My child (elementary age) has the opportunity to play at several top clubs. Child is eager to play with like-minded players. I've read a lot of threads on here bashing the top clubs - drama, politics, etc. Am I foolish to ignore all that if the prospective coach/team vibe feels really good? We are pretty pragmatic and want to take a 2 year view on this. Hope child continues to love soccer, but fine if they don't. Not getting caught up in thinking about college but because these clubs are top recruiting clubs at the older ages, I'm sure it does draw that dynamic even at the younger ages. Are we being too short term? Don't want to be forced to club hop. Should I be looking ahead to the coaches 2 years out from now? Any other things to be thinking about?
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Avoid fc copa at all costs, unless you want creepy ponytail coach ruining your kidsComment
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Go with your gut. If it has a good vibe and you think it's a good fit, give it a go. Worse comes to worse it's not even a years long commitment. Lesson learned and you move on. If they keep playing just review the fit and their dedication to it each year. Things change. Kids change. Interests change. Many won't be playing by high schoolComment
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At the elementary age level, coaching and training are the most important things. Find a good coach who provides good training. Worry about development not wins and losses. You'll have to weigh your options after every season to decide if the club is still a good fit as coaches and teammates will change. Sometimes you get lucky and can stay with the same club for years, other times you will have to move. Don't get too caught up on being loyal to your club, worry about doing what's best for your child.Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
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Why are you feeling the coach?Comment
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Not to pick on this particular poster, since "everyone" says this, but I partially disagree. One of the things that kills interest to play the sport or to train hard is if the team can't win, especially at younger ages. To draw albeit not perfect, but a parallel - will you keep your job if you keep trying, but can't get a promotion? So wins do matter. Development matters more, but there needs to be a balance. Also, it's not like development stops at 14 or 15 or whatever, when everyone suddenly starts to worry about wins more. End of rant :)Originally posted by Guest View Post
Now to answer your question - ideally your child will be able to participate in 1-2 practices while you chat with parents on the sideline, maybe watch their home game to get a better feel for what the team and club are like. Understand what type of winter training club provides, is there GK coaching (shows club dedication even if your kid is not a GK), travel requirements, what is the club "philosophy" and do all of these things match your preferences. Coaches may change, so don't get too stuck on that.
Your 2 year plan makes a lot of sense.
The biggest thing I believe is working in your favor is "Child is eager to play with like-minded players.". This is key! There will always be kids (especially at younger ages) who are there just because their parents took them there and want them to be playing soccer, not because the kids themselves do. Elite club or not. As long as there is a solid core of players who want to be there and get better (and have fun too!) your kid will be in a good place.
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Liked the way the coach ran practice - focused, fast-paced, instructive but not overly critical. Small roster, still rotating positions (aside from GK). The other kids were incredibly friendly and complimentary toward my child. Could be that this club lucked out with nice kids but we are guessing that's a culture created by the coach. Whereas, other club - kids were more standoffish, you definitely feel the watchful eyes of other parents (like who is this kid and why are they here?). Maybe they warm up to you once you are "in" but it gives us pause...Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
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avoid Real NJ at all costs, unless you want an angry Irishmen belittle your kids at every turn.Comment
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You know the answer. Give club A a whirl. It's not a lifelong commitment. At the younger ages an enthusiastic, encouraging coach makes a huge difference. Kids need to want to go to practice and have fun along with learning fundamentals.Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
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Join team with friends and positive environment. Play multiple sports. Make sure having fun while competing. Don’t ask advice on TS.
https://www.outsideonline.com/health...ibextid=Zxz2cZ
…The overall pattern was that top juniors tended to pick a sport early, practice it to the exclusion of other sports, and progress rapidly. But those who made it to the top as seniors had precisely the opposite pattern: they had spent less time training in their main sport and more time playing other sports as kids, and they made slower initial progress in their main sport….Comment
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would love to see how this breaks down by sport. I picked up running as a HS Sr. millennia ago and did OK. Can't imagine showing up on a soccer team after just kicking the ball around and trying to beat top dribblers :)Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
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who said anything about a bad player? kid clearly has his priority and wants to be with like minded kids. Plus being with better players will make him better.Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
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