Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss

[Anonymous]

A few commenters have made reference to "outside training" for travel players. That's depressing, given the hours kids spend in their normal academy training and playing tournaments, but . . .

Is this usually Coerver-type 1 v. 0 training, or private group training where the athletes have a chance to compete against defenders?

And can anyone recommend a good soccer trainer or training company in the DMV? Thx

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does it even matter? How far are most of the thousands of kids going to get with soccer? And if they do it because they love to play then again why does it matter? Parental bragging rights?

What does it matter? It does mean a thing to me. I actually wish that my kid would tell me he doesn't want to do travel anymore, so we can all relax a bit more. However, he LOVES it. He loves the competition. He loves training with similar minded kids. He loves wearing a uniform and playing for his club. He takes such pride in it. He trains very hard and wants to improve. The fact that he might not make a development academy team, or a high school team, or a college team, or a pro team. I don't give a s--- about the odds. My son loves it and, if he wants to play travel and progress, I'm going to do my due diligence to get him the best opportunities. I am extremely grateful that I can afford to keep him in travel and get him additional training, etc. But as soon as he doesn't like it, we can go try basket weaving. That's fine. But don't sit there and say...my kid isn't going to be a pro so why even bother. That's a piece of s--- cop out!

Do parents like this really exist? Sometimes I meet one parent like this but never both of them. Every travel parent in any sport I've met have always wanted their kid to be competitive and most have helped make it possible. They would all be disappointed if junior gave it up.

Yes, they exist. I coached for over a decade as a paid coach at a large club. Some of the most laid back parents were those that played at the highest level (college, professional). The most competitive were often those that didn't play beyond hs. I expect that people who feel they lived up to their own potential don't feel as much of a need to live it through their kids. There were many families with kids that played for fun - academics were far more important. The kids wanted to play, wanted to compete, because done correctly soccer is a lot of fun, both training and competition.

So you've actually seen parents who played in college let their child leave the sport and either try a different sport they've never tried before or leave sports entirely to try basketweaving or something? That's what I'm asking. Not asking which ones appear more competitive during a game.

Yes - if the kid did not want to play, they did not have to play (but they had to finish whatever season commitment they made). Most of them let their kids pick the sports they want to play. I coached at the younger ages and played multiple sports myself, so we were supportive of players playing other sports so long as they met the in season requirements. We had players doing other travel sports (basketball, lax, hockey, baseball), swimming, tennis, etc. It is pretty easy to tell which kids are there because they want to be and which are there for their parents.

I hope that I can be that supportive of my own children, but knowing what college sports and scholarships can and can't do gives a different perspective.

[Anonymous]

but knowing what college sports and scholarships can and can't do gives a different perspective. Such as?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Some of the most laid back parents were those that played at the highest level (college, professional). The most competitive were often those that didn't play beyond hs. I expect that people who feel they lived up to their own potential don't feel as much of a need to live it through their kids.

This has been my experience as well. The top level former parent players are super relaxed, often because they know what college soccer is really like and also know that true natural talent always seems to rise to the top as you get older. They have also seen how well-intentioned parents can actually end up doing things that are counter-productive to their kids development, like having them in mandatory year-round soccer training at a very young age.

What clubs have mandatory year-round soccer training at a very young age?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Some of the most laid back parents were those that played at the highest level (college, professional). The most competitive were often those that didn't play beyond hs. I expect that people who feel they lived up to their own potential don't feel as much of a need to live it through their kids.

This has been my experience as well. The top level former parent players are super relaxed, often because they know what college soccer is really like and also know that true natural talent always seems to rise to the top as you get older. They have also seen how well-intentioned parents can actually end up doing things that are counter-productive to their kids development, like having them in mandatory year-round soccer training at a very young age.

What clubs have mandatory year-round soccer training at a very young age?

Once you are in travel nearly every club has some form of "optional" year round training offered in the form of winter clinics. Summer's are almost always off.

But to say that the "former high level players kids" don't do these because their kids are often bigger and fast, thanks to parents genetics. But mostly due to the parents connections. These kids are often cut slack to participate in other sports when other kids are expected to participate in the off season training.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Some of the most laid back parents were those that played at the highest level (college, professional). The most competitive were often those that didn't play beyond hs. I expect that people who feel they lived up to their own potential don't feel as much of a need to live it through their kids.

This has been my experience as well. The top level former parent players are super relaxed, often because they know what college soccer is really like and also know that true natural talent always seems to rise to the top as you get older. They have also seen how well-intentioned parents can actually end up doing things that are counter-productive to their kids development, like having them in mandatory year-round soccer training at a very young age.

What clubs have mandatory year-round soccer training at a very young age?

Once you are in travel nearly every club has some form of "optional" year round training offered in the form of winter clinics. Summer's are almost always off.

But to say that the "former high level players kids" don't do these because their kids are often bigger and fast, thanks to parents genetics. But mostly due to the parents connections. These kids are often cut slack to participate in other sports when other kids are expected to participate in the off season training.

