socalgoalkeeperdad
BRONZE
If you had a son who was U15 who was offered a spot on a Big club on ECRL as the main starter or split time on a MLS NEXT HD team, which would you chose?
Question
- Thread starter socalgoalkeeperdad
- Start date
East County Soccer Dad
SILVER ELITE
If it’s gong to be playing a half every game, I’d go mlsn.
What is the keeper training like at the two clubs?
socalgoalkeeperdad
BRONZE
Keeper training is probably better at the bigger club but we usually cant make it (same time as the team training). I usually supplement keeper training with privates elsewhere.
Does he have any strength at another position? Could he get playing time on the field as a midfielder, for example?
socalgoalkeeperdad
BRONZE
no, goalkeepers in these leagues are full time keepers.
By rule, or just by tradition?
socalgoalkeeperdad
BRONZE
most likely both.
Mystery Train
GOLD
Which team has the better coach? As a veteran parent who went through this exact scenario on the girls side, I can tell you that if there is a clear difference in the quality of the head coach, the kind of person he/she is, their integrity, their ability to connect and motivate, encourage, and get the most out of your child, go with that coach. Forget the club. Forget the league. None of that matters if there is a difference between the coaches. If the coaches are about the same in that regard, then align your choice with what your son wants out of the youth soccer experience. Is he aiming to be recruited for college? Does he fancy the pursuit of a professional opportunity? Does he just want to play at the highest level he can? These factors will dictate the decision after you've answered the coach question. But I promise you, if you prioritize league over coach quality, or club over coach quality, or recruitment opportunities over coach quality, you'll both regret it.
As for playing time, splitting time isn't the worst thing for a good keeper because that's going to be the situation the higher up they play anyway. But if he's got a ways to go to improve vs. the other keeper that is there, then playing time becomes a much bigger factor. Development won't happen on the bench. He needs game touches.
As for playing time, splitting time isn't the worst thing for a good keeper because that's going to be the situation the higher up they play anyway. But if he's got a ways to go to improve vs. the other keeper that is there, then playing time becomes a much bigger factor. Development won't happen on the bench. He needs game touches.