Soccer Travel Tryout Acceptance

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do you do if your kids is on the top team and seems like a top player(juggles in the 200, other in the teens and has roughly about 75% of the assist on the team u10 girl)...do you hedge and tryout for another club? Just hearing all the horror stories and growing concerned.

Concerned about what exactly?

Doucheville Mayor here. My kid could juggle over 1,000 by 10. His touch grew exponentially because of it. He was lead scorer in the age group, as well as most assists. Played anywhere on the field. Travel soccer doesn't give a shit about soccer IQ. He is now headed to Spain. Yes, by invite. And, yes, they are paying for it. It was only when we got him away from American coaches that he was recognized, and we were told he was exceptional. They said his vision of the game and understanding was unbelievable for his age---his touch and skill are great---but 80% of it is how well the kid understands the game.

So, yes, I harbor a lot of resentment for the idiots in travel---but the one thing they gave my kid was grit and the ability to prove them all wrong.

And now your kid is next Messi, congratulations, hope to see him winning us a WC one day!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do you do if your kids is on the top team and seems like a top player(juggles in the 200, other in the teens and has roughly about 75% of the assist on the team u10 girl)...do you hedge and tryout for another club? Just hearing all the horror stories and growing concerned.

Concerned about what exactly?

Doucheville Mayor here. My kid could juggle over 1,000 by 10. His touch grew exponentially because of it. He was lead scorer in the age group, as well as most assists. Played anywhere on the field. Travel soccer doesn't give a shit about soccer IQ. He is now headed to Spain. Yes, by invite. And, yes, they are paying for it. It was only when we got him away from American coaches that he was recognized, and we were told he was exceptional. They said his vision of the game and understanding was unbelievable for his age---his touch and skill are great---but 80% of it is how well the kid understands the game.

So, yes, I harbor a lot of resentment for the idiots in travel---but the one thing they gave my kid was grit and the ability to prove them all wrong.

So how will this Spain situation work? Does your child have an EU passport? Will the whole family move over there?

Yes. Mother is Spanish. Her family is in Spain. We were going to relocate eventually anyways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do you do if your kids is on the top team and seems like a top player(juggles in the 200, other in the teens and has roughly about 75% of the assist on the team u10 girl)...do you hedge and tryout for another club? Just hearing all the horror stories and growing concerned.

Concerned about what exactly?

Doucheville Mayor here. My kid could juggle over 1,000 by 10. His touch grew exponentially because of it. He was lead scorer in the age group, as well as most assists. Played anywhere on the field. Travel soccer doesn't give a shit about soccer IQ. He is now headed to Spain. Yes, by invite. And, yes, they are paying for it. It was only when we got him away from American coaches that he was recognized, and we were told he was exceptional. They said his vision of the game and understanding was unbelievable for his age---his touch and skill are great---but 80% of it is how well the kid understands the game.

So, yes, I harbor a lot of resentment for the idiots in travel---but the one thing they gave my kid was grit and the ability to prove them all wrong.

So how will this Spain situation work? Does your child have an EU passport? Will the whole family move over there?

Yes. Mother is Spanish. Her family is in Spain. We were going to relocate eventually anyways.

not FCB to the poster that asked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do you do if your kids is on the top team and seems like a top player(juggles in the 200, other in the teens and has roughly about 75% of the assist on the team u10 girl)...do you hedge and tryout for another club? Just hearing all the horror stories and growing concerned.

Concerned about what exactly?

Doucheville Mayor here. My kid could juggle over 1,000 by 10. His touch grew exponentially because of it. He was lead scorer in the age group, as well as most assists. Played anywhere on the field. Travel soccer doesn't give a shit about soccer IQ. He is now headed to Spain. Yes, by invite. And, yes, they are paying for it. It was only when we got him away from American coaches that he was recognized, and we were told he was exceptional. They said his vision of the game and understanding was unbelievable for his age---his touch and skill are great---but 80% of it is how well the kid understands the game.

So, yes, I harbor a lot of resentment for the idiots in travel---but the one thing they gave my kid was grit and the ability to prove them all wrong.

