Is this in the future for the GDA?

All my advice applies to high level youth athletes, so I hope you are not referring to me by the comment above. Median kids are not in the GDA or ECNL so not relevant for this discussion.

My daughter was a high-level cheerleader. In HS she did sideline cheer and competition cheer. She practiced a good 12 to 16 hours per week between both teams. There were times were she couldn't sleep well because of the injuries she suffered as a result of competition cheer. She was the main base, the girl holding, throwing and catching the Flyer. Her team won multiple National Championships and Grand Championships at JAMZ Nationals. As a leader on the team she was constantly practicing and training through nagging injuries and pain. Multiple doctor visits, wrapping her wrist, sitting out some training and today she has permanent nerve damage in her wrist because she was one of those "elite" athletes that played through the pain and refused to sit and heal. The injury was a repetitive injury because of her specialization.

The physical nature of dance is far different than soccer, football, hockey and other contact sports. Its rare that dancers have their legs swept out by a slide tackle that pins their ankle to the mat, concussed by another dancer jumping up trying to head a ball, or have another dancer take them off balance and suffer an ACL injury. Dancing is an aerobic sport so I can appreciate why she might not understand how the physical nature of high level soccer exacerbates the physical toll on young athletes ... but she will find out soon once she is immersed in competition cheer.

Add mental health concerns to this as well. Worthy read considering suicide rates are at a record high for teens.

" Aware of how much their parents have sacrificed in time and money, some teenagers will persist in playing a sport long past the time they enjoy it, even continuing to practice and compete while injured, says Jay Coakley, a sports sociologist at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. If players do finally quit, they sometimes feel like failures for letting their parents and teammates down, which can contribute to self-destructive behavior."

https://www.theatlantic.com/educati...PzM5DsJ7v72JbesZEu6sLfAJdo7_j3nKLWdFveoMafQwg
 
Thanks, but it makes too much sense for it to ever happen. One can hope though!
Hope is all one has sometimes. In this country, all things are possible. We need equal access for all Americans. Black, Asian, Latino, White, poor, rich, private school or public school...........it shouldn't matter as long as you can ball (talking US Team here). All the other leagues can promote or sell whatever they want but not access to something little kids dream about. That's just bad on all levels.
 
Hope is all one has sometimes. In this country, all things are possible. We need equal access for all Americans. Black, Asian, Latino, White, poor, rich, private school or public school...........it shouldn't matter as long as you can ball (talking US Team here). All the other leagues can promote or sell whatever they want but not access to something little kids dream about. That's just bad on all levels.
and, no GPA, SAT score, social status or human excellence award as the way to get in. What happens if your kids is really good but has a learning disability? This should all be about one thing: Can you play ball and kick ass for the country.
 
Add mental health concerns to this as well. Worthy read considering suicide rates are at a record high for teens.

" Aware of how much their parents have sacrificed in time and money, some teenagers will persist in playing a sport long past the time they enjoy it, even continuing to practice and compete while injured, says Jay Coakley, a sports sociologist at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. If players do finally quit, they sometimes feel like failures for letting their parents and teammates down, which can contribute to self-destructive behavior."

https://www.theatlantic.com/educati...PzM5DsJ7v72JbesZEu6sLfAJdo7_j3nKLWdFveoMafQwg
You know what, I know kids right now getting help because of the crap that's going. I speak from experience and felt the same freaking pressure. It all comes from the clubs to put fear in you. All coaches and clubs need to read this and get help too. The top players being marketed for the girls right now are having to move away from friends to go train somewhere, home school and then train all day. The training videos are with a coach usually with an accent and no other friends around to play with. Most say their not there to have fun anymore, only focused on going pro. That is not a life for most little girls that I know. I would never do that either. If you're good, you're good, period!!

"For coaches, this might mean training in “mental-health first aid” so that they are better able to read and respond to signs of emotional distress among their players."

That would have been nice two years ago...……..

My dd went through hell for two years all because she was being pressured to give up her social life so she can play DA Soccer only. The pressure in OC is insane, trust me. I told everyone here I blew it as a dad early on. However, I did end up listening to my little girl and fixed it. I'm so glad I did.
 
