ECNL moving to school year not calendar

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is a Q4 (U11/U12) and to some degree, I want the decision to be taken out of our hands. Our club told us that they will move everyone to school year, but who knows if it is that strong of a rule, but that is what we were explicitly told, and gives me a little anxiety relief. I really dont know what is in his/ she best interest as they are our oldest sibling and we are learning as we go. He/ She has always played at the highest level and plays at one of the better clubs in the area for when of the better teams in he/ she age group. However, I feel like my kid is growing slower relative to peers, mentally and a bit physically. He/ She isnt necessarily the smallest, middle of the pack, but lacks a level of maturity that I see with others. He/She loves the game and I keep waiting for it to click, but it is really hard. I see the argument that leveling to school year will have them back to where they are in a few years, but could also become a major confidence boost that springs he/she into their teenage years. Also, it seems like there is a lot of benefit for an extra year at 9v9 as he/she isnt making decisions fast enough. I am sharing our story in case there are others feeling a similar way.

Your child loves the game. As long as he / she continues to love the game, they will become a great player.

There are no 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 year old super stars. The super stars at 15, 16, and 17 are generally not super stars in their 20s.

Love for the game will take them far. If it doesn’t, he or she had a lot fun and enjoyed the sport!

The top players at u13 arent the same at u16. Even the top teams change.

Yeah, they actually are at the too level. Easy enough to prove. Go to VDA or Richmond 2009 and look at their top 3-5 players. They literally all were studs at U13.

Assume you are talking about the girls side...yeah. Many of the players there have been there for some time and have been playing at a high level and are getting recruited to play at high level collegiately. I think the boys side has a greater development window - you'll see move movement as the boys get older. Could be due to later maturity dates in boys v. girls...

Not sure how this impacts SY v. BY....but as they say, it is what it is...

So these 12 year olds held firm over the past 5 years? All girls follow the same path with no changes over time? I only have a younger girl who has performed at a high level but would have to imagine that puberty will have a direct impact on her trajectory, physically, mentally and emotionally. I think you are saying there has to be a solid foundation at 12, which I agree, but I also think things evolves over time.

All I am saying is that there is a pervasive myth that “all bets are off until puberty” or “stars at u13 aren’t stars at u15” and I am disagreeing with that presumption and pointing out evidence to bolster my claim that stars at U13 ARE stars at U15 usually.

It is not absolute or binary but you very rarely see a bench warmer at U13 turn into a star at U15 at the ECNL level just because they grew a few inches.

It is a different dynamic than hoops or football because of skills involved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is a Q4 (U11/U12) and to some degree, I want the decision to be taken out of our hands. Our club told us that they will move everyone to school year, but who knows if it is that strong of a rule, but that is what we were explicitly told, and gives me a little anxiety relief. I really dont know what is in his/ she best interest as they are our oldest sibling and we are learning as we go. He/ She has always played at the highest level and plays at one of the better clubs in the area for when of the better teams in he/ she age group. However, I feel like my kid is growing slower relative to peers, mentally and a bit physically. He/ She isnt necessarily the smallest, middle of the pack, but lacks a level of maturity that I see with others. He/She loves the game and I keep waiting for it to click, but it is really hard. I see the argument that leveling to school year will have them back to where they are in a few years, but could also become a major confidence boost that springs he/she into their teenage years. Also, it seems like there is a lot of benefit for an extra year at 9v9 as he/she isnt making decisions fast enough. I am sharing our story in case there are others feeling a similar way.

Your child loves the game. As long as he / she continues to love the game, they will become a great player.

There are no 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 year old super stars. The super stars at 15, 16, and 17 are generally not super stars in their 20s.

Love for the game will take them far. If it doesn’t, he or she had a lot fun and enjoyed the sport!

The top players at u13 arent the same at u16. Even the top teams change.

Yeah, they actually are at the too level. Easy enough to prove. Go to VDA or Richmond 2009 and look at their top 3-5 players. They literally all were studs at U13.

