Playing styles

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Possession style is great for technical skilled players. But please don't fool yourself . Big strong fast athletic players can always be taught "technical" skills. However small less athletic technical players can not be taught to be genetically more athletic, bigger ,faster, and stronger, Its simple science people you are better in the long run to try to develop natural athletes rather than wasting your time on small slow "technically sound players as they have a lower ceiling.

not really- someone playing for the first time as a 16 year old will never have the touch of someone playing constantly since they were a tot. If you really care about what makes the best players- its the ones who are highly technical, fast, and strong. It's not an either or thing when there are plenty of kids who have both

Your always better off trying to develop a natural athlete teaching technical skills to them. You can never teach the the technical Kid to be superior athletically. your right about the 16 yr old athlete just starting out. The key is to focus on the athletic kids early. No what most soccer parents want hear but is the truth. Most US soccer players are simply trophy kids bought for the satisfaction of the parents. 98% of all youth soccer players in the USA will never play on an organized team past the youth level.

the fact is that there are tons of natural athletes who have been playing their whole lives. That line of thinking that we should take corner backs and teach them to soccer worked when soccer was limited to kids who were too uncoordinated for baseball or football. Now there are kids who are the elite athletes who already have the touch that takes years to develop

Natural athletes are born, but I think elite athletes are created/developed. C. Ronaldo was a natural athlete but his ridiculous workout regimen made him an elite athlete.

The big question is how do you or can you determine if a kid is a natural athlete at the age of 10/11 year olds before puberty kicks in? It’s easy to tell if a kid is is not a natural athlete (ie uncoordinated , etc.) but difficult to determine the athletic ones.

Most youth travel players in all honesty fit into the non athletic category.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Which has the best club:
Vienna
Alexandria
Loudoun
McLean

From that group - Alexandria. I would take Arlington ahead of any of them though.

I would not. Some of Alexandria teams consistently beat Arlington's higher teams. Ranked #1 in the US. Physical size matters a lot more at Arlington. As the kids age up, non-Arlington kids displace the majority of the squad.

Develop and then move at a later date.

I'm referring specifically to Arlington's academy teams and that coaching staff - so U13 and up. They most definitely do not select for physical size. I would have no problem with a suggestion to play for Alexandria at younger ages.

I love how an anonymous poster states definitively that physical size matters more at Arlington. Seriously, you have no clue. The original discussion was about playing styles, maybe stay with that. For example, Alexandria loudly boasts how they are a possession club and how that is the most effective way to play the game. Interestingly, when you look at the clubs older teams (u17-u18/juniors and seniors), both the boys and girls teams ranks fall between 16-42 in VA. For the size of that club, this is a significant underperformance. For players fully developed inside the club under a possession system, we have been told they will be stronger players. Either: 1) possession system training at young ages does not lead to better results ( in fact it may be detrimental); 2) Alexandria is not effectively teaching possession; or 3) something else. Clearly the narrative about possession style training, at least at Alexandria, results in the negative outcomes.

Club did not begin developing players in that system until more recently, and all of the teams on the boys side that developed with that system have major state or regional trophies and the 08 boys are well on their way to both. In any event it is laughable to look at team rankings at U17 and U18 to infer how well the club develops young players. Most players at clubs at those ages developed elsewhere and transferred after formative development elsewhere. I think MLS and DCU probably have a different view on how well the club develops players. Take your nonsense elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Which has the best club:
Vienna
Alexandria
Loudoun
McLean

From that group - Alexandria. I would take Arlington ahead of any of them though.

I would not. Some of Alexandria teams consistently beat Arlington's higher teams. Ranked #1 in the US. Physical size matters a lot more at Arlington. As the kids age up, non-Arlington kids displace the majority of the squad.

Develop and then move at a later date.

I'm referring specifically to Arlington's academy teams and that coaching staff - so U13 and up. They most definitely do not select for physical size. I would have no problem with a suggestion to play for Alexandria at younger ages.

