An Observation from a U-Little Parent

[Guest]

While this board can be a cesspool, it is a small view of transparency into a very behind the scenes process. I stumbled upon it when looking for advice from other parents that I couldn't get from asking people on sidelines. It can be a resource if you take everything with a grain of salt. But there is a decent amount of truth to many things said here. I have started some threads looking for names of trainers and/advice from people who have been through stuff prior to my kids. Some of which was helpful. Just ignore the trolls. Questioning which clubs or coaches to avoid, who has crazy roster sizes all have proven helpful. I think there are a bunch of normal parents here who don't post much but relish the soap opera.

Agreed. Definitely some trash, but there is helpful information. Still amazed some of the things that are written.

[Guest]

This past weekend my husband and I attended the Susa Columbus Day Tournament with our 9 year old daughter. She is just starting out on her competitive soccer journey and she loves the game and wanted to see "the big girls" play.

I was myself a Division 1 soccer player in the early 2000s and played in 2 NCAA tournaments. So I have participated in and can appreciate good soccer.

We were able to spectate the 2009 World Class vs. STA game on Sunday morning. First, these girls were virtually all strong and athletic and fast. My 9 year old is tall for her age and I could not believe how physically impressive these 13 year old girls were. Second, they were competitive. They played with a fire in their belly, running hard and contesting every loose ball. Third, they played with cohesion and a sense of teamwork that made it clear they would pull for one another and sacrifice when necessary. Finally, they played with a tactical awareness of the game that I don't believe I had as an 18 year old freshman getting significant minutes for a Top 40 NCAA program.

Why do I bring this up? I see so much negativity on these boards and people arguing with and belittling one another. But as an outsider I can tell you that if you had one of these young ladies playing in the game that we attended, or if your daughter is playing at that level more generally (whether it is ECNL or GA or some other league), you are doing something right! You are raising talented, spirited young ladies who are showing a dedication to a craft and a sport at a young age that 95% of adults never demonstrate.

I want to congratulate you for what you've achieved. And as a now 40 year old female leader in the corporate world I can promise you that, regardless of whether your daughter gets a scholarship or plays high level soccer in her future or wins an ECNL national championship, she she gaining the life skills and a mentality necessary to achieve great things in her adult life professionally and personally.

Well done!

Nice post! I agree - I watch these kids play and I am genuinely impressed by their commitment and approach. Its fun and when it is over I'll miss it.

[Guest]

Bravo! There are still sane kind supportive people in this world.

[Guest]

Great post. I, too, played in college but not at the level you did. Still, when my then 8-year old showed up for the local club for the first time, already I was amazed at the skills some already possessed. For several years I'd watch them all grow, some into the game and some out of it, but the overall quality continued to rise. No doubt, as a young teenager she was better than I was when first getting to college. It's hard to put into words unless you've lived the game for decades the degree today's players are better now.

[Guest]

Everyone on this site should thank you for writing that!