For high level players and parents only

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love how people rail against a system they continue to help prop up. “We hate it but we will all continue to do it”. I’m starting to think people don’t actually hate it as much as they say they do.

Those of us with the opportunity to move out do. I know 4 families with European passports that are going back there to give their kids a genuine football experience albeit making a bit less money in their professional careers than here. But, alas, advances of dual passport. Would suck if you wanted to do this move but can’t because you only have 1 passport. God bless you.

What a crock of BS, you know 4 families leaving US for kids soccer….lol

All from the same cul-de-sac

My son has offers for trials from several top clubs in Catalonia. One club plays in the same division as Barca A. Two others play in the same club as Barca B. He trained at FC Barcelona for a week in November. His coach there requested his CV and highlight video and referred him to a few select clubs that he thinks fit his playing style and strengths. All of the clubs he referred him to have oferres trials in the spring. He also introduced us to an agent at You First for potential referrals to clubs in other parts of Spain.

It happens.

We would absolutely move to Barcelona if he got an offer from a top club. (There are FIFA rules to follow, however.)

Your American son had a one week official trial at the Barcelona Academy?

He has a U.S. and South American passport.

He was invited to train at FC Barcelona along with other kids. It wasn’t officially a trial, but we heard one of the other kids were invited to an official trial. His coach for the week is an FC Barcelona coach. He likes how my son plays and offered to refer him to other top clubs. He says he has the potential to reach FC Barcelona academy level but is not there yet.

In my discussions with him, it was very interesting to hear how he thinks about how to target clubs for my son, who is a 10 / winger but profiles as an 8/10 long term. He says “level” or “winning” don’t matter that much. Instead, the club’s development philosophy must match my son’s natural strengths and the level must be good enough to further strengthen those areas. The club must consistently play through the interior midfielders and value a player that passes to teammates making runs behind and makes those runs himself. A possession-based club that plays ball to feet and not the runs would not fully develop him. This is why he only referred us to a limited number of clubs.

I think that mentality sets out the difference in quality between coaching in Spain and the U.S.

Strange thing to hear from a European coach specializing in developing young players

You didn’t bold the rest of the sentence. It’s the type of passsing - thru balls behind defenses to teammates making runs versus ball to feet.

They are looking for that specific skillset quality from all kids in all positions?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love how people rail against a system they continue to help prop up. “We hate it but we will all continue to do it”. I’m starting to think people don’t actually hate it as much as they say they do.

Those of us with the opportunity to move out do. I know 4 families with European passports that are going back there to give their kids a genuine football experience albeit making a bit less money in their professional careers than here. But, alas, advances of dual passport. Would suck if you wanted to do this move but can’t because you only have 1 passport. God bless you.

What a crock of BS, you know 4 families leaving US for kids soccer….lol

All from the same cul-de-sac

My son has offers for trials from several top clubs in Catalonia. One club plays in the same division as Barca A. Two others play in the same club as Barca B. He trained at FC Barcelona for a week in November. His coach there requested his CV and highlight video and referred him to a few select clubs that he thinks fit his playing style and strengths. All of the clubs he referred him to have oferres trials in the spring. He also introduced us to an agent at You First for potential referrals to clubs in other parts of Spain.

It happens.

We would absolutely move to Barcelona if he got an offer from a top club. (There are FIFA rules to follow, however.)

Can you please give us specific details on how your child based in the US received offers from clubs in Spain?

He trained for a week at FC Barcelona. His coach that week liked him and offered to refer him to Catalan clubs. He asked us to put together a CV and a highlight video, which we did. He gave us feedback on both the CV and highlight video. We implemented his comments and sent both to him. He forwarded them to his contacts at different clubs and I believe just about every club he sent it to came back and invited him to a trial.

How will he get a player card if he doesn't have EU citizenship or official Spanish residency status?

DON'T ANSWER THIS! Read the FIFA policies posted in the DCU thread and then travel overseas yourself. If loopholes becomes public, they close.

