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Post by soccerfan on Mar 25, 2014 15:25:05 GMT -5
Hi All – new user here, and I’m hoping that this forum can provide some insight as my son begins to navigate the U13+ soccer landscape. A bit of our situation. 2002 male. Plays for a good team, but not DA affiliated (GSA, SSA, InterAtlanta, etc.) ODP player and truly one of the better players for his age group. He gets tons of compliments from other coaches and parents that lead us to believe that he is DA quality. But, realistic enough to know that things can change in the next couple of years too.
The biggest question we have is how do you end up on a DA team? I’ve heard the “they will call you” jokes. But, really is there a normal path that most people take? With u13/14 is that age group too new to say?
With DA being birth year based, I take it that right now he is considered a u11. So, he wouldn’t reach the u13 (DA) until the 2015-2016 year? Even though he’s playing u12/u13 this year.
Are there tryouts to attend? If so, do you tryout a year early to get “known” before hand? (is it even possible to play up?) Do you play out u13/u14 select and get “found” that way? Is it advantageous to going to Concorde, UFA, NSA, NASA, LSA for these couple of select years to make sure he’s seen?
Hopefully, others have some experience with these choices. Talking to other parents and coaches in our clique doesn't help as they wouldn't want to see my son leave their team.
I hope this makes sense, and thank you in advance.
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Post by silverback on Mar 25, 2014 22:43:58 GMT -5
My 2 cents - Need to do what's best for your son and align with his goals. If your son really wants to play DA and has the skill, it's probably best to get into one of the DA clubs feeder clubs asap as it's the easiest way to get noticed and the coaches can monitor your son's progress. With that said, you can still make a DA team from the "outside", but its definitely harder. DA coaches from both clubs know most of the top players based on ODP state/region teams, talking with other coaches, scouting, talking to other players, etc, but some do fall through the cracks. If your son is a "known" player, you will get the "invites" and/or more looks at the tryouts, but it appears they are moving away from "open" tryouts.
If you stay with your current club, I would reach out to the DA coaches or talk directly with TA/GUSA or GB/CF, but they will inevitably try to recruit you to their clubs. But it doesn't hurt to introduce yourself and your child and try to get on their radar. Also, since your son plays ODP, get to know the coaches (if you don't already) and seek their advice. I found them very helpful. IMO - DA is a level above and worth it, especially when it comes to college recruiting, but it certainly isn't the only path as there are great teams/players/competition at the RPL level too.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2014 8:49:05 GMT -5
agree with silverback, will make life easier if your at one of the DA clubs. With a potential merger between norcross and UFA, that would be a great home for a current u11, rising u12. If your kid can play and is at a member club they will find him. TA knows who every younger u7-u12 boy is at norcross and i'm sure will be the case if the clubs do end up merging, he'll know every u7-u12 in the club with ability. When not with his DA team, hes at the fields now every saturday watching the younger kids play. |
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