Bethesda Soccer On Way Down

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post and the one immediately before it are the most thoughtful posts of this entire thread.

This will not meet the meaningful as too many people will take it personal but:

1) My kid came to Bethesda to find other kids like him who live and breathe futbol. There are plenty of places to play in this area if you don’t fit that mold. You can still play at BSC if you don’t fit that mold, depending on your skill level.

2) it is perfectly okay if your kid is playing multiple sports and have a wonderful life. I think Jalen Brunson’s dad told him him you can be great at 2/3 things but not all 3:

1) Your sport
2) Your education
3) Your social life

My kid is too young to sacrifice social life yet but if he stays on the path, I am not sacrificing education so he will have to give up the sport if he wants his social life.

When my kid goes to his friends house, they invariably play soccer or are exchanging soccer cards or in the pool. Our summer has been built with time at the beach, pool, amusement parks, movies, museums, sailing, travel, playground with friends, etc. My kid is having a great summer. He still is tallying 30+ hours a week in camps and pickups with other players from BSC, Achilles, Arlington, Armour, etc.

Now that you know that the top kids you see don’t have magic pixie dust sprinkled on them, you can help your child set appropriate goals based on what they want to achieve. The entire world plays futbol. US is the only sport focused on American football so if you are 6’2” and in decent shape, you can start late and potentially catch up with the best. You simply can’t make up the hours in soccer with the whole world as competition. The neuromuscular patterns that control ball mastery are ripest for formation between the ages of 7-14. It is awkward to see kids who still believe in Santa and enjoy toys with kids meals go so hard in a sport but this is the reality we are in. Like the Matrix, accept the truth pill or keep thinking your child can hit their long-term goals on 3 practices a week in the fall and spring.

Who has ever seen a documentary or interview of a top level professional soccer player's parents where they say,
DS hung out doing social activities most of his time?

I assume most people on here know that their kid is not the next Messi.

They absolutely won’t be if can’t you even see the possibility first. Messi was developed, over time. Coming from the US, yes, much harder to become Messi based on our culture. But our lack of belief is why kids our kids are incredibly successful at meeting our low expectations.

My kid has played overseas in an academy environment and we are not that different at the young ages. The separation happens between 11-14. We focus on speed, strength and winning. Everybody else focuses on ball mastery, soccer IQ and just playing. Italy does not track results until the kids are 14-15.

Cavan Sullivan is world-class based on his age now and we will actually see in real time whether we have corrected missteps from the past (Adu) and whether we can start landing these planes. There are ALOT of talented U.S. players both stateside and in European academies. We fix our 11-14 age groups and we can start seeing more Americans in the Champions League. There is only one Messi but we can have A LOT more Pulisic’s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post and the one immediately before it are the most thoughtful posts of this entire thread.

This will not meet the meaningful as too many people will take it personal but:

1) My kid came to Bethesda to find other kids like him who live and breathe futbol. There are plenty of places to play in this area if you don’t fit that mold. You can still play at BSC if you don’t fit that mold, depending on your skill level.

2) it is perfectly okay if your kid is playing multiple sports and have a wonderful life. I think Jalen Brunson’s dad told him him you can be great at 2/3 things but not all 3:

1) Your sport
2) Your education
3) Your social life

My kid is too young to sacrifice social life yet but if he stays on the path, I am not sacrificing education so he will have to give up the sport if he wants his social life.

When my kid goes to his friends house, they invariably play soccer or are exchanging soccer cards or in the pool. Our summer has been built with time at the beach, pool, amusement parks, movies, museums, sailing, travel, playground with friends, etc. My kid is having a great summer. He still is tallying 30+ hours a week in camps and pickups with other players from BSC, Achilles, Arlington, Armour, etc.

Now that you know that the top kids you see don’t have magic pixie dust sprinkled on them, you can help your child set appropriate goals based on what they want to achieve. The entire world plays futbol. US is the only sport focused on American football so if you are 6’2” and in decent shape, you can start late and potentially catch up with the best. You simply can’t make up the hours in soccer with the whole world as competition. The neuromuscular patterns that control ball mastery are ripest for formation between the ages of 7-14. It is awkward to see kids who still believe in Santa and enjoy toys with kids meals go so hard in a sport but this is the reality we are in. Like the Matrix, accept the truth pill or keep thinking your child can hit their long-term goals on 3 practices a week in the fall and spring.

Who has ever seen a documentary or interview of a top level professional soccer player's parents where they say,
DS hung out doing social activities most of his time?

I assume most people on here know that their kid is not the next Messi.

They absolutely won’t be if can’t you even see the possibility first. Messi was developed, over time. Coming from the US, yes, much harder to become Messi based on our culture. But our lack of belief is why kids our kids are incredibly successful at meeting our low expectations.

My kid has played overseas in an academy environment and we are not that different at the young ages. The separation happens between 11-14. We focus on speed, strength and winning. Everybody else focuses on ball mastery, soccer IQ and just playing. Italy does not track results until the kids are 14-15.

Cavan Sullivan is world-class based on his age now and we will actually see in real time whether we have corrected missteps from the past (Adu) and whether we can start landing these planes. There are ALOT of talented U.S. players both stateside and in European academies. We fix our 11-14 age groups and we can start seeing more Americans in the Champions League. There is only one Messi but we can have A LOT more Pulisic’s.