The information is widely available if you trial and your kid is available. I live in DC and only have one passport. An agent can also break down your options. We actually have an advantage because we are paying for the training costs so a club can pick up your child for free versus having to pay compensation.

Essentially, you cannot move to Europe primarily for soccer. You have to show another legitimate reason to move. I am sure there are companies and agents that can help with this.

My kids and wife have a South American passport that makes it easy to get residency in Spain.

By companies I assume you mean the company you work for legitimately that has assigned you to a location within the kilometers maximum distance from club requirements exception?

How can a 14 year old have an agent?

I said I am sure there are companies that help to facilitate a move and comply with FIFA regulations. I don’t know of any specifically. By agent I meant someone that is able to put this together for you, similar to the company reference.

Yes, if you move for work, the move has to be legitimate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love how people rail against a system they continue to help prop up. “We hate it but we will all continue to do it”. I’m starting to think people don’t actually hate it as much as they say they do.

Those of us with the opportunity to move out do. I know 4 families with European passports that are going back there to give their kids a genuine football experience albeit making a bit less money in their professional careers than here. But, alas, advances of dual passport. Would suck if you wanted to do this move but can’t because you only have 1 passport. God bless you.

What a crock of BS, you know 4 families leaving US for kids soccer….lol

All from the same cul-de-sac

My son has offers for trials from several top clubs in Catalonia. One club plays in the same division as Barca A. Two others play in the same club as Barca B. He trained at FC Barcelona for a week in November. His coach there requested his CV and highlight video and referred him to a few select clubs that he thinks fit his playing style and strengths. All of the clubs he referred him to have oferres trials in the spring. He also introduced us to an agent at You First for potential referrals to clubs in other parts of Spain.

It happens.

We would absolutely move to Barcelona if he got an offer from a top club. (There are FIFA rules to follow, however.)

Your American son had a one week official trial at the Barcelona Academy?

He has a U.S. and South American passport.

He was invited to train at FC Barcelona along with other kids. It wasn’t officially a trial, but we heard one of the other kids were invited to an official trial. His coach for the week is an FC Barcelona coach. He likes how my son plays and offered to refer him to other top clubs. He says he has the potential to reach FC Barcelona academy level but is not there yet.

In my discussions with him, it was very interesting to hear how he thinks about how to target clubs for my son, who is a 10 / winger but profiles as an 8/10 long term. He says “level” or “winning” don’t matter that much. Instead, the club’s development philosophy must match my son’s natural strengths and the level must be good enough to further strengthen those areas. The club must consistently play through the interior midfielders and value a player that passes to teammates making runs behind and makes those runs himself. A possession-based club that plays ball to feet and not the runs would not fully develop him. This is why he only referred us to a limited number of clubs.

I think that mentality sets out the difference in quality between coaching in Spain and the U.S.

Strange thing to hear from a European coach specializing in developing young players

You didn’t bold the rest of the sentence. It’s the type of passsing - thru balls behind defenses to teammates making runs versus ball to feet.

They are looking for that specific skillset quality from all kids in all positions?

He is referring to my kid that plays as a 10 and profiles as an 8/10 long term. He said my kid should play for a club that looks for kids in his position that plays that way specifically because that’s how my kid plays. Not “every” kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love how people rail against a system they continue to help prop up. “We hate it but we will all continue to do it”. I’m starting to think people don’t actually hate it as much as they say they do.

Those of us with the opportunity to move out do. I know 4 families with European passports that are going back there to give their kids a genuine football experience albeit making a bit less money in their professional careers than here. But, alas, advances of dual passport. Would suck if you wanted to do this move but can’t because you only have 1 passport. God bless you.

What a crock of BS, you know 4 families leaving US for kids soccer….lol

All from the same cul-de-sac

My son has offers for trials from several top clubs in Catalonia. One club plays in the same division as Barca A. Two others play in the same club as Barca B. He trained at FC Barcelona for a week in November. His coach there requested his CV and highlight video and referred him to a few select clubs that he thinks fit his playing style and strengths. All of the clubs he referred him to have oferres trials in the spring. He also introduced us to an agent at You First for potential referrals to clubs in other parts of Spain.

