Anonymous
Post 10/09/2023 19:49     Subject: U11 - Moving up during season?
Went through this with my kid who pays in NOVA. She made the travel C team in spring tryouts, but she practiced all summer. By fall she was playing at the same level as the B team. She was asked to guest play in four games with the B team and ended up at mid back as a guest player (starting).

She played so well the B team coach has always asked if she was available to play as a guest player. Anytime she's free she plays with the B team.

I spoke with the B team coach about the options of moving up permanently. The coach is very interested, but the issue is roster space. However, from what I hear they evaluate all players during the winter. I have a feeling they will move my kid up to B before spring season.

I've also heard plenty of coaches who don't allow their kids to guest play on other teams. IMO it's selfish, but let's be honest...we all know there's plenty of bad/horrible coaches.
Anonymous
Post 10/09/2023 17:37     Subject: U11 - Moving up during season?
It depends on the club, I think. My son played for one club in NOVA, and some upward movement during the season happened. My stepson, with whom I am very close, played for another, and there was really no upward movement during the season unless someone moved or left from a team above.
Anonymous
Post 10/09/2023 17:21     Subject: U11 - Moving up during season?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Yes no harm in asking; the squeaky wheel gets the grease. IME, the kids who are clearly too good for the team their on get asked to guest play and practice with the higher level team. They don’t want to lose those kids to another club. They still continued to play on the lower level team though (again, IME). This is PPA.


OP here. That is what we've seen. My kid has been asked to guest play with the higher team several times including a tournament. And when he plays with them he starts and plays the entire game. He's not a sub which surprises me. I have spoken to the coach and he has all praise for him, but soccer is the one sport I never played and travel soccer is new to me. Wasn't sure if there was protocol in terms of this.

In regards to him waiting, the issue is his current team is not making him better. 90 minute practices and he's standing still for literally 60 minutes of it. Barely any touches on the ball. It's frustrating to watch and he's getting frustrated. I don't want to get into the issues with the current team, needless to say it's not a good dynamic and parents have been complaining behind the scenes.

Thanks for all feedback.


Most defenders do play the entire game and are not subbed. Again have some perspective. Your kid is not some superstar because he played the whole game as a Center back.


What is with the negative attitude? The guy is just asking about his kid and how to move up. He never said his kid was a super star. But, if he's guest playing up and isn't a sub he's got to be decent or better than other kids on that level. Most guest players are subs, they don't start the entire game regardless of position. And I don't read anything the OP posted as if he is showing off. No need to be so negative.


Come on, The entire OP is Showboat city. The kid is 10. But that being said, if the coaches think he’s good enough to be moved up, they will. It’s a business and they want wins. IME playing a guest at the defender spots allows the other players on the team to be in scoring positions and try new positions which matters a little more at that age. It’s not like the kid is playing the whole game in offense and is scoring all the goals… I’m not trying to be negative but just think he needs to understand a little more since they said they’re new to travel soccer. Many of us know the game really changes at U13 so at this stage they’re trying to build the best teams with the strongest players.


Not PPP, but come on. The parent sees that his kid is outperforming his team and is asking about it. How is he supposed to "get perspective" without already having lived through all this? I only have the wider appreciation of the soccer world because I've been parenting though it.
Anonymous
Post 10/09/2023 15:29     Subject: U11 - Moving up during season?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Yes no harm in asking; the squeaky wheel gets the grease. IME, the kids who are clearly too good for the team their on get asked to guest play and practice with the higher level team. They don’t want to lose those kids to another club. They still continued to play on the lower level team though (again, IME). This is PPA.


OP here. That is what we've seen. My kid has been asked to guest play with the higher team several times including a tournament. And when he plays with them he starts and plays the entire game. He's not a sub which surprises me. I have spoken to the coach and he has all praise for him, but soccer is the one sport I never played and travel soccer is new to me. Wasn't sure if there was protocol in terms of this.

In regards to him waiting, the issue is his current team is not making him better. 90 minute practices and he's standing still for literally 60 minutes of it. Barely any touches on the ball. It's frustrating to watch and he's getting frustrated. I don't want to get into the issues with the current team, needless to say it's not a good dynamic and parents have been complaining behind the scenes.

Thanks for all feedback.


Most defenders do play the entire game and are not subbed. Again have some perspective. Your kid is not some superstar because he played the whole game as a Center back.