I played D-1 soccer and my sibling did as well and had a career in the MLS. My sibling that played professional is adamant about 'the cream will rise to the top" theory. His Dutch coach was a firm believer. My father, a travel coach for two decades, agrees that after watching his 5 grandsons times have changed and many clubs have squashed this theory by being inflexible in player movements and with more teams per age group it is a much longer route for that cream to rise and often it's not given the chance.

I am torn as a parent with two kids that have shown to have the family ball skill, but incredible passion and competitiveness. I think what my sibling forgets is he had to basically tell his first club "f-ck you' after they give him the run around. Later that club was upset he didn't mention him in their player profile when he made the National team. This is what I'm facing with my oldest son now. The kid is dominating games and other clubs notice--just his own which refuses to upset the apple cart and won't even allow kids on the tryout field with the top team. They pre-sort...so following in family tradition the cream will rise--but it needs to find a path to do it.

This such a $ market now you really have to protect your kids. I tell my kids don't worry about politics--just keep training, improving and working hard. They want it so they do it, but my older son knows he's getting the screw job when he can beat these kids every day of the week--but never given the opportunity. This is what builds grit though. I do t mention levels or placements but the coaches in his club really treat the young kids differently and the opportunities are different--when you are paying 3k a year that matters. For that $--an individual coach would be a lot more beneficial--especially at 8, 9, 10.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Some of the most laid back parents were those that played at the highest level (college, professional). The most competitive were often those that didn't play beyond hs. I expect that people who feel they lived up to their own potential don't feel as much of a need to live it through their kids.

This has been my experience as well. The top level former parent players are super relaxed, often because they know what college soccer is really like and also know that true natural talent always seems to rise to the top as you get older. They have also seen how well-intentioned parents can actually end up doing things that are counter-productive to their kids development, like having them in mandatory year-round soccer training at a very young age.

What clubs have mandatory year-round soccer training at a very young age?

Once you are in travel nearly every club has some form of "optional" year round training offered in the form of winter clinics. Summer's are almost always off.

But to say that the "former high level players kids" don't do these because their kids are often bigger and fast, thanks to parents genetics. But mostly due to the parents connections. These kids are often cut slack to participate in other sports when other kids are expected to participate in the off season training.

I played D-1 soccer and my sibling did as well and had a career in the MLS. My sibling that played professional is adamant about 'the cream will rise to the top" theory. His Dutch coach was a firm believer. My father, a travel coach for two decades, agrees that after watching his 5 grandsons times have changed and many clubs have squashed this theory by being inflexible in player movements and with more teams per age group it is a much longer route for that cream to rise and often it's not given the chance.

I am torn as a parent with two kids that have shown to have the family ball skill, but incredible passion and competitiveness. I think what my sibling forgets is he had to basically tell his first club "f-ck you' after they give him the run around. Later that club was upset he didn't mention him in their player profile when he made the National team. This is what I'm facing with my oldest son now. The kid is dominating games and other clubs notice--just his own which refuses to upset the apple cart and won't even allow kids on the tryout field with the top team. They pre-sort...so following in family tradition the cream will rise--but it needs to find a path to do it.

This such a $ market now you really have to protect your kids. I tell my kids don't worry about politics--just keep training, improving and working hard. They want it so they do it, but my older son knows he's getting the screw job when he can beat these kids every day of the week--but never given the opportunity. This is what builds grit though. I do t mention levels or placements but the coaches in his club really treat the young kids differently and the opportunities are different--when you are paying 3k a year that matters. For that $--an individual coach would be a lot more beneficial--especially at 8, 9, 10.

I was the PP. thanks for this insight.

[Anonymous]

What clubs do academy style and which clubs have very separate teams that it's difficult to move up teams? NCSL has a club pass provision that allows kids from the same club and age group play across the teams. Do clubs use this? If not, why not? If yes, any problems? It seems like teams could move some kids around mid season if they needed to instead of waiting until the end of the year and it seems like some clubs don't even move kids then. Not sure if CCL has this provision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What clubs do academy style and which clubs have very separate teams that it's difficult to move up teams? NCSL has a club pass provision that allows kids from the same club and age group play across the teams. Do clubs use this? If not, why not? If yes, any problems? It seems like teams could move some kids around mid season if they needed to instead of waiting until the end of the year and it seems like some clubs don't even move kids then. Not sure if CCL has this provision.

CCL and VPL/NPL (US Club Soccer)both have club pass that allow for player movement at the discretion of the club. In order to utilize a Academy style system you need to be able to freely move players.

This does not mean that all CCL or NPL clubs are Academy or non CCL clubs are not academy. But those clubs that are run as an academy will likely be affiliated with leagues that allow for the flexibility of player movement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What clubs do academy style and which clubs have very separate teams that it's difficult to move up teams? NCSL has a club pass provision that allows kids from the same club and age group play across the teams. Do clubs use this? If not, why not? If yes, any problems? It seems like teams could move some kids around mid season if they needed to instead of waiting until the end of the year and it seems like some clubs don't even move kids then. Not sure if CCL has this provision.

CCL and VPL/NPL (US Club Soccer)both have club pass that allow for player movement at the discretion of the club. In order to utilize a Academy style system you need to be able to freely move players.

