited when they came in so quickly. This coming week we are having our coaches meeting as well a tournament on the weekend. I am proudly going to present the patches to the commissioner and coaches to hopefully get them on board with us.

--Coach Ruben, NY

My players LOVED the patches last year and I am going to get them t-shirts to iron them on so they can wear them all the time.

--Laureen, VA

At first I thought the patches were just a gimmick, but after using them for a week and a half I can definitely see how and why they are important. The patches have gotten 1 kid to never use his hands (he used them all the time the first practice), gotten one kid to keep playing after he got hit in the stomach, and gotten one kid to play even though he didn't want to because he was too cold, and another to practice when he was scared to play. That last kid held the patch in his hand the entire practice. Now my son asks for patches for doing stuff around the house. ("Dad, I just picked up my toys, can I get a badge?") They are awesome. My son had to sit out this past game because he was sick and when I got home he asked me if everyone got a patch. He was disappointed that he wasn't able to get one for this game. Man, I could type about this for hours but in short: everything you recommend is great. I wish I could sing your praises from the mountaintops so that more people would buy your stuff.

--Tommy, U6 coach, TX

I think this will help my team quite a bit.

--Jeff, TX

What a hit the patches are! All the teams use them now.

--Steven, IL

Thanks again, the patches are fun to give out.

--Chris, CA

Your website and the patches are amazing! I love it and my kids love it. I coach 3 teams u6, u8 and u10. I don't have the best players but we do great and one of my teams is undefeated. The Dribble Across a Square game is genius, it teaches so much. SoccerHelp and the patches have let my kids have a lot more fun. Once you figure out where the information is, everything is there that a coach needs. I really, really enjoy SoccerHelp.

--John, KY, U6, U8, U10, Premium Member

I love the patches.

--Colleen, PA

"I believe utilizing your 'practice games' in place of drills has contributed to our Club's growth over the past 2 years where we have grown from 320 kids per season to 540. It is a wonderful sight to watch over 100 kids under the age of 7 practicing and not one kid is standing in a line!"

--Larry, soccer club officer, PA

I used the baseball patches last year and they added incentive as well as excitement.

--Jim, NCAA Baseball

These baseball patches are great for my minor league baseball team (ages 7-11). After the first couple games this year, you can really see the interest level/effort level growing as they receive (or watch others receive) their patches. Very good positive reinforcement.

--Wayne, OR

My players love the soccer patches and are always eager to earn a patch. I am seeing amazing results from the patches and Premium soccer drills. Dribble Across a Square, the Defensive Footwork drills and Chips/Lofted passes drills have helped my players and I see it in games. My U8 team just beat the best team in the league which last season beat us easily.

--Kevin, MD, U8 and U10, Premium member

My daughter just loves getting the soccer ball patches! Now my son wants to play soccer again! I coach a swim team and am interested in your patches.

--Charyl, TX

Started my second season using the patches for baseball. Before the game started they were asking if they get patches for performance. (forget the game ball). Has it affected our outcome? Not sure, but it sure supported their performance. Who would of thought something so simple would be so rewarding.

--Coach Jim, N. Huntingdon, PA

I have been a Premium member for 3 years and it is great, and my players love the patches.

--Paul, Canada

The patches are a great item to motivate my girls high school soccer team!! I use the soccer balls, D, A and lightning bolts. thank you!

--Coach Patrick, MO

David,

I wanted to give you another story to put on the website. Last week we had a bye. The week before that we played a team with 2 HUGE kids. Before the game the coach came up to me and the ref and said, "Hey guys, we've only got 5 kids. The other 5 are at a baseball game. If we need to take one of the kids out, is it OK if we go 4 on 4? Of course, we said sure and that it would be no problem. However, immediately I knew 2 things from this conversation: 1. his kids aren't having fun at soccer practice because they are picking baseball over soccer and 2. if a kid had to come out of the game, it would have to be my son, or my nephew- and I have them playing on opposite halves and I don't want to seem like I'm favoring them. As the game continued, none of their kids got tired and had to come out because of that. However, during the 3rd quarter one of their smallest kids and my bigger kids got their legs tied up and ended up tripping and rolling over each other. My kid popped up and kept playing. The kid on the other team started crying and could not be comforted. The assistant coach on the other team was this kid's dad and he kept yelling, "you're ok! you're ok! go play! go play!" But the kid was having none of it. He stood on the field as close to their side line as possible crying and staring at his dad with eyes that said, "let me come out." At this point my son was in and I knew that if that kid eventually came out, my son would have to be the one who stopped playing. So I ran over to my tackle box full of patches, pulled out the red patch and started to run across the field. When I got to the other side the coach was looking away from me and when I said, "Hey coach!" (he was the kid's dad) he looked at me like, "why is the other coach over her talking to me?" I said to him,"hey man, I've got an idea. let me try this." And without waiting for him to reply I walked over to the kid and got down on his level and said to him, "Hey buddy, I give these patches out to my players who are brave. Do you know what brave means?" He was still crying and he looked up at me and shook his head no. (mind you, the game was still going on) I said, "brave means that when you get hurt and start crying, you stay in the game and keep playing. Do you want this patch for being brave?" He shook his head yes. So I said, "Well I'll give this patch to your coach so he can give it to you after the game, but you have to get back in that game and keep playing. Can you do that for me?" He shook his head yes. So I said, "well get in there and play!" Suddenly the tears stopped and he immediately turned around and ran back into the game and started playing. The other coach looked at me in awe because he had been trying for several minutes to get his son back in the game. After the game that kids mom came up to me personally and thanked me for what I had done. Also, after we shook hands that little kid ran up to me wanting to know where his patch was. I told him it was with his dad and he ran off straight for his dad.

I know this is a long email, but I had to tell you this story. I don't know if it works for what you have on the website because it's so long, but every word of it is true. Also, I just realized last week that my team consists of two 5 year olds and eight 4 year olds- and we are the best team in our league! Thanks again for everything you have done and please let coach Doug that he is just as responsible for this. I'll give you some more updates in the future. Take care.

--TM, U6 coach

The soccer patches are a great motivation for the kids - we love them.

--Jackie, league coordinator, IN (has used the patches for 4 years)

I have been using the gold star patches to reward sports participants who memorize the Bible verse of the week, and the blue stars to reward participation in games. I think I'd like to try the gold cross patches for those who memorize all the verses....or maybe this season, as we'll have a verse of the week from the new testament coordinating with teaching the ten commandments, I'll use it for those kids who learn the 10 commandments.

Thank you,

--Julie, Volunteer Children's Sports Director, Floor Hockey, Baseball and Basketba

My team loves the motivational patch program...they have met the team win goal in six of seven games thus far (win = score 10 or more runs...not outscore the other team). The minors level doesn't have standings or any other reason why we need to drive them on "wins", so I wanted them to focus on hitting and not stressed about who I am pitching/catching (more freedom to develop kids on defense if I am not accountable for only pitching my ace or stuffing the rookies in the outfield).

Anyway, I will send an order shortly for more V patches. Thanks again for the samples and will see if we can grow the program.

--Wayne, OR, minor league baseball ages 7-11

My focus has always been on developing player's skill so they can move into a higher grade. I have always had my entire squad return and feel the heart break when they get reassigned to other teams. I attribute these as success and I don't think I could have done it without the practice games and patches from the SoccerHelp web site. So Thank you for that!

--Rob, U11, Australia

I coach the U9 co-ed team and using the patches has been a lot of fun this year. I use them to reward them and have given them out during practices or before games for those who couldn't make it to practice. I'm using a point system: each patch has a value to it. For goals scored, assist, defends, etc. they're worth two points, if someone gets three goals in one game they get the Lightning patch worth 7 pts, the 'C' patch (coaches patch) (my favorite ) thats for team spirit & participation, it's worth 10 pts, Then there's the General Patch worth 5 pts, etc. At end of season the girl/boy with the highest score gets a $25 gift certificate to Friendly's, and 2nd & 3rd place gets a $10 gift certificate to 7-11 for slurpees. The kids are loving it and looking forward to it at end of every game to see how well they did. (Trust me they're keeping a tally). Even the parents are getting into it. Most are ironing on the patches and coming to games showing them off to each other. It's been great. Thanx for a great website to get on and learn about the game, great ideas, great practice games, etc.

Thanx a million

--Ruben, U9 Coach, NY

I am a U-10 coach in Ga, i have been coaching for 4 years and during that time my teams have been 2-8, 6-4, 7-3, and 8-2 being league runner ups that last 2 seasons. I was looking for an edge that will finally get my kids to the championship. in Searching your site for drills and coaching tips i came across the patches..what a life saver! I introduced the patches for everything from attending practice, completing assigned technique drills, assists, shoulder charges and tackles and WOW they have exploded! My ninjas have scored over 40 goals in 5 games and 4 shut outs! we are undefeated with one game left. The patches have created little soccer monsters! The passing, teamwork, energy and tenacity have doubled event tripled!! Thanks Soccer help! A little advise though ..dont do like i did ..1 steal=1 patch, 1 goal=1 patch etc.. Make it 3 steals=1 patch and so on or you will be ordering a new shipment after every game. Thanks again for the info on drills and the great customer service!

--O.S., GA, Premium Member

We have been using these patches from you for baseball and soccer for many years, it is great tool.

--John, NV

I wanted to check with you and see if you were able to order the orange and purple Star patches?

Thank you so much for all of your help we love your site and we are so blessed in our ministry to have such a fun tool for the kids!!!

--Kelly, MT

I found your site so useful last year.

--Kym

David,

Right now, I am using the patches for baseball (10 year old); however, I plan on using them for some of our other sports and activities: soccer, cub scouts (in addition to "official" patches, and our church camp meeting.

Thanks and enjoy the day!

--Rob, PA

The kids are still loving the patches and the Team I am an assistant on is now clamoring for their own bandannas and patches.

--Jeff, Alaska

I have coached for 6 years and scoured the web for coaching help. I really appreciate how much SoccerHelp Premium and the patches have helped me as a coach. Since I signed up for SoccerHelp and studied it and planned my practices, my team started doing great and only lost one game in 2 seasons The prior 2 seasons we only won 2 games. What helped me the most was how to teach my girls to be aggressive and how to score goals.

--Brad, BU10 and GU12 Rec Coach, Premium Member

Wow! I just ordered about 15 minutes ago! Super service.

I have been using the soccer patches for both my U10 recreational team and my U14 Boys travel team and both teams love them.

Thanks,

--Jeanne, BU14 Travel Coach and U10,Rochester, NY

David,

Just wanted to reiterate how much my kids love the patches. I now coach year round and am convinced SoccerHelp is the place to come for ideas and advice. My girls have won the select league the last two seasons and the Junior High team has two seconds and a first in state over the last three years - and we are ALWAYS outmanned...

Good stuff, and thanks for your efforts,

--Jeff in Alaska, Premium member

Thanks again for providing this tremendous resource.

--Richard

Last year you sent me samples of soccer patches and gave me a 10% off. coupon. The kids love the patches and look forward to them each session.

--Debbie, PA, TOPSoccer

One of our age group coordinators last year used your patches for her children and the children were thrilled so we are looking at using these for our younger age groups.

--Harry, NY

The soccer patches flat out work.

--Chuck, IN

My U16 girls are now playing in an open high school division and I still use the patches. I still call them secret stars. I typically put them in an envelope with a slip of paper explaining why they earned them, and hand them out at the end of practice (everyone gets an envelope, but I ask them to not open them until they get home because some get more or "better" than others.)

I use gold stars for goals or shutout halves by goalies, blue stars for assists, red stars for outstanding play, bloody ball for tough play, A for attitude, and the V for a game-winning or game-changing play. I ask them to iron them on their home jerseys. Some girls at this age choose to not iron them on, and that's OK. We've had the same jerseys for a few years now, so some of them are getting a little crowded.

Even though the girls are going into tenth grade and getting a little more sophisticated, they still want those secret stars. I can see them feeling the envelopes to try and guess what's in there.

I definitely think the patches are great motivators.

--Nick, U16G, MI

I already told my 6 year old and she is really excited about them.

--Bryan

I have been coaching for 6 1/2 years. I started using your Soccer Patches and the website a year ago and my team has been winning a lot more games and improving.

I wanted to ask what games you recommend to teach the girls (age 10-12) how to do better at keep-a-away. I need them to become more proficient at maintaining possession on offense and working the ball around for a shot on goal.

Also, what do you think are the best things for them to do at home to become more comfortable and confident with the ball so that they will be more aggressive when they are trying to score?

Thanks. Your opinion means a lot to me. I have incorporated many of the things we discussed this Summer. Even though my team doesn't start official practices for the season until next week, many of them came to a Boot Camp I put together this Summer and they have all improved.

Thanks again,

--Brad, NC

I love your soccer patches. I have been using them for years. I have a new U7 soccer team that I am excited to start using them with. I also have a U12 team that I have been using them since they were U9. They still love to get patches.

--Felicia, MO

The kids love the soccer patches. I ordered from you about 3 or 4 weeks ago and I am wanting to order more.

Thanks.

--Robin, FL

I just spent another $90 on soccer patches. I'm coaching two age groups this year. I sure have learned a lot on Premium. Keep up the good work! Best,

--Bob

The kids love the patches and always request them at the end of every practice and game! Thanks!

--Sandra, Coach / Assistant Director

My U13 girls are still into the soccer patches, but didn't have many left so need more! They need the motivation and are doing well. Like some of your cool new patches. Thanks,

--Matt, CA

The soccer patches have improved the players efforts toward competing for goals scored.

--Shawn, OH, Travel

My U13 girls are still into the soccer patches, but didn't have many left so need more! They need the motivation and are doing well. Like some of your cool new patches.

--Thanks, Matt, CA

The iron on patches are a great idea to help motivate our younger kids that play soccer and other sports with us. I want to talk it up with our coaches so hopefully our order will be a significantly greater amount.

--Dave, PA

Last year our swim team (WTRC Sharks) worked with you and got a bunch of star patches ordered. We were very happy with your products and your service and we wanted to come back to you guys again this year.

Thanks so much!

--John, OH

I just wanted to say thank you very much for not only shipping my lightning bolt patches but also adding the other patches I was interested in at no charge. That tells me you guys are really a GREATTTTTTTTTT company.

Wishing you continued much success,

--S.

Man, they loved those patches and still do. It has now become a competition between them to see who will get the most of a certain type of patch. Especially the "assist" patch, I use the lightning bolt patch for that one. Now that they have been doing this for three seasons they really understand what the assist is. I gave out 4 lighting patches last game. It was amazing.

