U12 Girls

WRONG WRONG WRONG - THEY ARE 11. Not getting to play because of poor attendance or "screwing around" is one thing, but if "playing to win" means putting your "strong" 11 year olds in the game at the expense of your weaker players on a consistent basis, that is just a bad thing.

Playing in actual games is a huge part of development

If equal playing time is the way CT clubs do it, then good for them.

If I am reading this right it seems like the accusation is that Western only plays their top players. IF that is what is being said it is incorrect.

They play their bench as well if not more than most top level teams.

I've seen quite a few of these teams play and have not noticed any coach only keeping the 11 starters on the field. All seem to do a pretty good job at getting playing time for all. Some may have 3-4 players that play a majority of the time, but the other 12-14 will usually rotate in on a consistent basis.

WU are not a has been team, like all teams they are going thru some ups and downs. They have a strong core of players, but as with all WU teams they need to supplement with weaker players. The problem is getting a strong core of 12-14 players. The options are Pioneers/Berkshire and even over the boarder in CT. It seems to be either club fighting, club cost's and players just dropping off. Keeping a stong 11 on the team can upset the players/parents who sit on the bench, but the HC is fair with playing time and sometimes its his downfall. We agree that the Stars are the strongest right now and the difference seems to be their bench. Its much deeper than WU/Scorps/Fuller/Puma etc. This will really show over round robin weekend and state cup.

What is fair? Do you mean parents are upset because the coach plays the bench?

I think they mean the parents get upset if he doesn't play his bench equally. I have seen this with other teams. Fankly at this level players should be played to win at games and developed at practice. If a playerwho srcews around and does not train hard automatically gets the same amount of playing time as the player who works hard, practices hard and shows respect than what is there to motivate the other player? Playing equal time is for Town and park & rec teams. Or goe to Connecticut where U12 is still developmental.

How does the coach know what needs to be developed in practice if he or she doesn't see the player under game conditions? Players are identified for higher level teams in game conditions, not practices. Doesn't the reason coaches chose this method to select players tell you something about the difference between games and practices?

I'm tired of hearing that results don't matter at this age. If I wanted my daughter to play for something that doesn't matter than I would have her play rec. or a travel league and save thousands of dollars per year. MAPLE's blue division is supposed to be the highest level of soccer in the state for U-12 and if a player is not good enough to start than they shouldn't play much. If they want to start than they should work harder to improve their game (maybe at a lower level) and try their luck again. I've heard all the excuses before of why we can't isolate players at young ages, but the bottom line is that if a player truly wants to excel at the game they will work hard towards that goal no matter what. I've seen the ways different coaches approach their games in the blue division and certain teams play their best players almost the entire games against other good teams and some don't. You can say results don't matter but the truth be told, the Stars aren't able to pick up players because their uniforms are cool it's because of their record and that's it. The Stars understand the system and that's why they pick up better players so they can achieve better results. I understand everyone deserves a chance to play this great game, but that's why there are many different levels to choose from. The top level in MAPLE shouldn't be that place, if anything I think some coaches are actually hurting some of the top players in the division by having to share time with someone who is nowhere near their level. So all you naysayers for fair playing time keep beating the drum and sit by and watch as the division goes to two top teams and the rest fight for mediocracy...oh wait a minute....that's exactly what happened to all the age brackets before us.

WU are not a has been team, like all teams they are going thru some ups and downs. They have a strong core of players, but as with all WU teams they need to supplement with weaker players. The problem is getting a strong core of 12-14 players. The options are Pioneers/Berkshire and even over the boarder in CT. It seems to be either club fighting, club cost's and players just dropping off. Keeping a stong 11 on the team can upset the players/parents who sit on the bench, but the HC is fair with playing time and sometimes its his downfall. We agree that the Stars are the strongest right now and the difference seems to be their bench. Its much deeper than WU/Scorps/Fuller/Puma etc. This will really show over round robin weekend and state cup.

What is fair? Do you mean parents are upset because the coach plays the bench?

