What would you do?

[Joey]

Hello,

My daughter is a 2011 player that plays club on an ECNL-RL 2010 team. While not starting she gets a lot of minutes and is the 2nd leading scorer. She enjoys playing club. She also subs for the 2011 team when needed. Just joined the HS team and is on the FS team but gets very limited minutes (some games she does not play at all). When she has been in the game she has scored a few goals and has had a few assists even though she might only play for 10 minutes when put in. She is on the smaller side and is in HS even though she is a 2011. The HS she plays for has a top tier Varsity Soccer program. The end goal is not for her to play professionally or D1 soccer since realistically her academics will get her a scholarship in college. She enjoys the camaraderie of her teammates but is frustrated with the lack of minutes and the time involved where we believe that you improve through the pitch. In order to play on the HS team you also have to pay a large fee and do volunteer hours for the team. Based on the actions of the coaches, we feel that the coaches do not believe that she is a good enough player to get substantial minutes on the pitch (not asking to start). Would you continue with just the club or try to continue with the HS Team? The FS team has a winning record but is painful to watch. They play great defensive but offensively score very few goals since their soccer IQ is not very high and their passing and shooting is not very good, Thanking you in advance for your insights.

 

[RandomSoccerFan]

One of the things you mentioned makes much of the rest completely irrelevant. If the goal isn't to play in college, let alone professionally, all she is doing this for is because she enjoys it - then you (and she) have the answer: she should play with the team(s) that she is enjoying the most, and she should stop playing with teams that she isn't enjoying. Full stop.

But since I'm bored, I do need to point out that there are evidently quite a few misperceptions of her ability compared to her peers. First - if she was a standout, she'd be starting. She wouldn't be playing on an RL team, she'd be on an NL team. If she was playing a year up, she'd be doing so because she's starting and standing out on that team. If she weren't, she should likely move back to a team of her own age, and standout there. On the high school side - if she hasn't landed a starting position on the FS team, let alone the VS team, it's clear that the coaches have come to wildly different conclusions than you (and she) about her ability to help the team compete.

 

[crush]

Hello,

My daughter is a 2011 player that plays club on an ECNL-RL 2010 team. While not starting she gets a lot of minutes and is the 2nd leading scorer. She enjoys playing club. She also subs for the 2011 team when needed. Just joined the HS team and is on the FS team but gets very limited minutes (some games she does not play at all). When she has been in the game she has scored a few goals and has had a few assists even though she might only play for 10 minutes when put in. She is on the smaller side and is in HS even though she is a 2011. The HS she plays for has a top tier Varsity Soccer program. The end goal is not for her to play professionally or D1 soccer since realistically her academics will get her a scholarship in college. She enjoys the camaraderie of her teammates but is frustrated with the lack of minutes and the time involved where we believe that you improve through the pitch. In order to play on the HS team you also have to pay a large fee and do volunteer hours for the team. Based on the actions of the coaches, we feel that the coaches do not believe that she is a good enough player to get substantial minutes on the pitch (not asking to start). Would you continue with just the club or try to continue with the HS Team? The FS team has a winning record but is painful to watch. They play great defensive but offensively score very few goals since their soccer IQ is not very high and their passing and shooting is not very good, Thanking you in advance for your insights.

Good morning, Joey and welcome to the socal soccer forum. I like what you wrote, and I can tell it's from the heart. Your dd (daughter) and you have a healthy perspective. From what I read, get out of the HS Drama. She scored goals and assists in 10 minutes still is not appreciated. I don't read any sour grapes like others on here. Tell your dd to focus on her grades and positive attitude and just play club. My other pal told me the same thing, that to play in HS these days you must pay a large fee to play and be forced to do insane volunteer hours. if you don't volunteer, the coach will volunteer your child to sit on the bench. This sounds more like force labor to play. It's been my wish that all soccer players can play for free and enjoy the great game on the pitch but these big money grabs and forced volunteer hours or you sit sucks!!!

 

[NorCalDad]

I agree with @RandomSoccerFan -- If she doesn't have aspirations to play in college, then the decision making is pretty easy. Also keep in mind most of us parents are pretty terrible at evaluating our kid's own abilities. Scoring goals is just one line item on a large list of skills.

Her play-up situation is slightly odd to me. I usually don't see players playing up on a second team unless the team needs players. That's usually not a great play-up situation. As it's not about the player's ability as much as it is a numbers game. Play-ups, from my experience, are also typically starters.

Why is there such a big fee for your high school? How big are we talking? I'd probably encourage her to continue to play and focus on the social side of it. She will earn her stripes over time.

Now if your daughter had aspirations to play in college I would probably suggest foregoing high school soccer. All of it is garbage. I don't care how good the varsity program is -- it's really bad soccer. Your player will be at a higher risk of injury do to the overload in matches and she won't learn anything style of play wise. Perhaps she will gain some fitness and a better understanding of how to play more physically. The connection with the school is a valuable reason to play -- but for more serious players they can get over that piece as there's brighter light at the end of the tunnel. This would be the only scenario I would support my kid choosing to skip high school soccer.