This all happened to us at the same time US Soccer Federation announced the first age band for the girls 1st year DA League. DOC told all the 04 GOATS no one can play up or tryout for the Surf Combo 03/04 DA team. Some of the expert coaches at the Academy were telling some us at the club that they wanted us to play up or at least battle the other GOATs for the spots to make the cream rise to the top. They said no to us except a small few I found out later that had a previous agreement with some guy not there. We were than sold ECNL 04' because no players were allowed to play up on the 03/04 band. JH reached out from Legends to say he would like my dd to make his 03/04 DA Combo Team and felt she had a great shot but no promises or favors. Just hard work. Don't matter if your 05, 04 or 03. He was looking for YNT players at the time. He put 4 from our age group the first year. I got my kid (she was laughing about all this at the time and really wanted to stay. She was watching dance moms and didn't think it was that big a deal) out and headed North. My dd and I had a meeting with those two coaches that was insane before we left. All about how ECNL will be the league and don't go. HS Soccer rules the country I was told. I told those two good luck staying in business...………..
The reason I told those two good luck, is because I was drinking so much DA Koolaid I was making the soccer parents around me sick. I thought my kid (sorry, she was killing it) was on her way. I know, the arrogance of me to say something like that. You think I was the only parent who was from that team who was seriously looking at other DA Clubs (the phone was ringing from all those other clubs who don't recruit) who were going to honor the 03/04 band the DA rolled out? The US Soccer Federation on their website was encouraging play ups for top players. The club wanted my kid (01/04/04) and other top players to play 04 ECNL (The League the Federation doesn't support) instead of trying out for the 03/04 DA Surf Combo Team. Gee, I wonder why?
 
The reason I told those two good luck, is because I was drinking so much DA Koolaid I was making the soccer parents around me sick. I thought my kid (sorry, she was killing it) was on her way. I know, the arrogance of me to say something like that. You think I was the only parent who was from that team who was seriously looking at other DA Clubs (the phone was ringing from all those other clubs who don't recruit) who were going to honor the 03/04 band the DA rolled out? The US Soccer Federation on their website was encouraging play ups for top players. The club wanted my kid (01/04/04) and other top players to play 04 ECNL (The League the Federation doesn't support) instead of trying out for the 03/04 DA Surf Combo Team. Gee, I wonder why?
$$$$
 
Wait...what? It's just a league? that's not what US Soccer told us:
"The DA is not a league. It’s a nation-wide philosophy. The DA is not a team that practices a few times a week. It’s a program that makes sure players are in the best environment for their development. US Soccer ensures DA players have at least four training sessions every week, with the best coaches available, with the most competitive matches.”

Dear US Soccer Federation and the Girls DA, you have not ensured the best environment for my child in Southern California. The Philosophy you're preaching to me and my kid is from another country. You're absolutely 100% not ensuring DA PLayers have at least four training sessions each week. Some good coaches out there that you never developed by your organization, trust me, I've met them. Lastly, the matches you call competitive are a joke. I've watched for two years. If you think as a customer I am wrong, or anyone on this forum want to call me out, please tell me where I'm wrong. We all got played, not just me like some think. I hate popsicles too. I like ice cream & pizza but not with ketchup hiding underneath pretending to be pizza Sause :)
 
"The DA is not a league. It’s a nation-wide philosophy. The DA is not a team that practices a few times a week. It’s a program that makes sure players are in the best environment for their development. US Soccer ensures DA players have at least four training sessions every week, with the best coaches available, with the most competitive matches.”

Dear US Soccer Federation and the Girls DA, you have not ensured the best environment for my child in Southern California. The Philosophy you're preaching to me and my kid is from another country. You're absolutely 100% not ensuring DA PLayers have at least four training sessions each week. Some good coaches out there that you never developed by your organization, trust me, I've met them. Lastly, the matches you call competitive are a joke. I've watched for two years. If you think as a customer I am wrong, or anyone on this forum want to call me out, please tell me where I'm wrong. We all got played, not just me like some think. I hate popsicles too. I like ice cream & pizza but not with ketchup hiding underneath pretending to be pizza Sause :)

Justus,

Please go to sleep! Wake up and reread your threads. Love your passion but your more a disservice to your daughter by going on and on. Take a leave of absence and reflection how much of a distraction you are for your poor daughter. I can only imagine what she’s going through or what she will be going through come recruiting time. Just saying!! Night Night!!
 
