Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Same boat repeater of U13. We trying to figure out who the coaches will be for next season. Team composition doesnt mean anything. No one knows what teams will be on top next season.

Were soley focused on getting better every day as well as conditioning. We have been to some games this fall for the younger age group and everything about it is slower, less physical and less technical. They are still not passing well and will not fare well vs the older boys. IMO.

My son will have 75 11 a side games before next season starts. Pretty big advantage. about 45 MLSN games and 15 the year before in EA while playing up plus 15 on his middle school prep team this fall.

He considers himself a free agent.

Good mindset.

As a u12 repeater, Ive noticed a big difference between u11 and u12. My hope is u12s catch up but also like the idea of my kid growing further in confidence. My kid is on a first team but mid to lower on the group. Ideal situation is establish he/ she as leader and get some practice reps with old team via practice during the year. That would provide exposure to the future coach while growing within new team.

Anonymous wrote:Same boat repeater of U13. We trying to figure out who the coaches will be for next season. Team composition doesnt mean anything. No one knows what teams will be on top next season.

Were soley focused on getting better every day as well as conditioning. We have been to some games this fall for the younger age group and everything about it is slower, less physical and less technical. They are still not passing well and will not fare well vs the older boys. IMO.

My son will have 75 11 a side games before next season starts. Pretty big advantage. about 45 MLSN games and 15 the year before in EA while playing up plus 15 on his middle school prep team this fall.

He considers himself a free agent.

Good mindset.

Same boat repeater of U13. We trying to figure out who the coaches will be for next season. Team composition doesnt mean anything. No one knows what teams will be on top next season.

Were soley focused on getting better every day as well as conditioning. We have been to some games this fall for the younger age group and everything about it is slower, less physical and less technical. They are still not passing well and will not fare well vs the older boys. IMO.

My son will have 75 11 a side games before next season starts. Pretty big advantage. about 45 MLSN games and 15 the year before in EA while playing up plus 15 on his middle school prep team this fall.

He considers himself a free agent.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thread gone off the rails and over the cliff Indiana Jones style

Its all the same topics just rehashed in different ways. The problem is different people view soccer in different ways. Professional Orgs, Leagues, Clubs, Owners. Docs, Coaches, Parents, and Players all have different perspectives. Add in that goals change and can vary based on age and level. Some people view competition as something that can be exploited. Others view competition as something that needs to be protected. In America it doesnt help that everything is setup to funnel money in pockets with development comming in second. In other countries money funnels into pockets but creating best in the world talent comes first. Because of the way MLS and NWSL are structured/setup (league owns the clubs) things will never change in America and people will keep argueing on this thread about things that dont matter.

So you're saying we need to start our own soccer club (I think there's a thread about that, already, too)!

USL is already trying to do this.

I'd say the biggest variable right now is if US Soccer can guide college soccer into something other than a complete crapfest. College coaches control the college narrative and their interests dont align with pro soccer. An easy example of this is the unlimited subs rule. College coaches sell it as a way to let more players play. But in reality it makes recruiting much easier because you can focus on speed and aggression instead of skill. Without unlimited subs players need to stay on the field longer and have a higher level of skills.

Hopefully now that college players are getting paid things will change. If college players can unite, unionize, and create a players association everything will change overnight.

Are soccer players actually getting paid?

Some on the thread have mentioned current players getting "healthy" stipends while others have cited NIL. It's a good question because soccer isn't traditionally considered a revenue sport and the guidelines under the House decision basically recommended the vast majorities of money going toward football and basketball for past settlement, which has some thinking that framework will be used going forward.

Was talking with another parent of a strong ECNL team in california. Who was saying their director and coach said they will not force players down and were saying their teams will pretty much stay the same. My thoughts are that is just lip service to not throw parents into a panic. Because who knows what kids will show up or want to go down until push comes to shove.

My response is when all the U17 move up to U19 next year there is 5 08s that are current u19 starters at this specific club would one of those players want to move to the bench especially if they have no offers or would they want to go be a starter on the team with kids who are the same grade.

To me this is going to be like dominoes where you stack them all close and then once one falls it all comes down.

Players are going to lose opportunities from other players looking for their opportunity which is going to make people shuffle.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Changing topics to what I hope is a more productive discussion, for the kids that get red shirted a year before GA, ECNL, MLS, etc., what do you work on with the extra year? Do you stay the course or any new areas you might work on with the extra year? What stands out the most from an evaluation standpoint?

Theres no such thing as redshirting in youth club soccer. This is because eligibility is bookended by dates currently in BY 1/1-12/31 and soon to change to SY 8/1-7/31.

