My U9 kid hasn’t started a single game.

[Anonymous]

I have been a ‘the coaches know what they are doing’ hands off parent, but we are 7 games in and my kid has not started on. He very obviously gets less playing time than the ‘stars’ (whose only goal is to grab the ball and take all the way themselves). Additionally, the coach at practice is never at games, we have a different game day coach. It’s a club that says the focus on development. On previous teams my kid was the top goal scorer, and works well with them team (but not this team that never passes). Is it time to talk to the coach?

[Anonymous]

So why did your kid switch teams if he was doing well on his prior team? Better coaching, different set of kids, closer location?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So why did your kid switch teams if he was doing well on his prior team? Better coaching, different set of kids, closer location?

Went from Rec to travel.

[Anonymous]

If kid is U9, I'm guessing former team was a Rec team and this is the first year of travel.

I would talk to the Coach, but not be accusatory. Just bring up the concern. At U9, things should be a lot more equal. But, some Clubs are really out for the WINS and don't care that kids are going to develop at all different paces and stages. Your 8-year old, non-starter could be a top player at 14. But, if he is forever neglected, not played and unhappy as a result--he will most likely give up the sport.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So why did your kid switch teams if he was doing well on his prior team? Better coaching, different set of kids, closer location?

Went from Rec to travel.

Someone is making the roster. I'd have Johnny speak with whoever that is and understand what it takes for him to be in the starting lineup. I'd be more concerned about playing time, which should be kept relatively equal across all he boys at U9, than who is a "starter".

[Anonymous]

I'd start by seeing if your club has a written policy on starting and playing time. Many do, and I'm sure that what the game coach is doing is not consistent with club policy. I think it's worth scheduling a meeting to discuss given that this is not at all the norm at a club that (allegedly) values development. Also, I wouldn't stay at a club that had different coaches for practices and games.

[Anonymous]

Min should be 50%, starting shouldn't matter. At U9 records are really not tracked and I'd call them on their claims on Development vs wins.

[Anonymous]

Make sure your son is not declining to go in. I've seen that happen, and it would be embarrassing to approach the coaching staff only to learn that your child has told the coach he does not want to start or go into the game at a particular time. If that is happening, it is up to the coach to help the player gain confidence.

[Anonymous]

U9 is too young for travel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:U9 is too young for travel.

I just love this type of blanket statement... Enlighten us on what age is appropriate for travel soccer and, of course, how you came up with this magic age. Every kid is different... some kids are more than ready for travel at U9, while others are not ready until far later, and some, never at all...

Here's an idea--worry about what is right for your own child

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Min should be 50%, starting shouldn't matter. At U9 records are really not tracked and I'd call them on their claims on Development vs wins.

I don’t believe there’s 50% minimum of playing time in travel soccer just in Recreational.

As for starting the game, it’s not if he/she starts the game that’s important but how he/she plays and finishes the game.

My U11 DD did not start the past two games either but played hard when she got in. Our coach rotates on who starts and who finishes the game and also rotates positions too.

I think starting a game is more important at U12/U13 when the coach has set positions and starting/bench players.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Min should be 50%, starting shouldn't matter. At U9 records are really not tracked and I'd call them on their claims on Development vs wins.

I don’t believe there’s 50% minimum of playing time in travel soccer just in Recreational.

Every club is different, but most at younger levels purport to aim for more equal playing time. If they have so many players that 50% is tough to make then change clubs. It's different at U12 and up, when it's more merit based.

[Anonymous]

Are we talking starting or playing time? Depends on the club, its philosophy, practice performance and of course the coaches ultimate goal (s) and finally if there is a particular position your child is competing for. We stayed in MSI classic for a while where they are required to have equal playing time for players. The coaches stuck to this and it helped tremendously to take our player to the next level. Currently on a travel team and playing time is based on hustle and attendance at practices and game performance. If my kid wants more playing time he has to show the coach he's good enough, other wise he's on the bench. Hard to see and we will decide if this is the best approach for our player.

[Anonymous]

this sounds like BRYC to me? But to play devils advocate. almost every u9 kid in travel was a star in rec. Welcome to competitive sports. I know most think u9 is too young , but, its where the separation begins. As a good friend of mine always says "If they don't bark as a puppy they won't bite as a dog"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have been a ‘the coaches know what they are doing’ hands off parent, but we are 7 games in and my kid has not started on. He very obviously gets less playing time than the ‘stars’ (whose only goal is to grab the ball and take all the way themselves). Additionally, the coach at practice is never at games, we have a different game day coach. It’s a club that says the focus on development. On previous teams my kid was the top goal scorer, and works well with them team (but not this team that never passes). Is it time to talk to the coach?

What do you mean talk to the coach? I think it's time to switch clubs. I do think it's bad coaching to start the same kids every time at this level but this wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. The bigger issues are the playing time and the fact the coach lets players "take the ball all the way themselves." It make the stars look cool and parents love to cheer when this happens but it's not good soccer if this is the only way the team is making goals.