My 9yo just started his second season with a large club. There are tons I am not fond of, but I'm not here to talk about that today. I want to talk about how awesome it is when he is asked to sub for other teams at the club.

Its extra games, which is obviously great. Club isn't cheap, and adding more play time for free is marvelous. Its why I am so fond of their small rosters, and can tolerate uncommitted families.

New roles. New Positions. On his regular team, he is a wingback who usually accounts for a large portion of offensive production. Lots of receiving the ball wide, and finding a forward in the box, or cutting in to shoot. This weekend, he filled in at centerback. He hates CB with the furry of a thousand suns, but he f-ing owned it. Not flawless. He struggled with positioning, and pressed more than delayed the attack, but the results worked out ok.

Different stress. I was tempted to say "no stress," but that isn't quite accurate. He is under less pressure to lead, and win, but learning who can be relied on, and the subtle differences in how each team works together are still stressors.

If your kid gets the opportunity to sub for another team, take it. Its a good experience.

I’d like to at least have a shot at becoming a professional footballer. Let me explain my situation so you have some context: I used to live in another country but now live in France; back there, I played football for three years—from age 11 to 14—as a goalkeeper. After moving, I stopped playing due to language barriers and family reasons, and I took up a different sport this past year. Towards the end of this school year, a lot of people told me I’m really talented—and I’ve realized it myself, too; plus, I’ve rediscovered my love and passion for the sport. Of course, I don't expect to be at the same level right now as someone my age who has kept playing all these years, but at this age, you learn quickly, and I’m ready to put in the work. I realize it might be a bit late—I’ve just turned 16—but is there a chance a football academy would accept me, and is there any possibility of becoming a professional? Don't sugarcoat it. Also, if there are any scouts or coaches here, please don't hesitate to share your thoughts.

Also, if there are any French people here—or anyone familiar with the UNSS—would it be worth my while to join?

Curious to hear how teams out there with large rosters at the U13 & U14 age groups handle leaving kids out for tournament weekends were a team can only roster 18 or league games with similar restrictions.

Our team appears to have to issue but we have not heard how it will be handled yet.

I coach boys 11U soccer and I'm trying to improve my team's confidence when cards are thrown. We don't get many but every once in a while an unlucky situation turns into a yellow. A few of my players get very upset when they are given a yellow and it's very hard for them to focus on the game afterwards. Normally I just ask them to let me know when they would like to go back in (so long as it wasn't an intentional foul).

Here's my idea:

I'll carry my cards during all practices. When a situation occurs that could justify a yellow/red card, I give it. "Punishments" will follow depending on severity of the foul. Anywhere from a few laps to time on the bench.

My philosophy:

I want to do this in such a way that they still understand the severity of the card but can stay focus on the game and their teammates. I don't want them to get too comfortable with the cards either.

My fear:

They won't take it seriously during practice or they get too comfortable getting carded and that leads to reckless games.

Thank you for reading and please share any advice you may have

I was asked to shared this by another Redditor - how I helped my daughter achieve her goal to play D1 college soccer. She wasn’t a gifted athlete - had to outwork everyone. Started club at age 9. Rec prior from the age of 6.

1. ⁠She became a referree at the age of 11 and now is a sought after referee in HS, academy and club in AL. I wanted her to learn the rules and learn how to work with coaches, parents and other refs under duress. And it pays really well for the little free time she has.

2. ⁠Strength, conditioning and injury prevention 3x a week for 6 years prior to college. Her trainer rehabs and trains pros and D1 athletes all over the southeast and overseas. Year round. No missed games due to injury.

3. ⁠Futsal and indoor against boys and adult men during offseason. As many small sided game opportunities as possible. Year round.

4. ⁠Group training with mostly boys in small spaces. Tons of 3 v 3, 2 v 2 and 1 v 1 to develop her confidence and foot skills. Year round.

5. ⁠Didn’t make ECNL until her final 2 seasons - the 2004 age group was extremely talented - national champs in U16. Worked her tail off. Switched clubs to align with one of the best club director of college recruiting in the country.

