Tough decisions at top levels

[Guest]

For those parents that have had players on ECNL teams etc. at the top levels of club..

Let’s say it’s the end of the season and they want to add players or make cuts, what’s the vibe like?

Are parents desperate for their kids to stay on the team? Are they understanding if they get cut?

Just curious but it seems like a survival of the fittest mentality must ensue at some capacity and feelings get hurt, but it’s what’s best.

[Guest]

Those who are safe get cold and without saying it, make vague comments like "It would be great to have a left-footed player playing at such and such a position" or "if we only had a way to keep the ball out of the net we'd be really good".

Those who are not blame the coach.

[Guest]

Those who are safe get cold and without saying it, make vague comments like "It would be great to have a left-footed player playing at such and such a position" or "if we only had a way to keep the ball out of the net we'd be really good".

Those who are not blame the coach.

Writing on the wall sort of thing it sounds like

[Guest]

It definitely can be super awkward and uncomfortable in the spring. Families keep very tight lipped. By U15 or so there's a lot less movement because better players are well known by then. Clubs will often just add more players - good for their bottom line but not good for PT. However the reality is if your player wants to play in college they better be able to fight for PT all the time.

If you're worried yours could get cut or even if they're simply not playing much, have a conversation with the coach over the winter. That way there's time to get them to practices at other teams. Don't wait for tryouts, its too late by then.

[Guest]

Writing on the wall sort of thing it sounds like

Only if the coach actually knows what he’s doing.

[Guest]

Parents talk less. Players feel stressed. Spring is awful . You hear players get early offers and some don’t. All to play college which is overrated anyways . You play college then have to get a job so don’t caught up in the ECNL none sense . No one cares about college soccer haha empty stadiums every game cuz no one literally cares

[Guest]

Parents talk less. Players feel stressed. Spring is awful . You hear players get early offers and some don’t. All to play college which is overrated anyways . You play college then have to get a job so don’t caught up in the ECNL none sense . No one cares about college soccer haha empty stadiums every game cuz no one literally cares

Says the person who, apparently, has no idea what college soccer is all about.

Any other part of people's lives you care to offer your uneducated opinion about?

[Guest]

It becomes stressful for everyone.

One trick I recommend is to make it a policy to practice or try out with all the available teams in your area every year. If anyone ever asks why you're trying out at different clubs just say that it's always been your policy to check out all the available options each year.

If you start doing this in ulittle + keep doing it as they get older there's nothing anyone can say about it.

keep in mind that if a coach is planning to drop a player the decision was made months before occur. Doing super amazing at tryouts wont change anything. Might as well give your kid the most options available.

[Guest]

It becomes stressful for everyone.

One trick I recommend is to make it a policy to practice or try out with all the available teams in your area every year. If anyone ever asks why you're trying out at different clubs just say that it's always been your policy to check out all the available options each year.

If you start doing this in ulittle + keep doing it as they get older there's nothing anyone can say about it.

keep in mind that if a coach is planning to drop a player the decision was made months before occur. Doing super amazing at tryouts wont change anything. Might as well give your kid the most options available.

Always have options. You never know if a team or club might blow up, or, lately, moves to a league you don't want. Seemingly safe players can get cut too. There may be a better option out there for your ever changing player too. Don't assume status quo every year.