I love your support for soccer and US soccer. I am sure Pulisic could tell you 20 kids he thought were going to “make it”. I think it’s a rough road, we don’t hear about all the kids that just barely miss out. Pulisic might not be Messi but he may go down as the best US player ever, still an incredibly high bar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post and the one immediately before it are the most thoughtful posts of this entire thread.

This will not meet the meaningful as too many people will take it personal but:

1) My kid came to Bethesda to find other kids like him who live and breathe futbol. There are plenty of places to play in this area if you don’t fit that mold. You can still play at BSC if you don’t fit that mold, depending on your skill level.

2) it is perfectly okay if your kid is playing multiple sports and have a wonderful life. I think Jalen Brunson’s dad told him him you can be great at 2/3 things but not all 3:

1) Your sport
2) Your education
3) Your social life

My kid is too young to sacrifice social life yet but if he stays on the path, I am not sacrificing education so he will have to give up the sport if he wants his social life.

When my kid goes to his friends house, they invariably play soccer or are exchanging soccer cards or in the pool. Our summer has been built with time at the beach, pool, amusement parks, movies, museums, sailing, travel, playground with friends, etc. My kid is having a great summer. He still is tallying 30+ hours a week in camps and pickups with other players from BSC, Achilles, Arlington, Armour, etc.

Now that you know that the top kids you see don’t have magic pixie dust sprinkled on them, you can help your child set appropriate goals based on what they want to achieve. The entire world plays futbol. US is the only sport focused on American football so if you are 6’2” and in decent shape, you can start late and potentially catch up with the best. You simply can’t make up the hours in soccer with the whole world as competition. The neuromuscular patterns that control ball mastery are ripest for formation between the ages of 7-14. It is awkward to see kids who still believe in Santa and enjoy toys with kids meals go so hard in a sport but this is the reality we are in. Like the Matrix, accept the truth pill or keep thinking your child can hit their long-term goals on 3 practices a week in the fall and spring.

Who has ever seen a documentary or interview of a top level professional soccer player's parents where they say,
DS hung out doing social activities most of his time?

I assume most people on here know that their kid is not the next Messi.

They absolutely won’t be if can’t you even see the possibility first. Messi was developed, over time. Coming from the US, yes, much harder to become Messi based on our culture. But our lack of belief is why kids our kids are incredibly successful at meeting our low expectations.

My kid has played overseas in an academy environment and we are not that different at the young ages. The separation happens between 11-14. We focus on speed, strength and winning. Everybody else focuses on ball mastery, soccer IQ and just playing. Italy does not track results until the kids are 14-15.

Cavan Sullivan is world-class based on his age now and we will actually see in real time whether we have corrected missteps from the past (Adu) and whether we can start landing these planes. There are ALOT of talented U.S. players both stateside and in European academies. We fix our 11-14 age groups and we can start seeing more Americans in the Champions League. There is only one Messi but we can have A LOT more Pulisic’s.

I love your support for soccer and US soccer. I am sure Pulisic could tell you 20 kids he thought were going to “make it”. I think it’s a rough road, we don’t hear about all the kids that just barely miss out. Pulisic might not be Messi but he may go down as the best US player ever, still an incredibly high bar.

There's only one Messi
There's only one Ronaldo
There's only one Pele

Every kid even in Europe and South America can't become a Messi or Ronaldo

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post and the one immediately before it are the most thoughtful posts of this entire thread.

This will not meet the meaningful as too many people will take it personal but:

1) My kid came to Bethesda to find other kids like him who live and breathe futbol. There are plenty of places to play in this area if you don’t fit that mold. You can still play at BSC if you don’t fit that mold, depending on your skill level.

2) it is perfectly okay if your kid is playing multiple sports and have a wonderful life. I think Jalen Brunson’s dad told him him you can be great at 2/3 things but not all 3:

1) Your sport
2) Your education
3) Your social life

My kid is too young to sacrifice social life yet but if he stays on the path, I am not sacrificing education so he will have to give up the sport if he wants his social life.

When my kid goes to his friends house, they invariably play soccer or are exchanging soccer cards or in the pool. Our summer has been built with time at the beach, pool, amusement parks, movies, museums, sailing, travel, playground with friends, etc. My kid is having a great summer. He still is tallying 30+ hours a week in camps and pickups with other players from BSC, Achilles, Arlington, Armour, etc.

Now that you know that the top kids you see don’t have magic pixie dust sprinkled on them, you can help your child set appropriate goals based on what they want to achieve. The entire world plays futbol. US is the only sport focused on American football so if you are 6’2” and in decent shape, you can start late and potentially catch up with the best. You simply can’t make up the hours in soccer with the whole world as competition. The neuromuscular patterns that control ball mastery are ripest for formation between the ages of 7-14. It is awkward to see kids who still believe in Santa and enjoy toys with kids meals go so hard in a sport but this is the reality we are in. Like the Matrix, accept the truth pill or keep thinking your child can hit their long-term goals on 3 practices a week in the fall and spring.

Who has ever seen a documentary or interview of a top level professional soccer player's parents where they say,
DS hung out doing social activities most of his time?

I assume most people on here know that their kid is not the next Messi.