It happens.

We would absolutely move to Barcelona if he got an offer from a top club. (There are FIFA rules to follow, however.)

Can you please give us specific details on how your child based in the US received offers from clubs in Spain?

He trained for a week at FC Barcelona. His coach that week liked him and offered to refer him to Catalan clubs. He asked us to put together a CV and a highlight video, which we did. He gave us feedback on both the CV and highlight video. We implemented his comments and sent both to him. He forwarded them to his contacts at different clubs and I believe just about every club he sent it to came back and invited him to a trial.

How will he get a player card if he doesn't have EU citizenship or official Spanish residency status?

DON'T ANSWER THIS! Read the FIFA policies posted in the DCU thread and then travel overseas yourself. If loopholes becomes public, they close.

The information is widely available if you trial and your kid is available. I live in DC and only have one passport. An agent can also break down your options. We actually have an advantage because we are paying for the training costs so a club can pick up your child for free versus having to pay compensation.

Essentially, you cannot move to Europe primarily for soccer. You have to show another legitimate reason to move. I am sure there are companies and agents that can help with this.

My kids and wife have a South American passport that makes it easy to get residency in Spain.

By companies I assume you mean the company you work for legitimately that has assigned you to a location within the kilometers maximum distance from club requirements exception?

How can a 14 year old have an agent?

I said I am sure there are companies that help to facilitate a move and comply with FIFA regulations. I don’t know of any specifically. By agent I meant someone that is able to put this together for you, similar to the company reference.

Yes, if you move for work, the move has to be legitimate.

If you are not a EU passport holder, there are only 3 very specific exceptions that will allow your under 18 year old to obtain a football association player card.

If you meet any of those exceptions requirements, you probably don't need to hire anyone to do anything for you.
You'd just contact the clubs in the geographical area you're allowed to join and provide your legit status.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love how people rail against a system they continue to help prop up. “We hate it but we will all continue to do it”. I’m starting to think people don’t actually hate it as much as they say they do.

Those of us with the opportunity to move out do. I know 4 families with European passports that are going back there to give their kids a genuine football experience albeit making a bit less money in their professional careers than here. But, alas, advances of dual passport. Would suck if you wanted to do this move but can’t because you only have 1 passport. God bless you.

What a crock of BS, you know 4 families leaving US for kids soccer….lol

All from the same cul-de-sac

My son has offers for trials from several top clubs in Catalonia. One club plays in the same division as Barca A. Two others play in the same club as Barca B. He trained at FC Barcelona for a week in November. His coach there requested his CV and highlight video and referred him to a few select clubs that he thinks fit his playing style and strengths. All of the clubs he referred him to have oferres trials in the spring. He also introduced us to an agent at You First for potential referrals to clubs in other parts of Spain.

It happens.

We would absolutely move to Barcelona if he got an offer from a top club. (There are FIFA rules to follow, however.)

Can you please give us specific details on how your child based in the US received offers from clubs in Spain?

He trained for a week at FC Barcelona. His coach that week liked him and offered to refer him to Catalan clubs. He asked us to put together a CV and a highlight video, which we did. He gave us feedback on both the CV and highlight video. We implemented his comments and sent both to him. He forwarded them to his contacts at different clubs and I believe just about every club he sent it to came back and invited him to a trial.

How will he get a player card if he doesn't have EU citizenship or official Spanish residency status?

DON'T ANSWER THIS! Read the FIFA policies posted in the DCU thread and then travel overseas yourself. If loopholes becomes public, they close.

The information is widely available if you trial and your kid is available. I live in DC and only have one passport. An agent can also break down your options. We actually have an advantage because we are paying for the training costs so a club can pick up your child for free versus having to pay compensation.

Essentially, you cannot move to Europe primarily for soccer. You have to show another legitimate reason to move. I am sure there are companies and agents that can help with this.

My kids and wife have a South American passport that makes it easy to get residency in Spain.

