FBR09 Rankings December 4th, 2017

Although it would be nice to see some of the more experienced coaches focus on the Academy ranks, it certainly appears that the demands on a coach's time at the Select level makes it very tough. Perhaps having these coaches take one less select team and always work with at least one Academy group for a club would be the best for development or players (and younger coaches).

Flash wrote:Although it would be nice to see some of the more experienced coaches focus on the Academy ranks, it certainly appears that the demands on a coach's time at the Select level makes it very tough.  Perhaps having these coaches take one less select team and always work with at least one Academy group for a club would be the best for development or players (and younger coaches).  

What is best for players and development and best for a coaches wallet is generally not the same thing.

Coaches make much more money with a select team.  Given fairly equal time demands, which would most choose?  Plus tick an academy parent off, they leave today, tick a select parent off, they generally stuck until next contract time.  Right or wrong, coaches have more freedom in Select with regards to position, and on PT of players, less chance players leave mid year.

Does JM not get any consideration for one of the best coaches out there? I've known the man for quite some time and what he does here in the south is nothing short of amazing.

Flash wrote:Although it would be nice to see some of the more experienced coaches focus on the Academy ranks, it certainly appears that the demands on a coach's time at the Select level makes it very tough.  Perhaps having these coaches take one less select team and always work with at least one Academy group for a club would be the best for development or players (and younger coaches).  

Skill set plays into it as well. Some coaches don't have the temperament the academy players or just don't relate well so they focus on what ages they are good at.

JonSneauxTargaryen wrote:can someone enlighten me on the "right way" to play soccer? asking for a friend....

Serious question though.

That statement goes with the rest of those key words or phrases that sound great from coaches and validating to parents.

like..."I focus on development, the right way to play, we play a Barcelona style of soccer, we will work on possession and working the ball from the back, the best kids will get PT, hard work is rewarded"....etc.

until that tournament or tough rival game comes up.

I always enjoy coaches that are "focused on development" and the "long-term picture" who seem to always have new players and everyone on the roster is born between January-March. Must be just a coincidence.

NoSpinZone wrote:

Flash wrote:Although it would be nice to see some of the more experienced coaches focus on the Academy ranks, it certainly appears that the demands on a coach's time at the Select level makes it very tough.  Perhaps having these coaches take one less select team and always work with at least one Academy group for a club would be the best for development or players (and younger coaches).  

What is best for players and development and best for a coaches wallet is generally not the same thing.

Coaches make much more money with a select team.  Given fairly equal time demands, which would most choose?  Plus tick an academy parent off, they leave today, tick a select parent off, they generally stuck until next contract time.  Right or wrong, coaches have more freedom in Select with regards to position, and on PT of players, less chance players leave mid year.

Good point. Sometimes I forget that coaches actually need to make a living and might be motivated by more than just "the love of the game." ... tossing my rose-tinted glasses in the trash now...

ACNova09 wrote:Does JM not get any consideration for one of the best coaches out there? I've known the man for quite some time and what he does here in the south is nothing short of amazing.

Absolutely. Right up there at the top.

NoSpinZone wrote:

Flash wrote:Although it would be nice to see some of the more experienced coaches focus on the Academy ranks, it certainly appears that the demands on a coach's time at the Select level makes it very tough.  Perhaps having these coaches take one less select team and always work with at least one Academy group for a club would be the best for development or players (and younger coaches).  

What is best for players and development and best for a coaches wallet is generally not the same thing.

Coaches make much more money with a select team.  Given fairly equal time demands, which would most choose?  Plus tick an academy parent off, they leave today, tick a select parent off, they generally stuck until next contract time.  Right or wrong, coaches have more freedom in Select with regards to position, and on PT of players, less chance players leave mid year.

E's list is certainly one person's opinion. There are some on this list I've seen for several years now that I wouldn't trust with my DD's development.There are several variables to a coaches effectiveness with players. What works for certain players, does not work with others.

IF US Soccer really wanted to make an impact on development with the DA program, the u-littles is exactly where they should focus these top coaches. Supplement the best coaches pay at u6-u13, so that kids can learn the game at an earlier age, and coaches aren't worried about Suzy leaving and taking her wallet with her. As they get older, the DA should shrink in size in the number of participants. Allowing the cream to rise to the top. But that's a topic for another day.

ACNova09 wrote:Does JM not get any consideration for one of the best coaches out there? I've known the man for quite some time and what he does here in the south is nothing short of amazing.

ABSOLUTELY ACNova ... I must admit I screwed up there --

JM certainly belongs on this list ... that dude can coach circles around most!

Anyone have any thoughts on whether the Rush Elite team is (1) just a typical #1 team for the age group, as every age group obviously has a #1 team, or (2) more of an exceptional team that only comes around once every 5 or 10 years?

