Hard work has been applied to the technical and skill aspects of the game and to the physical fitness of athletes striving toward peak performance, and yet the same attention and effort towards the mental and emotional factors influencing athletic performance are just as important, but often ignored.

Players now have the opportunity to improve the mental aspects of their game as they strive to become the complete player.

Craig Janc, the former Brookside Tiger (Original team of 1980) played his teen soccer with local powerhouse Halifax King of Donair while representing Canada in the World Youth Cup Qualifying Tournament and pre-Olympic Games matches between the years 1988-1991.

Craig played university soccer with McMaster University and Dalhousie University and participated in two Canadian University Championships. He also represented Nova Scotia at several National Club Soccer Championships as a member of Halifax King of Donair Soccer Club. Craig’s coaching career began in the 90’s with high school and club soccer coaching positions.

He coached a Halifax-based girls’ U-15 team to two National Championships and a silver medal finish. Later Craig assisted with the Dalhousie University Women’s Team during their repeat as National University Champions. Craig was the Technical Director for the former DVW Soccer Club (known today as the Halifax City Soccer Club).

Presently, Craig is applying his experience as a physical educator, coach and yoga teacher to the training of soccer players wishing to reach their true athletic potential.

PROGRAMS OFFERED:

Program 1
Introduction to Mental Preparation 

Like most dedicated and competitive players focused on being their best, hard work has been applied to the technical and the skill aspects of the game and to the physical fitness of athletes striving toward peak performance. And yet the same attention and effort towards the mental and emotional factors influencing athletic performance are just as important.. This program will teach players that they can control their minds and their emotions, and they can discipline their minds and emotions and create what they want to achieve.

This program will consist of four sessions at 1.5 hours per session. The topics explored include the following:

· Introduction to self observation/reflection using a Mental Training Log
· Individual and team goal setting
· Introduction to visualization techniques
· Introduction to self talk (positive self suggestions)
· Yoga (physical, mental, and breath exercises) to prepare the athlete’s mind and body for mental training

This program(1.5 hrs/session)  would consist of 4 sessions (2 per month in July and August) in an indoor facility. Players would be required to participate in loose fitting clothing. Follow-up exercises and take home activities will be given as part of the program. Additional sessions would be made available upon the coach’s and player’s request.
The cost of  Introduction to Mental Preparation is $400 per team.

Program 2 
Yoga Program for Soccer Players

To maximize soccer training, a balanced complete approach, including the mind’s influence on the body, must be included in individual and team based training programs. In this program players will practice a series of specific physical exercises and stretches, breathing techniques, and awareness exercises tailored to the team’s needs as well as addressing individual concerns like injury recovery and strengthening. This program will help build overall fitness, enhance body recovery (important during major competitions, i.e. Provincials and Nationals), improve players’ flexibility and range of movement, improve concentration, and thus improve peak performance of the athlete.

This program(1.5 hrs/session)  would consist of 4 sessions (2 per month in July and August) in an indoor facility. Players would be required to participate in loose fitting clothing. Additional sessions would be made available upon the coach’s and player’s request.
The cost of Yoga Program for Soccer Players is $400 per team.

Program 3
Enhancing Decision Making and Implementing Technique

This field based program will have the players participating in small game-like activities, including 2 vs 1, 3 vs 2, and 3 vs 3 conditions to help identify the decision making process of the players. Observations, feedback, and recommendations will be offered to the individuals and teams as a whole. Included will be specific training sessions focused on correcting problematic areas and enhancing the positive aspects of the game. 

This program(1.5 hrs/session) would consist of 4 sessions (2 per month in July and August) on a sports field. Players would be required to participate in proper soccer training attire. Additional sessions would be made available upon the coach’s and player’s request.
The cost of  Enhancing Decision Making and Implementing Technique  is $300 per team.

For more information and Program Brochure : Here

Craig in action for Dalhousie University