Looking for any and all advice about the journey specifically and generally....whatever speaks to people...
Background, I have a kid playing soccer in college after playing club since U10 (AYSO before that since U6), and current U16 (2002) player also playing club since U10 - both boys.
Looking back, the best advise I can give you is to keep one eye on the future and your objectives for your kid, and the other eye on simply enjoying the moment. Whatever you think playing soccer is going to do for your kid, don't let that overwhelm your actions and logic at the expense of enjoying the moment and keeping it focused on what your kid wants to do (and not necessarily you). In other words, keep it real.
Here is the basic parent-child player roles.
Parents (bridge builder):
- open doors and provide resources
- general 50,000 ft level direction for your kid
- encourage and be realistic
Child Player (the driver):
- motivation and initiative to improve
- work ethics and integrity
- commitment and time management
What goes with those above will take pages so I won't but I think you've read enough comments from other to know that if your child display his/her part, you'll need to provide accordingly. That may mean privates, getting on the better team, travel to tournaments and camps and so on.
As for coaching, when young, like yours, focus on techniques/technical skills. Find a coach that's known for technical training (either team or private or both). Its order of magnitude easier to learn technical skills when younger than older. As the child gets older (12~13 yrs) start transitioning towards tactical knowledge coach. Focus placed on how the game is won and played. Position specific movements with and without the ball.
Nobody cares how many games your kid won at U10, 11, 12, much less how many goals scored or saved or any stats. It starts to matter thereafter for the teams because the record enable access to better, higher profile tournaments.
Last, puberty makes a huge difference and bring changes so be ready to audible and change course, if it takes you into unexpected direction. Even if the kid stops playing soccer, just remember its just a game and there are many other constructive outlet to engage your child into.
Enjoy the ride.....