The 5 Best Soccer Clubs in Massachusetts

[Guest]

Rumors rumors rumors

[Guest]

I’m not saying you pick a club based on how many kids get picked for NT camp, but it’s undeniable that NEFC and SSS (I believe they have a player in camp too) have done a better job developing this level of talent. I am saying that that NEFC checks more boxes than Stars with coaching, facilities and development. I think we both agree that the teams vary wildly from age group to age group. In the end find a good fit…coaching, teammates, facilities, location.

The NEFC girl is the only one to make the u17 roster in New England. Stars had a kid at the last camp as well (I believe there was also a CT kid that plays for WC). NEFC, Stars and Select have all had kids in YNT camps over the past few years. Again, not a reason to pick a club.

And can we all stop with the “club X DEVELOPED this kid into a YNT player!” At the end of the day, it’s the work the player puts in themselves (often away from club training) and their natural ability/athleticism that gets them there. Playing with and against strong players matters, as does quality training and coaching, but 90% of the credit should go to the player themself.

[Guest]

The NEFC girl is the only one to make the u17 roster in New England. Stars had a kid at the last camp as well (I believe there was also a CT kid that plays for WC). NEFC, Stars and Select have all had kids in YNT camps over the past few years. Again, not a reason to pick a club.

And can we all stop with the “club X DEVELOPED this kid into a YNT player!” At the end of the day, it’s the work the player puts in themselves (often away from club training) and their natural ability/athleticism that gets them there. Playing with and against strong players matters, as does quality training and coaching, but 90% of the credit should go to the player themself.

I can agree with that, but the quality of coaching and opportunities from the club can’t be overlooked. Certainly a club doesn’t create these players but they help put them in a position to succeed and get noticed.

[Guest]

I can agree with that, but the quality of coaching and opportunities from the club can’t be overlooked. Certainly a club doesn’t create these players but they help put them in a position to succeed and get noticed.

Keep in mind USSF pressured NT track kids to be in GDA. Now that pressure is gone and older kids who were in that track when GDA began have either graduated or close to it. What once was doesn't mean what will be in the future. And as others have pointed out multiple times what is a good fit for one player isn't necessarily going to be for the next one. Yes NEFC is a good club, not sure why you keep arguing with ghosts you think are saying differently. But GAL is a B league overall.

[Guest]

I’m not saying you pick a club based on how many kids get picked for NT camp, but it’s undeniable that NEFC and SSS (I believe they have a player in camp too) have done a better job developing this level of talent. I am saying that that NEFC checks more boxes than Stars with coaching, facilities and development. I think we both agree that the teams vary wildly from age group to age group. In the end find a good fit…coaching, teammates, facilities, location.

No you can't say they have done a "better job" because there's no way to rewind history and see what would have happened to those two players at different clubs.

[Guest]

I’m not saying you pick a club based on how many kids get picked for NT camp, but it’s undeniable that NEFC and SSS (I believe they have a player in camp too) have done a better job developing this level of talent.

Wow, have you missed the point. It's completely deniable. There's nothing any of these clubs are doing in "developing this level of talent" that's unique. Most of what they're doing is aggregating talent from their own huge club and many other clubs. We can talk about why separately - but the reason their teams are better is because they can pull in the top 4-5 players from a whole group of other teams, and put together a side of 15-20 very strong players.

[Guest]

And can we all stop with the “club X DEVELOPED this kid into a YNT player!” At the end of the day, it’s the work the player puts in themselves (often away from club training) and their natural ability/athleticism that gets them there. Playing with and against strong players matters, as does quality training and coaching, but 90% of the credit should go to the player themself.

It's this. And of course the athletic talent they were born with. To say when some super player comes along that it was the club - it's not the club, that's just where they played. They probably didn't start there, they moved there.

[Guest]

The ground is shifting in the MW area. Lots of rumors going around about Juv and Steel

Come to NEFC things are just sweeeeeeet

Care to elaborate, Or are you just pointing out the fact there are rumors?

[Guest]

I can agree with that, but the quality of coaching and opportunities from the club can’t be overlooked. Certainly a club doesn’t create these players but they help put them in a position to succeed and get noticed.

the development story is neatly packaged by whatever club, usually the last one, wants to claim it. Success is considered playing soccer in College which covers a wide range of soccer abilities so what is development? If development means being part of helping players reach their soccer potential, then the job of these Clubs is to showcase many levels of ability within the same team to as many schools as possible. the notion that Duke,FSU and Stanford are coming to watch entire teams is fed every time team managers hands out a flier. Players put themselves in a position to succeed, but the system sometimes requires you paying the toll. If you want to know how good a coach really thinks your kid is, say you are leaving and watch them make all kinds of offers.

[Guest]

The only National team invite in New England was from NEFC.

ONE Player. BFD. That player, if as good as they say, should have gotten called up regardless of club affiliation.

[Guest]

ONE Player. BFD. That player, if as good as they say, should have gotten called up regardless of club affiliation.

Exactly. The club they play for plays a minor role in their overall development. This shouldn't be a consideration for any family. Fit for the player and quality of coaching is what matters.

[Guest]

the development story is neatly packaged by whatever club, usually the last one, wants to claim it. Success is considered playing soccer in College which covers a wide range of soccer abilities so what is development? If development means being part of helping players reach their soccer potential, then the job of these Clubs is to showcase many levels of ability within the same team to as many schools as possible. the notion that Duke,FSU and Stanford are coming to watch entire teams is fed every time team managers hands out a flier. Players put themselves in a position to succeed, but the system sometimes requires you paying the toll. If you want to know how good a coach really thinks your kid is, say you are leaving and watch them make all kinds of offers.

"Success is considered playing soccer in College"... according to whom? What percentage of parents and players have been surveyed to determine this?

Not trying to be an ass... I'm posing a serious question. Hearsay?... sure, but I'm doubtful that this can be substantiated.

[Guest]

"Success is considered playing soccer in College"... according to whom? What percentage of parents and players have been surveyed to determine this?

Not trying to be an ass... I'm posing a serious question. Hearsay?... sure, but I'm doubtful that this can be substantiated.

according to the Clubs. Why else do they market commits and attend showcases?

[Guest]

according to the Clubs. Why else do they market commits and attend showcases?

OK, I'll play along... so if a player ends up no playing in college for whatever reason, does it mean that the club failed (since success is considered playing soccer in college)?

[Guest]

The real list of 5 best clubs in Massachusetts:

1. NEFC
2. FC Stars
3. Juventus
4. Boston Bolts
5. Aztec