Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The information posted above says that youth coaches are welcome to attend the training centers and observe in order to further their own development. If you are a coach who doesn't have any inside connections but does have great players on your team, it seems like it would make sense to attend some of the centers and get a sense of the level of play (as well as learn anything you can from the coaching at the session). If you think you have players at or above the level you see, it would make sense to get in touch with the people who are running the session or the regional scout for the YNTs to let them know you have prospects you think they should consider.

I doubt that most coaches who have connections get to be insiders merely because they are buddies with the US soccer people. Instead, I imagine it's because they have a history of recommending talented kids who do well at the national team camps so the scouts come to trust their judgment. Everyone at the higher levels wants to get the best kids and no one in the process wants to be known as someone who can't judge talent.

HA!! They aren't going to listen to Coach Joe from some small-ass club and give his players a look. It is a back-scratching system. $ monopoly.

Why do you say this? I wonder how many coaches make any effort to go check these things out, or check out DA games, and make assessments about whether their players are good enough to move up? Easier to just complain about how the system is fixed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The information posted above says that youth coaches are welcome to attend the training centers and observe in order to further their own development. If you are a coach who doesn't have any inside connections but does have great players on your team, it seems like it would make sense to attend some of the centers and get a sense of the level of play (as well as learn anything you can from the coaching at the session). If you think you have players at or above the level you see, it would make sense to get in touch with the people who are running the session or the regional scout for the YNTs to let them know you have prospects you think they should consider.

I doubt that most coaches who have connections get to be insiders merely because they are buddies with the US soccer people. Instead, I imagine it's because they have a history of recommending talented kids who do well at the national team camps so the scouts come to trust their judgment. Everyone at the higher levels wants to get the best kids and no one in the process wants to be known as someone who can't judge talent.

HA!! They aren't going to listen to Coach Joe from some small-ass club and give his players a look. It is a back-scratching system. $ monopoly.

Why do you say this? I wonder how many coaches make any effort to go check these things out, or check out DA games, and make assessments about whether their players are good enough to move up? Easier to just complain about how the system is fixed.

A lot of coaches outside of these major soccer towns wouldn't even know about the YNTs. I think you have good advice for coaches in areas like the DMV, etc. that have a long soccer history---but many coaches know nothing about this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The information posted above says that youth coaches are welcome to attend the training centers and observe in order to further their own development. If you are a coach who doesn't have any inside connections but does have great players on your team, it seems like it would make sense to attend some of the centers and get a sense of the level of play (as well as learn anything you can from the coaching at the session). If you think you have players at or above the level you see, it would make sense to get in touch with the people who are running the session or the regional scout for the YNTs to let them know you have prospects you think they should consider.

I doubt that most coaches who have connections get to be insiders merely because they are buddies with the US soccer people. Instead, I imagine it's because they have a history of recommending talented kids who do well at the national team camps so the scouts come to trust their judgment. Everyone at the higher levels wants to get the best kids and no one in the process wants to be known as someone who can't judge talent.

HA!! They aren't going to listen to Coach Joe from some small-ass club and give his players a look. It is a back-scratching system. $ monopoly.

Why do you say this? I wonder how many coaches make any effort to go check these things out, or check out DA games, and make assessments about whether their players are good enough to move up? Easier to just complain about how the system is fixed.

You are both correct. Coach Joe's not likely to know to even recommend a player and Coach Joe is also not likely to check out DA games to compare their own talent pool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The information posted above says that youth coaches are welcome to attend the training centers and observe in order to further their own development. If you are a coach who doesn't have any inside connections but does have great players on your team, it seems like it would make sense to attend some of the centers and get a sense of the level of play (as well as learn anything you can from the coaching at the session). If you think you have players at or above the level you see, it would make sense to get in touch with the people who are running the session or the regional scout for the YNTs to let them know you have prospects you think they should consider.

I doubt that most coaches who have connections get to be insiders merely because they are buddies with the US soccer people. Instead, I imagine it's because they have a history of recommending talented kids who do well at the national team camps so the scouts come to trust their judgment. Everyone at the higher levels wants to get the best kids and no one in the process wants to be known as someone who can't judge talent.

HA!! They aren't going to listen to Coach Joe from some small-ass club and give his players a look. It is a back-scratching system. $ monopoly.

Why do you say this? I wonder how many coaches make any effort to go check these things out, or check out DA games, and make assessments about whether their players are good enough to move up? Easier to just complain about how the system is fixed.

A lot of coaches outside of these major soccer towns wouldn't even know about the YNTs. I think you have good advice for coaches in areas like the DMV, etc. that have a long soccer history---but many coaches know nothing about this.