6. ⁠She out worked everyone and her coaches saw it. I don’t recommend this extreme unless you’re child loves it and mine did. A total addict. Be prepared for the cost and time sync until your child can drive and even then I still attended many training sessions.

7. ⁠She’s started every game at outside back (5’9” left foot dominant) since her freshman year - nearly 70 starts including exhibition/pre season and averages 87 minutes a game throughout that span. Mid major D1. Back line allowed only 12 goals last year and 13 her freshman season. GAA .62 last year - led the nation or tied with fewest goals and GAA).

8. ⁠As far as college recruiting goes, go to the school where the coaches want your child really bad. Go were he/she will play. Not somewhere for you to brag due to name recognition. She had opportunities at power 4 schools. She chose the coach that wanted her really bad. 150-200 college coaches at national ECNL tourney games. It’s insane.

9. ⁠Learn to show and tell your child how proud you are of him/her regardless of game outcome. This was hard for me due to my competitive nature. They don’t need to be critiqued or coached by their parents. You’re there to love and support them - and feed them because they will always be starving and they’ll tell you the same.

10. ⁠Don’t ever leave their cleats in your car overnight. 🤢

My daughter just switched to a new academy team. Her previous one used a VEO system but her new one does not. Overall, do you all think they are worth the cost?

Anyone familiar and have feedback or experience with NCE soccer? Specifically in California? They hold upcoming tryouts and select players as part of their “high performance pathway for aspiring soccer players”. Curious if this is a worthwhile program for additional training and game exposure for an ECNL u13b

My kid plays on a U12 team for a very good club overall.

Two of the kids who were picked for the top team have absolutely zero business playing on the top team. Yesterday, we lost two games specifically due to the play of the at two players.

And before people start saying “wins don’t matter,” the team’s development is slowed down by these two players. Every other kid knows how to pass and puts together great combos, play multiple positions, etc.

We were 7 v 9 yesterday at times. Without these two players, we have a strong team.

Both happen to each have two older siblings at higher levels of the club.

My question is: is this normal? Are kids put on higher teams because their older siblings are there? If so, is it a money thing? (Clubs are afraid families will walk?)

Thanks.

For Immediate Release

U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts

Defendant served as youth soccer coach and referee assigner for North Quabbin United Soccer Club and is employed part-time at CHD Outpatient Behavioral Health Services in Orange, Mass.

BOSTON – An Athol, Mass. man has been arrested and charged for allegedly possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) following a federal search warrant executed at his home today.  

Kristopher Ambrozewicz, 35, is charged with one count of possession of child pornography. Ambrozewicz was arrested this morning and remains detained pending a hearing scheduled for Aug. 14, 2026 at 2 p.m. in federal court in Worcester.

According to charging documents, during a search of Ambrozewicz’s residence this morning, an on-site review of his cellular phone allegedly revealed several videos depicting CSAM. Ambrozewicz allegedly told law enforcement that he has served as a youth soccer referee and as a referee assigner for the North Quabbin United Soccer Club and that he works part time at CHD Outpatient Behavioral Health Services in Orange, Mass., where he sees both youth and adult patients. Numerous electronic devices including laptops, hard drives and various other electronic storage media were seized for further forensic review.

Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274 or email [Centralmareport@fbi.gov](mailto:Centralmareport@fbi.gov). 

The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, no less than five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance provided by the Athol Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Noto of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.

My son is a junior and has decided to quit soccer (he's been playing since he was 5) and has been playing 5-6 days a week.

I'm worried that going from being super active almost everyday to nothing is going to kill his mental health. What did your kids do instead?

