I’m with Dad on this one! Why on gods green earth the obsession with winning in youth athletics?
I met a guy who bragged about a ridiculous 20-0 record at AYSO U-8 or something. He’d teach his entire team to crash the little part time goal keeper whenever a goal kick. They scoop up the miffed kick and score. Ruthless. And he was proud of that bs. Knew nothing about the game other than win baby! Completely nuts. AYSO booted him.
Granted, not fair to directly compare a U-8 AYSO Team to the Strikers ECNL squad, but the win at all cost approach is just taking it too far.
Remember when Sweden’s women beat the US and everyone was up in arms about their lousy play but bunker mentality defense? I think it might have been the great Hope Solo complaining the loudest.
anyway, kids, teens, youth players of all level are still on a learning curve and will benefit more from sound coaching than a win at all cost.
I’m with Dad on this.