Anonymous wrote:I didn't realize current second graders even played travel. That's a thing?

lots of u8/u9 teams and even before then "developmental" groups

I didn't realize current second graders even played travel. That's a thing?

You're actively recruiting on a website (and the fact you even know to post here is above almost every rec coach I've known). Most travel/club teams don't even care this much.

OP

I would like to clarify. I'm not "selecting" a team and picking out the best kids out of a pool of players and submitting a roster. Parents are allowed to "request" a coach if they want. That's how many rec teams have the same team over and over each year and kids can stay together because the parents request the same coach. But yes, if you don't make a request, the org will put kids together best by neighborhood or school to organize a team.

To further clarify. I choose ABGC because it is the most competitive rec from what I've seen. If I wanted to just beat up teams and win games, I could join a couple other clubs rec programs where the kids just stand there and do nothing. That's not even fun. I'm happy to even run 3v3 or 5 v 5 between the kids themselves and not even join a league. But half the fun for the kids is playing together with friends against other teams. The kids already on the team are physically smaller/slower (my son included) and still quite inexperienced themselves. We will not be dominating games. But all these kids do love to play and give great effort. That is all I ask. It will be a mix of learning well and still having fun. I understand it may seem mean of me to ask for kids with some experience but I've done enough coaching of children are afraid of the ball, don't want to play, just want to goof around, or have discipline issues. I want these kids to learn to dribble some, learn a cool move, makes some good passes, learn to move as a team. Again, I did travel and that comes with its own issues.

No rec league is going to let you submit a team roster like this. They assign the players to teams and often, you can't keep the same players from season to season, because they try to move kids around to balance the teams.

I'm surprised, since you coached rec previously, that are not aware of this dynamic.

I am surprised they let you select an entire team and not just have the neighborhood or school kids. I feel like with many rec sports the new coaches always get the leftover kids and are at a disadvantage when they play other established rec teams with a returning coach. My experience with ABGC is not very positive for rec sports and your team should be dominating.

I believe you’re well intentioned but have you checked that the league allows this? The rec teams my kids grew up playing on were with MSI soccer. There you register your child, volunteer to coach and the organization fills the roster. They try to do it so kids play with neighborhood kids. If you want a friend to join, they can request your team but no guarantees. Once a team exists, if I recall correctly, they will hold returning player registration before new players sign up so the kids can stay together.

I hope things work out for you. I remember when my now 18 year old started with rec he was frustrated that most of the team didn’t really care about soccer. Half the team barely showed up and the kids were unfocused during practice. That’s why he moved to travel.

OP Here

Background - We have done rec league for multiple years and did travel this last year. Coaches come and go. Rec coaches are often parent volunteers who don't have much experience. Lots of kids in rec drop in and out all the time. I have assisted coached few times in rec, it's difficult to have new kids each season with little to no experience. Many of the good kids will have already jumped to travel. Travel soccer was not a good fit for my family or son at this time. It was best to go back.

My Goal: To form a group of kids who like to play and eager to learn. They will be able to develop individually and learn how to play like a team. At this stage, I prefer to coach myself after all the teams we have been on. I'd like them to stay together for a few years and become friends. I'm not looking to create a stacked team and beat opponents. I'm happy to welcome less inexperienced kids if they willing to learn. I think most parents in rec still wish their children to develop well and not just run around without learning anything.

Happy to continue to answer any questions you may have to see if I may be a good fit for your child. Email me your contact info and happy to jump on a call.

Anonymous wrote:A good suggestion is to sign up your kid for rec league and volunteer to be the coach. I know the rec leagues are always looking for coaches.

But then he wouldn't be sure to get a team of current second graders who have experience! His little Larlo would have to practice with unvetted third graders!

A good suggestion is to sign up your kid for rec league and volunteer to be the coach. I know the rec leagues are always looking for coaches.

Our rec league wouldn't let a parent submit a roster like this.

Anonymous wrote:Usually rec teams are formed by the rec league and they try to balance out the players with and without experience to have fair games.

Are you trying to create a super stacked rec league team for 3rd graders (LOL) or are you just completely ignorant on how rec leagues are run?

+100

Usually rec teams are formed by the rec league and they try to balance out the players with and without experience to have fair games.

Are you trying to create a super stacked rec league team for 3rd graders (LOL) or are you just completely ignorant on how rec leagues are run?

Doesn't Annandale soccer take care of this when you register?

Hello, I am looking to form a recreational soccer team with my 8 year old son for Annandale Boys and Girls club next season. Interested in upcoming 3rd graders for Fall 2026 in surrounding Annandale, Falls Church, Burke area. We have 5 kids currently on the team and looking to fill up the roster to 10-12. I find it best when kids get to know each other and become friends as well as teammates.

Looking for kids with previous soccer experience, love of the game, and/or eager to learn. I am lifelong soccer player and used to coach U12-U14 NCSL Boys. I have also took multiple US Soccer training courses. Your child will get quality training even though it is recreational.

Contact at soccershot12@gmail.com