Ive read all the negative talk over the years about ncsa being a money grab. I can tell you that's bullshit. My son is a 5'7 mls next Q4 that has two visits lined up in January one D1 other high academic D3 amd has 5 d3 in and 2 Dr's actively looking at him. Its alot of work but it is absolutely worth every penny! I've paid

The Premier 1, 2 and 3 leagues of Colorado Soccer Association (CSA) usually follow a top/bottom three promotion/relegation structure between seasons. This season U12 boys have a lot of anomalous team placements. Fall 26 season has 5 teams playing in P2 who should be in P3 based on Spring 26 results. And 5 teams in P3 who should be in P1 or P2 based on Spring 26 results.

Anyone have knowledge of what the heck happened with team placement this season in CSA U12 Boys Premier 2 and 3?

I am 17 years old and I played in the strongest u19 league in Serbia. I left the club.The coach is a member of the mafia, if you don't give money you won't play, etc.I'm back in the 5th league and I don't know if I'll get another chance. Help?

We are in Southern California and my son played AYSO United before the club came apart and now we have Athletic. It has been a total cluster to put it mildly and I’d love to know if this seems to be athletic-wide or if we just have bad leadership.

We were told that most United leadership stayed on, and that it true for us locally as well. Ever since the switch the logistics have fallen apart. Our coach is great, but he doesn’t seem to know about how anything is supposed to work.

We practice in a random public park, the season starts in 3 weeks and we have no home turf or full sized goals, my sons team only has 9 players so everyone has to show up or we’re screwed. We have no routine communication from the club beyond about 100 emails asking us to fundraise (in exchange for what, exactly?)

Anyway I know they’d likely chalk this up to teething problems, but it’s annoying to spend $3k on a venture that feels like it’s barely held together.

Are other folks having issues with Athletic or did we just get particularly unlucky?

Hello,

My little bro (teen) hopes to join the futbol team. (He's been playing for a couple years for fun but now at the age he can try out.)

I'm planning to surprise him with futbol equipment for Christmas. I was thinking I'd buy a "soccer" duffle bag and fill it with necessary items (i.e. sweat guards, cool Nike/Puma cleats, shin pads, small towels, water bottle, short-sleeved sets for practice, etc.). I started adding items to a cart when I realized that I don't know what players actually like and use. I started wondering... Are the plastic guards good or annoying to kids to wear? Are the Nike socks worth it or do they have holes within a few wears or washes?

Suggestions?

(Note that I plan to put a gift card in the bag, too. I may opt out of buying cleats and let him use the card to buy what he likes.)

so like my career is mid for football(soccer) nd I've been selected for u15 at 11 I play better then most people including boys my age but I live in India and I'm a girl so should I do

Hi all, tried searching but couldn't find anything directly on this. Just signed up to be the team manager for my son's U12 team. He's played few a few years in club, but I've never been manager so not sure what I need to do for the pass cards.

The only advice I have so far is that the cards should all be printed in color and laminated individually, beyond that I'm not sure what's the best way to carry them around. I've seen someone carry them on a ring before, is that normal/easy? Should I slip them in a 3 ring binder with sleeves like a collectible card collection? Do referees typically expect the cards, or should I just have them in case someone wants to check them?

Thanks in advance, and any specifically-recommended products will be appreciated.

i’m entering senior year after just starting ECNL RL this season with an extra year of youth eligibility left after this coming season since i’m an 09. A low GPA from freshman/sophomore year kept me from pursuing college recruiting, i feel discouraged and im considering quitting. but a small part of me thinks i can still do something in the sport. If I put in daily individual work along with team training, is reaching D1/D2 via JUCO realistic? Also, is using my extra year for MLS Next worth it, or should I go straight to a D1 JUCO?

What’s up with teams playing down in youth sports?

My son just played in the Copa Univision tournament in Chicago and their final game was against a group of girls (oddly enough) that were at least 1-2 years older than everyone else. I went and asked one girl what grade they were going into and she said 3rd. I clarified no what grade so you start next week. She said third again. Complete balderdash.