By companies I assume you mean the company you work for legitimately that has assigned you to a location within the kilometers maximum distance from club requirements exception?

How can a 14 year old have an agent?

I said I am sure there are companies that help to facilitate a move and comply with FIFA regulations. I don’t know of any specifically. By agent I meant someone that is able to put this together for you, similar to the company reference.

Yes, if you move for work, the move has to be legitimate.

Or pay bundles and go to one of those residency schools, which is not the same.
But you'll be in the culture

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love how people rail against a system they continue to help prop up. “We hate it but we will all continue to do it”. I’m starting to think people don’t actually hate it as much as they say they do.

Those of us with the opportunity to move out do. I know 4 families with European passports that are going back there to give their kids a genuine football experience albeit making a bit less money in their professional careers than here. But, alas, advances of dual passport. Would suck if you wanted to do this move but can’t because you only have 1 passport. God bless you.

What a crock of BS, you know 4 families leaving US for kids soccer….lol

All from the same cul-de-sac

My son has offers for trials from several top clubs in Catalonia. One club plays in the same division as Barca A. Two others play in the same club as Barca B. He trained at FC Barcelona for a week in November. His coach there requested his CV and highlight video and referred him to a few select clubs that he thinks fit his playing style and strengths. All of the clubs he referred him to have oferres trials in the spring. He also introduced us to an agent at You First for potential referrals to clubs in other parts of Spain.

It happens.

We would absolutely move to Barcelona if he got an offer from a top club. (There are FIFA rules to follow, however.)

Your American son had a one week official trial at the Barcelona Academy?

He has a U.S. and South American passport.

He was invited to train at FC Barcelona along with other kids. It wasn’t officially a trial, but we heard one of the other kids were invited to an official trial. His coach for the week is an FC Barcelona coach. He likes how my son plays and offered to refer him to other top clubs. He says he has the potential to reach FC Barcelona academy level but is not there yet.

In my discussions with him, it was very interesting to hear how he thinks about how to target clubs for my son, who is a 10 / winger but profiles as an 8/10 long term. He says “level” or “winning” don’t matter that much. Instead, the club’s development philosophy must match my son’s natural strengths and the level must be good enough to further strengthen those areas. The club must consistently play through the interior midfielders and value a player that passes to teammates making runs behind and makes those runs himself. A possession-based club that plays ball to feet and not the runs would not fully develop him. This is why he only referred us to a limited number of clubs.

I think that mentality sets out the difference in quality between coaching in Spain and the U.S.

Strange thing to hear from a European coach specializing in developing young players

You didn’t bold the rest of the sentence. It’s the type of passsing - thru balls behind defenses to teammates making runs versus ball to feet.

They are looking for that specific skillset quality from all kids in all positions?

He is referring to my kid that plays as a 10 and profiles as an 8/10 long term. He said my kid should play for a club that looks for kids in his position that plays that way specifically because that’s how my kid plays. Not “every” kid.

Just to add, there are clubs with philosophies that don’t emphasize that kind of play. He says my kid shouldn’t go play for any of them. It’s not about the badge or the level, it’s about building on your strengths.

American parents are too into “levels” and “winning” even if the playing philosophy is shit or doesn’t reflect the qualities of their kid.

My kid is very technical, very smart, plays fast, runs fast, but is not physical or big. What good does it do him to play for a “top” club that wins via “second balls, intensity, and physicality”? Sure, I can brag to my friends about the club he plays for, but he is not being valued or developed by that club.

I don’t know why anyone would think it is odd for a European coach to say go to a club where your kid’s strengths are valued and developed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love how people rail against a system they continue to help prop up. “We hate it but we will all continue to do it”. I’m starting to think people don’t actually hate it as much as they say they do.

Those of us with the opportunity to move out do. I know 4 families with European passports that are going back there to give their kids a genuine football experience albeit making a bit less money in their professional careers than here. But, alas, advances of dual passport. Would suck if you wanted to do this move but can’t because you only have 1 passport. God bless you.

