It is nice to see a constructive post. Individually for my son, I look to his footskill, understanding of the field, etc. As a team, you have to win. It's that simple at this age. It's nice to say all these things, and if your goal is to play LIJSL, then that's fine. But, there isn't 1 team out there that creeps up like this. Yes, if you manage to stay together you will be D1 EVENTUALLY - that's because you reach an age where the better teams are playing NERP, etc. and D1 really isn't a first division no matter what you tell yourself.

This U11-U13 bridge is critical if you're planning to stay together and be top level. You can play everyone. You can develop everyone, but if one of your best few players decide - I'm not playing D3, I'm finding a D1 home at U12 - you're sunk. Because generally the others follow out the door. Now, are there exceptions? Certainly. I'm not THAT cynical.

Don't try to argue that by playing and developing all the kids there are teams that are homogenous enough they can sustain losing 2 or 3 of their top players and keep the same level. Sorry, folks. That team doesn't exist on Long Island (and if it did, it would already be at or near the top, and said players would never leave).

So, yes, there is a fine line between making it all about winning and development. The successful coaches CAN have an accent (or not), can play to win and can develop players. But, if you plan to "develop" players, play at the top level and stay together as a team - winning this year is important (not the be all, end all). It should not be professional. But, it also is not Mommy and Me. Some kids are better than other kids. And a good coach will develop them all AND win.

However, if your child is developing, there will always be a place for him/her to play.

This is exactly what I am saying. IS there a better way instead of worrying about moving up a division at these ages. I am aware that this is D1 and also that the pressures that some coaches/parents feel/put on the kids to win COULD in a way be counter productive to the overall quality. Just throwing that out there. I have NEVER been a "Everyone gets a medal" or "There's no need to keep score" type of person. In fact I myself have always been overly competetive playing anything. I am now questioning the pro's and con's of that way of thinking as far as the sport goes regarding youth players because I know I am not alone with the way I used to (Am trying to change) look at things. There is a need for scores, wins etc but I am wondering how a balance can be struck to improve the overall skill of the american soccer player. Some may laugh but I have thought, what IF instead of all these overly competetive teams playing LIJSL & aWannbeLowLevelLeague with the current scoring system the same in both. What IF, one league (neither current league would do it I imagine but what IF) one was the traditional way and another was all about possession. This is going to sound nuts to many I know but what if instead of full size goals or even no goals at all, set a point value on consecutive completed passes. I don't know, like say 6 or 7 in a row is 1 point taking the emphasis off goals and putting it on possession and ball movement. It's still competitive BUT possession on the big stage is what creates goal scoring opportunities most of the time. One league can still have shooting which is absolutely important, one that promotes possession. It's a crazy thought I know BUT what IF ? Are we just happy winning 1-0 because a corner kick service bounced off Johnny's but and went in or shouldn't we be looking for the 4 pass combo lay off to the top of the 18 for a 1 time strike created by possesion and ball movement. Again, there are teams that do it but even they can improve. Just thoughts

Good post too. Great opinions. I would add that it doesn't matter how good your team is, players are always going to move. I'm not mentioning any team names but there are definitely teams that have lost 2 or 3 top players and at first initially showed the effects but sustained their level of play as a team. That is the definition of playing as a team and playing ALL your players so when needed there isn't that huge drop off. IF a coach extends a roster spot offer to a player it is his responsibility to play that kid BUT we all know some guys just take bodies so their regulars can stay together. Eventually people get fed up with that then you don't have enough bodies to remain together. Just another benefit of playing all your players. Win as a team Lose as a team otherwise you ARE treating it like a professional team imo

Its not crazy at all. What do the Spanish national team and Barca do constantly? PASS. They will hold the ball and look for the opening right at the opportune time. I would imagine all their drills work on making a certain number of passes before they shoot. Rarely do you see them shoot on 1 or 2 passes unless they are wide open.

It would in essence be a developmental league where kids could hone their skills without any pressure of scoring all the time or running up scores. Focus would be ball control, passing, high pressure defending, movement off the ball etc.

It wouldn't be for everyone and probably would only be good for kids up to a certain age. Start them at u9. Maybe up to12 or 13 but that's fine. Its all about choice. I also would add that I think we force 11v11 way to early and kids need to stick to small-sided at least until u13.

The crush rule and you all know it. I am sure all this nonsense about player developement and equal playing time is coming from a sub-par team. Its ok to rationalize losing and looking for the positive in it but the kids are still young and they like to win, thats what is fun to them so stop boring everyone.

And I am sure you are from the Crush and NOT a *** STIRRER right ? Yeah ok. It doesn't appear folks with a brain are bored considering you are the first to try to start the circle of bashing up again. Possibly this type of discussion is to advance for you. It's ok, the bashing will resume soon and you will be in your element soon enough.

It is nice to have actual discussions and feedback. I have a different question. With school districts cutting Middle School sports- is this a significant setback for our kids?

My son has been on a D1 team since U10 and has always looked forward to 7th grade when he could play for his school. It has been a GREAT motivator in getting him to keep his grades up. As a parent I also looked forward to the day he played school ball. In reality, will it matter to his development? He also wants to play ball in college. Now I don't know if he will have that dream 5 years from now, but again it is a great motivator for him now. Does school ball matter anymore?

Rule #1 Do not respond to idiotic posts, Rule #2, see rule #1

Not playing school ball should not affect his aspiration to play ball in college. He should continue playing with his club team and work hard and of course keep up those grades, he will be fine. Good luck to your son. Good thing he has you looking out for him

Another crush hater.