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Post by georgiatechalum on Jun 5, 2021 15:47:57 GMT -5
I am going to take a different perspective than what I typically see on the forum. And this may just be on the boys side. I have older daughters and a U12 son.They all play for the big 5. That said, on the boys side this year I have seen ( and heard) several top clubs promoting boys from their second teams to the top team( in some cases even their third team). This may be unique this year because there weren’t real tryouts last year because of Covid. But I applaud those clubs who are doing that. Honesty, that is the way it should be. Yes- it’s not all clubs - some are trying to build “ all word” teams by recruiting. It will be interesting to see how the teams fair this year . Those who are recruiting from the outside vs. those building from within. Curious what others are seeing ...?
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Post by bogan on Jun 5, 2021 16:01:14 GMT -5
I am going to take a different perspective than what I typically see on the forum. And this may just be on the boys side. I have older daughters and a U12 son.They all play for the big 5. That said, on the boys side this year I have seen ( and heard) several top clubs promoting boys from their second teams to the top team( in some cases even their third team). This may be unique this year because there weren’t real tryouts last year because of Covid. But I applaud those clubs who are doing that. Honesty, that is the way it should be. Yes- it’s not all clubs - some are trying to build “ all word” teams by recruiting. It will be interesting to see how the teams fair this year . Those who are recruiting from the outside vs. those building from within. Curious what others are seeing ...? Seen the typical shizat. Lots of recruiting. But we are at the Boys U-16 level…there are very few surprises (hidden gems). |
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Post by georgiatechalum on Jun 5, 2021 16:05:28 GMT -5
That’s fair ... I am seeing at he U11-U14 age groups.
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Post by oraclesfriend on Jun 5, 2021 16:08:28 GMT -5
I have seen a little promotion at the U12 age group. Two kids second to first (also took 2 outside players), one kid third to second (also took outside players and players from a different location) at one club. At same club older age group one promoted from 2nd team to ECNL.
Different club one second team player offered promotion (and declined though still in same league) older age group.
Some clubs seem to do more of this inside promotion than others. Some coaches seem to do more as well. This year IS a different year also with no real tryouts last year.
I think it is very good that clubs look within and even look at within but different location. I think the goal should be to develop them at academy ages close to home and then promote from within and consolidate at a "main" or "central" location when older. Just my $0.02
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Post by alphabetleague on Jun 5, 2021 17:59:42 GMT -5
Several players promoted from within at Concorde in U16 boys. No tryouts last year kept them from being promoted when they should have. Yes some higher level players left, but several were also moved down to make room for those promoted. There are gems at the U16 level. Some come in from small clubs without an ECNL badge to lean on and get stuck on a lower level team and some just develop and improve with a good coach. In the past 2 yrs, I know if 2 Premier/P1 players promoted straight to ECNL Platinum. Excellent coach advocating for players that deserved a solid look. Which is exactly what youth soccer coaches should be doing at all age groups.
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Post by soccermom667 on Jun 5, 2021 21:08:13 GMT -5
GSA U16 boys ECNL had 2 kids quit completely, 4 were moved down to ECRL, and they took 5 new players. 3 of the 5 new players are from smaller clubs that don't have ECNL. The other two are from other ECNL teams (AFU and Concorde, I think).
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Post by soccernoleuk on Jun 5, 2021 21:58:27 GMT -5
GSA U16 boys ECNL had 2 kids quit completely, 4 were moved down to ECRL, and they took 5 new players. 3 of the 5 new players are from smaller clubs that don't have ECNL. The other two are from other ECNL teams (AFU and Concorde, I think). So, none of the 5 new ECNL players were promoted from lower teams within the club, why am I not surprised? I'm not saying they never promote from within, but it is typical for GSA to go out to recruit new players instead of developing their own on lower level teams. |
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Post by soccermom667 on Jun 5, 2021 22:03:46 GMT -5
You are correct, GSA never promotes from within. They were very successful this year, with all age groups of ECNL teams making it to playoffs, and that combined with no tryouts last year, there were tons of kids from other clubs there for all age groups. Once GSA moves a kid down they generally stay a 2nd team player, unless they decide to go somewhere else.
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Post by Keeper on Jun 5, 2021 22:04:30 GMT -5
GSA U16 boys ECNL had 2 kids quit completely, 4 were moved down to ECRL, and they took 5 new players. 3 of the 5 new players are from smaller clubs that don't have ECNL. The other two are from other ECNL teams (AFU and Concorde, I think). So, none of the 5 new ECNL players were promoted from lower teams within the club, why am I not surprised? I'm not saying they never promote from within, but it is typical for GSA to go out to recruit new players instead of developing their own on lower level teams. Hahaha gsa actually develop players out of the academy ages? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 |
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Post by georgiatechalum on Jun 5, 2021 22:19:25 GMT -5
Been around kids soccer a long time. ( too long)
GSA, specifically on the boys side has always been an enigma to me. No question they win and they win a lot! But the style of play is basically glorified kick ball. They don’t play out of the back, they don’t typically have the most technical boys ( nor do they develop that or look for that) Big, strong, fast - Yes
Win - Yes .... bad soccer - Yes. It always confuses me why talented boys want to play there, then I am reminded- THEY WIN.