What a crock of BS, you know 4 families leaving US for kids soccer….lol

All from the same cul-de-sac

My son has offers for trials from several top clubs in Catalonia. One club plays in the same division as Barca A. Two others play in the same club as Barca B. He trained at FC Barcelona for a week in November. His coach there requested his CV and highlight video and referred him to a few select clubs that he thinks fit his playing style and strengths. All of the clubs he referred him to have oferres trials in the spring. He also introduced us to an agent at You First for potential referrals to clubs in other parts of Spain.

It happens.

We would absolutely move to Barcelona if he got an offer from a top club. (There are FIFA rules to follow, however.)

Can you please give us specific details on how your child based in the US received offers from clubs in Spain?

He trained for a week at FC Barcelona. His coach that week liked him and offered to refer him to Catalan clubs. He asked us to put together a CV and a highlight video, which we did. He gave us feedback on both the CV and highlight video. We implemented his comments and sent both to him. He forwarded them to his contacts at different clubs and I believe just about every club he sent it to came back and invited him to a trial.

How will he get a player card if he doesn't have EU citizenship or official Spanish residency status?

DON'T ANSWER THIS! Read the FIFA policies posted in the DCU thread and then travel overseas yourself. If loopholes becomes public, they close.

The information is widely available if you trial and your kid is available. I live in DC and only have one passport. An agent can also break down your options. We actually have an advantage because we are paying for the training costs so a club can pick up your child for free versus having to pay compensation.

Essentially, you cannot move to Europe primarily for soccer. You have to show another legitimate reason to move. I am sure there are companies and agents that can help with this.

My kids and wife have a South American passport that makes it easy to get residency in Spain.

By companies I assume you mean the company you work for legitimately that has assigned you to a location within the kilometers maximum distance from club requirements exception?

How can a 14 year old have an agent?

I said I am sure there are companies that help to facilitate a move and comply with FIFA regulations. I don’t know of any specifically. By agent I meant someone that is able to put this together for you, similar to the company reference.

Yes, if you move for work, the move has to be legitimate.

If you are not a EU passport holder, there are only 3 very specific exceptions that will allow your under 18 year old to obtain a football association player card.

If you meet any of those exceptions requirements, you probably don't need to hire anyone to do anything for you.
You'd just contact the clubs in the geographical area you're allowed to join and provide your legit status.

Agree. We wouldn’t hire anyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love how people rail against a system they continue to help prop up. “We hate it but we will all continue to do it”. I’m starting to think people don’t actually hate it as much as they say they do.

Those of us with the opportunity to move out do. I know 4 families with European passports that are going back there to give their kids a genuine football experience albeit making a bit less money in their professional careers than here. But, alas, advances of dual passport. Would suck if you wanted to do this move but can’t because you only have 1 passport. God bless you.

What a crock of BS, you know 4 families leaving US for kids soccer….lol

All from the same cul-de-sac

My son has offers for trials from several top clubs in Catalonia. One club plays in the same division as Barca A. Two others play in the same club as Barca B. He trained at FC Barcelona for a week in November. His coach there requested his CV and highlight video and referred him to a few select clubs that he thinks fit his playing style and strengths. All of the clubs he referred him to have oferres trials in the spring. He also introduced us to an agent at You First for potential referrals to clubs in other parts of Spain.

It happens.

We would absolutely move to Barcelona if he got an offer from a top club. (There are FIFA rules to follow, however.)

Your American son had a one week official trial at the Barcelona Academy?

He has a U.S. and South American passport.

He was invited to train at FC Barcelona along with other kids. It wasn’t officially a trial, but we heard one of the other kids were invited to an official trial. His coach for the week is an FC Barcelona coach. He likes how my son plays and offered to refer him to other top clubs. He says he has the potential to reach FC Barcelona academy level but is not there yet.

