Anonymous wrote:I would like to add that joining a team mid-way through the year can often create dissension at the new team which will now have another kid subbing in and taking time from current players. I've got kids on various teams that love collecting players but I find that the new kids (and parents) are often not loved right away due to the the insecurity it creates amongst the current players.

My kid is on a DA team that constantly has new people rotate through. Several have been training with the DA for months to be honest. Kids are kind of used to it. Some teams may be more insular, but I think at a certain point kids realize this is how it is.

I would like to add that joining a team mid-way through the year can often create dissension at the new team which will now have another kid subbing in and taking time from current players. I've got kids on various teams that love collecting players but I find that the new kids (and parents) are often not loved right away due to the the insecurity it creates amongst the current players.

This is still a great time to start doing your homework for next year to make sure you don't end up in another bad situation. Winter is a great time to get guest playing opportunities in futsal or tournaments so you can see what the coach and team is really like. Start calling and emailing now to find open practices so you are ready for guest opportunities over the winter. If you wait until spring tryouts to figure out where to go next just as likely to end up in a worse situation.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If she is unhappy, I would leave. My son left his team after 2 years and joined new team for spring season. It was a great move - he was beginning to dislike soccer and on the new team, he is happy.

Same for my DS. But...just because a team is losing does t mean your DD is regressing. Many teams that focus on technical skills at the younger ages (as opposed to physicality, direct play) tend to lose. So first make sure she’s not continuing to develop in that area before you make the move. You should also probably speak with the coach to get a sense of his/her training goals.

Teams that focus on technical skills under u12 get better as the season goes on. OP may be seeing the other teams getting better while DD teams treads water. It would look like your team is getting worst but in reality the other teams are getting better.

Some times kids need a change. I would look around. One kid leaving a team just mean more playing time for the other kids. Just remember the club will have to release your kids card and some leagues do not allow transfers between teams during the year.

Sound advice here. Guess we won't leave till after Spring season. That's a lot of $$$ just to pay to leave.

While I agree that parents ultimately have to do what's best for their kids, I also think there's due process. At the very least, have a conversation with the coach to express your concerns and hear his/her perspective. I also think kids need to learn that they will have teachers, coaches, bosses. etc. that they don't like and you can't just quit when things get hard. Also know that results at this age are often driven by physical development. A team can be building player skills and learning how to play out of the back but get beat every week by bigger, faster teams that play a more direct style of soccer. Not saying you don't know what you're seeing, but just make sure you're assessing development and not results alone at this age.

If talking to them doesn't yield any insight or change, start shopping for your kid's next club. But I'd only switch mid-year in travel if things were really off the rails. How would you feel if a club came to you midyear and said "I know we promised you a year but a really great center back just moved here and wants your kid's spot so off you go." I also agree with the PP if it's travel soccer and you've made a yearlong commitment to the team, you really should fulfill that commitment unless your child is in some sort of danger or if the club is grossly under-delivering on its commitment (and poor team results doesn't qualify in my opinion). Lastly, I've seen firsthand that the soccer world is a small one and the coach you have today could easily resurface in your next club. Not good to burn bridges. So at least give him/her the opportunity to address your concerns before you jump ship.

Anonymous wrote:It is an easy call if your kids is not happy and seems to be regressing. Talk to your DD to see if she wants to move. IF she does, find a better situation. Then make a move. Keep it simple and drama free.

Another option would be to do some supplemental training with a different coach or even outside of your current club.

If you committed to a year, you should pay. Other than that, I think it's fine to leave after a season if you are having a bad experience.

Anonymous wrote:There are ups and downs with every team.

Are you on a travel team? You committed to the year- dont be that guy that leaves in the middle the yea, shortening your team out of a player on the roster and the financial hit. (unless you pay in full)

BS.

If the team isn't delivering what you paid, they have broken the loyalty expectation that you seem to think they deserve.

Your kid's time playing sports is short. Don't waste another hour on something that isn't providing for their growth and development.

It is an easy call if your kids is not happy and seems to be regressing. Talk to your DD to see if she wants to move. IF she does, find a better situation. Then make a move. Keep it simple and drama free.

Pay your money and leave.

Anonymous wrote:If she is unhappy, I would leave. My son left his team after 2 years and joined new team for spring season. It was a great move - he was beginning to dislike soccer and on the new team, he is happy.

Same for my DS. But...just because a team is losing does t mean your DD is regressing. Many teams that focus on technical skills at the younger ages (as opposed to physicality, direct play) tend to lose. So first make sure she’s not continuing to develop in that area before you make the move. You should also probably speak with the coach to get a sense of his/her training goals.

If she is unhappy, I would leave. My son left his team after 2 years and joined new team for spring season. It was a great move - he was beginning to dislike soccer and on the new team, he is happy.

There are ups and downs with every team.

Are you on a travel team? You committed to the year- dont be that guy that leaves in the middle the yea, shortening your team out of a player on the roster and the financial hit. (unless you pay in full)

Just wondering. DD is not happy and seems to be regressing. Same can be said about many of the other players.

Tell tale sign is it's the same group of players and we are watching other teams who used to be worse, now to be better than us.

Thanks for your input/advice in advance.