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Post by justhavefun on Jun 5, 2021 22:54:52 GMT -5
That’s an interesting observation. I think GSA is known for that style of play
and as you stated they are successful with it. Most of the boys( and parents) who are more technical want no part of GSA, yet you will see the bigger/ stronger kids who are less technical go there. So it’s just a circle, if you are more technical ( from an ECNL perspective) you go to UFA or NASA and if you are less technical but /more physical/ bigger etc you gravitate towards GSA ( and probably Concorde second) Compare it to say College Football, If you are a stud QB you are not going to play for Georgia Tech who doesn’t throw the ball. It’s all about the system.
So the as the saying goes the big get bigger and the technical get more technical( okay I made that up - that’s not really a saying)
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Post by mistercalcio on Jun 5, 2021 23:01:04 GMT -5
I am going to take a different perspective than what I typically see on the forum. And this may just be on the boys side. I have older daughters and a U12 son.They all play for the big 5. That said, on the boys side this year I have seen ( and heard) several top clubs promoting boys from their second teams to the top team( in some cases even their third team). This may be unique this year because there weren’t real tryouts last year because of Covid. But I applaud those clubs who are doing that. Honesty, that is the way it should be. Yes- it’s not all clubs - some are trying to build “ all word” teams by recruiting. It will be interesting to see how the teams fair this year . Those who are recruiting from the outside vs. those building from within. Curious what others are seeing ...? Like you, I’ve got 3 kids throughout select soccer. My middle one made the move to a new club this year for the exact reason of feeling “stuck” at his previous location when he’d worked, asked for feedback, and done all the extra training, speed and agility work, etc asked of him. Was a 2-3 year process and just didn’t seem to be opportunity for him to move up. Had a great experience w new club tryouts and made first team (that said, no animosity to previous/current as our other two still play there!). Middle son is now at a “big 5” club, though, and has already made connections with several new teammates and one of the coaches/academy director at the club who took a genuine interest in his playing background and mindset - sharing that we have Italian heritage seemed to be a lucky note to share with the AD in particular! 🇮🇹 While our experience was more based on finding “the right fit,” i still wanted to share as your experience of seeing in-club development seems to be a foundational tenet for where he has ended up (again, big 5 club in the metro Atlanta area). Nice to see amongst some of the other negative experiences that have been going on lately, thanks for sharing/starting this thread! |
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Post by mistercalcio on Jun 5, 2021 23:03:55 GMT -5
. So the as the saying goes the big get bigger and the technical get more technical( okay I made that up - that’s not really a saying) I know we haven’t seen eye to eye in the past but this saying you created made me chuckle! Couldn’t agree more, certain clubs and families tend to figure styles out over time and the wheel spins on and on… |
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Post by SoccerMom on Jun 5, 2021 23:09:43 GMT -5
This was the year where i saw the most movement of kids to other clubs. I think its due to no real tryouts last year.
Most clubs only promote from within if they see it absolutely necessary.
