***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (5 Viewers)

[Sammy3469]

All you can do is laugh:

"Perhaps there's a big commercial opportunity arising now in the United States because of the tremendous television audiences that are booming and that the World Cup has also encouraged in its domestic game as well. We did well with football when it first went to the United States but the opportunities are bigger now. Could you just have a look at those possibilities as to where the World Cup might travel from Qatar?"

http://www.espnfc.us/fifa-world-cup/story/2025540/fifa-president-sepp-blatter-talks-up-united-states-chances-of-hosting-2026-world-cup

I guess this means they're sweeping the Qatari stuff under the rug like we knew they would.

 

[charvik]

Just saw this on twitter and thought it was interesting. It's transfer money spent since 2003, and number of trophies won.

As much as it pains me, that's pretty amazing ROI from ManU: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BxBZ_1SCUAAp7LU.jpg:large

 

[El Floppo]

I have been promoted to head coach of my son's u-8 rec league team due to nobody else signing up.

and by "rec" league, I'm kind of shocked at just how 'rec" it is. 7 kids per team, only 6 teams. the league runs a 30min clinic before each game, which constitutes the only practice they'll get. then, it sounds like they'll play 4 or 5 a side.

I don't even know what I'm supposed to do as "coach" of this, other than to cut the orange slices extra crisp, and make a sub or two.

then again- Floppolinho does not appear to have the competitve eye of the tiger to start off with a more serious league... so this might be best as a starter league for him. I just don't know how he's supposed to learn anything here.

 

[T Bell]

I have been promoted to head coach of my son's u-8 rec league team due to nobody else signing up.

and by "rec" league, I'm kind of shocked at just how 'rec" it is. 7 kids per team, only 6 teams. the league runs a 30min clinic before each game, which constitutes the only practice they'll get. then, it sounds like they'll play 4 or 5 a side.

I don't even know what I'm supposed to do as "coach" of this, other than to cut the orange slices extra crisp, and make a sub or two.

then again- Floppolinho does not appear to have the competitve eye of the tiger to start off with a more serious league... so this might be best as a starter league for him. I just don't know how he's supposed to learn anything here.

That's what my son did the last two years with AYSO (practice before the game) but he was U-5 and U-6.

Look on YouTube for drills you can do for that age group.

Mainly just keep it fun and work on fundamentals.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

All sorts of racy rumors as to why Maicon was suddenly dropped and sent home ahead of the friendly in New Jersey tomorrow. It appears he did something seriously ####### up, and reportedly will never play for Brazil again.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Just saw this on twitter and thought it was interesting. It's transfer money spent since 2003, and number of trophies won.

As much as it pains me, that's pretty amazing ROI from ManU: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BxBZ_1SCUAAp7LU.jpg:large

Its a little misleading for a club like Spurs - who have to sell players to raise the funds to buy. So, while there is constant turnover, its not necessarily improving the team by leaps and bounds - compared to the other big spenders. I think over the last 5 years, combined, Spurs have a negative net-spend - meaning they have sold more value than they have brought in...

 

[T Bell]

All sorts of racy rumors as to why Maicon was suddenly dropped and sent home ahead of the friendly in New Jersey tomorrow. It appears he did something seriously ####### up, and reportedly will never play for Brazil again.

Spunking into David Luiz's shampoo bottle might do that...

While we're on that point, hard to imagine David Luiz in a Something About Mary moment...

 

[El Floppo]

I have been promoted to head coach of my son's u-8 rec league team due to nobody else signing up.

and by "rec" league, I'm kind of shocked at just how 'rec" it is. 7 kids per team, only 6 teams. the league runs a 30min clinic before each game, which constitutes the only practice they'll get. then, it sounds like they'll play 4 or 5 a side.

I don't even know what I'm supposed to do as "coach" of this, other than to cut the orange slices extra crisp, and make a sub or two.

then again- Floppolinho does not appear to have the competitve eye of the tiger to start off with a more serious league... so this might be best as a starter league for him. I just don't know how he's supposed to learn anything here.

That's what my son did the last two years with AYSO (practice before the game) but he was U-5 and U-6.

Look on YouTube for drills you can do for that age group.

Mainly just keep it fun and work on fundamentals.

my son's only just turned 7, and hasn't played anything competitively before- so again, this might work out for him.

I won't be running any drills- the league provides coaches before the games who will be running all of that. Probably a good foot-wetting for me too, coaching-wise, especially for this age; I only started playing as a 10 yo, and all the camps I worked as a kid, I only had kids 11 or older.

It's going to be really hard for me not to try to actually coach here- but it seems like it's going to be more about fun. That said- I will yell at the first kid who ####s up shape of the 1-2-1 I'm going to run.

 

[El Floppo]

All sorts of racy rumors as to why Maicon was suddenly dropped and sent home ahead of the friendly in New Jersey tomorrow. It appears he did something seriously ####### up, and reportedly will never play for Brazil again.

Spunking into David Luiz's shampoo bottle might do that...

While we're on that point, hard to imagine David Luiz in a Something About Mary moment...

the ####?!

:lmaol:

 

[T Bell]

All sorts of racy rumors as to why Maicon was suddenly dropped and sent home ahead of the friendly in New Jersey tomorrow. It appears he did something seriously ####### up, and reportedly will never play for Brazil again.

