ECNL forcing Brave & Union Partnership

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girls ECNL Final Standings

2007
Brave - 12
Union - 3

2008
Brave - 4
Union - 8

2009
Brave - 13
Union - 7

2010
Brave - 5
Union - 2

2011
Brave - 7
Union - 10 (not 9, typo in reported score)

Predictions for FVU based on all data available, trends, head to heads, clustering of teams in the same W-L range, etc. This is subjective feel free to argue differently but in the end conclusion is not much change:

2007 -- good luck for your future playing careers

2008 -- 2nd-4th range, three teams with eight wins so may be close in that range but CL playoffs expected. Heard this team is mostly Brave? Not much change to next year.

2009 -- 6th-9th range, same as this year. Heard this team is mostly Union? Not much change to next year.

2010 -- 2nd-4th range. Drama here, both Union and Brave are strong but some expect that FVU won't have the same mojo as Union this year. Hard to see anyone unseating Charlotte so 2nd place is likely the ceiling.

2011 -- 7th-9th range. Also drama here, heard more Union than Brave but Union finished very weakly this season. Hard to see anything above 7th.

During your analysis, did you have the opportunity to review any video? I finally got a chance to watch the Brave 2010 team, and it was quite surprising. Important note here, this is a direct shot at the COACH. The gameplay I saw resembled a SOAD mosh pit more than a structured sport. Then I find out the coach has an A license 😂 You cannot make this up.

Your conclusion that the Brave 2010 squad is strong sounds off. This has train wreck written all over it.

Brave 2010 have talent particularly up top but they play such basic ugly kickball soccer. It’ll be eye opening for them when they age up into the MYS coaches. Build through the midfield? What’s that. Let’s just kick it up and hope our forwards can score!

The Brave 2010 coaches (boys and girls) are far more interested in playing possession soccer than the McLean teams I've seen. They've likely learned more at Barcelona and Ajax than they did in the USSF A license course. If the teams are playing ugly kickball soccer, it's because they're not listening. Or they're just not that good. Or, to cite another DCUM thread, they're listening to parents instead of the coaches.

🤣 “they’ve likely learned more at Barcelona and Ajax”

😂”it’s because they’re not listening”

😮”they’re listening to parents instead of the coaches”

This in a nutshell is all you have to know about the mindset of a Brave coach.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girls ECNL Final Standings

2007
Brave - 12
Union - 3

2008
Brave - 4
Union - 8

2009
Brave - 13
Union - 7

2010
Brave - 5
Union - 2

2011
Brave - 7
Union - 10 (not 9, typo in reported score)

Predictions for FVU based on all data available, trends, head to heads, clustering of teams in the same W-L range, etc. This is subjective feel free to argue differently but in the end conclusion is not much change:

2007 -- good luck for your future playing careers

2008 -- 2nd-4th range, three teams with eight wins so may be close in that range but CL playoffs expected. Heard this team is mostly Brave? Not much change to next year.

2009 -- 6th-9th range, same as this year. Heard this team is mostly Union? Not much change to next year.

2010 -- 2nd-4th range. Drama here, both Union and Brave are strong but some expect that FVU won't have the same mojo as Union this year. Hard to see anyone unseating Charlotte so 2nd place is likely the ceiling.

2011 -- 7th-9th range. Also drama here, heard more Union than Brave but Union finished very weakly this season. Hard to see anything above 7th.

During your analysis, did you have the opportunity to review any video? I finally got a chance to watch the Brave 2010 team, and it was quite surprising. Important note here, this is a direct shot at the COACH. The gameplay I saw resembled a SOAD mosh pit more than a structured sport. Then I find out the coach has an A license 😂 You cannot make this up.

Your conclusion that the Brave 2010 squad is strong sounds off. This has train wreck written all over it.

Brave 2010 have talent particularly up top but they play such basic ugly kickball soccer. It’ll be eye opening for them when they age up into the MYS coaches. Build through the midfield? What’s that. Let’s just kick it up and hope our forwards can score!

