Spring 2017 soccer club tryouts

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coming to this discussion late, but some thoughts from a U18 parent. Coaching and teams are very important early on, but the best thing you can do for your young player is get him/her individual technical training. 1 - 2 times per week. I did this not knowing how important it would be, and I am so happy I did it. By HS age in club, technical skills are what distinguishes great players. At U9 - U12, its pure athleticism. You could give the A team a basketball or a tennis racket, and they would win. From about U13 onward, its all technical skills.

I see thing with one of my kids - not the fastest on the field, but his technical skills are superior to most. Definitely not a college player, but he'll always have a place on a club team/HS team just because his technical skills are so good.

Because of the birth year change, I found that U13 this tryout season was still athleticism trumping good technique. [b]Many of the kids are still only 11-years old now at tryouts--and most of the Fall.[/b]

There were kids out there with truly amazing technical skill and touch that were passed over by the kids that run around like maniacs, but not really accomplishing much.

I still think there are many coaches that mistake activity for efficiency. They miss nuance. There are a lot of kids that still can't keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling or even control a ball when a hard pass or air ball comes at them, that get moved ahead. While the kid with the perfect one-touch passes right to a teammate's foot and controlled bursts is neglected.

I watch the field movements at tryouts and I am amazed every time. This is why I think Club is not the best route for a lot of kids that would benefit more from smaller groups and more personal attention.

This problem has been around forever - pre or post age group change. If you are in the last 3 mos of the age group, you are at a disadvantage. There's no change that will ever change that.

Nobody lost an entire developmental year prior....u13 is now a younger group period. There weren't 11-year olds playing U13 prior to birth year change.

11-year olds have different needs than 12/13.

it's a jump up to 11v11 sooner than in the past. it's also focusing less on the teachings needed for 9-12 year olds.

It's a birth year - who cares whether it's called U12 or U13? Nobody lost anything - they went from playing with kids their own age with a July 31 cut off to kids their own age with a December 31 cutoff. The old way, the player with the 8/1 birthdate was the winner, now it's the player with the 1/1 birthdate. It was 11v11 at U13 before, it's 11v11 at U13 now.

Later practice times for an 11-year old/U13 next Fall---who has to be at the bus stop by 6:50am next year is our main concern.

Getting home at 9:30pm is late for an 11-year old. Kid usually sleeps 8:45pm-7:15am.

I could care less about the 11v11. I do care about the late school night---won't be in bed until after 10pm.

1. 11v11 does not start until U13
2. Generally clubs schedule older kids for later practices, and by older I mean high school age kids.

Jesus the stupid shit folks worry about.

HOLD UP! What are you going to do next Fall? Are you going to walk your kid to the bus stop in his pajamas? Make sure one of his seat partners wakes him up when he arrives at the school. Come on now. As kids get older things change. It's part of life and growing up. When you got your first job did you tell your first job that you couldn't start until 11:00 because in college you were used to sleeping in until 10:00. Later practice time allows him to complete homework, less traffic, allow kid to distress before going to practice instead of running from one place to the other while in traffic.

Because Clubs are TOO BIG with not enough practice fields for the players they take $$$ from---you get screwed up times.

When my kid is going through puberty and main growth years (middle school years)--sleep is of high importance. Stupid f*cking soccer isn't so important the kids miss out on 4 hours of sleep a few times a week.

Maybe you are all disillusioned your kids are the next Messi.

In fact, academies elsewhere in the World take into account sleep and nutrition as an integral part of player training/development. It's only here where we don't care about the kids that we make stupid decisions.

Then don't participate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coming to this discussion late, but some thoughts from a U18 parent. Coaching and teams are very important early on, but the best thing you can do for your young player is get him/her individual technical training. 1 - 2 times per week. I did this not knowing how important it would be, and I am so happy I did it. By HS age in club, technical skills are what distinguishes great players. At U9 - U12, its pure athleticism. You could give the A team a basketball or a tennis racket, and they would win. From about U13 onward, its all technical skills.

I see thing with one of my kids - not the fastest on the field, but his technical skills are superior to most. Definitely not a college player, but he'll always have a place on a club team/HS team just because his technical skills are so good.

Because of the birth year change, I found that U13 this tryout season was still athleticism trumping good technique. [b]Many of the kids are still only 11-years old now at tryouts--and most of the Fall.[/b]

There were kids out there with truly amazing technical skill and touch that were passed over by the kids that run around like maniacs, but not really accomplishing much.