Spunking into David Luiz's shampoo bottle might do that...

While we're on that point, hard to imagine David Luiz in a Something About Mary moment...

the ####?!

:lmaol:

The other rumor is that he was caught in flagrante with Elias, a midfielder for Corinthians. Of course, why Elias, too, wouldn't be suspended who knows...

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I have been promoted to head coach of my son's u-8 rec league team due to nobody else signing up.

and by "rec" league, I'm kind of shocked at just how 'rec" it is. 7 kids per team, only 6 teams. the league runs a 30min clinic before each game, which constitutes the only practice they'll get. then, it sounds like they'll play 4 or 5 a side.

I don't even know what I'm supposed to do as "coach" of this, other than to cut the orange slices extra crisp, and make a sub or two.

then again- Floppolinho does not appear to have the competitve eye of the tiger to start off with a more serious league... so this might be best as a starter league for him. I just don't know how he's supposed to learn anything here.

That's how our league did it when they were 5-6 or so, but by the time the kids were U8 they had separate team practices twice a week then weekend games.

related - saw some awesome parental rage at a youth tournament this weekend.

 

[Sammy3469]

I have been promoted to head coach of my son's u-8 rec league team due to nobody else signing up.

and by "rec" league, I'm kind of shocked at just how 'rec" it is. 7 kids per team, only 6 teams. the league runs a 30min clinic before each game, which constitutes the only practice they'll get. then, it sounds like they'll play 4 or 5 a side.

I don't even know what I'm supposed to do as "coach" of this, other than to cut the orange slices extra crisp, and make a sub or two.

then again- Floppolinho does not appear to have the competitve eye of the tiger to start off with a more serious league... so this might be best as a starter league for him. I just don't know how he's supposed to learn anything here.

That's what my son did the last two years with AYSO (practice before the game) but he was U-5 and U-6.

Look on YouTube for drills you can do for that age group.

Mainly just keep it fun and work on fundamentals.

my son's only just turned 7, and hasn't played anything competitively before- so again, this might work out for him.

I won't be running any drills- the league provides coaches before the games who will be running all of that. Probably a good foot-wetting for me too, coaching-wise, especially for this age; I only started playing as a 10 yo, and all the camps I worked as a kid, I only had kids 11 or older.

It's going to be really hard for me not to try to actually coach here- but it seems like it's going to be more about fun. That said- I will yell at the first kid who ####s up shape of the 1-2-1 I'm going to run.

The NYC Parks Dept ran a free clinic on Riverside Park this summer (I assume they do it at other parks as well) for the sub 8 year olds. Almost 3 year Sammyinho got "recruited" by one of the coaches for the Saturday league they run. I subsequently signed him up to run around at SuperSoccerStars so my Saturdays aren't ruined yet. Apparently he has a good kick and is fast, so I have a potentially winger on my hands. Of course he refers to goalies as housekeepers, so I still have some work to do.

 

[T Bell]

I have been promoted to head coach of my son's u-8 rec league team due to nobody else signing up.

and by "rec" league, I'm kind of shocked at just how 'rec" it is. 7 kids per team, only 6 teams. the league runs a 30min clinic before each game, which constitutes the only practice they'll get. then, it sounds like they'll play 4 or 5 a side.

I don't even know what I'm supposed to do as "coach" of this, other than to cut the orange slices extra crisp, and make a sub or two.

then again- Floppolinho does not appear to have the competitve eye of the tiger to start off with a more serious league... so this might be best as a starter league for him. I just don't know how he's supposed to learn anything here.

That's what my son did the last two years with AYSO (practice before the game) but he was U-5 and U-6.

Look on YouTube for drills you can do for that age group.

Mainly just keep it fun and work on fundamentals.

my son's only just turned 7, and hasn't played anything competitively before- so again, this might work out for him.

I won't be running any drills- the league provides coaches before the games who will be running all of that. Probably a good foot-wetting for me too, coaching-wise, especially for this age; I only started playing as a 10 yo, and all the camps I worked as a kid, I only had kids 11 or older.

It's going to be really hard for me not to try to actually coach here- but it seems like it's going to be more about fun. That said- I will yell at the first kid who ####s up shape of the 1-2-1 I'm going to run.

My son's just turned 7 as well (end of August), but he's played for a couple of years now and soccer's his favorite sport. He's also showing some aptitude for it, which is fun. For the first time this year his team has mid-week practices, which is great, but even so about half of our team are first-timers just learning to kick the ball.

What I'm finding (I'm helping coach the practices) is that the kids need some tactical structure such as formation - just sending them out to play 5v5 ends up in a scrum. At 7 they're old enough to understand a position on the field and maintaining some space when you have the ball to be available to pass, etc. It's still VERY rough around the edges but you can start seeing the outlines of some good team play.

It's HUGELY different than last year, amazingly so actually.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

All sorts of racy rumors as to why Maicon was suddenly dropped and sent home ahead of the friendly in New Jersey tomorrow. It appears he did something seriously ####### up, and reportedly will never play for Brazil again.

Spunking into David Luiz's shampoo bottle might do that...

While we're on that point, hard to imagine David Luiz in a Something About Mary moment...

the ####?!

