Could you be more specific and explain how letter leagues provide benefit in the 4 areas of development: technical, tactical, mental, and physical? What does competitive format mean to you? Can high school sports also provide a competitive format?
I am particularly interested in information regarding how my kids tactical understanding of the game will improve by playing in a league where the vast majority of the players are not comfortable enough on the ball to play fast 1-2 touch soccer?
I will say your emphasis on 2 touch shows your lack of depth in understanding the game and I do t mean that as an insult.
Yes, but first need to preface this with leagues don’t develop players. Players, Coaches, parents, trainers…they develop players. Leagues provide a format and platform for those players to “express” what the aforementioned teach them.
There is too much to try and unpack for you so I’ll simply focus on some tactical issues.
First, your DD won’t learn the different positional responsibilities playing pick up. For example, the difference between a trailers role in a 433 versus a 352 or 451 for that matter. How do you team a player their roll in a high press or low block without training scenarios? For example, w hat is the roll of the 11 or the 7 in a 433 when the 9 presses the outside left back?
Second, Is the “team environments”. As it was pointed out, soccer is a team sport. The cohesive off the ball movement needed to execute your favored “2 touch” style of play will never develop individually. Yes you can train movement and touch, but nothing prepares you for the spontaneous aspect of the game like playing the game in a system against organized opposition.
To address HS, it depends on the HS. Some HS’s train like Clubs, higher Club coaches and play a system. But if you think the letter leagues are bad….try watching HS. At least in leagues, they have consolidated talent and look for skilled players for each position. HS for the most part is limited to the pool of players in their HS. So it is actually contradictory to you point about “Letter Leagues”
You keep referring to the “vast majority” of players inabilities but have admittedly only watched a few local games, which is a very broad generalization.
If you think your 13yr old will be able to beat out College age kids for an WPSL spot without playing consistently in an organized environment, you will likely face a tough awakening.
If you want to discuss further, DM me. I don’t want to continue to Jack this thread.
. It won't require a full-year commitment and you'll get a taste of club soccer to see if it is good for your daughter.