So how will this Spain situation work? Does your child have an EU passport? Will the whole family move over there?

Yes. Mother is Spanish. Her family is in Spain. We were going to relocate eventually anyways.

not FCB to the poster that asked.

and, btw, we obviously don't think he's ready for any first team or La Liga---but definitely was misplaced in the us.

[Anonymous]

OP, look at club’s philosophy and the coaches in the age group.

The color of the team isn’t a factor young.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do you do if your kids is on the top team and seems like a top player(juggles in the 200, other in the teens and has roughly about 75% of the assist on the team u10 girl)...do you hedge and tryout for another club? Just hearing all the horror stories and growing concerned.

Concerned about what exactly?

Doucheville Mayor here. My kid could juggle over 1,000 by 10. His touch grew exponentially because of it. He was lead scorer in the age group, as well as most assists. Played anywhere on the field. Travel soccer doesn't give a shit about soccer IQ. He is now headed to Spain. Yes, by invite. And, yes, they are paying for it. It was only when we got him away from American coaches that he was recognized, and we were told he was exceptional. They said his vision of the game and understanding was unbelievable for his age---his touch and skill are great---but 80% of it is how well the kid understands the game.

So, yes, I harbor a lot of resentment for the idiots in travel---but the one thing they gave my kid was grit and the ability to prove them all wrong.

So how will this Spain situation work? Does your child have an EU passport? Will the whole family move over there?

Yes. Mother is Spanish. Her family is in Spain. We were going to relocate eventually anyways.

That's lucky /useful. I've followed Ben Lederman and John Hilton and some others, and it's almost impossible to go over as a young player without the right passport. Keep us posted on how your son likes it--hope it works out well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do you do if your kids is on the top team and seems like a top player(juggles in the 200, other in the teens and has roughly about 75% of the assist on the team u10 girl)...do you hedge and tryout for another club? Just hearing all the horror stories and growing concerned.

Concerned about what exactly?

Doucheville Mayor here. My kid could juggle over 1,000 by 10. His touch grew exponentially because of it. He was lead scorer in the age group, as well as most assists. Played anywhere on the field. Travel soccer doesn't give a shit about soccer IQ. He is now headed to Spain. Yes, by invite. And, yes, they are paying for it. It was only when we got him away from American coaches that he was recognized, and we were told he was exceptional. They said his vision of the game and understanding was unbelievable for his age---his touch and skill are great---but 80% of it is how well the kid understands the game.

So, yes, I harbor a lot of resentment for the idiots in travel---but the one thing they gave my kid was grit and the ability to prove them all wrong.

So how will this Spain situation work? Does your child have an EU passport? Will the whole family move over there?

Yes. Mother is Spanish. Her family is in Spain. We were going to relocate eventually anyways.

That's lucky /useful. I've followed Ben Lederman and John Hilton and some others, and it's almost impossible to go over as a young player without the right passport. Keep us posted on how your son likes it--hope it works out well.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do you do if your kids is on the top team and seems like a top player(juggles in the 200, other in the teens and has roughly about 75% of the assist on the team u10 girl)...do you hedge and tryout for another club? Just hearing all the horror stories and growing concerned.

Concerned about what exactly?

Doucheville Mayor here. My kid could juggle over 1,000 by 10. His touch grew exponentially because of it. He was lead scorer in the age group, as well as most assists. Played anywhere on the field. Travel soccer doesn't give a shit about soccer IQ. He is now headed to Spain. Yes, by invite. And, yes, they are paying for it. It was only when we got him away from American coaches that he was recognized, and we were told he was exceptional. They said his vision of the game and understanding was unbelievable for his age---his touch and skill are great---but 80% of it is how well the kid understands the game.

So, yes, I harbor a lot of resentment for the idiots in travel---but the one thing they gave my kid was grit and the ability to prove them all wrong.

Do you want to know why I'm really angry? Because there are 1,000s of kids across this country that are as good or better than my own kid. But---since they don't have parents that played professional or have relatives that played at high levels or parents or grandparents that intimately know the sport,,,,their parents are relying on these USDA and US travel soccer coaches as the end all and be all. I've seen highly talented kids never make it off a lower team where they were so wrongly placed initially. I see crap, total crap on top teams and US players that don't deserve it put on pedestals. The smart players are not chosen time and time again.