In my discussions with him, it was very interesting to hear how he thinks about how to target clubs for my son, who is a 10 / winger but profiles as an 8/10 long term. He says “level” or “winning” don’t matter that much. Instead, the club’s development philosophy must match my son’s natural strengths and the level must be good enough to further strengthen those areas. The club must consistently play through the interior midfielders and value a player that passes to teammates making runs behind and makes those runs himself. A possession-based club that plays ball to feet and not the runs would not fully develop him. This is why he only referred us to a limited number of clubs.

I think that mentality sets out the difference in quality between coaching in Spain and the U.S.

Strange thing to hear from a European coach specializing in developing young players

You didn’t bold the rest of the sentence. It’s the type of passsing - thru balls behind defenses to teammates making runs versus ball to feet.

They are looking for that specific skillset quality from all kids in all positions?

He is referring to my kid that plays as a 10 and profiles as an 8/10 long term. He said my kid should play for a club that looks for kids in his position that plays that way specifically because that’s how my kid plays. Not “every” kid.

Just to add, there are clubs with philosophies that don’t emphasize that kind of play. He says my kid shouldn’t go play for any of them. It’s not about the badge or the level, it’s about building on your strengths.

American parents are too into “levels” and “winning” even if the playing philosophy is shit or doesn’t reflect the qualities of their kid.

My kid is very technical, very smart, plays fast, runs fast, but is not physical or big. What good does it do him to play for a “top” club that wins via “second balls, intensity, and physicality”? Sure, I can brag to my friends about the club he plays for, but he is not being valued or developed by that club.

I don’t know why anyone would think it is odd for a European coach to say go to a club where your kid’s strengths are valued and developed.

The strange for a coach comment was very specific to the passing statement.

Maybe you should be less excited to respond and pay more attention to the context of what's said

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love how people rail against a system they continue to help prop up. “We hate it but we will all continue to do it”. I’m starting to think people don’t actually hate it as much as they say they do.

Those of us with the opportunity to move out do. I know 4 families with European passports that are going back there to give their kids a genuine football experience albeit making a bit less money in their professional careers than here. But, alas, advances of dual passport. Would suck if you wanted to do this move but can’t because you only have 1 passport. God bless you.

What a crock of BS, you know 4 families leaving US for kids soccer….lol

All from the same cul-de-sac

My son has offers for trials from several top clubs in Catalonia. One club plays in the same division as Barca A. Two others play in the same club as Barca B. He trained at FC Barcelona for a week in November. His coach there requested his CV and highlight video and referred him to a few select clubs that he thinks fit his playing style and strengths. All of the clubs he referred him to have oferres trials in the spring. He also introduced us to an agent at You First for potential referrals to clubs in other parts of Spain.

It happens.

We would absolutely move to Barcelona if he got an offer from a top club. (There are FIFA rules to follow, however.)

Your American son had a one week official trial at the Barcelona Academy?

He has a U.S. and South American passport.

He was invited to train at FC Barcelona along with other kids. It wasn’t officially a trial, but we heard one of the other kids were invited to an official trial. His coach for the week is an FC Barcelona coach. He likes how my son plays and offered to refer him to other top clubs. He says he has the potential to reach FC Barcelona academy level but is not there yet.

In my discussions with him, it was very interesting to hear how he thinks about how to target clubs for my son, who is a 10 / winger but profiles as an 8/10 long term. He says “level” or “winning” don’t matter that much. Instead, the club’s development philosophy must match my son’s natural strengths and the level must be good enough to further strengthen those areas. The club must consistently play through the interior midfielders and value a player that passes to teammates making runs behind and makes those runs himself. A possession-based club that plays ball to feet and not the runs would not fully develop him. This is why he only referred us to a limited number of clubs.

I think that mentality sets out the difference in quality between coaching in Spain and the U.S.

Strange thing to hear from a European coach specializing in developing young players

You didn’t bold the rest of the sentence. It’s the type of passsing - thru balls behind defenses to teammates making runs versus ball to feet.

They are looking for that specific skillset quality from all kids in all positions?

He is referring to my kid that plays as a 10 and profiles as an 8/10 long term. He said my kid should play for a club that looks for kids in his position that plays that way specifically because that’s how my kid plays. Not “every” kid.

