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ID Camps
Apr 23, 2024 15:01:00 GMT -5
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Post by soccerparent02 on Apr 23, 2024 15:01:00 GMT -5
Is it true that opposing clubs will reach out to you if interested after May 1st =U13 and up??? You can’t recruit until May 1st. They can start to reach out then legally. Ppl sometimes do it earlier illegally. If you are a stud ppl will come to you. If you aren’t they won’t but that doesn’t mean you can’t make that team. You WILL need to go to training sessions before tryouts though, if you are trying to change teams. Many times, players will reach out to players they see as helping their current team. Once you reach u15, the players know who the top players are. If your kid wants to go beyond club, they need to be at one of the Big 5.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Apr 9, 2024 7:02:14 GMT -5
2 questions: How do kids tryout/make it into the Atlanta United MLS Next team? Is MLS Next "above" ECNL level wise? Gotta be invited to tryout for Atlanta United. And depends on who you ask, but I’d say locally no. Most ECNL teams in Atlanta would beat most the MLSNext ones. I agree that the Atlanta ECNL teams are better than the mls next teams.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Mar 23, 2024 15:23:05 GMT -5
Instead of giving clubs all the power by crossing your fingers and toes hopeing that they don't boot your kid make it a habit of trying out with all the big clubs in your area every year. If you do this not only will you have options if anything negative happens you'll also find out of other clubs are a better fit. [b Except, club tryout dates are on the same nights. The big clubs, at u13 and above, are going to have the best players on their top teams. Other than AU, ECNL is the tops. MLS Next was given to the second tier smaller clubs.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Mar 8, 2024 16:10:18 GMT -5
The best club I've seen handle the process is NASA Tophat. (From the outside looking in and hearing from ppl in the club.) They seem to favor their players over new ones (promoting from within and keeping theirs if all things are equal) and players typically know where they stand before tryouts. I've also heard they will help a player find a spot if they plan to cut them. Clubs have zero loyalty to players but expect that loyalty to be given to the club. I'd be curious where you heard that from. I have not seen that at the ECNL/R level, at least at the lower age levels. Last year they only dropped kids to RL and replaced them with players from outside the club. This year will likely be the same judging from the lack of integration of players between the two teams. Agree. The way to improve a team is to improve players 12-16 as those players get some minutes that a team must have quality. Occasionally one of those players will bump a starter.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Mar 7, 2024 19:49:10 GMT -5
I think it all depends. Is the player on the top quarter of the roster or the bottom half? Top players get opportunities at tryout time. Bottom players get nervous. Does your player have friends on other ECNL club rosters? By u15 and I've said this before, the coaches know who the top players are as do the players. Agree with this post too.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Feb 25, 2024 19:49:00 GMT -5
The USWNT trains against U17 boys, do you think that’s because their skill and soccer IQ is equivalent? [ The USWNT lost to a u15 boy's team (I think the Dynamo but could be wrong on team). IMO, the USWNT would not be able to compete against boys any older.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Feb 22, 2024 10:30:47 GMT -5
The rumor has been ongoing for a while. MLS Next clubs generally ignore ECNL boys and girls soccer. ECNL strongly suggests that if clubs want to play in girls ECNL that they not participate in MLS Next with a preference for clubs playing their boys in ECNL boys. See how things work? If GA keeps growing eventually MLS Next will be forced to take a position on the subject. Honestly, where do you get your ranking information from? Why would MLS Next clubs care about ECNL soccer? They feed different segments of the soccer world. Starting with HS soccer, one allows, one prevents. Locally, Tophat does not have ECNL on the girls side but does on the boys side. Tophat plays in this other new league called Girls Academy League (GAL for short). Not sure if you've heard of them. Also, because of their newness, the GAL is working with the MLS Next to help through a strategic relationship to "deliver a true pyramid for female youth players in the US." Does not say anything about taking a position on GAL. I await some poll or ranking that puts things in a different light... If you go look at the boys clubs with MLS Next, they were clubs that were not ECNL and frankly were not able to compete with the Big 5 boys clubs.
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USWNT
Feb 17, 2024 16:26:24 GMT -5
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rifle likes this
Post by soccerparent02 on Feb 17, 2024 16:26:24 GMT -5
Hmmm...guess my initial post was not far off... I thought you said you were done? Sometimes I just have to gloat....
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USWNT
Feb 17, 2024 14:21:24 GMT -5
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Post by soccerparent02 on Feb 17, 2024 14:21:24 GMT -5
Hmmm...guess my initial post was not far off...