The Brave 2010 coaches (boys and girls) are far more interested in playing possession soccer than the McLean teams I've seen. They've likely learned more at Barcelona and Ajax than they did in the USSF A license course. If the teams are playing ugly kickball soccer, it's because they're not listening. Or they're just not that good. Or, to cite another DCUM thread, they're listening to parents instead of the coaches.

🤣 “they’ve likely learned more at Barcelona and Ajax”

😂”it’s because they’re not listening”

😮”they’re listening to parents instead of the coaches”

This in a nutshell is all you have to know about the mindset of a Brave coach.

It’s not the coaching. It’s because the players are “just not good”.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it absurd that parents are really debating, analyzing, criticizing girls who haven't even hit high school, let alone puberty. If you don't have daughter who is a junior or senior playing ECNL, know change is ahead. And I mean changes
physically, emotionally, interests, injury, high school sports, academically, relationships, friendships, burn out, mental health...
U13/U14 - a third of them or more will leave ECNL soccer because of the demands of school, pressure to perform, and ability to time management. This becomes a job sophomore/Jr year for these teens - many losing the love of the game because of unrealistic goals (parents projecting and kids brainwashed by ECNL social media).
Many changes ahead. To focus and be so critical of these KIDS is so short sided. Parents of younger kids really have no idea what's ahead. Stick to soccer club politics, that's at least interesting and good drama. Let these kids develop into whoever they will be without grown adults scrutinizing their every game and abilities - it doesn't matter.

Good to know but I feel tricked. This was the message given to us as we approached u13. You mean to say it all doesn’t matter again?

I have senior player headed to college. She decided to attend a large college and play club soccer. Because college recruiting is brutal and only really successful for a handful. The trick is finding the right school, the right program, the right cost - because you will pay for college. There are no scholarships but for a handful. College prepares you up for life afterwards when you need a job and must support yourself. Soccer is an experience in college. - fun one, but still an experience. Real development appears at 15-17 years old in girls. Their peers catch up in growth. The biggest kid become average and that small kid - she goes 7 inches in a year. They get even stronger and bigger 18-22. Skill and commitment are flushed out. High school changes everything for some. Look for internal motivation of your player, not the external ones. That might be a better guide.

Appreciate the sensible advice.

100% agree. Finally a responsible comment

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girls ECNL Final Standings

2007
Brave - 12
Union - 3

2008
Brave - 4
Union - 8

2009
Brave - 13
Union - 7

2010
Brave - 5
Union - 2

2011
Brave - 7
Union - 10 (not 9, typo in reported score)

Predictions for FVU based on all data available, trends, head to heads, clustering of teams in the same W-L range, etc. This is subjective feel free to argue differently but in the end conclusion is not much change:

2007 -- good luck for your future playing careers

2008 -- 2nd-4th range, three teams with eight wins so may be close in that range but CL playoffs expected. Heard this team is mostly Brave? Not much change to next year.

2009 -- 6th-9th range, same as this year. Heard this team is mostly Union? Not much change to next year.

2010 -- 2nd-4th range. Drama here, both Union and Brave are strong but some expect that FVU won't have the same mojo as Union this year. Hard to see anyone unseating Charlotte so 2nd place is likely the ceiling.

2011 -- 7th-9th range. Also drama here, heard more Union than Brave but Union finished very weakly this season. Hard to see anything above 7th.

During your analysis, did you have the opportunity to review any video? I finally got a chance to watch the Brave 2010 team, and it was quite surprising. Important note here, this is a direct shot at the COACH. The gameplay I saw resembled a SOAD mosh pit more than a structured sport. Then I find out the coach has an A license 😂 You cannot make this up.

Your conclusion that the Brave 2010 squad is strong sounds off. This has train wreck written all over it.

Didn’t this so-called “train wreck team” just beat Union again in a friendly this week?

Sure with more than half their 11 on the field being 2011’s at times. The trainwreck that is Brave will go 0-3 at Playoffs. MV has an A license but get the ball to the 9 any way possible is his game plan.

So what was the excuse for the last league game they faced Union and beat them?!
Hey, but whatever you want to believe to make yourself feel secure and safe is all good!

This Union team has never been beaten fairly. There is always an excuse.

