Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These are strong, fast, quick elite athletes with great visual spatial skills. If US soccer had the same athletic bass to draw on as these sports have the US would be a very dominate power in soccer.

I do love dominating on the bass, but this topic is dead within soccer circles. Discussed to death, and the consensus is that the skill sets and types of athleticism in soccer just aren't the same as they are in other sports. That's not a value judgment -- yes, Champ Bailey was a fantastic athlete, as are most NBA players and most NFL WR/DBs. But they wouldn't necessarily be dominant soccer players.

Wow, how is this a debate? As a former athlete all the way up through college, I said it former (bad knees) you workout based on your sport. Even within that, you work out based on your position in the sport. Comparing Odell (GO GMEN) to any soccer player is unfair, besides football is probably the most rounded sport in terms of representing athletes. Strength positions, speed positions, and skill positions. But overall, I think soccer athletes are probably more in line with runners or a swimmer. Constantly moving and the only thing that changes is the pace. I tip my hat off to the pros where you don't have unlimited substitutions, that's a variable that no other sport can really touch. Just look at the Flea, he wouldn't look like an elite athlete but will go down as one of best players in the world.

asksoccernova wrote:lol if you have no foot skills and have never manipulated a soccer ball with your foot while someone else is trying to take it away form you, it doesn't matter how great of an athlete you are, unless you are a goalkeeper.

That's like saying soccer players are great endurance athletes, so a few of them would make good basketball players. They have no hand-eye coordination whatsoever if you give them a basketball because they haven't been exposed to it.

It takes thousands of hours to develop the foot skills you need at the pro level, starting from a very early age.

A great athlete is a great athlete, but athleticism alone with zero skill will get you roasted when you play with skilled players that are average athletes. All you can do is defend, but the ball can always "outrun" players - meaning the ball can always be passed faster and be moved around the field more quickly than anyone can catch up with it. You also have no clue what is happening around you - small group tactics, attacking and defending as a group, and all the techniques involved in striking a moving ball with all the surfaces of your feet.



When I was in college, I'd practice and play pick-up soccer indoors in our campus rec center over the winter months when most students were on vacation, and there was always a group of basketball players there who were the best on campus outside of the varsity athletes. They were great athletes, and type A macho guys who had to let everyone know they were the kings of the court.

They'd see a few of us doing all these skills with the ball and occasionally one of them would wander over and "try" to play in our game to prove he could dominate, but he would basically embarrass himself and look completely ridiculous trying to control a soccer ball while decked out in full basketball gear, shoes and everything. The first instinct was always toe ball as hard as possible.

They were so uncoordinated with the soccer ball, especially trying to juggle. To this day it is one of the funniest things I have ever seen.

"I started when I was three years old and played until I was about 14," Beckham said. "My coach was pushing to try and get me on the national team and tryout. At that age, you're 13, 14 years old you know that to make it big in soccer you are probably going to have to go overseas. Obviously that would be a goal and that would be the dream. At that age it would have been hard for me to leave my family and just go.

"I played every other sport, soccer, basketball, baseball, football. And I just said, 'I don't think I can leave my family.' So that's when I kind of put the soccer dreams aside and stuck close to home with the other sports."

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:explain to me how this is not early specialization:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZJ_sqbl6_c&t=68s



Then he gets a little older and evolves in to this:

At 10:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGR8EpD9Dqo

At 11:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukSsUf_OCKU


Anyone disagree that this kid is talented? I doubt its because he is playing multiple sports.

You're right. That one kid disproves all the general studies:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3658407/

http://changingthegameproject.com/is-it-wise-to-specialize/

http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/are_kids_specializing_in_sports_too_early/

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130423172601.htm

There's a recent German study, too. But it's not exactly difficult to find much more evidence.

asksoccernova wrote:There's a reason I didn't try to go play their sport... because it doesn't cross over. That's my point here - athleticism does not mean you are good at another sport. With all the athleticism that a soccer player has, you still can't dribble a basketball well or shoot accurately.

My point here is that the motor skills required to play soccer and other team sports do not cross over very well. The closest thing out there is NFL kickers.

This is why the American audience doesn't appreciate or understand the sport as much, the thought process behind it is different - it's a totally different game than the sports most people have grown up with.

Anonymous wrote:

asksoccernova wrote:There's a reason I didn't try to go play their sport... because it doesn't cross over. That's my point here - athleticism does not mean you are good at another sport. With all the athleticism that a soccer player has, you still can't dribble a basketball well or shoot accurately.

My point here is that the motor skills required to play soccer and other team sports do not cross over very well. The closest thing out there is NFL kickers.

This is why the American audience doesn't appreciate or understand the sport as much, the thought process behind it is different - it's a totally different game than the sports most people have grown up with.

