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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]At least 1/2 of every game - at all levels of play.  The exceptions would be (1) MLSNext at the MLS teams’ own clubs.  It’s a different set up there.  (2) Discipline reasons and/or red cards (3) goalkeepers.  That’s a weird one.  It’s possible that a top team has two good keepers.  Goodness knows they all would like two.  That’s pretty rare though.  If it happens then they should get full games.

That’s it.  Those are the exceptions.  Otherwise, at least 1/2 of every game.  The clubs and coaches have a very simple “out” to for not wanting to play a kid at least 1/2 of every game.  Don’t put them on the team.  If you put a kid on the team, and take the money, then you commit to working to make the kid a better player, and to play the kid at least 1/2 of every game.

“But, we want to win.”  Great.  Win by making all your players who are on the team better than your opponents.  No one gives a crap whether you actually “win” a game.  Ask yourself - do you care what team won the MLSNext u17/18 championship last year?  How about girls’ ECNL u18?  Unless you had a kid on one of those teams - no one cares.  And, even then, it’s iffy.  At least in high school the trophy will sit in a cabinet down the athletic hallway, and be on the pennant hanging in the gym.

The simple fact is that the job of every coach and team in “high level” youth soccer (basically MLSNext and ECNL) is to try and prepare the players to compete in college or professionally.  That purpose has zero to do with winning or losing.  No college coach ever said - “I like player X and she would be great on our team, but her u16 team only won 1/2 their games, so I’m not going to try and recruit her.”

Again, it’s simple.  1/2 of every game.  Don’t think the kid is good enough to effectively play 1/2 of every game?  Fine.  Don’t put them on the team.  Don’t take their money.  Easy.

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Should kids who are falling behind technically and putting in “average” effort at practice still get 1/2 the game? [/quote]
Considering we are 3 weeks into the season yes.   Maybe tryouts shouldn't be held 6 months before a season starts if you are worried about chosen kids falling behind.   If you are good enough to offer the spot and take your $$ you should get to play.   [/quote]

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