F.C. Revolution

For years, I had preached to youth coaches and parents that it was not necessary to have their sons or daughters play elite travel soccer until the age of 11 or 12.

I was 100% WRONG.  It is way too late by then. 

After seeing what high level training has done for my own two children - Max is 8 and Mia is 9, I see first hand their obvious levels of improvement. 

I have been involved with coaching education for many years, and the question about what age players should make the jump is always asked, and I had always told the classes that it was not necessary until they were 11 or 12...what was I thinking?

Soccer is about SKILL .  Without it, players can't play...and coaches can't coach.  The only way to acquire skill is through repetition and a proper environment.  The only proper environment is through high level elite club training sessions and games.

The fact that my own children have improved so much, and being exposed to the Everton U10 boys and their coaching staff this past summer, solidified my new stance on the topic....remember - we all have to keep learning!

Think about this...if your son or daughter is the best player on your current team, how is he or she going to get better?  Players can only get better by being around other good players and coaches.

So...when the mom or dad coach of a local club tells you that the important thing for your child is to play for the club that represents the school district in which you live, so they can play together and some day be high school state champions...don't listen...it doesn't work!

Was that a long sentence or what?

So...the dilemma...do I take my child to a premier club team or stay with the neighborhood one.

Think about this.  The best 3 or 4 players decide to leave.  They are now in an environment where they can go from being a good player to a very good player, with 1 or 2 of them becoming ODP or scholarship level players.  The remaining marginal players for the local club team now have to fulfill the role as team leaders, so they will touch the ball more, and become better through that avenue.  The bad players ...well...they will always be bad, I guess.

When should you make the move?  If your son or daughter has some ability...make the move SOONER than LATER!

Enjoy the day...