If you don't think the skills required to play football, basketball, hockey, etc. Translate to soccer directly then I'm sorry to say that you simply are not a top level athlete and you have apparently never had the chance to spend time with one to discuss how sports work in their world. There's a reason Alexi Lalas was great at hockey, Steve Nash started as a serious soccer player, Rafael Nadal could have played pro soccer and Odell Beckham Junior could have played national team soccer. There's even a reason Tim Tebow is making a legit run at baseball. Great athletes are great athletes! They choose to train at a select sport because of interests, body types, family pressures, environment, opportunities and future aspirations. But apart from the bobby Hurley/Michael Bradley types who worked tirelessly and had a serious coach dad, I can almost guarantee that most world classs athletes at some point had to chose what they wanted to work toward dominating.

To put it another way. If Allen iverson or Dion Sanders grew with Bob Bradley as a dad, I'm 100% confident they would have been the best soccer players the US has ever produced- even while playing other sports.

Anonymous wrote:

asksoccernova wrote:There's a reason I didn't try to go play their sport... because it doesn't cross over. That's my point here - athleticism does not mean you are good at another sport. With all the athleticism that a soccer player has, you still can't dribble a basketball well or shoot accurately.

My point here is that the motor skills required to play soccer and other team sports do not cross over very well. The closest thing out there is NFL kickers.

This is why the American audience doesn't appreciate or understand the sport as much, the thought process behind it is different - it's a totally different game than the sports most people have grown up with.

If you don't think the skills required to play football, basketball, hockey, etc. Translate to soccer directly then I'm sorry to say that you simply are not a top level athlete and you have apparently never had the chance to spend time with one to discuss how sports work in their world. There's a reason Alexi Lalas was great at hockey, Steve Nash started as a serious soccer player, Rafael Nadal could have played pro soccer and Odell Beckham Junior could have played national team soccer. There's even a reason Tim Tebow is making a legit run at baseball. Great athletes are great athletes! They choose to train at a select sport because of interests, body types, family pressures, environment, opportunities and future aspirations. But apart from the bobby Hurley/Michael Bradley types who worked tirelessly and had a serious coach dad, I can almost guarantee that most world classs athletes at some point had to chose what they wanted to work toward dominating.

To put it another way. If Allen iverson or Dion Sanders grew with Bob Bradley as a dad, I'm 100% confident they would have been the best soccer players the US has ever produced- even while playing other sports.

Anonymous wrote:FPYC 07G Blue & Gold Flames teams are looking to add some players as they make the jump from 7v7 to 9v9 next year. Fees are around $1500 range when everything is included. Practices are 3x week Fall and Spring, 2x week summer and winter. The teams play in the NCSL and also do a winter futsal session.

For those truly looking to put development over results at this age, this would be a good fit. They have a highly qualified and experienced head coach in Paul Hicks (D license and Nat Youth License), and also use 2 professional trainers, Fabien Lewis and Ben Kamara (each leads 1 practice per week, the coach runs the other practice as well as the games).
They are dedicated to teaching a possession style (building from the back, usually playing short on goal kicks, etc...) while also encouraging use the of skill and creativity along with good decision-making. The coach focuses on developing a competitive mentality in the long term, without getting himself too caught up in the short term results.

Trainer: Fabien Lewis (http://www.advancesoccerdevelopment.com/Default.aspx?tabid=865494)

Bio: He holds a USSF ‘B’ License, USSF National ‘Y’ License, NSCAA Goal-keeping level I Diploma. He is also PCA (Positive Coaching Alliance) certified.
Fabien has been involved as a coach and trainer with youth, amateur and professional soccer teams. Furthermore, he has experience working with boys, girls, men and women.

In May 2015, Fabien was appointed head coach of Kaya F.C. (a professional soccer team from Manila, Philippines). While at the helm of head coach, he helped Kaya F.C. win their domestic knock-out competition, which secured them a spot in AFC (Asian Football Confederation) cup.

Furthermore, in 2010, coach Fabien was invited by the Southern Football Association of Trinidad & Tobago, to be one of the coaching instructors at a three day coaching workshop held in Point-of-Pierre, Trinidad West-Indies. Here, some forty candidates attended.

Prior to coaching, Fabien has enjoyed a very exciting playing career. He was part of the Trinidad & Tobago U-15 National team pool, represented the U-17 national team during FIFA world cup qualifiers and the U-23 Olympic team. In 2002, he was invited to the Trinidad & Tobago full national team pool under coach Hannibal Najjar.
Fabien played collegiate soccer at both Canisius College and George Mason University where he obtained all possible individual collegiate accolades. More importantly, helped both schools to their respective conference play-offs, and also, an NCAA appearance while at George Mason University.
After his collegiate career, he then plied his trade professionally for some 10 years in various parts of North America, South East Asia and the Caribbean.

