Recruiting Players...Two More

So, the volume of recruitment posts is heating up, which is certainly expected. But, why do so many teams just need "two more players"? Are they just throwing out their nets to hopefully ensnare the ever-elusive unicorn? Or, do they truly need two more players to round out their rosters? Rhetorical questions, of course. I can't help but think about how it makes the already committed families feel knowing their team already has a full roster, but their team is looking for two more players less than two months until contracts. I think we all know the scheme is designed to hopefully get lucky on one or two more talented players, but also to reel in as many others as possible to build out developmental teams. More players, more teams, more money. I fully support businesses providing a service that meets demand, especially if they're good at it. But, it is somewhat disingenuous to present the opportunity as just looking for a few more players for the top team.

Easy to answer, would you attend practice for a team looking for 10 players?

Yes, agree....rhetorical questions posed to make a point.

Or maybe they legit just need 2 more players?

Teams have to be prepared for 2 or 3 current players to leave with no notice. How do the players left behind feel if suddenly a couple of strong contributors are gone and your team is left holding the bag with no plan? You can go from a top 15 team to a top 40 team overnight.

Keep in mind many teams are moving from 7v7 to 9v9. Adding 2 players simply makes sense for that step up. Some teams have been playing 9v9 with the same 7v7 rosters for a season or 2 so not a lot of depth as we get into the next progression of these teams.

I can’t speak for everyone but I can shed some light on our (Cosmos) situation. We have one player that is relocating to Florida and one that has chosen another sport as her priority. Therefore, we are looking for two players.

That being said, if we get more then we will gladly and happily accept them; however, this is not a money grab for us. We, actually, need two players. Preferably, a forward and a defender, that would be ideal.

Let me know if you know of anyone, send them our way.

From this point forward, if your kid is bottom 1/3 of the roster, it would be wise to have options this time of year.

Of course, that assumes parent objectivity

Good points. I should qualify the observation is in regard to well-established top 20 teams that have been playing 9v9 since last summer. Nothing wrong with always trying to attract new players. It's just disingenuous to say you have open spots on the top team when you already have a full roster and are really just throwing your net out to see what swims into it. Maybe it's an amazing player and at worst, you offer them a spot on a developing team. Seems it would be more forthright to promote them as open practices, as some have done in the past few weeks.

ok dumb question from a parent going through this for first time. why should you be worried if you're in the bottom third? Because the team will boot you or they will just recruit better players and you'll left with no playing time? i know, i know, i'm the only one with a kid in the bottom third ;-)

Newbie, I am sure there are some coaches who are loyal to their existing players. However, as you suggest, most teams are always fishing for talent that can deliver instant improvement. The coaches may not "boot" the weaker players, but those players inevitably will get less game time. Either they will raise their games, deal with it, leave for another opportunity or maybe the coach pushes them to a lower-level team in the same club.

I am not against the recruiting, whether the specific team need is real or not. I flagged this topic because it's a pet peeve of mine when some represent recruiting posts as one thing when it's really an ongoing fishing expedition to hopefully land top talent, while also knowing the byproduct of the effort can bring in more players to build other teams in the club.

Since you're new to this, when you see posts (most of the time) saying a team needs exactly two more players right now, you should translate that to mean: "We're looking to instantly improve our team with a ringer or two as we're gearing up for contracts and qualifying. Come out and practice with our top team. If your DD really is a ringer, we'll want her to play this weekend. If your DD's skills, size and speed still need work, then we'd love to have her join one of our other teams." That's a pretty good translation.

So, as I previously mentioned, I personally would promote recruiting posts as open practices for the specific age group just as several clubs have done in recent days. Those are probably the ones who are being most honest about what opportunities exist at their clubs.

I can see what Pro is saying. I always took those sort of posts as we *ONLY* have two spots left, so you better get while the gettin' is good. Like hurry up and join or your opportunity will be gone forever.