I love how an anonymous poster states definitively that physical size matters more at Arlington. Seriously, you have no clue. The original discussion was about playing styles, maybe stay with that. For example, Alexandria loudly boasts how they are a possession club and how that is the most effective way to play the game. Interestingly, when you look at the clubs older teams (u17-u18/juniors and seniors), both the boys and girls teams ranks fall between 16-42 in VA. For the size of that club, this is a significant underperformance. For players fully developed inside the club under a possession system, we have been told they will be stronger players. Either: 1) possession system training at young ages does not lead to better results ( in fact it may be detrimental); 2) Alexandria is not effectively teaching possession; or 3) something else. Clearly the narrative about possession style training, at least at Alexandria, results in the negative outcomes.

Maybe look where those players went after they developed AT Alexandria. You can't judge a Club's older teams on their player development when over 90-95% of the players on their upper age group teams came from somewhere else and/or did not spend the bulk of their development at that Club.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Which has the best club:
Vienna
Alexandria
Loudoun
McLean

From that group - Alexandria. I would take Arlington ahead of any of them though.

I would not. Some of Alexandria teams consistently beat Arlington's higher teams. Ranked #1 in the US. Physical size matters a lot more at Arlington. As the kids age up, non-Arlington kids displace the majority of the squad.

Develop and then move at a later date.

I'm referring specifically to Arlington's academy teams and that coaching staff - so U13 and up. They most definitely do not select for physical size. I would have no problem with a suggestion to play for Alexandria at younger ages.

I love how an anonymous poster states definitively that physical size matters more at Arlington. Seriously, you have no clue. The original discussion was about playing styles, maybe stay with that. For example, Alexandria loudly boasts how they are a possession club and how that is the most effective way to play the game. Interestingly, when you look at the clubs older teams (u17-u18/juniors and seniors), both the boys and girls teams ranks fall between 16-42 in VA. For the size of that club, this is a significant underperformance. For players fully developed inside the club under a possession system, we have been told they will be stronger players. Either: 1) possession system training at young ages does not lead to better results ( in fact it may be detrimental); 2) Alexandria is not effectively teaching possession; or 3) something else. Clearly the narrative about possession style training, at least at Alexandria, results in the negative outcomes.

Club did not begin developing players in that system until more recently, and all of the teams on the boys side that developed with that system have major state or regional trophies and the 08 boys are well on their way to both. In any event it is laughable to look at team rankings at U17 and U18 to infer how well the club develops young players. Most players at clubs at those ages developed elsewhere and transferred after formative development elsewhere. I think MLS and DCU probably have a different view on how well the club develops players. Take your nonsense elsewhere.

BS. They’ve been bantering about possession since 2012. The vast majority of the players on those 4 red teams have all grown up in the possession system. What is laughable is to look at pre-pubescent boys and think that their performance is at all indicative of future outcomes. Anybody who knows about development, soccer and kids, knows that puberty makes the world flip. I assume you have a youngster on the 08 team ( in part because you have no knowledge of the facts about the club), be prepared for your world to turn. It matters very little where you train at u12 and below, u13 and u14 are the transition years to competition and also matter little, u15+ is the competition range, and u17+ is college/pro recruiting. So the real testament to a club’s development approach is how are their u17 and up teams performing. As far as ‘formative development years’ go, you are confused. Kids physical and mental development is pretty well understood. At younger ages, working on foot skills makes sense whereas strength training and pattern play is a waste of time. When they get into the transitions years 13&14 it makes sense to introduce more spatial awareness drills and some physical movement concepts. At 15 and up they should be developing all player traits. I know clubs like to think that they develop all these kids and than they leave. Maybe, the kids leave because they aren’t getting developed. As far as DCU and MLS are concerned, they are happy to take your league fee and let you sort out the players. Professionals realize that it matters very little where the kids are playing prior to U15. However, they will cherry pick talent at u15 because that is the beginning of the formative development years. Now go back to your Kool-aid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Which has the best club:
Vienna
Alexandria
Loudoun
McLean

From that group - Alexandria. I would take Arlington ahead of any of them though.

I would not. Some of Alexandria teams consistently beat Arlington's higher teams. Ranked #1 in the US. Physical size matters a lot more at Arlington. As the kids age up, non-Arlington kids displace the majority of the squad.

Develop and then move at a later date.

I'm referring specifically to Arlington's academy teams and that coaching staff - so U13 and up. They most definitely do not select for physical size. I would have no problem with a suggestion to play for Alexandria at younger ages.

