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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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Post by soccerparent02 on Oct 18, 2023 16:45:53 GMT -5
When you're younger, I think that playing time is needed, but once you reach ages like U15 or U16, the best player should play, if you don't like it, get better. Don’t forget that coaches also have something called confirmation bias. Players 12 through 16-18 can become better than 1-11, but they won’t see it. There are also issues with powerful and influential parents who find ways to sway coaches on playing time. All kids are there to learn the game of soccer and to have fun. Even high school aged kids deserve some playing time, encouragement and opportunity to SHOW ON THE FIELD how much they have learned. The DA days of only 3-5 subs are over. H*ll even the pros get 5-6 subs depending on the type of game. 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.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Oct 16, 2023 9:59:02 GMT -5
As a 3rd time parent it's not really about being good or bad. What makes a difference is things like futsal + kids having a good time with their team. Before u13 means nothing. It's fun to do but the games are worthless. I've seen over 10+ stop playing over the years. Players that I thought were amazing but unfortunately their parents were on their back + pressuring too much. The most important thing is for players to be having fun + enjoying being on the field. Whenever having fun stops players will quit playing. Club soccer is a “build some excitement and take their money” world. For kid #3 it is clear that you have seen some things. A vast majority of parents only only ride the crazy train once or twice and learn a lot.. then it’s over. Kids should be enjoying playing no doubt. Having been around the game for 15 plus years at the very best playing and top level, I have seen parents make excuses. Bottom line, their player wasn't able to make the top team so they started to make excuses which often centered around attacking the process and the team...wine, wine, wine.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Oct 15, 2023 19:28:23 GMT -5
“Real soccer doesn’t start until 11v11” <giggle> The reason real soccer doesn't start until 11v11 is because 11v11 is when they start playing on a full size field. When you play on a full size field passing, tactics, training all come into play. Booting it up to the big fast kid still works but not like it did on a smaller field. Real soccer starts way before 11 v 11. That would be equating that real baseball doesnt start until kids run bases that are 90 feet. The size of the field does not matter. Kid played u8 academy at 6 years old. Kid played with the same coach for 3 years and became one of the top academy teams in Atlanta. The coach stressed defensive formation and possession from the back. They did not play boom ball. If that is not happening at the younger ages there is an issue.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Oct 15, 2023 16:40:47 GMT -5
Best wishes to your player but wouldn't call a rec all star team a gateway drug to a competitive team. Good luck but I encourage you to get her to a competitive environment as soon as you can if that is what she truly strives for...just know the best players are already training against the best players and are ahead of the game and other players in that respect. Ummm... She's been playing Rec for 1 month + was already invited to the "all stars" team + this is u6. I'm fairly certain if I wanted to I could ask the competitive coach for a tryout + she'd get on the team. Or I could start paying for all the extra training camps to get noticed, or privates with the competitive coach, or etc, etc, etc. Also something I didn't mention was that "all stars" tryouts was a scrimmage against the current competitive team + the random all stars tryout players beat the current competitive team 3-1. As I said I've gone through all this before. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) means nothing to me. If I want to spend 3k for u6 competitive soccer I will. However this time I might do things differently. Real soccer doesn't start until 11v11. Been there too. As I said good luck to your player at the "rec" all star game...