I still think there are many coaches that mistake activity for efficiency. They miss nuance. There are a lot of kids that still can't keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling or even control a ball when a hard pass or air ball comes at them, that get moved ahead. While the kid with the perfect one-touch passes right to a teammate's foot and controlled bursts is neglected.

I watch the field movements at tryouts and I am amazed every time. This is why I think Club is not the best route for a lot of kids that would benefit more from smaller groups and more personal attention.

This problem has been around forever - pre or post age group change. If you are in the last 3 mos of the age group, you are at a disadvantage. There's no change that will ever change that.

Nobody lost an entire developmental year prior....u13 is now a younger group period. There weren't 11-year olds playing U13 prior to birth year change.

11-year olds have different needs than 12/13.

it's a jump up to 11v11 sooner than in the past. it's also focusing less on the teachings needed for 9-12 year olds.

It's a birth year - who cares whether it's called U12 or U13? Nobody lost anything - they went from playing with kids their own age with a July 31 cut off to kids their own age with a December 31 cutoff. The old way, the player with the 8/1 birthdate was the winner, now it's the player with the 1/1 birthdate. It was 11v11 at U13 before, it's 11v11 at U13 now.

Later practice times for an 11-year old/U13 next Fall---who has to be at the bus stop by 6:50am next year is our main concern.

Getting home at 9:30pm is late for an 11-year old. Kid usually sleeps 8:45pm-7:15am.

I could care less about the 11v11. I do care about the late school night---won't be in bed until after 10pm.

1. 11v11 does not start until U13
2. Generally clubs schedule older kids for later practices, and by older I mean high school age kids.

Jesus the stupid shit folks worry about.

HOLD UP! What are you going to do next Fall? Are you going to walk your kid to the bus stop in his pajamas? Make sure one of his seat partners wakes him up when he arrives at the school. Come on now. As kids get older things change. It's part of life and growing up. When you got your first job did you tell your first job that you couldn't start until 11:00 because in college you were used to sleeping in until 10:00. Later practice time allows him to complete homework, less traffic, allow kid to distress before going to practice instead of running from one place to the other while in traffic.

Because Clubs are TOO BIG with not enough practice fields for the players they take $$$ from---you get screwed up times.

When my kid is going through puberty and main growth years (middle school years)--sleep is of high importance. Stupid f*cking soccer isn't so important the kids miss out on 4 hours of sleep a few times a week.

Maybe you are all disillusioned your kids are the next Messi.

In fact, academies elsewhere in the World take into account sleep and nutrition as an integral part of player training/development. It's only here where we don't care about the kids that we make stupid decisions.

No, I think you need a nap though. But it sounds like a problem with the club that you were at. Most clubs do not schedule 8-11 year old kids for 8:00pm practices.

11-year olds can be U-13 next year. I have a Dec. 2005, 11-year old.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coming to this discussion late, but some thoughts from a U18 parent. Coaching and teams are very important early on, but the best thing you can do for your young player is get him/her individual technical training. 1 - 2 times per week. I did this not knowing how important it would be, and I am so happy I did it. By HS age in club, technical skills are what distinguishes great players. At U9 - U12, its pure athleticism. You could give the A team a basketball or a tennis racket, and they would win. From about U13 onward, its all technical skills.

I see thing with one of my kids - not the fastest on the field, but his technical skills are superior to most. Definitely not a college player, but he'll always have a place on a club team/HS team just because his technical skills are so good.

Because of the birth year change, I found that U13 this tryout season was still athleticism trumping good technique. [b]Many of the kids are still only 11-years old now at tryouts--and most of the Fall.[/b]

There were kids out there with truly amazing technical skill and touch that were passed over by the kids that run around like maniacs, but not really accomplishing much.

I still think there are many coaches that mistake activity for efficiency. They miss nuance. There are a lot of kids that still can't keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling or even control a ball when a hard pass or air ball comes at them, that get moved ahead. While the kid with the perfect one-touch passes right to a teammate's foot and controlled bursts is neglected.

I watch the field movements at tryouts and I am amazed every time. This is why I think Club is not the best route for a lot of kids that would benefit more from smaller groups and more personal attention.