I love how an anonymous poster states definitively that physical size matters more at Arlington. Seriously, you have no clue. The original discussion was about playing styles, maybe stay with that. For example, Alexandria loudly boasts how they are a possession club and how that is the most effective way to play the game. Interestingly, when you look at the clubs older teams (u17-u18/juniors and seniors), both the boys and girls teams ranks fall between 16-42 in VA. For the size of that club, this is a significant underperformance. For players fully developed inside the club under a possession system, we have been told they will be stronger players. Either: 1) possession system training at young ages does not lead to better results ( in fact it may be detrimental); 2) Alexandria is not effectively teaching possession; or 3) something else. Clearly the narrative about possession style training, at least at Alexandria, results in the negative outcomes.

Club did not begin developing players in that system until more recently, and all of the teams on the boys side that developed with that system have major state or regional trophies and the 08 boys are well on their way to both. In any event it is laughable to look at team rankings at U17 and U18 to infer how well the club develops young players. Most players at clubs at those ages developed elsewhere and transferred after formative development elsewhere. I think MLS and DCU probably have a different view on how well the club develops players. Take your nonsense elsewhere.

BS. They’ve been bantering about possession since 2012. The vast majority of the players on those 4 red teams have all grown up in the possession system. What is laughable is to look at pre-pubescent boys and think that their performance is at all indicative of future outcomes. Anybody who knows about development, soccer and kids, knows that puberty makes the world flip. I assume you have a youngster on the 08 team ( in part because you have no knowledge of the facts about the club), be prepared for your world to turn. It matters very little where you train at u12 and below, u13 and u14 are the transition years to competition and also matter little, u15+ is the competition range, and u17+ is college/pro recruiting. So the real testament to a club’s development approach is how are their u17 and up teams performing. As far as ‘formative development years’ go, you are confused. Kids physical and mental development is pretty well understood. At younger ages, working on foot skills makes sense whereas strength training and pattern play is a waste of time. When they get into the transitions years 13&14 it makes sense to introduce more spatial awareness drills and some physical movement concepts. At 15 and up they should be developing all player traits. I know clubs like to think that they develop all these kids and than they leave. Maybe, the kids leave because they aren’t getting developed. As far as DCU and MLS are concerned, they are happy to take your league fee and let you sort out the players. Professionals realize that it matters very little where the kids are playing prior to U15. However, they will cherry pick talent at u15 because that is the beginning of the formative development years. Now go back to your Kool-aid.

"At younger ages, working on foot skills makes sense whereas strength training and pattern play is a waste of time. When they get into the transitions years 13&14 it makes sense to introduce more spatial awareness drills and some physical movement concepts. At 15 and up they should be developing all player traits."

Yes sir! You are a true visionary! This mantra has worked so well for US soccer and the rest of the world should take notes!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Which has the best club:
Vienna
Alexandria
Loudoun
McLean

From that group - Alexandria. I would take Arlington ahead of any of them though.

I would not. Some of Alexandria teams consistently beat Arlington's higher teams. Ranked #1 in the US. Physical size matters a lot more at Arlington. As the kids age up, non-Arlington kids displace the majority of the squad.

Develop and then move at a later date.

I'm referring specifically to Arlington's academy teams and that coaching staff - so U13 and up. They most definitely do not select for physical size. I would have no problem with a suggestion to play for Alexandria at younger ages.

I love how an anonymous poster states definitively that physical size matters more at Arlington. Seriously, you have no clue. The original discussion was about playing styles, maybe stay with that. For example, Alexandria loudly boasts how they are a possession club and how that is the most effective way to play the game. Interestingly, when you look at the clubs older teams (u17-u18/juniors and seniors), both the boys and girls teams ranks fall between 16-42 in VA. For the size of that club, this is a significant underperformance. For players fully developed inside the club under a possession system, we have been told they will be stronger players. Either: 1) possession system training at young ages does not lead to better results ( in fact it may be detrimental); 2) Alexandria is not effectively teaching possession; or 3) something else. Clearly the narrative about possession style training, at least at Alexandria, results in the negative outcomes.