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Post by soccerparent02 on Oct 15, 2023 15:24:36 GMT -5
Disagree with last point. Not playing against the top players stagnates development. If your kid is always the best on the field, they are not challenged to be better. Rec coaches are often volunteers who do not know much beyond the most basic drills. Btw, thank you rec volunteer coaches for providing kids with the place to play. Top kids get better playing and practicing with kids at or slightly better them. You're correct. If your kid is good you don't want to be on a team where the players can barely tie their shoes. But the reality is coaches + clubs are always looking for talent. If your kid is good they'll find them/you. My youngest just started playing u6 rec but has been playing Futsal for 6 months. She scored rec goals left and right. Then boom out of nowhere she's invited to try out for the all-stars rec team. Which we all know is just a gateway drug for competitive teams. Personally if we could I'd have my kid just do futsal. As a parent it's much more entertaining to watch. Also the coaches are actually trying to implement tactics / passing. Best wishes to your player but wouldn't call a rec all star team a gateway drug to a competitive team. Good luck but I encourage you to get her to a competitive environment as soon as you can if that is what she truly strives for...just know the best players are already training against the best players and are ahead of the game and other players in that respect.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Oct 15, 2023 12:50:05 GMT -5
I'll start out with the basics... - How close are practices to your house - How good is the Coach Doc - Are the parents crazy or normal - How high are the clubs teams ranked Right now I'm on my 3rd kid playing so here's more detail. - Play futsal (or arena, or 5v5 small sided games) when young no matter what. The foot skills gained is irreplaceable and you can't get it when you're older. - Understand what you're getting into if choose to play competitive u6-u13. You'll be traveling a lot for games that don't mean anything. At this age all the kids are roughly the same this invites parent social games and exploitive coaching tactics (privates with coach = playtime and/or positions). - Often not playing competitive before u13 is better because GA/ECNL coaches will be combing the teams looking for the new Shiney. Not being put into competitive situations allows your kid to play multiple positions and not be pigeonholed. Sometimes being the best player on a poor team is nice because everyone thinks you're amazing + you get to be a team leader. Disagree with last point. Not playing against the top players stagnates development. If your kid is always the best on the field, they are not challenged to be better. Rec coaches are often volunteers who do not know much beyond the most basic drills. Btw, thank you rec volunteer coaches for providing kids with the place to play. Top kids get better playing and practicing with kids at or slightly better them.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Oct 13, 2023 14:13:46 GMT -5
I agree few players will play at any level professionally. That is actually true at the collegiate level as well. However if a player has that goal, top competition daily during practice and during games is needed. This is why most of the top players end up at the Big 5 by u13/u14 age.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Oct 12, 2023 16:21:28 GMT -5
IMO AFU is on the outside looking in at the the rest of the Big 5. As such, I don't think they are really much of a club rival to any of them.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Oct 2, 2023 22:27:46 GMT -5
There is ECNL expansion and probably some clubs who drop out but not promotion/relegation. Players at clubs may promote/relegate depending on performance as every club has a top team at each age group. The club has a goal at the competitive ages of making that team the best it can be which includes bringing players in from different clubs as well.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Sept 30, 2023 12:24:17 GMT -5
The question is how you define "thriving". Having been through moving from a smaller club during academy playing C1 and 2 to a big 5 ECNL, there is no comparison with players overall. The top players at the small clubs know by u13 itis time to go as the big clubs draw the most attention from the next level including from colleges. This doesnt mean a smaller club can't provide a positive soccer and team experience but likely not providing opportunities beyond club.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Sept 18, 2023 14:49:22 GMT -5
Players and coaches know who the top players are across the league by u15. In many cases the players will recruit the player from another team go improve their team. This happens all the time.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Sept 14, 2023 20:04:32 GMT -5
Kid played on a Nationally ranked ECNL team and were national finalists. Played high school because kid wanted to play with friends they grew up with. Never was injured. The friend thing needs consideration if that is a want by the player.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Sept 11, 2023 14:57:18 GMT -5
Agree with poster. Kid played ECNL for big 5. There was an estimated yearly cost provided which could be paid in full or monthly. If adjustment was needed, it was taken care at the end of the season. Never had any issues as the team manager did a great job.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Sept 8, 2023 13:29:56 GMT -5
We bought Nike. Cost was not the main factor. Rather comfort was most important factor. Nike also had a great warranty although not sure if they still have the same policy as kid is in college and buys their own cleats.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Aug 26, 2023 15:08:58 GMT -5
Should have put that kid turned the university down along with 22 other offers. Kid chose to attend number 1 university in his field of study on full academic. They dont have a D1 soccer team so playing on their club team. Agree, if program doesnt have what you are interested in studying, find a college/university that does.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Aug 26, 2023 14:26:53 GMT -5
Kid was recruited to top D1 school. The coach told our kid based on the level of club play seen when scouted that our kid would be on the 25 as a frosh that he keeps for the game playing roster where the 18 come from. Coach said the full team has between 36 to 40 players. Kid was offered a full ride academically so didnt cost the coach any athletic money. Players need to focus on both athletics and academics.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Aug 22, 2023 17:46:33 GMT -5
Kid played up until u13. This challenged him to stay with players a little bigger than him and with a year more experienced. We held our player at age once they hit the select age. It was also at that age that we moved our kid to one of big 5 clubs where he played on their top Ecnl team. I believe the early push prepped them to play at that level.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Aug 14, 2023 13:22:22 GMT -5
I would suggest that most players in soccer are not looking to go pro. I do know however that many are looking and are able to play in the collegiate ranks. In some cases this helps financially. In other situations where it does not provide $, it provides a great collegiate experience. In both cases, it is impressive on a resume as only around 1% can put "college athlete" on their resume.