Just to add, there are clubs with philosophies that don’t emphasize that kind of play. He says my kid shouldn’t go play for any of them. It’s not about the badge or the level, it’s about building on your strengths.

American parents are too into “levels” and “winning” even if the playing philosophy is shit or doesn’t reflect the qualities of their kid.

My kid is very technical, very smart, plays fast, runs fast, but is not physical or big. What good does it do him to play for a “top” club that wins via “second balls, intensity, and physicality”? Sure, I can brag to my friends about the club he plays for, but he is not being valued or developed by that club.

I don’t know why anyone would think it is odd for a European coach to say go to a club where your kid’s strengths are valued and developed.

The strange for a coach comment was very specific to the passing statement.

Maybe you should be less excited to respond and pay more attention to the context of what's said

Maybe you should read the entire sentence instead of bolding “pass to teammates” as if that’s all that was written.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love how people rail against a system they continue to help prop up. “We hate it but we will all continue to do it”. I’m starting to think people don’t actually hate it as much as they say they do.

Those of us with the opportunity to move out do. I know 4 families with European passports that are going back there to give their kids a genuine football experience albeit making a bit less money in their professional careers than here. But, alas, advances of dual passport. Would suck if you wanted to do this move but can’t because you only have 1 passport. God bless you.

What a crock of BS, you know 4 families leaving US for kids soccer….lol

All from the same cul-de-sac

My son has offers for trials from several top clubs in Catalonia. One club plays in the same division as Barca A. Two others play in the same club as Barca B. He trained at FC Barcelona for a week in November. His coach there requested his CV and highlight video and referred him to a few select clubs that he thinks fit his playing style and strengths. All of the clubs he referred him to have oferres trials in the spring. He also introduced us to an agent at You First for potential referrals to clubs in other parts of Spain.

It happens.

We would absolutely move to Barcelona if he got an offer from a top club. (There are FIFA rules to follow, however.)

Your American son had a one week official trial at the Barcelona Academy?

He has a U.S. and South American passport.

He was invited to train at FC Barcelona along with other kids. It wasn’t officially a trial, but we heard one of the other kids were invited to an official trial. His coach for the week is an FC Barcelona coach. He likes how my son plays and offered to refer him to other top clubs. He says he has the potential to reach FC Barcelona academy level but is not there yet.

In my discussions with him, it was very interesting to hear how he thinks about how to target clubs for my son, who is a 10 / winger but profiles as an 8/10 long term. He says “level” or “winning” don’t matter that much. Instead, the club’s development philosophy must match my son’s natural strengths and the level must be good enough to further strengthen those areas. The club must consistently play through the interior midfielders and value a player that passes to teammates making runs behind and makes those runs himself. A possession-based club that plays ball to feet and not the runs would not fully develop him. This is why he only referred us to a limited number of clubs.

I think that mentality sets out the difference in quality between coaching in Spain and the U.S.

Strange thing to hear from a European coach specializing in developing young players

You didn’t bold the rest of the sentence. It’s the type of passsing - thru balls behind defenses to teammates making runs versus ball to feet.

They are looking for that specific skillset quality from all kids in all positions?

He is referring to my kid that plays as a 10 and profiles as an 8/10 long term. He said my kid should play for a club that looks for kids in his position that plays that way specifically because that’s how my kid plays. Not “every” kid.

Just to add, there are clubs with philosophies that don’t emphasize that kind of play. He says my kid shouldn’t go play for any of them. It’s not about the badge or the level, it’s about building on your strengths.

American parents are too into “levels” and “winning” even if the playing philosophy is shit or doesn’t reflect the qualities of their kid.

My kid is very technical, very smart, plays fast, runs fast, but is not physical or big. What good does it do him to play for a “top” club that wins via “second balls, intensity, and physicality”? Sure, I can brag to my friends about the club he plays for, but he is not being valued or developed by that club.

I don’t know why anyone would think it is odd for a European coach to say go to a club where your kid’s strengths are valued and developed.

