National Team U15

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Cool story bro.

Now, who's doing the book report on Solar in Texas? So every DMV parent can see how silly every thread that has the word "Natty" in it actually is.

How many states are the solar players coming from to play in Seattle? These NOVA parents don’t have a clue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another thing that people don't understand about SD Surf + USYNT placements is that not only does SD Surf provide very high level players at Talent IDs. Surf also has no issue playing the social / connections game and dropping $$$ to make things happen. While most clubs just submit a player to a Talent ID Surf has been working with the players they plan to submit to the Talent ID for 2-3 years before it happens. They've also been strategically planning on how to influence different people at US Soccer.

As others have said the top 40 or so players that make it to the u13 u14 pools are interchangeable. Unfortunately everything that goes on behind the scenes is what determines who gets to play. As an example Surf already has its top u13 players verbally committed to top colleges. If you have 2 players that are fairly equivalent but one is already going to UCLA who do you think US Soccer is going to pick.

I cannot believe that. 12 year olds???

[Anonymous]

Yeah not sure how true all this is but interesting thread keep it coming

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:It seems like it is through connections as much as anything. They are good players but I don’t think it has as much to do about them being seen at an event as it is they have somebody advocating for them. One of those players has parents who both played in college and are connected.

Stop. Most/all players have advocates. Anyone selected for YNT is a great (not good) player.

Stop. Politics/advocacy play as large a role as talent at the younger age groups for YNT selections. Of course none of the kids are bad and they are all good (or better).

Seriously. Some of you are acting offended over something well known in basically every level/age of any sport. And I'm dying over the comment that all top team players have advocates as though a mom is the same as a TD or coach for getting a player seen.

The mom was the player’s coach at club level and was also on the club’s board of directors. I am in no way trying to say the player isn’t good or deserved of the call up. So in this particular case mom was closer than most mom’s to the TD and was the player’s assistant coach alongside the player’s TD who was the coach.

A local club’s board has nothing to do with US Soccer picking teams.

Nobody suggested anything of the sort. What was suggested is that by being on the club’s board, being involved as an assistant coach to the player’s technical director there is a clear interest and ability to ensure advocacy for the player who clearly has talent. It is a prerequisite for players good enough to be on the national team at any level have the talent. What helps is when you have the talent and you also have multiple people in positions that can make the necessary connections to get that talent flagged for consideration by the people who make national team selections.

You just described how most things work not just national team soccer.

Wait, so it is all about who you know? Then I accept your apology for such a misstatement in your first critical response. 😉

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:It seems like it is through connections as much as anything. They are good players but I don’t think it has as much to do about them being seen at an event as it is they have somebody advocating for them. One of those players has parents who both played in college and are connected.

Stop. Most/all players have advocates. Anyone selected for YNT is a great (not good) player.

Stop. Politics/advocacy play as large a role as talent at the younger age groups for YNT selections. Of course none of the kids are bad and they are all good (or better).

Seriously. Some of you are acting offended over something well known in basically every level/age of any sport. And I'm dying over the comment that all top team players have advocates as though a mom is the same as a TD or coach for getting a player seen.

The mom was the player’s coach at club level and was also on the club’s board of directors. I am in no way trying to say the player isn’t good or deserved of the call up. So in this particular case mom was closer than most mom’s to the TD and was the player’s assistant coach alongside the player’s TD who was the coach.

A local club’s board has nothing to do with US Soccer picking teams.

Nobody suggested anything of the sort. What was suggested is that by being on the club’s board, being involved as an assistant coach to the player’s technical director there is a clear interest and ability to ensure advocacy for the player who clearly has talent. It is a prerequisite for players good enough to be on the national team at any level have the talent. What helps is when you have the talent and you also have multiple people in positions that can make the necessary connections to get that talent flagged for consideration by the people who make national team selections.

You just described how most things work not just national team soccer.

How it works and whether people are in a position to work it are two entirely different things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yeah not sure how true all this is but interesting thread keep it coming

Legends flies in a national team player for their 2007 team. She’s from Texas.

[Anonymous]

Ok I can see 2007. But U13? Those girls will change a million times before 18 years old…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another thing that people don't understand about SD Surf + USYNT placements is that not only does SD Surf provide very high level players at Talent IDs. Surf also has no issue playing the social / connections game and dropping $$$ to make things happen. While most clubs just submit a player to a Talent ID Surf has been working with the players they plan to submit to the Talent ID for 2-3 years before it happens. They've also been strategically planning on how to influence different people at US Soccer.

As others have said the top 40 or so players that make it to the u13 u14 pools are interchangeable. Unfortunately everything that goes on behind the scenes is what determines who gets to play. As an example Surf already has its top u13 players verbally committed to top colleges. If you have 2 players that are fairly equivalent but one is already going to UCLA who do you think US Soccer is going to pick.

I cannot believe that. 12 year olds???

100% true.

Keep in mind that Surf players have been doing year round competitive for 6-8 years by the time they're 12.