Club did not begin developing players in that system until more recently, and all of the teams on the boys side that developed with that system have major state or regional trophies and the 08 boys are well on their way to both. In any event it is laughable to look at team rankings at U17 and U18 to infer how well the club develops young players. Most players at clubs at those ages developed elsewhere and transferred after formative development elsewhere. I think MLS and DCU probably have a different view on how well the club develops players. Take your nonsense elsewhere.

BS. They’ve been bantering about possession since 2012. The vast majority of the players on those 4 red teams have all grown up in the possession system. What is laughable is to look at pre-pubescent boys and think that their performance is at all indicative of future outcomes. Anybody who knows about development, soccer and kids, knows that puberty makes the world flip. I assume you have a youngster on the 08 team ( in part because you have no knowledge of the facts about the club), be prepared for your world to turn. It matters very little where you train at u12 and below, u13 and u14 are the transition years to competition and also matter little, u15+ is the competition range, and u17+ is college/pro recruiting. So the real testament to a club’s development approach is how are their u17 and up teams performing. As far as ‘formative development years’ go, you are confused. Kids physical and mental development is pretty well understood. At younger ages, working on foot skills makes sense whereas strength training and pattern play is a waste of time. When they get into the transitions years 13&14 it makes sense to introduce more spatial awareness drills and some physical movement concepts. At 15 and up they should be developing all player traits. I know clubs like to think that they develop all these kids and than they leave. Maybe, the kids leave because they aren’t getting developed. As far as DCU and MLS are concerned, they are happy to take your league fee and let you sort out the players. Professionals realize that it matters very little where the kids are playing prior to U15. However, they will cherry pick talent at u15 because that is the beginning of the formative development years. Now go back to your Kool-aid.

I am not an Alexandria parent. BUT
1. They do develop good players, and their teams do well.
2. Per youth soccer rankings their 2005-2008 teams are all ranked in the top 6 in the state - and yes the ex-DA clubs don't show up in the rankings - but this is still impressive. My guess is you will see this carry over to the U17 team next year as well.
3. They do lose players to teams which can offer more opportunity to get noticed including DC United - and this clearly will hurt the competitiveness of their older teams as kids need to move before college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Which has the best club:
Vienna
Alexandria
Loudoun
McLean

From that group - Alexandria. I would take Arlington ahead of any of them though.

I would not. Some of Alexandria teams consistently beat Arlington's higher teams. Ranked #1 in the US. Physical size matters a lot more at Arlington. As the kids age up, non-Arlington kids displace the majority of the squad.

Develop and then move at a later date.

I'm referring specifically to Arlington's academy teams and that coaching staff - so U13 and up. They most definitely do not select for physical size. I would have no problem with a suggestion to play for Alexandria at younger ages.

I love how an anonymous poster states definitively that physical size matters more at Arlington. Seriously, you have no clue. The original discussion was about playing styles, maybe stay with that. For example, Alexandria loudly boasts how they are a possession club and how that is the most effective way to play the game. Interestingly, when you look at the clubs older teams (u17-u18/juniors and seniors), both the boys and girls teams ranks fall between 16-42 in VA. For the size of that club, this is a significant underperformance. For players fully developed inside the club under a possession system, we have been told they will be stronger players. Either: 1) possession system training at young ages does not lead to better results ( in fact it may be detrimental); 2) Alexandria is not effectively teaching possession; or 3) something else. Clearly the narrative about possession style training, at least at Alexandria, results in the negative outcomes.

Club did not begin developing players in that system until more recently, and all of the teams on the boys side that developed with that system have major state or regional trophies and the 08 boys are well on their way to both. In any event it is laughable to look at team rankings at U17 and U18 to infer how well the club develops young players. Most players at clubs at those ages developed elsewhere and transferred after formative development elsewhere. I think MLS and DCU probably have a different view on how well the club develops players. Take your nonsense elsewhere.