This problem has been around forever - pre or post age group change. If you are in the last 3 mos of the age group, you are at a disadvantage. There's no change that will ever change that.

Nobody lost an entire developmental year prior....u13 is now a younger group period. There weren't 11-year olds playing U13 prior to birth year change.

11-year olds have different needs than 12/13.

it's a jump up to 11v11 sooner than in the past. it's also focusing less on the teachings needed for 9-12 year olds.

It's a birth year - who cares whether it's called U12 or U13? Nobody lost anything - they went from playing with kids their own age with a July 31 cut off to kids their own age with a December 31 cutoff. The old way, the player with the 8/1 birthdate was the winner, now it's the player with the 1/1 birthdate. It was 11v11 at U13 before, it's 11v11 at U13 now.

Later practice times for an 11-year old/U13 next Fall---who has to be at the bus stop by 6:50am next year is our main concern.

Getting home at 9:30pm is late for an 11-year old. Kid usually sleeps 8:45pm-7:15am.

I could care less about the 11v11. I do care about the late school night---won't be in bed until after 10pm.

1. 11v11 does not start until U13
2. Generally clubs schedule older kids for later practices, and by older I mean high school age kids.

Jesus the stupid shit folks worry about.

HOLD UP! What are you going to do next Fall? Are you going to walk your kid to the bus stop in his pajamas? Make sure one of his seat partners wakes him up when he arrives at the school. Come on now. As kids get older things change. It's part of life and growing up. When you got your first job did you tell your first job that you couldn't start until 11:00 because in college you were used to sleeping in until 10:00. Later practice time allows him to complete homework, less traffic, allow kid to distress before going to practice instead of running from one place to the other while in traffic.

Because Clubs are TOO BIG with not enough practice fields for the players they take $$$ from---you get screwed up times.

When my kid is going through puberty and main growth years (middle school years)--sleep is of high importance. Stupid f*cking soccer isn't so important the kids miss out on 4 hours of sleep a few times a week.

Maybe you are all disillusioned your kids are the next Messi.

In fact, academies elsewhere in the World take into account sleep and nutrition as an integral part of player training/development. It's only here where we don't care about the kids that we make stupid decisions.

Perhaps introducing a little life variance to your child's routine might actually be good for them in the long run. The world doesn't run on their perfect little schedule and bedtimes. My kids are very easy going and can roll with the flow I believe because we never instituted a hard line bedtime. I mean, heaven forbid they don't get their exact hours of sleep.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coming to this discussion late, but some thoughts from a U18 parent. Coaching and teams are very important early on, but the best thing you can do for your young player is get him/her individual technical training. 1 - 2 times per week. I did this not knowing how important it would be, and I am so happy I did it. By HS age in club, technical skills are what distinguishes great players. At U9 - U12, its pure athleticism. You could give the A team a basketball or a tennis racket, and they would win. From about U13 onward, its all technical skills.

I see thing with one of my kids - not the fastest on the field, but his technical skills are superior to most. Definitely not a college player, but he'll always have a place on a club team/HS team just because his technical skills are so good.

Because of the birth year change, I found that U13 this tryout season was still athleticism trumping good technique. [b]Many of the kids are still only 11-years old now at tryouts--and most of the Fall.[/b]

There were kids out there with truly amazing technical skill and touch that were passed over by the kids that run around like maniacs, but not really accomplishing much.

I still think there are many coaches that mistake activity for efficiency. They miss nuance. There are a lot of kids that still can't keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling or even control a ball when a hard pass or air ball comes at them, that get moved ahead. While the kid with the perfect one-touch passes right to a teammate's foot and controlled bursts is neglected.

I watch the field movements at tryouts and I am amazed every time. This is why I think Club is not the best route for a lot of kids that would benefit more from smaller groups and more personal attention.

This problem has been around forever - pre or post age group change. If you are in the last 3 mos of the age group, you are at a disadvantage. There's no change that will ever change that.

Nobody lost an entire developmental year prior....u13 is now a younger group period. There weren't 11-year olds playing U13 prior to birth year change.

11-year olds have different needs than 12/13.

it's a jump up to 11v11 sooner than in the past. it's also focusing less on the teachings needed for 9-12 year olds.

It's a birth year - who cares whether it's called U12 or U13? Nobody lost anything - they went from playing with kids their own age with a July 31 cut off to kids their own age with a December 31 cutoff. The old way, the player with the 8/1 birthdate was the winner, now it's the player with the 1/1 birthdate. It was 11v11 at U13 before, it's 11v11 at U13 now.

