US Soccer ID Camp - Leesburg

[Anonymous]

It's easy to get upset when your kid isn't get selected on things especially if you feel like the kids that got selected over and over again aren't living up to the standard. Truth is, you just never know why certain kid get selected and you will never know. There's 0 transparency in youth soccer at club level and at national level. Hopefully your kid takes it as a life lesson and work harder as that will pay off later in life in some other way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wonder why the same kid got invited again and again, Those same face get invited for everything!

That sucks for the morale of the team. What events were they selected for?

(It is a pet peeve when the Coach or Club, concentrates on developing just a few players at the expense of the rest of the players and keeps re-selecting the same players for event. Parents notice right away and it is irritating. It kills morale. A lot of people feel like the rest of the team is just the practice squad for the chosen players.)

Honest question. How does the club only focus on developing a few players? Do they not have the players participate in the same drills?

There are many ways that players are favored even during drills. Coaches choose which players are neutrals, who rotates where, and who gets most reps in drills. When there is a demonstration which players are chosen to do it? Which players are given encouraging positive feedback vs which are always negative. We’ve all seen coaches who are constantly calling out bad plays by some players but never when the bad play is from their favorites. The rest of the team sees it and grows to resent it.

+1
I’m at a u13 GA Club and this is already becoming apparent. 2nd year with club, same coach…. This kind of thing develops a few players over the other players. These small coaching biases absolutely add up over time. Seen this exact thing first hand. Without a doubt, the coach has already picked 3 players to nominate for next year and is developing them more now in multiple small ways… play the neutral, used repeatedly for examples, lots of praise, allowed them to re-try dribbling attempts in ‘scrimmages’, picked to guest play up more, invited to skills clinics, paying for lots of private training, coaches giving obviously more feedback before/ after practice. All these things add up.

Most parents have stopped watching practice, but it’s noticeable if you do watch and pay attention.

Honest question: why is it better for development to play the neutral?

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.

In a 4v4 plus 1 neutral, if a team gets 100 touches, each player does not get 20. (100/5 (4 players + 1 neutral)). One player might get 10 while another gets 30. Are you saying the neutral always gets 30 regardless of which player (best or worst) is the neutral?

Plus you are ignoring the growth of playing defense as well as transition. When you are neutral you never play defense, you never have to fight for the ball, you never learn how to transition from offense to defense and vice versa.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's easy to get upset when your kid isn't get selected on things especially if you feel like the kids that got selected over and over again aren't living up to the standard. Truth is, you just never know why certain kid get selected and you will never know. There's 0 transparency in youth soccer at club level and at national level. Hopefully your kid takes it as a life lesson and work harder as that will pay off later in life in some other way.

In an ideal world, what specific transparency information would you want?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's easy to get upset when your kid isn't get selected on things especially if you feel like the kids that got selected over and over again aren't living up to the standard. Truth is, you just never know why certain kid get selected and you will never know. There's 0 transparency in youth soccer at club level and at national level. Hopefully your kid takes it as a life lesson and work harder as that will pay off later in life in some other way.

This is absolutely true. It is what it is folks, not everyone is an id level player.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's easy to get upset when your kid isn't get selected on things especially if you feel like the kids that got selected over and over again aren't living up to the standard. Truth is, you just never know why certain kid get selected and you will never know. There's 0 transparency in youth soccer at club level and at national level. Hopefully your kid takes it as a life lesson and work harder as that will pay off later in life in some other way.

In an ideal world, what specific transparency information would you want?

what are the requirements and measurements used to determine who/whatnis the standard. Literally how do kids get an equal fair shot. Vs making decisions in silos before the season even starts

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's easy to get upset when your kid isn't get selected on things especially if you feel like the kids that got selected over and over again aren't living up to the standard. Truth is, you just never know why certain kid get selected and you will never know. There's 0 transparency in youth soccer at club level and at national level. Hopefully your kid takes it as a life lesson and work harder as that will pay off later in life in some other way.

In an ideal world, what specific transparency information would you want?

what are the requirements and measurements used to determine who/whatnis the standard. Literally how do kids get an equal fair shot. Vs making decisions in silos before the season even starts

The decisions and recommendations were made at the end of the previous season (think May showcases) and for some teams - there are scouts coming out and watch their games during the season before then already.

