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Post by allthingsoccer on Mar 17, 2015 14:43:29 GMT -5
I think our club uses it more for internal placement just because we have so many teams that are bidding for spots. We have been told that its good to play in the top bracket or second bracket for C1/C2 consideration. I know they have one U11 team that is looking to secure a spot as well.
Cheers, J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Mar 13, 2015 12:22:35 GMT -5
I have to chime in on what I'm reading about the keeper.
As a keeper coach, keeper player and keeper parent it's very hard for these young player to make the right choices in game situations. I wasnt at the game at all and never saw what happened or even see this keeper play before.
I do know that at this age it's all about the keepers technique. They might make the right choice, however, the technique is the determining factor. The keeper coach should be (not saying he/she is not) teaching the proper technique when coming out on breakaways, 1v1's, or into a pack of players. I have seen this time and time again that the keeper wasnt properly trained and that's how players get injured. (keeper, striker, defender or all)
Like I said, I didnt see how this all unfolded and she could have done everything right for all I know... It just very, very rarely does a keeper have an intention to hurt someone. Almost never at these ages.
I hope the young player has a speedy recovery.
Cheers, J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Mar 13, 2015 11:56:45 GMT -5
All great responses!!
No huge difference at the younger age groups. As long as you see your child is developing and having fun that's all that matters.
As the player gets older you may come to the cross roads...
How does my child's team compare to other teams at his/her age group?? Do you see a big difference in the level of play?? I hear of other team/s that are really good but haven’t seen them play before.
I would take the time and do some research. I would maybe even go to a game or two of the other teams you hear of so you can make your own conclusions.
If you like what you have seen, see if you can guest play (with your coach’s permission).
The most important is that your child is having fun and developing at the same time. It’s a tough balance.
Let’s say your child is the “star” player of his/her team. However, the team that they are on isn’t as competitive as a several other teams but you feel making the switch is in her/his best interest to further develop.
I have seen that sometimes your player is no longer the “star” player. A couple of things I have seen happen. The player adjusts to new roll, embraces and thrives. Or… development goes backwards and gets discouraged.
So not always is the grass better on the other side.
Does a player develop better playing at a higher level on a consist basis? I’m not sure of this answer at the younger age groups. You would think logically that it would, right? I mean playing at a higher and faster level enables you to slow the game down. Almost like running in sand and then running on a track.
One last thing…Include your child on making this decision. They will take ownership. Several life lessons are taught during this process.
Good luck.
Cheers,
J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Mar 13, 2015 10:10:16 GMT -5
WOW. The monster is starting to take shape. They are creating an "exclusive" environment. I have heard rumors of this a few years ago about how they wanted to create an MLS tournament only. I guess it's coming true.
You would think that they would open a door by having an invitational tournament of some sorts for non-MLS academy's, to give the "smaller" guys an opportunity to compete. This would allow ANY club to "win" the chance to play with the big boys (MLS). This will help those clubs market themselves for recruitment/ revenue.
Cheers, J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Mar 11, 2015 13:08:59 GMT -5
J.R. is the President... Great guy.
Silverback Ultras I think you are referring to in section 101. I don't think they are kid friendly. They are way over in the corner other side of field. They do have strong language.
Terminus is right in the front in section 301. They always tailgate before the game. Have beer, grill out and huge screen TV to watch MLS games. Its fun!
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Post by allthingsoccer on Mar 11, 2015 10:27:06 GMT -5
Everyone makes mistakes!! Youth players have to make them in order to develop. Even pro players have to make them to develop.
Don't be so hard on them. They will hear it from their peers, coaches, and themselves. The last thing they need to hear it from is the parents. You need to be the rock, the support group.
When they do make a mistake in a game.... Wait until he/she brings it up or wait 48 hrs and then ask them. What did your coach say about it? How did that make you feel when you did it? Use open ended questions so he/she opens up about it. You will be surprised what they will come up with on how to improve or make sure they don't feel that way again. Let them own it, not you.