--Richard

I enjoy your patches and the kids do too.

--Richard, NC (customer for 3 years)

I can't tell you how many compliments we have had from our parents that their kids love getting your patches!

--Kim, League Director, TX

I have probably spent around $300 on patches and memberships over the past few years. Thanks for offering your website and advice, it has really helped me to be a better coach right out of the box. This endeavor gets more interesting and intense each year I do it!

Best regards,

--Bob, Premium Member for 3 years

Hello, My name is Mark and I was getting ready to place another order for my Basketball team just starting. I used the patches for baseball this past year and they worked great!! Thx.

--Mark

You already have a bunch testimonials, but let me add mine to the pile. I used the soccer patches and your drills to motivate my U8 Boys Rec team to Spring Cup Champion. All others U8 teams were together in the spring, my team was the 'new' one with all new players. We had a 6-2 season, then won the final Cup Tournament. I printed pennants with our team logo, then they got patches. Every practice they got a black ball for coming - they almost never missed. I gave different balls for games; green=go=offense, red=defense, etc. In the end, everyone got one of each patch (8 in total). During the 4 tournament games, they got whatever I felt they earned plus a V patch for each win. The Championship game earned them a C patch. I swear they wanted the patch more than trophy! One thing I really liked: the patches give you an excellent excuse to keep them on the bench after a rec game and review the game. They remember what went well and didn't, but in a positive atmosphere. Too many rec games end with snacks then just send them home. The patches let you immediately award and review. My fall team (new boys) was equally good - this works over and over again.

--Coach Barry, U8 Boys

The patches are such a hit that I need to order more.

--Rebecca, AL Elementary School (they ordered 1,000 more, for a total of 2,700)

I'm stoked about the patches.

--Gary

Hi David,

It has been a very long time since we last spoke. Hopefully you still remember me. Tony here from Atlanta.

I have been coaching since Fall of 1996. That is a very long time! I coached a boys team from U6 up to U19 and I have had my girls team since U6s on up through where they sit right now, which is in preparation for the upcoming Spring season of 2012 which will be their final season of soccer since they are all High School Seniors and will all be heading off to college! That really is amazing to think about when you consider I knew some of these kids when they were in Kindergarten.

I know we haven't spoken in a while and I just wanted you to know where I was at. I can't believe my soccer career is almost over, but I wanted you to know that my career was as successful as it was due in very large part to you, your website and dedication to that website, and the incentive patches and such that you provide. I am not sure if you remember about when we met, but I came across your website one morning when I was looking for some information on how to be a successful soccer coach. Back then your website was all still free, but still very impressive even way back then. I was so impressed, I dropped you a note complimenting you on the website and you wrote back thanking me for my compliments. We forged a friendship of sorts and in one subsequent email you told me you were thinking about taking the website to a membership type website, at least for some of it and you asked what I thought. I remember telling you I thought that was brilliant and shortly thereafter, the membership portion of Soccerhelp was formed and off you went into the annals of soccer history! I could not be happier for you and your success. You have helped countless numbers of soccer coaches all over the world and you should be very proud of that!

One little tidbit about my girls - you may remember the team name is the Twisters! At any rate, our home league was having a Fall Rec Tournament. They asked us if we wanted in. Since I could only get 11 kids in total(a bunch of them were at a Church Retreat), I told them "No, I cannot get enough players." They called back and begged saying they were short one team to fill the bracket and U19 girls teams are hard to come by, they begged "Please, we'll let you in for FREE - PLEASE?" So, I agree. I hated not having any subs, but my kids are kind of used to it. So, Game 1 - 11 kids on the field, we are tied 1 - 1 in the second half. One of my kids gets elbowed in the mouth and actually loosens her teeth and has to come out. Surprisingly, we score one late, shorthanded, and go ahead 2 - 1 and hang on to win. Game 2, again 11 kids, and we lose 2 - 1 to a team made up of all High School Soccer players. All my kids are just kids that like to play soccer. We play well enough to win a lot of games, but only one or two of mine are good enough play High School ball. At any rate, the guy beats us 2 - 1 and my Assistant is steamed up. I ask him "Would you rather beat him in Game 2 or in the Championship?" He of course says the Championship. So, on to Game 3 - we need to win or tie to advance to the Finals. We are leading 1 - 0 late in the second half and give up a late goal to tie it up, 1 - 1. My kids are tired and beat up and I have three that are playing mildy hurt, but they have guts and determination and none of them wants to come out or quit the tournament. But the tie is good enough to advance us on points.

Once I know we've made it to the Finals, I ask them all to get on their phones and see if any of the kids that are on the weekend Church retreat are done yet. Turns out all of them are done and are willing to play! So for the Finals, I have 17 kids, awesome!

We get to the Championship Game, 11 strong players and 6 Subs. In the pregame speech, I tell them the team we are playing is admittedly good, but they can be beat. You are going to have to catch them in a mistake, and they won't make many, but they'll make one or two and you have to be there to capitalize. Additionally, WE cannot make any mistakes - none. If you make a mistake, they absolutely will capitalize.

So, first half - no mistakes by my guys,but no mistakes by them, so we're tied 0 - 0. They play the second half and midway through one of their Fullback makes a mistake and mishandles the ball before clearing. My Left Wing makes the steal and fires a rocket - wide left - darn!....a few more minutes goes by and their Center Fullback makes a mistake and mishandles the ball - my daughter is playing Striker, makes the pick, but gets covered by the recovering Right Fullback, so she lays off to our Right Wing who fires and goes wide right - darn again! We end the second half 0 - 0, but the High Schoolers are getting screamed at by their coach for giving us two opportunities.

We go to two 5 minute OTs and end scoreless again, but again my girls make no mistakes, so 0 - 0 at the end of OT, on to the Shootout and my kids are sweating bullets. I tell them look, I am so proud of how you played this game, if we ended it right now, I'd be happy. BUT, we have this little shootout to get through, so go out there and do like you have practiced. Don't overpower the ball. Think Placement before you think Power. Don't look at the Keeper, Don't look where you are going to shoot. Most of all, remember that Coach Tim and I are VERY proud of you and what you have done in this game, and we both love you all to pieces, so just go do your thing and do it like you have practiced a thousand times. They ask what did I want to do if we won the coin toss? I don't know about you , but I always like to score first and put the pressure on the other guy, so I tell them to "shoot if we win".

We win the toss and my first shooter goes up - and goes over the top. Argh, she never did that in practice!. Their first girl goes up - and goes over the top - whew! My second shooter scores, their second shooter scores, my third shooter scores, their third shooter scores, my fourth guy goes over the top, their fourth guy shoots and my Keeper makes the stop! My fifth guy goes and scores and their fifth guy goes so far wide right I couldn't believe it. So, we win on PKs! A true "David beats Goliath" My girls were sooooo excited.

I think the High Schoolers came in over confident and figured they beat us in Game 2 and they'd beat us again. We played much better in Game 4 than in Game 2, although we did not play badly in Game 2, just not as perfect as Game 4.

So, the little guys out there can win and do win and many of them, like me, do it with your help. I will always be eternally grateful for your help and guidance along the way and I thank you for all you have done for me over the years.

Here's wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Best Regards,

--Tony, Girls U19 Twisters

I LOVE the patches and thanks so much for sending the complimentary ones. They will come in handy as well! Here is how I plan to utilize the patches in my recent order--I am the new GA director for our church--Elizabeth Baptist in Shelby, NC. I plan to use the patches to replace some of the patches previously ordered for the girls to receive in the recognition service at the end of the year. They work on certain church projects to earn badges. In the past, they receive a patch ordered from the WMU website for each project--which gets old since they could receive the same one each year. (GA's are for girls in 1st through 6th grade!) So I thought I would let them earn the first patch in whichever year they start and then add a certain color star for the following years--this way parents would see that they are still completing their service projects each year, but it really reduces the old patches, which are much larger and expensive--3.99 each. It will also allow their entire sash to be seen in the recognition service. In the past, they would fill up a sash and get a new one. With these patches, all earned should easily fit on one sash. I also teach first grade in the local public schools, so I may order sometime for my classroom if the funding is every available.

Thanks again. Have a great week!

--Brandy, MA, National Board Certified Teacher
First Grade Teacher

I am the children and youth pastor of a Baptist Church in SC. We used your baseball patches last year and received great feedback from our kids and parents. We are hoping to have a bigger league this year, which would mean more patches.

--Luther, Baptist Church, SC (Note from David -- lots of churches order patches f

The patches have been a home run with my girls lacrosse teams - they love them and want to earn them.

--Brad, U11 and U15 girls lacrosse, CA

We have jerseys for our associates and as we meet performance metrics in various areas they receive a star to iron on. We used blue stars last year and I ordered 500 Gold Stars this year. (Note from David -- Businesses also buy the Happy Faces for customer service, Lightning Bolts for speedy service, T for Teamwork, V for Victories and the Golden A for effort & attitude).

--Renea, Manager, People & Organization

The patches have increased our club membership. We give the patches for individual improvement, so every child can feel like a like a winner, instead of just a few getting a trophy. It has been a big success.

--Lacy, President, Skating, MO

This is my 3rd season to coach and all 10 of my players have come back every year. The parents love what we are doing and thanks to the patches and Coach Doug, my players are far above the others in our league. The league commissioner told me it was very uncommon to have all 10 players return to a team. We have to repool after this season so I'm sad I won't get to coach these same kids all the way up. I'm glad I found you guys, though. I will be a customer for a long time.

--Tommy, TX, U7, Coach Doug subscriber and patches customer

"You guys are awesome. I made my order late this week, thinking I wouldn't get my patches in time for my first game. But to my surprise, I received them yesterday in plenty of time. You guys are awesome! My kids love these things! Thanks for making a coach and his players very excited!"

--Coach Vic
LCSA Earthquakers - Texas

I love your patches.

--Stephanie, CA, Soccer Coach

"I love your website and I am a big fan of the patches (I'm sure I've ordered thousands at this point). It is softball season for me right now, so I am using them for the teams I coach. Thanks again for all of your good work."

--Tony, CA, soccer and softball coach, Premium member, patches customer for 6 year

The kids on my teams LOVE the patches. We tried other patches but yours look better and don't fall off - they last forever. I have used them for basketball, softball and soccer and a lot of coaches ask me where I got them. The sports director at the YMCA asked about them. If you will send me some samples I will give them to him. (Note from SoccerHelp - we will send you free samples if you want to give them to your league, church or YMCA).

--Coach Terry, Basketball, Softball and Soccer

How wrestling coaches use Star Patches:

The Star Patches have worked out so well for our wrestling team. We give them out for guys who take what they learn in practice and use it on the mat. A win or a loss doesn't matter to us, as long as they are learning and improving. These awards have been a great addition to our program. What a delight it was to see one of our guys with a star ironed on to his practice shirt sleeve.

--Coach Jarrod, High School Wrestling, US

My skaters are loving the patch program. I feel like Santa the way they clamor around when I give out the awards. This has helped our program tremendously this year.

-- Lacy, Speed skating coach

Let me first say that my players and coaches went absolutely berserk over your patches which I began awarding to my players last night. I coach an 8 and under girls fast pitch softball team in Florida. I wanted to come up with a way to reward my players for all their hard work and improvement. I found your website on my own using Google and searching for "iron-on star patches". When I saw your selection of patches I knew they would be perfect. You offer a great variety of patches including stars of different colors, letters for different achievements, symbols like smiley faces and lightning bolts, etc. I immediately placed a call and received a callback right away. Thank you!

--Peter, FL, Softball

Dear Wendy:

I got my package of patches today, and was thrilled to find not one but TWO brown-and-black basketballs I had inquired about. Thank you SO much for the quick turnaround time on my order and especially for the discontinued brown-and-black basketballs. Now I have enough to give my girls when they complete their second month on the team.

I will definitely continue my patronage and recommend you to others who coach in my community.

Sincerely,

--Kay, Dayton, OH

-- Luther, Baptist Church, SC (Note from David -- lots of churches order patches

Hi SoccerHelp,

We are a girl's fastpitch softball league here in Ohio. We are just one of thousands of girl's fastpitch softball leagues. Last year, we implemented your 1 inch baseball iron-on patch as incentive awards for our teams at each of their games. This was a big hit! We were completely happy with the item and their pricing.

--Coach Denise, Ohio

"Thanks! You guys are awsome. This is my second order this season. I didn't think I would give out so many and my team loves them. We are a baseball team and the players are putting them on their hats. I even got my younger son's coach doing it too. Thanks for the quick delivery."

--Coach Paul, California

"I am a first time assistant coach and slowly becoming the primary. The information I have gotten from here has inspired new ideas."

--Carleton

I think my players love the patches more than playing games. The patches make it more fun.

--Jim, 7-8 coach, FL

--Coach Jim, N. Huntingdon Pa.

"Your site and advice are the best. Have been using the advice and the patches in rec leagues for past couple of seasons with great success (last season we were 8-2 with 35 goals for and only 3 against). Dribble across the square, clearing the ball, and shoulder tackling have been highly successful and the girls really enjoy them. The "22 rules" have also been instrumental in their development.

Had a father come up to me after practice last Friday who was absolutely beside himself with joy. Said it was the best practice with the most meaningful drills he had seen in the past 10 years (whether for rec league, travel or high school - he has 4 kids that all play at varying levels).

Thanks again!

--Dan, Premium Member, GA

Thank you for being a great company and having these wonderful patches. I gave them to my basketball team at the middle school and they are wearing them with such pride. Thanks again.

--Patricia, CT, Basketball and Softball Coach

I have visited your website numerous times and have found it very informative and useful. I have implemented several of the games into my teams training and the boys love them. The patches are a big success. I have been coaching for 6 years now in the FCSC and all of the boys have looked forward to earning their patches. It is amazing how much more the boys are focused and determined when they play, knowing they are earning and not just being given the patches. They all wear them with pride on their uniforms. I had all of my team from last season want to return. Without this incentive and the fun games you offer, this would not have been possible. I want to thank you for this.

Thank you again for your time and efforts.

--Michael, Head Coach, U10, VA

I already got my patches in the mail! Wow! That was fast! Thanks so much for all you do.

-- Kelly, soccer coach, TX

My team loves to get these patches.

