Anonymous
Post 05/31/2018 11:06     Subject: Re:Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss Part II
Anonymous wrote:Question about U11 kid (10-year old).

What would you do/think is better of these two options? :

A) Very strong training, consistent program. Coaches fantastic, development path strong. Current players weak-average, only a few strong ones. Probably could train up though.
B) Very strong players/competitive. Training good-nowhere near as good as A), coaches will vary over the years.

At this age is it more important to continue to work with a highly knowledgabel coaching staff with better training or a group of strong players where training ok, but not fantastic?

I know there is a development theory where league/competition doesn't matter until after U12, but this is about kids on the team and at practice. Another theory I've heard, confidence grows when you get to be team leader and take on more respsonibility.

Going back and forth. In first scenario, player is highly valued/wanted strongly by coaching staff. Second scenario, one of many good players.

Another factor, parent intensity probably much more in B). I really hate that environment, but would do my best to avoid--drop off, leave practice, sit farther away at games. A) does not allow sidelines to coach and very strict about parent behavior.

I am torn. I'd love to hear thoughts and what you would do in this situation.


I would pick Team A for that age in a heartbeat, but I'm curious about how a team can have great coaches and training and a great development path yet mostly weak to average players? Why aren't there more top players flocking there if the training is so good? In any case, while it is ideal to have strong competition in practice plus the positives Team A seems to offer, it is more important that a kid that age do a lot of individual work at home. If he is talented and continues to improve in a good environment, there will be plenty of more competitive options down the road.
Anonymous
Post 05/31/2018 11:05     Subject: Re:Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss Part II
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Question about U11 kid (10-year old).

What would you do/think is better of these two options? :

A) Very strong training, consistent program. Coaches fantastic, development path strong. Current players weak-average, only a few strong ones. Probably could train up though.
B) Very strong players/competitive. Training good-nowhere near as good as A), coaches will vary over the years.

At this age is it more important to continue to work with a highly knowledgabel coaching staff with better training or a group of strong players where training ok, but not fantastic?

I know there is a development theory where league/competition doesn't matter until after U12, but this is about kids on the team and at practice. Another theory I've heard, confidence grows when you get to be team leader and take on more respsonibility.

Going back and forth. In first scenario, player is highly valued/wanted strongly by coaching staff. Second scenario, one of many good players.

Another factor, parent intensity probably much more in B). I really hate that environment, but would do my best to avoid--drop off, leave practice, sit farther away at games. A) does not allow sidelines to coach and very strict about parent behavior.



I am torn. I'd love to hear thoughts and what you would do in this situation.


We just went through this with our middle school player. Player chose to stay in the current program where caliber of team is lower, but where training is solid, coach is good/positive/known quantity, and where player is a leader/starter, gets good playing time in matches, etc. Last year, player trained a year up once a week, and that was a good complement to practicing with team where pace of play is much slower and skill/fitness level is lower. Will likely encourage player to move after next year but thought one more year in this environment was good for confidence, development, etc. I could have made a case for either option, so supported player's decision to stay.


Thanks- and to the other pp as well. That is what I always heard for the younger years--coach/trainer matters the most.

My kid was crying after last game because he was so frustrated with the play (he just turned 10). From a viewers standpoint, the team was still bunching like Rec soccer, kids were not passing, getting in the way of their own players with the ball, and there are a few kids that are always on the ground. I've seen one player on the ground more than on his feet and he also is always sliding into everyone (not correctly).

But, I have seen how both my kids have learned movement and vision, etc. while there and the training sessions are top-notch. The older teams play really beautifully. I just don't know if the frustration level will be too much for my kid. But, I do know that he most likely will get to play up--at least train up.

He did get the chance to play with the other group of players at the other Club and he really shined. The kids all knew where to be on the field, they passed, overlapping runs, etc. Playing with better players made him look better/rise to the level of play on the field.