 

[Zeke]

Hello,

My daughter is a 2011 player that plays club on an ECNL-RL 2010 team. While not starting she gets a lot of minutes and is the 2nd leading scorer. She enjoys playing club. She also subs for the 2011 team when needed. Just joined the HS team and is on the FS team but gets very limited minutes (some games she does not play at all). When she has been in the game she has scored a few goals and has had a few assists even though she might only play for 10 minutes when put in. She is on the smaller side and is in HS even though she is a 2011. The HS she plays for has a top tier Varsity Soccer program. The end goal is not for her to play professionally or D1 soccer since realistically her academics will get her a scholarship in college. She enjoys the camaraderie of her teammates but is frustrated with the lack of minutes and the time involved where we believe that you improve through the pitch. In order to play on the HS team you also have to pay a large fee and do volunteer hours for the team. Based on the actions of the coaches, we feel that the coaches do not believe that she is a good enough player to get substantial minutes on the pitch (not asking to start). Would you continue with just the club or try to continue with the HS Team? The FS team has a winning record but is painful to watch. They play great defensive but offensively score very few goals since their soccer IQ is not very high and their passing and shooting is not very good, Thanking you in advance for your insights.

RSF already asked the best question. Is she having fun? If the camaraderie is there and she likes cheering for her friends, then it's a good thing.

It sounds like sizable minutes at the HS is just not an option. Some schools have 40 ECNL girls trying out for 30 roster slots. If that describes her school, just be aware so she's not crushed by next year's tryouts.

Best of luck to your kid.

 

[Joey]

Good morning, Joey and welcome to the socal soccer forum. I like what you wrote, and I can tell it's from the heart. Your dd (daughter) and you have a healthy perspective. From what I read, get out of the HS Drama. She scored goals and assists in 10 minutes still is not appreciated. I don't read any sour grapes like others on here. Tell your dd to focus on her grades and positive attitude and just play club. My other pal told me the same thing, that to play in HS these days you must pay a large fee to play and be forced to do insane volunteer hours. if you don't volunteer, the coach will volunteer your child to sit on the bench. This sounds more like force labor to play. It's been my wish that all soccer players can play for free and enjoy the great game on the pitch but these big money grabs and forced volunteer hours or you sit sucks!!!

Thanks for your insight.

 

[Joey]

RSF already asked the best question. Is she having fun? If the camaraderie is there and she likes cheering for her friends, then it's a good thing.

It sounds like sizable minutes at the HS is just not an option. Some schools have 40 ECNL girls trying out for 30 roster slots. If that describes her school, just be aware so she's not crushed by next year's tryouts.

Best of luck to your kid.

Having more fun at club due to playing time. Agreed that there are a large number of high level players on the team which makes it difficult. Positive side is that she is expected to grow more to catch up to the size of the other players.

 

[Joey]

I agree with @RandomSoccerFan -- If she doesn't have aspirations to play in college, then the decision making is pretty easy. Also keep in mind most of us parents are pretty terrible at evaluating our kid's own abilities. Scoring goals is just one line item on a large list of skills.

Her play-up situation is slightly odd to me. I usually don't see players playing up on a second team unless the team needs players. That's usually not a great play-up situation. As it's not about the player's ability as much as it is a numbers game. Play-ups, from my experience, are also typically starters.

Why is there such a big fee for your high school? How big are we talking? I'd probably encourage her to continue to play and focus on the social side of it. She will earn her stripes over time.

Now if your daughter had aspirations to play in college I would probably suggest foregoing high school soccer. All of it is garbage. I don't care how good the varsity program is -- it's really bad soccer. Your player will be at a higher risk of injury do to the overload in matches and she won't learn anything style of play wise. Perhaps she will gain some fitness and a better understanding of how to play more physically. The connection with the school is a valuable reason to play -- but for more serious players they can get over that piece as there's brighter light at the end of the tunnel. This would be the only scenario I would support my kid choosing to skip high school soccer.

The fee is about $1400 for HS not including fund raisers, travel fees and some equipment. Since almost all the Starters are at a minimum ENCL -Rl level, it seems that in order to play on the HS team you would have to continue to play club at least at that level (more significant $). Thanks for your insight.

 

[Joey]

RSF already asked the best question. Is she having fun? If the camaraderie is there and she likes cheering for her friends, then it's a good thing.

It sounds like sizable minutes at the HS is just not an option. Some schools have 40 ECNL girls trying out for 30 roster slots. If that describes her school, just be aware so she's not crushed by next year's tryouts.

Best of luck to your kid.

Thanks for your insight.

 

[Joey]

One of the things you mentioned makes much of the rest completely irrelevant. If the goal isn't to play in college, let alone professionally, all she is doing this for is because she enjoys it - then you (and she) have the answer: she should play with the team(s) that she is enjoying the most, and she should stop playing with teams that she isn't enjoying. Full stop.

But since I'm bored, I do need to point out that there are evidently quite a few misperceptions of her ability compared to her peers. First - if she was a standout, she'd be starting. She wouldn't be playing on an RL team, she'd be on an NL team. If she was playing a year up, she'd be doing so because she's starting and standing out on that team. If she weren't, she should likely move back to a team of her own age, and standout there. On the high school side - if she hasn't landed a starting position on the FS team, let alone the VS team, it's clear that the coaches have come to wildly different conclusions than you (and she) about her ability to help the team compete.

