King TUT 2016 *Unofficial*

Just trying to liven to board up a bit. My thoughts on the Kang team come from scrimmages I watched prior. I didn't see the tournament.

They have filled their positions nicely and from what I saw are playing pretty soccer vs. what a lot of other FCD teams.

I imagine they will be vulnerable to teams that are dependent on one or two fast players.

I'm kind of feel torn about the whole "Trophy Hunting" comment. On one hand there's hunting for the purpose of "survival" and hunting for "sport".

Since soccer at the '04 level is (supposed to be) about personal development (survival), then I'd say winning games along the way while still developing as a 12-year-old is a decent way to be rewarded for one's efforts, so long as everyone is receiving equal play time, strengthening their weaknesses and learning the nuances of the game.

What's the alternative? Learn, practice, strengthen and compete in a higher bracket so you can lose more often (but it's okay because you're possibly getting better via trial-by-fire method), taking a chance at becoming demoralized as a team (seen it happen), risk losing your talented players (seen it) who'd rather win more than lose, and ultimately make the year of "character-building" a distasteful experience for everyone - parents, players and coaches?

It's possible and it happens. Winning isn't everything, but when it happens, it's a proven energizer.

On the "Hunting for Sport" side at this age level, many great All-Star 12-year-olds are pushed and pulled into situations encouraged by parents and coaches where they're treated more like commodities & mercenaries, rather than bonding with team players who are friends. And though they might receive a lot of personal attention, lots of trophies and medals, many burn out from the sport because it's not as fun as it used to be when they weren't treated as ringers. They grow up to be more concerned with looking good & winning as an individual (Hello Ronaldo).

Again, maybe I'm naïve about all this, but it seems coaches have to balance solid coaching (including baby-sitting, whining parents/players, multiple personalities, discouraged players, cajoling the best of out weak players, etc.) with positive reinforcement, fun and encouragement that includes a strategic reward system so players don't get burned out, left behind and bored.

I think being thoughtful (and yes, strategic) when choosing the level of competitive play/brackets while balancing the love of the sport, the fun of playing, the camaraderie of teamwork and the reward system for all the hard work, lost hour/days from work, personal sacrifices and commitments of the players, parents and coaches is part & parcel of being a part of youth club soccer. Especially FC Dallas which is the complete farm-to-pro concept.

Who do you think you are? This type of level-headed, cogent discussion isn't allowed or tolerated.

Sorry... I should've lead with this:

Sorry.... should've lead with this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cy9KtmAuEM

soccerlvr wrote:
No Crispino talk?  Does he coach anymore?  Sorry to devolve the conversation - couldn't help myself.

Speaking of Crispino, did he move to Liverpool? He is there as a coach without the team - http://www.liverpoolfcamerica-ntx.com/vin-crispino
Does not look like he was able to keep his 2005 FCD Team. On FCD website he is still showing coaching 3 teams, but those teams don't exist anymore. If he is no longer with FCD, why is he still on their website?