True! And Union had no wins in the last 5 or so games played (including all losses in SC) .. what are the excuses for those?
Sounds like somebody on Union is just having a hard time accepting reality.

Against NVA it was the wind…..

😂

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girls ECNL Final Standings

2007
Brave - 12
Union - 3

2008
Brave - 4
Union - 8

2009
Brave - 13
Union - 7

2010
Brave - 5
Union - 2

2011
Brave - 7
Union - 10 (not 9, typo in reported score)

Predictions for FVU based on all data available, trends, head to heads, clustering of teams in the same W-L range, etc. This is subjective feel free to argue differently but in the end conclusion is not much change:

2007 -- good luck for your future playing careers

2008 -- 2nd-4th range, three teams with eight wins so may be close in that range but CL playoffs expected. Heard this team is mostly Brave? Not much change to next year.

2009 -- 6th-9th range, same as this year. Heard this team is mostly Union? Not much change to next year.

2010 -- 2nd-4th range. Drama here, both Union and Brave are strong but some expect that FVU won't have the same mojo as Union this year. Hard to see anyone unseating Charlotte so 2nd place is likely the ceiling.

2011 -- 7th-9th range. Also drama here, heard more Union than Brave but Union finished very weakly this season. Hard to see anything above 7th.

During your analysis, did you have the opportunity to review any video? I finally got a chance to watch the Brave 2010 team, and it was quite surprising. Important note here, this is a direct shot at the COACH. The gameplay I saw resembled a SOAD mosh pit more than a structured sport. Then I find out the coach has an A license 😂 You cannot make this up.

Your conclusion that the Brave 2010 squad is strong sounds off. This has train wreck written all over it.

Didn’t this so-called “train wreck team” just beat Union again in a friendly this week?

Sure with more than half their 11 on the field being 2011’s at times. The trainwreck that is Brave will go 0-3 at Playoffs. MV has an A license but get the ball to the 9 any way possible is his game plan.

So what was the excuse for the last league game they faced Union and beat them?!
Hey, but whatever you want to believe to make yourself feel secure and safe is all good!

This Union team has never been beaten fairly. There is always an excuse.

A few times, 100%. Why are we talking about a scrimmage where both teams were trying get out injury free again?

Because an insecure Union parent called out the BRAVE team as being a train wreck after watching this friendly, which BRAVE won.

Typical Mclean dad. I guess could not manipulate the results this time, ups!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it absurd that parents are really debating, analyzing, criticizing girls who haven't even hit high school, let alone puberty. If you don't have daughter who is a junior or senior playing ECNL, know change is ahead. And I mean changes
physically, emotionally, interests, injury, high school sports, academically, relationships, friendships, burn out, mental health...
U13/U14 - a third of them or more will leave ECNL soccer because of the demands of school, pressure to perform, and ability to time management. This becomes a job sophomore/Jr year for these teens - many losing the love of the game because of unrealistic goals (parents projecting and kids brainwashed by ECNL social media).
Many changes ahead. To focus and be so critical of these KIDS is so short sided. Parents of younger kids really have no idea what's ahead. Stick to soccer club politics, that's at least interesting and good drama. Let these kids develop into whoever they will be without grown adults scrutinizing their every game and abilities - it doesn't matter.

Good to know but I feel tricked. This was the message given to us as we approached u13. You mean to say it all doesn’t matter again?

I have senior player headed to college. She decided to attend a large college and play club soccer. Because college recruiting is brutal and only really successful for a handful. The trick is finding the right school, the right program, the right cost - because you will pay for college. There are no scholarships but for a handful. College prepares you up for life afterwards when you need a job and must support yourself. Soccer is an experience in college. - fun one, but still an experience. Real development appears at 15-17 years old in girls. Their peers catch up in growth. The biggest kid become average and that small kid - she goes 7 inches in a year. They get even stronger and bigger 18-22. Skill and commitment are flushed out. High school changes everything for some. Look for internal motivation of your player, not the external ones. That might be a better guide.

Appreciate the sensible advice.