--Steve, baseball coach, MD

Hi David,

I'm about to order my second batch of patches from you and I just wanted to let you know that they have worked perfectly. The kiddos do their homework in advance, pay more attention during practice when they know for what patch the drill relates. Overall they just seem more invested in the overall learning. I use a chart with the kids that allows them to keep track of their progress and how close they are to reaching their next patch. Attached is a picture of my last year's chart.

I hope you are doing well.

--Edgar, Baseball Coach, CA, Tball and Rookies

Your soccer ball patches that are hands down the best motivational tool I have found with young players. Your website, videos and patches have made a big difference to my teams and my experience as a soccer coach. I'm not just blowing smoke, I mean it. Thank you!

--Chad, VP of a soccer league in CA

My band kids love the gold star patches. I give 10 out each week for the kids who practice their instruments the most. I also pull out an extra name from a box for anyone who practices a minimum of 60 minutes and who did not make the top 10. Your service is excellent and the patches are always a hit. I will be buying them for as long as I can afford to get them with the school budgets getting tighter. Have a great one!

--Bob, PA, band director

We love your patches!

--Darlene, VA, baseball

Almost 6 years now, with the patches. It has been a ton of fun. Thank you for being in business and having such a nice site.

--Coach Rob, IL, customer since 2006

I am one of those coaches who has purchased and used your patches for the last four years. My teams love them! I spoke to and worked with David Huddleston last season and he provided our club with free sample patches and free access to SoccerHelp.com premium for all our coaches. I've heard some great feedback.

I have also used and continue to promote Coach Doug's site on SoccerHelp to our coaches for the younger age groups. We have talked in our club about how we could provide access to our coaches to this site as well.

--Mark, Recreation Coaching Director, Ohio

Thank you guys so much for the free samples it made it very easy for the board members at the Palo Verde Rec. League to agree that we should use these patches for our league.

Thanks again,

--Jennifer

I am a very big fan of SoccerHelp.com, and have been referring other coaches to your site (hopefully they are subscribing) since I found you on the internet last year. These patches have had an immeasurable impact on my ability to motivate the players on my team, and have really helped them to understand and appreciate the value of every position on the field. Coupled with the core skills you teach on your website (don't get kicked over/thrown over), we have turned into a defensively focused team that was able to win out over far more athletic teams and finish 1st in our league last year.

--Coach Justin, NY, U10

I have used a lot of the information on your site and have found it to be extremely beneficial for my teams and have passed the ideas/games I used along to our coaches (especially the new ones that don't have a lot of knowledge or resources).

I also encourage coaches to use the patches - my teams always love them and ask for them at the end of every game or practice. It also helps tremendously with attendance. - they want those patches!

--Sandra, NC, her league is a Premium member

I am the sports coach for a small Christian school. These patches are going to work out great for our sports banquet. Thank you and God bless.

--Ernest, CA

These soccer patches are awesome. The kids get super excited when they receive a patch for their hard play. I use the gold patch for a hat trick game or great game overall. Thanks.

--Coach Scott, KY

WOW!!!! I have ordered from you in the past and my players are very happy with the patches. I will send pictures at end of our season in October. Its good to know that businesses really appreciate their customers. I will spread the word about SoccerHelp.

--Coach Mendoza, TX

We are doing baseball, and our boys love the patches.

--Dan, Tx

I ordered the patches for the kids that will be attending our summer horse camp as a motivation for memorizing the daily verse. We use camp as our summer fundraiser for our regular program that serves kids with emotional trauma that come for 90 minute sessions for free.

Have a great day!

--Mary, NC

After our first game this season I had one young lady (just turned 7, I coach 7/8/9) who was intimidated by the size of the field and the number of players around her. I sat next to her at our next practice and told her that I thought she was a perfectionist and was afraid to make a mistake. I promised her that I wouldn't get mad at her and yell if she made a mistake, I just wanted her to learn how to play and have fun. At the next match she had two assists and earned her first "Blood Patch". I look forward to starting the fall with her on my team.

--Matthew, MI

I coach rec league teams for my 4 year old daughter and 6 year old son. I've been using Soccerhelp Premium and Couch Doug's site for the better part of 3 years now and as a result have shared many great soccer moments with my kids and their teammates at practice and in games. I recommend your site to everyone who asks about the fun we are having on the field and the patches the kids are wearing.

--Larry, OH

Wanted to say THANKS for your site! I had been coming to the free soccer help off and on over the last 4 seasons and finally decided to subscribe to soccer help premium. We had growth and were undefeated last fall, then added 3 new players and took a nose dive! It has been a struggle - lots of frustration, I had tried everything. We have been using soccer patches since my first season and I tried to have fun practices.

I have U6 boys who will be U7 this upcoming season in a few months. We had a tournament we were preparing for and kept spinning our wheels. Yesterday at practice I tried a couple of your Premium soccer drills. The boys had a blast and it was the first time that I was able to mix up the teams so each player was with someone different and yet the teams stayed balanced. Each game was down to the wire.

At the end of our practice we scrimmaged and they were for the first time positioning themselves where they needed to be AND set up for some phenomenal plays with passing into the open space!

I am amazed, I have been very discouraged about soccer practices lately and you have revived my excitement AND the boys too!! THANK YOU!! Our philosophy is if we are not having fun, the rest doesn't matter - we are back to having fun THANKS!

--Coach S, TX

I have been a fan of SoccerHelp and the patches for 4 years and recently taken on director of coaching for non-profit rec league.

I would like to see if you can work with our org for:

U6 - 35 kids - 8 games: Motivational patches, group access to streaming video of Coach Doug's DVD & group access to Coach Doug's site.
U8 - 55 kids - 8 games: Motivational patches & group access to Premium site.

--Steve

Thank you. We appreciate your website and your business' quality service.

--Jim, President (SoccerHelp customer for patches and Coach Doug DVDs)

Thank you for quick turnaround on the order for our league as well as the complimentary add ons. Shipment was received on Saturday and everything looks great. Thanks again.

--Jeremy, NC

We use your patches every season and the kids love them! You always have wonderful service!

--Rhonda

Thank you for replying back to my email so fast! I signed up for Soccer Help Premium and had one practice so far and the results were wonderful. I am glad that I found your site and will be staying with your company for my soccer help. I even received compliments from the parents who were skeptical of having me as a coach due to me only playing soccer in high school. I am learning a lot from your site, so for that I thank you! I most likely will be buying patches from you as soon as I see the samples. Again thank you!

--Nichole, U8, NY

I would like to order patches for our fall season for our league. Please let me know what other information you need. Thank you so much. As always, these are the favorite part of the season for our young players.

--Kimberly, CA (customer for 6 seasons)

I am very pleased with the patches and premium and so out my soccer players parents. My players are doing so great and everyone is enjoying themselves. So again thank you!

--Nichole, U8, NY

Hello! Last season our league got free access to the Premium Site and the coaches loved it, especially the new or "newer" coaches who had a real need for help with practices, formations, etc. All summer I forwarded your email tips to the coaches in my division (GU12) so they could develop new ideas for practices and games. I was wondering if that access might be possible again as we have many new coaches this season. I would love to be able to offer the Premium Site for "newbies" and even all of the "oldies" (myself included!) I totally understand if this is not possible. If that is the case would it be possible to get some type of discount price for the Premium Site for our coaches so that they can sign up? Thank you for any help you can provide. SoccerHelp.com helped our league to stay on track with our newest coaches last season and the difference was noticeable!

--Nancy, NH, GU12, Soccer Council, patches customer for 6 years

We are looking forward to using the patches. Our last coach did them and they were a big hit, so now we are doing them for two new teams. I'll pass the word (and your website) around. : )

Kind Regards,

--Delin, IL

"We had our best practice of the year yesterday. The girls are getting very good at dribbling across the square and the Shoulder Tackling game is working beyond belief. Some of my timid girls are now amongst the toughest on the team. My co-coach is fired up and can't believe how much we turned it around in a couple of practices. I ordered soccer patches and mentioned them before yesterday's practice and all of the girls stepped it up. Thank you very much!"

--Mark, CA, U1OG, Premium Member

I think the patches are a GREAT idea! My son is already excited about them. Thanks again, great site!

--Mark, AZ, Premium Member

I love your patches. I have been using them for years. I have a new U7 soccer team that I am excited to start using them with. I also have a U12 team that I have been using them since they were U9. They still love to get patches.

--Felicia, MO

I think the patches are a GREAT idea! My son is already excited about them. Thanks again, great site!

--Mark, AZ, Premium Member

This is my 6th year ordering the patches and each new team I coach LOVES THEM!!! Thanks.

--Adam, CA, Premium Member

My co-coach and I announced the patches to the parents and the players this week and we have been seeing some amazing focus. Every one is going for the bravery patch and we also give a patch to the two captains each game who are chosen who display the most focus, effort, bravery, and teamwork during practices before the game. All of the girls have been listening a lot better in the last week, magic!

--Mark, U10, CA

The patches are proving to be a major hit. I can see all of the girls are going 100% for loose balls and are displaying amazing teamwork together. The bravery patch is the most sought after and after each game the girls that don't get patches are hugging and congratulating the ones that do, something I have not seen this year. Also, girls on the sideline want to earn the teamwork patch (T Patch) and are shouting words of encouragement to their team mates on the field. My daughter told me after yesterday's game that the girls are talking more on the field and she is amazed at how the bravery patch coud go to most of the girl's on the field. They do not back down from the ball and go to it hard. The shoulder tackling game and 50 50 game have helped a lot. My daughter, also wanted me to personally thank you for making her a better player especially a much better dribbler and a brave soccer player. She takes the dribble across the square very seriously and does it before practice sometimes with a couple of the other players and also wants to win it which she does most of the time. She is CMF converted to CF. In both of the games, she displayed amazing dribbling. My proud moment was after two of our midfielders collided and were down for a little bit (they were not injured and got back up), she took the ball and dribbled past and around four of the opposing players along with the player who had been assigned to guard her (box and one technique) and passed it to our CMF who scored. Last year she rarely could get around one player. She was below average last year and now is one of the best players in the league. The other coach told me she is the toughest player in the league.

Thank you for all of your help David, I have never been this excited to coach in my four years of coaching.

--Coach Mark, CA, U10

"Of the 2 teams I had from U4 for through U12, I have 22 players that have made Select teams (16 girls and 6 boys). One girl made the U13 Elite team that is ranked #1 in our state, and 4 of my boys compose the nucleus of the #1 team in the state and fifth in the country."

-- Dan, Premium Member and patches customer for 5 years

I began using the team goal scoring celebration in addition to our normal pre-game chant. This has worked fantastic and each girl gets so excited when the team scores a goal! They all run to the middle, circle up with their arms around each other's shoulders and chant 1-2-3 GOAL! It is so funny to watch my little goalie run all the way up and all the way back...so excited about a goal.

--Coach C, GU8, Premium Member

I received the patches today. They are great. We have our board meeting coming up on Wednesday of next week, so I will definitely be talking to the board and other coaches. I love it!! Thank you so much. I will definitely be ordering for my girls!

-- Stephanie, CA

Awesome! I'm so excited about this! Thank you for the samples! I can't wait to show my committee!

--Kristi, TX Middle School

I've been ordering and using your patches for 6 years now and the kids love them!! They are a great incentive and I love seeing their determination to achieve a patch that they haven't earned yet!!

--Jessica, Maine

I just wanted to let you know that I received the patches! Very nice quality! Thank you. I am very happy with your products and services. Sincerely,

--Nichole L.

I really enjoy receiving the newsletters and reading the comments. It's fun to "get lost" on your website like a kid in a candy store. I really love Coaching and get side tracked from one game on your site to the dictionary to the rules, etc... It's a great world of information you're building.

I just placed another patch order. I give out eight patches depending on what the boys do: Passing, Hustle, Attitude-Effort, Captain, Goalie, Skills, Bravery, and Defense. They also can earn the Smiley Face patch when they break their juggling record at practice. If they dribble across the square ten or more times in 30 seconds they'll get the lucky clover.

Thanks for SoccerHelp it's a blast.

-- John, CA, Premium member

"The patches are working magically. We are playing tougher and harder than any team in the league. I am hearing amazing teamwork on and off the field. The girls on the sideline are yelling words of encouragement and the talk on the field is so great that I have had parents come up to me and say they have never heard a team talk so positively to each other. We give out teamwork patches at the end of every game to the girl or girls who demonstrate the best teamwork."

--Mark, U10

You're awesome! Thank you so much! I'm excited about this opportunity so I can't wait to show everyone the patches. Thanks.

--Kristi, Middle School

Thank you for all your help. We LOVE your patches. Thank you.

--Allen

We discovered the motivational patches 4 years ago and have been faithful proponents ever since. The patches have continued to form the basis of a fun, invaluable, and highly effective recognition and reward system...even as our players have aged from 7 - 8 years to 12-14 years. Just last night, several parents commented on their value after we awarded patches at the end of practice. We could not imagine coaching without them. By the way, we do appreciate both the volume discounts and bonus sample patches with each order.

Sincerely,

--Greg, NJ

I love your site and especially love using your patches for positive reinforcement. They remind me to focus on the positive things the girls do, which I think is the best way to motivate. I use them for both soccer and softball.

--Tony, CA, Premium member

The patches have been great for my teams. I have had teams as old as U14 that loved them.

--Chad, Academy Coach, SC

The patches have been great for motivating my players in practice I coach U11 travel and give out Happy Patches to make it fun and I give Lightning Bolt patches for courage. I use Dribble Across a Square as a warm up. Because my practices are fun and I use a positive approach, my players continue to play soccer.

--Todd, IN, U11 Travel

Since I have wrote you our record is 3-2-1 after starting the season at 0-2-1. Our two losses were close games where if I had better positioning for our girls we would have tied or won - our tie was with playing one girl down and no substitutions due to a conflicting swim meet and dance recital. So we enter the playoffs with a nice win in the last game of the season and not allowing any goals in the last five halves. Your drills have been working like magic, our girls are tough and do not back down from any opponent. We also are getting a lot of passing that I have never seen in U10. The patches work wonderfully, our teamwork is probably the best in the league and girls want to be brave and play great defense so that they can earn the patch.

My daughter is doing really well and getting better each game. Word has gotten around the league about her and at the start of some of the games, the coach puts a girl to follow her around the field. Even with that extra attention on defense, she has managed to score or assist in 10 (7 goals, 3 assists) of our 12 goals this year and more importantly is probably the bravest girl in the league, exact words from two coaches we played. Since talking to you and getting the Mia Hamm DVD, every team we have played has feared her and has put a dedicated player to guard her throughout the game. This is a girl who was a below average player last year and went through games unnoticed. Also, I told her I would put her in defense if we got up a goal or two in the playoffs. She normally plays CF, good idea to put her on defense for a bit?

