Quote:
"And it's not just the premier players that are being asked to spend 3/4 of their time in practice, but the developmental kids as well. I got into trouble as a U10G coach because we were told that a 3rd "skills practice" was voluntary (which apparently really meant mandatory) and I told my girls and their parents that it would be a valuable experience and they should go if they want to, but that I wasn't going to force them because they're 8/9/10 years old and should be playing because they love to play, not because they're being dragged there. You've got to have a good ratio of the fun to the work...the second you lose the fun, you find the burnout.
kitten (and anyone else). You want to coach U9-U12 developmental (or soccer in general) and have fun, get in touch with us. We need skilled practitioners (who understand a healthy balance between fun and competition at these tender ages) to help us grow and support our membership. With new East Cooper fields opening up in 2011 on Cainhoy Road, Clements Ferry Road, and the old Laing Middle School on Hwy 17N (MP), we are looking to significantly increase our presence at the younger age groups this year in LSYSA.
While not perfect, LSYSA (in the lowcountry) does do a fair job at balancing rec and academy programs at the younger age groups. Can't speak for High School burnout, but will offer that a Middle School girls team I coach is thrilled with whatever competition they can get (we have fun), and we are looking forward to Piggly Wiggly later in the month, and the lowest rec division. Hope to see others at that level who want to play soccer and have some fun (keep it in perspective).
satus quod perago validus - start and finish strong
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