My daughter is a 2011. After tryouts this year, we decided to stay with her ECNL club that (we believe) will provide her with the better training and more opportunities for development (training with boys, training with older girls, etc.). But, at this age group, her ECNL club is not as good as another local ECNL club. This other club has the better players and finished better in ECNL last year than her club. That said, from what we know and been told by other parents, the training for this other club (at this age group) is not as good. Plus, as she would be a new player on the other club and with that team having more good players, she likely will not receive as many additional developmental opportunities as she will at her current club. So, my question is, when is it more important to have your kid on a better all-around team than to have better training and more development opportunities?
-
-
Play, most important decision.
If the games are competitive, that is more important than purely wins and losses. -
Opinions on “better” training is personal. I’d probably choose to go with the better team as your D will be challenged every practice to improve and play faster. She will get out of it what she puts in. If you are worried about playing time then get better, which is ultimately the goal. Coaches will eventually play the best players more, equal time theory is diminished as they get older.Comment
-
Better team.
Even the best coach gets frustrated if there's a single dud on his team. Even if all others are stars.Comment
-
I am, generally, not worried playing time. My daughter is a good player and is known by the other ECNL team and its players, as many of them play together at non-ECNL functions. I say "generally" because there is always a concern about how your kid will be treated as a new player. Not necessarily by the coach (although they face pressure from the parents), but also by the other players and parents. Ultimately, I do not think it would be an issue, but I could see it ruffling some feathers and at her age that can be a difficult situation.Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
-
-
Most of the games are competitive. Mostly 1-3 goal differences, but with some 6-point losses sprinkled in.Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
-
My D changed teams at around 12 years old. Initially players and parents (at least to me) were a bit cold. Maybe because we were new and they all knew each other? Quickly she earned her spot and was supported, even thought she took minutes from existing players. We never second guessed the choice and the first few weeks and games were a little uncomfortable but eventually it all worked out. My D’s attitude was important too, she knew she had to earn the minutes and wasn’t discouraged that she didn’t get the ball or play as much as her previous team. Years later she’s a regular starter that plays mostly full games and some of her best friends are club teammates. Just takes time, No regretsOriginally posted by Guest View PostComment
-
What do you mean “she didn’t get the ball?” You mean ECNL girls aren’t making the correct play and are ignoring your daughter?Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
-
I have had the opportunity to ask this same general question of two D1 coaches and both said play where your daughter is playing, happy and challenged/continuing to develop through training and it works for the family. Do not chase winning records if happiness, play time or family will be impacted. They said they don’t care about wins/losses just how the individual player does. I believe that and we made our choice but I do still wonder about the additional opportunities winning teams bring like more chances to be seen at nationals, etc. But if you do game film, emails and college-specific ID camps it evens out.Comment
-
So a 2011 ECNL Scorpions STAR is looking to go to Select or Stars. Or a new Select ECNL STAR is looking to go to Stars. Just wait until the coaches see this oneComment
-
Thanks. This is kind of where I am at. My daughter is happy (though I think she would like to win some more games). Family time would be a bit impacted as the other club is farther away. She's still playing ECNL in the same conference, so it's not like it would be a huge step-up in league. Like you, though, I wonder what difference it would make for her to be playing on a better team.Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
-
LOL, you're reading into this too much. Just to put the coaches at ease, she does not play in this area.Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
-
Yup, she was accustomed to receiving the ball in tight spaces. Maybe her new team didn’t feel comfortable passing in those areas? I never thought they intentionally overlooked her, just adjusting to her particular skill and ability.Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
-
Then what are you doing on the Ma TS page? Only 3 ECNL teams in this area. Good tryOriginally posted by Guest View PostComment
Comment