The Chelmsford Sunday Soccer Club's Blog

I will say that the weather on the long weekend was not nearly as nice as I’d hoped that it would be. But, into each soccer season some rain must fall. And it did. And it was cold. And I was the only soccer player at the field. There was a man with two dogs who chase the geese. But there were no other soccer players. Makes sense.

There were not even any cricket players. Perhaps they were on a snack break.

This weekend looks perfect for soccer. We need to make up for last week’s lost opportunity. 9:00 AM at Graniteville. White shirt and dark shirt.

I am hoping that more of our regulars are now vaccinated and feel comfortable coming out. The numbers have been good. But, you know that I love it when we have a big crowd. I hope to see you all there.

Lawrence

We’ve had good numbers each of the last three weeks. I am hoping that trend continues this week.

We are playing on the field at Graniteville (as we have been). We’ve been using lacrose goals.

I look forward to the day when I do not have to say “bring a white shirt, bring a dark shirt, and don’t bring a grey shirt.” Today is not that day.

Lawrence

After such a long layoff, my body was pretty creaky after Week 1. A bit less creaky after Week 2. So, I think that I am getting back into a rhythm. It feels good to be back.

We are currently set-up to play on the Graniteville field at 9:00 AM on Sundays. We used the lacrosse goals last week. That works out pretty well. It was suggested that the score would have been higher with larger goals. Not sure. I got the sense that we would have missed those goals too. I know that I missed two shots that were really makable. But…that doesn’t matter. We had a lot of fun.

Everyone wore masks. We social distance during the water breaks. We play soccer. We have fun

I was asked to give the address of the Graniteville fields. Not sure that it has an address that a GPS would us. If you are coming from Drum Hill on Old Westford Road, you will see the McCarthy Turf on your left. Take a right at the fork just after that. And…you’re there.

Bring a white shirt. Bring a dark shirt. DO NOT bring a grey shirt. Don’t forget to bring your water bottle. I hope to see you all out there this Sunday.

L

I was very happy that we got back on the field last week. I was really pleased that everyone who played wore masks and social distanced during the water breaks. The bonus was that there were no discussions about grey shirts. Heck, not even grey masks. Sure, my whole body hurt for a few days afterwards, but that’s to be expected after not playing for a few weeks.

Let’s do it all over again on Sunday. 9:00 AM at Graniteville (across from McCarthy turf).

Bring a white shirt. Bring a dark shirt. Do not bring a grey shirt. If anybody has a pop up goal or two, that would be nice to have use of.

Lawrence

Since it has been a few weeks since we last played, this Sunday might be a good time to resume.

All of my research shows that all other games and leagues are requiring masks be worn at this time. Therefore, I encourage everyone playing to wear a mask when they are not social distancing. I can clarify that being a slow runner is not the same as social distancing as faster runners will (briefly) be in your vicinity.

As we have still not gotten confirmation from CYSA as to which field we’ll have this spring, we were thinking that setting up the cones or pop-up goals for a small-sided game on the field at Graniteville Road (across from McCarthy field) is where we’ll start.

Please do not come to soccer if you are feeling unwell. Please do not come to soccer if you are in a high-risk category. I know that we often say “don’t do anything stupid” just before we do something stupid, but please take your well-being and the well-being of the group seriously. That way, we can get back to doing dumb stuff on a long-term basis.

Sunday, May 2nd, 9:00 AM, Graniteville Road.

I look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday.

Lawrence

As a group, we need to figure out when to return to playing. Please take this quick survey.

If we are ready to start soon, we need to figure out which field has the big goals (in case we get a crowd) and we need to coordinate with CYSA. Please contact me if you are willing to help coordinate with CYSA regarding fields, etc.

Lawrence

As with last week, some of the group may show up at McCarthy for some passing practice. Getting in some touches in the early spring seems like a good idea and may help us get started with fewer injuries (knock on wood).

Almost forgot…9:00 AM at McCarthy. Since it is only practice, there is a prize for the person who shows up wearing the most grey.

Lawrence

We had a good meeting this morning to discuss how to move forward. Thanks for all who attended.

The feeling of the group is that it is still too early to play games. But a group is going to meet at McCarthy on Sunday the 28th at 9:00 for a short session of passing.

If you wish to come out for that, it is requested that you wear a mask and try to maintain social distancing as much as possible. Since this is just drills and not a game, this is your chance to wear as much grey as you want. Enjoy.

It has been more than a year since most of us have had the ball at our feet. Starting with some weeks of drills and practice while we see how things progress will be a way to hopefully cut down on the injuries and let us resume in a smart way.

The vaccinations rates are going up and should start to reach critical mass later in the spring. There is conclusive evidence that all three of the available vaccines are safe and effective. There is even a report that a fourth vaccine may be approved soon. Yay Scientists!!!

In Massachusetts, all groups will be eligible for vaccines after April 22nd. Then it is a matter of supply and demand. Two weeks after your last shot, you are good to go.

When we do start playing there will be masks and other accommodations until the vaccination rates are way up and the infection rates are way down. I love our Sunday morning soccer community. I hope that we can all do what we can to keep each other well.

As we resume, please do not feel pressured to come out to participate until you are ready and you feel that it is safe for you (and your family). We have been at this for many years and we’ll be here when you are ready.

Be well,
Lawrence

I know that we were all taken off-guard when we had to stop playing. However, I never thought that we’d be off for more than a year. I still don’t know when we can play again.

There are lots of questions. When will soccer be allowed? Will we have to wear masks while playing? Will grey masks be allowed? Will we modify the rules as some leagues have? Will CYSA set-up the fields? Which field will have the big nets? Will McCarthy be available to us? Etc.

I strongly suspect that different players will be able to return at different times. I am personally being cautious.

It would be great to see people. Let’s meet to talk (not to play) this coming Sunday, March 21st at 9:00 AM at McCarthy. Socially distant, masks, outside at McCarthy. Perhaps we can start to work through a plan to re-start our game when the time is right.

Lawrence

Hi all. What a crazy year 2020 was. I feel like it has been ages since we had a kick around. But, as they say, better safe than sorry. Sorry for the lack of communication. But there didn’t seem to be much to say.

I hope you are all safe and healthy and can find something positive to take from 2020. With that said, I do hope (ever so slightly) that we can pick back up in the spring. With the vaccines being distributed, at some point we will be able to get back on the field. We will have to wait and see.

In the meantime, I will try to keep active with riding the bike in the basement, long walks with my wife, and the occasional juggling session in the back yard. I hope you can get some touches on a ball as well. We will get back out there eventually!

Stay safe and Happy New Year!

Bruce