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Post by insideinfo on Jun 6, 2021 0:15:29 GMT -5
Shiny new toy always looks better
Loyalty doesn't run both ways
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Post by ball2futbol on Jun 6, 2021 0:22:40 GMT -5
That’s an interesting observation. I think GSA is known for that style of play and as you stated they are successful with it. Most of the boys( and parents) who are more technical want no part of GSA, yet you will see the bigger/ stronger kids who are less technical go there. So it’s just a circle, if you are more technical ( from an ECNL perspective) you go to UFA or NASA and if you are less technical but /more physical/ bigger etc you gravitate towards GSA ( and probably Concorde second) Compare it to say College Football, If you are a stud QB you are not going to play for Georgia Tech who doesn’t throw the ball. It’s all about the system. So the as the saying goes the big get bigger and the technical get more technical( okay I made that up - that’s not really a saying) Like your thought process here. Actually been thinking about style of play a lot lately as my kids matriculate through the soccer maze! Keep hearing certain coaches/clubs preach technique, technique, technique and i go to a national showcase and watch technique, technique, technique get punched in the mouth by Texas, NJ, California, VA etc... who play an aggressive College style and WIN! Not to say skill isnt vital... but when your back is against the wall, all I know is core conditioning and muscle endurance beats out technique in the 18! And I’ve seen it play out on the national/regional scale. As a vested parent I’m starting to believe our developmental system is flawed, soccer at every level is still a contact sport! Just my late night lobby thoughts. |
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Post by oraclesfriend on Jun 6, 2021 9:32:09 GMT -5
That’s an interesting observation. I think GSA is known for that style of play and as you stated they are successful with it. Most of the boys( and parents) who are more technical want no part of GSA, yet you will see the bigger/ stronger kids who are less technical go there. So it’s just a circle, if you are more technical ( from an ECNL perspective) you go to UFA or NASA and if you are less technical but /more physical/ bigger etc you gravitate towards GSA ( and probably Concorde second) Compare it to say College Football, If you are a stud QB you are not going to play for Georgia Tech who doesn’t throw the ball. It’s all about the system. So the as the saying goes the big get bigger and the technical get more technical( okay I made that up - that’s not really a saying) Like your thought process here. Actually been thinking about style of play a lot lately as my kids matriculate through the soccer maze! Keep hearing certain coaches/clubs preach technique, technique, technique and i go to a national showcase and watch technique, technique, technique get punched in the mouth by Texas, NJ, California, VA etc... who play an aggressive College style and WIN! Not to say skill isnt vital... but when your back is against the wall, all I know is core conditioning and muscle endurance beats out technique in the 18! And I’ve seen it play out on the national/regional scale. As a vested parent I’m starting to believe our developmental system is flawed, soccer at every level is still a contact sport! Just my late night lobby thoughts. It does not have to be an either/or. You CAN be technical and physical and fast. I have heard people say "College style" but yet I have watched many colleges (on the women's side) and many are technical and play possession. The fact remains that the best players and teams are good at both. You have to mix it up. In the earlier football analogy you use the run to set up the pass. Draw the defenders in and then play the long ball. This technique works in both types of football. |
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Post by justhavefun on Jun 6, 2021 10:07:56 GMT -5
I agree, I was definitely not insinuating that if your’e technical you don’t need to be physical, ( you need both) it was more about the style of play. GSA plays direct ( long ball). They win with that style of play, but it’s not for everyone.
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Post by messindreams on Jun 6, 2021 11:56:43 GMT -5
Like your thought process here. Actually been thinking about style of play a lot lately as my kids matriculate through the soccer maze! Keep hearing certain coaches/clubs preach technique, technique, technique and i go to a national showcase and watch technique, technique, technique get punched in the mouth by Texas, NJ, California, VA etc... who play an aggressive College style and WIN! Not to say skill isnt vital... but when your back is against the wall, all I know is core conditioning and muscle endurance beats out technique in the 18! And I’ve seen it play out on the national/regional scale. As a vested parent I’m starting to believe our developmental system is flawed, soccer at every level is still a contact sport! Just my late night lobby thoughts. It does not have to be an either/or. You CAN be technical and physical and fast. I have heard people say "College style" but yet I have watched many colleges (on the women's side) and many are technical and play possession. The fact remains that the best players and teams are good at both. You have to mix it up. In the earlier football analogy you use the run to set up the pass. Draw the defenders in and then play the long ball. This technique works in both types of football. Agree. Style also depends on the kids that show up at tryouts making the team and the coach. This year I’ve seen couple of NASA ECNL teams playing direct vs GSA playing possession ball. I was pleasantly surprised. Coaches have to adjust and deal with what they have, in game adjustments are equally important based on the opponent. I’ve seen technical teams getting lost when they play against direct playing style, aren’t these kids supposed to adjust to any style and play especially at highest levels? |
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Post by georgiatechalum on Jun 6, 2021 12:20:35 GMT -5
I am curious what GSA age group did you see them playing possession style vs direct / over the top? And I would say it’s hard for boys who play long ball and practice/train that way to suddenly play a more technical/ possession style at the flip of a switch. I also agree that within a game there are times to play long ball, but if that is all you do, ( or what you do 80%) that’s a different story.
AU is a possession style team, how did they do against GSA? It’s a question- I don’t know the answer. To me that would be a good comparison. One team is all about the technical/ tactical/ control possession style vs the other who plays the opposite.
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Post by messindreams on Jun 6, 2021 12:51:01 GMT -5
I agree with you, I was not inferring that GSA plays technical but my point was that there is no club that plays a specific style. It all depends on the Coach and players they have.
Watch this kickball game and decide for yourself who played possession vs direct more(more is the key).
Easy to find videos on NASA teams that play direct and possession. That said, of all the clubs in Atlanta youth soccer, AU, UFA and NASA play possession ball more than other clubs.