Later practice times for an 11-year old/U13 next Fall---who has to be at the bus stop by 6:50am next year is our main concern.

Getting home at 9:30pm is late for an 11-year old. Kid usually sleeps 8:45pm-7:15am.

I could care less about the 11v11. I do care about the late school night---won't be in bed until after 10pm.

1. 11v11 does not start until U13
2. Generally clubs schedule older kids for later practices, and by older I mean high school age kids.

Jesus the stupid shit folks worry about.

HOLD UP! What are you going to do next Fall? Are you going to walk your kid to the bus stop in his pajamas? Make sure one of his seat partners wakes him up when he arrives at the school. Come on now. As kids get older things change. It's part of life and growing up. When you got your first job did you tell your first job that you couldn't start until 11:00 because in college you were used to sleeping in until 10:00. Later practice time allows him to complete homework, less traffic, allow kid to distress before going to practice instead of running from one place to the other while in traffic.

Because Clubs are TOO BIG with not enough practice fields for the players they take $$$ from---you get screwed up times.

When my kid is going through puberty and main growth years (middle school years)--sleep is of high importance. Stupid f*cking soccer isn't so important the kids miss out on 4 hours of sleep a few times a week.

Maybe you are all disillusioned your kids are the next Messi.

In fact, academies elsewhere in the World take into account sleep and nutrition as an integral part of player training/development. It's only here where we don't care about the kids that we make stupid decisions.

No, I think you need a nap though. But it sounds like a problem with the club that you were at. Most clubs do not schedule 8-11 year old kids for 8:00pm practices.

11-year olds can be U-13 next year. I have a Dec. 2005, 11-year old.

Congratulations!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coming to this discussion late, but some thoughts from a U18 parent. Coaching and teams are very important early on, but the best thing you can do for your young player is get him/her individual technical training. 1 - 2 times per week. I did this not knowing how important it would be, and I am so happy I did it. By HS age in club, technical skills are what distinguishes great players. At U9 - U12, its pure athleticism. You could give the A team a basketball or a tennis racket, and they would win. From about U13 onward, its all technical skills.

I see thing with one of my kids - not the fastest on the field, but his technical skills are superior to most. Definitely not a college player, but he'll always have a place on a club team/HS team just because his technical skills are so good.

Because of the birth year change, I found that U13 this tryout season was still athleticism trumping good technique. [b]Many of the kids are still only 11-years old now at tryouts--and most of the Fall.[/b]

There were kids out there with truly amazing technical skill and touch that were passed over by the kids that run around like maniacs, but not really accomplishing much.

I still think there are many coaches that mistake activity for efficiency. They miss nuance. There are a lot of kids that still can't keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling or even control a ball when a hard pass or air ball comes at them, that get moved ahead. While the kid with the perfect one-touch passes right to a teammate's foot and controlled bursts is neglected.

I watch the field movements at tryouts and I am amazed every time. This is why I think Club is not the best route for a lot of kids that would benefit more from smaller groups and more personal attention.

This problem has been around forever - pre or post age group change. If you are in the last 3 mos of the age group, you are at a disadvantage. There's no change that will ever change that.

Nobody lost an entire developmental year prior....u13 is now a younger group period. There weren't 11-year olds playing U13 prior to birth year change.

11-year olds have different needs than 12/13.

it's a jump up to 11v11 sooner than in the past. it's also focusing less on the teachings needed for 9-12 year olds.

It's a birth year - who cares whether it's called U12 or U13? Nobody lost anything - they went from playing with kids their own age with a July 31 cut off to kids their own age with a December 31 cutoff. The old way, the player with the 8/1 birthdate was the winner, now it's the player with the 1/1 birthdate. It was 11v11 at U13 before, it's 11v11 at U13 now.

Later practice times for an 11-year old/U13 next Fall---who has to be at the bus stop by 6:50am next year is our main concern.

Getting home at 9:30pm is late for an 11-year old. Kid usually sleeps 8:45pm-7:15am.

I could care less about the 11v11. I do care about the late school night---won't be in bed until after 10pm.

1. 11v11 does not start until U13
2. Generally clubs schedule older kids for later practices, and by older I mean high school age kids.