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Post by soccerparent02 on Feb 15, 2024 19:03:23 GMT -5
Somebody apologized for her comments. I guess she realized just how those comments were going to impact the fans viewing USWNT games.
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USWNT
Feb 2, 2024 14:14:02 GMT -5
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Post by soccerparent02 on Feb 2, 2024 14:14:02 GMT -5
Calling American fans not smart. I was quite capable of seeing the train wreck that was the last USWNT. Perhaps if they focused just on soccer on the field, there wouldn't have been that train wreck but I guess I am not smart enough to see that on the field. Come on now. You’re ONE person. She didn’t say all US fans, just most of them. Is what she said wrong? Now we can talk about whether it was appropriate for her to make that comment or not, but I can understand why she would say it. If nothing else that interview told me that we have the right person wearing the captain’s armband. She sounds like the leader this team needs and is ready to lead a new generation of USWNT players. That is what I said..."most of them aren't smart". Most can mean all but 1. I would say "most" professional sports players appreciate the fans and don't make such comments. I can say I am likely not the only "not smart" American fan who found this comment a poor choice of words.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Feb 2, 2024 12:51:31 GMT -5
Sounds like she is totally focused on soccer. Not sure why anyone would be “done with” the USWNT after reading the Athletic article. I thought everyone wanted the team to stop being “woke” and focus on the game. 🤷 Calling American fans not smart. I was quite capable of seeing the train wreck that was the last USWNT. Perhaps if they focused just on soccer on the field, there wouldn't have been that train wreck but I guess I am not smart enough to see that on the field.
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USWNT
Feb 1, 2024 17:54:03 GMT -5
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bolo likes this
Post by soccerparent02 on Feb 1, 2024 17:54:03 GMT -5
What was the USWNT Team Captain thinking? Just when it seemed like they would just get back to soccer look at the comments from Horan. I definitely am done. From listening to the in game analysis from most parents at my kids games, she’s not wrong. That is irrelevant. There are a lot of fans who are quite knowledgeable. This is certainly not a way to build a fan base back after the most recent team debacle.
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USWNT
Feb 1, 2024 17:00:40 GMT -5
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bolo likes this
Post by soccerparent02 on Feb 1, 2024 17:00:40 GMT -5
What was the USWNT Team Captain thinking? Just when it seemed like they would just get back to soccer look at the comments from Horan. I definitely am done.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Jan 7, 2024 18:20:25 GMT -5
No disrespect but based on my experience, college coaches are not super concerned about how your kid is doing in high school soccer. The focus should “generally” be on club soccer if you’re working towards playing in college. I’m sure there are exceptions to the rule perhaps for GK….but college scouts are simply not lined up to watch/recruit high school soccer. Although I found hs soccer much more competitive at the state playoff/championship level. Agree. College coaches are more interested in the club level as that is more predictable on competition. Most coaches attend college soccer showcases because of the number of players vs. a highschool game where they focus on 1 maybe 2. By u15, your player needs to be playing at one of the Big 5 in Atlanta if possible or AU.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Dec 15, 2023 19:56:16 GMT -5
Congrats! How old is the kid, 12, 13, …? How does signing with a European club at that age work? Don’t know the player personally but a lot of the younger kids at GSA use to, and probably still, train with Rafael Lopez at Global Soccer Training. Guy is just incredible and I would bet there is a connection here (?). GSA itself isn’t anything special, anymore as far as training. Coaches, philosophies, methodologies are hit and miss and the teams and coaches turnover quite a bit and at times it feels disorganized. Especially in the older age groups. However, training at a place with high repetition, fast pace, lots of touches on the ball, in very tight quarters will get you very good on the ball in the shortest amount of time. I will not share my thoughts on that club, though many here have probably read them from time to time already. As for Rafael @ Global Soccer, he was/is fantastic. Unfortunately I believe he moved to Florida a couple years ago. I know his son used to help him out and he moved to Hawaii (maybe shortly before COVID), and then COVID thinned his numbers. People started going back, but I believe he decided to move south. So, I don't know that this kid has had any interaction with Rafael. Will give GSA a big thumbs up for our player so disagree with poster. Kid was very pleased with everything he experienced and developed into the player he is today. Great experience with great results. 9 of the starters all earned multiple college offers. Several just participated in the D1 ncaa tournament.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Dec 15, 2023 15:32:59 GMT -5
Congrats! How old is the kid, 12, 13, …? How does signing with a European club at that age work? Don’t know the player personally but a lot of the younger kids at GSA use to, and probably still, train with Rafael Lopez at Global Soccer Training. Guy is just incredible and I would bet there is a connection here (?). GSA itself isn’t anything special, anymore as far as training. Coaches, philosophies, methodologies are hit and miss and the teams and coaches turnover quite a bit and at times it feels disorganized. Especially in the older age groups. However, training at a place with high repetition, fast pace, lots of touches on the ball, in very tight quarters will get you very good on the ball in the shortest amount of time. Have to disagree about GSA. Kid played there as ECNL National runner up. Have seen several other players signing to play college. Great club!
