So who is here at the ECNL finals in Florida? Who are the players that the ags are recruiting or who should we have an eye on? Coach G was on my flight along with 20 plus other coaches.
ECNL Finals (Girls) - Florida
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Last: 4 yr ago by ColoradoMooseHerd
So just about every major school coach I could think of in Florida. Coach G was there and watched our game even though we were 08s. We did not lose but the hurricane stopped the tourney for 08's and daughters team is now co-National champions
One of 4? My daughter is an 07, former 08, and one of her ex teammates is one of the 4.ColoradoMooseHerd said:
So just about every major school coach I could think of in Florida. Coach G was there and watched our game even though we were 08s. We did not lose but the hurricane stopped the tourney for 08's and daughters team is now co-National champions
So she plays for Solar?
ColoradoMooseHerd said:
So she plays for Solar?
Correct.
2 of her former teammates from 2 different solar teams were in the semis.
Is that correct?
Is that correct?
A guy I knew at aTm's daughter was there. I think she might be an 06 out of the Dallas area.
Now a tangent, but just curious to hear from a couple soccer dads whose girls play at that high level. What things would you say most helped your daughter's progress and build their game?
My daughter is on the 08 Dash South team. In the Dash organization she's at the level where there is one team per area of the city (South, Central, West, Kingwood, The Woodlands, etc.). The next rung up is called Girls Academy and is a city wide team, and then their top level is the ECNL team.
Soccer is her main sport and she's played since a toddler in soccer tots. Outside of Dash she usually attends a soccer camp in the summer (Rice University a few years ago, and Barcelona the last two summers), and lately has started going to pick up Futsal games every Friday that we are in town.
She's going into 7th grade and I just want to make sure to give her the best pathway possible. I didn't play soccer, basketball was my game. She has potential because I think she has three good pillars to build on.
1. Smart and Coachable. She's smart as hell. Gifted and talented, advanced placement, straight A's etc. And that translates to the field. She gets it and knows the game and what needs to be done. She also loves being coached. She wants to know exactly what she's doing wrong and how to do it better, and when she's taught a concept she doesn't have to be told twice.
2. Drive. I wish I had 1/3 of her drive. We never have to ask her to practice. She goes out everyday and works on something, be it juggling or footwork with the DribbleUp, wants to go to the track for runs, does workout videos off YouTube, etc.
3. Speed. She's always been the fastest on her team. This past year in 6th grade the school coaches did the mile and 100m with the 6th graders and she unofficially beat the school record for the 100m. She's got wheels.
All that to say that I think she has some things that you can't coach that provide her with a good shot of being pretty good. This past year we've been working on footwork and power and height on her shot.
Anyway, just curious to hear from some dads of elites what you've seen make the most difference in your daughters games.
Now a tangent, but just curious to hear from a couple soccer dads whose girls play at that high level. What things would you say most helped your daughter's progress and build their game?
My daughter is on the 08 Dash South team. In the Dash organization she's at the level where there is one team per area of the city (South, Central, West, Kingwood, The Woodlands, etc.). The next rung up is called Girls Academy and is a city wide team, and then their top level is the ECNL team.
Soccer is her main sport and she's played since a toddler in soccer tots. Outside of Dash she usually attends a soccer camp in the summer (Rice University a few years ago, and Barcelona the last two summers), and lately has started going to pick up Futsal games every Friday that we are in town.
She's going into 7th grade and I just want to make sure to give her the best pathway possible. I didn't play soccer, basketball was my game. She has potential because I think she has three good pillars to build on.
1. Smart and Coachable. She's smart as hell. Gifted and talented, advanced placement, straight A's etc. And that translates to the field. She gets it and knows the game and what needs to be done. She also loves being coached. She wants to know exactly what she's doing wrong and how to do it better, and when she's taught a concept she doesn't have to be told twice.
2. Drive. I wish I had 1/3 of her drive. We never have to ask her to practice. She goes out everyday and works on something, be it juggling or footwork with the DribbleUp, wants to go to the track for runs, does workout videos off YouTube, etc.
3. Speed. She's always been the fastest on her team. This past year in 6th grade the school coaches did the mile and 100m with the 6th graders and she unofficially beat the school record for the 100m. She's got wheels.
All that to say that I think she has some things that you can't coach that provide her with a good shot of being pretty good. This past year we've been working on footwork and power and height on her shot.
Anyway, just curious to hear from some dads of elites what you've seen make the most difference in your daughters games.
I'd be curious to know as well. My daughter is very good but not elite.
That being said your daughter is handicapped by being a younger player. Mathematically 2/3 of the team of 08s will be 8th graders.
