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Post by tboysmom on Nov 16, 2021 9:42:50 GMT -5
When is the best time for a serious player coming up through a smaller club to make the transition to one of the larger clubs? U11? U12? U13? Is U13 too late? We like the small club feel for early growth and development and relationships, but the reason for the change would be the competition that a larger club would provide (more players/teams, so probably better players on the higher level teams within the age groups). Any thoughts are appreciated. Also interested in thoughts about the better (or emerging) boys programs at some of the larger clubs in these age groups since we have no experience with the bigs. Thank you!
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Post by mistergrinch on Nov 16, 2021 11:46:18 GMT -5
as soon as possible.
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Post by soccerdad76 on Nov 16, 2021 12:17:08 GMT -5
It can be hard to break into a top team straight from tryouts (many will probably agree), but I think it’ll be much easier to move up after a year (many will probably disagree) if your player has the goods.
With that in mind, start at a club at u11 to be ready for shot at SCCL Club at u12. Same for u12 to be ready for u13 ECNL / MLS next. For your goals it sounds like if you wait until u13 you are too late.
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Post by Keeper on Nov 16, 2021 12:51:00 GMT -5
Make the the move when your current coach can’t keep up with the demands of your player. Otherwise you’re just a club hopper to be.
Is your kid happy? Is your kid getting better? Is your team winning and developing? If all yes stay, when they become No’s especially the first two then it’s time to move on.
Remember big club coaches always love the new shiny toy that can be new players so it can be easy to make top level teams if your kid can back it up on the field.
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Post by tboysmom on Nov 16, 2021 13:36:17 GMT -5
Make the the move when your current coach can’t keep up with the demands of your player. Otherwise you’re just a club hopper to be. Is your kid happy? Is your kid getting better? Is your team winning and developing? If all yes stay, when they become No’s especially the first two then it’s time to move on. Remember big club coaches always love the new shiny toy that can be new players so it can be easy to make top level teams if your kid can back it up on the field. Really appreciate the feedback and advice. How (un)usual is it to try to change clubs mid-year? Or is it always best to wait until May/June tryouts? Referencing points 1 (happy) and 2 (improving) in your post, we are at a point where "no" would be the appropriate answer for both. It feels obvious that it's time to move on. We have sort of had the "aha" moment this season that it feels like this is no longer the right fit. Is it better to wait until spring tryouts to try to make a move elsewhere, or is it preferable to try to make a change before spring? I know most all clubs have rosters set, but thinking it might be a good idea to try somehow to get on the radar of where we might be interested in going. Certainly don't want to club-hop (we have spent our whole "career" at our one club, so we have been very loyal); just want to make sure that we make a solid move to a good fit and wondering how best to do that. Sounds like time is of the essence in these upper age groups. Thank you all for your advice! |
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Post by bogan on Nov 16, 2021 13:51:12 GMT -5
Make the the move when your current coach can’t keep up with the demands of your player. Otherwise you’re just a club hopper to be. Is your kid happy? Is your kid getting better? Is your team winning and developing? If all yes stay, when they become No’s especially the first two then it’s time to move on. Remember big club coaches always love the new shiny toy that can be new players so it can be easy to make top level teams if your kid can back it up on the field. Really appreciate the feedback and advice. How (un)usual is it to try to change clubs mid-year? Or is it always best to wait until May/June tryouts? Referencing points 1 (happy) and 2 (improving) in your post, we are at a point where "no" would be the appropriate answer for both. It feels obvious that it's time to move on. We have sort of had the "aha" moment this season that it feels like this is no longer the right fit. Is it better to wait until spring tryouts to try to make a move elsewhere, or is it preferable to try to make a change before spring? I know most all clubs have rosters set, but thinking it might be a good idea to try somehow to get on the radar of where we might be interested in going. Certainly don't want to club-hop (we have spent our whole "career" at our one club, so we have been very loyal); just want to make sure that we make a solid move to a good fit and wondering how best to do that. Sounds like time is of the essence in these upper age groups. Thank you all for your advice! IMHO unless it’s a dumpster fire at your current club it is better to wait until fall… There’s also the issue of the club releasing your player as well. However, others may feel differently about this. |
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Post by DunwoodySoccerDad on Nov 16, 2021 14:15:49 GMT -5