Our girls have been playing well since we have talked. A lot of credit goes to you for their improvement and my daughter's improvement. We enter the playoff tournament, in the first round to play a team we beat 2-1. They scored on a penalty kick last time we played and we controlled the game 80% of the game. I feel if we use our set lineup with rotating subs in the right positions, we will win.

If we win the first playoff game, we will play a team who we lost to 5-3. I think we can beat them, we have improved a lot since the first time we played. That team has a very fast and amazing dribbler, another tough girl who is also fast reminds me of my daughter, and two sisters who are tough and play very aggressive. We can score off this team but their best player can get free and creates havoc. I now have three amazing defenders who have not allowed a goal and probably only four shots on goal in the last two games. I plan to take a girl on our team who is not skilled but is very fast and great at following and bothering opposing players and having her guard the best player on that team. Good idea?

We do not meet the number one team that has rolled over everyone until the finals so we would have to win three games to get to the finals. The coach of that team watched us play the last game and told me he was thankful he did not have to play us until the finals. He said that we are a much different team than when he played us a month ago and does not want to play us.

I can't thank you enough for all the help that you have given me. With a less than talented squad, probably the least talented in the age group, I think we would have had a decent season but probably may have fallen into last place. My girls have all improved a high amount this season and are loving soccer and playing it the right way. The patches work marvelously and you should be receiving some orders from some of my friends and coaches who have seen the patches work like magic.

Best,

--Coach M, U10

The patches are great! Thanks again.

--Vince, NJ

I hold the role of Youth Development manager for a club that coaches children from 4 years old to 21 years old, girls and boys. Two break through coaching aids that I have discovered are the reward patches and size 1 Futsal balls which develops young children's touch and confidence.

--Dave, UK

My girls love the patches.

--Scott, NE

Can't wait for the kids to earn their patches.

-- Sean, IN

I coach a recreational team and at this level I am all about making practice and the games fun for the kids so that they have a positive experience. Everyone loves the patches we hand out at the end of the games.

--Coach Mike, TX, U4 and U8 (patch customer and Premium member for 3 years)

My son's coach uses these awesome patches for motivating the boys.

--Holly

Just a quick message to let you know that the kids really enjoyed the patches. They strived really hard as the season went on, to get more patches.

Great job, and a great idea!!

--Joseph, Maryland, U8

Can't wait to get these for our youngest skaters, I appreciate your policy of shipping larger orders by express mail as well! Thank you.

--Jeff, Hockey league President, MN (ordered 1,000 motivational patches)

I coach a U9 Girls Premiere team in NJ and love the Soccerhelp.com Premium site and everything that comes with it. The team loves the patches and the "B"ravery and red Blood patches are big favorites. Thanks.

--Coach Bob, U9, NJ, Premium Member

My High School basketball players love the patches - we find use for just about all of the stars and letter patches.

--Alan, NH

I received the patches that I ordered today. Oh my goodness, I did not realize you had these Christian symbols on patches. I love it!

We will show Gods love with them. You are awesome.

--Jeanne, CA

I love the idea of using the patches to reward the kids for different goals, behavior, hustle, etc.

--Herb, baseball coach

Love your patches and the girls can't wait to them as well.

--Chris, GU6, TN

We are a baseball team and the boys love getting the patches!!!! This is our second order!

-- Rich, Missouri, baseball

Thank you so much for the fast delivery of the patches. My husband is very excited to hand these out.

--Tracie, Illinois, baseball

From the article Will Your Players Smile at You in 10 years? "When your coaching days are over, hopefully you have good memories and have had a positive impact on the kids you coached."

Hi David,

I read your post about the boy you coached at 12 who was now 26 and you wondering whether or not he would remember you. I have been coaching for 13 seasons and I find that I wonder how I will be remembered by the kids I've coached. When I first began coaching I believed the measurement for how good I was at coaching was by the number of wins my team had. Looking back at it, it was probably more about me than about the players. I did not grow up playing soccer but played football, basketball, hockey and baseball. So I didn't start coaching because I had a love for the game, I started coaching because my two oldest children seemed to be good at soccer. Quite simply I was a dad who was a coach. That first year your site was one I used extensively to try and find training advice which would make my team successful. I read and researched, I talked to other people who were coaches and I tried to absorb everything I could. In the early years wins were very important and by that measure my teams over 13 seasons have been very successful. Somewhere along the line the wins and losses became less important. I was more concerned with the players learning soccer fundamentals and playing the right way. I remember having a conversation with a friend who is also a Select Trainer and telling her I was really happy with how my team had progressed with their skills during the season. Her comment at the end of our conversation was "you've gone from a dad who coaches to a coach who happens to be a dad." On my current team I now have siblings of players that played for me those early seasons. Even though wins were more important at one time than they are to me now, my number one priority was to set a good example for the kids and give them a love for soccer. I still get approached by former players, greeted with "hey Coach Doug" in any number of different places. I really do hope that I've had a positive impact on each and every one of them. A few weeks ago a mother of one of my current players approached me. Her daughter is in 2nd grade. She handed me a piece of paper, folded in half. As I opened it I saw that it was a school assignment where the student was asked to write about their hero. I was a bit overcome when I saw that I was her daughter's hero. So as coaches we need to be reminded that whether we like it or not, these kids look at us in a different way. I can only hope that I can be as good as a coach as this girl thinks I am.

Regards,

Coach Doug, TX

P.S. I have grown to love the game!

David's Reply --

Hi Doug,

What a great letter! I think you are a great coach and have a great attitude. You are the kind of coach I would like for my kids or grandkids.

That is a huge compliment to you that you are her daughter's hero. Nothing could be better than that. All coaches, teachers and parents need to remember how impressionable kids are and strive to be their Hero.

A great thing about SoccerHelp is that I get to hear from coaches like you.

I agree with you that over time winning becomes less important but having said that, I suspect your teams still win most of the time because your players come to practice, listen to you, hustle, have a great attitude, and because you have taught them good fundamental soccer, and because, simply stated, you are a good coach. Like you, I won most of my games but I can think of 3 losses that I didn't regret. In one we played great and still lost, In another the ball simply didn't bounce our way (you hear that statement and occasionally it is true - sometimes a team can just be unlucky). And in the other loss I was out-coached. At the time I regretted being out-coached, but it turned out to be a great thing for me because it forced me to reconsider what I was doing and figure out why we lost. I was coaching U14 Rec and I was trying to have my Rec team play like a Travel Team, and that wasn't possible because the teams were assigned and I had some very slow players. That loss caused me to re-evaluate Pushing Up slow Fullbacks on attack and led me to the conclusion that it isn't always best to Push Up on attack - sometimes it is best to Defend Deep. The result was that I had 2 slow players who became star defenders because we Defended Deep but who simply couldn't Push Up on attack because they were VERY slow. Those 2 boys became 2 of my favorite players because they loved to defend, had a great attitude, and were very brave. Since they weren't running much I let them play the entire game and that gave me more subs for Midfield and Forward, where I needed subs. A few years ago, even the great Chelsea Premier League team Defended Deep in a couple of games where their opponent had really fast attackers and Chelsea won both games.

I see you have been a Premium Member for 4 years and have used our motivational patches for 5 years. Thank you. I hope you will share with me any good ideas you have so I can share them with the 2 million visitors to SoccerHelp.

Thanks for writing.

--David at SoccerHelp

Awesome customer service. This is our first order! So excited. Thank You.

--Kim, CA, Softball and Baseball

The patches look great. Can't wait to show the kids. Best Regards.

--Abe, Baseball and Softball, NJ

I love your product!

Warm regards,

--Vince, OR

I have been using your ideas for years and the girls love the patches!

--Mike, CA

Your techniques rock!

My U6s (with my younger son playing "up" a year) went 7-1 this season; they lost one early season game to a very big, very physical team that had been together for the full previous season and had a coach who was clearly quite good. The boys went down fighting all the way, in an odd sense it was probably the proudest I was of them all year. And I think if we could run against that team again now we'd win; we got a TON better as the season went on.

My older boy's rec team (he also plays travel, but I coach rec) went two years without a loss, dominating the Boys Division I (rec) league in a major metropolitan area (five divisions in his age group, with teams advanced or relegated season by season according to previous season's results).

You know, I hate to admit this, but I only recommend your site to people that I don't think are going to coach against me directly. I can claim no good/honest reason for doing that. But for people in other age groups, or friends, etc., I recommend SoccerHelp consistently.

--Keith, Hawaii, Premium Member and Patches customer for 3 years

"I put in an order on Friday and was told that if I had it placed by 1:00. It would ship on Friday, and I put for 3-5 day shipping. I would like to say that I am very impressed with your company and customer service. I didn't get the order placed until about 2:00, past the deadline, but it shipped on Friday anyway. I didn't expect it until Wednesday or Thursday, and was very surprised to receive it on Monday. We will defiantly be using your company for our future patch needs. Keep up the great service."

-- Kristy, TX

"I have been a subscriber and advocate of your Web-site for the past 5 or 6 years. I am the Director of Player Development for a Soccer Club in Pennsylvania and we have had tremendous growth thanks in large part to subscribing and implementing a lot of your philosophies for the various age groups. Each season I conduct a coaches meeting for 40 plus coaches and encourage them to visit your web-site and subscribe. In addition, I encourage them to take advantage of the patches to reward their players.

I have just renewed my membership for both the Premium site and Coach Doug's site to continue learning sound practice games and best practices.

Would it be possible to send me sample patches to share at my next coaches meeting for 40 coaches scheduled for March 25th? I feel it would go a long way to give each coach a sample of the patches that have made all of my teams a huge success. I give very specific examples of how I got every one of my u12 girls to strive every practice, at home, and game to improve their skills. Ex. Every player comes to practice ready to earn their gold star for 25 juggles, then 50 etc.. (I had a girl improve from 12 the first week to over 120 by week 8)

Anything you could do would be greatly appreciated as I encourage more coaches to get on board with reinforcing the right behaviors and motivating their kids to their full potential."

Regards,

--Larry, VP & Dir. of Player Development, Pittsburgh PA area

I got started coaching my great-grandson's soccer team at the YMCA. I had refereed soccer, but never coached. I was looking on the internet for some drills and how to coach 5yr olds, when I found you all and the great patches. I decided to order them myself and give them to not only my team, but to every team we play. The kids just LOVE them, so I am replenishing my supply for the upcoming spring season. Thanks so much for all your help.

--Best Regards Pete, WV

"Placing my order was super easy and Wendy was very helpful, great customer service!

I'll definitely place future orders with your shop. All the best.

--Dave, Commissioner, patch customer for 5 years

We use your soccer patches every season and the kids love them! You always have wonderful service!

--Rhonda, League Director, IN

"We have just received our patches and they look better than the images on the screen."

--Wes, GA

I believe your patches are a great idea for demonstrating positive reinforcement and for encouraging the desired behaviour.

-- Coach Rod, Sydney AU, U8

Coach David-

I have been coaching my four kids, ages 4-11, for the past 6 years, almost exclusively using the soccerhelp games and drills (supplemented by the DVD's offerred and Coach Doug's website). Recently, my two middle children ( age 8 girl, age 9 boy) decided to try-out for Guam's elite soccer training program. I wasn't surprised that they were accepted. I was surprised to find that they could equally compete with other children who had been in the program for a year or more.

Thank you for the effort you place into the website, drills, approach, etc. It has enabled me, a father who never played the sport, to successfully prepare many young kids to reach their best and have fun at a high level of competition.

The 2 things that helped the most are the patches and the philosophy of maximizing touches on the ball through games that taught and honed individual skills while emphasizing FUN. The patches work wonders. My older kids love the sport so much, they run drills on their own between practices!

--Coach Scott, Guam, Premium Member and Patches customer for 5 years

"Just so you are aware, our soccer club uses your company for many things and we use these star patches for incentives for our players during our i-soccer evaluations. They are excellent for putting on their soccer bags, or as we have developed for our team, a soccer karate belt that they hang from their bags."

--Stacie, CA

"You guys rock! I love the positive reinforcement and it really resonates with our players."

--Coach Ray, MA

You guys are the best!

--Erin, TX

David and crew at Soccerhelp.com,

I wanted to give my mid season update about our team the use of these patches. Last year our team had a very long season, we scored four goals all season. Had no wins, or maybe one win. Starting this year we had no coach, so my wife took the team, and I was recruited to "assist". What I know about soccer is what I have read in books, saw in videos, or picked up from other coaches. We started using your patches as a way to motivate the team. So far we have scored 12 goals, and have giving up 16. (last season it was something like 8 or so a game we gave up.

With U8 boys playing 7v7, we have simplified the patch structure for our needs, we have 3 colored stars and 1 red lightning bolt. Blue is offense, black is for defense; the lightning bolt is for incredible heads up hustle, and the red star, (as our red badge of courage). Our boys are killing themselves for these patches. We give the red badge for getting a ball to the face, and not crying about it. Getting trampled, and rushing back into the field of play. In 4 games we have given that blood patch out 4 times. I have even had a parent from another team comment about our boys playing tougher than the other teams out there, and wished their players were tough like ours.

Our record is 2 and 2. We lost our last game to one of the stacked teams in our league, with a score of 2-0. Although we didn't score, we shut them down in the second half, and kept them down to no shots on goal the entire second half. This team normally blows out the competition but 6 or more goals on average. This game on paper was a loss, but I have never been happier about a loss in my 4 game soccer coaching career. We have 4 games left and play two opponents each time, one we are equally matched against and the other is considered the other team to beat. We have our first chance ever in five seasons to not have a losing season.

The guidance provided by soccerhelp.com and the patch system is worth its weight in gold.

--W.M, U8, GA, Premium member

The patches came yesterday and they look great!

--Chris, SC

Our players love these. We have been getting from you for a few years now.

--Darlene, VA

Thanks for the quick reply. I just ordered 1,000 Gold Stars.

--Valorie, CA Middle School, customer for 2 years

Coming into the end of the school holidays. Didn't have a game during the break. Before the break we beat a good team 3-0. Yesterday was our first game back from the break and we beat another good team 6-1.

