Stay or Go?

[Guest]

My D is on a top team for her age group. She mostly comes off the bench, and hears it from the coach a good amount while she is on the field (more negative than positive), while the "star" players always get praised. Averages less than half the game playing time. For the real "important" games, she plays even less minutes. Is this worth it? Anyone else been in this situation? Do I try to put her on a team of a lower level so she gets more playing time? Not sure the right move, and don't wanna screw it up for her.

[Guest]

My D is on a top team for her age group. She mostly comes off the bench, and hears it from the coach a good amount while she is on the field (more negative than positive), while the "star" players always get praised. Averages less than half the game playing time. For the real "important" games, she plays even less minutes. Is this worth it? Anyone else been in this situation? Do I try to put her on a team of a lower level so she gets more playing time? Not sure the right move, and don't wanna screw it up for her.

what age group? Different answer depending

[Guest]

It depends on the age. Is your D with friends? Does she enjoy playing with her team? I will say the grass is not always greener on another team. All age players make mistakes in games. Is it really negative or constructive criticism. As a parent it is hard to hear your child coached when others are praised but maybe the coach is trying to help get your daughter better. You say praise with no reason why? Scored a goal or made a great pay?

[Guest]

My D is on a top team for her age group. She mostly comes off the bench, and hears it from the coach a good amount while she is on the field (more negative than positive), while the "star" players always get praised. Averages less than half the game playing time. For the real "important" games, she plays even less minutes. Is this worth it? Anyone else been in this situation? Do I try to put her on a team of a lower level so she gets more playing time? Not sure the right move, and don't wanna screw it up for her.

As others have mentioned, age is an important context.

Also, don't worry about what is or isn't said about other players. It's irrelevant and due to many factors (different positions, different roles, different players...just different people) worry about your D, how she is improving, if she's having fun, etc.

[Guest]

As others have mentioned, age is an important context.

Also, don't worry about what is or isn't said about other players. It's irrelevant and due to many factors (different positions, different roles, different players...just different people) worry about your D, how she is improving, if she's having fun, etc.

Honestly, it's hard to tell how much fun she is having. She plays 9v9.

[Guest]

Just go because you are mostly likely causing issues as what happens when frustration sets in

[Guest]

9v9 is still very young and you will see kids developing at different rates. I’m assuming there is a skill gap and this is not a situation of a coach playing favorites. If so, those gaps can close very quickly at this age. Ask coach for feedback and use off season to work on it. Always keep options open and ask your child what they want. There are options to get more playing time in other leagues without leaving this team.

[Guest]

Leave the team. Go where you are wanted

[Guest]

Honestly, it's hard to tell how much fun she is having. She plays 9v9.

Depending if its U11 or U12 also matters. U12 fall rosters tend to be a bit heavy because most of the better teams play 11v11 in the spring. Playing around half the game isnt terrible if its a relatively top team. Assuming 15 on a roster and a single goalie plays the entire game, you are looking at an average playing time of 57% of the game because you have 6 subs for 18 spots. What probably matters more is if she is developing being around the right level of players in practice and in games. Also important is if she is new to the team or how much of the team or coach and general environment is new? Sometimes coaching feedback (at least with the better coaches) is more about applying what is coached than outcomes.

[Guest]

Depending if its U11 or U12 also matters. U12 fall rosters tend to be a bit heavy because most of the better teams play 11v11 in the spring. Playing around half the game isnt terrible if its a relatively top team. Assuming 15 on a roster and a single goalie plays the entire game, you are looking at an average playing time of 57% of the game because you have 6 subs for 18 spots. What probably matters more is if she is developing being around the right level of players in practice and in games. Also important is if she is new to the team or how much of the team or coach and general environment is new? Sometimes coaching feedback (at least with the better coaches) is more about applying what is coached than outcomes.

What about u13 age ?? What’s your recommendation. Stay or go if playing less than half on a top team

[Guest]

What about u13 age ?? What’s your recommendation. Stay or go if playing less than half on a top team

Everything depends on your other options, and the kid's goals. If your on the highest level team the kid can imagine for your area AND the kid is ambitious, then presumably the only answer is to figure out how to improve enough to get more minutes.

If your kid wants to step down the ambition and enjoy more time on the field, then look for a less competitive team.

The grey zone would be if you think another team at the same level would offer more playing time. Maybe yes maybe no, but that's the riskiest move.

[Guest]

What about u13 age ?? What’s your recommendation. Stay or go if playing less than half on a top team

Up until u14 are the most important years when they really need game minutes. Less than 40% of games and I’m looking for a different team

[Guest]

For 9v9, your kid should be playing at least 50% of the time and all coach feedback should be constructive- not beating up kids for mistakes. Mistakes are a key part of development at that age. Unless she loves it and is playing with all of her friends, I would look around to see what options you have.

[Guest]

Same old philosophy , not hard not a top player move on !!!! You get better by playing, leading and gaining confidence. Leagues are for clubs to make money go where your valued forget bs soccer rankings

[Guest]

Go ….these clubs are all the same. Find a club where they treat your kid well. If the current club don’t value your kid now, chances are they won’t in the future either. They will gladly keep taking your check while slow playing you. This ain’t their first rodeo, you are dealing with seasoned liars in most cases.