BS. They’ve been bantering about possession since 2012. The vast majority of the players on those 4 red teams have all grown up in the possession system. What is laughable is to look at pre-pubescent boys and think that their performance is at all indicative of future outcomes. Anybody who knows about development, soccer and kids, knows that puberty makes the world flip. I assume you have a youngster on the 08 team ( in part because you have no knowledge of the facts about the club), be prepared for your world to turn. It matters very little where you train at u12 and below, u13 and u14 are the transition years to competition and also matter little, u15+ is the competition range, and u17+ is college/pro recruiting. So the real testament to a club’s development approach is how are their u17 and up teams performing. As far as ‘formative development years’ go, you are confused. Kids physical and mental development is pretty well understood. At younger ages, working on foot skills makes sense whereas strength training and pattern play is a waste of time. When they get into the transitions years 13&14 it makes sense to introduce more spatial awareness drills and some physical movement concepts. At 15 and up they should be developing all player traits. I know clubs like to think that they develop all these kids and than they leave. Maybe, the kids leave because they aren’t getting developed. As far as DCU and MLS are concerned, they are happy to take your league fee and let you sort out the players. Professionals realize that it matters very little where the kids are playing prior to U15. However, they will cherry pick talent at u15 because that is the beginning of the formative development years. Now go back to your Kool-aid.

I am not an Alexandria parent. BUT
1. They do develop good players, and their teams do well.
2. Per youth soccer rankings their 2005-2008 teams are all ranked in the top 6 in the state - and yes the ex-DA clubs don't show up in the rankings - but this is still impressive. My guess is you will see this carry over to the U17 team next year as well.
3. They do lose players to teams which can offer more opportunity to get noticed including DC United - and this clearly will hurt the competitiveness of their older teams as kids need to move before college.

This is true for about half the clubs in the DC area. Nothing special.

[Anonymous]

Didn’t Alexandria 08 boys lose to SYC 08 in the MLS game? Don’t worry it’s usually down hill from here for Alexandria

[Anonymous]

BS. They’ve been bantering about possession since 2012. The vast majority of the players on those 4 red teams have all grown up in the possession system. What is laughable is to look at pre-pubescent boys and think that their performance is at all indicative of future outcomes. Anybody who knows about development, soccer and kids, knows that puberty makes the world flip. I assume you have a youngster on the 08 team ( in part because you have no knowledge of the facts about the club), be prepared for your world to turn. It matters very little where you train at u12 and below, u13 and u14 are the transition years to competition and also matter little, u15+ is the competition range, and u17+ is college/pro recruiting. So the real testament to a club’s development approach is how are their u17 and up teams performing. As far as ‘formative development years’ go, you are confused. Kids physical and mental development is pretty well understood. At younger ages, working on foot skills makes sense whereas strength training and pattern play is a waste of time. When they get into the transitions years 13&14 it makes sense to introduce more spatial awareness drills and some physical movement concepts. At 15 and up they should be developing all player traits. I know clubs like to think that they develop all these kids and than they leave. Maybe, the kids leave because they aren’t getting developed. As far as DCU and MLS are concerned, they are happy to take your league fee and let you sort out the players. Professionals realize that it matters very little where the kids are playing prior to U15. However, they will cherry pick talent at u15 because that is the beginning of the formative development years. Now go back to your Kool-aid.

I am not an Alexandria parent. BUT
1. They do develop good players, and their teams do well.
2. Per youth soccer rankings their 2005-2008 teams are all ranked in the top 6 in the state - and yes the ex-DA clubs don't show up in the rankings - but this is still impressive. My guess is you will see this carry over to the U17 team next year as well.
3. They do lose players to teams which can offer more opportunity to get noticed including DC United - and this clearly will hurt the competitiveness of their older teams as kids need to move before college.

This is true for about half the clubs in the DC area. Nothing special.

Sorry but that is not true.

1. Half the clubs in the DC Area do not have their 2005-2008 teams in the top 6 in the state. No other club has this (although Richmond and Arlington probably would have except for the DA penalty to rankings).
2. Most other NoVA clubs do not end up seeing players lave for DC United. This really only happens at a handful of clubs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