For new players moving to the club it’s either the package deal or they were recommended before they moved to the new club.

While I do think the whole process is subjective, but there must be some more objective way to see things as in general IDP on what each players are being graded at and what their strengths and weaknesses are and the what they are trying to accomplish. However most coaches don’t have time for this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wonder why the same kid got invited again and again, Those same face get invited for everything!

That sucks for the morale of the team. What events were they selected for?

(It is a pet peeve when the Coach or Club, concentrates on developing just a few players at the expense of the rest of the players and keeps re-selecting the same players for event. Parents notice right away and it is irritating. It kills morale. A lot of people feel like the rest of the team is just the practice squad for the chosen players.)

Most players are genuinely supportive of one another. Unfortunately, it’s often the parents who unintentionally harm team morale. It's important to understand that when selections are made, it's not about saying one child isn’t talented—it’s often that another child was simply the better fit at that moment. These decisions are rarely easy for coaches, and most take them very seriously.

When parents speak negatively, it can influence their children, who then bring that energy into the team environment. If a player continues to be selected despite this, the situation becomes difficult to manage and often beyond the coach’s control. It’s essential to trust the process and remember that we’re all here to support every child’s development—not just our own.

The parents on the ARLs 2011 may be part of the problem, but the club continuing to send the same player over and over again is bound to cause issues on a powerhouse team with a number of deserving players. Particularly one who now sees herself as better than the rest.

I’m pretty close to this situation. PP is right. The resentment and frustration continue to grow within the team. Parents are worried about favoritism in college recruiting right around the corner.

It could be nice either way the coaches and club could provide some feedback.

Sounds like you are talking about BP.

Not only BP. Sounds like this phenomenon is in every club LOL.

DMV soccer is basura. Other regions have issues as well but this area is special. With that said why are you all happy paying 4-6k a season for substandard exposure in a team sport. The Chosen players cant win by themselves and there is strength in numbers. Talk/communicate and make your demands. Vote with your feet. Otherwise your kid is just a took for someone else's goals and club marketing. And you can only look in the mirror for blame.

Find your gumption. And advocate.

Can you elaborate more on substandard exposure? Do other regions get more exposure? How?

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.

tldr transparent measurements for exposure ops or just be the team manager…?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wonder why the same kid got invited again and again, Those same face get invited for everything!

That sucks for the morale of the team. What events were they selected for?

(It is a pet peeve when the Coach or Club, concentrates on developing just a few players at the expense of the rest of the players and keeps re-selecting the same players for event. Parents notice right away and it is irritating. It kills morale. A lot of people feel like the rest of the team is just the practice squad for the chosen players.)

Honest question. How does the club only focus on developing a few players? Do they not have the players participate in the same drills?

There are many ways that players are favored even during drills. Coaches choose which players are neutrals, who rotates where, and who gets most reps in drills. When there is a demonstration which players are chosen to do it? Which players are given encouraging positive feedback vs which are always negative. We’ve all seen coaches who are constantly calling out bad plays by some players but never when the bad play is from their favorites. The rest of the team sees it and grows to resent it.

+1
I’m at a u13 GA Club and this is already becoming apparent. 2nd year with club, same coach…. This kind of thing develops a few players over the other players. These small coaching biases absolutely add up over time. Seen this exact thing first hand. Without a doubt, the coach has already picked 3 players to nominate for next year and is developing them more now in multiple small ways… play the neutral, used repeatedly for examples, lots of praise, allowed them to re-try dribbling attempts in ‘scrimmages’, picked to guest play up more, invited to skills clinics, paying for lots of private training, coaches giving obviously more feedback before/ after practice. All these things add up.

Most parents have stopped watching practice, but it’s noticeable if you do watch and pay attention.

Honest question: why is it better for development to play the neutral?

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.

is the coach communicating clearly with his team the measurements of comparison?! If not this
Coach and his neutral approach is a crock of bullsh. This assessment approach should be clearly conveyed in a slidedeck 1st team meeting. Otherwise there is no transparency.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's easy to get upset when your kid isn't get selected on things especially if you feel like the kids that got selected over and over again aren't living up to the standard. Truth is, you just never know why certain kid get selected and you will never know. There's 0 transparency in youth soccer at club level and at national level. Hopefully your kid takes it as a life lesson and work harder as that will pay off later in life in some other way.