Finally some thoughtful content. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it absurd that parents are really debating, analyzing, criticizing girls who haven't even hit high school, let alone puberty. If you don't have daughter who is a junior or senior playing ECNL, know change is ahead. And I mean changes
physically, emotionally, interests, injury, high school sports, academically, relationships, friendships, burn out, mental health...
U13/U14 - a third of them or more will leave ECNL soccer because of the demands of school, pressure to perform, and ability to time management. This becomes a job sophomore/Jr year for these teens - many losing the love of the game because of unrealistic goals (parents projecting and kids brainwashed by ECNL social media).
Many changes ahead. To focus and be so critical of these KIDS is so short sided. Parents of younger kids really have no idea what's ahead. Stick to soccer club politics, that's at least interesting and good drama. Let these kids develop into whoever they will be without grown adults scrutinizing their every game and abilities - it doesn't matter.

Good to know but I feel tricked. This was the message given to us as we approached u13. You mean to say it all doesn’t matter again?

I have senior player headed to college. She decided to attend a large college and play club soccer. Because college recruiting is brutal and only really successful for a handful. The trick is finding the right school, the right program, the right cost - because you will pay for college. There are no scholarships but for a handful. College prepares you up for life afterwards when you need a job and must support yourself. Soccer is an experience in college. - fun one, but still an experience. Real development appears at 15-17 years old in girls. Their peers catch up in growth. The biggest kid become average and that small kid - she goes 7 inches in a year. They get even stronger and bigger 18-22. Skill and commitment are flushed out. High school changes everything for some. Look for internal motivation of your player, not the external ones. That might be a better guide.

Finally, a post with thoughtful content. Thank you. I wish this board had more positive and thoughtful content mixed with info/opinion and less insulting commentary from the keyboard warriors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girls ECNL Final Standings

2007
Brave - 12
Union - 3

2008
Brave - 4
Union - 8

2009
Brave - 13
Union - 7

2010
Brave - 5
Union - 2

2011
Brave - 7
Union - 10 (not 9, typo in reported score)

Predictions for FVU based on all data available, trends, head to heads, clustering of teams in the same W-L range, etc. This is subjective feel free to argue differently but in the end conclusion is not much change:

2007 -- good luck for your future playing careers

2008 -- 2nd-4th range, three teams with eight wins so may be close in that range but CL playoffs expected. Heard this team is mostly Brave? Not much change to next year.

2009 -- 6th-9th range, same as this year. Heard this team is mostly Union? Not much change to next year.

2010 -- 2nd-4th range. Drama here, both Union and Brave are strong but some expect that FVU won't have the same mojo as Union this year. Hard to see anyone unseating Charlotte so 2nd place is likely the ceiling.

2011 -- 7th-9th range. Also drama here, heard more Union than Brave but Union finished very weakly this season. Hard to see anything above 7th.

During your analysis, did you have the opportunity to review any video? I finally got a chance to watch the Brave 2010 team, and it was quite surprising. Important note here, this is a direct shot at the COACH. The gameplay I saw resembled a SOAD mosh pit more than a structured sport. Then I find out the coach has an A license 😂 You cannot make this up.

Your conclusion that the Brave 2010 squad is strong sounds off. This has train wreck written all over it.

Brave 2010 have talent particularly up top but they play such basic ugly kickball soccer. It’ll be eye opening for them when they age up into the MYS coaches. Build through the midfield? What’s that. Let’s just kick it up and hope our forwards can score!

The Brave 2010 coaches (boys and girls) are far more interested in playing possession soccer than the McLean teams I've seen. They've likely learned more at Barcelona and Ajax than they did in the USSF A license course. If the teams are playing ugly kickball soccer, it's because they're not listening. Or they're just not that good. Or, to cite another DCUM thread, they're listening to parents instead of the coaches.

The Brave coaches were at Barcelona and Ajax?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it absurd that parents are really debating, analyzing, criticizing girls who haven't even hit high school, let alone puberty. If you don't have daughter who is a junior or senior playing ECNL, know change is ahead. And I mean changes
physically, emotionally, interests, injury, high school sports, academically, relationships, friendships, burn out, mental health...
U13/U14 - a third of them or more will leave ECNL soccer because of the demands of school, pressure to perform, and ability to time management. This becomes a job sophomore/Jr year for these teens - many losing the love of the game because of unrealistic goals (parents projecting and kids brainwashed by ECNL social media).
Many changes ahead. To focus and be so critical of these KIDS is so short sided. Parents of younger kids really have no idea what's ahead. Stick to soccer club politics, that's at least interesting and good drama. Let these kids develop into whoever they will be without grown adults scrutinizing their every game and abilities - it doesn't matter.