I think they mean the parents get upset if he doesn't play his bench equally. I have seen this with other teams. Fankly at this level players should be played to win at games and developed at practice. If a playerwho srcews around and does not train hard automatically gets the same amount of playing time as the player who works hard, practices hard and shows respect than what is there to motivate the other player? Playing equal time is for Town and park & rec teams. Or goe to Connecticut where U12 is still developmental.

At this level players should be played to win at games and developed at practice.

Does that mean if you #1 players screws around, s/he doesn't play?

Does that mean if you #1 player skips practice, s/he doesn't play?

Does that mean a player slacks because their talent level (read physical gifts) allows then compete without putting in the effort, they'll sit the bench?

I doubt that is the case with coaches who coach to win.

I'm tired of hearing that results don't matter at this age. If I wanted my daughter to play for something that doesn't matter than I would have her play rec. or a travel league and save thousands of dollars per year. MAPLE's blue division is supposed to be the highest level of soccer in the state for U-12 and if a player is not good enough to start than they shouldn't play much. If they want to start than they should work harder to improve their game (maybe at a lower level) and try their luck again. I've heard all the excuses before of why we can't isolate players at young ages, but the bottom line is that if a player truly wants to excel at the game they will work hard towards that goal no matter what. I've seen the ways different coaches approach their games in the blue division and certain teams play their best players almost the entire games against other good teams and some don't. You can say results don't matter but the truth be told, the Stars aren't able to pick up players because their uniforms are cool it's because of their record and that's it. The Stars understand the system and that's why they pick up better players so they can achieve better results. I understand everyone deserves a chance to play this great game, but that's why there are many different levels to choose from. The top level in MAPLE shouldn't be that place, if anything I think some coaches are actually hurting some of the top players in the division by having to share time with someone who is nowhere near their level. So all you naysayers for fair playing time keep beating the drum and sit by and watch as the division goes to two top teams and the rest fight for mediocracy...oh wait a minute....that's exactly what happened to all the age brackets before us.

You are a complete idiot with no experience regard athletic development.

I'm tired of hearing that results don't matter at this age. If I wanted my daughter to play for something that doesn't matter than I would have her play rec. or a travel league and save thousands of dollars per year. MAPLE's blue division is supposed to be the highest level of soccer in the state for U-12 and if a player is not good enough to start than they shouldn't play much. If they want to start than they should work harder to improve their game (maybe at a lower level) and try their luck again. I've heard all the excuses before of why we can't isolate players at young ages, but the bottom line is that if a player truly wants to excel at the game they will work hard towards that goal no matter what. I've seen the ways different coaches approach their games in the blue division and certain teams play their best players almost the entire games against other good teams and some don't. You can say results don't matter but the truth be told, the Stars aren't able to pick up players because their uniforms are cool it's because of their record and that's it. The Stars understand the system and that's why they pick up better players so they can achieve better results. I understand everyone deserves a chance to play this great game, but that's why there are many different levels to choose from. The top level in MAPLE shouldn't be that place, if anything I think some coaches are actually hurting some of the top players in the division by having to share time with someone who is nowhere near their level. So all you naysayers for fair playing time keep beating the drum and sit by and watch as the division goes to two top teams and the rest fight for mediocracy...oh wait a minute....that's exactly what happened to all the age brackets before us.

I'll wager a bet that you would be one of the first parents singing a different tune when your little darling is sitting the bench. And guess what? At 12 years old I'm willing to wager it won't be long before your little darling has her opportunity. Then suddenly you will see the benefits playing time has on development.

I'm tired of hearing that results don't matter at this age. If I wanted my daughter to play for something that doesn't matter than I would have her play rec. or a travel league and save thousands of dollars per year. MAPLE's blue division is supposed to be the highest level of soccer in the state for U-12 and if a player is not good enough to start than they shouldn't play much. If they want to start than they should work harder to improve their game (maybe at a lower level) and try their luck again. I've heard all the excuses before of why we can't isolate players at young ages, but the bottom line is that if a player truly wants to excel at the game they will work hard towards that goal no matter what. I've seen the ways different coaches approach their games in the blue division and certain teams play their best players almost the entire games against other good teams and some don't. You can say results don't matter but the truth be told, the Stars aren't able to pick up players because their uniforms are cool it's because of their record and that's it. The Stars understand the system and that's why they pick up better players so they can achieve better results. I understand everyone deserves a chance to play this great game, but that's why there are many different levels to choose from. The top level in MAPLE shouldn't be that place, if anything I think some coaches are actually hurting some of the top players in the division by having to share time with someone who is nowhere near their level. So all you naysayers for fair playing time keep beating the drum and sit by and watch as the division goes to two top teams and the rest fight for mediocracy...oh wait a minute....that's exactly what happened to all the age brackets before us.