Assume you are talking about the girls side...yeah. Many of the players there have been there for some time and have been playing at a high level and are getting recruited to play at high level collegiately. I think the boys side has a greater development window - you'll see move movement as the boys get older. Could be due to later maturity dates in boys v. girls...

Not sure how this impacts SY v. BY....but as they say, it is what it is...

So these 12 year olds held firm over the past 5 years? All girls follow the same path with no changes over time? I only have a younger girl who has performed at a high level but would have to imagine that puberty will have a direct impact on her trajectory, physically, mentally and emotionally. I think you are saying there has to be a solid foundation at 12, which I agree, but I also think things evolves over time.

All I am saying is that there is a pervasive myth that “all bets are off until puberty” or “stars at u13 aren’t stars at u15” and I am disagreeing with that presumption and pointing out evidence to bolster my claim that stars at U13 ARE stars at U15 usually.

It is not absolute or binary but you very rarely see a bench warmer at U13 turn into a star at U15 at the ECNL level just because they grew a few inches.

It is a different dynamic than hoops or football because of skills involved.

I can nane 5+ u13 talent id invites that didnt make the cut. No matter how much our coach tried to position them. I can name 4-5 that got looked over and because of it grind it out every day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is a Q4 (U11/U12) and to some degree, I want the decision to be taken out of our hands. Our club told us that they will move everyone to school year, but who knows if it is that strong of a rule, but that is what we were explicitly told, and gives me a little anxiety relief. I really dont know what is in his/ she best interest as they are our oldest sibling and we are learning as we go. He/ She has always played at the highest level and plays at one of the better clubs in the area for when of the better teams in he/ she age group. However, I feel like my kid is growing slower relative to peers, mentally and a bit physically. He/ She isnt necessarily the smallest, middle of the pack, but lacks a level of maturity that I see with others. He/She loves the game and I keep waiting for it to click, but it is really hard. I see the argument that leveling to school year will have them back to where they are in a few years, but could also become a major confidence boost that springs he/she into their teenage years. Also, it seems like there is a lot of benefit for an extra year at 9v9 as he/she isnt making decisions fast enough. I am sharing our story in case there are others feeling a similar way.

Your child loves the game. As long as he / she continues to love the game, they will become a great player.

There are no 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 year old super stars. The super stars at 15, 16, and 17 are generally not super stars in their 20s.

Love for the game will take them far. If it doesn’t, he or she had a lot fun and enjoyed the sport!

The top players at u13 arent the same at u16. Even the top teams change.

Yeah, they actually are at the too level. Easy enough to prove. Go to VDA or Richmond 2009 and look at their top 3-5 players. They literally all were studs at U13.

Assume you are talking about the girls side...yeah. Many of the players there have been there for some time and have been playing at a high level and are getting recruited to play at high level collegiately. I think the boys side has a greater development window - you'll see move movement as the boys get older. Could be due to later maturity dates in boys v. girls...

Not sure how this impacts SY v. BY....but as they say, it is what it is...

So these 12 year olds held firm over the past 5 years? All girls follow the same path with no changes over time? I only have a younger girl who has performed at a high level but would have to imagine that puberty will have a direct impact on her trajectory, physically, mentally and emotionally. I think you are saying there has to be a solid foundation at 12, which I agree, but I also think things evolves over time.

All I am saying is that there is a pervasive myth that “all bets are off until puberty” or “stars at u13 aren’t stars at u15” and I am disagreeing with that presumption and pointing out evidence to bolster my claim that stars at U13 ARE stars at U15 usually.

It is not absolute or binary but you very rarely see a bench warmer at U13 turn into a star at U15 at the ECNL level just because they grew a few inches.

It is a different dynamic than hoops or football because of skills involved.

I can nane 5+ u13 talent id invites that didnt make the cut. No matter how much our coach tried to position them. I can name 4-5 that got looked over and because of it grind it out every day.

I actually have zero idea what you are saying.