It will pay off in a couple of years when she matches some of the older girls physically and in high school.
3/4s of my daughters 07 team will be in high school next year. They'll be training everyday and lifting 2-3 times per week. My daughter will do volleyball, xc, basketball, track, and soccer while her teammates and 2/3 of her comp will focus just on soccer. Not complaining, but wondering if that makes a difference.
That being said your daughter is handicapped by being a younger player. Mathematically 2/3 of the team of 08s will be 8th graders.
It will pay off in a couple of years when she matches some of the older girls physically and in high school.
3/4s of my daughters 07 team will be in high school next year. They'll be training everyday and lifting 2-3 times per week. My daughter will do volleyball, xc, basketball, track, and soccer while her teammates and 2/3 of her comp will focus just on soccer. Not complaining, but wondering if that makes a difference.
Very accurate. Her team is about 2/3 going into 8th and 1/3 going into 7th.
Jim01 said:
Very accurate. Her team is about 2/3 going into 8th and 1/3 going into 7th.
Mathematics work!
Not a dad, but the one single thing that changed my game was private sessions with a coach. Within a year, I made the South Texas ODP team. I was given the attention I needed to develop my game. I kept up these private sessions through my college years.
I'm sure the sessions can be expensive, but I bet there are many resources online that are a fraction of the price that can provide a similar experience.
I'm sure the sessions can be expensive, but I bet there are many resources online that are a fraction of the price that can provide a similar experience.
Kevin the 3-legged dog said:
2 of her former teammates from 2 different solar teams were in the semis.
Is that correct?
Only one solar team was in florida. Dallas sting black was there as a wild card but lost out before the semifinals.
ECNL announced today they are inviting the four final 08 teams to Virginia for a final four.
San Juan (Sacramento)
LAFC Slammers (Los Angeles)
Solar (Dallas)
Eclipse (Chicago)
So we will be traveling again
Jim01 said:
A guy I knew at aTm's daughter was there. I think she might be an 06 out of the Dallas area.
Now a tangent, but just curious to hear from a couple soccer dads whose girls play at that high level. What things would you say most helped your daughter's progress and build their game?
My daughter is on the 08 Dash South team. In the Dash organization she's at the level where there is one team per area of the city (South, Central, West, Kingwood, The Woodlands, etc.). The next rung up is called Girls Academy and is a city wide team, and then their top level is the ECNL team.
Soccer is her main sport and she's played since a toddler in soccer tots. Outside of Dash she usually attends a soccer camp in the summer (Rice University a few years ago, and Barcelona the last two summers), and lately has started going to pick up Futsal games every Friday that we are in town.
She's going into 7th grade and I just want to make sure to give her the best pathway possible. I didn't play soccer, basketball was my game. She has potential because I think she has three good pillars to build on.
1. Smart and Coachable. She's smart as hell. Gifted and talented, advanced placement, straight A's etc. And that translates to the field. She gets it and knows the game and what needs to be done. She also loves being coached. She wants to know exactly what she's doing wrong and how to do it better, and when she's taught a concept she doesn't have to be told twice.
2. Drive. I wish I had 1/3 of her drive. We never have to ask her to practice. She goes out everyday and works on something, be it juggling or footwork with the DribbleUp, wants to go to the track for runs, does workout videos off YouTube, etc.
3. Speed. She's always been the fastest on her team. This past year in 6th grade the school coaches did the mile and 100m with the 6th graders and she unofficially beat the school record for the 100m. She's got wheels.
All that to say that I think she has some things that you can't coach that provide her with a good shot of being pretty good. This past year we've been working on footwork and power and height on her shot.
Anyway, just curious to hear from some dads of elites what you've seen make the most difference in your daughters games.
Not sure about everyone else , but my daughter is younger 08 too she will be going into 7th grade too. But physically she is right there if not bigger, faster than other girls.
She has been taking private training sessions since she was 6 or 7. She used to play basketball and swim, but mainly focuses on soccer right now. She plays for an ECNL club team, she plays for the regional ODP team, plays futsal and indoor for different teams. While it is all soccer the indoor and futsal are completely different and mix up the fun.
These days, juggling, first touches, dribbling are at levels that are unbelievable to me because so many girls are very focused and practice it all the time. Foot skills are some of the most important parts to make sure she is working on and private training will make it fun and have new drills that will keep her on her toes. Lots of them record it and review with them the areas for improvement.
I would have your daughter try out for ODP every year even if she is not at that level yet. I have seen girls that were not near the level and the. A year or two later come back and they are right there. Never know when growth spurts are going to hit different kids and she will be able to see some amazing players and she will know the level she will need to work to get there.