I couldn't agree more.

I'm tired of hearing that results don't matter at this age. If I wanted my daughter to play for something that doesn't matter than I would have her play rec. or a travel league and save thousands of dollars per year. MAPLE's blue division is supposed to be the highest level of soccer in the state for U-12 and if a player is not good enough to start than they shouldn't play much. If they want to start than they should work harder to improve their game (maybe at a lower level) and try their luck again. I've heard all the excuses before of why we can't isolate players at young ages, but the bottom line is that if a player truly wants to excel at the game they will work hard towards that goal no matter what. I've seen the ways different coaches approach their games in the blue division and certain teams play their best players almost the entire games against other good teams and some don't. You can say results don't matter but the truth be told, the Stars aren't able to pick up players because their uniforms are cool it's because of their record and that's it. The Stars understand the system and that's why they pick up better players so they can achieve better results. I understand everyone deserves a chance to play this great game, but that's why there are many different levels to choose from. The top level in MAPLE shouldn't be that place, if anything I think some coaches are actually hurting some of the top players in the division by having to share time with someone who is nowhere near their level. So all you naysayers for fair playing time keep beating the drum and sit by and watch as the division goes to two top teams and the rest fight for mediocracy...oh wait a minute....that's exactly what happened to all the age brackets before us.

You are a complete idiot with no experience regard athletic development.

Actually, your wrong. I played in college and understand athletic development quite well. I am not saying kids shouldn't be developed, but in the top division the best kids should play as they are going to continue to develop as well. There will always be options for kids who have developed to tryout for top teams and there will always be those kids who don't develop for a variety of reasons and who will drop off, however the top division stays competitive. I think your one of those people who don't truly understand what the meaning of a competition is.

I'm tired of hearing that results don't matter at this age. If I wanted my daughter to play for something that doesn't matter than I would have her play rec. or a travel league and save thousands of dollars per year. MAPLE's blue division is supposed to be the highest level of soccer in the state for U-12 and if a player is not good enough to start than they shouldn't play much. If they want to start than they should work harder to improve their game (maybe at a lower level) and try their luck again. I've heard all the excuses before of why we can't isolate players at young ages, but the bottom line is that if a player truly wants to excel at the game they will work hard towards that goal no matter what. I've seen the ways different coaches approach their games in the blue division and certain teams play their best players almost the entire games against other good teams and some don't. You can say results don't matter but the truth be told, the Stars aren't able to pick up players because their uniforms are cool it's because of their record and that's it. The Stars understand the system and that's why they pick up better players so they can achieve better results. I understand everyone deserves a chance to play this great game, but that's why there are many different levels to choose from. The top level in MAPLE shouldn't be that place, if anything I think some coaches are actually hurting some of the top players in the division by having to share time with someone who is nowhere near their level. So all you naysayers for fair playing time keep beating the drum and sit by and watch as the division goes to two top teams and the rest fight for mediocracy...oh wait a minute....that's exactly what happened to all the age brackets before us.

You are a complete idiot with no experience regard athletic development.

Actually, your wrong. I played in college and understand athletic development quite well. I am not saying kids shouldn't be developed, but in the top division the best kids should play as they are going to continue to develop as well. There will always be options for kids who have developed to tryout for top teams and there will always be those kids who don't develop for a variety of reasons and who will drop off, however the top division stays competitive. I think your one of those people who don't truly understand what the meaning of a competition is.

Bet your kid loves the car ride home from games.....