He waivers on where he would rather be, and I was letting him decide--but if he isn't strong either way I will make the decision.
Anonymous
Post 05/31/2018 10:27     Subject: Re:Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss Part II
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:When do teams usually reach out to families with regards to the rosters and next steps after tryouts and team placement have been completed?


I would like to know this too!


In our club, it's typically been over the summer (late June/July) when summer training schedule is posted, uniforms need to be ordered and team fees need to be collected. You can also ask the team manager.


In that case how/when does one volunteer to become a team manager or tournament cord. or any of the other parent volunteer responsibilities? Is that also in the late june/july time frame?


That depends on the club. I was the manager for our team this past year. I added the new players to TeamSnap in the early part of June, and almost immediately asked to see if one of the parents (old or new) wanted to manage the uniform ordering process for the team. At that point there was communication with the coach and our summer schedule was entered into teamsnap.

If you are joining an established team, it is likely (but not certain) that the team will have an existing manager who will likely be reaching out to you soon. An email to that person (or the coach if they dont reach out soon) letting them know that you are interested in volunteering is always well received. I can't imagine turning down anyone who wants to help!
Anonymous
Post 05/31/2018 10:22     Subject: Re:Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss Part II
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:When do teams usually reach out to families with regards to the rosters and next steps after tryouts and team placement have been completed?


I would like to know this too!


In our club, it's typically been over the summer (late June/July) when summer training schedule is posted, uniforms need to be ordered and team fees need to be collected. You can also ask the team manager.


In that case how/when does one volunteer to become a team manager or tournament cord. or any of the other parent volunteer responsibilities? Is that also in the late june/july time frame?


You should hear from your coach by middle of June after the spring season ends. If not, contact your club, not the team manager...because there is no team manager yet. : )
Anonymous
Post 05/31/2018 10:14     Subject: Re:Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss Part II
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:When do teams usually reach out to families with regards to the rosters and next steps after tryouts and team placement have been completed?


I would like to know this too!


In our club, it's typically been over the summer (late June/July) when summer training schedule is posted, uniforms need to be ordered and team fees need to be collected. You can also ask the team manager.


In that case how/when does one volunteer to become a team manager or tournament cord. or any of the other parent volunteer responsibilities? Is that also in the late june/july time frame?
Anonymous
Post 05/31/2018 09:54     Subject: Re:Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss Part II
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:When do teams usually reach out to families with regards to the rosters and next steps after tryouts and team placement have been completed?


I would like to know this too!


In our club, it's typically been over the summer (late June/July) when summer training schedule is posted, uniforms need to be ordered and team fees need to be collected. You can also ask the team manager.
Anonymous
Post 05/31/2018 09:50     Subject: Re:Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss Part II
Anonymous wrote:Question about U11 kid (10-year old).

What would you do/think is better of these two options? :

A) Very strong training, consistent program. Coaches fantastic, development path strong. Current players weak-average, only a few strong ones. Probably could train up though.
B) Very strong players/competitive. Training good-nowhere near as good as A), coaches will vary over the years.

At this age is it more important to continue to work with a highly knowledgabel coaching staff with better training or a group of strong players where training ok, but not fantastic?

I know there is a development theory where league/competition doesn't matter until after U12, but this is about kids on the team and at practice. Another theory I've heard, confidence grows when you get to be team leader and take on more respsonibility.

Going back and forth. In first scenario, player is highly valued/wanted strongly by coaching staff. Second scenario, one of many good players.

Another factor, parent intensity probably much more in B). I really hate that environment, but would do my best to avoid--drop off, leave practice, sit farther away at games. A) does not allow sidelines to coach and very strict about parent behavior.



I am torn. I'd love to hear thoughts and what you would do in this situation.


