Solid Coaches

I see no scenario where I suffer "guilt" or "heartbreak" in relation to my DD and soccer.  I have zero expectations for her other than to try her best.  Even then I don't expect her to give 100% everyday.  She is 10!  I could care less if she plays in select or HS or college (chance of that happeneing I put at 5%).

For us, it is about life lessons, learning to work hard and be a part of something bigger than yourself.

If she decides tomorrow she is done with soccer we will move on to another endeavor.  She is involved in many activities and still plays other sports.

You seem to be projecting your feelings onto me.  Not a good idea.

There are too many variables to just say a particular coach is good or bad.  It truly is about the overall "envionment".  Examples of these environmental variables are:
1. Coach - does your DD like her coach? Does she listen to him/her?  How does she respond when/how she is told she made a mistake by said coach?
2. Teammates - does she like her teammates?  Are they nice to her?  Are they welcoming, or do they consider her an outsider?  Are her teammates at/near the same skill level?
3. Parents - Do you get along with the parents?  Are they snooty, or friendly?  Would you interact with them socially outside of soccer?
4. Club - Many things happen with clubs - are you comfortable with the changes that may WILL occur?

All of these environmental factors affect your DD's "love for the game".  If you end up in the wrong environment, she sours on the sport.  Conversely, if you hit the envrionmental jackpot, she thrives and loves the sport.  Coaches are forced to coach to the players they have on the roster.  I have seen many good coaches with teams that lose a lot, and a lot of below average coaches (but great recruiters) that win a lot.  Each team has its own dynamic, and it is up to you as a parent to find the environmental balance that suits your DD (and family) the best.  Changes in teammates/coaches/parents etc. happen quite frequently - your DD's personality and personal goals change as well.  These changes all upset the "balance" so to speak.  In a perfect world, the team all changes are all in-line with your DD...but more likely its not.  Therefore, plan on playing for at least a couple different teams over the next 10 years.  

Think about it...by the time these girls head off to college at age 18 to play soccer, most have been playing 14 years by that point.  14 years is a long time, and doing anything that long can get stale.  The environment needs to stay fresh and engaging to the player. They have to WANT to go to practice 14 years from now...

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Vipers or Pink Ponies coaches. Their reputation ranks up there at the top. Do they not have 04 teams, or are they starting to lose their swag?

10sDad wrote:There are too many variables to just say a particular coach is good or bad.  It truly is about the overall "envionment".  Examples of these environmental variables are:
1. Coach - does your DD like her coach? Does she listen to him/her?  How does she respond when/how she is told she made a mistake by said coach?
2. Teammates - does she like her teammates?  Are they nice to her?  Are they welcoming, or do they consider her an outsider?  Are her teammates at/near the same skill level?
3. Parents - Do you get along with the parents?  Are they snooty, or friendly?  Would you interact with them socially outside of soccer?
4. Club - Many things happen with clubs - are you comfortable with the changes that may WILL occur?

All of these environmental factors affect your DD's "love for the game".  If you end up in the wrong environment, she sours on the sport.  Conversely, if you hit the envrionmental jackpot, she thrives and loves the sport.  Coaches are forced to coach to the players they have on the roster.  I have seen many good coaches with teams that lose a lot, and a lot of below average coaches (but great recruiters) that win a lot.  Each team has its own dynamic, and it is up to you as a parent to find the environmental balance that suits your DD (and family) the best.  Changes in teammates/coaches/parents etc. happen quite frequently - your DD's personality and personal goals change as well.  These changes all upset the "balance" so to speak.  In a perfect world, the team all changes are all in-line with your DD...but more likely its not.  Therefore, plan on playing for at least a couple different teams over the next 10 years.  

Think about it...by the time these girls head off to college at age 18 to play soccer, most have been playing 14 years by that point.  14 years is a long time, and doing anything that long can get stale.  The environment needs to stay fresh and engaging to the player. They have to WANT to go to practice 14 years from now...

One of the best posts Ive seen in a while.