Oh yes, I'm only talking about our local scene. I think it's much harder for a player to get noticed, or youth coaches to have a major impact, outside the soccer hotbed areas.
But around here? If you are a coach who cares and are not connected, you can get connected if you have the desire and put in some time. This is just one place to start, but the DAs are all very interested in trying to get talented players who can strengthen their teams, and most DA coaches are going to be more than happy to get to know coaches who can recommend good players.

There is also a pretty active coach/club twitter network around here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The information posted above says that youth coaches are welcome to attend the training centers and observe in order to further their own development. If you are a coach who doesn't have any inside connections but does have great players on your team, it seems like it would make sense to attend some of the centers and get a sense of the level of play (as well as learn anything you can from the coaching at the session). If you think you have players at or above the level you see, it would make sense to get in touch with the people who are running the session or the regional scout for the YNTs to let them know you have prospects you think they should consider.

I doubt that most coaches who have connections get to be insiders merely because they are buddies with the US soccer people. Instead, I imagine it's because they have a history of recommending talented kids who do well at the national team camps so the scouts come to trust their judgment. Everyone at the higher levels wants to get the best kids and no one in the process wants to be known as someone who can't judge talent.

HA!! They aren't going to listen to Coach Joe from some small-ass club and give his players a look. It is a back-scratching system. $ monopoly.

Why do you say this? I wonder how many coaches make any effort to go check these things out, or check out DA games, and make assessments about whether their players are good enough to move up? Easier to just complain about how the system is fixed.

You are both correct. Coach Joe's not likely to know to even recommend a player and Coach Joe is also not likely to check out DA games to compare their own talent pool.

Luckily I know a Coach Joe that is doing those things. Absolutely not everyone does it, cares, or even knows to look. Luckily for Coach Joe he is doing it for his personal benefit of improving himself as a coach and how he wants to challenge his players to become better. There are a few Coach Joes out there but I wish there were more. Getting in the inner circle is hard to do but the more you look, you find some good and helpful people. Ideally everyone would be included but I think the organization could do better to be more inclusive and provide this info to all coaches. I decided to check out the page on the Training Centers and it only shows a date and to contact the TD. No way the TD is going to respond or possibly even have the time to do it. I'm sure people see that and don't even attempt to look into it. They should provide more info such as a location and time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The information posted above says that youth coaches are welcome to attend the training centers and observe in order to further their own development. If you are a coach who doesn't have any inside connections but does have great players on your team, it seems like it would make sense to attend some of the centers and get a sense of the level of play (as well as learn anything you can from the coaching at the session). If you think you have players at or above the level you see, it would make sense to get in touch with the people who are running the session or the regional scout for the YNTs to let them know you have prospects you think they should consider.

I doubt that most coaches who have connections get to be insiders merely because they are buddies with the US soccer people. Instead, I imagine it's because they have a history of recommending talented kids who do well at the national team camps so the scouts come to trust their judgment. Everyone at the higher levels wants to get the best kids and no one in the process wants to be known as someone who can't judge talent.

HA!! They aren't going to listen to Coach Joe from some small-ass club and give his players a look. It is a back-scratching system. $ monopoly.

Why do you say this? I wonder how many coaches make any effort to go check these things out, or check out DA games, and make assessments about whether their players are good enough to move up? Easier to just complain about how the system is fixed.

You are both correct. Coach Joe's not likely to know to even recommend a player and Coach Joe is also not likely to check out DA games to compare their own talent pool.

Luckily I know a Coach Joe that is doing those things. Absolutely not everyone does it, cares, or even knows to look. Luckily for Coach Joe he is doing it for his personal benefit of improving himself as a coach and how he wants to challenge his players to become better. There are a few Coach Joes out there but I wish there were more. Getting in the inner circle is hard to do but the more you look, you find some good and helpful people. Ideally everyone would be included but I think the organization could do better to be more inclusive and provide this info to all coaches. I decided to check out the page on the Training Centers and it only shows a date and to contact the TD. No way the TD is going to respond or possibly even have the time to do it. I'm sure people see that and don't even attempt to look into it. They should provide more info such as a location and time.

The problem is kids are relying on Coach Joe one way or another. This is supposed to be about talent/merit of the player and scouting not a coach and their connections or lack thereof. Scouts should be reaching out to coaches not the other way around.

[Anonymous]

Most likely, if you're a coach, all you would have to do is check the training center schedule, send an email to the TD introducing yourself with:

1) What club you coach with and what part of the state you are in
2) What age group / gender you currently coach
3) Your licensing level
4) If you just want to come and observe or if you have a player you'd like to recommend

That's it. I'm sure you will be put on an email blast that will go out when they announce the logistics for the training center.