ID invites don’t come out until u14. Plus having 5 on one team is also super impressive.

I’ll take things that never happened for $500 Alex.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is a Q4 (U11/U12) and to some degree, I want the decision to be taken out of our hands. Our club told us that they will move everyone to school year, but who knows if it is that strong of a rule, but that is what we were explicitly told, and gives me a little anxiety relief. I really dont know what is in his/ she best interest as they are our oldest sibling and we are learning as we go. He/ She has always played at the highest level and plays at one of the better clubs in the area for when of the better teams in he/ she age group. However, I feel like my kid is growing slower relative to peers, mentally and a bit physically. He/ She isnt necessarily the smallest, middle of the pack, but lacks a level of maturity that I see with others. He/She loves the game and I keep waiting for it to click, but it is really hard. I see the argument that leveling to school year will have them back to where they are in a few years, but could also become a major confidence boost that springs he/she into their teenage years. Also, it seems like there is a lot of benefit for an extra year at 9v9 as he/she isnt making decisions fast enough. I am sharing our story in case there are others feeling a similar way.

Your child loves the game. As long as he / she continues to love the game, they will become a great player.

There are no 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 year old super stars. The super stars at 15, 16, and 17 are generally not super stars in their 20s.

Love for the game will take them far. If it doesn’t, he or she had a lot fun and enjoyed the sport!

The top players at u13 arent the same at u16. Even the top teams change.

Yeah, they actually are at the too level. Easy enough to prove. Go to VDA or Richmond 2009 and look at their top 3-5 players. They literally all were studs at U13.

Assume you are talking about the girls side...yeah. Many of the players there have been there for some time and have been playing at a high level and are getting recruited to play at high level collegiately. I think the boys side has a greater development window - you'll see move movement as the boys get older. Could be due to later maturity dates in boys v. girls...

Not sure how this impacts SY v. BY....but as they say, it is what it is...

So these 12 year olds held firm over the past 5 years? All girls follow the same path with no changes over time? I only have a younger girl who has performed at a high level but would have to imagine that puberty will have a direct impact on her trajectory, physically, mentally and emotionally. I think you are saying there has to be a solid foundation at 12, which I agree, but I also think things evolves over time.

All I am saying is that there is a pervasive myth that “all bets are off until puberty” or “stars at u13 aren’t stars at u15” and I am disagreeing with that presumption and pointing out evidence to bolster my claim that stars at U13 ARE stars at U15 usually.

It is not absolute or binary but you very rarely see a bench warmer at U13 turn into a star at U15 at the ECNL level just because they grew a few inches.

It is a different dynamic than hoops or football because of skills involved.

I can nane 5+ u13 talent id invites that didnt make the cut. No matter how much our coach tried to position them. I can name 4-5 that got looked over and because of it grind it out every day.

I actually have zero idea what you are saying.

ID invites don’t come out until u14. Plus having 5 on one team is also super impressive.

I’ll take things that never happened for $500 Alex.

Sounds like your kid plays on a "sucky" team Alex.

Nice try at reflecting.

[Anonymous]

The reverse is more common, a big fast kid in u10-u13 moves to the middle of the pack and then out because they were never good soccer players, just a good athlete.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is a Q4 (U11/U12) and to some degree, I want the decision to be taken out of our hands. Our club told us that they will move everyone to school year, but who knows if it is that strong of a rule, but that is what we were explicitly told, and gives me a little anxiety relief. I really dont know what is in his/ she best interest as they are our oldest sibling and we are learning as we go. He/ She has always played at the highest level and plays at one of the better clubs in the area for when of the better teams in he/ she age group. However, I feel like my kid is growing slower relative to peers, mentally and a bit physically. He/ She isnt necessarily the smallest, middle of the pack, but lacks a level of maturity that I see with others. He/She loves the game and I keep waiting for it to click, but it is really hard. I see the argument that leveling to school year will have them back to where they are in a few years, but could also become a major confidence boost that springs he/she into their teenage years. Also, it seems like there is a lot of benefit for an extra year at 9v9 as he/she isnt making decisions fast enough. I am sharing our story in case there are others feeling a similar way.