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Post by georgiatechalum on Jun 6, 2021 13:28:52 GMT -5
OMG .. First thank you for sharing this. I suspect you are a parent for one of the boys on one of these teams. So Let me apologize before I say anything, because this is not my way , but this was really hard to watch. I could only get though about 10 minutes. I don’t think I saw one completed pass. I am not sure how you could say one team played more possession style over the other. Sorry
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Post by soccermom667 on Jun 6, 2021 13:30:16 GMT -5
That’s an interesting observation. I think GSA is known for that style of play and as you stated they are successful with it. Most of the boys( and parents) who are more technical want no part of GSA, yet you will see the bigger/ stronger kids who are less technical go there. So it’s just a circle, if you are more technical ( from an ECNL perspective) you go to UFA or NASA and if you are less technical but /more physical/ bigger etc you gravitate towards GSA ( and probably Concorde second) Compare it to say College Football, If you are a stud QB you are not going to play for Georgia Tech who doesn’t throw the ball. It’s all about the system. So the as the saying goes the big get bigger and the technical get more technical( okay I made that up - that’s not really a saying) I have a kid on the 06 GSA ECNL team and one of his best friends is one of the players who got moved down. Honestly one of the better technical players on the team, great soccer IQ, but also the smallest (by far). It seems that his technical skill made up for the lack of size the previous 3 years of ECNL, but this year there were bigger players who were pretty good technically. So in a case like that, kids who are smaller and more technical and want to get back to ECNL would be better off trying out at UFA or NASA? |
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Post by justhavefun on Jun 6, 2021 13:40:40 GMT -5
You have a boy on the GSA team that someone just posted a video of 🤔
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Post by soccermom667 on Jun 6, 2021 14:08:43 GMT -5
You have a boy on the GSA team that someone just posted a video of 🤔 Yep, I sure do. That wasn't a great game for either team, but it is what it is. |
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Post by messindreams on Jun 6, 2021 14:38:46 GMT -5
That’s an interesting observation. I think GSA is known for that style of play and as you stated they are successful with it. Most of the boys( and parents) who are more technical want no part of GSA, yet you will see the bigger/ stronger kids who are less technical go there. So it’s just a circle, if you are more technical ( from an ECNL perspective) you go to UFA or NASA and if you are less technical but /more physical/ bigger etc you gravitate towards GSA ( and probably Concorde second) Compare it to say College Football, If you are a stud QB you are not going to play for Georgia Tech who doesn’t throw the ball. It’s all about the system. So the as the saying goes the big get bigger and the technical get more technical( okay I made that up - that’s not really a saying) I have a kid on the 06 GSA ECNL team and one of his best friends is one of the players who got moved down. Honestly one of the better technical players on the team, great soccer IQ, but also the smallest (by far). It seems that his technical skill made up for the lack of size the previous 3 years of ECNL, but this year there were bigger players who were pretty good technically. So in a case like that, kids who are smaller and more technical and want to get back to ECNL would be better off trying out at UFA or NASA? General answer is yes. Now the BUT part comes in, it is hard to break in to the top teams at older age groups. Also, it depends on Coach as I said. My bigger point is that any club claiming that they have a system and play a certain style is BS. AU could be an exception. I do not believe any of these club coaches develop much(few rare exceptions), good ones are training private and putting in the hours. All these clubs have platforms for kids to gather and showcase their talent similar to colleges/universities where kids go to learn and earn a degree. |
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Post by ball2futbol on Jun 6, 2021 20:44:52 GMT -5
I know the last few posts were Boy related BUT, the ECNL Girls North Carolina National Showcase finished up today. Only one Georgia club finished Top 3 in the final standings, within 2 of 3 age groups. GSA. The club definitely has a system which leans to a more physical style of play (boys and girls side). Again just something I've started paying more attention to as it relates to how local clubs match up at regional/national competitions.
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Post by oraclesfriend on Jun 6, 2021 21:31:05 GMT -5
I know the last few posts were Boy related BUT, the ECNL Girls North Carolina National Showcase finished up today. Only one Georgia club finished Top 3 in the final standings, within 2 of 3 age groups. GSA. The club definitely has a system which leans to a more physical style of play (boys and girls side). Again just something I've started paying more attention to as it relates to how local clubs match up at regional/national competitions. GSA is not the only club that leans to physical play. Concorde does as well (on the girls side). GSA has also recruited REALLY well. And Concorde has been playing up several girls from 05 age group (even 2024 grads). I think they have 3 or 4 play ups. It is all a set of difficult decisions. Would Concorde 05 do better with those 3 or 4 play ups playing on their own age group...probably. But those girls deserve to play up in order to maximize their development. What do you do? Play for standings (and to satisfy the masses and recruit more players) or do what is best for your players. Not a Concorde parent, but I have seen those girls play and they deserve to play up. |
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