Good to know but I feel tricked. This was the message given to us as we approached u13. You mean to say it all doesn’t matter again?

I have senior player headed to college. She decided to attend a large college and play club soccer. Because college recruiting is brutal and only really successful for a handful. The trick is finding the right school, the right program, the right cost - because you will pay for college. There are no scholarships but for a handful. College prepares you up for life afterwards when you need a job and must support yourself. Soccer is an experience in college. - fun one, but still an experience. Real development appears at 15-17 years old in girls. Their peers catch up in growth. The biggest kid become average and that small kid - she goes 7 inches in a year. They get even stronger and bigger 18-22. Skill and commitment are flushed out. High school changes everything for some. Look for internal motivation of your player, not the external ones. That might be a better guide.

Finally, a post with thoughtful content. Thank you. I wish this board had more positive and thoughtful content mixed with info/opinion and less insulting commentary from the keyboard warriors.

Was your senior player on an ECNL team? Did she not get recruited at a place she wanted to be? Or did she choose not to play in college entirely?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it absurd that parents are really debating, analyzing, criticizing girls who haven't even hit high school, let alone puberty. If you don't have daughter who is a junior or senior playing ECNL, know change is ahead. And I mean changes
physically, emotionally, interests, injury, high school sports, academically, relationships, friendships, burn out, mental health...
U13/U14 - a third of them or more will leave ECNL soccer because of the demands of school, pressure to perform, and ability to time management. This becomes a job sophomore/Jr year for these teens - many losing the love of the game because of unrealistic goals (parents projecting and kids brainwashed by ECNL social media).
Many changes ahead. To focus and be so critical of these KIDS is so short sided. Parents of younger kids really have no idea what's ahead. Stick to soccer club politics, that's at least interesting and good drama. Let these kids develop into whoever they will be without grown adults scrutinizing their every game and abilities - it doesn't matter.

Good to know but I feel tricked. This was the message given to us as we approached u13. You mean to say it all doesn’t matter again?

I have senior player headed to college. She decided to attend a large college and play club soccer. Because college recruiting is brutal and only really successful for a handful. The trick is finding the right school, the right program, the right cost - because you will pay for college. There are no scholarships but for a handful. College prepares you up for life afterwards when you need a job and must support yourself. Soccer is an experience in college. - fun one, but still an experience. Real development appears at 15-17 years old in girls. Their peers catch up in growth. The biggest kid become average and that small kid - she goes 7 inches in a year. They get even stronger and bigger 18-22. Skill and commitment are flushed out. High school changes everything for some. Look for internal motivation of your player, not the external ones. That might be a better guide.

Finally, a post with thoughtful content. Thank you. I wish this board had more positive and thoughtful content mixed with info/opinion and less insulting commentary from the keyboard warriors.

Was your senior player on an ECNL team? Did she not get recruited at a place she wanted to be? Or did she choose not to play in college entirely?

Yes, played all 6 years on an ECNL team. She had a several colleges who liked her, had a few visits and several phone calls but wasn't quite at the same level she wanted academically. FCPS and other school districts in the area do a good job getting these kids ready for college. In the end she wanted the big school, the rigor, the alumni network and the whole college experience. She wanted a job, research opportunities, internships, rest for her body too. But don't think these big schools don't have massively competitive club soccer teams. They are as competitive as ECNL clubs in DMV. They travel to different states, play D3 schools, go to tournaments. It's fun, and gives her time to do other things. I hope she make the club team, but if not, she'll play intramural soccer and live her best life in college.
Again, parents you will have to pay for college whether they play soccer or not. So find the right place for your money.

