Strategy for a determined Parent

[Anonymous]

I don't mean to be overly negative, but I just wanted to point out that NCSL Division 1 is kind of far away from where you want to be, if a post-high school career in soccer is something you have in mind. There is the DA and then the second team of DA clubs (i.e. Arlington Red, Bethesda Blue) but those second string teams are still at a level a bit higher than NCSL Division 1. In fact I think you are right around 3rd and 4th teams for the bigger clubs.

I'm not saying your kid can't make it--I'm just trying to point out your current team is playing at a level significantly below where the kids who are aiming for college places, let alone professional slots are currently playing.

Here's a clip of Barcelona's U15 side. You can find other U15 sides from professional teams on Youtube and give them a glance to see the level they are playing compared to what you are seeing with your current club.

[Anonymous]

I've seen international youth soccer and our top boys DA team at any age group is only middle tier in any other European or South American country. Clean first touch, spacial awareness, movement without the ball, everything about them is faster and smarter.

The previous poster is correct, our 3-4th teams play NCSL, so if you kid wants to get better play in DA/ECNL/CCL/EDP to get better competition.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really think this is a troll thread people.

OP Here. Nope, a sincere question. I don't have enough $$ for DA....so looking for another option. Look, I know that he can't make it here...but my understanding is that Soccer is more similar to USA Baseball. A lot of good players can make A level soccer. There is even a Rookie League. I'm guessing that the Soccer System is similar in Europe.

My comments on the IDCamps is sincere as well. I find it amusing that people pay a lot of money to go have their kid looked at for College potential. This seems so ludicrous to me. I understand why it exists. I just find it repugnant.

Talk to your program.
If your kid is good enough, they'll find a way to finance you.
If they don't make that effort, you're kidding yourself about their skill level.

[Anonymous]

He's 14. He's got a ways to go. Get him the best training you can in the meantime. Make sure it's something he wants and is willing to put in the work and has the passion for it.

Top teams will find ways to mitigate costs for great players. Large clubs have scholarship money and some DAs are free. Shop around.

In a few years if he's still a top top player and still putting in the work and has a desire, then you can worry about what is after high school. For now, enjoy it while you can.

[Anonymous]

https://www.facebook.com/38007639/posts/10102325699711311/

[Anonymous]

Check out the movie no hunger in Paradise

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Check out the movie no hunger in Paradise

To be honest - if you can't clearly say that he is head shoulders and half a torso above the other kids on an NCSL team then you are likely kidding yourself about his ability. Which doesn't mean he can't develop if he wants it enough.

To echo the other posters here, have him try out for a DA team. If you are struggling for cash and your kid is good enough you should be able to get a scholarship + DA is no more expensive than travel anyway (or at least it wasn't - not sure what will happen next season now).

Arlington is the best option locally - plus the DA director there has connections to Europe and can probably get your kid a tryout in Spain if he's good enough. He also runs a summer training program (assuming summer training is allowed this year) in NoVa which is called futstars academy I think. Google it and sign your kid up - there are usually at least a few pretty good players from Arlington DA and DC United, and the remainder will be top level travel team players. So you should be able to get a better gauge of his level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't mean to be overly negative, but I just wanted to point out that NCSL Division 1 is kind of far away from where you want to be, if a post-high school career in soccer is something you have in mind. There is the DA and then the second team of DA clubs (i.e. Arlington Red, Bethesda Blue) but those second string teams are still at a level a bit higher than NCSL Division 1. In fact I think you are right around 3rd and 4th teams for the bigger clubs.

I'm not saying your kid can't make it--I'm just trying to point out your current team is playing at a level significantly below where the kids who are aiming for college places, let alone professional slots are currently playing.

Here's a clip of Barcelona's U15 side. You can find other U15 sides from professional teams on Youtube and give them a glance to see the level they are playing compared to what you are seeing with your current club.

Tiki taka soccer next thing you will say juggling and footskills are important.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ok, assuming this is sincere let me point out a few things:

1) Visa. You can't just up and move to France because you feel like it. You need a visa to live there (or wherever). Maybe you have an EU Passport and that's easy enough, but if you don't then you need a sponsor who is going to get you a visa and a job with a decent salary.

2) As a professional expat who has lived abroad in a half dozen countries over the last 20 years, I can assure you the price of a travel team in the USA is a hell of a lot cheaper than the cost of any move I have ever made.

3) FIFA Article 19: Transfer of minors. There is a law that is on the books to prevent the transfer of minors across international borders for the purpose of playing football or signing with a club. https://www.thomascooperlaw.com/guide-fifa-rules-international-transfer-minors/

4) I don't think anyone is objectively saying someone from D1 NCSL at age 14 is being watched for a professional career. You would have been scouted already by a DA or at DA's second team (EDP or something). There are 100s of kids in the DMV at a quality level above NCSL D1 right now. 100s.

5) I've seen top DA players go to Europe for visiting camps and have about 3-5 days with an academy before they learn they are not up to the level they need to be. It can be quite jarring for some here who think they rule the roost only to find out there are a couple of dozen kids in Europe who are already way past them.

6) The suggestion about a scholarship is a good one. Many teams have a program to help if needed. DA's are doing identification sessions now. Why don't you try it and see what they say. You can always turn them down over the Summer and head on to Europe if you find a way to get past all the other obstacles.

very nicely said and I agree with #6. and try multiple clubs. May be easier to drive to another area (even a long crappy drive) than move overseas.