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**Unregistered** · 07-05-2014, 01:11 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

With the US out of the world cup, over the last few days the thought has cropped up in my mind about what might be holding back the USA in International soccer competitions. The first thing that comes to mind is this notion of "everyone has a right to play for their High School' crap.

My son is a pretty good soccer player. He's not the best out there. But he is looking forward to playing HS soccer this fall. He played middle school soccer last fall and the coach was his science teacher. We donut yet know who will coach the HS freshmen team this fall, but there's mho doubt that it will be a math/science/english teach of some sort. Not to take anything away from the teachers who coach HS soccer, but I would personally be happier if my son had the choice to continue to play club soccer simply because the quality of coaching is much better at the club level that the HS level.

I know that some kids play academy and play soccer year round and they get elevated form that point of view. But the US always seems to be a player or 2 away from achieving greatness (ok, maybe 3-6 players away ...). But I can't help but wonder if club soccer was year round even in HS and kids had the choice to play either HS or club even in the fall while in HS, then maybe the US would be able to get some of the missing pieces together that will allow us to get into the finals of the world cup. There might be a handful of kids nationwide that, because they could play club soccer in the fall while in HS, decided that this was their game and they eventually rose up the ranks to be on the USMNT.

Could it happen? Possibly.

I just feel that there is too much emphasis placed on HS sports while the level of coaching is not that great. The coaching os not great in my town anyway, it's possibly better in yours. But I just feel that club soccer is so much better than HS soccer in terms of the quality of coaching.

If given the chance, I would suggest to my son that he take the club route over the HS route anyway.

Thoughts?

Yeah, you're an idiot. Your kid getting to play club in the fall instead of high school isn't going to do anything for the national team. You would be closer to the mark if you focused on kids focusing on college soccer as the goal as the problem. For a kid like yours high school soccer will be one of the highlights of his life. Let him enjoy that and let others worry about the national team.

**Unregistered** · 07-05-2014, 01:12 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

With the US out of the world cup, over the last few days the thought has cropped up in my mind about what might be holding back the USA in International soccer competitions. The first thing that comes to mind is this notion of "everyone has a right to play for their High School' crap.

My son is a pretty good soccer player. He's not the best out there. But he is looking forward to playing HS soccer this fall. He played middle school soccer last fall and the coach was his science teacher. We donut yet know who will coach the HS freshmen team this fall, but there's mho doubt that it will be a math/science/english teach of some sort. Not to take anything away from the teachers who coach HS soccer, but I would personally be happier if my son had the choice to continue to play club soccer simply because the quality of coaching is much better at the club level that the HS level.

I know that some kids play academy and play soccer year round and they get elevated form that point of view. But the US always seems to be a player or 2 away from achieving greatness (ok, maybe 3-6 players away ...). But I can't help but wonder if club soccer was year round even in HS and kids had the choice to play either HS or club even in the fall while in HS, then maybe the US would be able to get some of the missing pieces together that will allow us to get into the finals of the world cup. There might be a handful of kids nationwide that, because they could play club soccer in the fall while in HS, decided that this was their game and they eventually rose up the ranks to be on the USMNT.

Could it happen? Possibly.

I just feel that there is too much emphasis placed on HS sports while the level of coaching is not that great. The coaching os not great in my town anyway, it's possibly better in yours. But I just feel that club soccer is so much better than HS soccer in terms of the quality of coaching.

If given the chance, I would suggest to my son that he take the club route over the HS route anyway.

Thoughts?

Your son is the reason that high school soccer is not holding the US back, it is the people who think that all soccer players are equal and want to impair his ability to enjoy what could very well be the highest level of his advancement by minimizing the quality of that level that are holding it back. Realistically there are not a whole lot of players at the high school level who are going to impact the US's fate on the world stage. Those players are special and they should be identified and pulled out of the mainstream in order to prepare them to do that. There is no need to destroy that mainstream just to do that. In many respects destroying the high school experience might very well impair the will of the many to participate in soccer and that might actually have a more significant impact.

**Unregistered** · 07-05-2014, 01:38 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

With the US out of the world cup, over the last few days the thought has cropped up in my mind about what might be holding back the USA in International soccer competitions. The first thing that comes to mind is this notion of "everyone has a right to play for their High School' crap.

My son is a pretty good soccer player. He's not the best out there. But he is looking forward to playing HS soccer this fall. He played middle school soccer last fall and the coach was his science teacher. We donut yet know who will coach the HS freshmen team this fall, but there's mho doubt that it will be a math/science/english teach of some sort. Not to take anything away from the teachers who coach HS soccer, but I would personally be happier if my son had the choice to continue to play club soccer simply because the quality of coaching is much better at the club level that the HS level.