One of the boys went away for the holidays and didn't attend any of the training sessions during the break but scored 3 goals yesterday! Normally he has a short-span of attention and watches the game in the next field but yesterday he was going after every ball! After the game he said 'Now that I've scored three goals do I get a Gold Star now?. He was after the gold star patch!

So yes, the patches and Premium drills are definitely helping. But in the case of the player who hadn't been to training for two weeks but scored 3 goals, it was definitely the patches that did the trick.

--Rod, AU, Premium member

"Our mid-season attendance has probably jumped from 50% to 95%. It's very dramatic. The patches were not the only change, but you can see they are a major factor." (Note from David - Mike is referring to his league - the league buys our Motivational Patches and he wrote this as he placed their second order for the season)

--Mike, League Coordinator, WA

My kids go completely crazy for the soccer patches.

--Coach Keith, Hawaii

Well, we are finished with another Spring season of soccer - we finished 7-1. We made a big deal about assists and the “Gold Star” assist patch whenever a player earned one. One game we had 3 assists! By the last game most of the kids had passing on their minds and were earning “passing” patches. I will be sure to work on passing skills again next season. Any passing games/exercises that you could recommend would be welcomed. I can’t emphasize how important the throw-ins can be and how much it can improve the flow and tempo of the game in your favor. This season we played the 50/50 drill during every practice. The kids love taking on each other in this game and really “fight” hard to win the ball. I finally got smart and implemented a “50/50” patch the very last game of the season. I explained to the kids before the game the patch, its purpose what it looked like and how they could earn it. We had 8 kids out of 13 earn the “50/50” patch during the last game. I’m putting the “50/50” patch into my permanent arsenal of patches. I think that the kids will become braver during the next season as we play “50/50”.

The kids have made significant strides in their skills and abilities this season and for that I am grateful. They work hard. I see the enthusiasm that comes to them during practices and games. There is excitement as they witness the progress that they are making. The love and joy for the game is what I wish to instill in the kids so that they can develop a good set of skills and passion for the game that could take them beyond our team in years to come. The joy of being a contributing member of a team is also something that I wish to impart upon these kids.

In conclusion Soccerhelp.com was a great coaching aid in preparing me for every soccer season that I have coached. Thanks David. I look forward to further study of this website.

--Coach Mike, TX, Premium subscriber, U8

My kids go completely crazy for the soccer patches.

--Coach Keith, Hawaii

I placed an order for some motivational patches recently, and was extremely pleased with your great service & the quality of the patches. Is there a place to write a review on your website?

Thanks!!

--Courtney, TN

(Our reply: Hi Courtney, You are very kind. Thank you for writing. I will add your Comments to our Testimonials on SoccerHelp. We simply don't allow posts because we don't want to have to check every day for vulgar comments (surprisingly, there are people who seem to post vulgarity just to be vulgar). You can write us any time thru Contact Us at SoccerHelp. David at SoccerHelp)

--Courtney, TN

We need something else to iron these patches to, any suggestions? Our shirts are PACKED! Maybe a scarf? (Note from SoccerHelp - Yes, scarves, bandanas, practice shirts, ribbons, jackets, or a hole can be punched, put on a key chain and attached to a backpack or bag. There are lots of good ideas at www.soccerhelp.com/shshop/information.php?info_id=12 )

--Coach Vincent, OR

We ended the tournament on a high note 4-0. The other team had a better overall record than we did by 3 wins. The entire team showed improvement over the whole weekend. Especially they improved in the area of throw ins, getting very quick and aggressive throwing to the other teams goal and stealing throw ins from the other team. The weekend ended up being a recap of everything they had learned up to that point, and worthwhile doing.

Thanks for your encouragement and the soccer patches, I ordered a bunch more to share with my summer players.

--Dan, OH, U8, Premium member

The patches are awesome, even for little kids. We use them to motivate our kids. Our program is doubling every year and there are 30o kids in our Summer program. The patches have been an unbelievable success - we will always be your customer.

--Steve, ID, soccer camp director, customer for 3 years

The day has finally come. I can no longer deny giving credit where credit is due. It's true. I'm not naturally the Napoleon of kiddie soccer. I owe much of my coaching success to Soccerhelp.

Five years ago I inherited my older son's U7 team from a coach who had made too many commitments and gave up the team after the second game. I've played soccer for most of my life but had never coached anything. We promptly lost our first game under my less-than-stellar leadership. The next week I ransacked the web for coaching how-to sites. I found Soccerhelp and read as much of the free info as I could, then used the practice games and tips. What did I have to lose?

We tied the next game and showed improvement. In part because of what I had seen while playing rec soccer in Germany, that even very little kids can learn to play correctly, I stuck with the Soccerhelp approach. In the five years since that first loss and tie, including four seasons with my older son (now a travel team center mid) and last year with my younger son (five years old, joining a U8 travel team next year) the teams I have coached have a combined 38-1-1 record. Combined with my own soccer mania, Soccerhelp games and drills worked so well I even bought patches and coughed up the cash for Premium access. And I'm such a cheapskate you know that's serious!

Yes, we've been fortunate to never get assigned a group of truly dreadful kids and mostly I've been allowed to keep my teams intact and build on success from year to year -- which makes things a lot easier and more satisfying for the coach. But most of the teams were nothing special, talent-wise, when we started. They were the typical assortment of a couple of good kids, mostly average kids, and a couple of awful kids. But the only games that are ever close (including the loss and tie) always come at the beginning of seasons, with a new team, before the training and practice has time to take effect. Because once it takes hold the gap between kids trained the Soccerhelp way and the other teams gets larger and larger every week. Things can get so out of control that by the end of spring season in our last U6 game I found myself telling my very young team -- composed of one six year old and a bunch of five year olds playing "up" -- "I told you to stop scoring or I'll TAKE PATCHES AWAY." (No, I don't usually yell at my five year olds, but at 10-0 in the third quarter I needed to slow down the slaughter somehow)

Yes, the patches, small and expensive as they are, have been part of the process too. I swear, by the end of a season I've got kids who would happily walk on hot coals barefoot if they got a patch out of it ("...yes kids, this is the rare and elusive steamy hotfoot patch, the HARDEST of all patches to win... OOOOOOOOH!!!). It pains me to spend $100+ per season on patches, but there's no denying the results. Just don't make them too easy to win and 90% of kids will get obsessed and way motivated. It works.

Anyway, you seem to enjoy these testimonials so I thought I'd offer mine up. The total system of maximizing touches on the ball during practice instead of waiting in line, running all drills as close to top speed as possible, and motivation via patches is mad effective. Couple it with an enthusiastic coach to put it all together and you produce a nearly invincible little-kid soccer machine.

I'm moving up to assistant coaching travel this year so I can keep hanging out with my older boy. Still haven't decided if the older travel kids (U11) will be motivated by patches or not. I'll keep you posted.

--Keith

"We love the soccer patches and I suspect we will be using them every year for our u8 and u10 players."

--Jenny, soccer club, IN

The patches are a great physical reward that is healthier than food and an achievable goal for others to shoot for.

--LM, teacher

"I was an Assistant Coach last year near the Fort Knox area and the children loved the patches. The patches are great incentives for the children to strive to do their best.

My son (6 yrs old) takes pride in wearing his patches on his uniform.

I am coaching U6 this year in the Fort Leavenworth Youth League and will be sure to put the word out when we have our first coaches' meeting."

--Jon, Kansas

"We used the patches last season and our kids LOVED them. It helped our 4 year old to score goals instead for running ahead of the ball and watching her team score. She wanted the patch for her shorts."

--Kristy, TX, U6 soccer

"SoccerHelp is by far the best resource available for coaching youth soccer. I have used countless drills and implemented styles of play based on what I have learned through your site. It has been extremely successful. My rec teams have gone 30 and 3 over the past 4 years and have won their division championship every year.

Please feel free to use that as a testimonial on your site."

All the best,

--Jim, NY, patches customer for 4 years

"The kids love the patches!!!! I'm recommending you guys to everyone who asks!"

--Ron, OH

The soccer patches are the favorite part of the season for our young players.

--Kimberly, league director, CA

I love the patches!

--George, Nevada, customer for 3 years

Had a great time today and the kids loved the patches. It will get around the league and I’ll lose my advantage, but hopefully you gain some well-deserved business.

--Vincent, U6 soccer coach

"I got the patches today and my son is very excited about earning them. I think his favorite one so far is the blood patch (Red A). First game/practice is Sunday, I let you know how things turn out. I guess if its good, then there would be a follow on order. Thank you so much for the quick delivery."

Best Regards,

--Vincent, MA

I have been buying patches from you for about 3 or 4 years now. The kids love them and it keeps them motivated.

--David

Thank you for the fast processing of my order. That is really great service. I also appreciate the extra free items that you have added to my order. That was really considerate and kind of you. I know the children that I am working with will really appreciate it! I am always looking for ways to help the children learn new things and improve their skills. It will also help me to be a better coach.

Many thanks for your kindness,

--Eric, NJ

The soccer patches are a huge hit with the team! Thanks for all you do!

-- Ben, WA

I buy your soccer patches every season!

--George

The kids really like the soccer patches and they are a great source of motivation.

-- Matt, MA, U10

Hi - we've had a great reception from our girls to the patches.

--Coach Ken, NY

"Soccer patches are like gold for the kids. They can't wait to see what patches that they can earn each week."

--Coach Mike

I use these patches regularly and all of my teams love them! GREAT reward system!

-- Ron, OH

Your patches are great, our kids love them!

--Matt, FL

"I know the patches work; will try to get the remainder of the club on board."

--Bill, FL, U13 Comp.

"I am a repeat customer and really appreciate the patches as a tool to motivate my athletes."

--Michael, WA, Basketball coach

The patches are just what we are looking for. I will be placing an order today!

Jennifer, baseball

Tip - Give the Patches in a Ceremony in Front of the Team and even the Parents. You will get the best results if you give the patches out one at a time in a "Ceremony" after practice or after a game where all your players are present and where you PRAISE the players and tell them how they EARNED the patches. That way all the players can see what they each did to EARN a patch. The Ceremony will motivate ALL your players to do the things you want them to do and teach them how to earn patches. THIS APPROACH WORKS. This is a Positive Reinforcement approach and the patches are a Visible Symbol of achievement. For more about this see www.soccerhelp.com/Motivational-Patch-Ceremony.shtml

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

--Jeff, Baseball Coach, CA

"I HAVE NEVER SEEN A BIGGER MOTIVATIONAL RESOURCE THAN THE PATCHES!."

--AB, TN

"The motivational patches arrived in time for the first game and you would have thought I was passing out $100 bills. The difference in everyone's play since we started with the patches is amazing."

--Coach Michael, FL

--Coach Everett, TX, U10

--Coach Deana, TX, U6

--Anita, PTA Board Member, TX Elementary School

"My girls absolutely LOVE the patches. We started with them in 1st grade, they are now 4th graders playing competitively, and the biggest thrill is still "what patches did we earn Coach?".

--Coach Angie, NJ

--Thomas, CT USA

--Brenda, First Baptist Church, TX

"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

--Jim, High School Soccer Coach, FL

--Coach C, U8, Premium Member

The patches are working great. Our PE students are working hard to improve their scores and earn them.

Our school loves what we are doing with the patches and has given me a $2000 budget to reorder more patches every year. We are starting to talk about next year. Thanks for all of your help.

--Ronnie, CA, Somerset Middle School

Then I signed up for Premium, which is the best.

All the best to you guys,

--Coach Brad, U10-12
Charlotte, NC

--Nick, MI, Premium Member since 2008

I read through your site and thought you would be interested that we are ordering 200 of your lightning bolt iron on patches for our kids Bible club at church. We had thought about stars but saw the lightning bolts and thought they were great. Thank you!

--G.W., NE

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

--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

--Coach Joan, Pennsylvania

--Christi, California Elementary School

--Michelle, Mass. Middle School

--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

--David at SoccerHelp

Hi SoccerHelp,

--Dave, NJ USA, U-11 Boys Select/U-9 Girls Select, Premium Member

--Coach Gayla, Missouri
The Dragons

--Mike, Washington USA, U9, Premium Member

--Coach Jaini - Henderson, NV

I think they work.

--Mike L.

--Coach Dave, U-10 Rec, VA, USA, Premium Member

--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.

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

--Coach Dan, U8 and U5, Georgia, Premium Member

--SoccerHelp Coach

Thank you SoccerHelp."

--Coach Lara

--Coach Duane, Kansas

--Coach Kris, Kansas

--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.

SoccerHelp has definitely made me a better coach, and shown me how to motivate and create better players.

--Coach Michael

Hi SoccerHelp,

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,

--AB, U11, Premium Member

--Coach Chris, New Zealand

To all at Soccerhelp,

--Coach Jim

--SoccerHelp Coach

Hi SoccerHelp,

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.

--SoccerHelp Coach, USA

David,

Sincerely,

--Steve

Hi SoccerHelp,

--Coach Sumer, Texas

--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.

The patches work!

Thank you,

--G.W., MO, USA

Thanks a million!"

--author_form

--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.

--author_form

--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

--author_form

--Coach River =)

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

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

--Coach Rick

--Coach Mark, VA, U.S.A.

--Coach Tisha, CA, U.S.A.

--Coach Scott, U.S.A.

"I love 'em! Thanks! Quick, honest service. A++++"

-- Coach Scott, CA, USA

--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.

--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

--Coach Eugene, NY, U.S.A.

--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.

---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.

--Coach Dave, U.S.A.

--Coach Dawn, TN, U.S.A.

Hi, can't believe I need even more patches. Fantastic motivator for my girls!

--Coach Beth, WA

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.

--Coach Rich, Illinois, U.S.A.

--Coach Stephen, Colorado, USA

I started using the soccer ball patches as you suggested, and it rally does work.

--Coach Chuck, Lexington

--Coach Jim

--Coach Kent

--Coach Michael, Illinois

--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

--Coach Bryan, U-9 Girls, USA

--Regards, Coach Doug

--Thanks, Coach Jeff, Durham, NC

Patches, they LOVE these. I have seven types:

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

--Coach Frank, Texas

--Coach John, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

--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

--Coach Larry, New Jersey, USA

--Coach Michael, Maryland

--Coach Jeff, USA Navy

--Coach Jim B.

--Coach Tom, IL, USA

I think they work.

--Mike L.

--Debbie, VA, USA

--Coach Kenneth, PA, USA

The kids loved the patches at the first practice almost as much as the parents did!!!!

--Coach Kevin, USA

--Allen, Idaho, USA

I did not believe your advertisement until I tried the patch system. Thanks.