It may take a few days for them to respond but they will get back to you... and if you havent heard back within a week just call them and ask over the phone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The information posted above says that youth coaches are welcome to attend the training centers and observe in order to further their own development. If you are a coach who doesn't have any inside connections but does have great players on your team, it seems like it would make sense to attend some of the centers and get a sense of the level of play (as well as learn anything you can from the coaching at the session). If you think you have players at or above the level you see, it would make sense to get in touch with the people who are running the session or the regional scout for the YNTs to let them know you have prospects you think they should consider.

I doubt that most coaches who have connections get to be insiders merely because they are buddies with the US soccer people. Instead, I imagine it's because they have a history of recommending talented kids who do well at the national team camps so the scouts come to trust their judgment. Everyone at the higher levels wants to get the best kids and no one in the process wants to be known as someone who can't judge talent.

HA!! They aren't going to listen to Coach Joe from some small-ass club and give his players a look. It is a back-scratching system. $ monopoly.

Why do you say this? I wonder how many coaches make any effort to go check these things out, or check out DA games, and make assessments about whether their players are good enough to move up? Easier to just complain about how the system is fixed.

You are both correct. Coach Joe's not likely to know to even recommend a player and Coach Joe is also not likely to check out DA games to compare their own talent pool.

Luckily I know a Coach Joe that is doing those things. Absolutely not everyone does it, cares, or even knows to look. Luckily for Coach Joe he is doing it for his personal benefit of improving himself as a coach and how he wants to challenge his players to become better. There are a few Coach Joes out there but I wish there were more. Getting in the inner circle is hard to do but the more you look, you find some good and helpful people. Ideally everyone would be included but I think the organization could do better to be more inclusive and provide this info to all coaches. I decided to check out the page on the Training Centers and it only shows a date and to contact the TD. No way the TD is going to respond or possibly even have the time to do it. I'm sure people see that and don't even attempt to look into it. They should provide more info such as a location and time.

The problem is kids are relying on Coach Joe one way or another. This is supposed to be about talent/merit of the player and scouting not a coach and their connections or lack thereof. Scouts should be reaching out to coaches not the other way around.

I absolutely agree but that system is not in place so Coach Joe is trying to do what he can to make sure the players get proper attention if they deserve it and are ready. Coach Joe doesn't want to see what is happening to many other great talents with his players where no one ever finds out about them because they are not at a DA club or at the club/coach with all the inside connections. Part of the problem has to do with the country being so large that there aren't enough scouts out there to identify all of these players and why they rely on the Training Center events so they can take a look at all those players at the same time. In my opinion each state association should have x number of scouts that go out to games and identify talent but their way around this by making money off of ODP which is another matter. The fact that they make you pay as you move up a level is crazy. I understand paying for training at the District level but once you are selected for the next levels up, it should be covered by Federation. A couple of players on coach Joe's team can't even afford the District training but have more talented than 90% out there.

[Anonymous]

Basically, it is pay to play unless you are at the top level, which is 1% of 1%.

That won't change until we have loads of professional clubs that turn a profit and re-invest that profit in youth academies. I think we're appalled by the idea of transfer markets for youth soccer players, but its the norm overseas. 16 year olds get bought and sold on a regular basis. We're not comfortable with that in the US, and that's OK, which is why it is pay to play.

How many professional soccer clubs exist in Madrid or London? DOZENS, I imagine across different divisions. How many exist in NYC or LA, the largest cities in the US... like 3-4 each?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Basically, it is pay to play unless you are at the top level, which is 1% of 1%.

That won't change until we have loads of professional clubs that turn a profit and re-invest that profit in youth academies. I think we're appalled by the idea of transfer markets for youth soccer players, but its the norm overseas. 16 year olds get bought and sold on a regular basis. We're not comfortable with that in the US, and that's OK, which is why it is pay to play.

How many professional soccer clubs exist in Madrid or London? DOZENS, I imagine across different divisions. How many exist in NYC or LA, the largest cities in the US... like 3-4 each?

I agree it is always going to be pay to play in this country but I think most people would be fine with pro clubs paying back youth clubs for a player that makes their first team. Would it be that bad if the pro sports leagues in this country gave back to high schools and youth organizations that work with our kids? The amount of money many of the NFL and NBA players make is absurd, can you imagine if those leagues had to give something substantial back to youth and high school programs ?