So---yes I'm angry---I'm angry for some of my kid's friends, my neighbor's kids that have gotten such a royal screw job by people that know absolutely nothing.

Maybe I need therapy or maybe I should throw my hat in the ring for the upcoming election....
You do realize that none of us are travel coaches or a part of "Big Youth Soccer" so why are so bitchy to posters here. Good for your kid. Congrats, seriously, now that you got what you needed for your kid lighten the eff up in here.

Forget lightening up, I want you to share. What helped your kid develop great vision and understanding of the game? Also, how’d he get to 1000 at 10? My son is younger and can do about 50 before he just loses interest, he’s good and does like to juggle to a point, but I wonder if your son just did it on his own initiative or if you made it fun with a game or pushed him somehow. I think there are some people on here that realize that it’s not all about which club or what color team, but rather about maximizing a kids potential in a way that sets them up to enjoy the game for a long time. And frankly, I’m happy for you and I’d like to know what you did?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do you do if your kids is on the top team and seems like a top player(juggles in the 200, other in the teens and has roughly about 75% of the assist on the team u10 girl)...do you hedge and tryout for another club? Just hearing all the horror stories and growing concerned.

Concerned about what exactly?

Doucheville Mayor here. My kid could juggle over 1,000 by 10. His touch grew exponentially because of it. He was lead scorer in the age group, as well as most assists. Played anywhere on the field. Travel soccer doesn't give a shit about soccer IQ. He is now headed to Spain. Yes, by invite. And, yes, they are paying for it. It was only when we got him away from American coaches that he was recognized, and we were told he was exceptional. They said his vision of the game and understanding was unbelievable for his age---his touch and skill are great---but 80% of it is how well the kid understands the game.

So, yes, I harbor a lot of resentment for the idiots in travel---but the one thing they gave my kid was grit and the ability to prove them all wrong.

Do you want to know why I'm really angry? Because there are 1,000s of kids across this country that are as good or better than my own kid. But---since they don't have parents that played professional or have relatives that played at high levels or parents or grandparents that intimately know the sport,,,,their parents are relying on these USDA and US travel soccer coaches as the end all and be all. I've seen highly talented kids never make it off a lower team where they were so wrongly placed initially. I see crap, total crap on top teams and US players that don't deserve it put on pedestals. The smart players are not chosen time and time again.

So---yes I'm angry---I'm angry for some of my kid's friends, my neighbor's kids that have gotten such a royal screw job by people that know absolutely nothing.

Maybe I need therapy or maybe I should throw my hat in the ring for the upcoming election....
You do realize that none of us are travel coaches or a part of "Big Youth Soccer" so why are so bitchy to posters here. Good for your kid. Congrats, seriously, now that you got what you needed for your kid lighten the eff up in here.

Forget lightening up, I want you to share. What helped your kid develop great vision and understanding of the game? Also, how’d he get to 1000 at 10? My son is younger and can do about 50 before he just loses interest, he’s good and does like to juggle to a point, but I wonder if your son just did it on his own initiative or if you made it fun with a game or pushed him somehow. I think there are some people on here that realize that it’s not all about which club or what color team, but rather about maximizing a kids potential in a way that sets them up to enjoy the game for a long time. And frankly, I’m happy for you and I’d like to know what you did?

I'd be interested as well. No need to sugarcoat anything. I am thinking of pulling my son out of travel club soccer and focus on training and he is on board with it. My son is at 9 and could get to just over 500 juggles if focused, but usually taps out at 150 due to focus. We have not stuck with one club and have trained with many clubs and training organizations. He definitely enjoys good/advanced training and unfortunately he gets it mostly outside his main club/team. My son is very coordinated and usually plays midfield because he sees the game better than most but he is definitely not the fastest/biggest/aggressive kid which make him not stand out unless you actually watch his touch, skill, and vision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do you do if your kids is on the top team and seems like a top player(juggles in the 200, other in the teens and has roughly about 75% of the assist on the team u10 girl)...do you hedge and tryout for another club? Just hearing all the horror stories and growing concerned.