--Coach Carmella

--Josh, TN

Importance of Stopper, Patches and Coaching Rule No. 3; Letter from U-10 Coed Rec Coach Playing 9v9:

Hi SoccerHelp,

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

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

--Coach Brian, LA, USA

--Coach Curtis

--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

--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

--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

--Coach Jay, Ontario

--Coach Rick, BC

David,

I introduced the patches to my two U12 girls teams at last nights training session.

The difference was particularly noticeable among the two or three 'difficult' children. Their attitude was transformed. I only hope it keeps up!

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

--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

--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.

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,

--Greg, Premium Member

Hi,

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!

--Coach Nick, Michigan, USA

--Coach Scott, U-16, WI

Hi,

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

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

--Kelle G. Riverside Christian School

--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

--Coach Tony

--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

--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

--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:

--Coach Chrissy

--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

--Sean, middle school coach and Premimum Member

--Aaron, Premium Member

--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

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.

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.

--Michelle, Mass. Middle School

--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 a fun road.

Thanks again and again. Troy, Premium Member

--Troy, Premium Member

--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

--Coach F

I am so glad to have found your company. You have been a great source for ideas and materials. My players love your patches!

--David, MI

--Philip, U12, WA

Regards,

--Chris, NC

--Troy, SC

Thanks again,

--Mike, Premium Member, UT

--Anita

--Coach Jill

"This is our 3rd season using your patches to motivate our players to master new skills and develop teamwork. They LOVE them!"

--Coach Scott, Atlanta, GA

Winning was not good enough for us to so I tried the patch idea and it is a complete hit!

--Marlena, Softball Coach

--Gene, MA

Thanks

--Rick

--Kristy, U14 Travel Volleyball (Kristy submitted a copy of the handout she uses t

My kids love the patches. Even my U15 Girls team is adamant that I give them out like "last season". I thought maybe they were too old, but they still love to show off a sleeve full of patches!

Thanks,

--Joe, FL

Wow, above and beyond what you needed to do. Thank you. I am looking forward to using the patches with my U9 girls travel team. I think they will love them.

--Elizabeth, U9 Travel, MA

--Derrick, KY

--Nate, IL

We just finished putting together warm-up jackets with our team logo and player names and my kids are very excited about these patches, Thank You!!!

--Aaron, U9 and U10 Travel, WA

I put in an order today for 130 motivational patches, and am BEYOND excited to introduce them to my team next week. I have no doubt that adding them to our reward system will motivate them even more!

Thanks again for all you do!"

-- Matt
U11 Boys Coach
Minnesota

--Kathy, Phoenix AZ

Thanks again and have a great weekend.

--Jorge, U12B, CA

Thank You,

--Aaron, U9 and U11 Select, WA

Season after season, these Patches continue to keep the girls excited about soccer, even when they lose.

Thanks again,

--Tony, OH

-- Coach Chris, U6 and U8, TX

--Coach Howie, GA

Thanks,

-- Tim, OK, U10

-- Coach Don, TN

I will be ordering soccer ball patches for the upcoming soccer season. Thanks again and I look forward to doing future business with your company.

--Courtney

--Coach David - Colorado

Thanks,

-- Jeff, AK, Competitive Coach

--Amanda

We had a great season. We went 8-3 and took runner up in a double elimination tournament.

--Mark, OK , Premium Member and soccer patches customer

"Each player has a team scarf - placing the patch reward on the scarf is an excellent way to promote good participation and motivate the players to push themselves!"

--Dent, CA

My girls love the patches. I remain positive and they stay happy, too. Thanks for your site, it really does help me.

--Jeff, Alaska

--Coach Jeff

Dear SoccerHelp,

--Tim, KY

-- Matt, U10 competitive coach, FL

The kids absolutely love the patches.

--Amy

The patches are a big hit!

--Bryan, U12 AYSO

--Fred, MD

My daughter's soccer team has really enjoyed the patches we purchased through SoccerHelp. This team also plays floor hockey. We were wondering if it would be possible to have hockey patches made?

--Kelly

--Fred

--Cesar

Thank you so much for the quick shipment. Our season starts next week and we are excited to see if the patches motivate our players more. Thanks so much!

--Laura

--Cesar, USMC

Thank you,

--Mark

The patches are really popular here and the newsletters you send I forward to coaches and they love it. They have gained such popularity that each season I find we are ordering more and more!!

Thanks again for everything!

--Jubin

Wow that was quick, I don't even have the shirts yet! I will definitely order with your company again.

--Sam

Our girls U9 and U10 asked if we were having patches again this season.

They just love earning patches! The "C" is great for our pre-season camp sessions. Thanks!

--Jaini, NV

This is our second year ordering soccer patches. The kids loved them last year! These patches are for the 4-5 year old clinic, and the advanced 6-8 year old clinic.

--Ryan, MD

Awesome product! Been using for three years now and the kids love it. Thanks!

--Patrick, NM

--Lauren

Jude slept with his soccer patch.

--Amy about a 5-year old

I appreciate you getting my patches order out promptly and the consistent good service Have a great day!

--Chris, NC (customer for 5 soccer seasons)

--Josselyn

The patches are really popular here and the newsletters you send I forward to coaches and they love it. They have gained such popularity that each season I find we are ordering more and more!!

Thanks again for everything!

--Jubin

The patch program has been a hit with the kids. It has them all talking and working harder to get the patches. Thank You.

--Sara, MI

--Laurie, TX

I have used patches in the past but skipped it this year and loss most 50/50 balls in our first game...please send as fast as possible thanks.

--James, OR

--David, CO

Just wanted to let you know that I ordered some more patches this week. The kids on our team love them!

--Clay

Thank you! The little 5 year old girls on my soccer team love the patches.

--John, CA

My soccer team and the P.E. Teacher at my school have really enjoyed the patches. This is my third order!

--Kim, CA Ele. School

You guys are the best! I just got the patches! They are perfect! Quick service and great items!

Have a great day and look forward to shopping with you again.

--Angela, CA

--Rod

--U8 soccer coach Jon, Michigan

--Fred

--Mike, WA

Our players (and their parents) LOVE the patches. They are a wonderful and effective motivator and rewards.

--Greg

Thanks for all you do.

--David, CO

My players love the patches.

--Brett, CA

We and our girls LOVED the motivational patches.

--Stacy Morse

Thanks again.

--Joe, FL

My kids are so excited about the patches.

--Jennifer, TX

Thanks for delivering such a great product!

--Doug

I have had phenomenal results using the patches with my soccer team.

--Greg, N.C.

We are so excited to get the patches!

--Amy, AZ

I have confirmed that overnight express mail delivery is available for my address. Thanks - the kids are going to really love these patches on Saturday!!

--Elizabeth, TX

--Coach Ruben, NY

My players LOVED the patches last year and I am going to get them t-shirts to iron them on so they can wear them all the time.

--Laureen, VA

--Tommy, U6 coach, TX

I think this will help my team quite a bit.

--Jeff, TX

What a hit the patches are! All the teams use them now.

--Steven, IL

Thanks again, the patches are fun to give out.

--Chris, CA

--John, KY, U6, U8, U10, Premium Member

I love the patches.

--Colleen, PA

--Larry, soccer club officer, PA

I used the baseball patches last year and they added incentive as well as excitement.

--Jim, NCAA Baseball

--Wayne, OR

--Kevin, MD, U8 and U10, Premium member

My daughter just loves getting the soccer ball patches! Now my son wants to play soccer again! I coach a swim team and am interested in your patches.

--Charyl, TX

--Coach Jim, N. Huntingdon, PA

I have been a Premium member for 3 years and it is great, and my players love the patches.

--Paul, Canada

The patches are a great item to motivate my girls high school soccer team!! I use the soccer balls, D, A and lightning bolts. thank you!

--Coach Patrick, MO

David,

--TM, U6 coach

The soccer patches are a great motivation for the kids - we love them.

--Jackie, league coordinator, IN (has used the patches for 4 years)

Thank you,

--Julie, Volunteer Children's Sports Director, Floor Hockey, Baseball and Basketba

Anyway, I will send an order shortly for more V patches. Thanks again for the samples and will see if we can grow the program.

--Wayne, OR, minor league baseball ages 7-11

--Rob, U11, Australia

Thanx a million

--Ruben, U9 Coach, NY

--O.S., GA, Premium Member

We have been using these patches from you for baseball and soccer for many years, it is great tool.

--John, NV

I wanted to check with you and see if you were able to order the orange and purple Star patches?

Thank you so much for all of your help we love your site and we are so blessed in our ministry to have such a fun tool for the kids!!!

--Kelly, MT

I found your site so useful last year.

--Kym

David,

Thanks and enjoy the day!

--Rob, PA

The kids are still loving the patches and the Team I am an assistant on is now clamoring for their own bandannas and patches.

--Jeff, Alaska

--Brad, BU10 and GU12 Rec Coach, Premium Member

Wow! I just ordered about 15 minutes ago! Super service.

I have been using the soccer patches for both my U10 recreational team and my U14 Boys travel team and both teams love them.

Thanks,

--Jeanne, BU14 Travel Coach and U10,Rochester, NY

David,

Good stuff, and thanks for your efforts,

--Jeff in Alaska, Premium member

Thanks again for providing this tremendous resource.

--Richard

Last year you sent me samples of soccer patches and gave me a 10% off. coupon. The kids love the patches and look forward to them each session.

--Debbie, PA, TOPSoccer

One of our age group coordinators last year used your patches for her children and the children were thrilled so we are looking at using these for our younger age groups.

--Harry, NY

The soccer patches flat out work.

--Chuck, IN

Even though the girls are going into tenth grade and getting a little more sophisticated, they still want those secret stars. I can see them feeling the envelopes to try and guess what's in there.

I definitely think the patches are great motivators.

--Nick, U16G, MI

I already told my 6 year old and she is really excited about them.

--Bryan

I have been coaching for 6 1/2 years. I started using your Soccer Patches and the website a year ago and my team has been winning a lot more games and improving.

Also, what do you think are the best things for them to do at home to become more comfortable and confident with the ball so that they will be more aggressive when they are trying to score?

Thanks again,

--Brad, NC

--Felicia, MO

The kids love the soccer patches. I ordered from you about 3 or 4 weeks ago and I am wanting to order more.

Thanks.

--Robin, FL

I just spent another $90 on soccer patches. I'm coaching two age groups this year. I sure have learned a lot on Premium. Keep up the good work! Best,

--Bob

The kids love the patches and always request them at the end of every practice and game! Thanks!

--Sandra, Coach / Assistant Director

My U13 girls are still into the soccer patches, but didn't have many left so need more! They need the motivation and are doing well. Like some of your cool new patches. Thanks,

--Matt, CA

The soccer patches have improved the players efforts toward competing for goals scored.

--Shawn, OH, Travel

My U13 girls are still into the soccer patches, but didn't have many left so need more! They need the motivation and are doing well. Like some of your cool new patches.

--Thanks, Matt, CA

--Dave, PA

Thanks so much!

--John, OH

Wishing you continued much success,

--S.

--Richard

I enjoy your patches and the kids do too.

--Richard, NC (customer for 3 years)

I can't tell you how many compliments we have had from our parents that their kids love getting your patches!

--Kim, League Director, TX

Best regards,

--Bob, Premium Member for 3 years

Hello, My name is Mark and I was getting ready to place another order for my Basketball team just starting. I used the patches for baseball this past year and they worked great!! Thx.

--Mark

--Coach Barry, U8 Boys

The patches are such a hit that I need to order more.

--Rebecca, AL Elementary School (they ordered 1,000 more, for a total of 2,700)

I'm stoked about the patches.

--Gary

Hi David,

It has been a very long time since we last spoke. Hopefully you still remember me. Tony here from Atlanta.

Here's wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Best Regards,

--Tony, Girls U19 Twisters

Thanks again. Have a great week!

--Brandy, MA, National Board Certified Teacher
First Grade Teacher

--Luther, Baptist Church, SC (Note from David -- lots of churches order patches f

The patches have been a home run with my girls lacrosse teams - they love them and want to earn them.

--Brad, U11 and U15 girls lacrosse, CA

--Renea, Manager, People & Organization

--Lacy, President, Skating, MO

--Tommy, TX, U7, Coach Doug subscriber and patches customer

--Coach Vic
LCSA Earthquakers - Texas

I love your patches.

--Stephanie, CA, Soccer Coach

--Tony, CA, soccer and softball coach, Premium member, patches customer for 6 year

--Coach Terry, Basketball, Softball and Soccer

How wrestling coaches use Star Patches:

--Coach Jarrod, High School Wrestling, US

My skaters are loving the patch program. I feel like Santa the way they clamor around when I give out the awards. This has helped our program tremendously this year.

-- Lacy, Speed skating coach

--Peter, FL, Softball

Dear Wendy:

I will definitely continue my patronage and recommend you to others who coach in my community.

Sincerely,

--Kay, Dayton, OH

-- Luther, Baptist Church, SC (Note from David -- lots of churches order patches

Hi SoccerHelp,

--Coach Denise, Ohio

--Coach Paul, California

"I am a first time assistant coach and slowly becoming the primary. The information I have gotten from here has inspired new ideas."

--Carleton

I think my players love the patches more than playing games. The patches make it more fun.

--Jim, 7-8 coach, FL

--Coach Jim, N. Huntingdon Pa.

Thanks again!

--Dan, Premium Member, GA

Thank you for being a great company and having these wonderful patches. I gave them to my basketball team at the middle school and they are wearing them with such pride. Thanks again.

--Patricia, CT, Basketball and Softball Coach

Thank you again for your time and efforts.

--Michael, Head Coach, U10, VA

I already got my patches in the mail! Wow! That was fast! Thanks so much for all you do.

-- Kelly, soccer coach, TX

My team loves to get these patches.

--Steve, baseball coach, MD

Hi David,

I hope you are doing well.

--Edgar, Baseball Coach, CA, Tball and Rookies

--Chad, VP of a soccer league in CA

--Bob, PA, band director

We love your patches!

--Darlene, VA, baseball

Almost 6 years now, with the patches. It has been a ton of fun. Thank you for being in business and having such a nice site.

--Coach Rob, IL, customer since 2006

--Mark, Recreation Coaching Director, Ohio

Thank you guys so much for the free samples it made it very easy for the board members at the Palo Verde Rec. League to agree that we should use these patches for our league.

