How’s the 2025-2026 season going?

Teddy_Olive said:
Koge and Breakers are better than everyone else at this point. Lots of parity with the remaining teams excluding AZ Arsenal & Sporting.
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At this stage, the right word is consistent rather than “better than everyone else.” It’s far too early in the season to declare a true best team as there simply haven’t been enough games yet. Right now imo, Koge is the team to beat. Breakers have shown promise but still need to prove themselves. Expect Surf and Legends to bounce back, they’ve had a rocky start, missing key players, experimenting with new formations, and dealing with a lack of mental sharpness among some players at kickoff. Let’s not forget, these are high school sophomores juggling school, friends, parties, and boyfriends. The real test comes later in the season, when it becomes clear who’s locked in, who’s ready to compete, and who has the mental toughness to make a playoff run.
 
Luis Andres said:
At this stage, the right word is consistent rather than “better than everyone else.” It’s far too early in the season to declare a true best team as there simply haven’t been enough games yet. Right now imo, Koge is the team to beat. Breakers have shown promise but still need to prove themselves. Expect Surf and Legends to bounce back, they’ve had a rocky start, missing key players, experimenting with new formations, and dealing with a lack of mental sharpness among some players at kickoff. Let’s not forget, these are high school sophomores juggling school, friends, parties, and boyfriends. The real test comes later in the season, when it becomes clear who’s locked in, who’s ready to compete, and who has the mental toughness to make a playoff run.
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Wow, I remember this age like it were yesterday. My how time flies. This is the age that can be very tough on dad, moo. Good luck bro and good to all the teams this year.
 
I've watched kids go through this multiple times - with my oldest it was quite eye-opening. But by the time my youngest was in 8th grade, I could pick out the girls that weren't going to "stay at the top", even though their parents were convinced their daughters were destined for the USWNT, etc.

These were often the girls that literally cut corners when the coaches weren't looking, only tried 100% when the coaches were watching, spent more time making tiktoks than rolling out before practice, rarely (if ever) truly practiced on their *own* (not counting extra trainings the parents signed them up for), etc. Some of these girls are still playing soccer - but it is clear at this point years later - that soccer isn't a top priority for them. And that is totally fine (and healthy!). Likewise, these aren't the girls regularly called into YNT camps and training with NWSL teams and getting significant playing time in college. They are happy, though. Hopefully, their parents are too.
 
fms said:
I've watched kids go through this multiple times - with my oldest it was quite eye-opening. But by the time my youngest was in 8th grade, I could pick out the girls that weren't going to "stay at the top", even though their parents were convinced their daughters were destined for the USWNT, etc.

These were often the girls that literally cut corners when the coaches weren't looking, only tried 100% when the coaches were watching, spent more time making tiktoks than rolling out before practice, rarely (if ever) truly practiced on their *own* (not counting extra trainings the parents signed them up for), etc. Some of these girls are still playing soccer - but it is clear at this point years later - that soccer isn't a top priority for them. And that is totally fine (and healthy!). Likewise, these aren't the girls regularly called into YNT camps and training with NWSL teams and getting significant playing time in college. They are happy, though. Hopefully, their parents are too.
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At the end of the day, what matters most is that our kids are happy. By this stage, they should never feel pressured to keep playing at a highly competitive level unless it’s something they truly want. When my daughter was younger, I pushed her hard to give her an edge in the future, knowing that work ethic and discipline can set players apart. But I always told myself that by this age, it would have to come from her. And now, it’s on her.

A lot of people on this forum five years ago said it would backfire on me, that she would burn out or quit by today. But that hasn’t been the case. I leave it up to her now. If she wants to rest, I let her rest. If she wants to put in extra work, I go out of my way to make it happen. It’s about finding that balance. What matters most is that she owns the journey, and that she is happy doing it. She still has big goals and is pushing hard to get to the next level, and because it comes from her, I can give her my 110% support.
 
fms said:
I've watched kids go through this multiple times - with my oldest it was quite eye-opening. But by the time my youngest was in 8th grade, I could pick out the girls that weren't going to "stay at the top", even though their parents were convinced their daughters were destined for the USWNT, etc.

These were often the girls that literally cut corners when the coaches weren't looking, only tried 100% when the coaches were watching, spent more time making tiktoks than rolling out before practice, rarely (if ever) truly practiced on their *own* (not counting extra trainings the parents signed them up for), etc. Some of these girls are still playing soccer - but it is clear at this point years later - that soccer isn't a top priority for them. And that is totally fine (and healthy!). Likewise, these aren't the girls regularly called into YNT camps and training with NWSL teams and getting significant playing time in college. They are happy, though. Hopefully, their parents are too.
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100% agree and there's more to life than soccer for these girls. Most of them will be more successful outside of soccer. Enjoy it now.
 
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