I'm tired of hearing that results don't matter at this age. If I wanted my daughter to play for something that doesn't matter than I would have her play rec. or a travel league and save thousands of dollars per year. MAPLE's blue division is supposed to be the highest level of soccer in the state for U-12 and if a player is not good enough to start than they shouldn't play much. If they want to start than they should work harder to improve their game (maybe at a lower level) and try their luck again. I've heard all the excuses before of why we can't isolate players at young ages, but the bottom line is that if a player truly wants to excel at the game they will work hard towards that goal no matter what. I've seen the ways different coaches approach their games in the blue division and certain teams play their best players almost the entire games against other good teams and some don't. You can say results don't matter but the truth be told, the Stars aren't able to pick up players because their uniforms are cool it's because of their record and that's it. The Stars understand the system and that's why they pick up better players so they can achieve better results. I understand everyone deserves a chance to play this great game, but that's why there are many different levels to choose from. The top level in MAPLE shouldn't be that place, if anything I think some coaches are actually hurting some of the top players in the division by having to share time with someone who is nowhere near their level. So all you naysayers for fair playing time keep beating the drum and sit by and watch as the division goes to two top teams and the rest fight for mediocracy...oh wait a minute....that's exactly what happened to all the age brackets before us.

You are a complete idiot with no experience regard athletic development.

Actually, your wrong. I played in college and understand athletic development quite well. I am not saying kids shouldn't be developed, but in the top division the best kids should play as they are going to continue to develop as well. There will always be options for kids who have developed to tryout for top teams and there will always be those kids who don't develop for a variety of reasons and who will drop off, however the top division stays competitive. I think your one of those people who don't truly understand what the meaning of a competition is.

This is one philosophy, but it's flawed at so many levels that it's hard to take it seriously. College is different than 11 year olds, and I agree with the person who said you'd sing a different tune if your kids was riding the pine. OR you may be one of those people who don't care if your kid plays as long as the team wins. Those are the ones that are the hardest to watch. Winning is more fun - of course. Playing time doesn't have to e equal - no problem. But if a team plays only to win by playing it's big fast kids at U11 then there isn't a lot of development going on and by the time they are U15 they are in the cellar and the kids have no where to go because they never developed the basic skills.

I'm tired of hearing that results don't matter at this age. If I wanted my daughter to play for something that doesn't matter than I would have her play rec. or a travel league and save thousands of dollars per year. MAPLE's blue division is supposed to be the highest level of soccer in the state for U-12 and if a player is not good enough to start than they shouldn't play much. If they want to start than they should work harder to improve their game (maybe at a lower level) and try their luck again. I've heard all the excuses before of why we can't isolate players at young ages, but the bottom line is that if a player truly wants to excel at the game they will work hard towards that goal no matter what. I've seen the ways different coaches approach their games in the blue division and certain teams play their best players almost the entire games against other good teams and some don't. You can say results don't matter but the truth be told, the Stars aren't able to pick up players because their uniforms are cool it's because of their record and that's it. The Stars understand the system and that's why they pick up better players so they can achieve better results. I understand everyone deserves a chance to play this great game, but that's why there are many different levels to choose from. The top level in MAPLE shouldn't be that place, if anything I think some coaches are actually hurting some of the top players in the division by having to share time with someone who is nowhere near their level. So all you naysayers for fair playing time keep beating the drum and sit by and watch as the division goes to two top teams and the rest fight for mediocracy...oh wait a minute....that's exactly what happened to all the age brackets before us.

So you are paying thousands of dollars so your kid can be on a winning team and if the development comes along with that great, if not, that's okay? If the team isn't winning but s/he is becoming a much better player, do you jump ship? And soccer is a TEAM sport, it's about improvement of all the players not just your little darling.

I'm tired of hearing that results don't matter at this age. If I wanted my daughter to play for something that doesn't matter than I would have her play rec. or a travel league and save thousands of dollars per year. MAPLE's blue division is supposed to be the highest level of soccer in the state for U-12 and if a player is not good enough to start than they shouldn't play much. If they want to start than they should work harder to improve their game (maybe at a lower level) and try their luck again. I've heard all the excuses before of why we can't isolate players at young ages, but the bottom line is that if a player truly wants to excel at the game they will work hard towards that goal no matter what. I've seen the ways different coaches approach their games in the blue division and certain teams play their best players almost the entire games against other good teams and some don't. You can say results don't matter but the truth be told, the Stars aren't able to pick up players because their uniforms are cool it's because of their record and that's it. The Stars understand the system and that's why they pick up better players so they can achieve better results. I understand everyone deserves a chance to play this great game, but that's why there are many different levels to choose from. The top level in MAPLE shouldn't be that place, if anything I think some coaches are actually hurting some of the top players in the division by having to share time with someone who is nowhere near their level. So all you naysayers for fair playing time keep beating the drum and sit by and watch as the division goes to two top teams and the rest fight for mediocracy...oh wait a minute....that's exactly what happened to all the age brackets before us.