Thanks again,

--Jennifer

--Coach Justin, NY, U10

I also encourage coaches to use the patches - my teams always love them and ask for them at the end of every game or practice. It also helps tremendously with attendance. - they want those patches!

--Sandra, NC, her league is a Premium member

I am the sports coach for a small Christian school. These patches are going to work out great for our sports banquet. Thank you and God bless.

--Ernest, CA

These soccer patches are awesome. The kids get super excited when they receive a patch for their hard play. I use the gold patch for a hat trick game or great game overall. Thanks.

--Coach Scott, KY

--Coach Mendoza, TX

We are doing baseball, and our boys love the patches.

--Dan, Tx

Have a great day!

--Mary, NC

--Matthew, MI

--Larry, OH

At the end of our practice we scrimmaged and they were for the first time positioning themselves where they needed to be AND set up for some phenomenal plays with passing into the open space!

--Coach S, TX

I have been a fan of SoccerHelp and the patches for 4 years and recently taken on director of coaching for non-profit rec league.

I would like to see if you can work with our org for:

U6 - 35 kids - 8 games: Motivational patches, group access to streaming video of Coach Doug's DVD & group access to Coach Doug's site.
U8 - 55 kids - 8 games: Motivational patches & group access to Premium site.

--Steve

Thank you. We appreciate your website and your business' quality service.

--Jim, President (SoccerHelp customer for patches and Coach Doug DVDs)

Thank you for quick turnaround on the order for our league as well as the complimentary add ons. Shipment was received on Saturday and everything looks great. Thanks again.

--Jeremy, NC

We use your patches every season and the kids love them! You always have wonderful service!

--Rhonda

--Nichole, U8, NY

--Kimberly, CA (customer for 6 seasons)

I am very pleased with the patches and premium and so out my soccer players parents. My players are doing so great and everyone is enjoying themselves. So again thank you!

--Nichole, U8, NY

--Nancy, NH, GU12, Soccer Council, patches customer for 6 years

We are looking forward to using the patches. Our last coach did them and they were a big hit, so now we are doing them for two new teams. I'll pass the word (and your website) around. : )

Kind Regards,

--Delin, IL

--Mark, CA, U1OG, Premium Member

I think the patches are a GREAT idea! My son is already excited about them. Thanks again, great site!

--Mark, AZ, Premium Member

--Felicia, MO

I think the patches are a GREAT idea! My son is already excited about them. Thanks again, great site!

--Mark, AZ, Premium Member

This is my 6th year ordering the patches and each new team I coach LOVES THEM!!! Thanks.

--Adam, CA, Premium Member

--Mark, U10, CA

Thank you for all of your help David, I have never been this excited to coach in my four years of coaching.

--Coach Mark, CA, U10

-- Dan, Premium Member and patches customer for 5 years

--Coach C, GU8, Premium Member

-- Stephanie, CA

Awesome! I'm so excited about this! Thank you for the samples! I can't wait to show my committee!

--Kristi, TX Middle School

I've been ordering and using your patches for 6 years now and the kids love them!! They are a great incentive and I love seeing their determination to achieve a patch that they haven't earned yet!!

--Jessica, Maine

I just wanted to let you know that I received the patches! Very nice quality! Thank you. I am very happy with your products and services. Sincerely,

--Nichole L.

Thanks for SoccerHelp it's a blast.

-- John, CA, Premium member

--Mark, U10

You're awesome! Thank you so much! I'm excited about this opportunity so I can't wait to show everyone the patches. Thanks.

--Kristi, Middle School

Thank you for all your help. We LOVE your patches. Thank you.

--Allen

Sincerely,

--Greg, NJ

--Tony, CA, Premium member

The patches have been great for my teams. I have had teams as old as U14 that loved them.

--Chad, Academy Coach, SC

--Todd, IN, U11 Travel

Best,

--Coach M, U10

The patches are great! Thanks again.

--Vince, NJ

--Dave, UK

My girls love the patches.

--Scott, NE

Can't wait for the kids to earn their patches.

-- Sean, IN

--Coach Mike, TX, U4 and U8 (patch customer and Premium member for 3 years)

My son's coach uses these awesome patches for motivating the boys.

--Holly

Just a quick message to let you know that the kids really enjoyed the patches. They strived really hard as the season went on, to get more patches.

Great job, and a great idea!!

--Joseph, Maryland, U8

Can't wait to get these for our youngest skaters, I appreciate your policy of shipping larger orders by express mail as well! Thank you.

--Jeff, Hockey league President, MN (ordered 1,000 motivational patches)

--Coach Bob, U9, NJ, Premium Member

My High School basketball players love the patches - we find use for just about all of the stars and letter patches.

--Alan, NH

I received the patches that I ordered today. Oh my goodness, I did not realize you had these Christian symbols on patches. I love it!

We will show Gods love with them. You are awesome.

--Jeanne, CA

I love the idea of using the patches to reward the kids for different goals, behavior, hustle, etc.

--Herb, baseball coach

Love your patches and the girls can't wait to them as well.

--Chris, GU6, TN

We are a baseball team and the boys love getting the patches!!!! This is our second order!

-- Rich, Missouri, baseball

Thank you so much for the fast delivery of the patches. My husband is very excited to hand these out.

--Tracie, Illinois, baseball

From the article Will Your Players Smile at You in 10 years? "When your coaching days are over, hopefully you have good memories and have had a positive impact on the kids you coached."

Hi David,

Regards,

Coach Doug, TX

P.S. I have grown to love the game!

David's Reply --

Hi Doug,

What a great letter! I think you are a great coach and have a great attitude. You are the kind of coach I would like for my kids or grandkids.

A great thing about SoccerHelp is that I get to hear from coaches like you.

Thanks for writing.

--David at SoccerHelp

Awesome customer service. This is our first order! So excited. Thank You.

--Kim, CA, Softball and Baseball

The patches look great. Can't wait to show the kids. Best Regards.

--Abe, Baseball and Softball, NJ

I love your product!

Warm regards,

--Vince, OR

I have been using your ideas for years and the girls love the patches!

--Mike, CA

Your techniques rock!

--Keith, Hawaii, Premium Member and Patches customer for 3 years

-- Kristy, TX

I have just renewed my membership for both the Premium site and Coach Doug's site to continue learning sound practice games and best practices.

Anything you could do would be greatly appreciated as I encourage more coaches to get on board with reinforcing the right behaviors and motivating their kids to their full potential."

Regards,

--Larry, VP & Dir. of Player Development, Pittsburgh PA area

--Best Regards Pete, WV

"Placing my order was super easy and Wendy was very helpful, great customer service!

I'll definitely place future orders with your shop. All the best.

--Dave, Commissioner, patch customer for 5 years

We use your soccer patches every season and the kids love them! You always have wonderful service!

--Rhonda, League Director, IN

"We have just received our patches and they look better than the images on the screen."

--Wes, GA

I believe your patches are a great idea for demonstrating positive reinforcement and for encouraging the desired behaviour.

-- Coach Rod, Sydney AU, U8

Coach David-

--Coach Scott, Guam, Premium Member and Patches customer for 5 years

--Stacie, CA

"You guys rock! I love the positive reinforcement and it really resonates with our players."

--Coach Ray, MA

You guys are the best!

--Erin, TX

David and crew at Soccerhelp.com,

The guidance provided by soccerhelp.com and the patch system is worth its weight in gold.

--W.M, U8, GA, Premium member

The patches came yesterday and they look great!

--Chris, SC

Our players love these. We have been getting from you for a few years now.

--Darlene, VA

Thanks for the quick reply. I just ordered 1,000 Gold Stars.

--Valorie, CA Middle School, customer for 2 years

--Rod, AU, Premium member

--Mike, League Coordinator, WA

My kids go completely crazy for the soccer patches.

--Coach Keith, Hawaii

In conclusion Soccerhelp.com was a great coaching aid in preparing me for every soccer season that I have coached. Thanks David. I look forward to further study of this website.

--Coach Mike, TX, Premium subscriber, U8

My kids go completely crazy for the soccer patches.

--Coach Keith, Hawaii

I placed an order for some motivational patches recently, and was extremely pleased with your great service & the quality of the patches. Is there a place to write a review on your website?

Thanks!!

--Courtney, TN

--Courtney, TN

--Coach Vincent, OR

Thanks for your encouragement and the soccer patches, I ordered a bunch more to share with my summer players.

--Dan, OH, U8, Premium member

--Steve, ID, soccer camp director, customer for 3 years

The day has finally come. I can no longer deny giving credit where credit is due. It's true. I'm not naturally the Napoleon of kiddie soccer. I owe much of my coaching success to Soccerhelp.

--Keith

"We love the soccer patches and I suspect we will be using them every year for our u8 and u10 players."

--Jenny, soccer club, IN

The patches are a great physical reward that is healthier than food and an achievable goal for others to shoot for.

--LM, teacher

"I was an Assistant Coach last year near the Fort Knox area and the children loved the patches. The patches are great incentives for the children to strive to do their best.

My son (6 yrs old) takes pride in wearing his patches on his uniform.

I am coaching U6 this year in the Fort Leavenworth Youth League and will be sure to put the word out when we have our first coaches' meeting."

--Jon, Kansas

--Kristy, TX, U6 soccer

Please feel free to use that as a testimonial on your site."

All the best,

--Jim, NY, patches customer for 4 years

"The kids love the patches!!!! I'm recommending you guys to everyone who asks!"

--Ron, OH

The soccer patches are the favorite part of the season for our young players.

--Kimberly, league director, CA

I love the patches!

--George, Nevada, customer for 3 years

Had a great time today and the kids loved the patches. It will get around the league and I’ll lose my advantage, but hopefully you gain some well-deserved business.

--Vincent, U6 soccer coach

Best Regards,

--Vincent, MA

I have been buying patches from you for about 3 or 4 years now. The kids love them and it keeps them motivated.

--David

Many thanks for your kindness,

--Eric, NJ

The soccer patches are a huge hit with the team! Thanks for all you do!

-- Ben, WA

I buy your soccer patches every season!

--George

The kids really like the soccer patches and they are a great source of motivation.

-- Matt, MA, U10

Hi - we've had a great reception from our girls to the patches.

--Coach Ken, NY

"Soccer patches are like gold for the kids. They can't wait to see what patches that they can earn each week."

--Coach Mike

I use these patches regularly and all of my teams love them! GREAT reward system!

-- Ron, OH

Your patches are great, our kids love them!

--Matt, FL

"I know the patches work; will try to get the remainder of the club on board."

--Bill, FL, U13 Comp.

"I am a repeat customer and really appreciate the patches as a tool to motivate my athletes."

--Michael, WA, Basketball coach

The patches are just what we are looking for. I will be placing an order today!

Jennifer, baseball

I coach 2nd and 3rd grader little league. I just finished making the new sheet for this year patch program. They are going to love it! My 8 year old specifically asked me if I was doing the patches again because he really wanted them again. The kids really loved the patches last year. Some kids put them on their hats, some on their shirts and others just collected them. They were a HUGE Success! Thank you!!!

--Best regards,
Abe, NJ

"I started patches two weeks ago and I think it's really helping motivate and build confidence in some of the players. I have one girl who couldn't believe she earned one and was positively beaming all practice (and has played better every practice since then). Just got my premium membership today, although we started a few of the games recently and the girls (U10 rec) seem to enjoy them (Dribble Across the Square and Dribble Around the Cone and Pass). Looking forward to trying more games if the weather will cooperate!"

--Dave, VA (posted on Facebook on https://www.facebook.com/SoccerDrillsandGames )

"I love the soccer patches."

--Randy, UT

Hi David, I need to reorder some patches. They are a big hit again this year and I ran out of some already.

--Abe, NJ, soccer and softball

I coordinate U8 and our club and got the email below "...i got real good feedback about those patches that you are giving out as rewards. Her dad said she was ready to quit, and then you started doing those patches, and now she's practicing on her own in the backyard after school.

Coach G

"I have ordered before but I am coaching baseball for a new organization. I've always used the soccer help.com patches for baseball and soccer teams - 5 years now... and it works great. I keep thinking that the older teams are too big to use motivational patches... but I've just changed how I use the patches. I have "game day lesson patches" that represent a lesson to focus on during the entire game... then I use individual patches to recognize special achievements."

Paul, Maryland, soccer and baseball

Thank you for always getting our order completed and accurate. We have enjoyed using your patches for the past 3 1/2 years. The kids really enjoy getting them at practice and games. Thank you guys, you have been a wonderful blessing and addition to our teams. We look forward to using you guys in our future endeavors.

Deana, TX

"Can you please send the patches today - I need by Friday May 23rd, so I can so have for our tournament this weekend. Will Priority Shipping get it here by Friday? The girls LOVE these patches!"

- John, VA

"I've been using soccerhelp for years now and always love it! This is my 5th or 6th order of patches from y'all; thanks a ton for everything you do."

Greg, VA

"SoccerHelp.com is excellent and I'm so happy to have found you when I started coaching in the summer of 2012. I played soccer all through high school starting at the YMCA where I'm coaching now and had never coached until my son was 4.5 years old. I wish my old coach would have known these techniques and philosophy that you preach. My skill level would have been much better than it was. My players LOVE soccer and the patches, and people request to be on my team."

David, SC, U8, Coach Doug, Premium and patches

Soccer Coaching Tips from a Successful U10 Coach Playing U12 - I got an email last week from a U10 coach in Australia who is playing U12 that includes some good advice. Notice how he plans his practices. Also, notice that he reads the Testimonials and Success Stories on SoccerHelp for ideas. He has used our motivational patches for 4 years and is a Premium subscriber. His team was playing older and bigger girls. Most of the SoccerHelp drills don't have lines, so players get LOTS of touches on the ball. -- "It was wonderful to watch the girls progress, learn new skills yet most importantly having fun. The success the girls achieved was memorable for all involved , players , parents, the team manager and I. This was especially true due to the age and size difference of our girls compared to the opposition. I make a weekly training programme and utilise many of the drills from the SoccerHelp.com website and watch the videos online to help me learn how to demonstrate skills . I also read examples on SoccerHelp of what other coaches were doing, which was a huge help. Our training sessions would go so quickly and every player was involved. I have no lines and every player has a ball at their feet for 95% of each session. As you can see I also have a patch programme. I created a programme whereby patches represent different skills that the girls earn if they try these skills on game day and they all try to earn different patches. I also allocate a soccer ball to each player who arrives to training and they collect all the colours. By the end of the season their shirts looked great. The V patch is for victory and as you can see I am hopeful for this 2014 season and ordered a lot of these V Parches again for this 2014 season as they are all gone from last season."