Concerned about what exactly?

Doucheville Mayor here. My kid could juggle over 1,000 by 10. His touch grew exponentially because of it. He was lead scorer in the age group, as well as most assists. Played anywhere on the field. Travel soccer doesn't give a shit about soccer IQ. He is now headed to Spain. Yes, by invite. And, yes, they are paying for it. It was only when we got him away from American coaches that he was recognized, and we were told he was exceptional. They said his vision of the game and understanding was unbelievable for his age---his touch and skill are great---but 80% of it is how well the kid understands the game.

So, yes, I harbor a lot of resentment for the idiots in travel---but the one thing they gave my kid was grit and the ability to prove them all wrong.

Do you want to know why I'm really angry? Because there are 1,000s of kids across this country that are as good or better than my own kid. But---since they don't have parents that played professional or have relatives that played at high levels or parents or grandparents that intimately know the sport,,,,their parents are relying on these USDA and US travel soccer coaches as the end all and be all. I've seen highly talented kids never make it off a lower team where they were so wrongly placed initially. I see crap, total crap on top teams and US players that don't deserve it put on pedestals. The smart players are not chosen time and time again.

So---yes I'm angry---I'm angry for some of my kid's friends, my neighbor's kids that have gotten such a royal screw job by people that know absolutely nothing.

Maybe I need therapy or maybe I should throw my hat in the ring for the upcoming election....
You do realize that none of us are travel coaches or a part of "Big Youth Soccer" so why are so bitchy to posters here. Good for your kid. Congrats, seriously, now that you got what you needed for your kid lighten the eff up in here.

Forget lightening up, I want you to share. What helped your kid develop great vision and understanding of the game? Also, how’d he get to 1000 at 10? My son is younger and can do about 50 before he just loses interest, he’s good and does like to juggle to a point, but I wonder if your son just did it on his own initiative or if you made it fun with a game or pushed him somehow. I think there are some people on here that realize that it’s not all about which club or what color team, but rather about maximizing a kids potential in a way that sets them up to enjoy the game for a long time. And frankly, I’m happy for you and I’d like to know what you did?

I'd be interested as well. No need to sugarcoat anything. I am thinking of pulling my son out of travel club soccer and focus on training and he is on board with it. My son is at 9 and could get to just over 500 juggles if focused, but usually taps out at 150 due to focus. We have not stuck with one club and have trained with many clubs and training organizations. He definitely enjoys good/advanced training and unfortunately he gets it mostly outside his main club/team. My son is very coordinated and usually plays midfield because he sees the game better than most but he is definitely not the fastest/biggest/aggressive kid which make him not stand out unless you actually watch his touch, skill, and vision.

Who cares what the top end is. Juggling 500 every 8th attempt isn't nearly as important as just hitting 100 or so 10 out of 10 times. Once you can demonstrate control the next real step is moving the ball around to chest, knees, head and then other tricks while always keeping in mind actual soccer movement. Developing holistic comfort with the ball is far more important long term than setting some arbitrary juggling number.

Once your kid has demonstrated control, which is about a 100 juggles then worry about the overall comfort. No tryout will ever ask you to juggle 1000 times. As a part of your warm-up you can demonstrate your overall comfort with the ball through juggling and THAT will translate more than hitting a juggling record.

All great players can juggle but not all jugglers are great players.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do you do if your kids is on the top team and seems like a top player(juggles in the 200, other in the teens and has roughly about 75% of the assist on the team u10 girl)...do you hedge and tryout for another club? Just hearing all the horror stories and growing concerned.

Concerned about what exactly?

Doucheville Mayor here. My kid could juggle over 1,000 by 10. His touch grew exponentially because of it. He was lead scorer in the age group, as well as most assists. Played anywhere on the field. Travel soccer doesn't give a shit about soccer IQ. He is now headed to Spain. Yes, by invite. And, yes, they are paying for it. It was only when we got him away from American coaches that he was recognized, and we were told he was exceptional. They said his vision of the game and understanding was unbelievable for his age---his touch and skill are great---but 80% of it is how well the kid understands the game.