They absolutely won’t be if can’t you even see the possibility first. Messi was developed, over time. Coming from the US, yes, much harder to become Messi based on our culture. But our lack of belief is why kids our kids are incredibly successful at meeting our low expectations.

My kid has played overseas in an academy environment and we are not that different at the young ages. The separation happens between 11-14. We focus on speed, strength and winning. Everybody else focuses on ball mastery, soccer IQ and just playing. Italy does not track results until the kids are 14-15.

Cavan Sullivan is world-class based on his age now and we will actually see in real time whether we have corrected missteps from the past (Adu) and whether we can start landing these planes. There are ALOT of talented U.S. players both stateside and in European academies. We fix our 11-14 age groups and we can start seeing more Americans in the Champions League. There is only one Messi but we can have A LOT more Pulisic’s.

I love your support for soccer and US soccer. I am sure Pulisic could tell you 20 kids he thought were going to “make it”. I think it’s a rough road, we don’t hear about all the kids that just barely miss out. Pulisic might not be Messi but he may go down as the best US player ever, still an incredibly high bar.

There's only one Messi
There's only one Ronaldo
There's only one Pele

Every kid even in Europe and South America can't become a Messi or Ronaldo

Maybe. But 30 years ago there was only Pele. There was no ronaldo or Messi to put on the list. 20 years from now we could be saying there is only one Yamal or 'insert name'. If you don't take the shot You will never make it

[Anonymous]

US Soccer is so incredibly mediocre. The culture and the system isn’t designed to cultivate good players. Pulisic is barely a top 100 player (barely).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post and the one immediately before it are the most thoughtful posts of this entire thread.

This will not meet the meaningful as too many people will take it personal but:

1) My kid came to Bethesda to find other kids like him who live and breathe futbol. There are plenty of places to play in this area if you don’t fit that mold. You can still play at BSC if you don’t fit that mold, depending on your skill level.

2) it is perfectly okay if your kid is playing multiple sports and have a wonderful life. I think Jalen Brunson’s dad told him him you can be great at 2/3 things but not all 3:

1) Your sport
2) Your education
3) Your social life

My kid is too young to sacrifice social life yet but if he stays on the path, I am not sacrificing education so he will have to give up the sport if he wants his social life.

When my kid goes to his friends house, they invariably play soccer or are exchanging soccer cards or in the pool. Our summer has been built with time at the beach, pool, amusement parks, movies, museums, sailing, travel, playground with friends, etc. My kid is having a great summer. He still is tallying 30+ hours a week in camps and pickups with other players from BSC, Achilles, Arlington, Armour, etc.

Now that you know that the top kids you see don’t have magic pixie dust sprinkled on them, you can help your child set appropriate goals based on what they want to achieve. The entire world plays futbol. US is the only sport focused on American football so if you are 6’2” and in decent shape, you can start late and potentially catch up with the best. You simply can’t make up the hours in soccer with the whole world as competition. The neuromuscular patterns that control ball mastery are ripest for formation between the ages of 7-14. It is awkward to see kids who still believe in Santa and enjoy toys with kids meals go so hard in a sport but this is the reality we are in. Like the Matrix, accept the truth pill or keep thinking your child can hit their long-term goals on 3 practices a week in the fall and spring.

30 hours + a week for soccer is crazy if your kid is young. Your not concerned about injury?

Concerned about injury, no.
Do I pay attention to my child to prevent injuries, yes.

My kid will let me know when he is tired. I also have Gregg Popovich like rules that annoy him but I have to protect him from himself. His sleep pattern is the easiest pattern to spot when he needs to pull back or needs extra rest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post and the one immediately before it are the most thoughtful posts of this entire thread.

This will not meet the meaningful as too many people will take it personal but:

1) My kid came to Bethesda to find other kids like him who live and breathe futbol. There are plenty of places to play in this area if you don’t fit that mold. You can still play at BSC if you don’t fit that mold, depending on your skill level.

2) it is perfectly okay if your kid is playing multiple sports and have a wonderful life. I think Jalen Brunson’s dad told him him you can be great at 2/3 things but not all 3:

1) Your sport
2) Your education
3) Your social life

My kid is too young to sacrifice social life yet but if he stays on the path, I am not sacrificing education so he will have to give up the sport if he wants his social life.

When my kid goes to his friends house, they invariably play soccer or are exchanging soccer cards or in the pool. Our summer has been built with time at the beach, pool, amusement parks, movies, museums, sailing, travel, playground with friends, etc. My kid is having a great summer. He still is tallying 30+ hours a week in camps and pickups with other players from BSC, Achilles, Arlington, Armour, etc.

Now that you know that the top kids you see don’t have magic pixie dust sprinkled on them, you can help your child set appropriate goals based on what they want to achieve. The entire world plays futbol. US is the only sport focused on American football so if you are 6’2” and in decent shape, you can start late and potentially catch up with the best. You simply can’t make up the hours in soccer with the whole world as competition. The neuromuscular patterns that control ball mastery are ripest for formation between the ages of 7-14. It is awkward to see kids who still believe in Santa and enjoy toys with kids meals go so hard in a sport but this is the reality we are in. Like the Matrix, accept the truth pill or keep thinking your child can hit their long-term goals on 3 practices a week in the fall and spring.