If you hold your kid back in school they'll play on the grade up team in club. Basically nullifying the advantage you get from redshirting and trying to play againt younger players..

Most clubs do let u18 Juniors and u19 Seniors play together on a mixed u18/u19 team. This is the one time a holdback could play on a team with their grade. (which isnt really a team exclusively that grade)

I think what the poster meant is that some kids playing U12 now (who would have been U13 in 26/27 and starting ECNL for example) are going to get an extra year at U12... Not actual red shirting.

It's a great question. This is a unique opportunity for that group.

Yes, I was the one who posted this question and glad that someone understood the red shirt simile as I know this doesnt exist but that is essentially what is happening. That said, how are people thinking about using that extra year? I will also be curious if Aspire and RL is offered as an alternative to playing the same age group again. For those with older kids, if you had a free year to get your kid ready, what would you focus on? Would you add emphasis on a particular area? Let's keep the responses limited to u12/u13 ages (kids who get a change to repeat that age level).

I would argue this year is the red shirt year as next year age groups will be “correct” as we are in the final year of birth year (for girls). So this is basically a free year which is why I would recommend to an parents on a GA or ECNL team who don’t get a lot of playing time to join a team that gives them more playing opportunities. Maybe practice with ECNL but play with RL for a full game. Hopefully they are doing all the extra trainings they can so they are prepared for what’s going to be a very chaotic tryout this spring.

And there you go.

Play with your grade on the B team + get minutes. If your kid does well eventually A team coaches will notice. Its 1000% better to get minutes on a B team than it is to ride pine on an A team.

You also have to keep in mind that its not just your clubs coaches that are watching top B team players. Other clubs are watching as well and they know dangling an A team rosters spot will bring new players to their club. This is what the crazies that are so hung up on their kid playing on an A team that they would even consider playing down a grade dont understand. B teams arent a prison sentence they're an opportunity for players to prove their abilities.

Best to be on the A team in your age category. There you play the best peers in practice.

Agree, but the second best option is to be on the B team with players your kids grade. If you do well this will translate into A team (with your grade) opportunities.

In that case, I would just do biobanding to play down in the younger group, but A team, instead of older B team. This would give my kid more visibility.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Changing topics to what I hope is a more productive discussion, for the kids that get red shirted a year before GA, ECNL, MLS, etc., what do you work on with the extra year? Do you stay the course or any new areas you might work on with the extra year? What stands out the most from an evaluation standpoint?

Theres no such thing as redshirting in youth club soccer. This is because eligibility is bookended by dates currently in BY 1/1-12/31 and soon to change to SY 8/1-7/31.

If you hold your kid back in school they'll play on the grade up team in club. Basically nullifying the advantage you get from redshirting and trying to play againt younger players..

Most clubs do let u18 Juniors and u19 Seniors play together on a mixed u18/u19 team. This is the one time a holdback could play on a team with their grade. (which isnt really a team exclusively that grade)

I think what the poster meant is that some kids playing U12 now (who would have been U13 in 26/27 and starting ECNL for example) are going to get an extra year at U12... Not actual red shirting.

It's a great question. This is a unique opportunity for that group.

Yes, I was the one who posted this question and glad that someone understood the red shirt simile as I know this doesnt exist but that is essentially what is happening. That said, how are people thinking about using that extra year? I will also be curious if Aspire and RL is offered as an alternative to playing the same age group again. For those with older kids, if you had a free year to get your kid ready, what would you focus on? Would you add emphasis on a particular area? Let's keep the responses limited to u12/u13 ages (kids who get a change to repeat that age level).

We’re in this situation with on if my boys. My biggest worry is maintaining speed of play while dropping and playing with kids that aren’t as good. Looking for a landing spot that also has a great team a year up that he can play and practice with too. Keeps mlsn option open

This is my concern as well with a boy. The ulittle teams will all be 8/1 so he would have to find a spot playing an age group up to keep mlsn an option in the future should they stay BY.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Changing topics to what I hope is a more productive discussion, for the kids that get red shirted a year before GA, ECNL, MLS, etc., what do you work on with the extra year? Do you stay the course or any new areas you might work on with the extra year? What stands out the most from an evaluation standpoint?

Theres no such thing as redshirting in youth club soccer. This is because eligibility is bookended by dates currently in BY 1/1-12/31 and soon to change to SY 8/1-7/31.

If you hold your kid back in school they'll play on the grade up team in club. Basically nullifying the advantage you get from redshirting and trying to play againt younger players..