Your child loves the game. As long as he / she continues to love the game, they will become a great player.

There are no 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 year old super stars. The super stars at 15, 16, and 17 are generally not super stars in their 20s.

Love for the game will take them far. If it doesn’t, he or she had a lot fun and enjoyed the sport!

The top players at u13 arent the same at u16. Even the top teams change.

Yeah, they actually are at the too level. Easy enough to prove. Go to VDA or Richmond 2009 and look at their top 3-5 players. They literally all were studs at U13.

Assume you are talking about the girls side...yeah. Many of the players there have been there for some time and have been playing at a high level and are getting recruited to play at high level collegiately. I think the boys side has a greater development window - you'll see move movement as the boys get older. Could be due to later maturity dates in boys v. girls...

Not sure how this impacts SY v. BY....but as they say, it is what it is...

So these 12 year olds held firm over the past 5 years? All girls follow the same path with no changes over time? I only have a younger girl who has performed at a high level but would have to imagine that puberty will have a direct impact on her trajectory, physically, mentally and emotionally. I think you are saying there has to be a solid foundation at 12, which I agree, but I also think things evolves over time.

All I am saying is that there is a pervasive myth that “all bets are off until puberty” or “stars at u13 aren’t stars at u15” and I am disagreeing with that presumption and pointing out evidence to bolster my claim that stars at U13 ARE stars at U15 usually.

It is not absolute or binary but you very rarely see a bench warmer at U13 turn into a star at U15 at the ECNL level just because they grew a few inches.

It is a different dynamic than hoops or football because of skills involved.

I can nane 5+ u13 talent id invites that didnt make the cut. No matter how much our coach tried to position them. I can name 4-5 that got looked over and because of it grind it out every day.

I actually have zero idea what you are saying.

ID invites don’t come out until u14. Plus having 5 on one team is also super impressive.

I’ll take things that never happened for $500 Alex.

Sounds like your kid plays on a "sucky" team Alex.

Nice try at reflecting.

I think the word you are looking for is deflecting…………

Also seems like you don’t watch Jeopardy, which, given your replies, is not very surprising. More of a Wheel of Fortune fan I would assume?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is a Q4 (U11/U12) and to some degree, I want the decision to be taken out of our hands. Our club told us that they will move everyone to school year, but who knows if it is that strong of a rule, but that is what we were explicitly told, and gives me a little anxiety relief. I really dont know what is in his/ she best interest as they are our oldest sibling and we are learning as we go. He/ She has always played at the highest level and plays at one of the better clubs in the area for when of the better teams in he/ she age group. However, I feel like my kid is growing slower relative to peers, mentally and a bit physically. He/ She isnt necessarily the smallest, middle of the pack, but lacks a level of maturity that I see with others. He/She loves the game and I keep waiting for it to click, but it is really hard. I see the argument that leveling to school year will have them back to where they are in a few years, but could also become a major confidence boost that springs he/she into their teenage years. Also, it seems like there is a lot of benefit for an extra year at 9v9 as he/she isnt making decisions fast enough. I am sharing our story in case there are others feeling a similar way.

Your child loves the game. As long as he / she continues to love the game, they will become a great player.

There are no 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 year old super stars. The super stars at 15, 16, and 17 are generally not super stars in their 20s.

Love for the game will take them far. If it doesn’t, he or she had a lot fun and enjoyed the sport!

The top players at u13 arent the same at u16. Even the top teams change.

Yeah, they actually are at the too level. Easy enough to prove. Go to VDA or Richmond 2009 and look at their top 3-5 players. They literally all were studs at U13.

Assume you are talking about the girls side...yeah. Many of the players there have been there for some time and have been playing at a high level and are getting recruited to play at high level collegiately. I think the boys side has a greater development window - you'll see move movement as the boys get older. Could be due to later maturity dates in boys v. girls...