30 hours + a week for soccer is crazy if your kid is young. Your not concerned about injury?

Concerned about injury, no.
Do I pay attention to my child to prevent injuries, yes.

My kid will let me know when he is tired. I also have Gregg Popovich like rules that annoy him but I have to protect him from himself. His sleep pattern is the easiest pattern to spot when he needs to pull back or needs extra rest.

What's your expertise in sport performance, cyclical training methodologies, injury prevention techniques etc?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post and the one immediately before it are the most thoughtful posts of this entire thread.

This will not meet the meaningful as too many people will take it personal but:

1) My kid came to Bethesda to find other kids like him who live and breathe futbol. There are plenty of places to play in this area if you don’t fit that mold. You can still play at BSC if you don’t fit that mold, depending on your skill level.

2) it is perfectly okay if your kid is playing multiple sports and have a wonderful life. I think Jalen Brunson’s dad told him him you can be great at 2/3 things but not all 3:

1) Your sport
2) Your education
3) Your social life

My kid is too young to sacrifice social life yet but if he stays on the path, I am not sacrificing education so he will have to give up the sport if he wants his social life.

When my kid goes to his friends house, they invariably play soccer or are exchanging soccer cards or in the pool. Our summer has been built with time at the beach, pool, amusement parks, movies, museums, sailing, travel, playground with friends, etc. My kid is having a great summer. He still is tallying 30+ hours a week in camps and pickups with other players from BSC, Achilles, Arlington, Armour, etc.

Now that you know that the top kids you see don’t have magic pixie dust sprinkled on them, you can help your child set appropriate goals based on what they want to achieve. The entire world plays futbol. US is the only sport focused on American football so if you are 6’2” and in decent shape, you can start late and potentially catch up with the best. You simply can’t make up the hours in soccer with the whole world as competition. The neuromuscular patterns that control ball mastery are ripest for formation between the ages of 7-14. It is awkward to see kids who still believe in Santa and enjoy toys with kids meals go so hard in a sport but this is the reality we are in. Like the Matrix, accept the truth pill or keep thinking your child can hit their long-term goals on 3 practices a week in the fall and spring.

Who has ever seen a documentary or interview of a top level professional soccer player's parents where they say,
DS hung out doing social activities most of his time?

I assume most people on here know that their kid is not the next Messi.

They absolutely won’t be if can’t you even see the possibility first. Messi was developed, over time. Coming from the US, yes, much harder to become Messi based on our culture. But our lack of belief is why kids our kids are incredibly successful at meeting our low expectations.

My kid has played overseas in an academy environment and we are not that different at the young ages. The separation happens between 11-14. We focus on speed, strength and winning. Everybody else focuses on ball mastery, soccer IQ and just playing. Italy does not track results until the kids are 14-15.

Cavan Sullivan is world-class based on his age now and we will actually see in real time whether we have corrected missteps from the past (Adu) and whether we can start landing these planes. There are ALOT of talented U.S. players both stateside and in European academies. We fix our 11-14 age groups and we can start seeing more Americans in the Champions League. There is only one Messi but we can have A LOT more Pulisic’s.

I love your support for soccer and US soccer. I am sure Pulisic could tell you 20 kids he thought were going to “make it”. I think it’s a rough road, we don’t hear about all the kids that just barely miss out. Pulisic might not be Messi but he may go down as the best US player ever, still an incredibly high bar.

There's only one Messi
There's only one Ronaldo
There's only one Pele

Every kid even in Europe and South America can't become a Messi or Ronaldo

Maybe. But 30 years ago there was only Pele. There was no ronaldo or Messi to put on the list. 20 years from now we could be saying there is only one Yamal or 'insert name'. If you don't take the shot You will never make it

The point was being made to the people who keep saying a kid isn't the next Messi

A kid doesn't have to be the next one of a kind to put in work motivated by a mentality to excel

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post and the one immediately before it are the most thoughtful posts of this entire thread.

This will not meet the meaningful as too many people will take it personal but:

1) My kid came to Bethesda to find other kids like him who live and breathe futbol. There are plenty of places to play in this area if you don’t fit that mold. You can still play at BSC if you don’t fit that mold, depending on your skill level.

2) it is perfectly okay if your kid is playing multiple sports and have a wonderful life. I think Jalen Brunson’s dad told him him you can be great at 2/3 things but not all 3:

1) Your sport
2) Your education
3) Your social life

My kid is too young to sacrifice social life yet but if he stays on the path, I am not sacrificing education so he will have to give up the sport if he wants his social life.

When my kid goes to his friends house, they invariably play soccer or are exchanging soccer cards or in the pool. Our summer has been built with time at the beach, pool, amusement parks, movies, museums, sailing, travel, playground with friends, etc. My kid is having a great summer. He still is tallying 30+ hours a week in camps and pickups with other players from BSC, Achilles, Arlington, Armour, etc.

Now that you know that the top kids you see don’t have magic pixie dust sprinkled on them, you can help your child set appropriate goals based on what they want to achieve. The entire world plays futbol. US is the only sport focused on American football so if you are 6’2” and in decent shape, you can start late and potentially catch up with the best. You simply can’t make up the hours in soccer with the whole world as competition. The neuromuscular patterns that control ball mastery are ripest for formation between the ages of 7-14. It is awkward to see kids who still believe in Santa and enjoy toys with kids meals go so hard in a sport but this is the reality we are in. Like the Matrix, accept the truth pill or keep thinking your child can hit their long-term goals on 3 practices a week in the fall and spring.