So, yes, I harbor a lot of resentment for the idiots in travel---but the one thing they gave my kid was grit and the ability to prove them all wrong.

Do you want to know why I'm really angry? Because there are 1,000s of kids across this country that are as good or better than my own kid. But---since they don't have parents that played professional or have relatives that played at high levels or parents or grandparents that intimately know the sport,,,,their parents are relying on these USDA and US travel soccer coaches as the end all and be all. I've seen highly talented kids never make it off a lower team where they were so wrongly placed initially. I see crap, total crap on top teams and US players that don't deserve it put on pedestals. The smart players are not chosen time and time again.

So---yes I'm angry---I'm angry for some of my kid's friends, my neighbor's kids that have gotten such a royal screw job by people that know absolutely nothing.

Maybe I need therapy or maybe I should throw my hat in the ring for the upcoming election....
You do realize that none of us are travel coaches or a part of "Big Youth Soccer" so why are so bitchy to posters here. Good for your kid. Congrats, seriously, now that you got what you needed for your kid lighten the eff up in here.

Forget lightening up, I want you to share. What helped your kid develop great vision and understanding of the game? Also, how’d he get to 1000 at 10? My son is younger and can do about 50 before he just loses interest, he’s good and does like to juggle to a point, but I wonder if your son just did it on his own initiative or if you made it fun with a game or pushed him somehow. I think there are some people on here that realize that it’s not all about which club or what color team, but rather about maximizing a kids potential in a way that sets them up to enjoy the game for a long time. And frankly, I’m happy for you and I’d like to know what you did?

I'd be interested as well. No need to sugarcoat anything. I am thinking of pulling my son out of travel club soccer and focus on training and he is on board with it. My son is at 9 and could get to just over 500 juggles if focused, but usually taps out at 150 due to focus. We have not stuck with one club and have trained with many clubs and training organizations. He definitely enjoys good/advanced training and unfortunately he gets it mostly outside his main club/team. My son is very coordinated and usually plays midfield because he sees the game better than most but he is definitely not the fastest/biggest/aggressive kid which make him not stand out unless you actually watch his touch, skill, and vision.

Who cares what the top end is. Juggling 500 every 8th attempt isn't nearly as important as just hitting 100 or so 10 out of 10 times. Once you can demonstrate control the next real step is moving the ball around to chest, knees, head and then other tricks while always keeping in mind actual soccer movement. Developing holistic comfort with the ball is far more important long term than setting some arbitrary juggling number.

Once your kid has demonstrated control, which is about a 100 juggles then worry about the overall comfort. No tryout will ever ask you to juggle 1000 times. As a part of your warm-up you can demonstrate your overall comfort with the ball through juggling and THAT will translate more than hitting a juggling record.

All great players can juggle but not all jugglers are great players.

Agreed, but because my kid wants to top his record, he is getting his touches in and can now consistently juggle over 100 and also now experimenting with other freestyle moves. If it's fun for him I'm not going to cap his limit at 100 and say you're good to go. But I do agree that the top end isn't crucial as long as control and comfort with the ball with multiple parts of the body is being achieved. Heck, he might want to get into the freestyle later for all I know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do you do if your kids is on the top team and seems like a top player(juggles in the 200, other in the teens and has roughly about 75% of the assist on the team u10 girl)...do you hedge and tryout for another club? Just hearing all the horror stories and growing concerned.

Concerned about what exactly?

Doucheville Mayor here. My kid could juggle over 1,000 by 10. His touch grew exponentially because of it. He was lead scorer in the age group, as well as most assists. Played anywhere on the field. Travel soccer doesn't give a shit about soccer IQ. He is now headed to Spain. Yes, by invite. And, yes, they are paying for it. It was only when we got him away from American coaches that he was recognized, and we were told he was exceptional. They said his vision of the game and understanding was unbelievable for his age---his touch and skill are great---but 80% of it is how well the kid understands the game.

