Issues With Club Trials

[Purger]

I disagree with this process.!!

Here we have a situation where 12, 13 and 14y.o players are put into an environment where they need to be at a certain level to make a
club team. This puts a great emphasis on winning and developement takes a back seat! When a player is in his late teens or early 20s, coaches dont look back and say this boy won the u/13s league, he must be good.

Clubs talk about junior developement, what a load of crap that is as most senior sides would barely contain 1 players thats gone through their whole junior system. I think clubs need to take a greater responsibility in selecting the right coaches to develope their players and match results should be a reward for hard work.

My junior football was with the same group of player with the same coach. There was a few ins and outs for various reason but there was no selection process. Kids want to play the game and enjoy it with their mates. Through that enjoyment, they would probably willing to learn more. But if every year theres 5 changes to a team, whats the point. ITS NOT ABOUT WINNING!

Even with state teams, its not about winning. Scoring goals and winning is the result of a whole combination of things, but these boys still go to TALENT IDENTIFICATION championships.

Id be happy to listen to anyone in why trials take place, how they are run and anything else that would better educate me. However i will add, as i am involved in junior GK developement, i have spoken to many parents regarding their childs trials successes and failures and many agree that its not the greatest thing to be part of. I know for a fact that every parent that i have spoken to regarding the selection process of gks for teams in greatly flawed. Not one club had a specialist gks coach out there taking gks through some basic gking exercises. These players were just put in goal for a game and selected from there. Seriously, why bother?

I dont look forward to the day that my sons cant play football with their mates and it becomes more about winning instead of enjoying the privalige of playing football!

[Nova]

Totally agree with you Purger!
Last season we abolished trials for all juniors up to under 15 in an effort to concentrate and be loyal to the kids already in our system. It worked out well last season and it showed on the pitch!
We did the same this season and only trial for positions available!
The effect a failed trial has on a kid under the age of 14 is gut wrenching. I saw 2 kids this year fail after both were picked up last season for having "GREAT" potential at 11 years of age only to be sent packing by the same coach :? Both clubs being so big on development surprized me by how this situation unfolded
Then you get "Talent identification" this is just a meeting place where coaches can poach players to build a killer team with promises of glory and future senior team spots, guarantees and steak knives
To be honest I dont think things will ever change, everyone is hell bent on winning, parents watching games in a trance like state, scrutinizing the coaches every move, questioning why my son isn't playing up 10 age groups, why are we always losing etc.
Solution = I dont know, not everyone has the same ideals :?

[grumbly]

I hate trials.
My son's a keeper and very few trials for clubs see keepers really put through their paces.
Add to that these youngsters are trying for only 1 spot per team.
When they are being looked at, most coaches seem to line up their kids to take a variety of shots, but poor service can make good keepers look bad while making average keepers look good.
Still, not much we can do and it's his choice and passion to be a keeper.

[Purger]

I hate trials.
My son's a keeper and very few trials for clubs see keepers really put through their paces.
Add to that these youngsters are trying for only 1 spot per team.
When they are being looked at, most coaches seem to line up their kids to take a variety of shots, but poor service can make good keepers look bad while making average keepers look good.
Still, not much we can do and it's his choice and passion to be a keeper.

id get your son out of that disgusting habbit asap!!

[Green_Manalishi]

Still, not much we can do and it's his choice and passion to be a keeper.

id get your son out of that disgusting habbit asap!!

Could be worse, he could be trying out as a drummer in a rock band

[James]

I come from a club that trials. We dont have a 2nd team in every age group so if a kid isnt developing there may not be a spot in the age group. We recently let 2 kids go from our 14's squad for next season. These kids have been at our club since under 11's. They simply werent developing at the rate of the others. Do we keep them or do we show due care to our club and replace them.

Nova, from what ive seen your club does alot of poaching at under 11 level. (the STIC is good for your club) So after aquiring the best players at this age, why would you have trials. Your club trials for a certain amount of spots. Is that because some of the kids are earmarked for the lower grade because they are not good enough. It seems you just have the luxury to push them back to the b or c team.

i dont agree with trials but ive never targeted a player to come to my club trial. Players turn up and have a crack.