BS. They’ve been bantering about possession since 2012. The vast majority of the players on those 4 red teams have all grown up in the possession system. What is laughable is to look at pre-pubescent boys and think that their performance is at all indicative of future outcomes. Anybody who knows about development, soccer and kids, knows that puberty makes the world flip. I assume you have a youngster on the 08 team ( in part because you have no knowledge of the facts about the club), be prepared for your world to turn. It matters very little where you train at u12 and below, u13 and u14 are the transition years to competition and also matter little, u15+ is the competition range, and u17+ is college/pro recruiting. So the real testament to a club’s development approach is how are their u17 and up teams performing. As far as ‘formative development years’ go, you are confused. Kids physical and mental development is pretty well understood. At younger ages, working on foot skills makes sense whereas strength training and pattern play is a waste of time. When they get into the transitions years 13&14 it makes sense to introduce more spatial awareness drills and some physical movement concepts. At 15 and up they should be developing all player traits. I know clubs like to think that they develop all these kids and than they leave. Maybe, the kids leave because they aren’t getting developed. As far as DCU and MLS are concerned, they are happy to take your league fee and let you sort out the players. Professionals realize that it matters very little where the kids are playing prior to U15. However, they will cherry pick talent at u15 because that is the beginning of the formative development years. Now go back to your Kool-aid.

I am not an Alexandria parent. BUT
1. They do develop good players, and their teams do well.
2. Per youth soccer rankings their 2005-2008 teams are all ranked in the top 6 in the state - and yes the ex-DA clubs don't show up in the rankings - but this is still impressive. My guess is you will see this carry over to the U17 team next year as well.
3. They do lose players to teams which can offer more opportunity to get noticed including DC United - and this clearly will hurt the competitiveness of their older teams as kids need to move before college.

This is true for about half the clubs in the DC area. Nothing special.

Sorry but that is not true.

1. Half the clubs in the DC Area do not have their 2005-2008 teams in the top 6 in the state. No other club has this (although Richmond and Arlington probably would have except for the DA penalty to rankings).
2. Most other NoVA clubs do not end up seeing players lave for DC United. This really only happens at a handful of clubs.

Don’t try reasoning with idiots who obviously resent competition and new challengers. It is the same thinking that got American soccer all the way to where it is today. They have nothing new to learn with the kind of genius and accomplishment their development strategies have produced. Why would they ever try something different? Facts won’t persuade when you can keep training your kids to kick harder and run faster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Which has the best club:
Vienna
Alexandria
Loudoun
McLean

From that group - Alexandria. I would take Arlington ahead of any of them though.

I would not. Some of Alexandria teams consistently beat Arlington's higher teams. Ranked #1 in the US. Physical size matters a lot more at Arlington. As the kids age up, non-Arlington kids displace the majority of the squad.

Develop and then move at a later date.

I'm referring specifically to Arlington's academy teams and that coaching staff - so U13 and up. They most definitely do not select for physical size. I would have no problem with a suggestion to play for Alexandria at younger ages.

I love how an anonymous poster states definitively that physical size matters more at Arlington. Seriously, you have no clue. The original discussion was about playing styles, maybe stay with that. For example, Alexandria loudly boasts how they are a possession club and how that is the most effective way to play the game. Interestingly, when you look at the clubs older teams (u17-u18/juniors and seniors), both the boys and girls teams ranks fall between 16-42 in VA. For the size of that club, this is a significant underperformance. For players fully developed inside the club under a possession system, we have been told they will be stronger players. Either: 1) possession system training at young ages does not lead to better results ( in fact it may be detrimental); 2) Alexandria is not effectively teaching possession; or 3) something else. Clearly the narrative about possession style training, at least at Alexandria, results in the negative outcomes.

Club did not begin developing players in that system until more recently, and all of the teams on the boys side that developed with that system have major state or regional trophies and the 08 boys are well on their way to both. In any event it is laughable to look at team rankings at U17 and U18 to infer how well the club develops young players. Most players at clubs at those ages developed elsewhere and transferred after formative development elsewhere. I think MLS and DCU probably have a different view on how well the club develops players. Take your nonsense elsewhere.

BS. They’ve been bantering about possession since 2012. The vast majority of the players on those 4 red teams have all grown up in the possession system. What is laughable is to look at pre-pubescent boys and think that their performance is at all indicative of future outcomes. Anybody who knows about development, soccer and kids, knows that puberty makes the world flip. I assume you have a youngster on the 08 team ( in part because you have no knowledge of the facts about the club), be prepared for your world to turn. It matters very little where you train at u12 and below, u13 and u14 are the transition years to competition and also matter little, u15+ is the competition range, and u17+ is college/pro recruiting. So the real testament to a club’s development approach is how are their u17 and up teams performing. As far as ‘formative development years’ go, you are confused. Kids physical and mental development is pretty well understood. At younger ages, working on foot skills makes sense whereas strength training and pattern play is a waste of time. When they get into the transitions years 13&14 it makes sense to introduce more spatial awareness drills and some physical movement concepts. At 15 and up they should be developing all player traits. I know clubs like to think that they develop all these kids and than they leave. Maybe, the kids leave because they aren’t getting developed. As far as DCU and MLS are concerned, they are happy to take your league fee and let you sort out the players. Professionals realize that it matters very little where the kids are playing prior to U15. However, they will cherry pick talent at u15 because that is the beginning of the formative development years. Now go back to your Kool-aid.

