Changes to Youth Soccer

I think people are "confused" about what the current model of soccer is in the city based on experiences that might not be 100% accurate.

Probably.

My experience is 5 years ago, so a lot could have changed since then. But I do think there is a focus to get kids into High Performance programs for all sports earlier than there was 15 years ago.

Problem with that type of system is that it weeds out the kids that want to compete but not necessarily at the high performance level. Which can contribute to higher instances of societal sedentaryness at a younger age.

YOUTH SOCCER 101
U8 and under is community centre delivered. Inconsistent throughout the city, some have games and standings for U7 & 8, others don't.

U9 - teams formed by community centres, recreational program only, if not enough kids, get more, send them to adjacent cc, or can consider age advancing (must be on an individual basis) Two games per week, take July and August off, playoffs in September. Better teams (according to standings) advance to City playoffs, other remain at District level, of which there are 5, including WSEU as mentioned.

U10-U12 either recreational through cc or Developmental through the District Club. Developmental is just that. Committment to training and development, coaches usually more motivated, supervised by paid professional, technical staff. Developmental = more costs, more training, tournaments and less games. Anyone wanting to commit to the developmental program is not to be turned away unless unable to accomodate according to numbers. Players are assessed to form balanced team. Training and games continue through July and August with a 2 week break at the end of July. Recreational same as U9

U13 - U18 Players can try out for Premier teams which are formed by the district/club. This is a performance based program where selections are made. To qualify to play for the provincial team, players must demonstrate their committment to the sport by playing on a Premier team. Premier teams compete for the Provincial Championship at U14, U16 and U18. Major committment to training. Same schedule as Developmental, basically. The recreational progam is an alternative for those who just want to play, with no scheduled games in July and August.

wow so you mean all thats changing is that there will be more practices with no city/district championship....geee... guess we should really freak out about that more training thing,

Yeah, think about it. Instead of 2 games per week, maybe train 3 times and then have a game. Never know, maybe the kids will actually get good at the sport and like it.

this is crazy! I will pull my kid out of the sport!

Ballet is always an option.

Freeman wrote:Ballet is always an option.

As long as parent participation is not an option...that might be good.

NOBODY wants to see Dean in a tutu

Its the tights that would really scare me.

soo...if I post a pic of me dressed like that.. you guys would look at it... or not??

Spoiler:

Spoiler:

Actually...was more worried about something like THIS:

Well, after that, don't have to worry about eating tonight......maybe even the rest of the week.

good discussion on this going on Tom B blog

http://blogs.canoe.ca/raisinghell/general/we-all-lose-if-no-one-can-win-in-soccer/comment-page-1/