You are a complete idiot with no experience regard athletic development.

Actually, your wrong. I played in college and understand athletic development quite well. I am not saying kids shouldn't be developed, but in the top division the best kids should play as they are going to continue to develop as well. There will always be options for kids who have developed to tryout for top teams and there will always be those kids who don't develop for a variety of reasons and who will drop off, however the top division stays competitive. I think your one of those people who don't truly understand what the meaning of a competition is.

Absoulutly 100 % dead on!!! The only peole who are going to have something against this is the ones with players sitting on the bench. This is MAPLE and it has been very watered down because of attitides like the ones posted on this forum. Think about life. You work hard, you excel, you don't you won't. I for one am not paying tons of money to travel oall over the east coast to "develop" weaker players on the team. The team can stay home to do that. And guess what? I AM NOT A STARS PARENT OR A WOMAN!!!!!!!!

[Cujo]

I'm tired of hearing that results don't matter at this age. If I wanted my daughter to play for something that doesn't matter than I would have her play rec. or a travel league and save thousands of dollars per year. MAPLE's blue division is supposed to be the highest level of soccer in the state for U-12 and if a player is not good enough to start than they shouldn't play much. If they want to start than they should work harder to improve their game (maybe at a lower level) and try their luck again. I've heard all the excuses before of why we can't isolate players at young ages, but the bottom line is that if a player truly wants to excel at the game they will work hard towards that goal no matter what. I've seen the ways different coaches approach their games in the blue division and certain teams play their best players almost the entire games against other good teams and some don't. You can say results don't matter but the truth be told, the Stars aren't able to pick up players because their uniforms are cool it's because of their record and that's it. The Stars understand the system and that's why they pick up better players so they can achieve better results. I understand everyone deserves a chance to play this great game, but that's why there are many different levels to choose from. The top level in MAPLE shouldn't be that place, if anything I think some coaches are actually hurting some of the top players in the division by having to share time with someone who is nowhere near their level. So all you naysayers for fair playing time keep beating the drum and sit by and watch as the division goes to two top teams and the rest fight for mediocracy...oh wait a minute....that's exactly what happened to all the age brackets before us.

You are phrasing the issue incorrectly. It is not that they don't matter but rather that they are not important compared to other areas. The idea that there is a hierarchy among your 16 players that is clearly defined at that age is ludicrous. I may start different players on different games because I want different skill sets at different times depending on the style of the team that I am facing. You obviously have the best player on the planet so rather than screwing around with MAPLE just pull your kid off the team and call up Pia and tell her your kid will take one of the roster spots. Your attitude makes you the poster child for everything that is wrong in youth sports. Nobody is saying equal playing time but the idea that playing weaker players is going to ruin the balance of the sporting universe is stupid. Success at U12 is very much dependent on physical and emotional maturity. I've seen kids who become prolific scorers at that age simply because they have had their growth spurt and can beat a 4-2 inch goalie. The same kid begins to level off at U14 when other kids catch up. The more you post the more you make a fool out of yourself. Quit while you are ahead. Start cheering for the all the kids and leave the coaching decisions to people who know what they are doing. You elitist parents are always asking about seeing our coaching credentials. I am going to start ask you for parenting credentials if you keep it up. Your entire post is contrary to everything that is understood and accepted by trained professionals who have years of experience developing athletes. NOW GO CALL PIA!!!!! She will be in her office for a few more minutes. The ink is still wet on the contract she just printed for your phenom.

