Insiders view of tryouts

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is the helmets a reference to kids with disabilities? You are a disgusting pig.

Hurry, let's all get pitchforks and roast the guy for calling it like it is.

The internet keyboard wartiors are so annoying.

No need to sockpuppet. Literally no one except you thinks your post is acceptable. You are a gross, sad dinosaur.

Nobody cares but you Sally

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While entire teams are not pre-made, the majority of them are. Perhaps 70-80% of the roster. This spring I knew two of the three coaches in my kid's age group. Both coaches told me exactly which kids were getting offers to which teams and exactly which kids were not getting offers.

So, while there is perhaps 1-4 potential open spots it's not uncommon for teams to be "pre-made". Now, the issue comes when clubs don't always place the best players with the top teams because they want all their teams to perform well so they spread out the bubble players. This is unfair to those players because proper development requires players to be around players of even skill (usually). Otherwise, it's a wasted season.

That’s because of positioning requirements.

18 person teams don’t need 4 keepers right? Same is true of other positions, they don’t need 6 forwards or 4 center backs. So yes, the top 6 forwards in a club’s age bracket are going to get broken up across the top two teams, even if forward number 5 is - on a 4 corners eval - better than 14 of the players on the top team.

\

Not really, and especially not for something ENCL or MLSnext. There is a good chance that the 4th or fifth best forward at tryouts is a better left back than the second best left back. Talent tends to go to striker, center mid, and, to a lesser degree, center back. The top team is not going to keep a right mid when another kid who calls themselves a center mid could play the right mid better than them. The best teams are mostly former strikers and center mids who learned a new position.

You’re blending old positions with new positions in order to be right on this subject.

Almost every 7yo that goes ends up in club later is a striker at 7yo. As the a-side increases, the positions to do. 5aside is a 6, a 7, 10 and 11. All middies.

7aside you get a couple of defenders, but it’s still middle driven ball with an increased popularity of a 1-3-2 formation, you might only get one back - so basically everyone is still a middie…until 11v11.

And to top it off, teams don’t carry two “left backs.” Whoever is the backup left back, is a something else primarily. And chances are it’s another back or a middie.

If your kid is the number 5 forward in a club (in your mind), and is on the top team as a left back - they’re not a forward…they’re a left back…even if they were “so amazing” as a striker at 10. I promise you, the club doesn’t even have your DC labeled as a fwd in PlayMetrics at that point on the club’s blackend.

Phrase it however you want to, but telling yourself it's a position crunch is wrong. Aside from goalies, teams will take the most talented kids and figure out positions later

Yes…at u11…. 🤦‍♂️ not at u14

What happens to the bubble kids? They get knocked off so the team can bring on their 10th center mid? 😂

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We just went through an annoying club experience.

My oldest is a 2010 and on top team and has been for 10+ years.

My youngest is a 2016. She started playing a little older but tore up the rec league and was moved into their all stars program and did the same.

They invited us to the competitive cattle call tryouts and my 2016 was put into the 4th group with the players wearing helmets.

I couldn't believe it. There was definitely a disconnect. I suppose I should have shmuzed up to the youngers doc or just went directly to the top team coach. But I thought the club was tracking success + would be a little more accommodating with top players younger siblings.

Meh, big deal. Their loss we went down the street to a smaller club. The parents are way nicer. The practice facilities are better. Coach played in college and is doing everything right. My kid has done the same thing at the new club and is scoring all the goals. Eventually we'll play and likely beat the big club the put my daughter in the "helmet crew" during tryouts and I fully expect coaches to be waiting to say hi in the parking lot.

It's satire...do you actually believe The Onion or The Babylon Bee is a legit news site?

It is 2024. Your elder child was born in 2010. They are 13-14 years old.

According to you, they have been on the top team for ten+ years. You were there being disingenuous or, no offense meant, foe finding a travel program for the child at four.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While entire teams are not pre-made, the majority of them are. Perhaps 70-80% of the roster. This spring I knew two of the three coaches in my kid's age group. Both coaches told me exactly which kids were getting offers to which teams and exactly which kids were not getting offers.

So, while there is perhaps 1-4 potential open spots it's not uncommon for teams to be "pre-made". Now, the issue comes when clubs don't always place the best players with the top teams because they want all their teams to perform well so they spread out the bubble players. This is unfair to those players because proper development requires players to be around players of even skill (usually). Otherwise, it's a wasted season.

That’s because of positioning requirements.

18 person teams don’t need 4 keepers right? Same is true of other positions, they don’t need 6 forwards or 4 center backs. So yes, the top 6 forwards in a club’s age bracket are going to get broken up across the top two teams, even if forward number 5 is - on a 4 corners eval - better than 14 of the players on the top team.

\

Not really, and especially not for something ENCL or MLSnext. There is a good chance that the 4th or fifth best forward at tryouts is a better left back than the second best left back. Talent tends to go to striker, center mid, and, to a lesser degree, center back. The top team is not going to keep a right mid when another kid who calls themselves a center mid could play the right mid better than them. The best teams are mostly former strikers and center mids who learned a new position.

You’re blending old positions with new positions in order to be right on this subject.