Jesus the stupid shit folks worry about.

HOLD UP! What are you going to do next Fall? Are you going to walk your kid to the bus stop in his pajamas? Make sure one of his seat partners wakes him up when he arrives at the school. Come on now. As kids get older things change. It's part of life and growing up. When you got your first job did you tell your first job that you couldn't start until 11:00 because in college you were used to sleeping in until 10:00. Later practice time allows him to complete homework, less traffic, allow kid to distress before going to practice instead of running from one place to the other while in traffic.

Because Clubs are TOO BIG with not enough practice fields for the players they take $$$ from---you get screwed up times.

When my kid is going through puberty and main growth years (middle school years)--sleep is of high importance. Stupid f*cking soccer isn't so important the kids miss out on 4 hours of sleep a few times a week.

Maybe you are all disillusioned your kids are the next Messi.

In fact, academies elsewhere in the World take into account sleep and nutrition as an integral part of player training/development. It's only here where we don't care about the kids that we make stupid decisions.

Perhaps introducing a little life variance to your child's routine might actually be good for them in the long run. The world doesn't run on their perfect little schedule and bedtimes. My kids are very easy going and can roll with the flow I believe because we never instituted a hard line bedtime. I mean, heaven forbid they don't get their exact hours of sleep.

And a good 4 inches shorter than they would have been by 18....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why do most Clubs not take in the body of a player's work over the course of an entire year????

It seems time and time again evaluations are based on a few hours of tryouts---even when current coach and former age group coach give strong recommendations for movement up.

If a kid is a playmaker all year, plays the entire game and responsible for 95% assists on goal and no other Coach, but game coach has ever seen him/her play in a GAME SITUATION---why is this given no weight?

It happens frequently at Clubs with many teams per age group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coming to this discussion late, but some thoughts from a U18 parent. Coaching and teams are very important early on, but the best thing you can do for your young player is get him/her individual technical training. 1 - 2 times per week. I did this not knowing how important it would be, and I am so happy I did it. By HS age in club, technical skills are what distinguishes great players. At U9 - U12, its pure athleticism. You could give the A team a basketball or a tennis racket, and they would win. From about U13 onward, its all technical skills.

I see thing with one of my kids - not the fastest on the field, but his technical skills are superior to most. Definitely not a college player, but he'll always have a place on a club team/HS team just because his technical skills are so good.

Because of the birth year change, I found that U13 this tryout season was still athleticism trumping good technique. [b]Many of the kids are still only 11-years old now at tryouts--and most of the Fall.[/b]

There were kids out there with truly amazing technical skill and touch that were passed over by the kids that run around like maniacs, but not really accomplishing much.

I still think there are many coaches that mistake activity for efficiency. They miss nuance. There are a lot of kids that still can't keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling or even control a ball when a hard pass or air ball comes at them, that get moved ahead. While the kid with the perfect one-touch passes right to a teammate's foot and controlled bursts is neglected.

I watch the field movements at tryouts and I am amazed every time. This is why I think Club is not the best route for a lot of kids that would benefit more from smaller groups and more personal attention.

This problem has been around forever - pre or post age group change. If you are in the last 3 mos of the age group, you are at a disadvantage. There's no change that will ever change that.

Nobody lost an entire developmental year prior....u13 is now a younger group period. There weren't 11-year olds playing U13 prior to birth year change.

11-year olds have different needs than 12/13.

it's a jump up to 11v11 sooner than in the past. it's also focusing less on the teachings needed for 9-12 year olds.

It's a birth year - who cares whether it's called U12 or U13? Nobody lost anything - they went from playing with kids their own age with a July 31 cut off to kids their own age with a December 31 cutoff. The old way, the player with the 8/1 birthdate was the winner, now it's the player with the 1/1 birthdate. It was 11v11 at U13 before, it's 11v11 at U13 now.

Later practice times for an 11-year old/U13 next Fall---who has to be at the bus stop by 6:50am next year is our main concern.

Getting home at 9:30pm is late for an 11-year old. Kid usually sleeps 8:45pm-7:15am.

I could care less about the 11v11. I do care about the late school night---won't be in bed until after 10pm.

1. 11v11 does not start until U13
2. Generally clubs schedule older kids for later practices, and by older I mean high school age kids.

Jesus the stupid shit folks worry about.