Most clubs do let u18 Juniors and u19 Seniors play together on a mixed u18/u19 team. This is the one time a holdback could play on a team with their grade. (which isnt really a team exclusively that grade)

I think what the poster meant is that some kids playing U12 now (who would have been U13 in 26/27 and starting ECNL for example) are going to get an extra year at U12... Not actual red shirting.

It's a great question. This is a unique opportunity for that group.

Yes, I was the one who posted this question and glad that someone understood the red shirt simile as I know this doesnt exist but that is essentially what is happening. That said, how are people thinking about using that extra year? I will also be curious if Aspire and RL is offered as an alternative to playing the same age group again. For those with older kids, if you had a free year to get your kid ready, what would you focus on? Would you add emphasis on a particular area? Let's keep the responses limited to u12/u13 ages (kids who get a change to repeat that age level).

We’re in this situation with on if my boys. My biggest worry is maintaining speed of play while dropping and playing with kids that aren’t as good. Looking for a landing spot that also has a great team a year up that he can play and practice with too. Keeps mlsn option open

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All Aug-Dec players should sharpen their skills, talk to coaches as they consider all their options for clubs and age divisions to compete for. It'll help if the kid can advocate for themselves. That level of maturity is valued.

So stay the course and let the coach know your goals (coming from the kid). Helpful. I am also thinking that you can start to express an interest to play/ practice with current age group next year when you are with the younger age group.

I’m interested to see what clubs do about this because I’m sure you aren’t the only one thinking this. Depending on the club, there could be hundreds of kids with “special situations” in addition to potentially dealing with mlsn and multiple age cutoffs. Placing each kid appropriately (who is on the team, who is training up) is going to be extremely time consuming. How much will clubs be willing to consider individual situations? Depends on the club.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Changing topics to what I hope is a more productive discussion, for the kids that get red shirted a year before GA, ECNL, MLS, etc., what do you work on with the extra year? Do you stay the course or any new areas you might work on with the extra year? What stands out the most from an evaluation standpoint?

Theres no such thing as redshirting in youth club soccer. This is because eligibility is bookended by dates currently in BY 1/1-12/31 and soon to change to SY 8/1-7/31.

If you hold your kid back in school they'll play on the grade up team in club. Basically nullifying the advantage you get from redshirting and trying to play againt younger players..

Most clubs do let u18 Juniors and u19 Seniors play together on a mixed u18/u19 team. This is the one time a holdback could play on a team with their grade. (which isnt really a team exclusively that grade)

I think what the poster meant is that some kids playing U12 now (who would have been U13 in 26/27 and starting ECNL for example) are going to get an extra year at U12... Not actual red shirting.

It's a great question. This is a unique opportunity for that group.

Yes, I was the one who posted this question and glad that someone understood the red shirt simile as I know this doesnt exist but that is essentially what is happening. That said, how are people thinking about using that extra year? I will also be curious if Aspire and RL is offered as an alternative to playing the same age group again. For those with older kids, if you had a free year to get your kid ready, what would you focus on? Would you add emphasis on a particular area? Let's keep the responses limited to u12/u13 ages (kids who get a change to repeat that age level).

I would argue this year is the red shirt year as next year age groups will be “correct” as we are in the final year of birth year (for girls). So this is basically a free year which is why I would recommend to an parents on a GA or ECNL team who don’t get a lot of playing time to join a team that gives them more playing opportunities. Maybe practice with ECNL but play with RL for a full game. Hopefully they are doing all the extra trainings they can so they are prepared for what’s going to be a very chaotic tryout this spring.

And there you go.

Play with your grade on the B team + get minutes. If your kid does well eventually A team coaches will notice. Its 1000% better to get minutes on a B team than it is to ride pine on an A team.

You also have to keep in mind that its not just your clubs coaches that are watching top B team players. Other clubs are watching as well and they know dangling an A team rosters spot will bring new players to their club. This is what the crazies that are so hung up on their kid playing on an A team that they would even consider playing down a grade dont understand. B teams arent a prison sentence they're an opportunity for players to prove their abilities.

Best to be on the A team in your age category. There you play the best peers in practice.

Agree, but the second best option is to be on the B team with players your kids grade. If you do well this will translate into A team (with your grade) opportunities.

There are no grades with teams in club soccer so you have to play on age or if you the best you get to play up. According to ECNL and Socal.

Anonymous wrote:All Aug-Dec players should sharpen their skills, talk to coaches as they consider all their options for clubs and age divisions to compete for. It'll help if the kid can advocate for themselves. That level of maturity is valued.