[The Random Poster]

Could be worse, he could be trying out as a drummer in a rock band

You and your rock bands.

[Left Right Out]

I agree with Purger and Nova BUT there are 2 other things Id like to know also. Its normally the club that holds the trials or say they should be held BUT what about the coaches who pick the squads. MOST Junior coaches do a coaching course that teaches fundamentals of teaching soccer, NOT looking for talent. The trial I see and watch mostly involve an 11 V 11 set up on a pitch for a majority of the session, kids may not talk or introduce themselves or be outgoing they will just get left behind then theres the skillfull kids who can juggle a ball turn well do there tricks (Back heals etc) they normally stand out but do they play the way they face, do they work of the ball, do they bring others into the game? Then theres the physical side smaller kids (For there age) may not get picked over a 6 foot 13 year old etc. But to Pay $500 or more for a season then have to trial for your spot again next year leaves alot to be desired! I played under 6's - U13's with the same team never did we have trials, it puts my 2 boys through a bit of stress during this time. I wonder what club will start NOT holding trials first! NOVA what club are you involved with? Also just read other posts (Playford have one) and read what replies there are? Its not healthy BUT as mentioned before its not about development really is it, its about success and glory!

[spooky1972]

If you don't want to trial don't pay the money and go play local/school soccer where the joining fee isn't 400-900 a year, I have never seen any guns or hostages at any club trials I have been at.

[mail man]

Seriously Nova give it break mate. Your club has the worst reputation for poaching players (this years 13 coach) a prime example & for "a winning at all costs" mentality (dropping entire 13A team vs Para B's a couple of years ago then telling your B team they have a bye). Shame for you guys the win at all costs attitude goes missing at senior level.

[Purger]

interesting points all round.

is it the club having trials or the coach who decides?

i dont mind where one or two players are moved on becaused they may be way behind the standard as this is natrual. not everyone has the ability to eventually play senior football escpecially if these players havent developed.

[hudsona]

agree that the trials process a shamozzle!

Telling 8/9/10/11/12 year old players they're not good enuff!! FFS!...

and then to take players on for 1 or 2 years and say they're not developing enough!...not developing enough for what? To play 1st team at federation level?....we turn so many off the game because of the pressure to win so many of 'em leave the game by the time they're 16 anyway!

...esp when you consider that generally the standard of junior coaching is very poor....technically and tactically!...and then those people are judging players to go on!

Reality at our club tho is not enuff facilities or coaches....

...not sure what the answer is....am hoping the silver lining to the problem will be more boys just playing at the park....reckon this'll turn out as good or better players anyway than the friggin overcoaching players are getting....just let the kids play!

[The Random Poster]

just let the kids play!

[BIG RED]

If you have 20 children that want to play for you, do you have 9 on the bench? yes you could look for another coach and more players to field a second team but thats not always easy to work out and find. Then you have to look at whether or not the club has enough pitches to cover the extra team or teams also????

You may lose a couple of players from your previous years squad (for what ever reason) that needs replacing and then you may have 5 players that say they want to join you - how do you decide who is in and who is out?

Yes parents just want their children to play and that is fair enough but coaches and clubs do have issue to contend with to make this happen at times.

It's a difficult one on both sides of the bench.

[johnydep]

interesting points all round.

is it the club having trials or the coach who decides?

i dont mind where one or two players are moved on becaused they may be way behind the standard as this is natrual. not everyone has the ability to eventually play senior football escpecially if these players havent developed.

That goes against what you just said in the first post.

Who says whether a player is "behind the standard" and who tells the kid?

[rabbit]

And that is the trouble.....we are ALL caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.
What REAL direction are Coaches given? Is that direction different from Club to Club? ( If you are lucky to be given any at all) Of course it is. The fact is, there is nobody (individuals or governing bodies) that is setting nor enforcing guidelines. NOBODY is steering the ship so to speak.
And to answer the unjustified personal criticism of Coaches.......who coaches the Coaches? Certainly nobody at the FFSA or my Club. At least the parents give the Coaches something to think about....

