What to do when coach has kid playing a position they don't like?

[Anonymous]

For your kid’s development, it could be a good thing. One of mine has been playing on the wing for about 5-6 years in a row...plays really well there, but desperately needs (or needed) more time in the center of the field when play needs to be quicker, there is more defending required, etc.

[Anonymous]

I am curious if anyone has stories of any success with a coach playing a kid in an undesired position being resolved.

I think the only solution is to switch teams.

I don't think the player talking to the coach will do anything, their egos are too big for reason. I'm sure the kid could work their butt off, but the coach doesn't want to be proven wrong or help the player. In fact, the coach will most likely be offended the player has desires/ambitions for what they like to do in a game. They will most likely view it as insubordination and the kid being self-centered and not a team player.

Another hurdle could be the parents are nose deep in the coach's genitals. I've seen that a few times.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am curious if anyone has stories of any success with a coach playing a kid in an undesired position being resolved.

I think the only solution is to switch teams.

I don't think the player talking to the coach will do anything, their egos are too big for reason. I'm sure the kid could work their butt off, but the coach doesn't want to be proven wrong or help the player. In fact, the coach will most likely be offended the player has desires/ambitions for what they like to do in a game. They will most likely view it as insubordination and the kid being self-centered and not a team player.

Another hurdle could be the parents are nose deep in the coach's genitals. I've seen that a few times.

I have more bad than good. The coach should at least teach the position and its role to the player if it’s new to the player. Most don’t because they don’t understand the game, they only transfer on to players how THEY played the game.

[Anonymous]

I think viewing it as the kid not being a team player would be accurate.

[Anonymous]

This makes me thankful that my 8yo enjoys soccer but is not very good. She plays in a rec league and try’s all the positions and is happy to do so.

[Anonymous]

Luckily for girls there will be one more club playing ECNL. Talented players have more options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think viewing it as the kid not being a team player would be accurate.

Duh the keyword is “kid”

[Anonymous]

OP here. My kid is playing U13 now and plays their heart out where ever the coach positions them. And it has nothing to do with playing time as someone mentioned. Also, I'm not an overbearing soccer parent I'm the opposite and don't say anything at all which sucks cause we're paying $2500+ a year.

It's just tough seeing my kid frustrated with soccer right now when my kid was really coming into their game towards the end of 2019-2020 season.

My hope is the team will get a new coach for next year and maybe things will change. I personally don't want things to work out with the academy team cause that commute is going to be hell.

[Anonymous]

My kid was playing centerback for a couple of years and other parents were trying to get him to come over to other teams as they said he should be in the midfield. I left him there and didn't complain much. He got his chance at 6 position and it has made the team better as he is able to move the ball forward an plays well in tight situations. He also understands the defense portion and its like we have an extra defender when the other team is attacking quickly. The experience he received on the defensive side has given him an understanding that he would not have had if he just played 6 from the beginning. I believe he has benefited greatly from moving around a bit and I think at this age, they need to be less specialized and have an understanding of the other positions. See it as an opportunity to learn.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. My kid is playing U13 now and plays their heart out where ever the coach positions them. And it has nothing to do with playing time as someone mentioned. Also, I'm not an overbearing soccer parent I'm the opposite and don't say anything at all which sucks cause we're paying $2500+ a year.

It's just tough seeing my kid frustrated with soccer right now when my kid was really coming into their game towards the end of 2019-2020 season.

My hope is the team will get a new coach for next year and maybe things will change. I personally don't want things to work out with the academy team cause that commute is going to be hell.

Midfield is a better position vs winger or forward. Midfielders get a lot more touches and always have something going on. This seems like something else is going on with your kid. Maybe there is some bullying or not fitting on the team? Playing is playing regardless of the position.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid was playing centerback for a couple of years and other parents were trying to get him to come over to other teams as they said he should be in the midfield. I left him there and didn't complain much. He got his chance at 6 position and it has made the team better as he is able to move the ball forward an plays well in tight situations. He also understands the defense portion and its like we have an extra defender when the other team is attacking quickly. The experience he received on the defensive side has given him an understanding that he would not have had if he just played 6 from the beginning. I believe he has benefited greatly from moving around a bit and I think at this age, they need to be less specialized and have an understanding of the other positions. See it as an opportunity to learn.

Couple more things about above that i did not put in. I saw a noticeable drop off in him kicking the ball around at home during the centerback years and it was tough to see. I went with some private coaching to work on the things that I thought the coach wanted to see. Also, i have seen a few different parents move their kids around to other teams, but I am not sure that is a fruitful as you may think it may be. Just make sure you leave on good terms as you may want to come back at some point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. My kid is playing U13 now and plays their heart out where ever the coach positions them. And it has nothing to do with playing time as someone mentioned. Also, I'm not an overbearing soccer parent I'm the opposite and don't say anything at all which sucks cause we're paying $2500+ a year.

It's just tough seeing my kid frustrated with soccer right now when my kid was really coming into their game towards the end of 2019-2020 season.

My hope is the team will get a new coach for next year and maybe things will change. I personally don't want things to work out with the academy team cause that commute is going to be hell.

Understand this we all watch the same game
But we all see it differently.
You may see your kid as playing well
The coach although your kid is trying hard doesn't see your kid being good enough.
No matter who is more accurate its the coach who's responsibility is to the team not the player.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You have to find out why your son wants to play forward/wing? Is it because he just want to score all of the time?

I would say that's part of it but not all. Naturally my kid is an attacker has always been an attacker since U8. Moving the ball up the field just just doesn't provide inspiration compared to playing wing or forward. It probably doesn't help my kid doesn't gel with the coach like the coach from last year.

My DD switches between CM and Forward. She’s loves playing the #10 (Attacking Center Midfielder) more. If he plays the CM position correctly, it’s also an attack position while constantly being in the middle of the mix. Most kids prefer playing Forward over CM as they only have speed while lacking foot and passing skills.

[Anonymous]

Your kid has been playing the same position since he was U8? That’s not good for development. How much has he communicated with the coach himself about this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You have to find out why your son wants to play forward/wing? Is it because he just want to score all of the time?

I would say that's part of it but not all. Naturally my kid is an attacker has always been an attacker since U8. Moving the ball up the field just just doesn't provide inspiration compared to playing wing or forward. It probably doesn't help my kid doesn't gel with the coach like the coach from last year.

If the explanation were just about anything but this, I would be with you. But this is a very immature mindset that doesn’t suggest your kid has really learned to function well as part of a team. Especially with larger field and more open play that starts at U13, I wonder if part of the coach’s motivation for moving him is if he seems like too much of a ball hog and coach wants him in a position where he will have to learn to pass and work with his teammates more.