ECNL RL Boys Club 15-19
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Anonymous
Sure, but I can’t imagine it’s a competitive training environment if the team is losing like that every week. It suggests they don’t have kids ready to play at that level. What was happening with the more successful teams when they were U11-U12? I would bet they weren’t getting crushed every game. |
Anonymous
There are ways you can coach to win at those ages — kickball, take advantage of physical development differences, pure aggressiveness, too early dedication to GK position, teaching set plays that don’t translate, eg, on corners— that don’t necessarily mean that the kids are developing technical skills or learning playing styles that will lead to winning at high school ages. The American obsession with playing up to 9v9 or 11v11 too early instead of continuing small sided play is part of this. Sure, a team getting blown out every week may not be developing well, but there is little reason to think a team that is 10-0 at u12 will necessarily be better at u15 than a team that is 6-4 at u12. You need to see how they are playing to get a sense of whether there’s a focus on individual development. For instance, a team that is learning the develop play from the back under pressure might lose some games as a result but will learn more than a team that has the goalie punt every time even if that wins games. |
Anonymous
The field is more wide open at the RL level. A smaller club has a better chance to hold onto players and build for the future. At big clubs the rosters are radically different from U11 to U15 and the best players often leave for the next level. |
Anonymous
Sounds like an argument for staying at a club that tops out at RL if you’re not playing NL. |
Anonymous
At some point you have to make a realistic decision about what the investment in time and money is getting you. For most kids, playing at the RL level for a coach & club you like is the best decision. Being on an MLS HG or ECNL team and not starting or playing significant minutes is a sucker's bet. |
Anonymous
Will be interesting to see how this changes after the NCFC tourney this weekend. At the U15 level PWSI and RVA are in the 2nd from the top bracket with some MLS and ECNL teams. |