Cheers, J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Mar 11, 2015 10:14:10 GMT -5
I'm a member. They are fantastic for soccer in Georgia. They are true fans of all types of soccer...youth, college, semi pro, and pro. Its so much fun to "hang" with them, you can feel the passion. I strongly believe they will continue to support Silverbacks when MLS comes to town. They might have game conflicts but I'm sure they will support both. Great group of people and kid friendly. What is TL up to? - Come see us this Saturday at the Atlanta Silverbacks - Our tailgate begins at noon, game at 4pm. www.facebook.com/events/788727717875413/- After the game, we are at headed to Meehan's Sandy Springs for their Shamrock N Roll concert withEd Rowland, by Radio 105.7 (music starts around 8, so don't worry about the start time on the event.) www.facebook.com/events/1406817532955981/- Friday the 20th we are going to Birmingham to support our Silverbacks when they play UAB. www.facebook.com/events/1552430211700402/- Sunday the 29th there will be an MLS watch party for the 4pm game, and if you can stick around, the 6pm. Location still to be determined. - April 1st, the Silverbacks have their season kickoff party at our very own Red Brick Brewing at 7pm bitly.com/SBlaunchRedBrick- April 4th, the first regular season match of the season for the SIlverbacks and our tailgate starts at 4pm! Join us for an awesome party at the tailgate, then supporting the team from the 301. www.facebook.com/events/1086951157988365/- We will be right back at it April 11th for the second Silverbacks home match and tailgate We are busy! Will we see you there? If you bring a friend, JR will buy you a beer! Cheers, J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Mar 5, 2015 11:17:01 GMT -5
soccergator- You would think that our cities would post something about the impact of soccer here in the atlanta area. I mean the last month alone had to have generated millions. We need to help feed the buzz of Georgia soccer. The level of play is huge. I think the level of press has to be the same.
Agree soccerhouse- Atlanta has great tournaments and the level of play is for sure some of the best in the county here in Georgia.
Sidelinemama- it's hard to have just 2 main tournaments. Keep in mind these help fund the clubs which in turn player development.
I think when MLS comes they will host a tournament or two. You will then see bigger out of state draw.
Cheers, J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Mar 4, 2015 15:09:51 GMT -5
Hey everyone... Business is growing and I'm in need for some goalkeeper coaches. I'm looking to create a poll of solid keeper coaches that I can staff at our academy locations. If you know someone, please let them know I'm looking or have them join the forum and PM me.
Thanks for all your help.
Cheers, J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Mar 3, 2015 13:39:48 GMT -5
I think all the bigger clubs are worried. Yeah GB and some others have some work to do in order to compete in the years to come. I think all of them are worried in some shape. It might balance the playing field for the smaller clubs to compete with United/Concorde/SSA...
The talent comes and goes in waves for those two clubs. Yes, United has a strong U14-16. Concorde U19 etc... How will the U12/U14 shape up in the next year or two?? I see some great talent coming from the United and Concorde systems...both are top notch.
United is pooling from over 6 clubs so I'm sure the numbers game plays into it. However, the talent pool is going to drop from all those clubs in the United system when MLS comes into play. Same with Concorde and SSA I think.
They system is going to open more doors for all skill types in GA. Some 2nd tier players will become 1st tier and 3rd tier will become 2nd tier. Greater access to better coaching. I'm so happy we are getting MLS in Atlanta.
As a parent...Let's say your player is a top U15 now and they have a U16 academy at MLS. Which tryout are you going to influence?
It's going to be crazy.
I think the girls are going to be in the same boat. The clubs will strengthen all aspects of their program. Girl programs will be a big draw for them. Hopefully more clubs offering ECNL in GA will the end result.
All in all its a win win for all things soccer in GA. (player related)
Cheers, J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Mar 3, 2015 12:24:52 GMT -5
Yes nuts for sure. Almost like ODP tryouts.
I don't think they (MLS) will partner with any clubs at all. They want to grow from the ground up. They will partner with GA Soccer (like oter MLS clubs) No buy outs or mergers. If you have millions to spend, you can make that happen without all the BS that comes with mergers or dealing with DOC egos. You have the money to buy land (blank has the home depot research and development team), build fields, etc... No "city ran" locations don't you think? Indoor fields, turf fields, and grass locations.
The MLS will draw the top players with little effort. You will probably see a South/Central/North structure or even small satellite locations (Savannah, Augusta etc..)
Not sure how United agreement is set. I'm sure it's yearly. Split the DA costs.
Cheers, J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Mar 3, 2015 10:11:27 GMT -5
parentsoccerfan- I don't think you can get a better person teaching your player beach soccer than Eddie. Like I said in the post he has official credit for co writing the rules for Fifa beach soccer. I know its fun for the kids and a great learning exp. We might be taking a trip down. Its one of those training's that it doesn't feel like training.
spectator- lol.. No sorry no referral fee. Thank you however for the referral. Its going to be worth it for sure and we won't disappoint your recommendation.
We all have to realize that our kids play a lot of soccer, some even play other sports as well. The kids need to be kids to. Mainly for the younger players. You DONT want to burn them out. You will find, that even a 30 day break from soccer (i mean no soccer) will be better development for your player. Its a mental thing.