HOLD UP! What are you going to do next Fall? Are you going to walk your kid to the bus stop in his pajamas? Make sure one of his seat partners wakes him up when he arrives at the school. Come on now. As kids get older things change. It's part of life and growing up. When you got your first job did you tell your first job that you couldn't start until 11:00 because in college you were used to sleeping in until 10:00. Later practice time allows him to complete homework, less traffic, allow kid to distress before going to practice instead of running from one place to the other while in traffic.

Because Clubs are TOO BIG with not enough practice fields for the players they take $$$ from---you get screwed up times.

When my kid is going through puberty and main growth years (middle school years)--sleep is of high importance. Stupid f*cking soccer isn't so important the kids miss out on 4 hours of sleep a few times a week.

Maybe you are all disillusioned your kids are the next Messi.

In fact, academies elsewhere in the World take into account sleep and nutrition as an integral part of player training/development. It's only here where we don't care about the kids that we make stupid decisions.

No, I think you need a nap though. But it sounds like a problem with the club that you were at. Most clubs do not schedule 8-11 year old kids for 8:00pm practices.

11-year olds can be U-13 next year. I have a Dec. 2005, 11-year old.

Congratulations!!

Sorry, but you have a crappy soccer birthday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do most Clubs not take in the body of a player's work over the course of an entire year????

It seems time and time again evaluations are based on a few hours of tryouts---even when current coach and former age group coach give strong recommendations for movement up.

If a kid is a playmaker all year, plays the entire game and responsible for 95% assists on goal and no other Coach, but game coach has ever seen him/her play in a GAME SITUATION---why is this given no weight?

It happens frequently at Clubs with many teams per age group.

Meh...most coaches get it right. It's the last 4 or 5 on the roster than are hard to differentiate. The starting 11 are usually pretty obvious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coming to this discussion late, but some thoughts from a U18 parent. Coaching and teams are very important early on, but the best thing you can do for your young player is get him/her individual technical training. 1 - 2 times per week. I did this not knowing how important it would be, and I am so happy I did it. By HS age in club, technical skills are what distinguishes great players. At U9 - U12, its pure athleticism. You could give the A team a basketball or a tennis racket, and they would win. From about U13 onward, its all technical skills.

I see thing with one of my kids - not the fastest on the field, but his technical skills are superior to most. Definitely not a college player, but he'll always have a place on a club team/HS team just because his technical skills are so good.

Because of the birth year change, I found that U13 this tryout season was still athleticism trumping good technique. [b]Many of the kids are still only 11-years old now at tryouts--and most of the Fall.[/b]

There were kids out there with truly amazing technical skill and touch that were passed over by the kids that run around like maniacs, but not really accomplishing much.

I still think there are many coaches that mistake activity for efficiency. They miss nuance. There are a lot of kids that still can't keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling or even control a ball when a hard pass or air ball comes at them, that get moved ahead. While the kid with the perfect one-touch passes right to a teammate's foot and controlled bursts is neglected.

I watch the field movements at tryouts and I am amazed every time. This is why I think Club is not the best route for a lot of kids that would benefit more from smaller groups and more personal attention.

This problem has been around forever - pre or post age group change. If you are in the last 3 mos of the age group, you are at a disadvantage. There's no change that will ever change that.

Nobody lost an entire developmental year prior....u13 is now a younger group period. There weren't 11-year olds playing U13 prior to birth year change.

11-year olds have different needs than 12/13.

it's a jump up to 11v11 sooner than in the past. it's also focusing less on the teachings needed for 9-12 year olds.

It's a birth year - who cares whether it's called U12 or U13? Nobody lost anything - they went from playing with kids their own age with a July 31 cut off to kids their own age with a December 31 cutoff. The old way, the player with the 8/1 birthdate was the winner, now it's the player with the 1/1 birthdate. It was 11v11 at U13 before, it's 11v11 at U13 now.

Agreed. Mine went from one of the youngest (summer birthday) to being in the middle. He's still the same player: small, crafty, works hard, great technique, but not as fast or as physical as some of the others. Don't see any difference at all, don't think it's to anyone's benefit to harp on this stuff. Your kids are playing with their age group peers, with everyone having a birthday within a 12-month span. Doesn't much matter what that span is, aside from the first year when it messed up everyone's carpools.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Coming to this discussion late, but some thoughts from a U18 parent. Coaching and teams are very important early on, but the best thing you can do for your young player is get him/her individual technical training. 1 - 2 times per week. I did this not knowing how important it would be, and I am so happy I did it. By HS age in club, technical skills are what distinguishes great players. At U9 - U12, its pure athleticism. You could give the A team a basketball or a tennis racket, and they would win. From about U13 onward, its all technical skills.