On our kids team 9 of the 11 starters are playing at that level (4 at D1 level). One had 20+ at all levels but chose a full academic scholarship at a top 15 academic college. Never heard any say they wanted to go pro but do think 1 is thinking perhaps giving it a shot. Regardless, this group spent 3 plus years together and they are still close 5 years later. This is what seems to get lost sometimes on this forum as well.
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US women
Jul 25, 2023 14:37:56 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by soccerparent02 on Jul 25, 2023 14:37:56 GMT -5
Just watched the USMNT during the playing of our National Anthem. All were singing...EXTREMELY PROUD OF THEIR TEAM!
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Post by soccerparent02 on Jul 23, 2023 11:06:59 GMT -5
Requesting fans to do the right thing...ticket sales aren't there apparently. Now FIFA is backing away from their pledge to pay every player $30,000 in addition to their monies based on team finish. Great lesson in economics.
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US women
Jul 22, 2023 18:15:16 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by soccerparent02 on Jul 22, 2023 18:15:16 GMT -5
Did anyone notice the other team during their anthem? Stark difference. Hard to watch a team who makes money playing a sport for their country not have the same.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Jul 22, 2023 13:47:57 GMT -5
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Post by soccerparent02 on Jun 30, 2023 14:21:52 GMT -5
While these posts seem to be discussing girl's teMs, I did not see this "spring" fall back on playing by kid's u17 team that were National ECNL finalist. The team members played high school, had club practices, scrimmages, etc. I posit that it comes down to coaching and player dedication and talent affecting team chemistry. Please remember, one team will always win and one team will always lose. The won that wins typically is better due to coaching, talent and team attitude.
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AFU?
Jun 16, 2023 22:04:31 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by soccerparent02 on Jun 16, 2023 22:04:31 GMT -5
By u14/15, the TOP players have separated themselves (top 50). They have migrated to the top big clubs on the top teams. I have seen this develop idea for years. Remember, the TOP players continue to develop as well. They do so by practicing with the top players at practice with the best coaches playing the best teams week in and week out. Unless you are there by u14/u15, it isnt happening. Again, experienced this development with our player.
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AFU?
Jun 16, 2023 16:44:39 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by soccerparent02 on Jun 16, 2023 16:44:39 GMT -5
Whether anyone wants to admit it, players develop when surrounded and train with the best. This includes the best players, best players and best teams. This is in every sport not just soccer. Go to a showcase and watch where the coaches go to scout. They go to the TOP teams because that is where the BEST play. I will end with this. By u14/u15, the very best players (top 50) will have mostly have gone to the very top clubs and the very top teams. The coaches know who these players are and so do the players.
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AFU?
Jun 16, 2023 15:08:48 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by soccerparent02 on Jun 16, 2023 15:08:48 GMT -5
I would argue the top teams do develop. They consistently play against the best at pracrice. This translates onto the field. little or no development occurs during games. This happens at practice, camps and individual training sessions not games. Again, say what you will. The BEST teams draw the most interest. Also been there, done that and seen it.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Jun 14, 2023 17:42:15 GMT -5
Great advice.
Please remember to check out the college academically. No reason to go to a college that does not have an academic program of which your player has no interest.
Niche provides great information beyond what a coach may provide. Simply type in name of the college followed by the word niche. For example, looking up Florida, it would be searched University of Florida Niche. Good luck!
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AFU?
Jun 14, 2023 17:37:28 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by soccerparent02 on Jun 14, 2023 17:37:28 GMT -5
Will be curious to see the replies...
I encourage you to check out the ECNL standings for the last 3 to 5 years. This may provide a lot of information you seek.
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Post by soccerparent02 on Jun 3, 2023 22:14:02 GMT -5
In response to the keeper question, kids team only had one keeper. Kid played at a Big 5 in Atlanta was on their top team, was ranked top in southeast and top 5 nationally. I think most do this.
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