So stay the course and let the coach know your goals (coming from the kid). Helpful. I am also thinking that you can start to express an interest to play/ practice with current age group next year when you are with the younger age group.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thread gone off the rails and over the cliff Indiana Jones style

Its all the same topics just rehashed in different ways. The problem is different people view soccer in different ways. Professional Orgs, Leagues, Clubs, Owners. Docs, Coaches, Parents, and Players all have different perspectives. Add in that goals change and can vary based on age and level. Some people view competition as something that can be exploited. Others view competition as something that needs to be protected. In America it doesnt help that everything is setup to funnel money in pockets with development comming in second. In other countries money funnels into pockets but creating best in the world talent comes first. Because of the way MLS and NWSL are structured/setup (league owns the clubs) things will never change in America and people will keep argueing on this thread about things that dont matter.

So you're saying we need to start our own soccer club (I think there's a thread about that, already, too)!

USL is already trying to do this.

I'd say the biggest variable right now is if US Soccer can guide college soccer into something other than a complete crapfest. College coaches control the college narrative and their interests dont align with pro soccer. An easy example of this is the unlimited subs rule. College coaches sell it as a way to let more players play. But in reality it makes recruiting much easier because you can focus on speed and aggression instead of skill. Without unlimited subs players need to stay on the field longer and have a higher level of skills.

Hopefully now that college players are getting paid things will change. If college players can unite, unionize, and create a players association everything will change overnight.

Are soccer players actually getting paid?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Changing topics to what I hope is a more productive discussion, for the kids that get red shirted a year before GA, ECNL, MLS, etc., what do you work on with the extra year? Do you stay the course or any new areas you might work on with the extra year? What stands out the most from an evaluation standpoint?

Theres no such thing as redshirting in youth club soccer. This is because eligibility is bookended by dates currently in BY 1/1-12/31 and soon to change to SY 8/1-7/31.

If you hold your kid back in school they'll play on the grade up team in club. Basically nullifying the advantage you get from redshirting and trying to play againt younger players..

Most clubs do let u18 Juniors and u19 Seniors play together on a mixed u18/u19 team. This is the one time a holdback could play on a team with their grade. (which isnt really a team exclusively that grade)

I think what the poster meant is that some kids playing U12 now (who would have been U13 in 26/27 and starting ECNL for example) are going to get an extra year at U12... Not actual red shirting.

It's a great question. This is a unique opportunity for that group.

Yes, I was the one who posted this question and glad that someone understood the red shirt simile as I know this doesnt exist but that is essentially what is happening. That said, how are people thinking about using that extra year? I will also be curious if Aspire and RL is offered as an alternative to playing the same age group again. For those with older kids, if you had a free year to get your kid ready, what would you focus on? Would you add emphasis on a particular area? Let's keep the responses limited to u12/u13 ages (kids who get a change to repeat that age level).

I would argue this year is the red shirt year as next year age groups will be “correct” as we are in the final year of birth year (for girls). So this is basically a free year which is why I would recommend to an parents on a GA or ECNL team who don’t get a lot of playing time to join a team that gives them more playing opportunities. Maybe practice with ECNL but play with RL for a full game. Hopefully they are doing all the extra trainings they can so they are prepared for what’s going to be a very chaotic tryout this spring.

And there you go.

Play with your grade on the B team + get minutes. If your kid does well eventually A team coaches will notice. Its 1000% better to get minutes on a B team than it is to ride pine on an A team.

You also have to keep in mind that its not just your clubs coaches that are watching top B team players. Other clubs are watching as well and they know dangling an A team rosters spot will bring new players to their club. This is what the crazies that are so hung up on their kid playing on an A team that they would even consider playing down a grade dont understand. B teams arent a prison sentence they're an opportunity for players to prove their abilities.

Best to be on the A team in your age category. There you play the best peers in practice.

Agree, but the second best option is to be on the B team with players your kids grade. If you do well this will translate into A team (with your grade) opportunities.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Changing topics to what I hope is a more productive discussion, for the kids that get red shirted a year before GA, ECNL, MLS, etc., what do you work on with the extra year? Do you stay the course or any new areas you might work on with the extra year? What stands out the most from an evaluation standpoint?

Theres no such thing as redshirting in youth club soccer. This is because eligibility is bookended by dates currently in BY 1/1-12/31 and soon to change to SY 8/1-7/31.

If you hold your kid back in school they'll play on the grade up team in club. Basically nullifying the advantage you get from redshirting and trying to play againt younger players..

Most clubs do let u18 Juniors and u19 Seniors play together on a mixed u18/u19 team. This is the one time a holdback could play on a team with their grade. (which isnt really a team exclusively that grade)

I think what the poster meant is that some kids playing U12 now (who would have been U13 in 26/27 and starting ECNL for example) are going to get an extra year at U12... Not actual red shirting.