:lmaol:

The other rumor is that he was caught in flagrante with Elias, a midfielder for Corinthians. Of course, why Elias, too, wouldn't be suspended who knows...

The most likely story is that he missed curfew in Miami.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Lucas Sposito @LucasSposito_
Follow
The reliable @mart_fern says that Maicon showed up really late at the hotel. Dunga expelled him as a message to the younger players.'



Or he ####ed Elias, and spunked in Luiz' shampoo

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

related - saw some awesome parental rage at a youth tournament this weekend.

My wife signed us up as sideline enforcers for my kid's U-8 team, against my earlier advice. We're supposed to make sure parents of kids on our sideline don't cross the line.

Thank god we don't appear to have any complete wackos after the first couple games.

 

[charvik]

Just saw this on twitter and thought it was interesting. It's transfer money spent since 2003, and number of trophies won.

As much as it pains me, that's pretty amazing ROI from ManU: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BxBZ_1SCUAAp7LU.jpg:large

Its a little misleading for a club like Spurs - who have to sell players to raise the funds to buy. So, while there is constant turnover, its not necessarily improving the team by leaps and bounds - compared to the other big spenders. I think over the last 5 years, combined, Spurs have a negative net-spend - meaning they have sold more value than they have brought in...

Good point... Would love to see net spend stats over the same time period.

 

[The Gator]

I have been promoted to head coach of my son's u-8 rec league team due to nobody else signing up.

and by "rec" league, I'm kind of shocked at just how 'rec" it is. 7 kids per team, only 6 teams. the league runs a 30min clinic before each game, which constitutes the only practice they'll get. then, it sounds like they'll play 4 or 5 a side.

I don't even know what I'm supposed to do as "coach" of this, other than to cut the orange slices extra crisp, and make a sub or two.

then again- Floppolinho does not appear to have the competitve eye of the tiger to start off with a more serious league... so this might be best as a starter league for him. I just don't know how he's supposed to learn anything here.

That's what my son did the last two years with AYSO (practice before the game) but he was U-5 and U-6.

Look on YouTube for drills you can do for that age group.

Mainly just keep it fun and work on fundamentals.

my son's only just turned 7, and hasn't played anything competitively before- so again, this might work out for him.

I won't be running any drills- the league provides coaches before the games who will be running all of that. Probably a good foot-wetting for me too, coaching-wise, especially for this age; I only started playing as a 10 yo, and all the camps I worked as a kid, I only had kids 11 or older.

It's going to be really hard for me not to try to actually coach here- but it seems like it's going to be more about fun. That said- I will yell at the first kid who ####s up shape of the 1-2-1 I'm going to run.

My son's just turned 7 as well (end of August), but he's played for a couple of years now and soccer's his favorite sport. He's also showing some aptitude for it, which is fun. For the first time this year his team has mid-week practices, which is great, but even so about half of our team are first-timers just learning to kick the ball.

What I'm finding (I'm helping coach the practices) is that the kids need some tactical structure such as formation - just sending them out to play 5v5 ends up in a scrum. At 7 they're old enough to understand a position on the field and maintaining some space when you have the ball to be available to pass, etc. It's still VERY rough around the edges but you can start seeing the outlines of some good team play.

It's HUGELY different than last year, amazingly so actually.

Tactical coaching should be very very minimal, if even done at all, at this age.

Keep teaching them passing, moving and get touches in. Then the spacing will come naturally.

 

[Jaysus]

Lucas Sposito @LucasSposito_
FollowThe reliable @mart_fern says that Maicon showed up really late at the hotel. Dunga expelled him as a message to the younger players.'



Or he ####ed Elias, and spunked in Luiz' shampoo

That is the story that my Brazil team is telling me too:

"They're saying all players had a day off, and they had to be back on Saturday, midnight...Maicon came back to the hotel at 7am on Sunday. "

 

[T Bell]

Just saw this on twitter and thought it was interesting. It's transfer money spent since 2003, and number of trophies won.

As much as it pains me, that's pretty amazing ROI from ManU: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BxBZ_1SCUAAp7LU.jpg:large

Its a little misleading for a club like Spurs - who have to sell players to raise the funds to buy. So, while there is constant turnover, its not necessarily improving the team by leaps and bounds - compared to the other big spenders. I think over the last 5 years, combined, Spurs have a negative net-spend - meaning they have sold more value than they have brought in...

Good point... Would love to see net spend stats over the same time period.

There are published net spend stats every so often, but only for certain time periods. I don't know of a database that allows you to input a time frame and get you what you want though.

 

[El Floppo]

I have been promoted to head coach of my son's u-8 rec league team due to nobody else signing up.

and by "rec" league, I'm kind of shocked at just how 'rec" it is. 7 kids per team, only 6 teams. the league runs a 30min clinic before each game, which constitutes the only practice they'll get. then, it sounds like they'll play 4 or 5 a side.

I don't even know what I'm supposed to do as "coach" of this, other than to cut the orange slices extra crisp, and make a sub or two.

then again- Floppolinho does not appear to have the competitve eye of the tiger to start off with a more serious league... so this might be best as a starter league for him. I just don't know how he's supposed to learn anything here.

That's what my son did the last two years with AYSO (practice before the game) but he was U-5 and U-6.

Look on YouTube for drills you can do for that age group.