Also playing ODP or just being around them you will meet many other players and parents and possibly become friends. Then might get invites to play dates with the tip players. I'm off season the parents here will rent out fields and or indoor facilities and we will invite out 50 or so girls from teams all over Northern California. And then we play mini games and keep switching it up. Keeping it fun. The girls love it and they are meeting future teammates for club teams.
It is a major commitment for the girls and the parents, but if your daughter lives it and is having fun is is enjoyable for everyone. Important that they are all having fun.
My daughter is on an 09 ECNL team. She played for a top 5 team in the nation Solar team that won Surf Cup since she was 5. Solar is an extremely aggressive club that is always recruiting which is a reflection of the director. Makes you feel like you are always looking over your shoulder. When the director loses or ties a Dallas area team, you can count on him approaching players of the opposing team after the game to recruit them. Because of this aggressive recruiting style and very ambitious disposition to be the best, Solar will continue to be the strongest girls club in Dallas and arguably the best in the nation. I worry about Solar's personality as a club taking its toll on my daughter. We wanted out of that more cut throat world so our daughter went to another ECNL club for this upcoming year.
Regarding development, I believe a possession style coach (not direct or power style) is critical for development. Ideally a coach that encourages creativity and doesn't joy stick coach too much. Also, a skills training session 3 days a week in addition to regular practice. But steer away from the skills sequence training crap and find a skills trainer that does a lot of possession style small sided passing drills. This teaches your kid to play faster and stronger possession, both retaining with use of the body, positioning and quick passing vision. I would also recommend a 1 on 1 coach that teaches ball striking once a week because I have found club coaches and skills training coaches don't teach ball striking technique.
All that being said. Physical talent matters. My daughter has very high IQ and skill for her age. She could juggle 600 times at the age of 10. She isn't blessed with speed and size and that has begun to hold her back because her teams play up almost 100% of the time and often times these girls are massive compared to her size and she isn't a fast player. Even little Messi is quick. I don't know how long she can play at the highest level if she doesn't develop physically. I'm super proud of her getting the most out of her genetics... she works so hard and trains constantly. No matter what, she is learning great life lessons about work ethic and being goal oriented. Lessons that will matter in whatever she chooses to do. Makes a dad proud!
And for those that think training too much can cause burnout... I personally believe kids can play every day if they love it. The important things are to make sure they play and train with friends... and make sure they are having fun. Your kid can train hard and often and still have fun. Our daughter always goes to skills with friends and they have fun together so she feels like trainings are a time to be with her friends.
Regarding development, I believe a possession style coach (not direct or power style) is critical for development. Ideally a coach that encourages creativity and doesn't joy stick coach too much. Also, a skills training session 3 days a week in addition to regular practice. But steer away from the skills sequence training crap and find a skills trainer that does a lot of possession style small sided passing drills. This teaches your kid to play faster and stronger possession, both retaining with use of the body, positioning and quick passing vision. I would also recommend a 1 on 1 coach that teaches ball striking once a week because I have found club coaches and skills training coaches don't teach ball striking technique.
All that being said. Physical talent matters. My daughter has very high IQ and skill for her age. She could juggle 600 times at the age of 10. She isn't blessed with speed and size and that has begun to hold her back because her teams play up almost 100% of the time and often times these girls are massive compared to her size and she isn't a fast player. Even little Messi is quick. I don't know how long she can play at the highest level if she doesn't develop physically. I'm super proud of her getting the most out of her genetics... she works so hard and trains constantly. No matter what, she is learning great life lessons about work ethic and being goal oriented. Lessons that will matter in whatever she chooses to do. Makes a dad proud!
And for those that think training too much can cause burnout... I personally believe kids can play every day if they love it. The important things are to make sure they play and train with friends... and make sure they are having fun. Your kid can train hard and often and still have fun. Our daughter always goes to skills with friends and they have fun together so she feels like trainings are a time to be with her friends.
A bad coach can ruin the love of a sport quickly! That's so important that the kids have a coach that respects them. Tough and yet respectful.
I have an 06 going to Virginia this week. She started the season two teams below ECNL. I can tell you with the help of private/small group lessons, coaches who saw her abilities and her straight up will and desire to just want to be one of the best, she did it herself. They are fun to watch. Coaches that truly invest in their players at this level can make a lot of difference.
Find a club that is concerned with player development instead of just checkbooks.
If you say you hate the state of politics in this nation and you don't get involved in it, you obviously don't hate the state of politics in this nation.
Well said ProphAC and pretty spot on!