Also consider the area Surf is located, Rancho Santa Fe. Check out the average property values. Imagine what any player would be like if they practiced year round and money for camps, coach's, private trainers, etc didn't matter.

This is what you're up against.

[Anonymous]

All the money in the world isn't going to create a world class athlete. The average rich kid is better than the average less affluent kid who can't afford all the training. The truly exceptional are born that way and can come from the poorest of poor backgrounds. The question comes in how these kids get identified.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All the money in the world isn't going to create a world class athlete. The average rich kid is better than the average less affluent kid who can't afford all the training. The truly exceptional are born that way and can come from the poorest of poor backgrounds. The question comes in how these kids get identified.

There are no poorest of poor at the ECNL playoffs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All the money in the world isn't going to create a world class athlete. The average rich kid is better than the average less affluent kid who can't afford all the training. The truly exceptional are born that way and can come from the poorest of poor backgrounds. The question comes in how these kids get identified.

Kind of true. Kind of not true.

The most physically talented players in the world without any training will get beaten by normal players with high level training.

Most NWSL players are between 5'5" and 5'7". Also females don't get a huge body change from puberty.

What this means is in the Women's game especially with youth providing high level training and specifically training players to play as a team you can dominate. Defined set pieces, out of the back patterns, and general possession will beat most youth girls teams. What youre looking for from mids and defenders is consistency and no mistakes. Throw in a couple of naturally talented forwards and you can beat almost anyone.

San Diego Surf has $$$, location, fields, leadership, all figured out and functioning at the highest level. This is why they win all the time.

Mens/boys soccer is different because the effects of puberty and natural physical ability can overcome possession, playing as a team. and high level training. This creates an arms race for the most naturally talented players in all positions who also have high level training.

[Anonymous]

It's all $$$. Maybe not in other areas, but around here? Show me a kid with an invite that isn't from an affluent family. FWIW, coaches also see this, especially on the national level teams. Wealth is on their checklist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:US scouts regularly attend games of good GA and ECNL clubs. In the Fall we had a US team scout at multiple GA regular season games. I also know of a U17 player that is on the national team that was seen at a ODP event. Recommendations from respected coaches also play a role for getting an invite to regional camps. Then it’s about how you perform at those regional camps.

Not just GA or ECNL. Alot more bad GA and ECNL teams now that's it's become a money grab. You got EDP teams that would run circles around them

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All the money in the world isn't going to create a world class athlete. The average rich kid is better than the average less affluent kid who can't afford all the training. The truly exceptional are born that way and can come from the poorest of poor backgrounds. The question comes in how these kids get identified.

Kind of true. Kind of not true.

The most physically talented players in the world without any training will get beaten by normal players with high level training.

Most NWSL players are between 5'5" and 5'7". Also females don't get a huge body change from puberty.

What this means is in the Women's game especially with youth providing high level training and specifically training players to play as a team you can dominate. Defined set pieces, out of the back patterns, and general possession will beat most youth girls teams. What youre looking for from mids and defenders is consistency and no mistakes. Throw in a couple of naturally talented forwards and you can beat almost anyone.

San Diego Surf has $$$, location, fields, leadership, all figured out and functioning at the highest level. This is why they win all the time.

Mens/boys soccer is different because the effects of puberty and natural physical ability can overcome possession, playing as a team. and high level training. This creates an arms race for the most naturally talented players in all positions who also have high level training.

No the girls game’s speed of play is slow. Lack of technical skill means physical play and straight speed will win you games. There is no thought out strategy of defense or offense. You give these coaches way too much credit. Their overall philosophy is we have better athletes and they will win the one on one matchups with physicality and speed. It is very predictable, does not need technical skill, does not use the midfield, is ugly to watch and does not develop the skills needed to play at the older ages.

Coaches will use practice time for fitness and strength training. Players(u10-u14) will be lucky to touch the ball 2-4 times in practice, never under pressure and the coach will tell you the players has to work on technical skills outside of the 4 days a week practice plus a game or two on the weekends.

Just remember the vast majority of parents will tell you the coach is great. Not because they know the game, have observed the coach at practice and games, understand soccer development by age ranges but because the coach picked their kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:US scouts regularly attend games of good GA and ECNL clubs. In the Fall we had a US team scout at multiple GA regular season games. I also know of a U17 player that is on the national team that was seen at a ODP event. Recommendations from respected coaches also play a role for getting an invite to regional camps. Then it’s about how you perform at those regional camps.

Not just GA or ECNL. Alot more bad GA and ECNL teams now that's it's become a money grab. You got EDP teams that would run circles around them

By all means, please give us an example of these “EDP” teams. Even lowly Bethesda won over undefeated ECNL RL/EDP Great Falls recently.

Bethesda finished in 2nd to last place in their division. Great Falls is the top team in our area outside of ECNL NL.

Maybe at the U13 and younger age before ECNL suck up the top EDP talent.