Mainly just keep it fun and work on fundamentals.

my son's only just turned 7, and hasn't played anything competitively before- so again, this might work out for him.

I won't be running any drills- the league provides coaches before the games who will be running all of that. Probably a good foot-wetting for me too, coaching-wise, especially for this age; I only started playing as a 10 yo, and all the camps I worked as a kid, I only had kids 11 or older.

It's going to be really hard for me not to try to actually coach here- but it seems like it's going to be more about fun. That said- I will yell at the first kid who ####s up shape of the 1-2-1 I'm going to run.

My son's just turned 7 as well (end of August), but he's played for a couple of years now and soccer's his favorite sport. He's also showing some aptitude for it, which is fun. For the first time this year his team has mid-week practices, which is great, but even so about half of our team are first-timers just learning to kick the ball.

What I'm finding (I'm helping coach the practices) is that the kids need some tactical structure such as formation - just sending them out to play 5v5 ends up in a scrum. At 7 they're old enough to understand a position on the field and maintaining some space when you have the ball to be available to pass, etc. It's still VERY rough around the edges but you can start seeing the outlines of some good team play.

It's HUGELY different than last year, amazingly so actually.

Tactical coaching should be very very minimal, if even done at all, at this age.

Keep teaching them passing, moving and get touches in. Then the spacing will come naturally.

That sounds right.

And so does Red's comment.

I watched my nieces play games years ago, with my brother coaching. He never kicked a ball in his life, and probably only saw a couple- if any- of my games. But he made sure to reinforce that each kid needed to be in their "position" even if they didn't really get the bigger picture yet.

I think that 5 on 5 will be one big clump of kids on both sides of the ball... but I'll see this weekend.

I'm kind of regretting not getting him going earlier on this... but on the flipside, I think he's only just gotten ready emotionally for competition.

 

[Sammy3469]

Lucas Sposito @LucasSposito_
FollowThe reliable @mart_fern says that Maicon showed up really late at the hotel. Dunga expelled him as a message to the younger players.'



Or he ####ed Elias, and spunked in Luiz' shampoo

That is the story that my Brazil team is telling me too:

"They're saying all players had a day off, and they had to be back on Saturday, midnight...Maicon came back to the hotel at 7am on Sunday. "

So your saying in those 7 hours he still could have ####ed Elias and spunked in Luiz' shampoo, right?

 

[NewlyRetired]

All you can do is laugh:

"Perhaps there's a big commercial opportunity arising now in the United States because of the tremendous television audiences that are booming and that the World Cup has also encouraged in its domestic game as well. We did well with football when it first went to the United States but the opportunities are bigger now. Could you just have a look at those possibilities as to where the World Cup might travel from Qatar?"

http://www.espnfc.us/fifa-world-cup/story/2025540/fifa-president-sepp-blatter-talks-up-united-states-chances-of-hosting-2026-world-cup

I guess this means they're sweeping the Qatari stuff under the rug like we knew they would.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8d8y4BLWtI

 

[Eephus]

Brazilian fullbacks have had problems getting back for some time

 

[The Gator]

Brazilian fullbacks have had problems getting back for some time

 

[El Floppo]

I have been promoted to head coach of my son's u-8 rec league team due to nobody else signing up.

and by "rec" league, I'm kind of shocked at just how 'rec" it is. 7 kids per team, only 6 teams. the league runs a 30min clinic before each game, which constitutes the only practice they'll get. then, it sounds like they'll play 4 or 5 a side.

I don't even know what I'm supposed to do as "coach" of this, other than to cut the orange slices extra crisp, and make a sub or two.

then again- Floppolinho does not appear to have the competitve eye of the tiger to start off with a more serious league... so this might be best as a starter league for him. I just don't know how he's supposed to learn anything here.

That's what my son did the last two years with AYSO (practice before the game) but he was U-5 and U-6.

Look on YouTube for drills you can do for that age group.

Mainly just keep it fun and work on fundamentals.

my son's only just turned 7, and hasn't played anything competitively before- so again, this might work out for him.

I won't be running any drills- the league provides coaches before the games who will be running all of that. Probably a good foot-wetting for me too, coaching-wise, especially for this age; I only started playing as a 10 yo, and all the camps I worked as a kid, I only had kids 11 or older.

It's going to be really hard for me not to try to actually coach here- but it seems like it's going to be more about fun. That said- I will yell at the first kid who ####s up shape of the 1-2-1 I'm going to run.

The NYC Parks Dept ran a free clinic on Riverside Park this summer (I assume they do it at other parks as well) for the sub 8 year olds. Almost 3 year Sammyinho got "recruited" by one of the coaches for the Saturday league they run. I subsequently signed him up to run around at SuperSoccerStars so my Saturdays aren't ruined yet. Apparently he has a good kick and is fast, so I have a potentially winger on my hands. Of course he refers to goalies as housekeepers, so I still have some work to do.

Nice.

We've done Supersoccerstars since Floppinho was 3... and did a camp this summer as well.

I think it's pretty great for the little ones- teaching them more about moving their bodies, soccer-wise, than actually playing soccer- and the coaches are pretty uniformly engaged and helpful for that age-bracket. I saw at a certain point- last year, IIRC- that there were only a few kids in the classes for ages 5+... and they were not exactly what I'd call "superstars". I get now that kids, rightly, went off to play "competitive" soccer with teams, rather than continue on with classes.