[Anonymous]

Huddle up....We can do this....Let's get to 400!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it absurd that parents are really debating, analyzing, criticizing girls who haven't even hit high school, let alone puberty. If you don't have daughter who is a junior or senior playing ECNL, know change is ahead. And I mean changes
physically, emotionally, interests, injury, high school sports, academically, relationships, friendships, burn out, mental health...
U13/U14 - a third of them or more will leave ECNL soccer because of the demands of school, pressure to perform, and ability to time management. This becomes a job sophomore/Jr year for these teens - many losing the love of the game because of unrealistic goals (parents projecting and kids brainwashed by ECNL social media).
Many changes ahead. To focus and be so critical of these KIDS is so short sided. Parents of younger kids really have no idea what's ahead. Stick to soccer club politics, that's at least interesting and good drama. Let these kids develop into whoever they will be without grown adults scrutinizing their every game and abilities - it doesn't matter.

Good to know but I feel tricked. This was the message given to us as we approached u13. You mean to say it all doesn’t matter again?

I have senior player headed to college. She decided to attend a large college and play club soccer. Because college recruiting is brutal and only really successful for a handful. The trick is finding the right school, the right program, the right cost - because you will pay for college. There are no scholarships but for a handful. College prepares you up for life afterwards when you need a job and must support yourself. Soccer is an experience in college. - fun one, but still an experience. Real development appears at 15-17 years old in girls. Their peers catch up in growth. The biggest kid become average and that small kid - she goes 7 inches in a year. They get even stronger and bigger 18-22. Skill and commitment are flushed out. High school changes everything for some. Look for internal motivation of your player, not the external ones. That might be a better guide.

Finally, a post with thoughtful content. Thank you. I wish this board had more positive and thoughtful content mixed with info/opinion and less insulting commentary from the keyboard warriors.

Was your senior player on an ECNL team? Did she not get recruited at a place she wanted to be? Or did she choose not to play in college entirely?

Yes, played all 6 years on an ECNL team. She had a several colleges who liked her, had a few visits and several phone calls but wasn't quite at the same level she wanted academically. FCPS and other school districts in the area do a good job getting these kids ready for college. In the end she wanted the big school, the rigor, the alumni network and the whole college experience. She wanted a job, research opportunities, internships, rest for her body too. But don't think these big schools don't have massively competitive club soccer teams. They are as competitive as ECNL clubs in DMV. They travel to different states, play D3 schools, go to tournaments. It's fun, and gives her time to do other things. I hope she make the club team, but if not, she'll play intramural soccer and live her best life in college.
Again, parents you will have to pay for college whether they play soccer or not. So find the right place for your money.

Thank you for sharing. It's comforting to be reminded that every kid has a different path that can lead to a happy ending. Soccer is fun, keep all of this madness in perspective and enjoy it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it absurd that parents are really debating, analyzing, criticizing girls who haven't even hit high school, let alone puberty. If you don't have daughter who is a junior or senior playing ECNL, know change is ahead. And I mean changes
physically, emotionally, interests, injury, high school sports, academically, relationships, friendships, burn out, mental health...
U13/U14 - a third of them or more will leave ECNL soccer because of the demands of school, pressure to perform, and ability to time management. This becomes a job sophomore/Jr year for these teens - many losing the love of the game because of unrealistic goals (parents projecting and kids brainwashed by ECNL social media).
Many changes ahead. To focus and be so critical of these KIDS is so short sided. Parents of younger kids really have no idea what's ahead. Stick to soccer club politics, that's at least interesting and good drama. Let these kids develop into whoever they will be without grown adults scrutinizing their every game and abilities - it doesn't matter.

Good to know but I feel tricked. This was the message given to us as we approached u13. You mean to say it all doesn’t matter again?

I have senior player headed to college. She decided to attend a large college and play club soccer. Because college recruiting is brutal and only really successful for a handful. The trick is finding the right school, the right program, the right cost - because you will pay for college. There are no scholarships but for a handful. College prepares you up for life afterwards when you need a job and must support yourself. Soccer is an experience in college. - fun one, but still an experience. Real development appears at 15-17 years old in girls. Their peers catch up in growth. The biggest kid become average and that small kid - she goes 7 inches in a year. They get even stronger and bigger 18-22. Skill and commitment are flushed out. High school changes everything for some. Look for internal motivation of your player, not the external ones. That might be a better guide.