Trainer: Ben Kamara (http://www.mvpsoccer.net/Default.aspx?tabid=576642)

Bio: Ben has over 20 years of playing and coaching experience and former Recreational Director of Coaching (RDOC) at Braddock Road Youth Club. Prior to becoming the RDOC at Braddock Road, he served as RDOC at Northern Virginia Soccer Club. He is also a VYSA Academy Coach with the VYSA Olympic Development Program.Born in Sierra Leone, where he spent a large part of his childhood, Ben grew up playing travel soccer in the Northern Virginia area. He went on to attend Ferrum College where he was awarded several accolades including Freshman of the Year (2000-01) and Offensive Player of the Year (2001-02). He went on to play professionally for a litany of French clubs from 2004-2010, including Estac, Troyes, Noisy Le Sec, Sennoa and Paris Football Club.
Ben has had a wide range of exposure to different coaching philosophies and techniques over the past 10 years, both in the United States and abroad. During the summers 2001-2003, he worked with Soccer Ltd., conducting soccer clinics and camps across the east coast. After his time as a professional player in Europe, Ben returned to take on the RDOC role at Northern Virginia Soccer Club and currently has since attained his USSF C license. Coach Ben believes the true measurement of his success lies in the continuous and steady development of his players.

Tryouts are 5/15, 5/22 and 5/24, 5:30-7pm, on turf at Draper Drive Park in Fairfax. If interested contact the coach at: paul.hicks96@gmail.com.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FPYC 07G Blue & Gold Flames teams are looking to add some players as they make the jump from 7v7 to 9v9 next year. Fees are around $1500 range when everything is included. Practices are 3x week Fall and Spring, 2x week summer and winter. The teams play in the NCSL and also do a winter futsal session.

For those truly looking to put development over results at this age, this would be a good fit. They have a highly qualified and experienced head coach in Paul Hicks (D license and Nat Youth License), and also use 2 professional trainers, Fabien Lewis and Ben Kamara (each leads 1 practice per week, the coach runs the other practice as well as the games).
They are dedicated to teaching a possession style (building from the back, usually playing short on goal kicks, etc...) while also encouraging use the of skill and creativity along with good decision-making. The coach focuses on developing a competitive mentality in the long term, without getting himself too caught up in the short term results.

Trainer: Fabien Lewis (http://www.advancesoccerdevelopment.com/Default.aspx?tabid=865494)

Bio: He holds a USSF ‘B’ License, USSF National ‘Y’ License, NSCAA Goal-keeping level I Diploma. He is also PCA (Positive Coaching Alliance) certified.
Fabien has been involved as a coach and trainer with youth, amateur and professional soccer teams. Furthermore, he has experience working with boys, girls, men and women.

In May 2015, Fabien was appointed head coach of Kaya F.C. (a professional soccer team from Manila, Philippines). While at the helm of head coach, he helped Kaya F.C. win their domestic knock-out competition, which secured them a spot in AFC (Asian Football Confederation) cup.

Furthermore, in 2010, coach Fabien was invited by the Southern Football Association of Trinidad & Tobago, to be one of the coaching instructors at a three day coaching workshop held in Point-of-Pierre, Trinidad West-Indies. Here, some forty candidates attended.

Prior to coaching, Fabien has enjoyed a very exciting playing career. He was part of the Trinidad & Tobago U-15 National team pool, represented the U-17 national team during FIFA world cup qualifiers and the U-23 Olympic team. In 2002, he was invited to the Trinidad & Tobago full national team pool under coach Hannibal Najjar.
Fabien played collegiate soccer at both Canisius College and George Mason University where he obtained all possible individual collegiate accolades. More importantly, helped both schools to their respective conference play-offs, and also, an NCAA appearance while at George Mason University.
After his collegiate career, he then plied his trade professionally for some 10 years in various parts of North America, South East Asia and the Caribbean.

Trainer: Ben Kamara (http://www.mvpsoccer.net/Default.aspx?tabid=576642)

Bio: Ben has over 20 years of playing and coaching experience and former Recreational Director of Coaching (RDOC) at Braddock Road Youth Club. Prior to becoming the RDOC at Braddock Road, he served as RDOC at Northern Virginia Soccer Club. He is also a VYSA Academy Coach with the VYSA Olympic Development Program.Born in Sierra Leone, where he spent a large part of his childhood, Ben grew up playing travel soccer in the Northern Virginia area. He went on to attend Ferrum College where he was awarded several accolades including Freshman of the Year (2000-01) and Offensive Player of the Year (2001-02). He went on to play professionally for a litany of French clubs from 2004-2010, including Estac, Troyes, Noisy Le Sec, Sennoa and Paris Football Club.
Ben has had a wide range of exposure to different coaching philosophies and techniques over the past 10 years, both in the United States and abroad. During the summers 2001-2003, he worked with Soccer Ltd., conducting soccer clinics and camps across the east coast. After his time as a professional player in Europe, Ben returned to take on the RDOC role at Northern Virginia Soccer Club and currently has since attained his USSF C license. Coach Ben believes the true measurement of his success lies in the continuous and steady development of his players.

