US Soccer ID Camp - Leesburg
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
Can you elaborate more on substandard exposure? Do other regions get more exposure? How? |
Anonymous
Ahem “clears throat” for informercial voice. Im glad you asked Does your club send the same talent over and over and over to ID sessions because they are trying to force a square into a circle? (Those kids NEVER get called back give it up TD!!) Does your team’s instagram feed Only feature Offensive highlights from the Attacking third? (Poor defenders and the goalie apparently doesn’t exist. Like can the goalie get some love?!) Has your teams Captains bands consistently rested on the Arms of the same kids being sent to ID sessions or the same annoying loud kids year after year… or the team managers kid? Does your DC sit in the back or on the far edges of photoshopped game day photos (vs prominently in the center) Is you DC’s social media footprint monitored and/or controlled by your club in order to control narratives and make sure your DC is outshining the players they have chosen to market for easy college commitments? Does your DC get chosen or even asked to play up for events and opportunities vs the chosen kids? Is your club transparent in all aspects of decision making, feedback on game play and exposure opportunities? Does your TD have a direct say on what kids get selected for what vs coach autonomy. Does your club let you have access to games in trace/veo/etc freely or does it control your ability to clip from game highlights. Does your club support buddy system teams vs winning combinations? Is your club/team ok with losing as long as the “chosen kids” get exposure? Does your team managers kid magically get selected for everything under the sun? If you have answered yes to any of these questions then congratulations your DC may be suffering from substandard exposure. These symptoms normally begin in march but sometimes are year round. If suffering from substandard exposure you will need to see a specialist that can help you in the areas of Photography and video editing. You… yes you (points at you) will also have to be an expert at social media from soccer wire to include Tiktok. These things are required to build up your DCs footprint and create a counter narrative. In addition have you set up soccer wire or any of the huddle profiles etc? You will need to in your copious amounts of spare time. Lastly you should go into your bathroom or if in a car pull down the make up mirror and repeat these words. I am my childs advocate who pays over three thousand dollars for substandard exposure. You will need to yell out loud, I demand better (please ignore your neighbors or people in cars next to you while you do this. Odds are they are doing the same thing just at work or with marriages etc or maybe even futbol). Once you have taken these steps. Speak with your DS/DD and figure out a plan of action. If not getting play time ask your coach for measurements and reasons why for accountability. If its not the coach calling shots approach your TD because at this point you have very little to lose. Look at yourself as the chinhook or apache helicopter parent at this point and keep reminding yourself you paid 3-6k for this. Be relentless and crazy eyed. They should fear or at the most groan audibly when you approach them. Most importantly dont trust the process or people who stall you out and ask you to trust the process. Ask them what is the process and take out a notepad. Dont take people at their word. Instead email EVERYTHING. Ask for measurements and real reasons why your DC is getting overlooked. If they are giving you vague answers then it’s probably time to move on as your 3-6k exists only to keep the club’s lights on. Time with the ball is essential and a club that allows that shoud have time with your DCs card. Also beware of people who talk fast. Thats just a weird thing to do in travel sports. Now if your team actually has a star difference maker on your team, that attracts coaches and interest from far and wide (not ID callups but kids that actually could go pro) then it may be beneficial to stick around the team for secondary exposure. But only if your DC is not warming the bench. Hopefully this post helps you with identifying and alleviating your symptoms of poor exposure and hopefully your DC finds a home full of equal playing time, winning culture, good feedback from coaches, loving teammates and showcases on showcases. But who are we kidding… this is the DMV. Dress warm its getting chilly. Good luck. |
Anonymous
|
Anonymous
The team manager is not going to like this. Trouble in paradise. |
Anonymous
Honest question: why is it better for development to play the neutral? |
Anonymous
Is it better to be a role player on Arlington 2011 or leave and be one of the top players on a GA team? |
Anonymous
They have a couple of kids that are role players on the team and they are sent to most things. People might have different opinions who they are but the whole team gets exposure. It also depends on what you are looking for from the team? Going to GA - if your kid is strong player on ARL/ VDA then she will definitely be the leader of the pack at GA. But if we are talking recruiting - at 2011, probably still edge out and better to stay on ECNL. Younger - soccer scene is changing and I would consider GA. |
Anonymous
Playing time is what matters. If the role player is still getting good minutes, stay. |
Anonymous
ECNL exposure is considerably more than GA. Better chance with staying on the team. |
Anonymous
| We do realize we are talking about a specific 15 year old child here. Doesn't anyone think that is kind of weird? |
Anonymous
it is what it is |
Anonymous
No, not at all. Why do you think virtue signaling is necessary? |
Anonymous
Good question. Let’s use a small scrimmage as an example. In this setup, the neutral player wears a different-colored pinnie from both teams. Their role is to primarily operate in the middle of the field and play for both sides. Each time possession changes, the neutral player immediately looks to receive the ball and make a pass for the team that just won possession. For younger players, this role is a clear visual signal — it shows who the coach expects to work the hardest during practice. The neutral player is constantly involved, touching the ball on almost every play. This helps them develop soccer IQ and 360-degree awareness much faster than others. They’re always checking their shoulder, receiving under pressure, and passing quickly. By contrast, players on the outside — defenders, wingers, and strikers — naturally touch the ball far less and therefore develop game awareness more slowly. In fact, they might get 75% fewer touches than the neutral player in a single session. When coaches consistently select the same players to be neutrals, it sends a strong message: these are the coach’s “trusted” players. Those players also benefit the most, improving two to three times faster than the rest — not exactly the best message to send to 11–14-year-olds. It’s like everyone pays the same fee, but only a few get most of the value and development time. Our coach occasionally rotates in new neutral players, but if they make a few mistakes, they’re usually switched back out for the regular neutrals who are already comfortable in that role. |
Anonymous
More touches |
Anonymous
The scene has changed but I dont think anyone knows what any of it means long term on the girls side. Perhaps this year with the SY change we will get a clearer picture for where kids go and stay. There is one thing I have learned about youth soccer in the DMV, which is it is highly unpredictable so what’s the point of being too strategic. Maybe a one year view, but I am not sure you can think further out. I, like most in the area, like to think strategically and position my kid for the best optimal outcome, but it is so unpredictable. That said, I feel strongly that you can only focus on what’s in front of your nose. Everything else is speculation. |