+1 I’ve chatted with a few parents with kids new to DS MLSNext team and after a couple of weeks of practices and preseason games, no one is under the impression that their kid is going to get a starting spot or playing time (even those that will) and everyone is just managing expectations. |
I keep hearing this - no club in the DMV area, or pay to play, is developing kids. WHAT? Does your kid not have 4 practices a week where they do endless rondos, dribbling drills, passing drills, etc... Is this not developing kids? What are your kids doing at practice? Is your club just spending the whole practice time teaching the kids how to kick it over the top? Because that has not been my experience at any club in the area. |
I think the issue is developing players that have soccer IQ and can use all their skills to move the ball and play any style. Teams want to win so the default is to play direct ball, or down the wings. Possession is sometimes there but it’s just routine passes - not actually moving the ball. There is no risk taking or creativity. Yes, there are a few players who do this well, usually the best players on the team. But everyone on the team should have that confidence. I think this is most impt for U13-U15 ages. |
Nah. Not at our private. I think it was like $400. Then the travel to the Midwest for a tournament and additional airfare fees. |
While I agree I would like to see these IQ skills developed at earlier ages, this does not mean local clubs are not doing this. I think they are just doing at later ages. The early ages are all “fundamental” training and the soccer IQ is folded in at U14 and up, from what I have seen. But if you are not seeing coaching for this type of soccer IQ by U14, you are at the wrong club, because it is happening. |
Well, of course. You signed up for private school. |