I know that some kids play academy and play soccer year round and they get elevated form that point of view. But the US always seems to be a player or 2 away from achieving greatness (ok, maybe 3-6 players away ...). But I can't help but wonder if club soccer was year round even in HS and kids had the choice to play either HS or club even in the fall while in HS, then maybe the US would be able to get some of the missing pieces together that will allow us to get into the finals of the world cup. There might be a handful of kids nationwide that, because they could play club soccer in the fall while in HS, decided that this was their game and they eventually rose up the ranks to be on the USMNT.

Could it happen? Possibly.

I just feel that there is too much emphasis placed on HS sports while the level of coaching is not that great. The coaching os not great in my town anyway, it's possibly better in yours. But I just feel that club soccer is so much better than HS soccer in terms of the quality of coaching.

If given the chance, I would suggest to my son that he take the club route over the HS route anyway.

Thoughts?

I second ... that this guy is total moron. We get it your son is AWSOME just like the lego movie.

No club or high school is going to make your son or anyone's son a National Player candidate. The United states needs a system where the kids are ID at young ages, sent to academies to make it their full time job ,have the best coaches and give up college soccer to compete with the best players in the world at a technical level. So that would wiped out 99,1% of the actual club players in Mass.

**Unregistered** · 07-05-2014, 01:46 PM

The US needs lots of kids playing HS soccer so that they will like and watch the sport and make it more popular here. And they will encourage more of their kids to play and perhaps one of them will be a national star.

**Unregistered** · 07-05-2014, 02:30 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

The US needs lots of kids playing HS soccer so that they will like and watch the sport and make it more popular here. And they will encourage more of their kids to play and perhaps one of them will be a national star.

I think soccer will eventually follow what goes on in hockey. In hockey the best players do not play for their high school teams but play junior hockey, often until they are 20 or 21 and will either then go pro or go to college. The Academy or DAP will become this for soccer

College soccer also has to change, similar to hockey. 20 years ago it was very rare for an NHL player to have played in college in the US. Today it is very common as the college hockey programs have gotten much better

High school soccer will still be around and thrive, and it will be a great experience for the kids who play it

**Unregistered** · 07-05-2014, 02:56 PM

I know there wll be oposition to this, but I would like to see an option in the fall for the U15's--18's. Not 4-6 teams, but maybe an experiment with NEP, for a year. One team per club for the A+ - B player, who is a one sport type. There are enough home schooled players, and players in bad HS situations, who would like an opportunity like that. The clubs might see a benefit from it as well, with players who turn the corner and challenge for a top spot, with the longer exposure to one voice/system. Teams become better, and the club attracts more players, and reputation of actual development will be draw. There are a lot of possibilities with the older ages and recruiting. Teams could attend tournaments offered in the fall in other parts of the country, as close as DC. More opportunities for training, and preparing for college, and helping in the recruiting process. I think a lot of players and parents would appreciate the options. I don't think it's for the 3 sport athlete or the casual player, who litters youth soccer now, this is for the soccer nerd. Loves the game, and only wants to play the game 24/7.

**Unregistered** · 07-05-2014, 03:08 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

I know there wll be oposition to this, but I would like to see an option in the fall for the U15's--18's. Not 4-6 teams, but maybe an experiment with NEP, for a year. One team per club for the A+ - B player, who is a one sport type. There are enough home schooled players, and players in bad HS situations, who would like an opportunity like that. The clubs might see a benefit from it as well, with players who turn the corner and challenge for a top spot, with the longer exposure to one voice/system. Teams become better, and the club attracts more players, and reputation of actual development will be draw. There are a lot of possibilities with the older ages and recruiting. Teams could attend tournaments offered in the fall in other parts of the country, as close as DC. More opportunities for training, and preparing for college, and helping in the recruiting process. I think a lot of players and parents would appreciate the options. I don't think it's for the 3 sport athlete or the casual player, who litters youth soccer now, this is for the soccer nerd. Loves the game, and only wants to play the game 24/7.

There is something called DAP. If your kid can't make a DAP team through Seacoast, Bolts and Revs then he is not good enough to carry the water bottles for the national u14,15,u17 teams. I don't care how much of a nerd your son is or likes soccer ..High school is where he belongs and nothing more.

**Unregistered** · 07-05-2014, 03:27 PM

[QUOTE=Unregistered;1312910]There is something called DAP. If your kid can't make a DAP team through Seacoast, Bolts and Revs then he is not good enough to carry the water bottles for the national u14,15,u17 teams. I don't care how much of a nerd your son is or likes soccer ..High school is where he belongs and nothing more.[/

Thanks Richard!!!! :-)

**Unregistered** · 07-05-2014, 03:42 PM

[QUOTE=Unregistered;1312915]

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

There is something called DAP. If your kid can't make a DAP team through Seacoast, Bolts and Revs then he is not good enough to carry the water bottles for the national u14,15,u17 teams. I don't care how much of a nerd your son is or likes soccer ..High school is where he belongs and nothing more.[/

Thanks Richard!!!! :-)

Your welcome Sally!