Think about it Academy parents... If you push, push, push, push you will burn the player out. I know this for a fact. Keep it simple.. Push, pullback, push, pullback. Balance the progression. Make this great sport fun so they keep at it. Keep them hungry for it. If you feed them too much, they will get full. (and throw up)
As for Camps go... What we don't want to happen is have your player pick up bad habits. One of the reasons for this thread. I know we don't want to bash any so PM the personal and talk offline about the bad experience. Also, keep in mind that its someones opinion. Some other person might have gone to the same one and had a great experience. Its all a judgement call but the more information we can get the better, right? Don't over think it. Just do some research. Also, if a player can pick up one great thing from camp. I think that is a success.
Cheers, J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Mar 3, 2015 9:42:59 GMT -5
Great interview.
Academy, Academy, Academy!
It boils down to... you got a guy (blank) who is about to drop millions in our youth players. Landscape changing as we speak.
Cheers, J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Mar 3, 2015 9:14:38 GMT -5
Ashford/Dunwoody field are nice (depending on what side you are on). The brown side is open to other clubs as well and I also see some kids play pickup games so really hard to control. Looks like they totally closed one side for a few months. They look great!
I see lots of improvements on fields from Concorde. Ocee looks great as well. I also heard the secured Shakerag Park. Still lots of room for improvement but seeing progress.
Cheers, J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Mar 3, 2015 9:06:50 GMT -5
Soccerhouse I agree. Very interested in landscape.
They must see a lot from Carlos. Arthur is a great business man so I'm sure has done his home work. I like the fact that he is fresh. They are trying to build their "own" player. The man is solid defense with offensive threat. I think you are starting to see the mindset of the MLS Alanta foundation. His role is to scout and build the academy. This man will impact our kids future in Georgia.
I think you will start seeing a lot of traction now from the MLS club. He's got some work to do (2 years), but by next year I'm sure we will start seeing structure developing.
Do you think they will start with U12+ age group? Only reason is that U12 DA (development academy) will be here in 2 years. Or will they focus on U14+? They did say youth academy.
This is GREAT for GA soccer!!!!
Cheers, J4k
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Post by allthingsoccer on Mar 2, 2015 8:29:57 GMT -5
I thought Concorde did pretty well with this tournament. The field conditions were deteriorating pretty quickly on Sunday. They managed to get 3 games in and awarded co/champions to bracket winners.
I know the GSA fields took a beating.
I think most tournament hosts are stepping up their game which is great to see. (they have to or they wont get repeat business)
Cheers, J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 27, 2015 15:40:43 GMT -5
I've heard of it but never been. Place is a monster. We have one that will be close to that level...Not 52 soccer fields but it's a start. www.lakepointsports.com/about-us/
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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 27, 2015 13:38:02 GMT -5
Works great for us. We had a 8am game. All hail the soccer gods.
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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 27, 2015 13:34:14 GMT -5
Tournament Updates 2/27/2015 @ 1:22 pm The Challenge Cup Committee has delayed the start time for the first game at all venues on Saturday until 10 am. More information will be posted by 6 pm tonight. Looks like a go
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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 27, 2015 10:05:08 GMT -5
It's that time of year so I wanted to start getting ideas on camps this summer and also do a shameless plug for ours NOTE.... This is not to bash any camps. It's simply to recommend ones that you feel are worth going to.
I first like to recommend GFL Soccer down in Florida. gflsoccer.com/. If you want to have a family vacation and get some training in for your player, this is for sure the best one. Eddie owns it and he helped write the FIFA rules for beach soccer. He is a very good coach and will work your player. Plus the player may be selected to train in Germany. The second one I recommend...Here comes the shameless plug..... J4K ID Camp in June (22/23). It is a day camp from 9am to 3pm each day. Part of the last day is goalkeeper wars tournament. The cost is only $190, you not only get to be seen/ trained by Ray Newland but you also get.... A pair of Limited Addition Just4keepers Goalkeeper Gloves, Just4keepers Training Apparel , 2 free sessions at a J4K weekly class near you (new students), Just4keepers video GK training downloads, and The ebook "How to Become a Professional Goalkeeper". We already have quite a few ODP keepers (1999, 2000 and 2001). This is for ages 10+ Here is the FAQ goalkeepercamps.net/faqsJust4keepers is the leading and largest goalkeeper academy worldwide currently operating in 22 Countries and Across 5 continents with our goalkeeper coaches boasting over 700 years combined coaching experience between them and with our coaches playing over one million combined hours professional soccer, so the J4K experience is unrivaled worldwide. * Coaching is Conducted by Highly Qualified, Experienced Coaches. Some are Current Pro, Ex-Pro, Semi-Pro, and Ex International Goalkeepers! * A chance for Glove Sponsorship! (Only normally offered to professional goalkeepers). * A chance to showcase your talent * For the Keepers who impress, opportunity to be signed up by GoalkeeperScholarship.com * A chance to win a prize to attend our International GK Residential camp in the USA. Sign up here.... goalkeepercamps.net/Cheers, J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 26, 2015 10:14:04 GMT -5
Great ideas!! www.yankeecandlefundraising.com/You get 40%!! Its pretty easy. They do catalog and online ordering (has social media stuff). The catalog runs for around 3 weeks but the online is active for like 4 or 5 months. You have a chairperson set up who can log in and see the current sales. Pretty easy...We do 75% to the player and 25% to team. This fundraiser alone can help cut costs for the family. We do it in Spring and Fall. We avg. $250-$300 a player per season (Spring and Fall). That pretty much covers tournament fees for a family. The GA reps is below... Taylor Clay Account Executive Yankee Candle Fundraising tclay@yankeecandle.com (901) 830-8586 (cell) www.yankeecandlefundraising.com
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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 24, 2015 9:12:12 GMT -5
lol... I would say yes. At least the first two games anyway.