So, yes, I harbor a lot of resentment for the idiots in travel---but the one thing they gave my kid was grit and the ability to prove them all wrong.

Do you want to know why I'm really angry? Because there are 1,000s of kids across this country that are as good or better than my own kid. But---since they don't have parents that played professional or have relatives that played at high levels or parents or grandparents that intimately know the sport,,,,their parents are relying on these USDA and US travel soccer coaches as the end all and be all. I've seen highly talented kids never make it off a lower team where they were so wrongly placed initially. I see crap, total crap on top teams and US players that don't deserve it put on pedestals. The smart players are not chosen time and time again.

So---yes I'm angry---I'm angry for some of my kid's friends, my neighbor's kids that have gotten such a royal screw job by people that know absolutely nothing.

Maybe I need therapy or maybe I should throw my hat in the ring for the upcoming election....
You do realize that none of us are travel coaches or a part of "Big Youth Soccer" so why are so bitchy to posters here. Good for your kid. Congrats, seriously, now that you got what you needed for your kid lighten the eff up in here.

Forget lightening up, I want you to share. What helped your kid develop great vision and understanding of the game? Also, how’d he get to 1000 at 10? My son is younger and can do about 50 before he just loses interest, he’s good and does like to juggle to a point, but I wonder if your son just did it on his own initiative or if you made it fun with a game or pushed him somehow. I think there are some people on here that realize that it’s not all about which club or what color team, but rather about maximizing a kids potential in a way that sets them up to enjoy the game for a long time. And frankly, I’m happy for you and I’d like to know what you did?

I'd be interested as well. No need to sugarcoat anything. I am thinking of pulling my son out of travel club soccer and focus on training and he is on board with it. My son is at 9 and could get to just over 500 juggles if focused, but usually taps out at 150 due to focus. We have not stuck with one club and have trained with many clubs and training organizations. He definitely enjoys good/advanced training and unfortunately he gets it mostly outside his main club/team. My son is very coordinated and usually plays midfield because he sees the game better than most but he is definitely not the fastest/biggest/aggressive kid which make him not stand out unless you actually watch his touch, skill, and vision.

Who cares what the top end is. Juggling 500 every 8th attempt isn't nearly as important as just hitting 100 or so 10 out of 10 times. Once you can demonstrate control the next real step is moving the ball around to chest, knees, head and then other tricks while always keeping in mind actual soccer movement. Developing holistic comfort with the ball is far more important long term than setting some arbitrary juggling number.

Once your kid has demonstrated control, which is about a 100 juggles then worry about the overall comfort. No tryout will ever ask you to juggle 1000 times. As a part of your warm-up you can demonstrate your overall comfort with the ball through juggling and THAT will translate more than hitting a juggling record.

All great players can juggle but not all jugglers are great players.

Agreed, but because my kid wants to top his record, he is getting his touches in and can now consistently juggle over 100 and also now experimenting with other freestyle moves. If it's fun for him I'm not going to cap his limit at 100 and say you're good to go. But I do agree that the top end isn't crucial as long as control and comfort with the ball with multiple parts of the body is being achieved. Heck, he might want to get into the freestyle later for all I know.

If you think I suggested to cap his limit at 100 or at all then you read my post wrong. Whatever keeps him motivated is all that really matters, but just so you understand that the numbers don't mean much if anything at a point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do you do if your kids is on the top team and seems like a top player(juggles in the 200, other in the teens and has roughly about 75% of the assist on the team u10 girl)...do you hedge and tryout for another club? Just hearing all the horror stories and growing concerned.

Concerned about what exactly?

Doucheville Mayor here. My kid could juggle over 1,000 by 10. His touch grew exponentially because of it. He was lead scorer in the age group, as well as most assists. Played anywhere on the field. Travel soccer doesn't give a shit about soccer IQ. He is now headed to Spain. Yes, by invite. And, yes, they are paying for it. It was only when we got him away from American coaches that he was recognized, and we were told he was exceptional. They said his vision of the game and understanding was unbelievable for his age---his touch and skill are great---but 80% of it is how well the kid understands the game.

