We attended one this week with a good amount of players. Feel like my DC showed well and was one of the top players but hard to tell. Just curious as to how many are shopping around for new teams and what their experience has been?

AnonymousNOT wrote:

akindc wrote:You posted the same exact thing last year, which you clrealy know becasue of your subject line.
High school coaches are allowing it becasue they want the best teams possible, and there's no rule, from the high school side, against it.
If an MLS Next program is letting their kids play at public high schools, that's somethng to bring up with the program.
And as for why, clearly kids want to both play on the highest level club team they can, and play high school as well.

Clearly I said again. Kind of creepy you are looking what've posted before but ok.

Last year, HS coaches took a few a MLS Next players for our JV and V teams, however, once season started a few had to drop out HS because their Club found out. Yet, here we are again. HS Coaches don't care but I'm surprise they didn't take note from last year. They could have given those spots to players who want and are wiling/able to be committed to play High School soccer.

No dog in this fight, but if it is a big enough issue for you and not saying it should not be; report it to the MLSNext club or coach of MLS team. Not sure what the penalties are, but once reported officially, I highly doubt MLSNext coach would allow it.

soccerx3kidsss wrote:Pay to play is one thing but you can only pay to play so much. It's the politics and pull that come internally for the select few from the club (and I agree with you it's usually given to the kids who don't fully deserve it) - if you are lucky enough to influence a DOC because you are a coach at the club or you are a parent with a LOT of money, status and connections that can help the club then you will be able to find a work around. It's most important for these kids to focus on their own journey, but it's hard when they don't get the support they need from their coach. Unfortunately the regular parent who is trying their best to give their kid the best environment to learn and develop will get looked over time and time again. After seeing what every is saying there just doesn't seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Until standards are set higher and coaches are truly held accountability the cycle continues. Parents are scared, they don't know how to navigate finding a coach let alone a club that will truly value them as a member.

Seems like you have an axe to grind?!?! You must be parent from the younger team. Coaches can be tough, they can yell, they can criticize play, they also motivate, they can get the girls to work harder, they can develop those that have the work ethic, the desire, the willingness to be great. You could always join the lower team or go to another club and hope all of a sudden it's a better fit for your DD??

Guest players are utilized for a multiple of reasons; some play up to see how they will perform with a better team, also known as a tryout, it may be because of numbers or because a need for a particular position, if your kid consistently is guesting up, good chance they will make upper team if they have performed well; guest players are also used to play down because the lower team needs numbers, or player needs game time minutes, or to appease parents because player isnt getting minutes on higher team, guest players are also used if parents ask regardless of how good player is; some clubs utilize guest players to help win tournaments; bottomline, if you are asked to guest you probably accept if your schedule permits, dont worry so much about the reason, your kid will get more game time experience...also coaches and club quickly figure out those players that will always guest and those that won't; if your kid is top team, no worries, if your kid is low or middle it probably matter. Longest run on sentence ever, but asking to guest is a good thing, but know how your kid fits in the above scenarios.

Fact is, a lot of times if you are asked to guest for lower team, probably means coach thinks you need the extra game play! You may be coming off the bench on your current team and not getting enough game minutes...depends on the situation....make an impact if you are guesting down!

Rumor is more of the Union coaches are leaving for Arlington and possibly from one of the big GA clubs, just rumors though.

Interested in this thread as well; my DD got the email invite; sounds a lot like an ODP type program?

Yes. haven't played there in a season or two, but playing there this weekend!

All the rain today, not sure how fields will look tomorrow.

Anyone competing this weekend? Should be a good tourney and wrap to the fall season!

I'll chime in, for elite players it doesn't really matter, your DC we be identified by all

For middling players or bottom players, it may make sense to see who is good in the region and try to get your DC on one of the "top" teams; if that is the goal!

It's fun to look at the rankings to see which club is performing better than the others.

Honestly, if your child is not on the top team nor on the top club, and is not top tier, just enjoy the process and the memories. You probably shouldn't care where clubs are ranked, and pay too much attention to what your record is. My DC is; but more important that club, team rankings; is how may DC will show at national events and be recognized. He/She teams success is all good, but not the bottom line, I guess it comes down to what your expectations are and where you see your DC playing at the next level; if the next level is and expectation. DM me for any additional info.

soccerx3kidsss wrote:Opinions on best coaches for my kids to play for? Who has the best reputation and track record in the area? Please provide Name, Club and Pros and Cons Thanks!

Need more info, how old are your kids, what level are they at?

soccermom4608 wrote:For kids who are not likely to be playing at the ECNL or similar level (more like a division 1 NCSL team), does the recommendation still hold to reach out to other clubs directly rather than waiting for open tryouts, especially for a goalkeeper for whom open tryouts may not be as useful? If so, at what point during the year do people recommend starting to contact other clubs?

Always reach out to coach directly, especially for GK; GKs are like qbs, only 1 per team that will be the starter. Most big clubs have GK trainings, so best to attend one of those weekly sessions. Top teams are always looking to upgrade; what you need to do is identify the top teams in the area, in this order, ECNL, GA, and then everyone else and see if your dc can make one of the top local teams and be their starter.

Youalwayswalkalone7 wrote:Not worth it imo. Cost plus time on the ball is a huge negative. At least not in our area for my DD’s age group. I believe the cost came out to like $45 a session. None of the top team players did it. Not a single one. Instead the girls got together and played pickup for free. Can’t beat casual, fun game play with high level players just enjoying the game and being creative.

I hear what you are saying, but, just another avenue for the players to get identified, extra touches, new coaches, different players, etc.

Not every "top" player will do ODP, but there are some and it's organized. The elite will always be identified regardless of what you do, but talking about the other 10% of ""elite" it can help. Mid-tier Ecnl players for sure!

soccerplayer1 wrote:Let her choose for herself! HS is more fun, but if college soccer is super important to her, then club is more important. However, at the HS level, state cups don't really matter for college, so try to get her on an ECNL team if college soccer is her goal. If you can balance both HS and club, then try to do it!

For upper tier players, it would be HS; but only for those going to a HS where they are actually in contention to win a state championship and that is very limited.

If you dc is playing for a HS team that doesnt have the chance; stick with your club schedule and avoid the extra workload!

Bestdaysyet wrote:I've been asked several times by parents about ODP due to the fact we have done it pre and post DA. Before the DA, it was the program all the top players attended which resulted in some really good training. My youngest tried it 4 years and we quit after making states. The talent level was very low and although he really shined, it just wasn't worth the time or money. The program really does need to be overhauled to reflect the soccer landscape of today. You will not be scouted by anyone, you will not magically become Messi, most kids are 2-3 level team players, and coaching is the same as you get in any mid to high level club. In fact, my son's coach was the 2nd team coach from his club which we thought was a step down.

If you have the funds and time, join it for what it is which is additional training. But I would rather hire a personal coach instead if I really wanted my kid to get better.

This is correct. There is a prestige factor with making the state or regional team, but if you are top level talent focus on your ECNL or GA showcases and tournaments!