Tryouts are 5/15, 5/22 and 5/24, 5:30-7pm, on turf at Draper Drive Park in Fairfax. If interested contact the coach at: paul.hicks96@gmail.com.

Any feedback on the boys side for FPYC. Thinking about checking it out for a U9

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FPYC 07G Blue & Gold Flames teams are looking to add some players as they make the jump from 7v7 to 9v9 next year. Fees are around $1500 range when everything is included. Practices are 3x week Fall and Spring, 2x week summer and winter. The teams play in the NCSL and also do a winter futsal session.

For those truly looking to put development over results at this age, this would be a good fit. They have a highly qualified and experienced head coach in Paul Hicks (D license and Nat Youth License), and also use 2 professional trainers, Fabien Lewis and Ben Kamara (each leads 1 practice per week, the coach runs the other practice as well as the games).
They are dedicated to teaching a possession style (building from the back, usually playing short on goal kicks, etc...) while also encouraging use the of skill and creativity along with good decision-making. The coach focuses on developing a competitive mentality in the long term, without getting himself too caught up in the short term results.

Trainer: Fabien Lewis (http://www.advancesoccerdevelopment.com/Default.aspx?tabid=865494)

Bio: He holds a USSF ‘B’ License, USSF National ‘Y’ License, NSCAA Goal-keeping level I Diploma. He is also PCA (Positive Coaching Alliance) certified.
Fabien has been involved as a coach and trainer with youth, amateur and professional soccer teams. Furthermore, he has experience working with boys, girls, men and women.

In May 2015, Fabien was appointed head coach of Kaya F.C. (a professional soccer team from Manila, Philippines). While at the helm of head coach, he helped Kaya F.C. win their domestic knock-out competition, which secured them a spot in AFC (Asian Football Confederation) cup.

Furthermore, in 2010, coach Fabien was invited by the Southern Football Association of Trinidad & Tobago, to be one of the coaching instructors at a three day coaching workshop held in Point-of-Pierre, Trinidad West-Indies. Here, some forty candidates attended.

Prior to coaching, Fabien has enjoyed a very exciting playing career. He was part of the Trinidad & Tobago U-15 National team pool, represented the U-17 national team during FIFA world cup qualifiers and the U-23 Olympic team. In 2002, he was invited to the Trinidad & Tobago full national team pool under coach Hannibal Najjar.
Fabien played collegiate soccer at both Canisius College and George Mason University where he obtained all possible individual collegiate accolades. More importantly, helped both schools to their respective conference play-offs, and also, an NCAA appearance while at George Mason University.
After his collegiate career, he then plied his trade professionally for some 10 years in various parts of North America, South East Asia and the Caribbean.

Trainer: Ben Kamara (http://www.mvpsoccer.net/Default.aspx?tabid=576642)

Bio: Ben has over 20 years of playing and coaching experience and former Recreational Director of Coaching (RDOC) at Braddock Road Youth Club. Prior to becoming the RDOC at Braddock Road, he served as RDOC at Northern Virginia Soccer Club. He is also a VYSA Academy Coach with the VYSA Olympic Development Program.Born in Sierra Leone, where he spent a large part of his childhood, Ben grew up playing travel soccer in the Northern Virginia area. He went on to attend Ferrum College where he was awarded several accolades including Freshman of the Year (2000-01) and Offensive Player of the Year (2001-02). He went on to play professionally for a litany of French clubs from 2004-2010, including Estac, Troyes, Noisy Le Sec, Sennoa and Paris Football Club.
Ben has had a wide range of exposure to different coaching philosophies and techniques over the past 10 years, both in the United States and abroad. During the summers 2001-2003, he worked with Soccer Ltd., conducting soccer clinics and camps across the east coast. After his time as a professional player in Europe, Ben returned to take on the RDOC role at Northern Virginia Soccer Club and currently has since attained his USSF C license. Coach Ben believes the true measurement of his success lies in the continuous and steady development of his players.

Tryouts are 5/15, 5/22 and 5/24, 5:30-7pm, on turf at Draper Drive Park in Fairfax. If interested contact the coach at: paul.hicks96@gmail.com.

Any feedback on the boys side for FPYC. Thinking about checking it out for a U9

It's really hit or miss right now with FPYC. Totally dependent on the age group and individual coaches involved. They used to have a great pre-travel program and for a few years they were regularly turning out U9 teams that could compete with the best clubs in the area, but it has gone downhill in recent years. The current group of u8 boys have been a complete mess in the cross-over league, but with the right coach, who knows?