At U16 he needs to be working on his physical training. The boys game gets a lot more physical at this age. He needs to become stronger, faster, with better endurance if he wants to stand out among 16 year old boys at a MLS Next tryout.

Silly post. He needs to have a space where he can work with the ball regularly. If he has a partner to “play defense” even better. He/she needs to have consistent self training- juggles, first touch, moves, etc., on his/her own. The most important thing this will develop noticeably is confidence; he/she will also start to internalize moves and will be more patient with the ball leading to better decision making. This self time with the ball will show up in practice and in game, and you will see a better player emerge. As a parent, encourage them to strengthen the weaknesses in their game (e.g. weak foot, turns); Just like anything else: consistency is the key.

Anonymous wrote:don't say anything about it, see if he does it on his own, if not don't worry about it. It has to come from him.

He has not quit by 14 like most so save us the speeches about your entitled kids needing motivation and just give them a tip.

If you can’t do that, go spend your time mindlessly bantering about SY/BY with the rest of the bored parents.

Anonymous wrote:don't say anything about it, see if he does it on his own, if not don't worry about it. It has to come from him.

I second this. Self motivation is key.

don't say anything about it, see if he does it on his own, if not don't worry about it. It has to come from him.

Anonymous wrote:DS U16 MlsNext 2. He’s having a great start of the season and has really set a goal to play MLS Next next year. It probably won’t happen at his current club so he wants to make sure he’s prepared for tryouts and or asking to come to some practices in February/March.
Does anyone have training advice, individual trainers, small groups with trainers at a facility. Playing futsal or indoor.
We’d do Northern Viirginia, DC, Bethesda.
Not looking for input on Clubs for next year, really just looking for training options. It’s harder as they get older.

What position does he play? Other instructions will depend on that.

The easiest way is to stand out is first touch: https://youtu.be/HBBIFjQjK88?si=YUb6uSFPtnlezWsv

If your player knows how to scan and go anywhere they want with their first touch, they will look much faster than other players on the pitch and break lines and create favorable 3v2’s and 2v1’s.

I 2nd Next Stars. They were integral in my son’s development. We don’t go weekly but if you can make a Saturday or Sunday 10am group, you will connect with some ballers and learn your child’s weaknesses.

Drop in at Next Stars. They have session every day and you can check their Instagram to see the time and location. No need to make reservation. Just create an account and drop in when you can.

DS U16 MlsNext 2. He’s having a great start of the season and has really set a goal to play MLS Next next year. It probably won’t happen at his current club so he wants to make sure he’s prepared for tryouts and or asking to come to some practices in February/March.
Does anyone have training advice, individual trainers, small groups with trainers at a facility. Playing futsal or indoor.
We’d do Northern Viirginia, DC, Bethesda.
Not looking for input on Clubs for next year, really just looking for training options. It’s harder as they get older.