We are in the process of converting our 17 coaching manuals into e-books.  This week while going through our coaching Set Plays book I had a wry smile when I read Page 84 which referred to an anecdote on how we were able to integrate Carl Valentine into our team for his very first appearance for Canada.  We have saved Page 84 for the Boot Room as it is a really good story.  Click here to read "A Funny Think Happened on the Way to King George V Playing Field." 

Carl had become a Canadian citizen while playing with the Vancouver Whitecaps in the NASL, but after the league folded went to play for West Bromwich Albion in England.

In our final and critical game for qualification for the 1986 World Cup vs. Honduras we were plagued by injuries and suspensions.  We were able to persuade Carl to give up his hopes of playing for England by joining us for the opportunity of going to the World Cup Finals in a Canadian jersey.

We know in professional and high level soccer just how important Set Plays are with a high percentage of all goals coming from dead ball situations - corner, free kicks and penalties in particular - so they must be practiced.

While on this topic take a look at this high school game and a free kick goal captured on YouTube (Click here).   It has had 2 million hits already and plenty of controversy.  Was it a goal?  Should the referee have called it back?  You be the judge?