As a father, I know how important it is to find activities that blend fun, exercise, and skill-building for my son. I also know how tricky it can be to strike that perfect balance. When kids are younger, all they care about is playing with their buddies, but as they start getting into a specific sport, finding the right guidance becomes key. Local clubs are great, but coaches often take a broad approach, leaving kids without the individual attention they need. This can lead to them losing interest pretty quickly. That’s exactly what happened with my son. Fortunately, we stumbled upon Off The Mark Soccer, a soccer clinic led by Richard Sibomana in the outskirts of Raleigh, NC.
Richard hails from Rwanda. With a lifetime of competitive play under his belt, he brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the game. His journey from playing to coaching young talent is a testament to his genuine love for the sport and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of soccer stars.
Richard designed his soccer program to ensure that kids, starting from the age of six, enjoy every moment they spend on the field. They learn the importance of warming up and practice drills that enhance their speed, reflexes, coordination, and overall self-awareness. His vision goes beyond teaching how to play soccer: he wants to instill a lifelong love for the game.
So, what’s the story behind that long name? In the context of soccer, that phrase refers to achieving your first win or scoring your first goal. Here, “mark” signifies the starting point of a race, so “getting off the mark” means beginning the race successfully. In Richard’s own words: “In soccer, when they say you are off the mark, it means you are on target and have netted a goal”.
The clinic provides kids with a solid foundation in soccer fundamentals. Richard’s training approach covers all aspects of the game, but with a particular emphasis on dribbling and passing—two crucial skills that every soccer player needs to master. He breaks down the mechanics into simple, manageable steps, making it easy for even the youngest players to grasp. As the kids navigate through cones and other obstacles, they see their confidence growing with each successful maneuver.
Passing, another cornerstone in Richard’s program, is crucial in soccer, and he knows how to make it engaging. He sets up drills that encourage communication and teamwork, teaching the kids how to read the field and make strategic decisions. It’s not just about moving the ball; it’s about understanding the flow of the game and working together as a team.
The practice sessions wrap up with friendly matches, where the kids get to have fun while putting into practice the techniques and skills they’ve been learning. Occasionally, Richard joins in, but he knows that the spotlight belongs to the kids. While it might seem like just fun and games, Richard uses every moment to assess each player and provide personalized feedback.
Off The Mark Soccer is a condensed program. Parents often see immediate improvements in their children’s confidence and skill levels. But perhaps more important than that, it is a supportive environment that fosters essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