Not sure how this impacts SY v. BY....but as they say, it is what it is...

So these 12 year olds held firm over the past 5 years? All girls follow the same path with no changes over time? I only have a younger girl who has performed at a high level but would have to imagine that puberty will have a direct impact on her trajectory, physically, mentally and emotionally. I think you are saying there has to be a solid foundation at 12, which I agree, but I also think things evolves over time.

All I am saying is that there is a pervasive myth that “all bets are off until puberty” or “stars at u13 aren’t stars at u15” and I am disagreeing with that presumption and pointing out evidence to bolster my claim that stars at U13 ARE stars at U15 usually.

It is not absolute or binary but you very rarely see a bench warmer at U13 turn into a star at U15 at the ECNL level just because they grew a few inches.

It is a different dynamic than hoops or football because of skills involved.

I can nane 5+ u13 talent id invites that didnt make the cut. No matter how much our coach tried to position them. I can name 4-5 that got looked over and because of it grind it out every day.

I actually have zero idea what you are saying.

ID invites don’t come out until u14. Plus having 5 on one team is also super impressive.

I’ll take things that never happened for $500 Alex.

Sounds like your kid plays on a "sucky" team Alex.

Nice try at reflecting.

I think the word you are looking for is deflecting…………

Also seems like you don’t watch Jeopardy, which, given your replies, is not very surprising. More of a Wheel of Fortune fan I would assume?

Ahh, you caught me. I wasn't spending much time on the post. Was tired from watching my kid play in the Finals of a tournament.

What did you do today? Im guessing sat around posting sparky responses online. Sounds productive good job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree. I would even say top college soccer program starters are similar to MLS quality, which might not be saying much with all the negative nannies on this forum

No

Yeah, I would say USL1 level maybe. Your average D1 would lose to your average USL1 team but it would be close. One of the best USL1 teams routinely plays several D1 programs in the preseason. The games are close but the USL team is clearly better and getting players off the bench for looks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agree. I would even say top college soccer program starters are similar to MLS quality, which might not be saying much with all the negative nannies on this forum

No

Yeah, I would say USL1 level maybe. Your average D1 would lose to your average USL1 team but it would be close. One of the best USL1 teams routinely plays several D1 programs in the preseason. The games are close but the USL team is clearly better and getting players off the bench for looks.

If this is true wow.

I saw a Mens USL game on the TV last week and the level of play was not good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is a Q4 (U11/U12) and to some degree, I want the decision to be taken out of our hands. Our club told us that they will move everyone to school year, but who knows if it is that strong of a rule, but that is what we were explicitly told, and gives me a little anxiety relief. I really dont know what is in his/ she best interest as they are our oldest sibling and we are learning as we go. He/ She has always played at the highest level and plays at one of the better clubs in the area for when of the better teams in he/ she age group. However, I feel like my kid is growing slower relative to peers, mentally and a bit physically. He/ She isnt necessarily the smallest, middle of the pack, but lacks a level of maturity that I see with others. He/She loves the game and I keep waiting for it to click, but it is really hard. I see the argument that leveling to school year will have them back to where they are in a few years, but could also become a major confidence boost that springs he/she into their teenage years. Also, it seems like there is a lot of benefit for an extra year at 9v9 as he/she isnt making decisions fast enough. I am sharing our story in case there are others feeling a similar way.

Your child loves the game. As long as he / she continues to love the game, they will become a great player.

There are no 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 year old super stars. The super stars at 15, 16, and 17 are generally not super stars in their 20s.

Love for the game will take them far. If it doesn’t, he or she had a lot fun and enjoyed the sport!

The top players at u13 arent the same at u16. Even the top teams change.

Yeah, they actually are at the too level. Easy enough to prove. Go to VDA or Richmond 2009 and look at their top 3-5 players. They literally all were studs at U13.

