Everyone has their own ideas in what they use to measure success. In the sports world win/lose records are usually the starting point especially for those not directly associated with a particular team. Because those looking from the outside in do not always know the situations and challenges that are internal to a particular team. I would hope that each and every team is working to win games and wants to win when they show up for a game. I judged the success of the U14 team this past season from my perspective of success. My daughter’s responses when I asked these questions on this past seasons performance are in parentheses ().
1. Having Fun (occasionally but usually not during games… very frustrated with commitment level of teammates)
2. Competitive in league play (would have been nice to win a few games seemed we were always playing from behind early in games)
3. Meeting Team Goals (I can’t think of any that we accomplished…..she listed 4 that the team had set at the beginning of the season)
4. Meeting Individual Goals (She said she was able to accomplish 1 out of 5 that she had set for herself at the beginning of the season)
5. Did you learn anything this past season (not really)
So, using how I measure success the U14 team did not have a successful season. I believe that the soccer professionals that we as parents pay are responsible for ensuring that both the needs of individuals is met as well as the needs of the team as a whole. Sure it is a balancing act and probably almost impossible to achieve. But is that not what a coach does?
There is no magical solution for this age group in the Low Country but consolidation would not only benefit my daughter but 15 other true U14 players in the area. I do understand why MPSC is combining the 13 and 14 group but 7 or 8 younger players playing up at the challenge level may not be setting the team up for success. As a parent I just do not understand why 2 clubs can’t get together and do what is best for the girls. Maybe it is time for the parents of these girls to sit down together all together and come up with a solution instead of relying on the DOCs.
ODP is talked in length on another thread and from my vantage point is a program that is not working on the girl’s side in South Carolina. There are 4 to 5 girls in the 94 group that are very talented and deserve recognition from the Regional coaches. I also think that there is a lot more that SCYSA could be doing to train the entire 94 team. More training and more games for this group would help the team be successful at Regional camp and allow our top talent to get noticed. Better ODP players would trickle down to making for better club teams that could be successful in the region and help promote SC soccer.
The past few Seasons have put a tremendous strain on my daughter’s love of the game. But, I keep telling her there is always next Season.