Who has ever seen a documentary or interview of a top level professional soccer player's parents where they say,
DS hung out doing social activities most of his time?

I assume most people on here know that their kid is not the next Messi.

They absolutely won’t be if can’t you even see the possibility first. Messi was developed, over time. Coming from the US, yes, much harder to become Messi based on our culture. But our lack of belief is why kids our kids are incredibly successful at meeting our low expectations.

My kid has played overseas in an academy environment and we are not that different at the young ages. The separation happens between 11-14. We focus on speed, strength and winning. Everybody else focuses on ball mastery, soccer IQ and just playing. Italy does not track results until the kids are 14-15.

Cavan Sullivan is world-class based on his age now and we will actually see in real time whether we have corrected missteps from the past (Adu) and whether we can start landing these planes. There are ALOT of talented U.S. players both stateside and in European academies. We fix our 11-14 age groups and we can start seeing more Americans in the Champions League. There is only one Messi but we can have A LOT more Pulisic’s.

I love your support for soccer and US soccer. I am sure Pulisic could tell you 20 kids he thought were going to “make it”. I think it’s a rough road, we don’t hear about all the kids that just barely miss out. Pulisic might not be Messi but he may go down as the best US player ever, still an incredibly high bar.

There's only one Messi
There's only one Ronaldo
There's only one Pele

Every kid even in Europe and South America can't become a Messi or Ronaldo

Maybe. But 30 years ago there was only Pele. There was no ronaldo or Messi to put on the list. 20 years from now we could be saying there is only one Yamal or 'insert name'. If you don't take the shot You will never make it

The point was being made to the people who keep saying a kid isn't the next Messi

A kid doesn't have to be the next one of a kind to put in work motivated by a mentality to excel

How is this different than ANY professional sport for cryin out loud. Golf, football, basketball. Name one that the odds aren't long to make the big league but only thing certain is not trying at all guarantees you will be watching from the stands.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post and the one immediately before it are the most thoughtful posts of this entire thread.

This will not meet the meaningful as too many people will take it personal but:

1) My kid came to Bethesda to find other kids like him who live and breathe futbol. There are plenty of places to play in this area if you don’t fit that mold. You can still play at BSC if you don’t fit that mold, depending on your skill level.

2) it is perfectly okay if your kid is playing multiple sports and have a wonderful life. I think Jalen Brunson’s dad told him him you can be great at 2/3 things but not all 3:

1) Your sport
2) Your education
3) Your social life

My kid is too young to sacrifice social life yet but if he stays on the path, I am not sacrificing education so he will have to give up the sport if he wants his social life.

When my kid goes to his friends house, they invariably play soccer or are exchanging soccer cards or in the pool. Our summer has been built with time at the beach, pool, amusement parks, movies, museums, sailing, travel, playground with friends, etc. My kid is having a great summer. He still is tallying 30+ hours a week in camps and pickups with other players from BSC, Achilles, Arlington, Armour, etc.

Now that you know that the top kids you see don’t have magic pixie dust sprinkled on them, you can help your child set appropriate goals based on what they want to achieve. The entire world plays futbol. US is the only sport focused on American football so if you are 6’2” and in decent shape, you can start late and potentially catch up with the best. You simply can’t make up the hours in soccer with the whole world as competition. The neuromuscular patterns that control ball mastery are ripest for formation between the ages of 7-14. It is awkward to see kids who still believe in Santa and enjoy toys with kids meals go so hard in a sport but this is the reality we are in. Like the Matrix, accept the truth pill or keep thinking your child can hit their long-term goals on 3 practices a week in the fall and spring.

Who has ever seen a documentary or interview of a top level professional soccer player's parents where they say,
DS hung out doing social activities most of his time?

I assume most people on here know that their kid is not the next Messi.

They absolutely won’t be if can’t you even see the possibility first. Messi was developed, over time. Coming from the US, yes, much harder to become Messi based on our culture. But our lack of belief is why kids our kids are incredibly successful at meeting our low expectations.

My kid has played overseas in an academy environment and we are not that different at the young ages. The separation happens between 11-14. We focus on speed, strength and winning. Everybody else focuses on ball mastery, soccer IQ and just playing. Italy does not track results until the kids are 14-15.

Cavan Sullivan is world-class based on his age now and we will actually see in real time whether we have corrected missteps from the past (Adu) and whether we can start landing these planes. There are ALOT of talented U.S. players both stateside and in European academies. We fix our 11-14 age groups and we can start seeing more Americans in the Champions League. There is only one Messi but we can have A LOT more Pulisic’s.

I love your support for soccer and US soccer. I am sure Pulisic could tell you 20 kids he thought were going to “make it”. I think it’s a rough road, we don’t hear about all the kids that just barely miss out. Pulisic might not be Messi but he may go down as the best US player ever, still an incredibly high bar.