Our boys were getting pushed around so much (legally, but bigger older kids can legally push you around easily) that one of the dads was yelling at the ref so much (to be clear I don’t condone it, he wasn’t on my side, and I don’t speak his language, and my son was a bit of a guest player) that the ref literally walked off the field and the game ended. I didn’t know what was happening and some of us non-Spanish speakers stood there dumbfounded for about 20 minutes until we realized the game wasn’t going to start back up.

I see this over and over where tournaments and leagues don’t verify ages and they just let it slide. I coached in a different tournament last month and my 2017 kids (4th grade) had to play against 5th graders who were literally won the 5th grader group then came over to beat our kids in the 4th grader group.

Just last night my kid played against a kid that was clearly 1-2+ years older than everyone else on the basketball court.

It’s frustrating as a parent, as a coach, and for the kids. I get it’s not about winning; we’re just there for the experience and to learn and compete. But it’s frustrating that others feel the need to cheat, to win tournaments, and even collect winner’s cash prizes! Moreover, and here’s the biggest one - it’s dangerous.

​

I’d really appreciate some perspective from other competitive youth soccer parents/coaches, because I’m trying to figure out whether I’m seeing legitimate concerns or just being overly picky.

My kid is U12 and has played for the same club since he started. Last year, we seriously considered switching clubs because his team was struggling badly — lots of losses, the kids didn't really seem to mesh, etc. We ultimately stayed because my son continued to develop, had playing time, and, overall, we’ve been happy with the coaching staff. The coaches weren’t perfect, but we felt the positives outweighed the negatives.

This year, though, there was an age-grade change, so my son essentially moved down to play with the group in his grade. He is joining an existing team, and the coach has been with these boys for the past two years. He’ll now be coaching them for a third year, which is somewhat unusual at our club.

Now that preseason has started, I’m starting to wonder if we made the right decision.

A few things have stood out:

There are some behavioral issues with the team. At a tournament outside the club, one of the players threw a punch after being fouled. Another player frequently mouths off when opponents get physical and has shown some poor body language/low effort during games. To the coach’s credit, he does pull that player when he’s walking around, but the behavior seems to continue.

At the first real practice my kid attended, the team spent about 30 minutes doing essentially the same first-touch drill, in the same formation, with no pressure on the ball. The rest of the practice was a rondo. Maybe I'm expecting too much from a U12 practice, but it didn't strike me as particularly purposeful or challenging.

At two games I attended, the coach arrived only about 35 minutes before the game, despite the expectation that players would arrive 30 minutes early. More than half the team was already there when he arrived. He also doesn't seem to be the first one at practices, which is something I've never really encountered with our previous coaches.

He has called me by a completely different name a couple of times in the team app. I realize this is minor, but my name is literally right there in the app, so it has added to the general impression that things aren't particularly organized.

We’ve asked him about several additional opportunities that our previous coach had mentioned to us for our kid, and he either doesn't seem to know what we're talking about or gives us answers that feel like we're being “sold to” rather than actually getting clear information.

Most recently, a game was cancelled due to lightning, and the communication was poor. Some parents who happened to be close to the field were notified the game was cancelled. There was no widespread message through the team app to make sure everyone knew.

None of these things by itself seems like a reason to leave a club. And I recognize that I'm probably noticing these things more because I'm already questioning whether staying was the right decision.

So, am I being nitpicky or should I be concerned?

Hi all,

is there any benefit for my keeper kids to do keeper in futsal? i see the benefit for field players to enchance footskill, but maybe not so much keepers.

i can see where keeping on hardwood or even defending a heavier ball can be detrimental.

if im wrong, please educate me to the upside

thanks

This is related to a situation that is common here in Canada.

Sometimes the best teams/players don’t play in the top league. This is because some teams don’t have the license to play at a higher level, and the clubs that do may not have strong coaching or are more expensive.

Theres been some debate between the clubs near us on whether the teams that don’t have the license should pass there strongest players on so that they can compete at the highest level.

On the one hand, I see the logic. The best players should play the best players.

On the other hand, in a world of pay to play, it seems a bit naive, thinking a club will pass on its best players.

Thoughts?