Crossing fingers and toes.
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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 24, 2015 8:52:29 GMT -5
I would say that is pretty good in regards to tournament fees. (if that makes you feel any better)
My son plays on a top travel team and we do around 8/9 tournaments a year. 4 of them out of state. The costs are pretty high so you must do fundraisers (or find a sugar mama or daddy). If you do Wide World of Sports Disney you are dropping around $1000-$1500 per family alone.
Our family thinks of these as mini vacations. Its just been apart of our lives. Instead of a yearly vacation, we have 4 or 5 mini vacations.
The good thing is the local tournaments here in GA are some of the best teams in the Southeast so you don't have to travel too far to play a good team.
So don't get discouraged about the price. Fundraisers will offset your players fees. Make it a goal for yourself to raise the money. Get your child involved in the process. They learn great life lessons.
Cheers, J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 23, 2015 11:30:38 GMT -5
All valid points so far... I have been to a least a hundred tournaments as a parent. GA, FL, OH, TX, SC, NC, TN etc.....
Tournaments are the main ways that the clubs can raise money to put back in development of the players. Most clubs don't own the fields so they really don't have too much say if a tournament gets canceled or not. I'm sure they have some influence but if the city wants to cancel them they have power to do so. So it's not all the clubs fault.
I love the tournaments. It provides a lot of benefits to the team and player development. As they get older, they will be put in high pressure situations (tournaments) and it's up to the individual to work through the pressure in this type of environment.
Tournaments are like little building blocks (foundations) that the player learns. They learn how to win, how to loose, how to handle themselves with others, how to handle pressure and tons of other little things in a higher pressure environment. This is "ALL" player development.
I think the mind set needs to change on tournaments... It's to develop your player. Yes, the clubs benefit but so does your player. Sure it sucks that that they do get canceled, however, as mentioned before...not a lot of time, nor space to host a tournament...and for sure here in metro Atlanta. You will see more and more options like the mentioned the beautiful Roswell turf parks, the super complex near Canton/Kennesaw.
I think more parents should volunteer and help their club during a tournament. Get an idea what it takes to help run of these things. Parents will be more appreciative to club, I think.
Many, many ways to help offset the cost of tournaments and coach expenses. Car washes, yankee candle, if a parent owns a business, have them donate a product/service and have the team sell it. So many ways to raise money.
What our team does is we have a "team" fundraiser (like a car wash) and the money raised goes toward the team. We also have individual fundraisers (like yankee candle) that the money they raise they get 75% as a credit and the other 25% goes to the team account. We had several parents that didnt pay a dime for tournaments. (only travel exp for themselves). You can also save on that was well. Get a bigger room and share with another family, get a hotel that has a full kitchen (save money on going out to eat).... So many ways.
Also, the parents don't have to go to a tournament. Let your child go with another parent (only if you feel comfortable). The cost is much lower for you. I know not all like to do this but it's also a building block for player development.
Cheers, J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 20, 2015 12:48:15 GMT -5
Agree soccergator, its going to be very interesting.
The resources that an MLS Academy are much greater than any club in area. They are developing players and bringing them up the ladder for MLS or International play. That's huge money for an Academy. Take Sounders for example... YEDLIN to international play for a fee. That money goes back into the academy to develop future players. (not sure how much but I'm sure its greater than any club fundraiser). They have the staff (paid) to upkeep website, fields, etc....