We just went through this with our middle school player. Player chose to stay in the current program where caliber of team is lower, but where training is solid, coach is good/positive/known quantity, and where player is a leader/starter, gets good playing time in matches, etc. Last year, player trained a year up once a week, and that was a good complement to practicing with team where pace of play is much slower and skill/fitness level is lower. Will likely encourage player to move after next year but thought one more year in this environment was good for confidence, development, etc. I could have made a case for either option, so supported player's decision to stay.
Anonymous
Post 05/31/2018 09:29     Subject: Re:Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss Part II
Definitely the good trainers. Your son would be one of the better on the team so he would get more training, help and game play. It's no fun to be the worst on the team and ride the bench.
Anonymous
Post 05/31/2018 09:28     Subject: Re:Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss Part II
Anonymous wrote:When do teams usually reach out to families with regards to the rosters and next steps after tryouts and team placement have been completed?


I would like to know this too!
Anonymous
Post 05/31/2018 09:25     Subject: Re:Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss Part II
Question about U11 kid (10-year old).

What would you do/think is better of these two options? :

A) Very strong training, consistent program. Coaches fantastic, development path strong. Current players weak-average, only a few strong ones. Probably could train up though.
B) Very strong players/competitive. Training good-nowhere near as good as A), coaches will vary over the years.

At this age is it more important to continue to work with a highly knowledgabel coaching staff with better training or a group of strong players where training ok, but not fantastic?

I know there is a development theory where league/competition doesn't matter until after U12, but this is about kids on the team and at practice. Another theory I've heard, confidence grows when you get to be team leader and take on more respsonibility.

Going back and forth. In first scenario, player is highly valued/wanted strongly by coaching staff. Second scenario, one of many good players.

Another factor, parent intensity probably much more in B). I really hate that environment, but would do my best to avoid--drop off, leave practice, sit farther away at games. A) does not allow sidelines to coach and very strict about parent behavior.



I am torn. I'd love to hear thoughts and what you would do in this situation.
Anonymous
Post 05/31/2018 09:13     Subject: Re:Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss Part II
When do teams usually reach out to families with regards to the rosters and next steps after tryouts and team placement have been completed?
Anonymous
Post 05/26/2018 13:36     Subject: Re:Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss Part II
Does anyone know about the new U9 Green/White team coach at McLean? He came over from Bethesda. Have one of your kids been coached by him? Any thoughts or opinions?
Anonymous
Post 05/25/2018 08:23     Subject: Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss Part II
I have also not seen this 'asskissing' behavior at our club. Other than parents being polite and displaying manners...? We've been in travel soccer now for 7 years and this just doesn't ring true to me...I am guessing this may happen at some of the large clubs (arlington, mclean, bethesda) where it's more cutthroat to get on those top teams.
Anonymous
Post 05/24/2018 20:40     Subject: Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss Part II
i love playing soccer and kicking/juggling a ball around during trainings on the side line. i didnt realize “playing” soccer while at a soccer field was so intimidating,disdained or whayever wtf is wrong with you judgy a-holes?
Anonymous
Post 05/24/2018 20:24     Subject: Re:Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss Part II
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:People mention kissass parents. Anyone care to share examples of one?


Afraid you might be one? Lol

I don’t think it takes much to imagine what they are like..they exist in schools, work places, etc.


I might be! I try to be nice to all people. I'm just having a hard time thinking of what people think is kissass behavior in youth soccer. I'm drawing a blank.


Going up to the coach after every practice and every game telling him what great job he is doing..telling every parent you talk to how much you love him..taking every chance you have to give him extra money for one on one or other extra training..is it you?


The soccer dads that are on the sidelines every practice showing off their own skills (LoL) and always going up to the coach after every practice, every game, some email him all of the time, brown nosing to the umpteenth degree, like they are in a special Club together. They also are rats and like to bad mouth other kids and parents or suggest things to the coach.

You can be friendly and not a kiss ass. I always thank them when they walk by after game or practice. “Thanks coach”, but I don’t have an agenda with my kid and I try to keep distance and not be involved with them doing their job.