This does not mean that all CCL or NPL clubs are Academy or non CCL clubs are not academy. But those clubs that are run as an academy will likely be affiliated with leagues that allow for the flexibility of player movement.

Ours never moves players between teams. There's quite a few on the upper teams that should be moved down, but our club is really against demotions which leaves next to no room for promotions. I really wish they would use the birth year change to fix this. I doubt it though. It will be the same BS, pre-sorting of tryout fields again with players never getting a chance to play outside their groups.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What clubs do academy style and which clubs have very separate teams that it's difficult to move up teams? NCSL has a club pass provision that allows kids from the same club and age group play across the teams. Do clubs use this? If not, why not? If yes, any problems? It seems like teams could move some kids around mid season if they needed to instead of waiting until the end of the year and it seems like some clubs don't even move kids then. Not sure if CCL has this provision.

CCL and VPL/NPL (US Club Soccer)both have club pass that allow for player movement at the discretion of the club. In order to utilize a Academy style system you need to be able to freely move players.

This does not mean that all CCL or NPL clubs are Academy or non CCL clubs are not academy. But those clubs that are run as an academy will likely be affiliated with leagues that allow for the flexibility of player movement.

Ours never moves players between teams. There's quite a few on the upper teams that should be moved down, but our club is really against demotions which leaves next to no room for promotions. I really wish they would use the birth year change to fix this. I doubt it though. It will be the same BS, pre-sorting of tryout fields again with players never getting a chance to play outside their groups.

Unless two teams actually practice together it is not an "academy" setup. After going 11v11 it is hard for two teams to practice together, in that case the coaches need to coach both teams.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What clubs do academy style and which clubs have very separate teams that it's difficult to move up teams? NCSL has a club pass provision that allows kids from the same club and age group play across the teams. Do clubs use this? If not, why not? If yes, any problems? It seems like teams could move some kids around mid season if they needed to instead of waiting until the end of the year and it seems like some clubs don't even move kids then. Not sure if CCL has this provision.

CCL and VPL/NPL (US Club Soccer)both have club pass that allow for player movement at the discretion of the club. In order to utilize a Academy style system you need to be able to freely move players.

This does not mean that all CCL or NPL clubs are Academy or non CCL clubs are not academy. But those clubs that are run as an academy will likely be affiliated with leagues that allow for the flexibility of player movement.

Ours never moves players between teams. There's quite a few on the upper teams that should be moved down, but our club is really against demotions which leaves next to no room for promotions. I really wish they would use the birth year change to fix this. I doubt it though. It will be the same BS, pre-sorting of tryout fields again with players never getting a chance to play outside their groups.

Unless two teams actually practice together it is not an "academy" setup. After going 11v11 it is hard for two teams to practice together, in that case the coaches need to coach both teams.

I think academy is very loosely defined. I don't consider big clubs with 4 teams academy style. I think of clubs that focus primarily on training and not ranking of kids at 9. There are very few true academies in this area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What clubs do academy style and which clubs have very separate teams that it's difficult to move up teams? NCSL has a club pass provision that allows kids from the same club and age group play across the teams. Do clubs use this? If not, why not? If yes, any problems? It seems like teams could move some kids around mid season if they needed to instead of waiting until the end of the year and it seems like some clubs don't even move kids then. Not sure if CCL has this provision.

CCL and VPL/NPL (US Club Soccer)both have club pass that allow for player movement at the discretion of the club. In order to utilize a Academy style system you need to be able to freely move players.

This does not mean that all CCL or NPL clubs are Academy or non CCL clubs are not academy. But those clubs that are run as an academy will likely be affiliated with leagues that allow for the flexibility of player movement.

Ours never moves players between teams. There's quite a few on the upper teams that should be moved down, but our club is really against demotions which leaves next to no room for promotions. I really wish they would use the birth year change to fix this. I doubt it though. It will be the same BS, pre-sorting of tryout fields again with players never getting a chance to play outside their groups.

Unless two teams actually practice together it is not an "academy" setup. After going 11v11 it is hard for two teams to practice together, in that case the coaches need to coach both teams.

I think academy is very loosely defined. I don't consider big clubs with 4 teams academy style. I think of clubs that focus primarily on training and not ranking of kids at 9. There are very few true academies in this area.

At the very least to qualify a coach must coach multiple teams within the same age group.

There are very few true academy clubs in region.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What clubs do academy style and which clubs have very separate teams that it's difficult to move up teams? NCSL has a club pass provision that allows kids from the same club and age group play across the teams. Do clubs use this? If not, why not? If yes, any problems? It seems like teams could move some kids around mid season if they needed to instead of waiting until the end of the year and it seems like some clubs don't even move kids then. Not sure if CCL has this provision.

I think this is why the CCL created CCL2, so that clubs can easily move players between 1st and 2nd teams. This is the first year though and not all clubs or age groups are involved yet. But the clubs that are involved can move up to 5 kids at a time between teams.

[Anonymous]

At FPYC at U9 and U10 they have groups of 20 kids who practice together. Each player is rostered to one of two NCSL teams but the coaches use player passes to mix things up. U11 would be the same but that age group was decimated by Joga and now only has one squad of about 13 kids.