There's only one Messi
There's only one Ronaldo
There's only one Pele

Every kid even in Europe and South America can't become a Messi or Ronaldo

Maybe. But 30 years ago there was only Pele. There was no ronaldo or Messi to put on the list. 20 years from now we could be saying there is only one Yamal or 'insert name'. If you don't take the shot You will never make it

The point was being made to the people who keep saying a kid isn't the next Messi

A kid doesn't have to be the next one of a kind to put in work motivated by a mentality to excel

How is this different than ANY professional sport for cryin out loud. Golf, football, basketball. Name one that the odds aren't long to make the big league but only thing certain is not trying at all guarantees you will be watching from the stands.

Their kid isn't good enough to make it to the top, so they want to feel better about themselves by saying everyone is in the same boat

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post and the one immediately before it are the most thoughtful posts of this entire thread.

This will not meet the meaningful as too many people will take it personal but:

1) My kid came to Bethesda to find other kids like him who live and breathe futbol. There are plenty of places to play in this area if you don’t fit that mold. You can still play at BSC if you don’t fit that mold, depending on your skill level.

2) it is perfectly okay if your kid is playing multiple sports and have a wonderful life. I think Jalen Brunson’s dad told him him you can be great at 2/3 things but not all 3:

1) Your sport
2) Your education
3) Your social life

My kid is too young to sacrifice social life yet but if he stays on the path, I am not sacrificing education so he will have to give up the sport if he wants his social life.

When my kid goes to his friends house, they invariably play soccer or are exchanging soccer cards or in the pool. Our summer has been built with time at the beach, pool, amusement parks, movies, museums, sailing, travel, playground with friends, etc. My kid is having a great summer. He still is tallying 30+ hours a week in camps and pickups with other players from BSC, Achilles, Arlington, Armour, etc.

Now that you know that the top kids you see don’t have magic pixie dust sprinkled on them, you can help your child set appropriate goals based on what they want to achieve. The entire world plays futbol. US is the only sport focused on American football so if you are 6’2” and in decent shape, you can start late and potentially catch up with the best. You simply can’t make up the hours in soccer with the whole world as competition. The neuromuscular patterns that control ball mastery are ripest for formation between the ages of 7-14. It is awkward to see kids who still believe in Santa and enjoy toys with kids meals go so hard in a sport but this is the reality we are in. Like the Matrix, accept the truth pill or keep thinking your child can hit their long-term goals on 3 practices a week in the fall and spring.

30 hours + a week for soccer is crazy if your kid is young. Your not concerned about injury?

Concerned about injury, no.
Do I pay attention to my child to prevent injuries, yes.

My kid will let me know when he is tired. I also have Gregg Popovich like rules that annoy him but I have to protect him from himself. His sleep pattern is the easiest pattern to spot when he needs to pull back or needs extra rest.

What's your expertise in sport performance, cyclical training methodologies, injury prevention techniques etc?

Ironically, multiple marathons, half’s, triathlons, etc. I have read over two dozen books easily on these topics.

However, for the parent who is not me, should they become a licensed dietician to advise their kids to eat a balanced meal to supplement their training?

Did you take a 16 hour course to get certified to change your kids diapers?

Do you consult a Dr of Injury Prevention to tell you your child should play 32 hours of basketball, 104 hours of PlayStation, 64 hours of soccer and 28 hours of baseball to be a healthy, injury free kid?

Take a moment and think about your beliefs and where they came from. Then read about Roger Bannister. Hopefully, you reconsider your limiting beliefs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post and the one immediately before it are the most thoughtful posts of this entire thread.

This will not meet the meaningful as too many people will take it personal but:

1) My kid came to Bethesda to find other kids like him who live and breathe futbol. There are plenty of places to play in this area if you don’t fit that mold. You can still play at BSC if you don’t fit that mold, depending on your skill level.

2) it is perfectly okay if your kid is playing multiple sports and have a wonderful life. I think Jalen Brunson’s dad told him him you can be great at 2/3 things but not all 3:

1) Your sport
2) Your education
3) Your social life

My kid is too young to sacrifice social life yet but if he stays on the path, I am not sacrificing education so he will have to give up the sport if he wants his social life.

When my kid goes to his friends house, they invariably play soccer or are exchanging soccer cards or in the pool. Our summer has been built with time at the beach, pool, amusement parks, movies, museums, sailing, travel, playground with friends, etc. My kid is having a great summer. He still is tallying 30+ hours a week in camps and pickups with other players from BSC, Achilles, Arlington, Armour, etc.

Now that you know that the top kids you see don’t have magic pixie dust sprinkled on them, you can help your child set appropriate goals based on what they want to achieve. The entire world plays futbol. US is the only sport focused on American football so if you are 6’2” and in decent shape, you can start late and potentially catch up with the best. You simply can’t make up the hours in soccer with the whole world as competition. The neuromuscular patterns that control ball mastery are ripest for formation between the ages of 7-14. It is awkward to see kids who still believe in Santa and enjoy toys with kids meals go so hard in a sport but this is the reality we are in. Like the Matrix, accept the truth pill or keep thinking your child can hit their long-term goals on 3 practices a week in the fall and spring.

30 hours + a week for soccer is crazy if your kid is young. Your not concerned about injury?

Concerned about injury, no.
Do I pay attention to my child to prevent injuries, yes.

My kid will let me know when he is tired. I also have Gregg Popovich like rules that annoy him but I have to protect him from himself. His sleep pattern is the easiest pattern to spot when he needs to pull back or needs extra rest.