I played, jerkOv, so am well aware of what changes and what doesn’t with puberty. I also know what kind of advantages that kids may gain through some exposure to tactical thinking. I am not trying to predict future success based on youth accomplishment. I am simply observing that kids may learn a lot with some structure for some period of time, and you are a fool or liar if you tell us otherwise. Nobody in their right minds would prefer their kid to play on the top teams I see at U15 and U16 punting the ball and running around without any sense of structure or space. If you are involved as a coach at a different club, you are part of the problem and a reason why we haven’t moved forward with youth development in this country. And if you are a parent who has come up with this after years of observation, then I really hope you don’t have more kids.

[Anonymous]

It matters very little where you train at u12 and below, u13 and u14 are the transition years to competition and also matter little, u15+ is the competition range, and u17+ is college/pro recruiting. So the real testament to a club’s development approach is how are their u17 and up teams performing. As far as ‘formative development years’ go, you are confused. Kids physical and mental development is pretty well understood. At younger ages, working on foot skills makes sense whereas strength training and pattern play is a waste of time. When they get into the transitions years 13&14 it makes sense to introduce more spatial awareness drills and some physical movement concepts. At 15 and up they should be developing all player traits. I know clubs like to think that they develop all these kids and than they leave. Maybe, the kids leave because they aren’t getting developed. As far as DCU and MLS are concerned, they are happy to take your league fee and let you sort out the players. Professionals realize that it matters very little where the kids are playing prior to U15. However, they will cherry pick talent at u15 because that is the beginning of the formative development years. Now go back to your Kool-aid.

I disagree with this. There are a great many more skills to be developed than you suggest here. First touch, learning how to strike the ball for different types of pass, accurate passing, learning to play one or two touch soccer, thinking and making decisions quickly are all just as important as dribbling and the better kids start developing these skills at U10/U11. They cannot develop these skills outside of a program where they are emphasized and used in practise and on game day. And waiting until U15 or U16 is way too late. At that point the kid is too far behind and most certainly will not get picked up by DC United on the basis of dribbling skill alone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

It matters very little where you train at u12 and below, u13 and u14 are the transition years to competition and also matter little, u15+ is the competition range, and u17+ is college/pro recruiting. So the real testament to a club’s development approach is how are their u17 and up teams performing. As far as ‘formative development years’ go, you are confused. Kids physical and mental development is pretty well understood. At younger ages, working on foot skills makes sense whereas strength training and pattern play is a waste of time. When they get into the transitions years 13&14 it makes sense to introduce more spatial awareness drills and some physical movement concepts. At 15 and up they should be developing all player traits. I know clubs like to think that they develop all these kids and than they leave. Maybe, the kids leave because they aren’t getting developed. As far as DCU and MLS are concerned, they are happy to take your league fee and let you sort out the players. Professionals realize that it matters very little where the kids are playing prior to U15. However, they will cherry pick talent at u15 because that is the beginning of the formative development years. Now go back to your Kool-aid.

I disagree with this. There are a great many more skills to be developed than you suggest here. First touch, learning how to strike the ball for different types of pass, accurate passing, learning to play one or two touch soccer, thinking and making decisions quickly are all just as important as dribbling and the better kids start developing these skills at U10/U11. They cannot develop these skills outside of a program where they are emphasized and used in practise and on game day. And waiting until U15 or U16 is way too late. At that point the kid is too far behind and most certainly will not get picked up by DC United on the basis of dribbling skill alone.