Took my kid to stuytown over the weekend to kick around in cleats and shinguards. I had a competitive bug up my ### for as long as I remember- put me on the playground, I had to swing the highest, run the fastest, get the fastest tricycle... and the same held true for all sports. My son- seems to not have that bug. He'd much rather chat with the coach or other players than steal the ball or try to run at goal.

He has the abilities, and can do the plays- but only as objective exercises, without having that drive to want to win the ball or score the goal. I'm not sure how I can teach him that- or if he even needs it. He's an absolute sweetheart of a kid and really bright... competitive sports might not be his thing. Or he's just young and needs some time be involved with them to light the fire. I love the little ####er, regardless.

 

[T Bell]

My son's first game was Saturday. It was 5v5 played on a field measuring approx 50' x 120', so decent sized but far from regulation. It's 2-3x the total size of the field they played 3v3 on last year.

We're discussing playing either a 1-4 or 2-3 formation, with everyone rotating but the beginners playing more defensive positions to start out with as they get used to tackling and moving the ball, and basic passing. The kids range from the beginning kids crazily swinging their legs at the ball (no matter which way they're pointed) to a couple of kids, dribbling, cutting back, passing, etc. Wide range.

 

[T Bell]

Very cool chart from the top 4 English leagues showing relationship between # of shots and shot accuracy

 

[Sammy3469]

Nice.

We've done Supersoccerstars since Floppinho was 3... and did a camp this summer as well.

I think it's pretty great for the little ones- teaching them more about moving their bodies, soccer-wise, than actually playing soccer- and the coaches are pretty uniformly engaged and helpful for that age-bracket. I saw at a certain point- last year, IIRC- that there were only a few kids in the classes for ages 5+... and they were not exactly what I'd call "superstars". I get now that kids, rightly, went off to play "competitive" soccer with teams, rather than continue on with classes.

Took my kid to stuytown over the weekend to kick around in cleats and shinguards. I had a competitive bug up my ### for as long as I remember- put me on the playground, I had to swing the highest, run the fastest, get the fastest tricycle... and the same held true for all sports. My son- seems to not have that bug. He'd much rather chat with the coach or other players than steal the ball or try to run at goal.

He has the abilities, and can do the plays- but only as objective exercises, without having that drive to want to win the ball or score the goal. I'm not sure how I can teach him that- or if he even needs it. He's an absolute sweetheart of a kid and really bright... competitive sports might not be his thing. Or he's just young and needs some time be involved with them to light the fire. I love the little ####er, regardless.

We're obviously not to that stage yet, but the one thing that shocked me as a parent was that you can tell the athletic toddlers from the non-athletic toddlers at such an early age. Some of them just have the coordination, strength, endurance already. We'll see if Sammyinho's leg strength, speed, and coordination last much longer. Knowing his dad, he's doomed (he is half Croatian, so he has that going for him).

 

[El Floppo]

Nice.

We've done Supersoccerstars since Floppinho was 3... and did a camp this summer as well.

I think it's pretty great for the little ones- teaching them more about moving their bodies, soccer-wise, than actually playing soccer- and the coaches are pretty uniformly engaged and helpful for that age-bracket. I saw at a certain point- last year, IIRC- that there were only a few kids in the classes for ages 5+... and they were not exactly what I'd call "superstars". I get now that kids, rightly, went off to play "competitive" soccer with teams, rather than continue on with classes.

Took my kid to stuytown over the weekend to kick around in cleats and shinguards. I had a competitive bug up my ### for as long as I remember- put me on the playground, I had to swing the highest, run the fastest, get the fastest tricycle... and the same held true for all sports. My son- seems to not have that bug. He'd much rather chat with the coach or other players than steal the ball or try to run at goal.

He has the abilities, and can do the plays- but only as objective exercises, without having that drive to want to win the ball or score the goal. I'm not sure how I can teach him that- or if he even needs it. He's an absolute sweetheart of a kid and really bright... competitive sports might not be his thing. Or he's just young and needs some time be involved with them to light the fire. I love the little ####er, regardless.

We're obviously not to that stage yet, but the one thing that shocked me as a parent was that you can tell the athletic toddlers from the non-athletic toddlers at such an early age. Some of them just have the coordination, strength, endurance already. We'll see if Sammyinho's leg strength, speed, and coordination last much longer. Knowing his dad, he's doomed (he is half Croatian, so he has that going for him).

That is SO true. I saw it from Jr's first class... and so far it seems to persist- so you've got that going for you guys (other than the Croat part)

Funny, my son was always capable- could do the things the coaches asked of him... maybe even better because his strength has always been his ability to listen and process (maybe too much). He was always the kid the coaches would have do the new drill for the first time to show the other kids... not because there weren't other kids who couldn't do it- but because they knew he was always the kid that was paying the most attention to mulit-faceted instructions.

But there were kids even from that first class- they just did things physically, on their own, because their little bodies and minds are wired that way. My son's body seems capable of doing all the things (although not the fastest) if told, but his mind doesn't seem set up to want the ball or want to score the way those kids do.

 

[El Floppo]

Where are you guys, Sammy?

 

[The Z Machine]

I promised myself I wouldn't coach my children's sports teams. I hope to all the lords that ever existed that holds true.