[Cujo]

I'm tired of hearing that results don't matter at this age. If I wanted my daughter to play for something that doesn't matter than I would have her play rec. or a travel league and save thousands of dollars per year. MAPLE's blue division is supposed to be the highest level of soccer in the state for U-12 and if a player is not good enough to start than they shouldn't play much. If they want to start than they should work harder to improve their game (maybe at a lower level) and try their luck again. I've heard all the excuses before of why we can't isolate players at young ages, but the bottom line is that if a player truly wants to excel at the game they will work hard towards that goal no matter what. I've seen the ways different coaches approach their games in the blue division and certain teams play their best players almost the entire games against other good teams and some don't. You can say results don't matter but the truth be told, the Stars aren't able to pick up players because their uniforms are cool it's because of their record and that's it. The Stars understand the system and that's why they pick up better players so they can achieve better results. I understand everyone deserves a chance to play this great game, but that's why there are many different levels to choose from. The top level in MAPLE shouldn't be that place, if anything I think some coaches are actually hurting some of the top players in the division by having to share time with someone who is nowhere near their level. So all you naysayers for fair playing time keep beating the drum and sit by and watch as the division goes to two top teams and the rest fight for mediocracy...oh wait a minute....that's exactly what happened to all the age brackets before us.

You are a complete idiot with no experience regard athletic development.

Actually, your wrong. I played in college and understand athletic development quite well. I am not saying kids shouldn't be developed, but in the top division the best kids should play as they are going to continue to develop as well. There will always be options for kids who have developed to tryout for top teams and there will always be those kids who don't develop for a variety of reasons and who will drop off, however the top division stays competitive. I think your one of those people who don't truly understand what the meaning of a competition is.

Absoulutly 100 % dead on!!! The only peole who are going to have something against this is the ones with players sitting on the bench. This is MAPLE and it has been very watered down because of attitides like the ones posted on this forum. Think about life. You work hard, you excel, you don't you won't. I for one am not paying tons of money to travel oall over the east coast to "develop" weaker players on the team. The team can stay home to do that. And guess what? I AM NOT A STARS PARENT OR A WOMAN!!!!!!!!

Nobody gives a sh!t how your kid did when they were a U12 or how their team did. Nobody will ever ask you in six years. It is irrelevant. Many kids do not hit their stride till later on and some peak early. Playing your 14th or 15th player for 26 minutes in a game is not going to change results very much. If the kid can't play don't sign them. Read the maple bylaws.

I'm tired of hearing that results don't matter at this age. If I wanted my daughter to play for something that doesn't matter than I would have her play rec. or a travel league and save thousands of dollars per year. MAPLE's blue division is supposed to be the highest level of soccer in the state for U-12 and if a player is not good enough to start than they shouldn't play much. If they want to start than they should work harder to improve their game (maybe at a lower level) and try their luck again. I've heard all the excuses before of why we can't isolate players at young ages, but the bottom line is that if a player truly wants to excel at the game they will work hard towards that goal no matter what. I've seen the ways different coaches approach their games in the blue division and certain teams play their best players almost the entire games against other good teams and some don't. You can say results don't matter but the truth be told, the Stars aren't able to pick up players because their uniforms are cool it's because of their record and that's it. The Stars understand the system and that's why they pick up better players so they can achieve better results. I understand everyone deserves a chance to play this great game, but that's why there are many different levels to choose from. The top level in MAPLE shouldn't be that place, if anything I think some coaches are actually hurting some of the top players in the division by having to share time with someone who is nowhere near their level. So all you naysayers for fair playing time keep beating the drum and sit by and watch as the division goes to two top teams and the rest fight for mediocracy...oh wait a minute....that's exactly what happened to all the age brackets before us.

I'll wager a bet that you would be one of the first parents singing a different tune when your little darling is sitting the bench. And guess what? At 12 years old I'm willing to wager it won't be long before your little darling has her opportunity. Then suddenly you will see the benefits playing time has on development.

Actually, I'd be quite happy as I would get to save all that money for her to play for a more appropriate level for her talent and she would get to play more. I could care less whether she plays soccer in college or even MAPLE for that matter. The point is, if she's going to play at a high level and what's supposed to be the highest level in the state than results do matter and if anyone disagrees then your only fooling yourselves.