Almost every 7yo that goes ends up in club later is a striker at 7yo. As the a-side increases, the positions to do. 5aside is a 6, a 7, 10 and 11. All middies.

7aside you get a couple of defenders, but it’s still middle driven ball with an increased popularity of a 1-3-2 formation, you might only get one back - so basically everyone is still a middie…until 11v11.

And to top it off, teams don’t carry two “left backs.” Whoever is the backup left back, is a something else primarily. And chances are it’s another back or a middie.

If your kid is the number 5 forward in a club (in your mind), and is on the top team as a left back - they’re not a forward…they’re a left back…even if they were “so amazing” as a striker at 10. I promise you, the club doesn’t even have your DC labeled as a fwd in PlayMetrics at that point on the club’s blackend.

Phrase it however you want to, but telling yourself it's a position crunch is wrong. Aside from goalies, teams will take the most talented kids and figure out positions later

Yes…at u11…. 🤦‍♂️ not at u14

What happens to the bubble kids? They get knocked off so the team can bring on their 10th center mid? 😂

Coaches are taking the best players regardless of position, they'll find a spot in the rotation or work them in somewhere. My DC started as a center mid then went to winger/forward, outside mid, and finished up their last 3 clubs seasons as an outside defender and then went to college and played center mid. You'll only have the same coach for a couple years and each coach evaluates talent differently or how players fit into their system. The anomalies to this are striker, center defenders and goalie - those takes a specific skill set, every other position is best player.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We just went through an annoying club experience.

My oldest is a 2010 and on top team and has been for 10+ years.

My youngest is a 2016. She started playing a little older but tore up the rec league and was moved into their all stars program and did the same.

They invited us to the competitive cattle call tryouts and my 2016 was put into the 4th group with the players wearing helmets.

I couldn't believe it. There was definitely a disconnect. I suppose I should have shmuzed up to the youngers doc or just went directly to the top team coach. But I thought the club was tracking success + would be a little more accommodating with top players younger siblings.

Meh, big deal. Their loss we went down the street to a smaller club. The parents are way nicer. The practice facilities are better. Coach played in college and is doing everything right. My kid has done the same thing at the new club and is scoring all the goals. Eventually we'll play and likely beat the big club the put my daughter in the "helmet crew" during tryouts and I fully expect coaches to be waiting to say hi in the parking lot.

It is 2024. Your elder child was born in 2010. They are 13-14 years old.

According to you, they have been on the top team for ten+ years. You were there being disingenuous or, no offense meant, foe finding a travel program for the child at four.

Been playing rec since 3.

Club did a "elite" team starting at 5.

Rec All Star players are funneled into the elite team which becomes letter league at u13.

If you are honest with yourself, you will know 3-5 year old "playing g soccer " aren't really playing soccer. They are swarming, picking flowers , and some just generally zoning out. I'm sure your little treasure was different though.

Shit club taking people's money for an "elite team" of five year olds. Makes you FEEL SOOOOOO GOOD to talk about it though, yeah? Maybe it was worth your money after all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We just went through an annoying club experience.

My oldest is a 2010 and on top team and has been for 10+ years.

My youngest is a 2016. She started playing a little older but tore up the rec league and was moved into their all stars program and did the same.

They invited us to the competitive cattle call tryouts and my 2016 was put into the 4th group with the players wearing helmets.

I couldn't believe it. There was definitely a disconnect. I suppose I should have shmuzed up to the youngers doc or just went directly to the top team coach. But I thought the club was tracking success + would be a little more accommodating with top players younger siblings.

Meh, big deal. Their loss we went down the street to a smaller club. The parents are way nicer. The practice facilities are better. Coach played in college and is doing everything right. My kid has done the same thing at the new club and is scoring all the goals. Eventually we'll play and likely beat the big club the put my daughter in the "helmet crew" during tryouts and I fully expect coaches to be waiting to say hi in the parking lot.

It's satire...do you actually believe The Onion or The Babylon Bee is a legit news site?

It is 2024. Your elder child was born in 2010. They are 13-14 years old.

According to you, they have been on the top team for ten+ years. You were there being disingenuous or, no offense meant, foe finding a travel program for the child at four.

Maybe if you used the quote button correctly and made it clear that the “satire” post is from the same PP as the “my kid got stuck with a bunch of helmet wearers” then maybe we could all have a laugh at ourselves and call it a day instead of you just laughing at your own jokes all alone?

[Anonymous]

I’m hysterical at the offer we just received.

What a fkkkg joke.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m hysterical at the offer we just received.

What a fkkkg joke.

Context? From your long-time team... from a new team?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m hysterical at the offer we just received.

What a fkkkg joke.

Context? From your long-time team... from a new team?

I’d like to give benefit of the doubt that a mistake was made or mixed number because if not it’s truly hysterical.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m hysterical at the offer we just received.

What a fkkkg joke.

Context? From your long-time team... from a new team?

I’d like to give benefit of the doubt that a mistake was made or mixed number because if not it’s truly hysterical.

New team- HS age. Know everyone and the landscape at this point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We just went through an annoying club experience.

My oldest is a 2010 and on top team and has been for 10+ years.