Assume you are talking about the girls side...yeah. Many of the players there have been there for some time and have been playing at a high level and are getting recruited to play at high level collegiately. I think the boys side has a greater development window - you'll see move movement as the boys get older. Could be due to later maturity dates in boys v. girls...

Not sure how this impacts SY v. BY....but as they say, it is what it is...

So these 12 year olds held firm over the past 5 years? All girls follow the same path with no changes over time? I only have a younger girl who has performed at a high level but would have to imagine that puberty will have a direct impact on her trajectory, physically, mentally and emotionally. I think you are saying there has to be a solid foundation at 12, which I agree, but I also think things evolves over time.

Sure, there needs to be a solid foundation built at the younger ages and players do evolve. But, in general terms, the top players have been the top players throughout. Have players improved overall? Certainly. Have there been some shifts? Yes to that too. But, overall, it hasn't changed dramatically from their first ECNL season to now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is a Q4 (U11/U12) and to some degree, I want the decision to be taken out of our hands. Our club told us that they will move everyone to school year, but who knows if it is that strong of a rule, but that is what we were explicitly told, and gives me a little anxiety relief. I really dont know what is in his/ she best interest as they are our oldest sibling and we are learning as we go. He/ She has always played at the highest level and plays at one of the better clubs in the area for when of the better teams in he/ she age group. However, I feel like my kid is growing slower relative to peers, mentally and a bit physically. He/ She isnt necessarily the smallest, middle of the pack, but lacks a level of maturity that I see with others. He/She loves the game and I keep waiting for it to click, but it is really hard. I see the argument that leveling to school year will have them back to where they are in a few years, but could also become a major confidence boost that springs he/she into their teenage years. Also, it seems like there is a lot of benefit for an extra year at 9v9 as he/she isnt making decisions fast enough. I am sharing our story in case there are others feeling a similar way.

Your child loves the game. As long as he / she continues to love the game, they will become a great player.

There are no 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 year old super stars. The super stars at 15, 16, and 17 are generally not super stars in their 20s.

Love for the game will take them far. If it doesn’t, he or she had a lot fun and enjoyed the sport!

The top players at u13 arent the same at u16. Even the top teams change.

Yeah, they actually are at the too level. Easy enough to prove. Go to VDA or Richmond 2009 and look at their top 3-5 players. They literally all were studs at U13.

Assume you are talking about the girls side...yeah. Many of the players there have been there for some time and have been playing at a high level and are getting recruited to play at high level collegiately. I think the boys side has a greater development window - you'll see move movement as the boys get older. Could be due to later maturity dates in boys v. girls...

Not sure how this impacts SY v. BY....but as they say, it is what it is...

So these 12 year olds held firm over the past 5 years? All girls follow the same path with no changes over time? I only have a younger girl who has performed at a high level but would have to imagine that puberty will have a direct impact on her trajectory, physically, mentally and emotionally. I think you are saying there has to be a solid foundation at 12, which I agree, but I also think things evolves over time.

Sure, there needs to be a solid foundation built at the younger ages and players do evolve. But, in general terms, the top players have been the top players throughout. Have players improved overall? Certainly. Have there been some shifts? Yes to that too. But, overall, it hasn't changed dramatically from their first ECNL season to now.

This guy is just protecting his kids spot in the line.

Of course things change and new players should be identified.

[Anonymous]

Lots and lots of younger parents want to declare the race over at u13. Reality is the race hasnt even started yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lots and lots of younger parents want to declare the race over at u13. Reality is the race hasnt even started yet.

