Where are the "other" kids

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On the north shore, there are plenty of talented players of diverse backgrounds - at least on the boys side. I've seen amazing kids from Revere, Lynn, Salem, Chelsea, Winthrop, Everett, Malden etc. playing with NSU, Vikings, Aztecs, Revere FC and so on. I know nothing of their financial backgrounds or scholarship capabilities. What I have witnessed is that their parents are involved, very involved, in transportation, coaching, club selection, etc. Clearly, that involvement will help these kids develop alongside whatever the club coaching can do for them. As with anything in life, it really requires not only talent and desire but support from a variety of angles.

[Unregistered]

On the north shore, there are plenty of talented players of diverse backgrounds - at least on the boys side. I've seen amazing kids from Revere, Lynn, Salem, Chelsea, Winthrop, Everett, Malden etc. playing with NSU, Vikings, Aztecs, Revere FC and so on. I know nothing of their financial backgrounds or scholarship capabilities. What I have witnessed is that their parents are involved, very involved, in transportation, coaching, club selection, etc. Clearly, that involvement will help these kids develop alongside whatever the club coaching can do for them. As with anything in life, it really requires not only talent and desire but support from a variety of angles.

Good post, It is definetely an effort on evryone's part from the Club to the mgr's to the parents and friends to get these kids to play. It would be nice for more of these kids to get involved with club soccer. Unfortunately, the clubs, even the non-profit ones can't afford 4 scholarships per team. Getting donations for a program to sponsor kids is next to impossible in this economic climate. The Clubs you mentioned that have these kids on their team don't have that many, except Revere FC and they are almost non-existent. AC Arlington probably has the most kids paying next to nothing. Q gets all the best talent from the inner city because he is a relentless recruiter. It is quite easy for him because he offers up a scholarship to all very good players. Who knows how long he will be able to sustain running a Club that way. He has a lot of very good talent at the younger age groups, I think it would be wise for one of the other larger Clubs near him to suggest a merge. Although with all those kids paying next to nothing I'm not sure who would want the baggage.

[Unregistered]

More choices for minority players?

Clubs who charge $1500 fees can afford quite a few scholarships. Even clubs that charge fees only to cover costs can afford some scholarships if the team carries a full roster. My son's team has four full scholarships (some with the coach's help), but more important we have families who are committed to the team and don't just think that a full scholarship means "free ride". The families are expected to help with fund raising and the players are expected to be a contributing member of the team both on and off the field.
I have seen big clubs trolling the Latin American communities looking for those star players only to find out well into the season that the family and/or the player wasn't committed to the team.
Nevertheless, club soccer fees have become outrageous to the point that many minority families don't even bother looking. Why play for a club when there is plenty of pick up and organized soccer in one's own community? Have you ever played against some of those L.A., Brazilian, or Portuguese town teams? They're pretty good!

[Unregistered]

Good post, It is definetely an effort on evryone's part from the Club to the mgr's to the parents and friends to get these kids to play. It would be nice for more of these kids to get involved with club soccer. Unfortunately, the clubs, even the non-profit ones can't afford 4 scholarships per team. Getting donations for a program to sponsor kids is next to impossible in this economic climate. The Clubs you mentioned that have these kids on their team don't have that many, except Revere FC and they are almost non-existent. AC Arlington probably has the most kids paying next to nothing. Q gets all the best talent from the inner city because he is a relentless recruiter. It is quite easy for him because he offers up a scholarship to all very good players. Who knows how long he will be able to sustain running a Club that way. He has a lot of very good talent at the younger age groups, I think it would be wise for one of the other larger Clubs near him to suggest a merge. Although with all those kids paying next to nothing I'm not sure who would want the baggage.

I agree. Say what you want about Q but he puts his heart and soul into it for these kids. Someone posted earlier that MPS has an "inner city" initiative with sponsor/partner Bank of America. Wouldn't that be a great match (no pun)?

