Since when do players get to choose which positions they play in at u13

My U17 son has played in several different positions since his U13 year, so don't worry that you're getting locked into something. My personal opinion is that the most important thing is to be on the field. 100% on the field in ANY position (other than GK) is better than 50% in any other position. Full stop.

Also will mention that this is where programs like ODP or futsal can add a lot of value--kids can play at different positions and have different responsibilities and get that well-rounded development.

Anonymous wrote:for a 13 years old boy, between playing in a position that gives him the entire game play time vs a different position that he prefers but half of the play time, what are the pros and cons of these two options? he is good at playing both positions and is playing in a competitive travel league.

I would go with the position where he gets to play the entire game, but at U13 kids should play multiple positions to develop properly. .

OP here - it is his decision. we are hoping to provide constructive guidance, that’s about it.

Not sure why you’re involved. Let your son work it out with his coach. It’s up to them. There is no right answer here, only preference. You could help your kid with critical thinking skills by guiding him thru his decision making process but don’t bias his choice by injecting your or other DCU troll’s opinions.

I would prefer my child play most of the game but that's just me. Agree with PP about asking whether he can switch to preferred position for more time in an easier game. Coache tend to mix it up anyway in those situations

Anonymous wrote:for a 13 years old boy, between playing in a position that gives him the entire game play time vs a different position that he prefers but half of the play time, what are the pros and cons of these two options? he is good at playing both positions and is playing in a competitive travel league.

You could ask the coach to play the position he prefers when you play an easier opponent.

Anonymous wrote:for a 13 years old boy, between playing in a position that gives him the entire game play time vs a different position that he prefers but half of the play time, what are the pros and cons of these two options? he is good at playing both positions and is playing in a competitive travel league.

I'll boil it down for ya

position 1
pros - more play time
cons - not the position he prefers

position 2
pros - the position he prefers
cons - less play time

some coaches wouldn’t like it if kids want to play a different position than what coach assigns them to.

do you communicate with coach of your wish or choose a different team?

I let my son decide.

He played a few seasons 100% of the game at center back which he hated (but was really good at it) even after asking coach over and over again for even a portion of game elsewhere. He isn't tall either.

He prefers to play 1/2 a game at center mid. So that is what he does now. He's U14 (13-years old).

for a 13 years old boy, between playing in a position that gives him the entire game play time vs a different position that he prefers but half of the play time, what are the pros and cons of these two options? he is good at playing both positions and is playing in a competitive travel league.