There is truth to about everything said. The park west fields were a travesty with the markings. I witnessed at least 4 different goals where a goalkeeper started coming out then stopped because they were about to run out of the box. Those saves would have been made. Don't feel bad about moving to an "elite" bracket. I saw games where some U-13 teams were playing in a U14 bracket. At least you were on age.
I do believe that a coach can encourage a team in this situation. For example, in the U14 bracket, there was a summerville team playing a year up. that team should be encouraged that their losses were 1-0, 2-0, and 2-0. This could be built on. If you played within your own club and only lost to the team an age group above you by 2 goals, it would be a succesful scrimmage. To do it for a whole tournament is encouraging.
I guess it comes down to whether you are trying to grow and develop for state cup or win every tournament? It was obvious that some clubs even played down just to win. The players will get better experience playing up and struggling then they ever will playing down and destroying everyone.