What is with the negative attitude? The guy is just asking about his kid and how to move up. He never said his kid was a super star. But, if he's guest playing up and isn't a sub he's got to be decent or better than other kids on that level. Most guest players are subs, they don't start the entire game regardless of position. And I don't read anything the OP posted as if he is showing off. No need to be so negative.


Come on, The entire OP is Showboat city. The kid is 10. But that being said, if the coaches think he’s good enough to be moved up, they will. It’s a business and they want wins. IME playing a guest at the defender spots allows the other players on the team to be in scoring positions and try new positions which matters a little more at that age. It’s not like the kid is playing the whole game in offense and is scoring all the goals… I’m not trying to be negative but just think he needs to understand a little more since they said they’re new to travel soccer. Many of us know the game really changes at U13 so at this stage they’re trying to build the best teams with the strongest players.
Anonymous
Post 10/09/2023 14:47     Subject: U11 - Moving up during season?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Piggybacking on this to ask those with experience: does inconsistency kill the chances of being moved up? We have a U10 DD who did really well at summer practices and caught the attention of the top team coach, according to current B team coach. DD has not been asked to guest play (haven’t heard about anyone from B team being asked yet this season) but has joined A team for drills during a couple of practices. When A scrimmages B at practice, kid has been put with A while a couple kids on current A are asked to play with B. However, DD’s performances in real games thus far has been mixed. Sometimes DD is great, other times she makes bad mistakes. She tends to play at the level of the team as a whole. Rarely does she have a great game when the team overall does poorly or vice versa.

How much “benefit of the doubt” do coaches give a younger kid? Do they keep players under consideration if they see some initial promise? Would some winter training help improve consistency? As a parent with no soccer experience, the evaluation process feels like a mystery. As noted before DD seems to play to the level of the girls around her. Definitely don’t want DD to feel any pressure at such a young age, but also don’t want to fail to support her development if she’s on the bubble.


Coaches keep their eye on everyone - and would absolutely take consistency into consideration. Which is fine - you don't want DD to be in a situation she can't handle. Confidence is key to consistency for a lot of kids. Winter training -- any training -- will always help. But also know that coaches understand how kids wax and wane in terms of relative skill. Today's superstars may be meh for a few months before rising up again. Kids change so much.

If DD's goal is to make that higher team, then some more experience or personal training will be helpful. But you know, she may not care and might want to stick with her friends!


Adding:
Coaches are looking for attitude, aggressiveness, focus, and skills. Is DD first to the ball? Even if she's not the most skilled technically, the kid that is running to the ball instead of waiting for the ball to come to her will get points. Is she listening to the coach and able to take the directions given and follow them? Is she a good teammate? Does she compliment teammates and make sure to pass the ball? When she is taught a skill, how quickly can she implement it?
Anonymous
Post 10/09/2023 14:42     Subject: U11 - Moving up during season?
Anonymous wrote:Piggybacking on this to ask those with experience: does inconsistency kill the chances of being moved up? We have a U10 DD who did really well at summer practices and caught the attention of the top team coach, according to current B team coach. DD has not been asked to guest play (haven’t heard about anyone from B team being asked yet this season) but has joined A team for drills during a couple of practices. When A scrimmages B at practice, kid has been put with A while a couple kids on current A are asked to play with B. However, DD’s performances in real games thus far has been mixed. Sometimes DD is great, other times she makes bad mistakes. She tends to play at the level of the team as a whole. Rarely does she have a great game when the team overall does poorly or vice versa.

How much “benefit of the doubt” do coaches give a younger kid? Do they keep players under consideration if they see some initial promise? Would some winter training help improve consistency? As a parent with no soccer experience, the evaluation process feels like a mystery. As noted before DD seems to play to the level of the girls around her. Definitely don’t want DD to feel any pressure at such a young age, but also don’t want to fail to support her development if she’s on the bubble.


Coaches keep their eye on everyone - and would absolutely take consistency into consideration. Which is fine - you don't want DD to be in a situation she can't handle. Confidence is key to consistency for a lot of kids. Winter training -- any training -- will always help. But also know that coaches understand how kids wax and wane in terms of relative skill. Today's superstars may be meh for a few months before rising up again. Kids change so much.

