Dear Capital Soccer Club Families,

We hope you are all safe and healthy during this challenging time. We know that you are disappointed that soccer has been suspended, as are we, but of course the wellness of our families and communities is our utmost priority. Soccer is, in some ways, the antithesis of social distancing, as the ball brings people together to play, cheer, and socialize. The absence of the game from our daily lives leaves a hole that is tough to fill.

That said, while all of us have been scrambling to adjust to our new realities, the CSC staff has been busy coordinating our response to this unprecedented challenge. Many questions remain unanswered, and only time will tell how this all plays out. However, our goal is to be proactive and transparent during this time. Please take a moment to review the following information:

The Season . First off, understand that we fully intend to complete the Capital Soccer Club season this year. It will undoubtedly look a little different from what we are used to, but we are moving forward with the assumption that team activities will resume. There are many factors outside of our control, including the actions of soccer governing bodies, opponents, competition organizers, etc. However, we will continue to make decisions that prioritize the health of our players and communities, and plan on returning to play as soon as it is safe to do so.

The Plan . One of the most important and consistent messages that we deliver to our players is "What happens to us is not as important as how we respond to what happens to us." We urge our players never to be crushed by setbacks, nor seduced by successes. In that vein, we see this period of isolation as an opportunity to cultivate an individual training mentality in our players, and a chance for the coaching staff to adapt, improvise, and create. Here are the steps we are taking:

• John Dellipriscoli, in conjunction with Peter Kim and Bill Laidlaw, will prepare a weekly training outline that will include a workout plan, video demonstrations, and match footage to guide players through daily workouts. This outline will be sent to our entire coaching staff at the start of each week. Coaches will then be able to modify the training plan to suit the needs of their specific teams.
• Players will be asked to keep a training journal, including notes on their activities as well as observations about video footage, matches, etc.
• Senior Staff and Head Coaches will connect with their teams by Monday of each week, via email. Their message will include the week's training plan, coaching points, along with guidance on journaling. These weekly emails will begin this coming week of 3/22.
• Senior Staff and Head Coaches will arrange for occasional individual communication with each player, either by phone, video chat, or email. This communication will be geared toward helping to connect each player's training exercises with their development as a player.

We feel that these preliminary steps are the best way to positively address these exigent circumstances. Of course, the situation is constantly in flux. The staff and Board of Directors will be in regular communication with regards to next steps as things continue to unfold, and will communicate with you directly with any updates regarding scheduling, finances, etc.

Thanks very much for your patience and attention to this information. Stay well!

Best,

Peter, George, and Eric