My youngest is a 2016. She started playing a little older but tore up the rec league and was moved into their all stars program and did the same.

They invited us to the competitive cattle call tryouts and my 2016 was put into the 4th group with the players wearing helmets.

I couldn't believe it. There was definitely a disconnect. I suppose I should have shmuzed up to the youngers doc or just went directly to the top team coach. But I thought the club was tracking success + would be a little more accommodating with top players younger siblings.

Meh, big deal. Their loss we went down the street to a smaller club. The parents are way nicer. The practice facilities are better. Coach played in college and is doing everything right. My kid has done the same thing at the new club and is scoring all the goals. Eventually we'll play and likely beat the big club the put my daughter in the "helmet crew" during tryouts and I fully expect coaches to be waiting to say hi in the parking lot.

It is 2024. Your elder child was born in 2010. They are 13-14 years old.

According to you, they have been on the top team for ten+ years. You were there being disingenuous or, no offense meant, foe finding a travel program for the child at four.

Been playing rec since 3.

Club did a "elite" team starting at 5.

Rec All Star players are funneled into the elite team which becomes letter league at u13.

“Elite” at 5 years old. What a tool.

[Anonymous]

omg, this guy with the under-appreciated elite 4 year olds 😭

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We just went through an annoying club experience.

My oldest is a 2010 and on top team and has been for 10+ years.

My youngest is a 2016. She started playing a little older but tore up the rec league and was moved into their all stars program and did the same.

They invited us to the competitive cattle call tryouts and my 2016 was put into the 4th group with the players wearing helmets.

I couldn't believe it. There was definitely a disconnect. I suppose I should have shmuzed up to the youngers doc or just went directly to the top team coach. But I thought the club was tracking success + would be a little more accommodating with top players younger siblings.

Meh, big deal. Their loss we went down the street to a smaller club. The parents are way nicer. The practice facilities are better. Coach played in college and is doing everything right. My kid has done the same thing at the new club and is scoring all the goals. Eventually we'll play and likely beat the big club the put my daughter in the "helmet crew" during tryouts and I fully expect coaches to be waiting to say hi in the parking lot.

It is 2024. Your elder child was born in 2010. They are 13-14 years old.

According to you, they have been on the top team for ten+ years. You were there being disingenuous or, no offense meant, foe finding a travel program for the child at four.

Been playing rec since 3.

Club did a "elite" team starting at 5.

Rec All Star players are funneled into the elite team which becomes letter league at u13.

“Elite” at 5 years old. What a tool.

I have no control over what clubs call their top teams.

Sheesh what a bunch of bronze medals in this group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We just went through an annoying club experience.

My oldest is a 2010 and on top team and has been for 10+ years.

My youngest is a 2016. She started playing a little older but tore up the rec league and was moved into their all stars program and did the same.

They invited us to the competitive cattle call tryouts and my 2016 was put into the 4th group with the players wearing helmets.

I couldn't believe it. There was definitely a disconnect. I suppose I should have shmuzed up to the youngers doc or just went directly to the top team coach. But I thought the club was tracking success + would be a little more accommodating with top players younger siblings.

Meh, big deal. Their loss we went down the street to a smaller club. The parents are way nicer. The practice facilities are better. Coach played in college and is doing everything right. My kid has done the same thing at the new club and is scoring all the goals. Eventually we'll play and likely beat the big club the put my daughter in the "helmet crew" during tryouts and I fully expect coaches to be waiting to say hi in the parking lot.

It is 2024. Your elder child was born in 2010. They are 13-14 years old.

According to you, they have been on the top team for ten+ years. You were there being disingenuous or, no offense meant, foe finding a travel program for the child at four.

Been playing rec since 3.

Club did a "elite" team starting at 5.

Rec All Star players are funneled into the elite team which becomes letter league at u13.

“Elite” at 5 years old. What a tool.

I have no control over what clubs call their top teams.

Sheesh what a bunch of bronze medals in this group.

You are correct. You don't have control over what clubs call their teams. HOWEVER, anyone who has been around the block doesn't crow about their kid being "elite" and on "top teams" in kindergarten. In fact, anyone who has.a bit of self respect doesn't typically big up their kid being "on the top team." Those who do usually do it because they were not even has beens but never weres.

Unfortunately, people here did the math to see how "elite" a 10 year career has been that started when the child had barely stopped soiling their pants.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Definitely coaches have favorites.or kids they just don’t like. I know a player who got cut and no one could figure out why. Teammates went to bat for them, other coaches loved them… there seemed to be no good reason. But the coach basically replaced them with someone from the high school he coached at.

Or sometimes you can be a favorite one day and a coach can turn on you the next. When DS was younger, he was clearly the coach’s favorite as GK. The coach always raved about his performance and treated him very kindly. Then suddenly with no warning DS was cut for another GK who hadn’t even played travel. We know these things happen but nobody on the team could understand the decision because the new GK was not even close to the same level. We suspect it was a politics scenario because the dad seemed pretty chummy with the TD. It all worked out in the end for DS so no hard feelings but it was a head scratcher. Since then we’ve always warned him to have a backup plan.