It's a great question. This is a unique opportunity for that group.

Yes, I was the one who posted this question and glad that someone understood the red shirt simile as I know this doesnt exist but that is essentially what is happening. That said, how are people thinking about using that extra year? I will also be curious if Aspire and RL is offered as an alternative to playing the same age group again. For those with older kids, if you had a free year to get your kid ready, what would you focus on? Would you add emphasis on a particular area? Let's keep the responses limited to u12/u13 ages (kids who get a change to repeat that age level).

I would argue this year is the red shirt year as next year age groups will be “correct” as we are in the final year of birth year (for girls). So this is basically a free year which is why I would recommend to an parents on a GA or ECNL team who don’t get a lot of playing time to join a team that gives them more playing opportunities. Maybe practice with ECNL but play with RL for a full game. Hopefully they are doing all the extra trainings they can so they are prepared for what’s going to be a very chaotic tryout this spring.

And there you go.

Play with your grade on the B team + get minutes. If your kid does well eventually A team coaches will notice. Its 1000% better to get minutes on a B team than it is to ride pine on an A team.

You also have to keep in mind that its not just your clubs coaches that are watching top B team players. Other clubs are watching as well and they know dangling an A team rosters spot will bring new players to their club. This is what the crazies that are so hung up on their kid playing on an A team that they would even consider playing down a grade dont understand. B teams arent a prison sentence they're an opportunity for players to prove their abilities.

Best to be on the A team in your age category. There you play the best peers in practice.

Dude, you took the bait and responded to him. Just ignore the guy. Please.

Couldn't help pooking the village idiot.

When I saw a few pages ago that the same guy pushing GY serendipitously through August births was the same gume who invented the inane SY+90 and is the same guy that was the RAE denier, I realized that this whole thread is a mirage where everyone tries to play whack-a-mole with this truly demented individual.

Everything is bait for that guy. Absolutely amazing that he has been wrong on everything yet actually thinks he is the smartest in room.

That guy ruined this thread like a thousand pages ago. Time for anonymous posterings to go away.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Changing topics to what I hope is a more productive discussion, for the kids that get red shirted a year before GA, ECNL, MLS, etc., what do you work on with the extra year? Do you stay the course or any new areas you might work on with the extra year? What stands out the most from an evaluation standpoint?

Theres no such thing as redshirting in youth club soccer. This is because eligibility is bookended by dates currently in BY 1/1-12/31 and soon to change to SY 8/1-7/31.

If you hold your kid back in school they'll play on the grade up team in club. Basically nullifying the advantage you get from redshirting and trying to play againt younger players..

Most clubs do let u18 Juniors and u19 Seniors play together on a mixed u18/u19 team. This is the one time a holdback could play on a team with their grade. (which isnt really a team exclusively that grade)

I think what the poster meant is that some kids playing U12 now (who would have been U13 in 26/27 and starting ECNL for example) are going to get an extra year at U12... Not actual red shirting.

It's a great question. This is a unique opportunity for that group.

Yes, I was the one who posted this question and glad that someone understood the red shirt simile as I know this doesnt exist but that is essentially what is happening. That said, how are people thinking about using that extra year? I will also be curious if Aspire and RL is offered as an alternative to playing the same age group again. For those with older kids, if you had a free year to get your kid ready, what would you focus on? Would you add emphasis on a particular area? Let's keep the responses limited to u12/u13 ages (kids who get a change to repeat that age level).

I would argue this year is the red shirt year as next year age groups will be “correct” as we are in the final year of birth year (for girls). So this is basically a free year which is why I would recommend to an parents on a GA or ECNL team who don’t get a lot of playing time to join a team that gives them more playing opportunities. Maybe practice with ECNL but play with RL for a full game. Hopefully they are doing all the extra trainings they can so they are prepared for what’s going to be a very chaotic tryout this spring.

And there you go.

Play with your grade on the B team + get minutes. If your kid does well eventually A team coaches will notice. Its 1000% better to get minutes on a B team than it is to ride pine on an A team.

You also have to keep in mind that its not just your clubs coaches that are watching top B team players. Other clubs are watching as well and they know dangling an A team rosters spot will bring new players to their club. This is what the crazies that are so hung up on their kid playing on an A team that they would even consider playing down a grade dont understand. B teams arent a prison sentence they're an opportunity for players to prove their abilities.

Best to be on the A team in your age category. There you play the best peers in practice.

Dude, you took the bait and responded to him. Just ignore the guy. Please.