The strange for a coach comment was very specific to the passing statement.

Maybe you should be less excited to respond and pay more attention to the context of what's said

Maybe you should read the entire sentence instead of bolding “pass to teammates” as if that’s all that was written.

I'm not PP but I've never heard a top academy coach mention passing to teammates since its a basic expected thing

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Anonymous wrote:I love how people rail against a system they continue to help prop up. “We hate it but we will all continue to do it”. I’m starting to think people don’t actually hate it as much as they say they do.

Those of us with the opportunity to move out do. I know 4 families with European passports that are going back there to give their kids a genuine football experience albeit making a bit less money in their professional careers than here. But, alas, advances of dual passport. Would suck if you wanted to do this move but can’t because you only have 1 passport. God bless you.

What a crock of BS, you know 4 families leaving US for kids soccer….lol

All from the same cul-de-sac

My son has offers for trials from several top clubs in Catalonia. One club plays in the same division as Barca A. Two others play in the same club as Barca B. He trained at FC Barcelona for a week in November. His coach there requested his CV and highlight video and referred him to a few select clubs that he thinks fit his playing style and strengths. All of the clubs he referred him to have oferres trials in the spring. He also introduced us to an agent at You First for potential referrals to clubs in other parts of Spain.

It happens.

We would absolutely move to Barcelona if he got an offer from a top club. (There are FIFA rules to follow, however.)

Your American son had a one week official trial at the Barcelona Academy?

He has a U.S. and South American passport.

He was invited to train at FC Barcelona along with other kids. It wasn’t officially a trial, but we heard one of the other kids were invited to an official trial. His coach for the week is an FC Barcelona coach. He likes how my son plays and offered to refer him to other top clubs. He says he has the potential to reach FC Barcelona academy level but is not there yet.

In my discussions with him, it was very interesting to hear how he thinks about how to target clubs for my son, who is a 10 / winger but profiles as an 8/10 long term. He says “level” or “winning” don’t matter that much. Instead, the club’s development philosophy must match my son’s natural strengths and the level must be good enough to further strengthen those areas. The club must consistently play through the interior midfielders and value a player that passes to teammates making runs behind and makes those runs himself. A possession-based club that plays ball to feet and not the runs would not fully develop him. This is why he only referred us to a limited number of clubs.

I think that mentality sets out the difference in quality between coaching in Spain and the U.S.

Strange thing to hear from a European coach specializing in developing young players

You didn’t bold the rest of the sentence. It’s the type of passsing - thru balls behind defenses to teammates making runs versus ball to feet.

They are looking for that specific skillset quality from all kids in all positions?

He is referring to my kid that plays as a 10 and profiles as an 8/10 long term. He said my kid should play for a club that looks for kids in his position that plays that way specifically because that’s how my kid plays. Not “every” kid.

Just to add, there are clubs with philosophies that don’t emphasize that kind of play. He says my kid shouldn’t go play for any of them. It’s not about the badge or the level, it’s about building on your strengths.

American parents are too into “levels” and “winning” even if the playing philosophy is shit or doesn’t reflect the qualities of their kid.

My kid is very technical, very smart, plays fast, runs fast, but is not physical or big. What good does it do him to play for a “top” club that wins via “second balls, intensity, and physicality”? Sure, I can brag to my friends about the club he plays for, but he is not being valued or developed by that club.

I don’t know why anyone would think it is odd for a European coach to say go to a club where your kid’s strengths are valued and developed.

The strange for a coach comment was very specific to the passing statement.

Maybe you should be less excited to respond and pay more attention to the context of what's said

Maybe you should read the entire sentence instead of bolding “pass to teammates” as if that’s all that was written.

I'm not PP but I've never heard a top academy coach mention passing to teammates since its a basic expected thing

Obviously. That’s not what I wrote. It’s the type of passing. Thru balls on the ground to teammates running behind defenses is not basic. Also making those runs yourself and expecting passes is also not basic. That’s not ball to feet. Other teams play long. Also different.