Does anyone on here happen to be attending(or already home from) the US Club Soccer NPL Finals in Denver? I work for US Club Soccer, and was there for several days, and just wanted your honest feedback about the event. Had several TX teams there(Fever, Challenge, Albion, Solar, FWFC, etc), as well as others from my Region, and then many from across the Country.
TIA!
WB '99
Does anyone on here happen to be attending(or already home from) the US Club Soccer NPL Finals in Denver? I work for US Club Soccer, and was there for several days, and just wanted your honest feedback about the event. Had several TX teams there(Fever, Challenge, Albion, Solar, FWFC, etc), as well as others from my Region, and then many from across the Country.
TIA!
WB '99
Ghost of Andrew Eaton said:
Find a club that is concerned with player development instead of just checkbooks.
I have found that clubs never really care about player development, none of them. It's all business if you are trying to play at the highest level. For me, that has been a sales pitch made by the clubs and coaches that are less successful. "Don't go to that team because they may be winning but I'm about development." It's a load of crap because the best developers attract and retain better players which leads to winning. I have actually found that the worst coaches use that sales pitch and it blows me away to see parents fall for it. The development is really done by skills trainers and private lesson coaches. Even they are about money, everyone is about money, but at least their money is more so dependent on their product which is 100% about development. The drive for kids and parents wanting their kid to develop is rooted in competition... not just winning on the field, but playing for the best team or top club in the highest exposure leagues. It's all rooted in selfish motivation. And you can't blame the clubs for not focusing on development enough. Parents want to win and see their kid getting better or they will take their kid to better teams or to whom they perceive will help their kid get better. So coaches need to win now AND develop or they will lose players they have invested time in. Losing good players makes it even harder to win which can lead to losing even more players. Winning helps recruit and retain players you have developed which leads to more winning. It's either an upward or downward spiral. Players also develop better when playing with and against better players... iron sharpens iron. Parents are getting more intelligent and know what good soccer looks like. Once the kids reach 11 or 12, the best teams are playing a good style, not boot ball and the parents know it.
The question is no longer about whether the club is about development, the question is about the best strategy to get the most development for your individual kid. It's finding that right balance of coach, style of play, playing time, level of competition, extra training, and having fun to hold off burnout. Each kid and situation is different. It's such a difficult world for parents to navigate through. There never will be the perfect advice because the best advice depends on the kid and the limited "pick your poison" options to choose from.
I wasn't there but I saw a positive post on Facebook from people that were there.
It's definitely less about club than it is about coach and team.
But that being said, some of the larger clubs allow for a ton of playing time with player passes and guest players.
But that being said, some of the larger clubs allow for a ton of playing time with player passes and guest players.
Quote:
It's such a difficult world for parents to navigate through.
Perfectly put. We know exactly 3 girls that play in at a high level in our town (Friendswood). Out high school team went to the state semis this year though, so there have to be girls out there, I just don't know where they are!
The northside of Houston seems to be MUCH more into soccer than the south. The Woodlands has an insane soccer complex and the Dash Woodlands teams are always the best we play. South seems to be a bit of a dead zone as far as I can tell.
My daughter was at the D2 level a couple years ago and we went to state, then when we moved to Competitive (also happen to be a move from 9v9 to 11v11) it was a big adjustment. We got killed but kept getting better. The coach really taught the girls well and you could visibly see improvement game from game. Sadly he moved so we have a new coach this year that we haven't met yet. It's always such a crap shoot with coaches.
Anyone know any great trainers in south Houston?
Jim01 said:
A guy I knew at aTm's daughter was there. I think she might be an 06 out of the Dallas area.
Now a tangent, but just curious to hear from a couple soccer dads whose girls play at that high level. What things would you say most helped your daughter's progress and build their game?
My daughter is on the 08 Dash South team. In the Dash organization she's at the level where there is one team per area of the city (South, Central, West, Kingwood, The Woodlands, etc.). The next rung up is called Girls Academy and is a city wide team, and then their top level is the ECNL team.
Soccer is her main sport and she's played since a toddler in soccer tots. Outside of Dash she usually attends a soccer camp in the summer (Rice University a few years ago, and Barcelona the last two summers), and lately has started going to pick up Futsal games every Friday that we are in town.
She's going into 7th grade and I just want to make sure to give her the best pathway possible. I didn't play soccer, basketball was my game. She has potential because I think she has three good pillars to build on.
1. Smart and Coachable. She's smart as hell. Gifted and talented, advanced placement, straight A's etc. And that translates to the field. She gets it and knows the game and what needs to be done. She also loves being coached. She wants to know exactly what she's doing wrong and how to do it better, and when she's taught a concept she doesn't have to be told twice.