What's your expertise in sport performance, cyclical training methodologies, injury prevention techniques etc?

Ironically, multiple marathons, half’s, triathlons, etc. I have read over two dozen books easily on these topics.

However, for the parent who is not me, should they become a licensed dietician to advise their kids to eat a balanced meal to supplement their training?

Did you take a 16 hour course to get certified to change your kids diapers?

Do you consult a Dr of Injury Prevention to tell you your child should play 32 hours of basketball, 104 hours of PlayStation, 64 hours of soccer and 28 hours of baseball to be a healthy, injury free kid?

Take a moment and think about your beliefs and where they came from. Then read about Roger Bannister. Hopefully, you reconsider your limiting beliefs.

So you're not a soccer performance expert?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post and the one immediately before it are the most thoughtful posts of this entire thread.

This will not meet the meaningful as too many people will take it personal but:

1) My kid came to Bethesda to find other kids like him who live and breathe futbol. There are plenty of places to play in this area if you don’t fit that mold. You can still play at BSC if you don’t fit that mold, depending on your skill level.

2) it is perfectly okay if your kid is playing multiple sports and have a wonderful life. I think Jalen Brunson’s dad told him him you can be great at 2/3 things but not all 3:

1) Your sport
2) Your education
3) Your social life

My kid is too young to sacrifice social life yet but if he stays on the path, I am not sacrificing education so he will have to give up the sport if he wants his social life.

When my kid goes to his friends house, they invariably play soccer or are exchanging soccer cards or in the pool. Our summer has been built with time at the beach, pool, amusement parks, movies, museums, sailing, travel, playground with friends, etc. My kid is having a great summer. He still is tallying 30+ hours a week in camps and pickups with other players from BSC, Achilles, Arlington, Armour, etc.

Now that you know that the top kids you see don’t have magic pixie dust sprinkled on them, you can help your child set appropriate goals based on what they want to achieve. The entire world plays futbol. US is the only sport focused on American football so if you are 6’2” and in decent shape, you can start late and potentially catch up with the best. You simply can’t make up the hours in soccer with the whole world as competition. The neuromuscular patterns that control ball mastery are ripest for formation between the ages of 7-14. It is awkward to see kids who still believe in Santa and enjoy toys with kids meals go so hard in a sport but this is the reality we are in. Like the Matrix, accept the truth pill or keep thinking your child can hit their long-term goals on 3 practices a week in the fall and spring.

Who has ever seen a documentary or interview of a top level professional soccer player's parents where they say,
DS hung out doing social activities most of his time?

I assume most people on here know that their kid is not the next Messi.

They absolutely won’t be if can’t you even see the possibility first. Messi was developed, over time. Coming from the US, yes, much harder to become Messi based on our culture. But our lack of belief is why kids our kids are incredibly successful at meeting our low expectations.

My kid has played overseas in an academy environment and we are not that different at the young ages. The separation happens between 11-14. We focus on speed, strength and winning. Everybody else focuses on ball mastery, soccer IQ and just playing. Italy does not track results until the kids are 14-15.

Cavan Sullivan is world-class based on his age now and we will actually see in real time whether we have corrected missteps from the past (Adu) and whether we can start landing these planes. There are ALOT of talented U.S. players both stateside and in European academies. We fix our 11-14 age groups and we can start seeing more Americans in the Champions League. There is only one Messi but we can have A LOT more Pulisic’s.

I love your support for soccer and US soccer. I am sure Pulisic could tell you 20 kids he thought were going to “make it”. I think it’s a rough road, we don’t hear about all the kids that just barely miss out. Pulisic might not be Messi but he may go down as the best US player ever, still an incredibly high bar.

There's only one Messi
There's only one Ronaldo
There's only one Pele

Every kid even in Europe and South America can't become a Messi or Ronaldo

Maybe. But 30 years ago there was only Pele. There was no ronaldo or Messi to put on the list. 20 years from now we could be saying there is only one Yamal or 'insert name'. If you don't take the shot You will never make it

The point was being made to the people who keep saying a kid isn't the next Messi

A kid doesn't have to be the next one of a kind to put in work motivated by a mentality to excel

Can we repeat this again for the people in the cheap seats?

A kid doesn't have to be the next one of a kind to put in work motivated by a mentality to excel

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post and the one immediately before it are the most thoughtful posts of this entire thread.

This will not meet the meaningful as too many people will take it personal but:

1) My kid came to Bethesda to find other kids like him who live and breathe futbol. There are plenty of places to play in this area if you don’t fit that mold. You can still play at BSC if you don’t fit that mold, depending on your skill level.

2) it is perfectly okay if your kid is playing multiple sports and have a wonderful life. I think Jalen Brunson’s dad told him him you can be great at 2/3 things but not all 3:

1) Your sport
2) Your education
3) Your social life

My kid is too young to sacrifice social life yet but if he stays on the path, I am not sacrificing education so he will have to give up the sport if he wants his social life.

When my kid goes to his friends house, they invariably play soccer or are exchanging soccer cards or in the pool. Our summer has been built with time at the beach, pool, amusement parks, movies, museums, sailing, travel, playground with friends, etc. My kid is having a great summer. He still is tallying 30+ hours a week in camps and pickups with other players from BSC, Achilles, Arlington, Armour, etc.