NewbSoccer wrote:Anyone have any thoughts on whether the Rush Elite team is (1) just a typical #1 team for the age group, as every age group obviously has a #1 team, or (2) more of an exceptional team that only comes around once every 5 or 10 years?

Typical: 03s had SRSA, 04 had RASE, not sure on 05s, 06s had Selecao(prior to age change), 07s had a few teams that compete up(will draw some fire there). 08s have a couple good ones playing up.

The top team in each age group can compete with all but top few of the year up. So, nothing THAT special. Just a quick gotsoccer look.. and they lost 4-1 to Texans 08s lost to couple Sting 08s and Solar 08 teams. Top 09 team for sure, but nothing that special for top team in age group. I would even argue they aren't as special as 03 SRSA, 04 RASE or 06 Selecao, but that is very subjective.

I thinks it’s too early to call...
I have yet to see them play and didn’t see much SRSA but RASE couldn’t be kept up with in Academy as much as I hate to say that. They had shooters from front to back, speed, and skill as well as a great coach.

NewbSoccer wrote:Anyone have any thoughts on whether the Rush Elite team is (1) just a typical #1 team for the age group, as every age group obviously has a #1 team, or (2) more of an exceptional team that only comes around once every 5 or 10 years?

Generally, the handful of "special" teams throughout the years were able to compete well (and even often beat) the top 2 or 3 teams a year older. As of right now, I don't think Rush is on that level. They'd be more likely to slot in as, say, a top 6 team a year up (which is typical for a #1 team) rather than a top 2 team a year up.
No shame in that, though. It's a great team and I really LOVE the way they play. GV has them playing some extremely attractive soccer.

What about ES as a top coach She has some good teams two top 08 two top 09 and a good 10s team.. there not many female coaches.
also why do most top clubs play at PT over the Pit??

ES is not a top coach... her being considered a top coach just further proves that the ‘09 age group is starved of top coaches. I will say ES is a great recruiter.

Give it time and ES will be. She’s probably younger than most of us posters. All of the coaches you consider “top” are probably over 40yrs of age....close to 50 if not already. I think if you have the patience and ability to get these girls 9 and younger to pay attention, acquire skill, and perform...then you’re a pretty good coach. Only tenure along with “top” teams would then make you a “top” coach. And she has a better soccer background and foundation than some of the older coaches and that’s an assset.

JonSneauxTargaryen wrote:Give it time and ES will be. She’s probably younger than most of us posters. All of the coaches you consider “top” are probably over 40yrs of age....close to 50 if not already. I think if you have the patience and ability to get these girls 9 and younger to pay attention, acquire skill, and perform...then you’re a pretty good coach. Only tenure along with “top” teams would then make you a “top” coach. And she has a better soccer background and foundation than some of the older coaches and that’s an assset.

I’d agree wholeheartedly if she had the right temperament. She’s done a great job with her 08s and 09s. But like daughter, like father. She will burn them out or, more likely, the parents will revolt after a tough stretch of one or two losses or draws. I can name several coaches with top academy teams that had teams fold, disband or get transitioned to new coaches after a ridicoulsly short period of time. Plus, she’s with the Texans. How many female coaches at Texans have high level teams. Just saying.....

But bolt to where? Remember there aren’t many “top” coaches at this age. And that’s on the parents if they bolt...not the coach. It’s easliy said but if you’re all about wins and a flawless record at 8 and 7 years old then you need a swift kick. The girls are still making 8 & 7 year old mistakes regardless of the skill set. Not sure about Skips past but he does well when helping his daughter out and I have yet to experience her handle the girls in a bad way. So may I ask what do you mean by “temperament?” DM me if ya feel the need to.

And how many guys have top teams with the Texans? The ratio of male to female coaches for the Texans favors the males coaches to have a top team.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not wishing failure. I’m not even saying they will leave Texans. And I agree that most changes are the result of crazy/dumb parents.

I might be mistaken, but I don’t think there is a female coach at Texans with a high level team above the 06 level. Yet there are or were several female coaches in the academy ranks. Just saying....

All that said, do Solar and D’Feeters have any female coaches? Perhaps they do. They’re just not coming to mind right now.

Gotcha....you were speaking terms of clubs.

AG at sting is the only female coach period that I can think of that had successful team above ‘06. But I could be wrong.

Dont forget about BM from DT excellent coach and female, same team for years doesn't recruit new to take old players spot parents and players come to her.. may not be the top coach overall but she a top Coach for the Texans..

BM is a good example of what I’ve been discussing. And her oldest team is how old?

Are you being rhetorical, or is that a real question 08 I believe... and your right ES like father like daughter... a little temper which can be a bad thing or good thing in the long run in coaching.

Temper?! JK, GA, HN....there are probably more but they win. CP and LW are the only two I’ve experienced with great tempermants. I have yet to see that side of ES but will let the refs have if and I can appreciate that when it’s protecting the girls. Some of these refs are dumb or poorly trained. But always did it in a tasteful way.