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Almost true.. Soccer is a bigger business in Europe and S. America. the reason why we cant compete internationally is HS and College destroys our players.. while their kids are in pro soccer clubs by the age of 10.. groomed from day 1 to be a pro soccer player.. they are even supplied school through the club, believe it or not our players dont get competitive until their late 20's ..
you are correct from the passion side . every kid coach and parent watch live and breathe the game over there, like Football and Bball here.. we have soccer coaches and kids who dont watch the game and could care less about any proleagues. Parents who shout out " foul or offsides " and they dont even know the rules?
I was at an indoor facility a few weeks ago and there was a hugh EPL game on tV and maybe 3 guys watching while 20+ were reading a book or paper or just talking.. It makes me almost believe that club soccer is the only thing keeping most of these kids playing soccer. When left in a park with a soccer ball Im afraid they wouldnt ever know the rules and would end up playing kick ball or dodge

This is 100% correct. The world (aside from America and some parts of Asia) is very soccer friendly. If you have a parent who is a native of any country in South or Central America, Africa, Europe, or parts of Asia they know the game. My kid joined club soccer a few years ago and has literally learned nothing, if anything even lost skills. Every single skill, technique, and strategy was learned in the backyard. So after a year we are resigend that all club soccer in MA does not provide development and we are basicly participating to compete in games. Thank God the kid has inate talent that can draw a crowd so we can pick and choose from all the teams tripping over themselves, who don't care if the kid only shows up for games and dosen't pay.

[Unregistered]

I agree. Say what you want about Q but he puts his heart and soul into it for these kids. Someone posted earlier that MPS has an "inner city" initiative with sponsor/partner Bank of America. Wouldn't that be a great match (no pun)?

Heart, soul , and wallet. I was not putting down Q, I am actually pretty good friends with him. I just think that sooner or later he will have to do something a little different to keep all those kids. He has some good ideas. Making them work is the hard part.

[Unregistered]

this is 100% correct. The world (aside from america and some parts of asia) is very soccer friendly. If you have a parent who is a native of any country in south or central america, africa, europe, or parts of asia they know the game. My kid joined club soccer a few years ago and has literally learned nothing, if anything even lost skills. Every single skill, technique, and strategy was learned in the backyard. So after a year we are resigend that all club soccer in ma does not provide development and we are basicly participating to compete in games. Thank god the kid has inate talent that can draw a crowd so we can pick and choose from all the teams tripping over themselves, who don't care if the kid only shows up for games and dosen't pay.

troll alert

[Unregistered]

This is 100% correct. The world (aside from America and some parts of Asia) is very soccer friendly. If you have a parent who is a native of any country in South or Central America, Africa, Europe, or parts of Asia they know the game. My kid joined club soccer a few years ago and has literally learned nothing, if anything even lost skills. Every single skill, technique, and strategy was learned in the backyard. So after a year we are resigend that all club soccer in MA does not provide development and we are basicly participating to compete in games. Thank God the kid has inate talent that can draw a crowd so we can pick and choose from all the teams tripping over themselves, who don't care if the kid only shows up for games and dosen't pay.

What a bunch of BS. You're a fraud.

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What a bunch of BS. You're a fraud.

Club coaches don't want to hear this nonsense.

[Unregistered]

Club Soccer

This is 100% correct. The world (aside from America and some parts of Asia) is very soccer friendly. If you have a parent who is a native of any country in South or Central America, Africa, Europe, or parts of Asia they know the game. My kid joined club soccer a few years ago and has literally learned nothing, if anything even lost skills. Every single skill, technique, and strategy was learned in the backyard. So after a year we are resigend that all club soccer in MA does not provide development and we are basicly participating to compete in games. Thank God the kid has inate talent that can draw a crowd so we can pick and choose from all the teams tripping over themselves, who don't care if the kid only shows up for games and dosen't pay.

I somewhat agree that the clubs provide surprisingly little skills development. What is valuable though is to consistently play on a field with and against strong, skilled, and committed players at every position. That elevates your game. In Brazil, you can find that on any street.

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I somewhat agree that the clubs provide surprisingly little skills development. What is valuable though is to consistently play on a field with and against strong, skilled, and committed players at every position. That elevates your game. In Brazil, you can find that on any street.

Then you are with the wrong Club.

[Unregistered]

Heart, soul , and wallet. I was not putting down Q, I am actually pretty good friends with him. I just think that sooner or later he will have to do something a little different to keep all those kids. He has some good ideas. Making them work is the hard part.

I honestly didn't mean to imply that you were. The comment was more of a reference to what others have written on this site in the past. I give credit to anyone in the trenches making it happen week in and week out. This guy is the real deal.