In an ideal world, what specific transparency information would you want?

what are the requirements and measurements used to determine who/whatnis the standard. Literally how do kids get an equal fair shot. Vs making decisions in silos before the season even starts

The decisions and recommendations were made at the end of the previous season (think May showcases) and for some teams - there are scouts coming out and watch their games during the season before then already.

For new players moving to the club it’s either the package deal or they were recommended before they moved to the new club.

While I do think the whole process is subjective, but there must be some more objective way to see things as in general IDP on what each players are being graded at and what their strengths and weaknesses are and the what they are trying to accomplish. However most coaches don’t have time for this.

aha so a coach just followed the previous clubs manufactures instagram hype. If they only knew some players were picked to appease parents of older more talented siblings and/or managers/treasurers/to shut annoying parents up etc.

Cant knock the kids that got the eye of scouts. If they got eyes off of talent vs back room deals more power to them.


Do coaches even do IDPs around here?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She seems to be the only 2011 from this area that got invited. None from VDA, Bethesda or Richmond even the one that made the national team listed did not make the list.

So no one else from VA or MD made it? Is it mostly PA and NJ players then?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She seems to be the only 2011 from this area that got invited. None from VDA, Bethesda or Richmond even the one that made the national team listed did not make the list.

So no one else from VA or MD made it? Is it mostly PA and NJ players then?

yup. VA coaches will ignore the very clear messaging and try to send the same players again next year. Rinse and repeat

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She seems to be the only 2011 from this area that got invited. None from VDA, Bethesda or Richmond even the one that made the national team listed did not make the list.

So no one else from VA or MD made it? Is it mostly PA and NJ players then?

yup. VA coaches will ignore the very clear messaging and try to send the same players again next year. Rinse and repeat

It isn’t a matter of “making it”. This ID center was for a different region. Sometimes they bring players from other regions in for an extra look or because there is a positional need within the pool to make that session go smoothly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She seems to be the only 2011 from this area that got invited. None from VDA, Bethesda or Richmond even the one that made the national team listed did not make the list.

So no one else from VA or MD made it? Is it mostly PA and NJ players then?

yup. VA coaches will ignore the very clear messaging and try to send the same players again next year. Rinse and repeat

It isn’t a matter of “making it”. This ID center was for a different region. Sometimes they bring players from other regions in for an extra look or because there is a positional need within the pool to make that session go smoothly.

they didn’t want any other talent. Its ok to admit your dd didn’t make the cut,

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She seems to be the only 2011 from this area that got invited. None from VDA, Bethesda or Richmond even the one that made the national team listed did not make the list.

So no one else from VA or MD made it? Is it mostly PA and NJ players then?

yup. VA coaches will ignore the very clear messaging and try to send the same players again next year. Rinse and repeat

It isn’t a matter of “making it”. This ID center was for a different region. Sometimes they bring players from other regions in for an extra look or because there is a positional need within the pool to make that session go smoothly.

they didn’t want any other talent. Its ok to admit your dd didn’t make the cut,

Different PP but it’s kinda true that it’s not “making it” really as it’s a practice run for the global summit. Not particularly like top talent competition for national spot like they normally have. Still good accomplishment for those players that got selected though as I’m sure they are doing well to be selected.

If this is more of the usual ID - we would see more kids from the local clubs attending.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She seems to be the only 2011 from this area that got invited. None from VDA, Bethesda or Richmond even the one that made the national team listed did not make the list.

So no one else from VA or MD made it? Is it mostly PA and NJ players then?

yup. VA coaches will ignore the very clear messaging and try to send the same players again next year. Rinse and repeat

It isn’t a matter of “making it”. This ID center was for a different region. Sometimes they bring players from other regions in for an extra look or because there is a positional need within the pool to make that session go smoothly.

they didn’t want any other talent. Its ok to admit your dd didn’t make the cut,

Different PP but it’s kinda true that it’s not “making it” really as it’s a practice run for the global summit. Not particularly like top talent competition for national spot like they normally have. Still good accomplishment for those players that got selected though as I’m sure they are doing well to be selected.

If this is more of the usual ID - we would see more kids from the local clubs attending.

It’s a usual ID… in a different region.