[Anonymous]

I once loved futsal. Improves dribbling/ball control. It's very fast, fast decisions, etc. It was outdoor soccer on a basketball court. But now the training sessions are more tactical - focusing on 2-2 formations and the rotations/patterns. I'm not sure how much I like receiving with the sole and stopping it dead. I'm wondering if it's as good for a kid development as I once thought. Does futsal create any bad habits for outdoor soccer? We've never done indoor (with walls). I'm starting to think that indoor might be a better use of his time than learning futsal tactics and things not so related to outdoor soccer. Any thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I once loved futsal. Improves dribbling/ball control. It's very fast, fast decisions, etc. It was outdoor soccer on a basketball court. But now the training sessions are more tactical - focusing on 2-2 formations and the rotations/patterns. I'm not sure how much I like receiving with the sole and stopping it dead. I'm wondering if it's as good for a kid development as I once thought. Does futsal create any bad habits for outdoor soccer? We've never done indoor (with walls). I'm starting to think that indoor might be a better use of his time than learning futsal tactics and things not so related to outdoor soccer. Any thoughts?

My sons do both. They are at Club with a fantastic Futsal program. My child has a weeknight Futsal practice and the Club has its own league. They have already played in tournaments, etc. I hated Futsal at our old Club where it was a short program with zero training and at a crappy facility we had to drive 40 min to for a team of 12...very little playing time for all. The court was literally peeling apart in places. The coaches did not teach any Futsal skill--but kids just showed up and played. The ball was out of bounds constantly. It was kick ball.

My kids are now learning Futsal the correct Brazilian way. Even the U9 team has the ball almost never go out of play because the kids are so fantastic at the short pass combos. Their skill and ball handling has grown immensely. I see it greatly adding to their footwork and ball control.

My kids also play one game a week on a turf indoor field with walls. It is a Rec team and sheer fun. This gives them the chance to play any position they want and try things out without being "coached". My kid that gets stuck in the back a lot plays forward and works a lot on finishing. It is a larger field and mirrors more outdoor style...with the added thrill of hockey slams against the wall and wall ball give and gos.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I once loved futsal. Improves dribbling/ball control. It's very fast, fast decisions, etc. It was outdoor soccer on a basketball court. But now the training sessions are more tactical - focusing on 2-2 formations and the rotations/patterns. I'm not sure how much I like receiving with the sole and stopping it dead. I'm wondering if it's as good for a kid development as I once thought. Does futsal create any bad habits for outdoor soccer? We've never done indoor (with walls). I'm starting to think that indoor might be a better use of his time than learning futsal tactics and things not so related to outdoor soccer. Any thoughts?

Ask Neymar if it hurt his development or gave him bad habits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I once loved futsal. Improves dribbling/ball control. It's very fast, fast decisions, etc. It was outdoor soccer on a basketball court. But now the training sessions are more tactical - focusing on 2-2 formations and the rotations/patterns. I'm not sure how much I like receiving with the sole and stopping it dead. I'm wondering if it's as good for a kid development as I once thought. Does futsal create any bad habits for outdoor soccer? We've never done indoor (with walls). I'm starting to think that indoor might be a better use of his time than learning futsal tactics and things not so related to outdoor soccer. Any thoughts?

Ask Neymar if it hurt his development or gave him bad habits.

Yes, I have heard the "bad habits" comment from a few coaches, and the common denominator is that they don't understand futsal or know how to coach it. We found it to be one of the best things our kids did to develop good foot skills and quick reaction times. Plus, it's so fun to watch when you have skilled players on both teams!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I once loved futsal. Improves dribbling/ball control. It's very fast, fast decisions, etc. It was outdoor soccer on a basketball court. But now the training sessions are more tactical - focusing on 2-2 formations and the rotations/patterns. I'm not sure how much I like receiving with the sole and stopping it dead. I'm wondering if it's as good for a kid development as I once thought. Does futsal create any bad habits for outdoor soccer? We've never done indoor (with walls). I'm starting to think that indoor might be a better use of his time than learning futsal tactics and things not so related to outdoor soccer. Any thoughts?

Ask Neymar if it hurt his development or gave him bad habits.

Yes, I have heard the "bad habits" comment from a few coaches, and the common denominator is that they don't understand futsal or know how to coach it. We found it to be one of the best things our kids did to develop good foot skills and quick reaction times. Plus, it's so fun to watch when you have skilled players on both teams!

I'm the OP on this. I'm not as concerned about the bad habits. I just brought up the "insisting" to use the sole to receive and stopping it dead. I do see that transfer to the big field in situations where they shouldn't do that. My bigger concern is using the training time to work on patterns, rotations, etc. that doesn't really transfer to the outdoor game. Or does it and I'm just ignorant.