So, yes, I harbor a lot of resentment for the idiots in travel---but the one thing they gave my kid was grit and the ability to prove them all wrong.

Do you want to know why I'm really angry? Because there are 1,000s of kids across this country that are as good or better than my own kid. But---since they don't have parents that played professional or have relatives that played at high levels or parents or grandparents that intimately know the sport,,,,their parents are relying on these USDA and US travel soccer coaches as the end all and be all. I've seen highly talented kids never make it off a lower team where they were so wrongly placed initially. I see crap, total crap on top teams and US players that don't deserve it put on pedestals. The smart players are not chosen time and time again.

So---yes I'm angry---I'm angry for some of my kid's friends, my neighbor's kids that have gotten such a royal screw job by people that know absolutely nothing.

Maybe I need therapy or maybe I should throw my hat in the ring for the upcoming election....
You do realize that none of us are travel coaches or a part of "Big Youth Soccer" so why are so bitchy to posters here. Good for your kid. Congrats, seriously, now that you got what you needed for your kid lighten the eff up in here.

Forget lightening up, I want you to share. What helped your kid develop great vision and understanding of the game? Also, how’d he get to 1000 at 10? My son is younger and can do about 50 before he just loses interest, he’s good and does like to juggle to a point, but I wonder if your son just did it on his own initiative or if you made it fun with a game or pushed him somehow. I think there are some people on here that realize that it’s not all about which club or what color team, but rather about maximizing a kids potential in a way that sets them up to enjoy the game for a long time. And frankly, I’m happy for you and I’d like to know what you did?

I'd be interested as well. No need to sugarcoat anything. I am thinking of pulling my son out of travel club soccer and focus on training and he is on board with it. My son is at 9 and could get to just over 500 juggles if focused, but usually taps out at 150 due to focus. We have not stuck with one club and have trained with many clubs and training organizations. He definitely enjoys good/advanced training and unfortunately he gets it mostly outside his main club/team. My son is very coordinated and usually plays midfield because he sees the game better than most but he is definitely not the fastest/biggest/aggressive kid which make him not stand out unless you actually watch his touch, skill, and vision.

Who cares what the top end is. Juggling 500 every 8th attempt isn't nearly as important as just hitting 100 or so 10 out of 10 times. Once you can demonstrate control the next real step is moving the ball around to chest, knees, head and then other tricks while always keeping in mind actual soccer movement. Developing holistic comfort with the ball is far more important long term than setting some arbitrary juggling number.

Once your kid has demonstrated control, which is about a 100 juggles then worry about the overall comfort. No tryout will ever ask you to juggle 1000 times. As a part of your warm-up you can demonstrate your overall comfort with the ball through juggling and THAT will translate more than hitting a juggling record.

All great players can juggle but not all jugglers are great players.

Agreed, but because my kid wants to top his record, he is getting his touches in and can now consistently juggle over 100 and also now experimenting with other freestyle moves. If it's fun for him I'm not going to cap his limit at 100 and say you're good to go. But I do agree that the top end isn't crucial as long as control and comfort with the ball with multiple parts of the body is being achieved. Heck, he might want to get into the freestyle later for all I know.

How did your kid go about juggling to begin with? Was this something he started on his own? his club? private training? you? My son is a good player but hasn't begun juggling in earnest. Granted he is turning 8 soon, I am thinking of motivating him to get to at least 100 by the end of spring season.

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Anonymous wrote:What do you do if your kids is on the top team and seems like a top player(juggles in the 200, other in the teens and has roughly about 75% of the assist on the team u10 girl)...do you hedge and tryout for another club? Just hearing all the horror stories and growing concerned.

Concerned about what exactly?

Doucheville Mayor here. My kid could juggle over 1,000 by 10. His touch grew exponentially because of it. He was lead scorer in the age group, as well as most assists. Played anywhere on the field. Travel soccer doesn't give a shit about soccer IQ. He is now headed to Spain. Yes, by invite. And, yes, they are paying for it. It was only when we got him away from American coaches that he was recognized, and we were told he was exceptional. They said his vision of the game and understanding was unbelievable for his age---his touch and skill are great---but 80% of it is how well the kid understands the game.