 

[roadkill1292]

Nice.

We've done Supersoccerstars since Floppinho was 3... and did a camp this summer as well.

I think it's pretty great for the little ones- teaching them more about moving their bodies, soccer-wise, than actually playing soccer- and the coaches are pretty uniformly engaged and helpful for that age-bracket. I saw at a certain point- last year, IIRC- that there were only a few kids in the classes for ages 5+... and they were not exactly what I'd call "superstars". I get now that kids, rightly, went off to play "competitive" soccer with teams, rather than continue on with classes.

Took my kid to stuytown over the weekend to kick around in cleats and shinguards. I had a competitive bug up my ### for as long as I remember- put me on the playground, I had to swing the highest, run the fastest, get the fastest tricycle... and the same held true for all sports. My son- seems to not have that bug. He'd much rather chat with the coach or other players than steal the ball or try to run at goal.

He has the abilities, and can do the plays- but only as objective exercises, without having that drive to want to win the ball or score the goal. I'm not sure how I can teach him that- or if he even needs it. He's an absolute sweetheart of a kid and really bright... competitive sports might not be his thing. Or he's just young and needs some time be involved with them to light the fire. I love the little ####er, regardless.

We're obviously not to that stage yet, but the one thing that shocked me as a parent was that you can tell the athletic toddlers from the non-athletic toddlers at such an early age. Some of them just have the coordination, strength, endurance already. We'll see if Sammyinho's leg strength, speed, and coordination last much longer. Knowing his dad, he's doomed (he is half Croatian, so he has that going for him).

How much relative age bias is involved? Is there an almost one-year spread in ages or a lesser increment?

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I promised myself I wouldn't coach my children's sports teams. I hope to all the lords that ever existed that holds true.

I'd hope not, your tactics are appalling.

 

[El Floppo]

I promised myself I wouldn't coach my children's sports teams. I hope to all the lords that ever existed that holds true.

Perche no?

 

[Sammy3469]

Where are you guys, Sammy?

UWS

 

[El Floppo]

Where are you guys, Sammy?

UWS

my old hood... seems like a nice place for kids, with Riverside and Central Parks both easy walks.

 

[T Bell]

Nice.

We've done Supersoccerstars since Floppinho was 3... and did a camp this summer as well.

I think it's pretty great for the little ones- teaching them more about moving their bodies, soccer-wise, than actually playing soccer- and the coaches are pretty uniformly engaged and helpful for that age-bracket. I saw at a certain point- last year, IIRC- that there were only a few kids in the classes for ages 5+... and they were not exactly what I'd call "superstars". I get now that kids, rightly, went off to play "competitive" soccer with teams, rather than continue on with classes.

Took my kid to stuytown over the weekend to kick around in cleats and shinguards. I had a competitive bug up my ### for as long as I remember- put me on the playground, I had to swing the highest, run the fastest, get the fastest tricycle... and the same held true for all sports. My son- seems to not have that bug. He'd much rather chat with the coach or other players than steal the ball or try to run at goal.

He has the abilities, and can do the plays- but only as objective exercises, without having that drive to want to win the ball or score the goal. I'm not sure how I can teach him that- or if he even needs it. He's an absolute sweetheart of a kid and really bright... competitive sports might not be his thing. Or he's just young and needs some time be involved with them to light the fire. I love the little ####er, regardless.

We're obviously not to that stage yet, but the one thing that shocked me as a parent was that you can tell the athletic toddlers from the non-athletic toddlers at such an early age. Some of them just have the coordination, strength, endurance already. We'll see if Sammyinho's leg strength, speed, and coordination last much longer. Knowing his dad, he's doomed (he is half Croatian, so he has that going for him).

That is SO true. I saw it from Jr's first class... and so far it seems to persist- so you've got that going for you guys (other than the Croat part)

Funny, my son was always capable- could do the things the coaches asked of him... maybe even better because his strength has always been his ability to listen and process (maybe too much). He was always the kid the coaches would have do the new drill for the first time to show the other kids... not because there weren't other kids who couldn't do it- but because they knew he was always the kid that was paying the most attention to mulit-faceted instructions.

But there were kids even from that first class- they just did things physically, on their own, because their little bodies and minds are wired that way. My son's body seems capable of doing all the things (although not the fastest) if told, but his mind doesn't seem set up to want the ball or want to score the way those kids do.

I remember from playing youth sports myself that SO much can change. Some kids are quick starters in sports and absolutely dominate, but lose their edge and fall behind and are below average, all within 3-4 years.

I recall a kid I played Little League again who was hitting home runs over the fence and pitching no hitters as a 9-year old; by 12 years old he was average at best and he didn't even bother continuing to play baseball beyond Little League, e.g. Pony or Babe Ruth; I don't even think he went out for any sport in high school. He was an Asian kid who never grew beyond a certain height, maybe like 5'9" or so.

I was a late bloomer. I also have a late birthday (which I share with my son, late August like I said). I think I was physically stronger than my son at his age, especially in the legs, but he's more gifted technically than I was with the soccer ball. In three years I could see him being a player of note in his age group in the community or just another kid playing AYSO.

You just have to let it play out and enjoy the ride. Who knows where it ends up.

 

[Sammy3469]

Nice.