Finally, a post with thoughtful content. Thank you. I wish this board had more positive and thoughtful content mixed with info/opinion and less insulting commentary from the keyboard warriors.

Was your senior player on an ECNL team? Did she not get recruited at a place she wanted to be? Or did she choose not to play in college entirely?

Yes, played all 6 years on an ECNL team. She had a several colleges who liked her, had a few visits and several phone calls but wasn't quite at the same level she wanted academically. FCPS and other school districts in the area do a good job getting these kids ready for college. In the end she wanted the big school, the rigor, the alumni network and the whole college experience. She wanted a job, research opportunities, internships, rest for her body too. But don't think these big schools don't have massively competitive club soccer teams. They are as competitive as ECNL clubs in DMV. They travel to different states, play D3 schools, go to tournaments. It's fun, and gives her time to do other things. I hope she make the club team, but if not, she'll play intramural soccer and live her best life in college.
Again, parents you will have to pay for college whether they play soccer or not. So find the right place for your money.

Thank you for sharing. It's comforting to be reminded that every kid has a different path that can lead to a happy ending. Soccer is fun, keep all of this madness in perspective and enjoy it.

Get out of the way. Onward to 400!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it absurd that parents are really debating, analyzing, criticizing girls who haven't even hit high school, let alone puberty. If you don't have daughter who is a junior or senior playing ECNL, know change is ahead. And I mean changes
physically, emotionally, interests, injury, high school sports, academically, relationships, friendships, burn out, mental health...
U13/U14 - a third of them or more will leave ECNL soccer because of the demands of school, pressure to perform, and ability to time management. This becomes a job sophomore/Jr year for these teens - many losing the love of the game because of unrealistic goals (parents projecting and kids brainwashed by ECNL social media).
Many changes ahead. To focus and be so critical of these KIDS is so short sided. Parents of younger kids really have no idea what's ahead. Stick to soccer club politics, that's at least interesting and good drama. Let these kids develop into whoever they will be without grown adults scrutinizing their every game and abilities - it doesn't matter.

Good to know but I feel tricked. This was the message given to us as we approached u13. You mean to say it all doesn’t matter again?

I have senior player headed to college. She decided to attend a large college and play club soccer. Because college recruiting is brutal and only really successful for a handful. The trick is finding the right school, the right program, the right cost - because you will pay for college. There are no scholarships but for a handful. College prepares you up for life afterwards when you need a job and must support yourself. Soccer is an experience in college. - fun one, but still an experience. Real development appears at 15-17 years old in girls. Their peers catch up in growth. The biggest kid become average and that small kid - she goes 7 inches in a year. They get even stronger and bigger 18-22. Skill and commitment are flushed out. High school changes everything for some. Look for internal motivation of your player, not the external ones. That might be a better guide.

Finally, a post with thoughtful content. Thank you. I wish this board had more positive and thoughtful content mixed with info/opinion and less insulting commentary from the keyboard warriors.

Was your senior player on an ECNL team? Did she not get recruited at a place she wanted to be? Or did she choose not to play in college entirely?

Yes, played all 6 years on an ECNL team. She had a several colleges who liked her, had a few visits and several phone calls but wasn't quite at the same level she wanted academically. FCPS and other school districts in the area do a good job getting these kids ready for college. In the end she wanted the big school, the rigor, the alumni network and the whole college experience. She wanted a job, research opportunities, internships, rest for her body too. But don't think these big schools don't have massively competitive club soccer teams. They are as competitive as ECNL clubs in DMV. They travel to different states, play D3 schools, go to tournaments. It's fun, and gives her time to do other things. I hope she make the club team, but if not, she'll play intramural soccer and live her best life in college.
Again, parents you will have to pay for college whether they play soccer or not. So find the right place for your money.

+1 for club soccer in college. It wasn't really a thing when I graduated in the 90s but as the PP says, it's organized and competitive these days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Huddle up....We can do this....Let's get to 400!!!

Quick, someone state an obviously uninformed opinion as a fact!!