Thanks for your insight.

 

[soccerdadlight]

Hello,

My daughter is a 2011 player that plays club on an ECNL-RL 2010 team. While not starting she gets a lot of minutes and is the 2nd leading scorer. She enjoys playing club. She also subs for the 2011 team when needed. Just joined the HS team and is on the FS team but gets very limited minutes (some games she does not play at all). When she has been in the game she has scored a few goals and has had a few assists even though she might only play for 10 minutes when put in. She is on the smaller side and is in HS even though she is a 2011. The HS she plays for has a top tier Varsity Soccer program. The end goal is not for her to play professionally or D1 soccer since realistically her academics will get her a scholarship in college. She enjoys the camaraderie of her teammates but is frustrated with the lack of minutes and the time involved where we believe that you improve through the pitch. In order to play on the HS team you also have to pay a large fee and do volunteer hours for the team. Based on the actions of the coaches, we feel that the coaches do not believe that she is a good enough player to get substantial minutes on the pitch (not asking to start). Would you continue with just the club or try to continue with the HS Team? The FS team has a winning record but is painful to watch. They play great defensive but offensively score very few goals since their soccer IQ is not very high and their passing and shooting is not very good, Thanking you in advance for your insights.

1) Why isn't she on the ENCL 2011 team? 2) Did she skip a year in school?

 

[NorCalDad]

The fee is about $1400 for HS not including fund raisers, travel fees and some equipment. Since almost all the Starters are at a minimum ENCL -Rl level, it seems that in order to play on the HS team you would have to continue to play club at least at that level (more significant $). Thanks for your insight.

Is that a private school? That seems insane. I would say in general most kids playing HS soccer also play club soccer. It's gotten way more competitive since I played in HS. Also, the HS coaches are usually in cahoots a bit -- especially if they all coach for the same club. There's a lot happening behind the scenes most don't see. It all seems silly to me considering the style of play is usually boot ball.

 

[Joey]

Is that a private school? That seems insane. I would say in general most kids playing HS soccer also play club soccer. It's gotten way more competitive since I played in HS. Also, the HS coaches are usually in cahoots a bit -- especially if they all coach for the same club. There's a lot happening behind the scenes most don't see. It all seems silly to me considering the style of play is usually boot ball.

Yes, it is a private school and agreed the $ and playing time don’t add up for me for her to play HS.

 

[Joey]

1) Why isn't she on the ENCL 2011 team? 2) Did she skip a year in school?

 

[Joey]

Yes, she skipped a grade. Regarding the 2011 ECNL her friends in her grade play 2010 ECNL RL and she likes playing with them so she plays with them.

 

[Joey]

Yes, it is a private school and agreed the $ and playing time don’t add up for me for her to play HS.

Because of the 1-2 year age gap vs the Starters, the size difference will change as she continues to grow but as mentioned the style of play is more conducive to injuries and is not very pretty in HS. As her club coaches mentioned to me, HS soccer is for the biggest, strongest and fastest since it is kick and play.

 

[Joey]

Because of the 1-2 year age gap vs the Starters, the size difference will change as she continues to grow but as mentioned the style of play is more conducive to injuries and is not very pretty in HS. As her club coaches mentioned to me, HS soccer is for the biggest, strongest and fastest since it is kick and play.

It’s a hard decision, since she likes the camaraderie of the HS team, has the speed and the size difference due to age will lesson as she hits full puberty (late bloomer). But as some mentioned, play where it is most fun and at the current moment it is club due to the style of play and the impact she has on the game.

 

[Joey]

It’s a hard decision, since she likes the camaraderie of the HS team, has the speed and the size difference due to age will lesson as she hits full puberty (late bloomer). But as some mentioned, play where it is most fun and at the current moment it is club due to the style of play and the impact she has on the game.

Also, if she does quit the HS team, plays club and if she ever wanted to join the HS team it will be difficult due to the competition level and politics.

 

[Zeke]

It’s a hard decision, since she likes the camaraderie of the HS team, has the speed and the size difference due to age will lesson as she hits full puberty (late bloomer). But as some mentioned, play where it is most fun and at the current moment it is club due to the style of play and the impact she has on the game.

Take a look at older teams to understand what the winter schedule looks like for an older ECRL team. 09s and 08s.

Right now, your kid is probably the only HS kid on her club team. So, when the coach wants to set up something, everyone is still around. Two years from now, many of those kids will have their own winter commitments, and the Jan/Feb scrimmages may be scarce.

 

[Joey]

Take a look at older teams to understand what the winter schedule looks like for an older ECRL team. 09s and 08s.

Right now, your kid is probably the only HS kid on her club team. So, when the coach wants to set up something, everyone is still around. Two years from now, many of those kids will have their own winter commitments, and the Jan/Feb scrimmages may be scarce.

Since she plays 2010 now, most of the kids are playing in HS right now during the break in club play. If she played 2011 she would be the only HS kid.