If DD's goal is to make that higher team, then some more experience or personal training will be helpful. But you know, she may not care and might want to stick with her friends!
Anonymous
Post 10/09/2023 14:37     Subject: U11 - Moving up during season?
Piggybacking on this to ask those with experience: does inconsistency kill the chances of being moved up? We have a U10 DD who did really well at summer practices and caught the attention of the top team coach, according to current B team coach. DD has not been asked to guest play (haven’t heard about anyone from B team being asked yet this season) but has joined A team for drills during a couple of practices. When A scrimmages B at practice, kid has been put with A while a couple kids on current A are asked to play with B. However, DD’s performances in real games thus far has been mixed. Sometimes DD is great, other times she makes bad mistakes. She tends to play at the level of the team as a whole. Rarely does she have a great game when the team overall does poorly or vice versa.

How much “benefit of the doubt” do coaches give a younger kid? Do they keep players under consideration if they see some initial promise? Would some winter training help improve consistency? As a parent with no soccer experience, the evaluation process feels like a mystery. As noted before DD seems to play to the level of the girls around her. Definitely don’t want DD to feel any pressure at such a young age, but also don’t want to fail to support her development if she’s on the bubble.
Anonymous
Post 10/09/2023 13:17     Subject: U11 - Moving up during season?
All the recent replies have been excellent.

OP, speak with the higher tier team's coach and express your son's interest in joining. Since he's played for him several times already he knows him well enough. And if he guest played up and started the entire game that's a good sign. In my league my kid has guest played up but he's a sub and gets maybe 15-20 minutes of field time.

I'd reach out to the coach and have an honest conversation. Most coaches, if they are good, will be direct and tell you the options. However, in my experience your son's existing team may not be happy about it especially if he's the best player on the team. The coach may not be happy either to lose their best player.

But, in the end what matters is what's best for your son. I agree with others, see if he can practice with the upper tier team. Would be great to see how well he fits in during practice instead of only games. Good luck.
Anonymous
Post 10/09/2023 11:29     Subject: U11 - Moving up during season?
While not the same situation (we asked to practice with a higher level team bc of a standing conflict with one of the normal team practice), we were up front about it with the coach. We worked with the age director to get permission to practice with the higher level team, but also talked to the current coach about it — he was totally cool with it and said practicing w the higher level team would make them a better player. Hopefully you have a supportive coach and good luck!
Anonymous
Post 10/09/2023 11:19     Subject: U11 - Moving up during season?
I've seen movement happen during the winter break; it's not uncommon for one or two kids to move up/down when the spring season start. I agree you should speak with the coaches about it, in a positive light.
Anonymous
Post 10/09/2023 10:53     Subject: U11 - Moving up during season?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Yes no harm in asking; the squeaky wheel gets the grease. IME, the kids who are clearly too good for the team their on get asked to guest play and practice with the higher level team. They don’t want to lose those kids to another club. They still continued to play on the lower level team though (again, IME). This is PPA.


OP here. That is what we've seen. My kid has been asked to guest play with the higher team several times including a tournament. And when he plays with them he starts and plays the entire game. He's not a sub which surprises me. I have spoken to the coach and he has all praise for him, but soccer is the one sport I never played and travel soccer is new to me. Wasn't sure if there was protocol in terms of this.

In regards to him waiting, the issue is his current team is not making him better. 90 minute practices and he's standing still for literally 60 minutes of it. Barely any touches on the ball. It's frustrating to watch and he's getting frustrated. I don't want to get into the issues with the current team, needless to say it's not a good dynamic and parents have been complaining behind the scenes.

Thanks for all feedback.


I think these are two different issues that may or may not have one solution. Talk to the coach of the higher team and say:
1) My kid learns so much more on your team
2) Is hungry for more
3) What do you think it would take for my son to join your team permanently?

Even if they say no, there's no space, ask if your son can practice with the top team 1Xweek. That should help both give him challenge or lay the groundwork for the next season.



My kid already asked me if he could train with the other team. My concern is how would it impact his current team? Would the coach get upset? I don't want to cause drama between coaches or teams. Again, new to travel soccer so unsure how this work.

Appreciate the constructive feedback.


Do they practice at the same time? The coaches should communicate with each other and with you. A good coach will work with you to give opportunities to their players, others can be petty about it. My youngest had a coach last year who said no when the coach a level up asked for guest players on a day when our girls didn’t have a game. She said they “weren’t ready” which was total BS. We’ve also had coaches who welcomed players from other teams who wanted to work hard and sought extra training. IME, coaches who are older and have raised their own kids have a better perspective on stuff like this than younger coaches who aren’t parents.


that's remarkably sh*tty.