2. Drive. I wish I had 1/3 of her drive. We never have to ask her to practice. She goes out everyday and works on something, be it juggling or footwork with the DribbleUp, wants to go to the track for runs, does workout videos off YouTube, etc.
3. Speed. She's always been the fastest on her team. This past year in 6th grade the school coaches did the mile and 100m with the 6th graders and she unofficially beat the school record for the 100m. She's got wheels.
All that to say that I think she has some things that you can't coach that provide her with a good shot of being pretty good. This past year we've been working on footwork and power and height on her shot.
Anyway, just curious to hear from some dads of elites what you've seen make the most difference in your daughters games.
My daughter is on the 04 GA2 team. Will say she's improved every year with Dash and they won the Texas State Cup in College Station this summer but got outplayed in South Carolina. They do well against Austin and San Antonio teams but seem to struggle against Dallas teams.
"I did nothing. I did absolutely nothing, and it was everything that I thought it could be."
Soccer in Dallas is superior to the rest of the state, for the most part. That's from observations and feedback from college players and coaches.
If you say you hate the state of politics in this nation and you don't get involved in it, you obviously don't hate the state of politics in this nation.
When did Dash take over Rush?
I will be there too, Since there is several 06 Teams coming from Texas which one does your daughter play on?btalking said:
I have an 06 going to Virginia this week. She started the season two teams below ECNL. I can tell you with the help of private/small group lessons, coaches who saw her abilities and her straight up will and desire to just want to be one of the best, she did it herself. They are fun to watch. Coaches that truly invest in their players at this level can make a lot of difference.
We are in California and my Daughter plays for San Juan, but they are 08
I agree with this.Kevin the 3-legged dog said:
It's definitely less about club than it is about coach and team.
My daughter's coach just won NTSA competitive coach of the year. So we are lucky to have a good one. Having watched our daughter play a ton of different teams/clubs, I think I can safely say we have ruled coaches we would let her play for but not a club. If we were ever in a position to have to look.
380Ag said:I agree with this.Kevin the 3-legged dog said:
It's definitely less about club than it is about coach and team.
My daughter's coach just won NTSA competitive coach of the year. So we are lucky to have a good one. Having watched our daughter play a ton of different teams/clubs, I think I can safely say we have ruled coaches we would let her play for but not a club. If we were ever in a position to have to look.
Blanton? 08 or 09?
Btw, I live off of 380 in Prosper.
There are two 06ECNL teams going from Texas, Solar and Challenge. Mine plays for Challenge
Yup. Actually '10.ProphAC said:380Ag said:I agree with this.Kevin the 3-legged dog said:
It's definitely less about club than it is about coach and team.
My daughter's coach just won NTSA competitive coach of the year. So we are lucky to have a good one. Having watched our daughter play a ton of different teams/clubs, I think I can safely say we have ruled coaches we would let her play for but not a club. If we were ever in a position to have to look.
Blanton? 08 or 09?
Btw, I live off of 380 in Prosper.
So we are doing ECNL RL and Classic League this season.
Cool... I don't know much about her but we have friends that play on her 09 team and they really like her... happy to hear you have found a good soccer home.
That is why I was asking, And FC Dallas came close to making it three teams, but lost out on goal differential. With all the rain delays 06 are having the quarterfinals in Richmond, all other age groups are already at the Semifinal level.. So I was curious if you were Solar or Challenge. Solar put up some very impressive wins in Florida. A lot of eyes on them.btalking said:
There are two 06ECNL teams going from Texas, Solar and Challenge. Mine plays for Challenge
Burnout can be very real, especially as kids get older.ProphAC said:
And for those that think training too much can cause burnout... I personally believe kids can play every day if they love it.
I'm going back a few years, but I have a relative who played at a very high in a Houston area club. Just about every girl on her team was recruited by somebody, including her. And some got offers from big programs.
Only one of those girls wound up playing all four years in college. Some dropped the sport after a year or so. Several never played a minute in college, even after committing/signing. It was all just too much, and they were ready to move on.
Burnout is definitely very real. We see it all the time at my daughters ECRL level at u15.EclipseAg said:Burnout can be very real, especially as kids get older.ProphAC said:
And for those that think training too much can cause burnout... I personally believe kids can play every day if they love it.
I'm going back a few years, but I have a relative who played at a very high in a Houston area club. Just about every girl on her team was recruited by somebody, including her. And some got offers from big programs.
Only one of those girls wound up playing all four years in college. Some dropped the sport after a year or so. Several never played a minute in college, even after committing/signing. It was all just too much, and they were ready to move on.
Less teams every year.
Being a college athlete is REAL WORK. And it takes a lot to persist in it when 95% of your contemporaries are having a blast being normal college students.
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