--Coach Mike, AU, U10 G soccer playing U12, Premium subscriber, has used patches for 4 years

"The patches help market our lacrosse program. The girls wear them on a sweatshirt and their friends see them and get interested. I know because they ask me if they will get patches."

--Brad, CA, girls Lacrosse

"I've had a chart for my 6 year old for the last couple of years and each year we start a new pair of swim shorts and achieve four or five of each star. We also have a star chart and he gets stars on his shorts for sleeping in his bed all night etc. Great motivator for kids!"

--Charlie, NY, swimming (Note: We sell to many swimming clubs)

"I love your patches! We use them frequently for Soccer and Flag Football. This will be the first time we will use them for Basketball, I am sure the kids will love it! Thank you!

--George, IL, soccer, basketball, flag football

"Five Years ago, I was in my 4th year as a Rec only coach, having never played soccer. Using the SoccerHelp advice and direction, I improved as a coach. In the 5 Rec season prior to using SoccerHelp.com, my teams did well for three seasons, and then below .500 for two seasons. We were winning or losing based on how athletic our players were, not how good our coaching was. When you look into the numbers, the improvement is dramatic. I have only had one team that was below .500, which was a Girls U14 Rec team this past Fall. And, that team made the County Championship Final losing 0-1 on a penalty kick against an undefeated team that beat them 0-5 and 0-2 in the previous two matches. Bottom line, the team was poor athletically to start the season and in very poor condition. But, by season's end, they were winning and were as good as any team in the county.

In the Summer of 2012, I moved my kids to a local club into their Rec Program. I coached there as a volunteer for one year. This past Fall, my Rec boys team was an outstanding group. And, the club has moved us up to their Challenge Level. I was hired as the coach of the team! In fact, I have even had an offer from a competing club to move next season for twice the pay (not that I am trying to earn money as a soccer coach). But, this just shows how awesome the SoccerHelp.com teaching really is.

I have experienced so many examples of how well your program works. One extreme example came about a year ago, when I challenged a U14 Girls Classic coach to a dual. My U13/U14 combined Girls Rec team played his U14 Girls Classic team. We played 8v8 for 20 minutes and beat them 3-0. Then we played 11v11(which my girls had never played) and they beat us 0-1. How does a Rec team beat a Classic team? Solid defense and quick strike ability, all of which we learned from SoccerHelp. Every formation, nearly every exercise/game we play comes straight off of SoccerHelp.

Everything from Player Evaluation, Practice Games, Formation Selection, to Motivational Patches makes up my program. I am successful because I follow your plan. Soccer has become one of the best parts of my life and my family's life since we discovered SoccerHelp. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

You turned a recreational parent coach who had never played soccer or even watched a soccer match into a paid competitive soccer coach who absolutely knows how to develop players. Kudos to you and Soccerhelp!"

-Coach B

"Great principles to coaching kids soccer. I have been using them and the soccer patches for over 5 years and see the positive results. I'll be putting my patch order in soon for the upcoming spring season."

--Coach Mike D

"Hi David - another season, another order of patches. This time I asked the parents if they wanted to do the patch system - the response was UNANIMOUS in favor. The kids love them and the parents donated $20 each. And after last fall's 10-0-0 we're 1-0 to start the winter. Thanks!"

--Keith

"Love these patches... Worked great for my 3 soccer teams I coached last fall!" (Note: he orders basketball and soccer patches, stars and lightning bolts)

--Rex, VA, basketball and soccer coach

The patches are a fantastic motivator for the kids...and look pretty cool too!

--Tony, 7 year old baseball, customer for 2 years

"The girls LOVE these patches and they are an awesome tool to boost confidence."

Chris, TN

"I love the website and will definitely be ordering patches again. The patches are great for the players and I'm going to be needing more soon."

Mike, Club Coach, MO

"I have always used the 3-3-1 formation but we hadn't won a game for a year, until today. Last week we lost 10-2 using a 3-3-1 formation. I looked on SoccerHelp for some advice on the formation, feeling like maybe it was something that I was doing wrong. It was. I switched to a 2-1-2-2 formation, put my most athletic player in the Stopper position (my son) and told him to run the field until he needed to be carried off. Well, we won the game 6-4 and my son scored his first goal. Actually, he didn't just score his first goal, he scored his first 5 goals! That formation made such a huge difference, that the kids were screaming after the game about how much fun they had.

Lastly, the patch system is such a success with my team. The patch system gives incentives for working hard, just like life. For my team, the blood patches work the best. Everyone wants one, so they play their hearts out. Victory patches are great too. It has become so much fun for everyone.

I wanted to take a moment to thank you. Our season ended last week and what an amazing season for my players! We finished 8 - 2. The first game we lost before I had time to implement all of your strategies and advice. The other game we lost because we hadn't practiced in 3 weeks due to weather and Fall Break. We shut out the remaining games - I mean completely dominated the field and the play. I can't begin to express my sincerest gratitude for your help! YOU are THE MAN! I've been coaching this team for 4 seasons and never had this much improvement so quickly. We always had a losing season and frankly my players were getting bummed out - not to mention myself as you know.

We've always had about 5 of the same returning players who were strong but not excellent and about an equal number of weaker players. Playing the main strategies of not getting thrown over, controlling the center, one-touching the ball, and having a formation that fits my players skills and strengths worked perfectly. We played as a team and that made all the difference - even against teams that had a star player or two.

A few other notes: The 50/50 Win the Ball drill really taught aggressive smart play. The Dribble Across a Square drill helped them recreate the field of play and how to manage getting the ball around opponents. And yes, you were right, the patches were very effective. The kids were always talking about what badge they were going to earn next. Each player received a badge at the end of the game for their particular performance - a few were - D, defense; B, Brave; Smile - Listening to Coach; Lightning bolt - hustle; Star - Star play (great play, strategy, moment, score, save, etc.)

I will be emailing again for suggestions and tips on how to help my players improve this spring when our season resumes. Thanks again for your help and encouragement!

"You are great. I just want to tell you again how totally awesome your badges and advice are. My kids love it and play so well as a result. Were having a great time!

"I have been a on-going customer for 3 years and love to use these patches as incentives for the soccer, basketball, and baseball youth teams that I have coached as well as shared your website with parents and fellow coaches."

"My girls love getting the patches, we use some as motivation to come to practices, some for winning games, and the gold for outstanding performances during their games."

"If you could see the intensity level of the girls training sessions you would forget they are only 8 and 9 year old little girls. Actually, some parents have even said that when their daughters hit the pitch, they transform into competitors. I would say it's because of the patches. They always remember to ask for who's earned it after which training session. We reward the efforts of each player. The A is for Answers to the question when summarizing the previous session. Thanks again! A true believer in the reward system."

"This will be my fourth season utilizing the motivational patch program for all of my youth soccer teams (ranging from 7-9 years old to 10-12 years old). I also present certificates along with the patches. The players are absolutely motivated to earn, wear and show off the patches. I am the only coach in our league to do this and the other players always ask about them when they see them on my players. Also, for my older players, after each game - we acknowledge two players from the opposite team for recognition and award them with a patch (red star/white background) and a certificate). I have already been told by parents, coaches and players how much this has changed them. smile emoticon The patches are a small thing with a huge impact."

"Thanks so much for your website and your patches. I needed to order more because my girls are playing so well in winning all the games. I can't thank you enough."

"The Practice Games that were most effective for us were the 50/50 game, the dribble pass relay and the square. I made the mistake of going to 10 instead of six on the Square drill and that caused my players to burn out a little bit on it and did not look forward to that activity as much as the relay, lessons learned.

Finally, your tips on the 3-2-3-2 formation have been a very big key to our success. The shift and sag diagram and the easy way that you explained it allowed my players to quickly grasp their role without causing mass confusion.

I found Soccerhelp as a sort of last resort to get my team to play like a team, without Soccerhelp there's no question our team would not have been prepared to play this season.

The patches are such a worthy investment! My players and their parents have all bought into and contributed to it."

"I have bought many patches over the years, and they have been a really fun part of our soccer team experience."

"I have seen such remarkable results on my teams that I wanted to let others know. Our first game was yesterday and we won 6 - 2 and that is with 5 first time players."

"Once again, I am ordering these patches for the upcoming fall soccer season. My players absolutely adore these patches and they have been a success in motivating ALL of them (ages 7-9 and 10-12) to work hard in several areas from Teamwork, Sportsmanship, Hustle, Defense, Leadership, Individual Improvement, Bravery, and even their Attitudes. I have included a new award (The Coaches Choice Award - with the additional patches that you sent me as extras - thank you so much!) We also give awards to players of the opposite teams and my players always look forward to choosing the players who will receive the awards and the patches and they are always humbled and it does wonders for their self-esteems! They love wearing them on their shirts and showing off all of their accomplishments! I am the ONLY coach in this league who is doing this - this is my fourth season doing it and I am hoping that it will catch on but even if it doesn't - my players LOVE it."

"Hello, I am coaching soccer this season and it is my first time. I found your website and am blown away at all the amazing resources you have available. This will really help me navigate this experience and bring a lot of fun to my 5/6 group of players. I do plan on ordering a pack of 60 patches as well."

“We had lost our first game 9-0, and I needed some help. I found Soccerhelp online, subscribed to Premium, and studied for a week. I also ordered patches. During the practice between my first game and the second game, I implemented: 1.) a formation (1-1-3-1), 2.) taught throw-in tactics (markup, behind mark, throw down line or to goal), and 3.) defensive tactics (don't rush, shoulder tackle, win the ball, first/second defender, clear ball). We had hemorrhaged in defense and I needed to fix that, and we only had one practice between games. After the 9-0 loss, the kids were demoralized. I woke up at 5 every morning to learn more from Soccerhelp. I owed it to my son (and his teammates) to help him enjoy the game.

They picked it up. I would at random times during practice say "formation" and give them 10 seconds to get into it. by the 10th time, it was flawless. They put it all together. And Saturday was game time. We won. 2-1. I handed out patches (although I need some more guidance on how many and how to properly hand out). Also, thank you, they arrived just in time!

Anyway, thank you. I will continue to study this. I have also just volunteered for my daughter's U4 coaching.”

"Just want to drop you a line and let you know how much I like your website and soccer drills. It is just awesome especially if you coach rec league soccer. I came from a soccer family, all 5 boys played elite club soccer and many of us played Div 1 soccer in college. I played competitive soccer for over 20 years but I was at a loss of how to coach U8 and U10 boys, I live in Minnesota where hockey is king and most of my boys play soccer for 2 months in the late summer/fall for something to do after summer hockey has ended and before fall hockey starts, my son included.

I quickly realized that the way I was taught, 2 hour practices Mon/Wed/Fri games Saturday and Sunday would not work for kids that practice once a week for an hour.

What I learned, dribbling is the most important skill, dribble across the square every practice 3x. My kids can dribble under pressure in traffic. Dribble around the cone and pass 3x every practice, passing is still difficult but they are improving. Play fast, play the ball to empty space and chase it down. Brave defenders and the concept of 1st defender and 2nd defender this really works in our last game the other team had ZERO shots.

"I want to thank you. I will be encouraging parents to go for the next order of patches because we are running low. Your website has truly changed my coaching philosophy for the better."

"I was searching "reward patches for Middle school students"...and you guys came up. I was a little thrown at first, just seeing the name "soccer help", but when I got to the site and saw how the coaches were successfully increasing positive practice habits by using the patches, I began reviewing my own program and identified the weak areas and created an incentive program to address those needs. When I read the PTO comments I knew I wasn't the only non-soccer adult tweaking the use of the patches for non-soccer goals. I certainly appreciate your service!

The individual practice times are off the charts and it is changing the energy of my group! I have ALWAYS wanted my students to achieve their personal best, but MY wanting never translated into motivating them. The patches are the missing link..now THEY want to achieve. Thank you again!!!!"

"I have used these patches the past 2 seasons and the kids absolutely love them and has them working harder all the time to earn them. Thank you for all you do!"

"The kids are so excited to get the patches and it's nice for the kids to see their hard work pay off even when it's not always through winning."

"Please rush order. I'm out of our goal patches. Our girls had a great game and 7 players scored. We love the patches and the girls are decorating their jerseys with their achievements."

Season is coming to an end for our rec league. Last game is tomorrow. We’ve won every game and given up only 1 goal for the entire season. Exception - we tied one game but I was out of town and wasn’t coaching. Using 1-1-3-1 formation. Players know position and strategy. We use one-touch on defense. They can cross and play near and far post and center. Other parents comment on wanting their child to play on our team.

Introduced a red soccer badge called the blood badge. Can’t remember if I got this from you but my players love it. It teaches them not to be afraid of the ball even if it means a scrape, bump or bruise. My players still play clean. They play the ball not the player - using shoulder tackle really effectively. Even my smallest player who is under 4 ft (for a 10 year old) is not afraid of larger players.

Thanks again for all you’ve done. Your website is a treasure trove of soccer knowledge and your quick replies and advice have been so crucial to our development as a team and for me as a coach."

"Here is a bit of an update on soccer patches, etc. I found once again that, even with patches, it is difficult to get young players to do meaningful practice at home. I did find, however, that they will do it at the beginning of practice. I allow 15-20 minutes at the start of each practice (90 minute practice) to earn patches by doing some specified skills activities. If a player comes early, she gets even more time. Then at the end of practice, we have a brief awards ceremony for the girls who earned patches. It motivates the girls to be on time (or early) and they get 100's of touches on the ball before practice even starts. I am glad to find a way to have the girls be excited about earning patches on worthwhile activities. It eliminates the horsing around and standing around that usually happens as the players trickle in. Team tryouts were Monday and Tuesday of this week and there is a tournament this coming weekend. In August, I will be starting with a new bunch of U8 academy players."

The patches are working great. Our PE students are working hard to improve their scores and earn them.

Our school loves what we are doing with the patches and has given me a $2000 budget to reorder more patches every year. We are starting to talk about next year. Thanks for all of your help.

"I read through your site and thought you would be interested that we are ordering 200 of your lightning bolt iron on patches for our kids Bible club at church. We had thought about stars but saw the lightning bolts and thought they were great. Thank you!"

“I’ve been using your motivational patches for the past three years for a youth travel baseball team that I manage and I find them to be very effective!”

“The patches are working so well this year. Wish I had started last year :)”

Iron-on Patches Reviews