The TC is how my 11 year old dd with a dream got sold. I have original email telling me from DOC the importance of having my dd at TC to make that dream a reality. We hadn't made the decision yet. Was asked to guest play at Surf Thanksgiving to audition to the "National Scouts" who my dd was told would be there to watch my little 11 year old goat. Remember, the club/coach she was not "selling" TC, only prepping his players for the realities of college life and playing soccer at big time college. That make all the sense in the world to me now. 99% of us should be looking for that "philosophy" right now :)

How do Development Academy players get exposure to US National Teams?
US Soccer Training Centers are sessions that are hosted every few months in various locations in Southern California where National Team coaches train & identify players. US Soccer Training Centers will replace ODP (USYS) sessions and zero costs are associated for players who are invited to attend these sessions. US Soccer scouts attend the majority of divisional games to identify players for National team camps & US Training centers. On average, about 10-12 Surf Soccer Development Academy players are invited to attend the US Training Centers.
 
Today I want to dive deeper into the workings of the TCs and how the DA Philosophy is taught to our future 11 year old players who might one day make it all the way to the National Team.
 
Justus,

Please go to sleep! Wake up and reread your threads. Love your passion but your more a disservice to your daughter by going on and on. Take a leave of absence and reflection how much of a distraction you are for your poor daughter. I can only imagine what she’s going through or what she will be going through come recruiting time. Just saying!! Night Night!!
It's comments like these that keep me going, especially when folks "like" them. "I can only imagine what your poor dd is going through?" Can you? I also get motivated by the many "PMs" I have received encouraging me and sharing similar stories. TY, it means a lot :)
 
Justus,

Please go to sleep! Wake up and reread your threads. Love your passion but your more a disservice to your daughter by going on and on. Take a leave of absence and reflection how much of a distraction you are for your poor daughter. I can only imagine what she’s going through or what she will be going through come recruiting time. Just saying!! Night Night!!
I'll tell you what. Let's try something because I'm super new at this social forum stuff. I look at views to see if folks are interested in what I have to say and if I get a response from someone at 1:54am. If everyone stops reading this thread I will stop right now. Don't PM anything. I have a few errands to run. I will come back and see what the folks want. If this is helpful for some, let me know.
 
I'll tell you what. Let's try something because I'm super new at this social forum stuff. I look at views to see if folks are interested in what I have to say and if I get a response from someone at 1:54am. If everyone stops reading this thread I will stop right now. Don't PM anything. I have a few errands to run. I will come back and see what the folks want. If this is helpful for some, let me know.

You "look at views"? People slow down to get a good look at freeway accidents, also.

Perhaps you should try having a conversation with a buddy sitting next to you on the couch.
 
It's comments like these that keep me going, especially when folks "like" them. "I can only imagine what your poor dd is going through?" Can you? I also get motivated by the many "PMs" I have received encouraging me and sharing similar stories. TY, it means a lot :)

I'll give you a hug at the next DA showcase in Florida. We can work out some issues. It's awesome to be a #1 fan/support for your dd but there's a point when a parent can become a distraction and your reaching that tipping point. There's choices we all have to make in life. We all have choices you know. We choose where we was to live. We choose to pay property taxes. We choose what school are kids go to. We also should to play DA, ECNL and High School. I've been lied to before. It was a valuable lesson learned.
 
I'll give you a hug at the next DA showcase in Florida. We can work out some issues. It's awesome to be a #1 fan/support for your dd but there's a point when a parent can become a distraction and your reaching that tipping point. There's choices we all have to make in life. We all have choices you know. We choose where we was to live. We choose to pay property taxes. We choose what school are kids go to. We also should to play DA, ECNL and High School. I've been lied to before. It was a valuable lesson learned.

My experiences with youth soccer clubs (or more to the point with youth soccer club coaches) are all over a decade ago, but from the content of the posts here these days not much has changed. The coaches and DOCs and other admins have been at it for a long time and most parents are ignorant of what is happening until it happens to them.
 
My experiences with youth soccer clubs (or more to the point with youth soccer club coaches) are all over a decade ago, but from the content of the posts here these days not much has changed. The coaches and DOCs and other admins have been at it for a long time and most parents are ignorant of what is happening until it happens to them.
Bingo Espola!!
 
The coaches and DOCs and other admins have been at it for a long time and most parents are ignorant of what is happening until it happens to them.
Not Ignorant for the most part. I’ve found it is more that they don’t give a crap because they think it won’t happen to Mia because their kiddo is extra special. You reap what you sow and his behavior on here will only make it worse for his dd.
 
Not Ignorant for the most part. I’ve found it is more that they don’t give a crap because they think it won’t happen to Mia because their kiddo is extra special. You reap what you sow and his behavior on here will only make it worse for his dd.

Good point.
 
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