I see thing with one of my kids - not the fastest on the field, but his technical skills are superior to most. Definitely not a college player, but he'll always have a place on a club team/HS team just because his technical skills are so good.

Because of the birth year change, I found that U13 this tryout season was still athleticism trumping good technique. [b]Many of the kids are still only 11-years old now at tryouts--and most of the Fall.[/b]

There were kids out there with truly amazing technical skill and touch that were passed over by the kids that run around like maniacs, but not really accomplishing much.

I still think there are many coaches that mistake activity for efficiency. They miss nuance. There are a lot of kids that still can't keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling or even control a ball when a hard pass or air ball comes at them, that get moved ahead. While the kid with the perfect one-touch passes right to a teammate's foot and controlled bursts is neglected.

I watch the field movements at tryouts and I am amazed every time. This is why I think Club is not the best route for a lot of kids that would benefit more from smaller groups and more personal attention.

This problem has been around forever - pre or post age group change. If you are in the last 3 mos of the age group, you are at a disadvantage. There's no change that will ever change that.

Nobody lost an entire developmental year prior....u13 is now a younger group period. There weren't 11-year olds playing U13 prior to birth year change.

11-year olds have different needs than 12/13.

it's a jump up to 11v11 sooner than in the past. it's also focusing less on the teachings needed for 9-12 year olds.

It's a birth year - who cares whether it's called U12 or U13? Nobody lost anything - they went from playing with kids their own age with a July 31 cut off to kids their own age with a December 31 cutoff. The old way, the player with the 8/1 birthdate was the winner, now it's the player with the 1/1 birthdate. It was 11v11 at U13 before, it's 11v11 at U13 now.

Later practice times for an 11-year old/U13 next Fall---who has to be at the bus stop by 6:50am next year is our main concern.

Getting home at 9:30pm is late for an 11-year old. Kid usually sleeps 8:45pm-7:15am.

I could care less about the 11v11. I do care about the late school night---won't be in bed until after 10pm.

1. 11v11 does not start until U13
2. Generally clubs schedule older kids for later practices, and by older I mean high school age kids.

Jesus the stupid shit folks worry about.

HOLD UP! What are you going to do next Fall? Are you going to walk your kid to the bus stop in his pajamas? Make sure one of his seat partners wakes him up when he arrives at the school. Come on now. As kids get older things change. It's part of life and growing up. When you got your first job did you tell your first job that you couldn't start until 11:00 because in college you were used to sleeping in until 10:00. Later practice time allows him to complete homework, less traffic, allow kid to distress before going to practice instead of running from one place to the other while in traffic.

Because Clubs are TOO BIG with not enough practice fields for the players they take $$$ from---you get screwed up times.

When my kid is going through puberty and main growth years (middle school years)--sleep is of high importance. Stupid f*cking soccer isn't so important the kids miss out on 4 hours of sleep a few times a week.

Maybe you are all disillusioned your kids are the next Messi.

In fact, academies elsewhere in the World take into account sleep and nutrition as an integral part of player training/development. It's only here where we don't care about the kids that we make stupid decisions.

Perhaps introducing a little life variance to your child's routine might actually be good for them in the long run. The world doesn't run on their perfect little schedule and bedtimes. My kids are very easy going and can roll with the flow I believe because we never instituted a hard line bedtime. I mean, heaven forbid they don't get their exact hours of sleep.

And a good 4 inches shorter than they would have been by 18....

LOL, Um getting to bed 30 minutes later is not why your kid is short.

Don't play soccer then! Don't look for another club and of course, ASSUME that ALL your practices will be at 8:00. I mean have you even seen the proposed schedule or are you just talking out of your ass? But I'm sure you're right, we are wrong.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Why do most Clubs not take in the body of a player's work over the course of an entire year????

It seems time and time again evaluations are based on a few hours of tryouts---even when current coach and former age group coach give strong recommendations for movement up.

If a kid is a playmaker all year, plays the entire game and responsible for 95% assists on goal and no other Coach, but game coach has ever seen him/her play in a GAME SITUATION---why is this given no weight?

