Best Boys U10-U13 Coaches in the Metro West/Greater Boston Area?

[Unregistered]

A nationally licensed coach here (no lies) with a pertinent question: just, what exactly constitutes "good training" in your esteemed opinions? Please elucidate all of us at Bolts, MPS, NEFC, Hamlets, (especially)Blazers, and even some smaller clubs who work quite diligently at providing education for your child. There are an incredible amount of know-it-alls who know nothing ready to spout their rubbish and BS. Please go have these discussions with the Mass state legislature where all the other know-it-alls seem to reside. TIA.

not the same poster but I would tend to agree with most of what s/he said. There are exceptions at the Bolts like JO for example. But several coaches at the younger age elite levels do not provide good training- when we were there, at least 2 out of 10 practices, the coaches didn't show up and the practice was run by a parent. Also, at the younger age groups, some coaches just let them play for at least half the practice with very little if any commentary- what's the point of that? I can arrange that myself by booking some time at Forekicks and inviting the team to come and just play SSGs.

[Unregistered]

Several kids have left Bolts in the younger age groups (including my son, who was a top player in the U10 group two years ago (so no, he was not rejected by the Bolts and would have easily made the A team the following year) because their parents noticed that the training was much better at other clubs. I know of several good players that joined clubs like Hammer, MPS, Valeo and yes even Blazers (DC) for the better training. I know this because I know their parents well and I can tell you this - they have no regrets; the training they got at these clubs was much better. You can stay with your Almighty Bolts but your son is probably getting mediocre training- tell you what- why don't you visit a couple of the clubs mentioned above and watch their elite teams train, then come back and open your mouth- otherwise, you're just spouting lemming drivel.

You had a "top" U10 player and left for better training TWO YEARS ago, which, in your esteemed opinion, can be better obtained elsewhere??? YOU HAVE A U12 PLAYER AND YOU ARE AN EXPERT? You are telling me, who has been dealing with the Bolts and club soccer in general for over 12 years, who has a player going off to college that I am making "lemming posts"? I can't even begin to express my disgust. You truly are what's wrong with club soccer. The U12 sideline idiot parent from Hades.

[Unregistered]

OP here. Thanks for all the coach/club suggestions. We are looking in the Cambridge/ Rt 2 W Area - but not too far from Cambridge (where I'll be working) - I think Acton may be be my driving limit.

I'll be emailing/calling these clubs. My criteria is a little different from I guess the typical parent.

First off, I'm looking for that odd coach who

* will criticize a player who scored by taking extra touches to use his dominant foot but will applaud his teammate who failed to score with his weaker foot but got the shot off much quicker. Both players have made mistakes, but if the former player is not corrected, only the latter player will be able to play at a higher level. Similarly, a coach who criticizes a player who slowed down a counter attack by choosing to dribble in midfield or (worse) in the back third, rather than quickly advancing the ball to a player in a better position. In other words a coach who would rather a young player attempt to make the correct play and fail because he has not fully developed a skill (technical or tactical), than to succeed with the wrong way because inferior opponents will allow this to be successful.


* really believes in possession style soccer and is relentless and passionate about it- I define possession style soccer as five or more passes in succession many times throughout the game against a weaker opponent and three or more passes consistently throughout a game against a similar opponent.


Secondly, his team must be a top level team with dedicated, passionate soccer players.


Too much to ask?

Just came upon this post and I like your criteria for choosing a coach very much. However there are a couple of more things I would also look for:

1) As you mentioned, possession style soccer is what you want to strive for as a coach and team. However, you can have players with a high level of passing ability, but unless the coach helps players to understand the influence of timing of runs and the communication of that timing, then they will have to rely on luck for passes to get to where they want to. A coach who can develop this in his players (i.e. Developing Vision and Rapid Decision Making) is high up in my book.

2) A coach whose players love to play for. A prerequisite for this is players who are dedicated and passionate about soccer (another point you mentioned).

3) "in-game" coaching is a challenge for most coaches. Here is where you're required to think on your feet. Providing good ad hoc motivational speeches is a big plus too.

[Unregistered]

Just came upon this post and I like your criteria for choosing a coach very much. However there are a couple of more things I would also look for:

1) As you mentioned, possession style soccer is what you want to strive for as a coach and team. However, you can have players with a high level of passing ability, but unless the coach helps players to understand the influence of timing of runs and the communication of that timing, then they will have to rely on luck for passes to get to where they want to. A coach who can develop this in his players (i.e. Developing Vision and Rapid Decision Making) is high up in my book.

2) A coach whose players love to play for. A prerequisite for this is players who are dedicated and passionate about soccer (another point you mentioned).

3) "in-game" coaching is a challenge for most coaches. Here is where you're required to think on your feet. Providing good ad hoc motivational speeches is a big plus too.

Just to be clear, On 1) above - I was trying to describe Attacking Runs (the timing and communication of that timing). Possession style soccer has to have this component to be successful.

[Unregistered]

Just to be clear, On 1) above - I was trying to describe Attacking Runs (the timing and communication of that timing). Possession style soccer has to have this component to be successful.

Two excellent posts in my opinion.

[Unregistered]

Just came upon this post and I like your criteria for choosing a coach very much. However there are a couple of more things I would also look for:

1) As you mentioned, possession style soccer is what you want to strive for as a coach and team. However, you can have players with a high level of passing ability, but unless the coach helps players to understand the influence of timing of runs and the communication of that timing, then they will have to rely on luck for passes to get to where they want to. A coach who can develop this in his players (i.e. Developing Vision and Rapid Decision Making) is high up in my book.

2) A coach whose players love to play for. A prerequisite for this is players who are dedicated and passionate about soccer (another point you mentioned).

3) "in-game" coaching is a challenge for most coaches. Here is where you're required to think on your feet. Providing good ad hoc motivational speeches is a big plus too.

I am that coach. Please come play for me.

Regards, Pep G

[Unregistered]

I am that coach. Please come play for me.

Regards, Pep G

Have faith, my friend.

[Unregistered]

Two excellent posts in my opinion.

Are you planning on attending MSC and watch our MA teams?

[Unregistered]

[QUOTE=Unregistered;689151]MPS Elite team coaches in this age groups have the strongest coaching staff:

U11 - Phil Mitchell played in the Champions League and is a great coach with the top team in NEP league. His email is pmitchell@mpsbr.com

MPS parents: What happen in your scrimmage against NEFC U11 Boys today?