Really appreciate the feedback and advice. How (un)usual is it to try to change clubs mid-year? Or is it always best to wait until May/June tryouts? Referencing points 1 (happy) and 2 (improving) in your post, we are at a point where "no" would be the appropriate answer for both. It feels obvious that it's time to move on. We have sort of had the "aha" moment this season that it feels like this is no longer the right fit. Is it better to wait until spring tryouts to try to make a move elsewhere, or is it preferable to try to make a change before spring? I know most all clubs have rosters set, but thinking it might be a good idea to try somehow to get on the radar of where we might be interested in going. Certainly don't want to club-hop (we have spent our whole "career" at our one club, so we have been very loyal); just want to make sure that we make a solid move to a good fit and wondering how best to do that. Sounds like time is of the essence in these upper age groups. Thank you all for your advice! IMHO unless it’s a dumpster fire at your current club it is better to wait until fall… There’s also the issue of the club releasing your player as well. However, others may feel differently about this. Agree with this - also how unhappy is your kid? If he/she is miserable due to the situation, I'd consider a move before spring. If not, probably better to grin & bear it, then make the move at May/June tryouts. I'd start doing my due diligence on the clubs you're looking into, specifically the coaches, how their teams are doing, etc. |
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Post by soccerparentx on Nov 16, 2021 14:24:57 GMT -5
Really appreciate the feedback and advice. How (un)usual is it to try to change clubs mid-year? Or is it always best to wait until May/June tryouts? Referencing points 1 (happy) and 2 (improving) in your post, we are at a point where "no" would be the appropriate answer for both. It feels obvious that it's time to move on. We have sort of had the "aha" moment this season that it feels like this is no longer the right fit. Is it better to wait until spring tryouts to try to make a move elsewhere, or is it preferable to try to make a change before spring? I know most all clubs have rosters set, but thinking it might be a good idea to try somehow to get on the radar of where we might be interested in going. Certainly don't want to club-hop (we have spent our whole "career" at our one club, so we have been very loyal); just want to make sure that we make a solid move to a good fit and wondering how best to do that. Sounds like time is of the essence in these upper age groups. Thank you all for your advice! IMHO unless it’s a dumpster fire at your current club it is better to wait until fall… There’s also the issue of the club releasing your player as well. However, others may feel differently about this. Definitely understand the financial implications of being released mid-season. In my opinion, it doesn't hurt to get visibility prior to next year's tryouts. There may be some clubs holding supplemental tryouts next week. At the very least, they know who you are. We've been in a similar situation and supplemented with outside training. But it got to the point where we knew we needed to switch and did. It was worth it. Not cheap. But worth it. To be fair though, we got lucky in that we got a coach that really does develop kids. It also won't hurt to reach out to the Directors of Coaching at those big clubs. They aren't in the business of turning away potential fees. :-) |
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Post by upper90allday on Nov 16, 2021 14:47:28 GMT -5
Doing research on coach and team might be a waste of time for U12 and U13 .... too many variables with kids funneling to big clubs from small clubs due to the opp to go from academy to sccl for u12 and from sccl to ECNL or /MLS Next for U13. Maybe go to some of the end of season tournaments to see what that level looks like. Odds are the coach will not move up with the team next year.
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Post by atlutd17 on Nov 16, 2021 17:44:03 GMT -5
If happy with coach/team wherever you all are, then you should think about it twice.
I would be very careful before moving to another club. Competition is important but it's neither most important by itself, nor a guarantee at a bigger club. League aside, determining factors can be how good of a fit can that team be for your child, the coaching experience in developing (not the W/L record), integrity of the coach, the club resources/facilities, and the team environment as a whole.
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Post by rifle on Nov 16, 2021 18:03:05 GMT -5
Contact a DOC and tell them the situation. Tell them you would like to be a “guest player” in some tournaments.
To those who know… You can still do that right?
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Post by soccerdad76 on Nov 16, 2021 20:56:40 GMT -5
Lots of teams have “guest players” at practice in May, so if you identify any teams/coaches you are interested in by means listed above, contact DOCs and try to get in some practice time in late spring before tryouts.
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Post by oraclesfriend on Nov 16, 2021 23:06:06 GMT -5
Personally I do not think there is a time that is too late or too early. Each kid is different. I know kids who moved youngish (U11 and U12)and those who waited until U17. It all depends on your kid's circumstances and team. From what you said about your child not being happy nor improving then I think the time is now. Whether you do it in spring or next tryout season depends on how not happy. The development at the young ages, I think you can catch up and/or use private trainers to compensate. It is all about enjoying the game!
Check out the various clubs near you and see what the players are like level-wise. Talk to the parents. There are tons of tournaments happening in the next few weeks. Go scout. Watch games. If you feel your kid is top team, big club material then watch those. If you think maybe second team then watch those games. Do some research.
The grass is not always greener. I know a few kids that left the small club for the big one (good players) and returned to the small club the following year.