It happens frequently at Clubs with many teams per age group.

Meh...most coaches get it right. It's the last 4 or 5 on the roster than are hard to differentiate. The starting 11 are usually pretty obvious.

I haven't seen that.

I have never seen an age group coach or a TD at a single game over an entire year.

They tend to keep most in the same exact place without reevaluating or listening to current coach.

At least at the two clubs we've been with. They also give starting seniority to returning players of the same team even when new additions are better.

It's just the way travel soccer is.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Why do most Clubs not take in the body of a player's work over the course of an entire year????

It seems time and time again evaluations are based on a few hours of tryouts---even when current coach and former age group coach give strong recommendations for movement up.

If a kid is a playmaker all year, plays the entire game and responsible for 95% assists on goal and no other Coach, but game coach has ever seen him/her play in a GAME SITUATION---why is this given no weight?

It happens frequently at Clubs with many teams per age group.

Meh...most coaches get it right. It's the last 4 or 5 on the roster than are hard to differentiate. The starting 11 are usually pretty obvious.

I haven't seen that.

I have never seen an age group coach or a TD at a single game over an entire year.

They tend to keep most in the same exact place without reevaluating or listening to current coach.

At least at the two clubs we've been with. They also give starting seniority to returning players of the same team even when new additions are better.

It's just the way travel soccer is.

What club?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do most Clubs not take in the body of a player's work over the course of an entire year????

It seems time and time again evaluations are based on a few hours of tryouts---even when current coach and former age group coach give strong recommendations for movement up.

If a kid is a playmaker all year, plays the entire game and responsible for 95% assists on goal and no other Coach, but game coach has ever seen him/her play in a GAME SITUATION---why is this given no weight?

It happens frequently at Clubs with many teams per age group.

Meh...most coaches get it right. It's the last 4 or 5 on the roster than are hard to differentiate. The starting 11 are usually pretty obvious.

I haven't seen that.

I have never seen an age group coach or a TD at a single game over an entire year.

They tend to keep most in the same exact place without reevaluating or listening to current coach.

At least at the two clubs we've been with. They also give starting seniority to returning players of the same team even when new additions are better.

It's just the way travel soccer is.

Not our club. Our experience is the opposite of yours. The age group coach will watch all the kids play at some point during the year. The new TD at our club has also promised to visit practices. Lots of returning players got demoted or cut for new players after the tryout. My son will have to work extra hard this year to improve because I imagine he could be next on the chopping block.

[Anonymous]

^^not pp. However, evaluating players in actual games is so much more beneficial.

There are "practice players" that never manage to bring it to a game.

I also know some really great and competitive kids that for whatever reason tend not to show well in tryouts.

Consistency is a key factor as well that only a coach that has had the player an entire season can gauge.

We have a few players that are "on" all the time and with some you never know how they are going to do on any given day.

I hate tryouts with massive numbers of kids. I like the idea of limiting the number evaluatedat one time which isn't feasible in travel environment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do most Clubs not take in the body of a player's work over the course of an entire year????

It seems time and time again evaluations are based on a few hours of tryouts---even when current coach and former age group coach give strong recommendations for movement up.

If a kid is a playmaker all year, plays the entire game and responsible for 95% assists on goal and no other Coach, but game coach has ever seen him/her play in a GAME SITUATION---why is this given no weight?

It happens frequently at Clubs with many teams per age group.

Meh...most coaches get it right. It's the last 4 or 5 on the roster than are hard to differentiate. The starting 11 are usually pretty obvious.

I haven't seen that.

I have never seen an age group coach or a TD at a single game over an entire year.

They tend to keep most in the same exact place without reevaluating or listening to current coach.

At least at the two clubs we've been with. They also give starting seniority to returning players of the same team even when new additions are better.

It's just the way travel soccer is.

Not our club. Our experience is the opposite of yours. The age group coach will watch all the kids play at some point during the year. The new TD at our club has also promised to visit practices. Lots of returning players got demoted or cut for new players after the tryout. My son will have to work extra hard this year to improve because I imagine he could be next on the chopping block.

It's not that way in our club either. First, having been in the club a number of years, I know who all those people are. And I see them consistently at practices and league games. They typically do not show up at tournaments, but that makes sense since the teams are spread out all over the place.