Yes I agree the local clubs will have to bring in top quality coaches to draw better players. I feel they will have to do a lot more or they will loose all the top players. This I feel will open many doors for top players that don't wish to go to MLS academy and 2nd tier players as you mentioned.
I know several parents in Orlando and they love the club. They love the "family", they love the path. Its a possible career path. It creates loyalty. Not many "jump ship" because of a better opportunity somewhere else. They know that they are already in the best opportunity and resources. Not that this is the same for other parents and I'm sure some will branch out to a smaller club for better exposure.
Anyways, it's going to be very interesting how this all plays out.
Cheers, J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 19, 2015 13:26:38 GMT -5
Very interesting...
Unfortunately, in GA we are missing 2 of the main paths as a whole system approach... USL and MLS. I know in 2017 we will have MLS, however, will the other clubs benefit from that??
What I mean is... Typically the MLS clubs have Academy starting at U14. When the MLS comes in and has a similar structure as Orlando, as a parent, where do you bring your kid to?
For DA... We have... will have 3 options... Join one of the GA United teams, Concorde, or MLS. If you join a GA United team, the player pool is a lot greater. The player will have to compete for a spot against 6/7 other clubs. The depth is much greater. Which isnt all that bad but does make it a little more difficult to be seen (i think). At Concorde, you will only have to compete within club structure. South, Central, and North. With MLS, they will pool from within structure as well.
For ECNL- I don't think it will change much as long as MLS doesnt have ECNL.
I guess it would depend on how the MLS team is formed at the start. Will they come out the gate with a U14 and up structure or just a pro structure first?
Will the MLS have a USL team? Will they partner with Silverbacks for NASL?
The bottom line is with MLS coming into play in a couple of years. It will change the face of soccer here in GA. I'm pretty sure most parents will want to tryout for the MLS Academy, right??
So with that being said...
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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 18, 2015 14:08:36 GMT -5
I'm on the fence about this. I see the good and bad that come with watching training.
I have parents that watch goalkeeper training all the time. If they do, I always let them know to just "watch" and not to mention any of the mistakes that they may have made during practice. Always, Always mention the good things. "man that save was great that you did", or I can see you are getting better..etc...
I feel it's very important for the younger kids parents to see how their child is developing. The club training might not be enough so doing "extra" training at home is very important toward the development. The parent/s might have seen ways that they can help. I always let the parents know of things the keeper needs to work on at home if they can.
I know that some coaches don't speak with the parents as often as we would like. So some almost feel it necessary to watch practice to see how they are developing. Again, I'm all for it as long as you just watch.
I have seen some parents boil red during practices. I'm sure the poor player gets an ear full in the car ride home. Unfortunately, I can not stop this parent/s for doing that but I can ask that parent/s not to be at the practice fields.
The kids know when they make mistake. Their peers let them know and coach lets them know. Why add to that to create extra pressure??
Always have the 48 hr rule. After the game only talk soccer when the player brings it up. Offer encouragement. After the 48 hrs ask them... Hey,... how do you think you did? What do you think you could improve? Oh really why do you think that? etc......
Better yet... Have your player go ask the coach. How do you think I did? What do I need to work on?
You will find by asking these open ended questions will allow your child to speak freely (cause they aren't afraid), their answers will be more honest, and it will create a great open communication between you two/three. It will also help you the parent to "trust" your child.
Anyways, my pennies to the conversation.
Cheers, J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 16, 2015 9:37:00 GMT -5
All around the tournament ran pretty smoothly at our location and what I heard from other locations as well.
Yes I agree we all signed up for a tournament in Winter. However, the "minor" time changes only benefited the players and parents. (not so much for some of the coaches) 8am on Sunday it was a 10 degree wind chill. Sorry but that's cold on or off the field.
Well done SSA. You will get our teams money next year.
Cheers, J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 16, 2015 8:48:46 GMT -5
** I searched for past topics on this a didn't find any.** Has anyone heard more about this? It would have to come down on a National level but I haven't seen any announcement so not sure where this rumor came from. Lots of chatter around that they might be considering amending. Only thing I found was the minutes of Michigan Youth Soccer Association- www.michiganyouthsoccer.org/AssetFactory.aspx?did=3950They mention "US Soccer is considering amending the competitive age group registration to the calendar year"I know most of the world is birth year. ODP is birth year. I would think US Soccer would line up with the rest of the Fifa world. How do you think this will impact GA Soccer? Cheers, J4K
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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 15, 2015 17:42:22 GMT -5
Thanks reinalocura.. I made the correction.
If you really want to get fitted please message me. I might be around the area with stock in hand. We might be doing the Concorde Boys as well. I'll keep ya updated.
Thanks again.
J4k
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