If a player is very good must they play on the team that has the most state cup titles and the most star players? Does this make a player better since they get to play with others who play at a very high level? Does an exceptional player that is on a good team that does not have a bunch of super studs get as much exposure to high level soccer? I would be interested in hearing the thoughts of other parents and coaches.
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I have a couple schools of thought on this subject that I will share.Originally posted by Arsenal_U14G_Fan View Post
First, let's look at it from what I will call the "USC Phenomenon". For years USC held National Champion status in football. If you asked any star player in HS where he wanted to play college football, his answer was probably USC. Same could be said for Michigan. I can see the same for what's happening here. If you ask a star (or any player) where they would like to play given the chance, I would think they would look to the teams who are at the top. (top meaning number of state championships or appearances)
Second, exposure. The top couple teams in the state (Like LOSC & FC from last year) get invited to more (better?) tournaments than the rest. Often, I think but am not sure, these teams get asked to play at a reduce fee. And thus playing in these tournaments gets the individual and the team exposed to a higher level of competition and, if they do well, a higher level of recognition. (Like LOSC at Regionals last year) They are asked to play in these tournaments because it also gives recognition to the tournament itself.
Third, coaching. Obviously the coach has been doing something right if a team is, or has consistently been, on top. If her/his philosophy's match with yours and your players, it is more enticing to want to join them.
Fourth, level of play. Playing with better players increases the play level of the individual. Look at the ODP Program for example.
Now the downside: If there are already a bunch "studs" (as the previous poster put it) on the team, the chances grow thinner that they will get as much playing time/exposure or will have to fight hard to earn or keep a starting position (nothing wrong there).
Another field of thought is that if you are a star on an average or above average team, you stand out.
Theses are just my opinions and experience in not just soccer, but many sports. Hope it helps. -
From my knowledge, FC hasn't been invited to any tournaments or at least has never gone.
As for what team is best to play on, it would be where your child is going to be 1. happiest 2. Continue to improve 3. A team that has fits the best with what your idea of "good"Comment
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Got cut off..
Sorry.. I cut myself off :)
3. A team that fits with what you think is a good team.
Also, keep in mind that for the most part, there is no team in U-14 premier gold that is beating any other team by a significant spread. That being said, I would look more at which team fits with your child's style of soccer.
It is important that our players are being challenged and playing with and against the best players possible. Is your child being challenged where she is? Is she happy and continuing to grow as a player? Is there another team #1, #2 or even #5 that your child would be happier with?
Also, it's important to remember that who is #1 today or even yesterday can easily fall out and another team take their place.Comment
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One of the two Arsenal ODP players looking at alternatives?Comment
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Playing against great competition makes you better. Playing with great teams also makes you better. IMO, playing on a super team against inferior competition does not promote growth, unless because you are on that team you get to play better competition.
Nobody can make that choice but you and your daughter. I think Arsenal is competitive with every team in the area. I wish I could tell you that staying is best, but my daughter left an old situation for greener pastures, and what do you know? They actually were greener.