Now that you know that the top kids you see don’t have magic pixie dust sprinkled on them, you can help your child set appropriate goals based on what they want to achieve. The entire world plays futbol. US is the only sport focused on American football so if you are 6’2” and in decent shape, you can start late and potentially catch up with the best. You simply can’t make up the hours in soccer with the whole world as competition. The neuromuscular patterns that control ball mastery are ripest for formation between the ages of 7-14. It is awkward to see kids who still believe in Santa and enjoy toys with kids meals go so hard in a sport but this is the reality we are in. Like the Matrix, accept the truth pill or keep thinking your child can hit their long-term goals on 3 practices a week in the fall and spring.

30 hours + a week for soccer is crazy if your kid is young. Your not concerned about injury?

Concerned about injury, no.
Do I pay attention to my child to prevent injuries, yes.

My kid will let me know when he is tired. I also have Gregg Popovich like rules that annoy him but I have to protect him from himself. His sleep pattern is the easiest pattern to spot when he needs to pull back or needs extra rest.

What's your expertise in sport performance, cyclical training methodologies, injury prevention techniques etc?

Ironically, multiple marathons, half’s, triathlons, etc. I have read over two dozen books easily on these topics.

However, for the parent who is not me, should they become a licensed dietician to advise their kids to eat a balanced meal to supplement their training?

Did you take a 16 hour course to get certified to change your kids diapers?

Do you consult a Dr of Injury Prevention to tell you your child should play 32 hours of basketball, 104 hours of PlayStation, 64 hours of soccer and 28 hours of baseball to be a healthy, injury free kid?

Take a moment and think about your beliefs and where they came from. Then read about Roger Bannister. Hopefully, you reconsider your limiting beliefs.

So you're not a soccer performance expert?

Nope. Not a soccer performance expert.
I live in the DMV. BSC has the best production record of players in the DMV. I consult with their coaches and then use my common sense and experience in concert with their coaches and parents of dozens of professional players. I don’t reinvent the wheel.

I triple dog dare you to take your test tube theories to ANY coaches in this same way. You will be laughed at, justifiably.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post and the one immediately before it are the most thoughtful posts of this entire thread.

This will not meet the meaningful as too many people will take it personal but:

1) My kid came to Bethesda to find other kids like him who live and breathe futbol. There are plenty of places to play in this area if you don’t fit that mold. You can still play at BSC if you don’t fit that mold, depending on your skill level.

2) it is perfectly okay if your kid is playing multiple sports and have a wonderful life. I think Jalen Brunson’s dad told him him you can be great at 2/3 things but not all 3:

1) Your sport
2) Your education
3) Your social life

My kid is too young to sacrifice social life yet but if he stays on the path, I am not sacrificing education so he will have to give up the sport if he wants his social life.

When my kid goes to his friends house, they invariably play soccer or are exchanging soccer cards or in the pool. Our summer has been built with time at the beach, pool, amusement parks, movies, museums, sailing, travel, playground with friends, etc. My kid is having a great summer. He still is tallying 30+ hours a week in camps and pickups with other players from BSC, Achilles, Arlington, Armour, etc.

Now that you know that the top kids you see don’t have magic pixie dust sprinkled on them, you can help your child set appropriate goals based on what they want to achieve. The entire world plays futbol. US is the only sport focused on American football so if you are 6’2” and in decent shape, you can start late and potentially catch up with the best. You simply can’t make up the hours in soccer with the whole world as competition. The neuromuscular patterns that control ball mastery are ripest for formation between the ages of 7-14. It is awkward to see kids who still believe in Santa and enjoy toys with kids meals go so hard in a sport but this is the reality we are in. Like the Matrix, accept the truth pill or keep thinking your child can hit their long-term goals on 3 practices a week in the fall and spring.

30 hours + a week for soccer is crazy if your kid is young. Your not concerned about injury?

Concerned about injury, no.
Do I pay attention to my child to prevent injuries, yes.

My kid will let me know when he is tired. I also have Gregg Popovich like rules that annoy him but I have to protect him from himself. His sleep pattern is the easiest pattern to spot when he needs to pull back or needs extra rest.

What's your expertise in sport performance, cyclical training methodologies, injury prevention techniques etc?

Ironically, multiple marathons, half’s, triathlons, etc. I have read over two dozen books easily on these topics.

However, for the parent who is not me, should they become a licensed dietician to advise their kids to eat a balanced meal to supplement their training?

Did you take a 16 hour course to get certified to change your kids diapers?

Do you consult a Dr of Injury Prevention to tell you your child should play 32 hours of basketball, 104 hours of PlayStation, 64 hours of soccer and 28 hours of baseball to be a healthy, injury free kid?

Take a moment and think about your beliefs and where they came from. Then read about Roger Bannister. Hopefully, you reconsider your limiting beliefs.

So you're not a soccer performance expert?

Nope. Not a soccer performance expert.
I live in the DMV. BSC has the best production record of players in the DMV. I consult with their coaches and then use my common sense and experience in concert with their coaches and parents of dozens of professional players. I don’t reinvent the wheel.

I triple dog dare you to take your test tube theories to ANY coaches in this same way. You will be laughed at, justifiably.

What theories?