03 Boys Development

I've been doing my reading. I'm curious if anyone would want to comment on player development at the 03 Level? Every club and coach gives the same lip service to what is important, etc. This being said, they all like to point to club size as a pretty determining factor in developing a player...bigger is better, basically. They all have reasons why. To me, it seems like coach first and everything else second. Right now we are looking at Liverpool FC (Allen/Plano), FCD, and TFC. Any thoughts?

You should consider the AYSES in your search. They are very focused on the importance of player development at this age, not winning games. They teach things like possession, ball control, importance of first touch and one on one skills. Good luck in your search!

Barcelona12 wrote:I've been doing my reading. I'm curious if anyone would want to comment on player development at the 03 Level? Every club and coach gives the same lip service to what is important, etc. This being said, they all like to point to club size as a pretty determining factor in developing a player...bigger is better, basically. They all have reasons why. To me, it seems like coach first and everything else second. Right now we are looking at Liverpool FC (Allen/Plano), FCD, and TFC. Any thoughts?

Just FYI, but all the big clubs operate this way;

1st Club
2nd Coach
3rd Players

It's a business, sucks but thats the way it is. Good luck!

Barcelona12 wrote:I've been doing my reading. I'm curious if anyone would want to comment on player development at the 03 Level? Every club and coach gives the same lip service to what is important, etc. This being said, they all like to point to club size as a pretty determining factor in developing a player...bigger is better, basically. They all have reasons why. To me, it seems like coach first and everything else second. Right now we are looking at Liverpool FC (Allen/Plano), FCD, and TFC. Any thoughts?

IMO club size doesn't matter as much as the right coach. There are good coaches and bad coaches in every big club. Right now is the time for you to try different teams to find the right coach. Don't let the club name get in the way of finding the right fit for your boy.

Another word of advice, if you have the time to do this, go and see a couple of actual games of the coach/team you are interest in and observe everything from the coaching style to the parents on the sidelines. You will learn very quickly a lot about them.

It is not the club but the coach that should be the deciding factor. you have quite a few weeks to figure this out before teams are determined for the fall. a lot of teams are looking to add a couple players since we have to go to 11v11 in the fall.

PM if you want my feedback on my son's coach. he is in the list you discussed.

Odie1993...I'd love some thoughts on your coach.

Barcelona12 wrote:Odie1993...I'd love some thoughts on your coach.

I sent you a PM.

All coaches say the same thing. All coaches practice the same drills (although some do more shooting). So the KEY is what are they allowed to do in games (USUALLY VERY LITTLE WITH THE BALL).
First thing is the coach. Club is last (particularly since coaches switch clubs a lot).
Second thing is the relationship of coach with other coaches in the club (is it an obvious philosophy accross the board, do the teams of different coaches appear to come from the same philsophy?, when a coach asks for a substitute is it an instant match).
Are parents supportive of philosopy?
Ask coach for reference of PLAYERS (not parents) of older teams that have played for the coach...the philosophy should come out.

At that age you might choose a 20-30 min drive over 45 min.
Everything else does not matter, what division you are in, does not matter, how many wins/losses does not matter, i mean everything is like not even a close second.