If she is getting what she needs where she is, then I would like to think the friendships the girls build are at least as important as the name of the team they are playing on. But if she is not, and there is a better opportunity somewhere else, I for one would have a tough time blaming you.Comment
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on the east coast parents are desperate to have their kids on state cup teams and claim championships. Little to do with the kids, everything to do with parents. i hope it's calmer in ORComment
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Yeah, I'm sure being on a state cup championship team has no chance of benefiting the kids. Sure, parents can be way overzealous, but let's not go too far the other way.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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That's odd, when my friends daughter played for Sodium when they won State Cup (U12) he said they received several invitations. He also said that since they were state champs that they received automatic placements in a couple tournaments. I may be wrong. Are there any LOSC parents reading this thread that can add any info?Originally posted by Unregistered View Post
No offense to FC, but maybe only the state champion team gets invited? Again, maybe LOSC parents could offer input since I have no first hand knowledge?Comment
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Unfortunately, consolidation of the good players onto a few teams breeds just the type of "inferior competition" situation that you describe. We're lucky to have some reasonable parity in the U14G league but the herd mentality definitely works against it. I've heard through the grapevine that the SSC Hotspur ODP player is thinking of switching to THUSC. I can only guess where the Arsenal girl(s) are thinking of moving (LO or THUSC?). Bend and Magic are somewhat constrained by geography (although plenty of players jump anyway - isn't there a southern oregon girl on THUSC?), but let's hope the some semblance of parity remains as the consolidation of talent continues.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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does any thusc team get good by developing players? it seems they either recruit entire teams (ireland) or recruit other teams already developed players (neon). i wonder how many original sodium girls will still be there in 2 years. not hating, just pointing out a truth. u14g age group is very strong, any team can beat any team (except sherwood) on any given day. if an 'exceptional player' leaves any team in this age group, i'll put money that either parent and/or player just wants to win, or the parents/player think the player is better than they are...or the believe everything they hear from other parents...who probably dont no nothin about the game. if youre developing - having fun - and are competitive, why leave. if a player is truly exceptional, they bring players to them, they don't run away. jmoComment
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From U11 to current, Sodium has lost only 9 original players. 3 moved out of state (and are still playing), 3 are perusing other sports, 2 moved down to be with their age group and 1 went with another club. The statement; "i wonder how many original sodium girls will still be there in 2 years." is one that needs to be addressed to all club teams since this is the most volatile age range. It is documented at ALL clubs that there is a significant drop in participation starting with U15 on. Some girls prefer to play HS ball only, some quit to play other sports, some realize their chances for playing beyond HS are very limited so they just play for the fun & experience.
Now, I can't speak for Ireland or Neon and what they do, but as for Sodium, yes, they "get good by developing players" not just by recruitment.
There are many, many reasons why a player would want to leave a club, not just the ones you mentioned. What about conflict with a coach? What about differences in coaches/clubs philosophy? Geographic's? The list goes on and on.Comment
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We're talking about U15 now. Tryouts are in August around the time of high school tryouts.
Anyone who thinks their daughters U15 team is going to look much like their current team is probably being a bit naïve.
Serious players want to be around other players who have the same passion for the game that they do, and kudos to any player who is brave enough to leave the security and comfort zone of their current team to tryout for another.
That said, those that stay (or think they'll stay) where they're at now better be ready to battle to keep that spot on the roster because there won't be 40 U15 teams. I bet there aren't 20 next year and if you think your place is secure because you've been carpooling, and playing with, the neighborhood kids since you were all on that undeated rec team way before classic.. Wake up! Work hard these next couple of months or you will be replaced by those that will.
I can think of several players on every U14 gold team I've watched this year that won't be out there next year. I also see at least 2 girls on every team that are going to shocked they don't make the 18 (but shouldn't be). And on a number of teams I see girls with effort every single game that are having their talents wasted on the teams they are on now that would be wise to move where they are challenged and playing in practise every day against as good if not better players than they are.Comment
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I agree with the above mentioned. Especially, "Work hard these next couple of months or you will be replaced by those that will."
I am really excited to see how the clubs that have teams consistently good at U14 improve by player additions next year, tryouts will be interesting.
Here is a list of Top Girls Clubs in Portland area that consistently show in top of the rank. age group U14 up to U18
1. Lake Oswego
2. THUSC
3. Southside
4. FC Portland
(girls order based on U14 league play)
I look at ranking in all age brackets up to U18 and all teams have some gaps at certain ages but these are the ones that are seen the most consistently. There are also couple others in Eastside, Westside and even a Bridlemile. No club has the top spot at all or half the age groups. I think the above clubs at U14G have proven contenders in State Cup yearly and because geography is balanced they will have most transfers.
Do not forget that some girls will be driving soon and that can open a lot more opportunities for girls to drive themselves to practice.Comment
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