Anyway, I am still looking for a striker for Para 15's and want to win at all costs, not worried about development and don't care about anything except putting trophies in the cupboard and bugger everyone else because I'm the only one that counts.

[Mr.T_69]

And that is the trouble.....we are ALL caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.
What REAL direction are Coaches given? Is that direction different from Club to Club? ( If you are lucky to be given any at all) Of course it is. The fact is, there is nobody (individuals or governing bodies) that is setting nor enforcing guidelines. NOBODY is steering the ship so to speak.
And to answer the unjustified personal criticism of Coaches.......who coaches the Coaches? Certainly nobody at the FFSA or my Club. At least the parents give the Coaches something to think about....

Anyway, I am still looking for a striker for Para 15's and want to win at all costs, not worried about development and don't care about anything except putting trophies in the cupboard and bugger everyone else because I'm the only one that counts.

You really crack me up at times rabbit!

[robinfriday10]

[quote="rabbit"]Anyway, I am still looking for a striker for Para 15's and want to win at all costs, not worried about development and don't care about anything except putting trophies in the cupboard and bugger everyone else because I'm the only one that counts.

not what me or campbeltowns 15's thought last season

[Luke Chant]

I agree in principle with what is being said, especially from the goalkeeping point of view.

However we are in the process of moving interstate. How is my son to find a team if no one offered trials. He would be stuck playing where ever we could find a place for him even if it was at a dodgy club.

I agree that trials are flawed but how else would you solve our situation?

[rabbit]

Anyway, I am still looking for a striker for Para 15's and want to win at all costs, not worried about development and don't care about anything except putting trophies in the cupboard and bugger everyone else because I'm the only one that counts.

not what me or campbeltowns 15's thought last season

Not sure what you mean?

[robinfriday10]

the opposite of everything you said......and someone from campbelltown on here agreed..

[rabbit]

Nice to see another couple of smurfs defecting to their neighbours

[swannsong]

I agree in principle with what is being said, especially from the goalkeeping point of view.

However we are in the process of moving interstate. How is my son to find a team if no one offered trials. He would be stuck playing where ever we could find a place for him even if it was at a dodgy club.

I agree that trials are flawed but how else would you solve our situation?

You would look for a "non-dodgy" club for him and ask if he could train with them and if he was good enough he might get a game.
Someone else might miss out but they wouldn't necessarily have to find a new club and leave their mates behind.
They could choose to stick it out and improve enough to get back in the team....that's how it was when I was a junior !

ps - Even dodgy clubs have trials !

[Nice One Cyril]

I really think that some parents and kids need a reality check. We had at least 20 future Socceroos at our trials.

[The Last Laugh]

[The Random Poster]

Nice one Cyril

[Jeda]

I disagree with this process.!!

then get on the committee and change the process anyway, seen it all before big talker until it's you're kid the super star holding the team up because of the other slackers

i dont mind where one or two players are moved on becaused they may be way behind the standard. not everyone has the ability to eventually play senior football.

[Željko Jurin]

I disagree with this process.!!

Here we have a situation where 12, 13 and 14y.o players are put into an environment where they need to be at a certain level to make a
club team. This puts a great emphasis on winning and developement takes a back seat! When a player is in his late teens or early 20s, coaches dont look back and say this boy won the u/13s league, he must be good.

Clubs talk about junior developement, what a load of crap that is as most senior sides would barely contain 1 players thats gone through their whole junior system. I think clubs need to take a greater responsibility in selecting the right coaches to develope their players and match results should be a reward for hard work.

My junior football was with the same group of player with the same coach. There was a few ins and outs for various reason but there was no selection process. Kids want to play the game and enjoy it with their mates. Through that enjoyment, they would probably willing to learn more. But if every year theres 5 changes to a team, whats the point. ITS NOT ABOUT WINNING!

