2014-2015 Boys U12 Best Teams

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Overall a good response NEP begins in early Sept 2014

Think whatever you want but Valeo gave up one goal in their spring 7 games. Two of top teams in this age group are now combined and without practicing together didn't allow a goal in VW, maybe 60-5 in the previous year and added a fantastic goalie. We'll see if NEFC can keep up, doubt it. Not sure Valeo will even bother playing MA u11s.

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Think whatever you want but Valeo gave up one goal in their spring 7 games. Two of top teams in this age group are now combined and without practicing together didn't allow a goal in VW, maybe 60-5 in the previous year and added a fantastic goalie. We'll see if NEFC can keep up, doubt it. Not sure Valeo will even bother playing MA u11s.

Good luck to them. I am keeping son focused on his development yet you are focused on your kids team. You have more the NEFC to worry about.

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Good luck to them. I am keeping son focused on his development yet you are focused on your kids team. You have more the NEFC to worry about.

Development has already started and will continue throughout summer against great competition. If your son is on a weaker team, development will lag, especially if not practicing at all. Not all that complicated really.

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Think whatever you want but Valeo gave up one goal in their spring 7 games. Two of top teams in this age group are now combined and without practicing together didn't allow a goal in VW, maybe 60-5 in the previous year and added a fantastic goalie. We'll see if NEFC can keep up, doubt it. Not sure Valeo will even bother playing MA u11s.

If I was interested in developing my child as a goalie, I am not sure I would want them to be on such a strong defensive team.

What has other parents of goalies done?

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If I was interested in developing my child as a goalie, I am not sure I would want them to be on such a strong defensive team.

What has other parents of goalies done?

My son used to attend keeper practices for about a year with his former club. (not Valeo) Every new keeper was first evaluated by GK coach for footskills. His rule was simple but strict: foot skills first. Can't pass foot skill test- go back to your team coach, practice as a field player only, improve your skills. On the upside, GK training was free for current keepers. The downside was that one could not do it just for fun. Once you qualified and start attending GK practices you automatically become designated team goalkeeper and spend at least half of each game in the net. Many other clubs though run GK training as an extra training for extra $$. No compulsions, no obligations.

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If I was interested in developing my child as a goalie, I am not sure I would want them to be on such a strong defensive team.

What has other parents of goalies done?

Age has a way of evening things out. The Valeo keeper will begin to see more shots. I'm sure the crazy parents will take it out on him when they start losing.

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Development has already started and will continue throughout summer against great competition. If your son is on a weaker team, development will lag, especially if not practicing at all. Not all that complicated really.

Don't worry about my son... he is doing just fine, but thanks for your concern. He does more than you could imagine. It goes beyond soccer

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Being the first tournament, the NEFC preseason tournament will get people a lot of GS points

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Age has a way of evening things out. The Valeo keeper will begin to see more shots. I'm sure the crazy parents will take it out on him when they start losing.

But from a purely developmental point of view for a keeper, would it be better to expose him/her to a barrage of shots by having him play on a weaker team? Or does it benefit him more to play on a better team were the shots are higher quality?

I am truly curious and not passing judgement.

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But from a purely developmental point of view for a keeper, would it be better to expose him/her to a barrage of shots by having him play on a weaker team? Or does it benefit him more to play on a better team were the shots are higher quality?

I am truly curious and not passing judgement.

News flash! Valeo Sucks!

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But from a purely developmental point of view for a keeper, would it be better to expose him/her to a barrage of shots by having him play on a weaker team? Or does it benefit him more to play on a better team were the shots are higher quality?

I am truly curious and not passing judgement.

Agree but no more easy Maple and NEP 'premiership' wins. Much tougher competition in fall.

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But from a purely developmental point of view for a keeper, would it be better to expose him/her to a barrage of shots by having him play on a weaker team? Or does it benefit him more to play on a better team were the shots are higher quality?

I am truly curious and not passing judgement.

I think playing for the better team is more beneficial. The speed of play alone on a better team, against better competition, would help development. Just because the keeper doesn't see many shots doesn't mean they aren't working on their positioning as the attack develops towards them. If their team has things in hand often it is more likely that the defenders will pass the ball back to the keeper to switch fields and maintain possession. Footwork is important for keepers. If the team is up by several goals the keeper may actually get some field time(huge bonus). Keep in mind that a keeper can and should be the beginning of a successful attack. If the keeper constantly gets to work on his distribution of the ball quickly and efficiently then that is also a great situation. It isn't all about shots on net.

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Agree but no more easy Maple and NEP 'premiership' wins. Much tougher competition in fall.

What competition are you talking about?

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I think playing for the better team is more beneficial. The speed of play alone on a better team, against better competition, would help development. Just because the keeper doesn't see many shots doesn't mean they aren't working on their positioning as the attack develops towards them. If their team has things in hand often it is more likely that the defenders will pass the ball back to the keeper to switch fields and maintain possession. Footwork is important for keepers. If the team is up by several goals the keeper may actually get some field time(huge bonus). Keep in mind that a keeper can and should be the beginning of a successful attack. If the keeper constantly gets to work on his distribution of the ball quickly and efficiently then that is also a great situation. It isn't all about shots on net.

Great answer. I think some how I should have known that.

thanks again

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News flash! Valeo Sucks!

You wish. You wish, my friend. Last night's practice showed great potential for 2 solid U12 teams. No weaknesses.