So, yes, I harbor a lot of resentment for the idiots in travel---but the one thing they gave my kid was grit and the ability to prove them all wrong.

Do you want to know why I'm really angry? Because there are 1,000s of kids across this country that are as good or better than my own kid. But---since they don't have parents that played professional or have relatives that played at high levels or parents or grandparents that intimately know the sport,,,,their parents are relying on these USDA and US travel soccer coaches as the end all and be all. I've seen highly talented kids never make it off a lower team where they were so wrongly placed initially. I see crap, total crap on top teams and US players that don't deserve it put on pedestals. The smart players are not chosen time and time again.

So---yes I'm angry---I'm angry for some of my kid's friends, my neighbor's kids that have gotten such a royal screw job by people that know absolutely nothing.

Maybe I need therapy or maybe I should throw my hat in the ring for the upcoming election....
You do realize that none of us are travel coaches or a part of "Big Youth Soccer" so why are so bitchy to posters here. Good for your kid. Congrats, seriously, now that you got what you needed for your kid lighten the eff up in here.

Forget lightening up, I want you to share. What helped your kid develop great vision and understanding of the game? Also, how’d he get to 1000 at 10? My son is younger and can do about 50 before he just loses interest, he’s good and does like to juggle to a point, but I wonder if your son just did it on his own initiative or if you made it fun with a game or pushed him somehow. I think there are some people on here that realize that it’s not all about which club or what color team, but rather about maximizing a kids potential in a way that sets them up to enjoy the game for a long time. And frankly, I’m happy for you and I’d like to know what you did?

I'd be interested as well. No need to sugarcoat anything. I am thinking of pulling my son out of travel club soccer and focus on training and he is on board with it. My son is at 9 and could get to just over 500 juggles if focused, but usually taps out at 150 due to focus. We have not stuck with one club and have trained with many clubs and training organizations. He definitely enjoys good/advanced training and unfortunately he gets it mostly outside his main club/team. My son is very coordinated and usually plays midfield because he sees the game better than most but he is definitely not the fastest/biggest/aggressive kid which make him not stand out unless you actually watch his touch, skill, and vision.

Who cares what the top end is. Juggling 500 every 8th attempt isn't nearly as important as just hitting 100 or so 10 out of 10 times. Once you can demonstrate control the next real step is moving the ball around to chest, knees, head and then other tricks while always keeping in mind actual soccer movement. Developing holistic comfort with the ball is far more important long term than setting some arbitrary juggling number.

Once your kid has demonstrated control, which is about a 100 juggles then worry about the overall comfort. No tryout will ever ask you to juggle 1000 times. As a part of your warm-up you can demonstrate your overall comfort with the ball through juggling and THAT will translate more than hitting a juggling record.

All great players can juggle but not all jugglers are great players.

Agreed, but because my kid wants to top his record, he is getting his touches in and can now consistently juggle over 100 and also now experimenting with other freestyle moves. If it's fun for him I'm not going to cap his limit at 100 and say you're good to go. But I do agree that the top end isn't crucial as long as control and comfort with the ball with multiple parts of the body is being achieved. Heck, he might want to get into the freestyle later for all I know.

How did your kid go about juggling to begin with? Was this something he started on his own? his club? private training? you? My son is a good player but hasn't begun juggling in earnest. Granted he is turning 8 soon, I am thinking of motivating him to get to at least 100 by the end of spring season.

I think it was a combination of being around older kids he trains with who juggle well and constantly watching freestylers on YouTube that got him interested in juggling. My involvement was in helping him be more disciplined in how he practices it. I watched him struggle at first just trying to do many juggles off the bat with no consistency, but would then suggest he practice certain things like one juggle catch with both feet and work his way up. Soon enough they get the feel of when they need to make contact with the ball with a certain part of the foot and later eventually get into a rhythm. He would establish simple goals for himself, then try to beat it. When he was a U9 and practiced juggling during warmups he could get to just over 10 juggles with his stronger foot on a consistent basis. Over the summer he started training with some older kids and got serious about it and then was able to reach 100 in a month.