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Post by soccerparent02 on Dec 14, 2023 13:35:37 GMT -5
As has been said, bigger tournaments have more age group divisions. It was our experience at younger ages in Academy, our Coach put (requested) our kids play in the top division. He knew they would not get better playing against competition not at their level or even a litgle better. This was a smaller club. Once they hit u13 Select, half of the team went to Big 5 teams and ultimately all of this group that went to the Big 5 clubs played college or were offered for college. Ultimately players and families have to decide what they are looking for in soccer in the end. Good luck on that path as it will go by fast.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Nov 30, 2023 14:47:54 GMT -5
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Post by soccerparent02 on Nov 30, 2023 14:47:32 GMT -5
The irony is Clemson pays for football scholarships by accepting a TON of out of state students. Good business decision if willing suckers (myself included at one point) pay more… I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure football scholarships--and I'd guess most athletic scholarships--are funded by donations to the school's booster organizations. I don't think the money comes from tuition collected by out of state students. Here is good info on who funds athletic scholarships. Most is funded by the college with some additional by scholarships set up by private individuals. www.debt.org/students/athletic-scholarships/#:~:text=While%20most%20scholarship%20money%20comes,a%20specific%20sport%20or%20cause.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Nov 29, 2023 16:15:26 GMT -5
Posted a few days ago about the number of Intl players that comprise D1 and DII rosters. Frustrating for sure but thats just the way it is right now. Our kid wants to play college soccer AND (thankfully) he is passionate about his grades. Actually considering a few SE based private DE schools that may suit. I understand D3 dont offer athletic scholarships but the reality is how much $$ is a D2 gonna five a US based player. Any thoughts on D3 in our area and any specific program you have heard good/bad about? If you are looking in Georgia, HOPE gives some $ towards private school. When we were going through this process, it was $5000 per year. Berry is a great college.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Nov 27, 2023 17:33:02 GMT -5
It really doesn't seem fair to have all these internationals on college teams. I get that it should be an option for colleges, but I debate whether there should be a limit on the number of spots they can take? MLS has a set number of international roster spots (my understanding), the state of Georgia makes it easier harder for out of state students to attend college in Georgia, to help keep students closer to home... could they not make a rule or law that protects homegrown players? It just doesn't seem right to me... anyway, I digress. Colleges follow NCAA rules with regards to team rosters. Please remember the scholarship limits with soccer with 14 on the womens side, 9 on the mens. This may impact some rosters with regards to international players. As I have mentioned many times, player academics make a huge impact on if a player gets recruited. Strong academic players get academic monies rather than a coach having to use part of the 9 scholarships which are divided amongst a roster of 35 to 40 players, a typical soccer roster. And not ALL rosters are dominated by only international players. I know one top D1 university who has recently won a championship has been mentioned but do know they offer US players too. I can verify that as kid got the offer and grew up playing at a Big 5 ECNL club. It comes down to player ability and again academics. Good luck to those wanting to play beyond club and high school.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Nov 19, 2023 21:54:15 GMT -5
The Jackets had best finish ever by finishing in the top 8. Tech lost to eventual National Champion BYU in a tough match. Way to go Jackets!