For me it is coach #1, team #2, league and club #3 until you get to recruiting ages and then some of that may change a little depending on your goals
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Post by Keeper on Nov 16, 2021 23:13:14 GMT -5
Make the the move when your current coach can’t keep up with the demands of your player. Otherwise you’re just a club hopper to be. Is your kid happy? Is your kid getting better? Is your team winning and developing? If all yes stay, when they become No’s especially the first two then it’s time to move on. Remember big club coaches always love the new shiny toy that can be new players so it can be easy to make top level teams if your kid can back it up on the field. Really appreciate the feedback and advice. How (un)usual is it to try to change clubs mid-year? Or is it always best to wait until May/June tryouts? Referencing points 1 (happy) and 2 (improving) in your post, we are at a point where "no" would be the appropriate answer for both. It feels obvious that it's time to move on. We have sort of had the "aha" moment this season that it feels like this is no longer the right fit. Is it better to wait until spring tryouts to try to make a move elsewhere, or is it preferable to try to make a change before spring? I know most all clubs have rosters set, but thinking it might be a good idea to try somehow to get on the radar of where we might be interested in going. Certainly don't want to club-hop (we have spent our whole "career" at our one club, so we have been very loyal); just want to make sure that we make a solid move to a good fit and wondering how best to do that. Sounds like time is of the essence in these upper age groups. Thank you all for your advice! Sounds like it’s time to move then. So if you’re at a small club, I’m assuming it’s a GA Soccer club and not SCCL. Depending the level of how bad the fall was and ended you could jump to an SCCL club without a buy out or release as GA soccer clubs and SCCL don't have the same rules. If your kid can back it up on the field then the next club will get them on a top team for spring eventually. You may have to start lower and work up but it’s possible and puts you ahead of the game come tryouts. Again if it’s bad now just find a spot that has an environment of fun and development. Especially since it’s sounds like you’re still in Academy. Talk to your current clubs DOC if you can, let them know you’re done and moving on and go from there. Some will work with you and help you move on. Again if you move from Ga Soccer to SCCL then it’s as simple as just normal tryouts. Let the new club know though in case they have a relationship with the old club and an agreement to not recruit players mid year. It’s a common thing for the most part and there’s way of doing it, but be honest and communicate what you want. |
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Post by atlfutboldad on Nov 17, 2021 13:24:18 GMT -5
IMO it entirely depends on the level of coaching you're getting at the small club.
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Post by ball2futbol on Nov 17, 2021 18:30:57 GMT -5
If you have a club in mind, their winter camps are also good for your kid to train and meet prospective club coaches/players.
At the academy age there’s typically no club member specific requirement (might pay a few dollars more for the camp). But it’s a opportunity to measure up and get a feel for training style. If he does well, they'll remember him come late spring.
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Post by soccerspin on Nov 17, 2021 22:51:22 GMT -5
If happy with coach/team wherever you all are, then you should think about it twice. I would be very careful before moving to another club. Competition is important but it's neither most important by itself, nor a guarantee at a bigger club. League aside, determining factors can be how good of a fit can that team be for your child, the coaching experience in developing (not the W/L record), integrity of the coach, the club resources/facilities, and the team environment as a whole. Second this. Don’t make the jump because of fear you might be too late otherwise. Sure most teams are fairly set at the older ages but there’s always room for a few new faces. Can’t emphasize enough to do as much homework as you can before making the move. Watch games and/or practices if you’re able. You’ll get a feel for coaching style, how the players interact, and how the parents behave. |
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Post by futdad on Nov 18, 2021 0:28:42 GMT -5
How do you guest play without a release? Does this mean practice or at games?
What are the top clubs (main hub) in Greater ATL?
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Post by DunwoodySoccerDad on Nov 18, 2021 8:55:08 GMT -5
How do you guest play without a release? Does this mean practice or at games? What are the top clubs (main hub) in Greater ATL? If your club is in the same league as the one you're looking to guest play, then your club either has to approve guest playing or you have to get a release (if you're ready to cut the cord with your current club). Guest play can be practices or games. re: top clubs - what part of town do you live in? |
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Nov 18, 2021 13:16:00 GMT -5
Lots of teams have “guest players” at practice in May, so if you identify any teams/coaches you are interested in by means listed above, contact DOCs and try to get in some practice time in late spring before tryouts. Good idea, just be careful about the rules of engagement prior to the mythical release date. Don't want the old club crying foul about your potential new club/coach tampering/recruiting or any other charge they can levy to blow things up. If you're not officially released, find out the rules and play by them... |
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Post by futbolhero on Nov 18, 2021 13:49:28 GMT -5
Lots of teams have “guest players” at practice in May, so if you identify any teams/coaches you are interested in by means listed above, contact DOCs and try to get in some practice time in late spring before tryouts. Good idea, just be careful about the rules of engagement prior to the mythical release date. Don't want the old club crying foul about your potential new club/coach tampering/recruiting or any other charge they can levy to blow things up. If you're not officially released, find out the rules and play by them... Unless you are a superstar then you call the shots and deal with the ramifications later. |
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