Yeah, it seems like such an ilogical perspective. I have heard way too many stories about late bloomers etc. For example, my coworker's son got looks at Newcastle, but not until he was 15 because he grew like 6" over the summer. He was technically good, but couldnt compete with speed, size and strength, so always struggled. He ultimately got injured senior year so the race was over. I asked him for what he would have done differently and main advice was to not worry about it and just let it play out. While girls are slightly different, their body goes through a tremendous amount of change around those years. Technical mastery definitely matters, just listen to Henry, but there are a lot of other factors. The race is definitely not over at 12.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is a Q4 (U11/U12) and to some degree, I want the decision to be taken out of our hands. Our club told us that they will move everyone to school year, but who knows if it is that strong of a rule, but that is what we were explicitly told, and gives me a little anxiety relief. I really dont know what is in his/ she best interest as they are our oldest sibling and we are learning as we go. He/ She has always played at the highest level and plays at one of the better clubs in the area for when of the better teams in he/ she age group. However, I feel like my kid is growing slower relative to peers, mentally and a bit physically. He/ She isnt necessarily the smallest, middle of the pack, but lacks a level of maturity that I see with others. He/She loves the game and I keep waiting for it to click, but it is really hard. I see the argument that leveling to school year will have them back to where they are in a few years, but could also become a major confidence boost that springs he/she into their teenage years. Also, it seems like there is a lot of benefit for an extra year at 9v9 as he/she isnt making decisions fast enough. I am sharing our story in case there are others feeling a similar way.

Your child loves the game. As long as he / she continues to love the game, they will become a great player.

There are no 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 year old super stars. The super stars at 15, 16, and 17 are generally not super stars in their 20s.

Love for the game will take them far. If it doesn’t, he or she had a lot fun and enjoyed the sport!

The top players at u13 arent the same at u16. Even the top teams change.

Yeah, they actually are at the too level. Easy enough to prove. Go to VDA or Richmond 2009 and look at their top 3-5 players. They literally all were studs at U13.

Assume you are talking about the girls side...yeah. Many of the players there have been there for some time and have been playing at a high level and are getting recruited to play at high level collegiately. I think the boys side has a greater development window - you'll see move movement as the boys get older. Could be due to later maturity dates in boys v. girls...

Not sure how this impacts SY v. BY....but as they say, it is what it is...

So these 12 year olds held firm over the past 5 years? All girls follow the same path with no changes over time? I only have a younger girl who has performed at a high level but would have to imagine that puberty will have a direct impact on her trajectory, physically, mentally and emotionally. I think you are saying there has to be a solid foundation at 12, which I agree, but I also think things evolves over time.

Sure, there needs to be a solid foundation built at the younger ages and players do evolve. But, in general terms, the top players have been the top players throughout. Have players improved overall? Certainly. Have there been some shifts? Yes to that too. But, overall, it hasn't changed dramatically from their first ECNL season to now.

This guy is just protecting his kids spot in the line.

Of course things change and new players should be identified.

Not protecting anything at all...and completely agree. Things do change and new players do develop. Just stating what I am seeing that the mix of the top players on the team has not dramatically changed in their years in ECNL. Maybe these top players are the ones that are doing the most training outside of practice, watching film, watching other soccer games, working on their own etc. A ton of work is required to continue to play at a high level. If someone comes along that is better, absolutely, the should get their shot.

Someone mentioned it early about the USYNT ID sessions. It's good that they are expanding the number of these overall that they are having and that some different players are going. Also, the actual training camps are pulling in a wider mix of players as well - it looks like each of the U15 / U16 camps at least have players going that have never been there before along with a mix of those that have gone to prior camps/friendlies/tournaments. The deeper player pool can only help things overall.

And, once again, none of this impact BY v. SY, but it is what it is...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agree. I would even say top college soccer program starters are similar to MLS quality, which might not be saying much with all the negative nannies on this forum

No

Yeah, I would say USL1 level maybe. Your average D1 would lose to your average USL1 team but it would be close. One of the best USL1 teams routinely plays several D1 programs in the preseason. The games are close but the USL team is clearly better and getting players off the bench for looks.

If this is true wow.

I saw a Mens USL game on the TV last week and the level of play was not good.

I would also say the style of play is similar as well. Not a ton of possession (in competitive matches), lots of counters and pressing and turn overs. Can be pretty fun and exciting but if you're looking for a La Liga or Premier League level style of play you'll be disappointed.