**Unregistered** · 07-05-2014, 06:38 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

With the US out of the world cup, over the last few days the thought has cropped up in my mind about what might be holding back the USA in International soccer competitions. The first thing that comes to mind is this notion of "everyone has a right to play for their High School' crap.

My son is a pretty good soccer player. He's not the best out there. But he is looking forward to playing HS soccer this fall. He played middle school soccer last fall and the coach was his science teacher. We donut yet know who will coach the HS freshmen team this fall, but there's mho doubt that it will be a math/science/english teach of some sort. Not to take anything away from the teachers who coach HS soccer, but I would personally be happier if my son had the choice to continue to play club soccer simply because the quality of coaching is much better at the club level that the HS level.

I know that some kids play academy and play soccer year round and they get elevated form that point of view. But the US always seems to be a player or 2 away from achieving greatness (ok, maybe 3-6 players away ...). But I can't help but wonder if club soccer was year round even in HS and kids had the choice to play either HS or club even in the fall while in HS, then maybe the US would be able to get some of the missing pieces together that will allow us to get into the finals of the world cup. There might be a handful of kids nationwide that, because they could play club soccer in the fall while in HS, decided that this was their game and they eventually rose up the ranks to be on the USMNT.

Could it happen? Possibly.

I just feel that there is too much emphasis placed on HS sports while the level of coaching is not that great. The coaching os not great in my town anyway, it's possibly better in yours. But I just feel that club soccer is so much better than HS soccer in terms of the quality of coaching.

If given the chance, I would suggest to my son that he take the club route over the HS route anyway.

Thoughts?

There seem to be many misconceptions here. One is equating your town with other towns. One of the trends in HS soccer is having a club coach handle the varsity. Also, HS teams play 5-6 days/week, which is more than clubs do. Next, if your child is pretty good, he'll be playing up in high school. Don't worry about the freshman coach, because your child will play JV, maybe varsity. Likely varsity by soph year. Yeah, the jv coach may not impress, but playing with and against the older kids will provide some challenge. And since your school has a freshman team, it's probably big enough that many teammates will be club players. Bottom line, the hs experience may not be as great a setback as perceived, especially in a good league like Bay State or Dual County. Now the refereeing and the timeouts, that will drive you crazy, but no one complains that they harm player development.

**Unregistered** · 07-06-2014, 02:50 PM

Funny - all this talk about HS teams vs. club vs. academies vs. early ID and the quote I remember best from Klinsmann is that US soccer will never develop into a power until the US develops a pick-up soccer culture like the rest of the world. That's right, the USMNT coach believes that pick up soccer is the key, playing for fun in the park or the school yard - NO ADULTS REQUIRED.

We are starting to see it, but it's probably still a generation away. I see a lot more pick up type games going on but it's mostly in the 25-50 age groups. Hopefully the kids of these players will see their mothers and fathers having fun on Sunday morning and start doing the same with their friends.

So, if you want better US soccer hand your kid a ball, tell him/her to get a game together and play just because it's fun. Play without adults watching over their shoulders so they are not afraid to try new things. Adults ruin everything.

**Unregistered** · 07-06-2014, 04:36 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

Funny - all this talk about HS teams vs. club vs. academies vs. early ID and the quote I remember best from Klinsmann is that US soccer will never develop into a power until the US develops a pick-up soccer culture like the rest of the world. That's right, the USMNT coach believes that pick up soccer is the key, playing for fun in the park or the school yard - NO ADULTS REQUIRED.

We are starting to see it, but it's probably still a generation away. I see a lot more pick up type games going on but it's mostly in the 25-50 age groups. Hopefully the kids of these players will see their mothers and fathers having fun on Sunday morning and start doing the same with their friends.

So, if you want better US soccer hand your kid a ball, tell him/her to get a game together and play just because it's fun. Play without adults watching over their shoulders so they are not afraid to try new things. Adults ruin everything.

JK has been very vocal about the pitfalls of our pay-to-play system - all run by adults who are lining their pockets.

**Unregistered** · 07-06-2014, 04:43 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

JK has been very vocal about the pitfalls of our pay-to-play system - all run by adults who are lining their pockets.

He WAS very vocal when he was lobbying for a job. But in is role as "technical director" of US soccer, what steps has he implemented to change this?

**Unregistered** · 07-06-2014, 04:47 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

He WAS very vocal when he was lobbying for a job. But in is role as "technical director" of US soccer, what steps has he implemented to change this?

not the OP but can he do anything about it? System is well entrenched in soccer and other sports. Same with HS soccer, and college sports, all of which he is against. Unfortunately I think most will brush him off as the crazy European, even if he is right. He's fighting an uphill battle

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