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Post by soccerparent02 on Nov 17, 2023 18:37:34 GMT -5
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Post by soccerparent02 on Nov 14, 2023 18:58:17 GMT -5
|me tink this is interesting info| Found on interweb College Soccer Truth ™ Twitter: @imcollegesoccer The recruiting process has evolved! Advising kids based on the OLD-school way will only force them to be left behind. 1. College coaches will find you if you're good. False! You go to them. Tournaments, ID camps, club games. 2. Your coach will take care of the college recruiting for you. False! They’ll assist, but don’t expect them to make your process a full time job when you’re not the only one trying to be recruited. 3. You should start the recruiting process your JR or SR year. False! You’re way behind if you start it then. Especially on the women’s side. 4. You shouldn’t email the college coaches a lot. False! Persistence is key! You don’t email them daily, but never be out of sight out of mind. Email every time you have new highlights or updates and continue showing your interest. 5. Social media doesn’t help. False! Sell your brand and social media helps with that. You’re not the only one bored scrolling through social media. So do college coaches. College coaches do understand the importance of social media. 6. College coaches don’t care about the club initials I play for. False! Unfortunately until they see you in person, you are judged by your club initials. Myth number 1 at the top, if you don’t have the initials you better be seen 10x more than those that do. For your well known schools, the initials matter to even get looked at. Every statement made above is 100% true. I have mentioned the Big 5 in Atlanta. Those initials matter.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Nov 13, 2023 19:36:47 GMT -5
My friend’s son (also my son’s friend- how’s that for irony?) plays for UGA club team and loves it. I went to see them play this fall at GT and it was a rowdy crowd. A very entertaining rivalry game. It seems like the best choice, honestly. Not like a full time job for a student. Edit: he played DA Was at that game as well. Kid plays for GT. Great game. GT made it to Nationals next week in Texas. Go Jackets!
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Post by soccerparent02 on Nov 10, 2023 8:50:18 GMT -5
As the college playoffs and NCAA tournament mark the conclusion of the season, the spotlight shifts to national showcases. It's worth noting that these coaches receive an overwhelming volume of correspondence, so brevity and clarity are key. Focus on sparking their curiosity to delve into your profile, watch your videos, and explore further. A recommended strategy is to employ an attention-grabbing subject line. Piggy back over the coaches curiosity about any correspondence regarding the upcoming showcase they'll be attending. For instance, as the ECNL Phoenix showcase approaches, consider something like "ECNL-PHX: Standout ATL Forward in the 2026 Class." Now, a question for discussion: If you've navigated this process before, your insights are invaluable. Could you kindly share de-identifying samples of your emails and texts that played a pivotal role in initiating, sustaining, or advancing conversations with college coaches? When reaching out, is it more effective to text the assistant coach attending the showcase directly, or should one also email the broader coaching staff for the program? What are your thoughts on the matter? TIA An important thing to remember is for your team manager to have a professionally looking flier to pass out to coaches watching at team showcases. These should include a picture, position(s), gpa, SAT andor ACT score, stats and contact information. Many have mentioned grades as being important. A coach needs to know your player first can get into the college they coach for and secondly can handle the academics while playing a full soccer season. Remember athletic budgets and scholarship monies are limited so show off both the playing ability but as important the academics. I will say again, the flyer makes it easy to showcase those grades.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Oct 27, 2023 14:41:07 GMT -5
Having gone through this process, please know that coaches are not coming to a high school game. I suppose this depends on what school your child plays at, and who their competition is. We have had college coaches in attendance at games each of the past 2 years, and we have already had some coaches tell us they would like to have our high school schedule when it is available. I will admit the coaches are all within driving distance, but they have come to games. That is a rare occurence. Unless they are from UGA, they are small schools which is ok but not D1 as I referenced. Good luck to your player.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Oct 26, 2023 12:33:53 GMT -5
Having gone through this process, please know that coaches are not coming to a high school game. Colleges have very limited travel budgets for non-revenue sports. GRADES are EXTREMELY important. Colleges carry around 35 to 40 players with 25 on the playing roster, 18 on the game day roster. As such, Coaches use academic scholarship money for players to offset the limited athletic scholarships available which currently are set at 14 for the women's team and 9 1/2 for the men's team. Those scholarships are divided among the players.
This is why players who play in the top league are most likely to be seen. Kid played ECNL. Team attended college showcases. This team would average 50 - 75 college coaches at their games to watch them. The team manager handed each coach a flyer with each individual players biographical information to include position, high school gpa, SAT score, etc., etc. 10 of the starters received D1 offers, one of their reserve players received D1. I am again saying this to make the point, recruiting is very rarely done at their high school and players are most likely to be seen at the top league showcases.
Good luck to your player.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Oct 19, 2023 16:13:28 GMT -5
By the time u13/14 comes around, the top players are playing on the top teams on the strongest clubs. The players know who the best players are. The top 50 in the state are known. Like anything, there are players who are just better. The very best teams get better by improving their subs as players 12 - 16 provide good minutes. Top 50 is way too many. It is a participation trophy. There are at most a dozen kids any year in ATL that are movers and shakers for an age group. Everyone else is riding their coattails, chest thumping about being on ECNL. Not sure why 50 is not believable. Kids team a few years back had 10 receive D1 offers. At least 8 are starting on their current team. That is 1 Atlanta metro team. I am sure others in that age group had D1 offers so to say only 12 may not give an accurate picture in all age groups.
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