Even with state teams, its not about winning. Scoring goals and winning is the result of a whole combination of things, but these boys still go to TALENT IDENTIFICATION championships.

Id be happy to listen to anyone in why trials take place, how they are run and anything else that would better educate me. However i will add, as i am involved in junior GK developement, i have spoken to many parents regarding their childs trials successes and failures and many agree that its not the greatest thing to be part of. I know for a fact that every parent that i have spoken to regarding the selection process of gks for teams in greatly flawed. Not one club had a specialist gks coach out there taking gks through some basic gking exercises. These players were just put in goal for a game and selected from there. Seriously, why bother?

I dont look forward to the day that my sons cant play football with their mates and it becomes more about winning instead of enjoying the privalige of playing football!

My thoughts from another topic..........

It's not that easy unfortunately

Remember, our football, has the highest participation rate in junior sport in Australia, meaining, there are more kids playing football then any other sport

Fed teams are being swamped at trials (ours included this year) and there are 2 main set backs,
1/ the number of qualified and experienced coaches
You cant just "slap" a team together, get any Tom, grenache, or Harry to coach it, and hope for the best. It's not fair on the kids, and it's not fair on the parents paying the fees

2/ ground availability
With South Autralia's harsh climate, grounds are getting harder to maintain and keep up to standard, and there is no way clubs can have say 20 teams with only 2 or 3 grounds available. Training space would be a nightmare, and the pitches would be wrecked/unplayable after 3 months

So unfortunately, with the sport growing, and will continue to grow after the 2010 WC in this country, spots at clubs will become even harder.
Kids have to start at a club at a young age, and STAY THERE, and not "shop" around for a better deal when little johnny's parents get upset for some reason or another.
And if you do start shopping around, then yes, you must be a BETTER player then is already at that club for that age group, why would an excisting player of the club get cut otherwise ?

As little as 2 years ago, we never had a problem, most kids that came out were in in all age groups.
Now, with the right structure, good coaches, and a "development plan", the club has grown, and with the large numbers that are currently trialling unfortunately alot of kids will miss out

We now have a logistical problem, and I would say that is the main problem at most "bigger" fed clubs

But I can guarantee you, there are other "not so big clubs" out there that will be looking for players, so I think you will find there are still a chance for most kids, it's just if you are willing to take your child to other "not so big" clubs

These are my thoughts anyway

[prefly]

Id be happy to listen to anyone in why trials take place, how they are run and anything else that would better educate me. However i will add, as i am involved in junior GK developement, i have spoken to many parents regarding their childs trials successes and failures and many agree that its not the greatest thing to be part of. I know for a fact that every parent that i have spoken to regarding the selection process of gks for teams in greatly flawed. Not one club had a specialist gks coach out there taking gks through some basic gking exercises. These players were just put in goal for a game and selected from there. Seriously, why bother?

Yep have to agree with you there purger, one club that my son trialled with (15s)could have had the services of a specialised goalkeeping coach who was there watching if only they had even bothered to ask him. My lad did more in his own warm-up than the whole trial. During the game they had 3 keepers down one end and 1 down the other (who wasn't even trialling in that age group) go figure!

[Purger]

interesting points all round.

is it the club having trials or the coach who decides?

i dont mind where one or two players are moved on becaused they may be way behind the standard as this is natrual. not everyone has the ability to eventually play senior football escpecially if these players havent developed.

That goes against what you just said in the first post.

Who says whether a player is "behind the standard" and who tells the kid?

yes your right, i guess i should have explained myself better.
i think it would be unrealistic to expect a team that starts at u/12s together be made up of the same group 3-4 years later. theres always going to be changes for a variety of reasons. one of them being a lack of development. eg. if you have a player who is disruptive, doesnt. attend trainings etc. anyone in their right mind would move this player on and look for better options.
if you happy with your gk (for eg) they why have trials for other gks to come in??


ultimately, no one from a club has posted why they do have the trials, what are they trying to acheive with these trials. if someone can give me valid reasons then i may not disagree with this process at club level..