We've done Supersoccerstars since Floppinho was 3... and did a camp this summer as well.

I think it's pretty great for the little ones- teaching them more about moving their bodies, soccer-wise, than actually playing soccer- and the coaches are pretty uniformly engaged and helpful for that age-bracket. I saw at a certain point- last year, IIRC- that there were only a few kids in the classes for ages 5+... and they were not exactly what I'd call "superstars". I get now that kids, rightly, went off to play "competitive" soccer with teams, rather than continue on with classes.

Took my kid to stuytown over the weekend to kick around in cleats and shinguards. I had a competitive bug up my ### for as long as I remember- put me on the playground, I had to swing the highest, run the fastest, get the fastest tricycle... and the same held true for all sports. My son- seems to not have that bug. He'd much rather chat with the coach or other players than steal the ball or try to run at goal.

He has the abilities, and can do the plays- but only as objective exercises, without having that drive to want to win the ball or score the goal. I'm not sure how I can teach him that- or if he even needs it. He's an absolute sweetheart of a kid and really bright... competitive sports might not be his thing. Or he's just young and needs some time be involved with them to light the fire. I love the little ####er, regardless.

We're obviously not to that stage yet, but the one thing that shocked me as a parent was that you can tell the athletic toddlers from the non-athletic toddlers at such an early age. Some of them just have the coordination, strength, endurance already. We'll see if Sammyinho's leg strength, speed, and coordination last much longer. Knowing his dad, he's doomed (he is half Croatian, so he has that going for him).

How much relative age bias is involved? Is there an almost one-year spread in ages or a lesser increment?

Well, with his group of friends they are all Sept to Dec birthdays. In NYC that time period consistently gets grouped together since they fall in this weird date cutoff between public and private schools (ie he'd be young for his year in public school, but get to wait a year and be old for private). So all the kids are the same general age (I think I know one 2 year old outside those months and she's a friend from the building). Even in his just started preschool class they are all Sept-Dec and you can immediately tell the 2 athletic boys from the 3 that aren't.

I was more surprised on getting "recruited" by the guy running the free program. Sammyinho was young for that program (they grouped the under 3s, 3-5 year olds, and 5-8s together and he was moved up to the 3-5s), but the coach had jumping with the ball between his legs and kicking the ball in the goal in short order. So there's some talent there, I'm not sure what you can really do for an almost 3 year old besides practicing kicking the ball and running.

 

[AAABatteries]

Delph is going to be sent off if he plays the full 90.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Hooray! Get your Sepp2015 Bumper Stickers Now!!!!

http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/09/08/sepp-blatter-confirms-he-will-run-for-fifth-term-as-fifa-president/comment-page-1/#comment-44095

-QG

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I promised myself I wouldn't coach my children's sports teams. I hope to all the lords that ever existed that holds true.

I'd hope not, your tactics are appalling.

Kick other team as much as possible, grind out 0-0 draw.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I'm not sure what you can really do for an almost 3 year old besides practicing kicking the ball and running.

3 year olds love practicing this Neymar stuff.

Start them rolling down a hill and just focus on duration and flamboyance at first, then introduce the flip, the scream and knee-grab. There are almost unlimited variations.

 

[El Floppo]

I'm not sure what you can really do for an almost 3 year old besides practicing kicking the ball and running.

3 year olds love practicing this Neymar stuff.

Start them rolling down a hill and just focus on duration and flamboyance at first, then introduce the flip, the scream and knee-grab. There are almost unlimited variations.

I had Floppinho practicing goal celebrations.

 

[El Floppo]

Nice.

We've done Supersoccerstars since Floppinho was 3... and did a camp this summer as well.

I think it's pretty great for the little ones- teaching them more about moving their bodies, soccer-wise, than actually playing soccer- and the coaches are pretty uniformly engaged and helpful for that age-bracket. I saw at a certain point- last year, IIRC- that there were only a few kids in the classes for ages 5+... and they were not exactly what I'd call "superstars". I get now that kids, rightly, went off to play "competitive" soccer with teams, rather than continue on with classes.

Took my kid to stuytown over the weekend to kick around in cleats and shinguards. I had a competitive bug up my ### for as long as I remember- put me on the playground, I had to swing the highest, run the fastest, get the fastest tricycle... and the same held true for all sports. My son- seems to not have that bug. He'd much rather chat with the coach or other players than steal the ball or try to run at goal.

He has the abilities, and can do the plays- but only as objective exercises, without having that drive to want to win the ball or score the goal. I'm not sure how I can teach him that- or if he even needs it. He's an absolute sweetheart of a kid and really bright... competitive sports might not be his thing. Or he's just young and needs some time be involved with them to light the fire. I love the little ####er, regardless.

We're obviously not to that stage yet, but the one thing that shocked me as a parent was that you can tell the athletic toddlers from the non-athletic toddlers at such an early age. Some of them just have the coordination, strength, endurance already. We'll see if Sammyinho's leg strength, speed, and coordination last much longer. Knowing his dad, he's doomed (he is half Croatian, so he has that going for him).

That is SO true. I saw it from Jr's first class... and so far it seems to persist- so you've got that going for you guys (other than the Croat part)

Funny, my son was always capable- could do the things the coaches asked of him... maybe even better because his strength has always been his ability to listen and process (maybe too much). He was always the kid the coaches would have do the new drill for the first time to show the other kids... not because there weren't other kids who couldn't do it- but because they knew he was always the kid that was paying the most attention to mulit-faceted instructions.