Clearly you don’t understand the definition of technical skills as it relates to soccer. Classic parent problem, but you can educated yourself. If you are going to spend $30k on your child’s soccer hobby, do a little legwork and understand what you are buying

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Didn’t Alexandria 08 boys lose to SYC 08 in the MLS game? Don’t worry it’s usually down hill from here for Alexandria

Ouch

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Which has the best club:
Vienna
Alexandria
Loudoun
McLean

From that group - Alexandria. I would take Arlington ahead of any of them though.

I would not. Some of Alexandria teams consistently beat Arlington's higher teams. Ranked #1 in the US. Physical size matters a lot more at Arlington. As the kids age up, non-Arlington kids displace the majority of the squad.

Develop and then move at a later date.

I'm referring specifically to Arlington's academy teams and that coaching staff - so U13 and up. They most definitely do not select for physical size. I would have no problem with a suggestion to play for Alexandria at younger ages.

I love how an anonymous poster states definitively that physical size matters more at Arlington. Seriously, you have no clue. The original discussion was about playing styles, maybe stay with that. For example, Alexandria loudly boasts how they are a possession club and how that is the most effective way to play the game. Interestingly, when you look at the clubs older teams (u17-u18/juniors and seniors), both the boys and girls teams ranks fall between 16-42 in VA. For the size of that club, this is a significant underperformance. For players fully developed inside the club under a possession system, we have been told they will be stronger players. Either: 1) possession system training at young ages does not lead to better results ( in fact it may be detrimental); 2) Alexandria is not effectively teaching possession; or 3) something else. Clearly the narrative about possession style training, at least at Alexandria, results in the negative outcomes.

Club did not begin developing players in that system until more recently, and all of the teams on the boys side that developed with that system have major state or regional trophies and the 08 boys are well on their way to both. In any event it is laughable to look at team rankings at U17 and U18 to infer how well the club develops young players. Most players at clubs at those ages developed elsewhere and transferred after formative development elsewhere. I think MLS and DCU probably have a different view on how well the club develops players. Take your nonsense elsewhere.

BS. They’ve been bantering about possession since 2012. The vast majority of the players on those 4 red teams have all grown up in the possession system. What is laughable is to look at pre-pubescent boys and think that their performance is at all indicative of future outcomes. Anybody who knows about development, soccer and kids, knows that puberty makes the world flip. I assume you have a youngster on the 08 team ( in part because you have no knowledge of the facts about the club), be prepared for your world to turn. It matters very little where you train at u12 and below, u13 and u14 are the transition years to competition and also matter little, u15+ is the competition range, and u17+ is college/pro recruiting. So the real testament to a club’s development approach is how are their u17 and up teams performing. As far as ‘formative development years’ go, you are confused. Kids physical and mental development is pretty well understood. At younger ages, working on foot skills makes sense whereas strength training and pattern play is a waste of time. When they get into the transitions years 13&14 it makes sense to introduce more spatial awareness drills and some physical movement concepts. At 15 and up they should be developing all player traits. I know clubs like to think that they develop all these kids and than they leave. Maybe, the kids leave because they aren’t getting developed. As far as DCU and MLS are concerned, they are happy to take your league fee and let you sort out the players. Professionals realize that it matters very little where the kids are playing prior to U15. However, they will cherry pick talent at u15 because that is the beginning of the formative development years. Now go back to your Kool-aid.

I played, jerkOv, so am well aware of what changes and what doesn’t with puberty. I also know what kind of advantages that kids may gain through some exposure to tactical thinking. I am not trying to predict future success based on youth accomplishment. I am simply observing that kids may learn a lot with some structure for some period of time, and you are a fool or liar if you tell us otherwise. Nobody in their right minds would prefer their kid to play on the top teams I see at U15 and U16 punting the ball and running around without any sense of structure or space. If you are involved as a coach at a different club, you are part of the problem and a reason why we haven’t moved forward with youth development in this country. And if you are a parent who has come up with this after years of observation, then I really hope you don’t have more kids.

So your experience is you played, went through puberty, and have watched some U15 and U16 teams. You are probably about as qualified as many of the coaches in the region. Perhaps you could provide more sage advice on fixing youth development in the US. FWIW, there are more US developed players overseas now than at any other point in history. Maybe the development isn’t as much a failure as you suggest. Oh, BTW there are studies about what and how kids learn, they may be a better source than you ‘observing’. But science is probably inconvenient for you...