Why is Stars Blue struggling ?

[Guest]

So, impact the development of a player so the club could win a title?

If that were my kid, no way I'd let that happen. People are too concentrated on their kid's wins to boost their social media activity.

Are you suggesting that playing on an 09 Stars Blue team and taking down Solar for the national championship would not help them?

Development is important, but there comes a time when it needs to turn into production. They're moving into recruiting years, so it's now.

[Guest]

Are you suggesting that playing on an 09 Stars Blue team and taking down Solar for the national championship would not help them?

Development is important, but there comes a time when it needs to turn into production. They're moving into recruiting years, so it's now.

A lot can happen between now and July re: "taking down Solar".

So, yes, playing up an age group, if the player is physically able to do so, is by far more important for that player. Not for nothing, they could bring them into the Nationals at that time if they wished. But, that's a long way away. Right now those players are being better tested in the environment they are in and since it's moving into recruiting years, it's even more important. Without question.

[Guest]

It's just over a month away.

[Guest]

A lot can happen between now and July re: "taking down Solar".

So, yes, playing up an age group, if the player is physically able to do so, is by far more important for that player. Not for nothing, they could bring them into the Nationals at that time if they wished. But, that's a long way away. Right now those players are being better tested in the environment they are in and since it's moving into recruiting years, it's even more important. Without question.

Much better to stay in proper age group and develop technique.

Playing up only proves you were early bloomer and are risking burnout and injury for no real gain. Or proves daddy has big ego.

By all means, listen to the lazy kick ball coaches who push kids up age groups to "challenge" them.

[Guest]

are you suggesting that playing on an 09 stars blue team and taking down solar for the national championship would not help them?

Development is important, but there comes a time when it needs to turn into production. They're moving into recruiting years, so it's now.

exactly!!!

[Guest]

Much better to stay in proper age group and develop technique.

Playing up only proves you were early bloomer and are risking burnout and injury for no real gain. Or proves daddy has big ego.

By all means, listen to the lazy kick ball coaches who push kids up age groups to "challenge" them.

I certainly don't advocate it, but looking at AS from SSS, CH from WC, SM from Stars Blue, NK from NEFC, etc. etc. tells me that doesn't align with your thinking. Some of the most-highly recruited players play up a year, either fully or as needed (in AS's case, two) because that is the level they are at. Sure, when you are talking 8-year olds it's about their physical makeup, but only a fool would hold a kid back just to make a team better. That's a daddy move right there. The rest of the post screams mommy move, TBH

[Guest]

I think the naysayers are parents of Blue 08s who are freaking out about the 09s leaving. No one of their caliber will be coming to replace them.

[Guest]

Much better to stay in proper age group and develop technique.

Playing up only proves you were early bloomer and are risking burnout and injury for no real gain. Or proves daddy has big ego.

By all means, listen to the lazy kick ball coaches who push kids up age groups to "challenge" them.

So when MLS pro teams play their top prospects up an age they must be doing it wrong?

[Guest]

So when MLS pro teams play their top prospects up an age they must be doing it wrong?

[Looks at EPL teams, sees young players brought up from their academies into the senior team, and nods in agreement]

[Guest]

[Looks at EPL teams, sees young players brought up from their academies into the senior team, and nods in agreement]

Using MLS or EPL examples in this instance is like apples to oranges. Your examples describe a situation where pro soccer is the goal. The VAST majority of ECNL girls (probably 99.9%) are looking at college as their next step. While playing up right now may benefit them, there comes a point with college recruiting (depending on what their grad year is) where playing up can actually hurt them. You don’t want to be a sophomore and play on an ECNL team of juniors and seniors that are all committed.

[Guest]

Using MLS or EPL examples in this instance is like apples to oranges. Your examples describe a situation where pro soccer is the goal. The VAST majority of ECNL girls (probably 99.9%) are looking at college as their next step. While playing up right now may benefit them, there comes a point with college recruiting (depending on what their grad year is) where playing up can actually hurt them. You don’t want to be a sophomore and play on an ECNL team of juniors and seniors that are all committed.

So you’re worried about the recruiting prospects of those 2009s? I think they will do just fine.

[Guest]

So you’re worried about the recruiting prospects of those 2009s? I think they will do just fine.

No, but you should take a look at how Stars has handles it across the board. Pretty much every kid that plays up comes back to their age group during the HS years. But I guess you have more experience getting kids committed than JD, so you do you, 2009 dad.

[Guest]

Doesnt say much about the 08 Blue team when their top 4 players are all 09's.

[Guest]

It takes serious ulittle-itis to be talking 08 v. 09 when RECRUITING YEAR is now more important. 5-6 08’s are class of ‘27, same as the 09’s on the team. Are they playing up? Who cares about birth year if they’re the same recruiting year?

[Guest]

Doesnt say much about the 08 Blue team when their top 4 players are all 09's.

Not necessarily. Sometimes you just get lucky - or unlucky - with the talent supply