But there were kids even from that first class- they just did things physically, on their own, because their little bodies and minds are wired that way. My son's body seems capable of doing all the things (although not the fastest) if told, but his mind doesn't seem set up to want the ball or want to score the way those kids do.

I remember from playing youth sports myself that SO much can change. Some kids are quick starters in sports and absolutely dominate, but lose their edge and fall behind and are below average, all within 3-4 years.

I recall a kid I played Little League again who was hitting home runs over the fence and pitching no hitters as a 9-year old; by 12 years old he was average at best and he didn't even bother continuing to play baseball beyond Little League, e.g. Pony or Babe Ruth; I don't even think he went out for any sport in high school. He was an Asian kid who never grew beyond a certain height, maybe like 5'9" or so.

I was a late bloomer. I also have a late birthday (which I share with my son, late August like I said). I think I was physically stronger than my son at his age, especially in the legs, but he's more gifted technically than I was with the soccer ball. In three years I could see him being a player of note in his age group in the community or just another kid playing AYSO.

You just have to let it play out and enjoy the ride. Who knows where it ends up.

 

[Eephus]

Nice.

We've done Supersoccerstars since Floppinho was 3... and did a camp this summer as well.

I think it's pretty great for the little ones- teaching them more about moving their bodies, soccer-wise, than actually playing soccer- and the coaches are pretty uniformly engaged and helpful for that age-bracket. I saw at a certain point- last year, IIRC- that there were only a few kids in the classes for ages 5+... and they were not exactly what I'd call "superstars". I get now that kids, rightly, went off to play "competitive" soccer with teams, rather than continue on with classes.

Took my kid to stuytown over the weekend to kick around in cleats and shinguards. I had a competitive bug up my ### for as long as I remember- put me on the playground, I had to swing the highest, run the fastest, get the fastest tricycle... and the same held true for all sports. My son- seems to not have that bug. He'd much rather chat with the coach or other players than steal the ball or try to run at goal.

He has the abilities, and can do the plays- but only as objective exercises, without having that drive to want to win the ball or score the goal. I'm not sure how I can teach him that- or if he even needs it. He's an absolute sweetheart of a kid and really bright... competitive sports might not be his thing. Or he's just young and needs some time be involved with them to light the fire. I love the little ####er, regardless.

We're obviously not to that stage yet, but the one thing that shocked me as a parent was that you can tell the athletic toddlers from the non-athletic toddlers at such an early age. Some of them just have the coordination, strength, endurance already. We'll see if Sammyinho's leg strength, speed, and coordination last much longer. Knowing his dad, he's doomed (he is half Croatian, so he has that going for him).

That is SO true. I saw it from Jr's first class... and so far it seems to persist- so you've got that going for you guys (other than the Croat part)

Funny, my son was always capable- could do the things the coaches asked of him... maybe even better because his strength has always been his ability to listen and process (maybe too much). He was always the kid the coaches would have do the new drill for the first time to show the other kids... not because there weren't other kids who couldn't do it- but because they knew he was always the kid that was paying the most attention to mulit-faceted instructions.

But there were kids even from that first class- they just did things physically, on their own, because their little bodies and minds are wired that way. My son's body seems capable of doing all the things (although not the fastest) if told, but his mind doesn't seem set up to want the ball or want to score the way those kids do.

I remember from playing youth sports myself that SO much can change. Some kids are quick starters in sports and absolutely dominate, but lose their edge and fall behind and are below average, all within 3-4 years.

I recall a kid I played Little League again who was hitting home runs over the fence and pitching no hitters as a 9-year old; by 12 years old he was average at best and he didn't even bother continuing to play baseball beyond Little League, e.g. Pony or Babe Ruth; I don't even think he went out for any sport in high school. He was an Asian kid who never grew beyond a certain height, maybe like 5'9" or so.

I was a late bloomer. I also have a late birthday (which I share with my son, late August like I said). I think I was physically stronger than my son at his age, especially in the legs, but he's more gifted technically than I was with the soccer ball. In three years I could see him being a player of note in his age group in the community or just another kid playing AYSO.

You just have to let it play out and enjoy the ride. Who knows where it ends up.

Youth soccer is full of good times that race by before you know it. Hopefully you all have superstars who will go pro and buy you a house someday but even if you don't, there are great memories and friendships to be had and a life-long appreciation for the sport. We knew our son was in it for the long haul when he woke us up early one Saturday morning already in his uniform and cleats. He must have been around 6 at the time.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I'm entering this parent thing with realistic expectations. I don't expect the next Messi. Something like Wayne Rooney would be fine.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

I'm entering this parent thing with realistic expectations. I don't expect the next Messi. Something like Wayne Rooney would be fine.

Baby RHE?

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Also pissed that Floppo has patented the "Screen name-dinho" shtick. My kid's Brazillian name is going to have to be "Gaybar Jr."

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I'm entering this parent thing with realistic expectations. I don't expect the next Messi. Something like Wayne Rooney would be fine.

What kind of monster parent would trust La Masia with their kid after the horrors we've learned about these past few months?