GSLS (Greater St. Louis Soccer League)

[go_mosh_go]

Good catch, Overath – I forgot to include tournaments. Not exactly sure why you feel tournaments are meaningless, especially since the Premier League doesn't actually run any tournaments, but that's a whole other conversation.

That being said I took your advise and checked out the U.S. Soccer Federation's Player Development Guidelines "Best Practices for Coaching Soccer in the United States" last night, specifically guidelines for the U10-12 age group since that's when the Premier League begins. Lots of good info there, so thanks for the recommendation.

Right there on page 27, "NUMBER OF MATCHES PER CALENDAR YEAR" which states: "It is recommended that players play up to 20 matches per calendar year for their clubs. There should be a ratio of 2 or 3 practices per one match. Players should be given two days rest per week. In league play, there should be no more than the equivalent of 1 game per weekend. There should be no standings or post season playoffs and a limited number of small-sided round robins. Tournament play should not be encouraged." Hmmm – maybe THAT'S why you think tournaments are meaningless. Oh, wait – I wasn't supposed to get into that. Back to the topic at hand!

So while we both agree 4:1 would be ideal, I refigured for our team (keeping in mind that all teams are structured and run differently) and came up with the following:

16 weeks of 2x/week practices = 32
16 weeks of 1x/week club training = 16
Total training sessions = 48

Fall Season Premier League games = 8
Fall Tournament One = 4 games
Fall Tournament Two = 4 games
Total games = 16

Premier League Ratio = 3:1

Judging by U.S. Soccer's recommendations of "2 or 3 practices per one match", I'd say we're right on point…per season. When you take spring and fall into account, we'll be over their recommended yearly match number…but the training-to-match ratio will remain the same.

I'd also like to point out that the Premier League does only schedule 1 game per weekend per team (at least in our age group) and since we have four days of activity (3 training, 1 game) we actually get THREE days of rest instead of the recommended two.

I hope that makes sense.

[VeryMessi]

nicely done go_mosh_go

[overath]

Once again Mosh-pit you relay old ,meaningless and outdated information. Please direct yourself to the NEW USSoccer Coaching Curriculum Guide on page 51 by Claudio Reyna ,plus there is a video guide by Brian McBride which states the new guidelines.....then try to justify your mediocre view of Premiership American-style!

[go_mosh_go]

Just clarifying, Overath - you're referring to the Age Group Organization doc Part 3, correct? Having trouble pulling up the vid at the moment...just making sure I'm looking at the same doc you are.

[clutch]

And your kids never won !..... But they had fun! Another victim thinking elite and premier misnomers mean something ! You were stripped clutch! And we are sorry for you! Just think if your kids were actually developed in a real sense ? Than you would not have such disillusionment...

Although there are no "national" titles among the well over 100 pieces of hardware the 3 of them have accumulated over a decade in horseback riding, swimming, cross country, soccer, baseball, dance, volleyball, billiards, and academics, they win everyday in some way, unlike the village your from there lots of options here other than playing soccer with balls made up of old rags and looking for food .
It saddens me that you and the other 3 who care feel sorry for me, I'm fine! We do have national championship trophies decades old in the house, they are displayed in a very nice cardboard encasement, on a shelf in the NW corner of my garage under a obsolete canvas tent i need to get rid of(thanks for reminding me). I will watch the medal rounds of the USWNT, they win all the time even though they are poorly trained by your standards, but the area rugs don't have soccer balls in our house, no Barca posters in the family room, and right now I'm watching all the other sports I only watch every 4 years(except badmitton)!

[SoccerSense]

Mosh---again, your original premise of 4 practices for every one game is perfect for the right group. U.S. Soccer's recommendations are even greater for those athletes and teams that are looking to participate in only the highest level and approach achieving the absolute best that they are capable. It is redicules to think it is for everyone.... but it is prescribed and in my opinion good for the best, but only the best that enjoy and want it. We can read the late great John Wooden about all those with the potential but lacking passion which greatly out number those with potential and passion. Most however, dont' have the super elite potential in the first place.

For instance, if I want to be the best golfer I can be I can practice to a nice level with in a dimishing return. For instance , although four days a week at the range would be better than three, I'd gain incrementally much more for the third versus the second practice than for the 4th versus the 3rd practice. Even then, like most, I would never achieve the heights of the Pros. To try to implement super elite golf via additional practice for my capabilities would be futile. So in my case, I'd rather drink beer...I mean ride my bike.

Like wise for the vast majority of our youth soccer players---most are where they need to be and St. Louis generally has great training for all levels of competition. To try to implement super elite soccer via additional practice for most of our youth would be futile. They'd rather have a sleep over, go to a movie, go swimming, ride a bike, hike, camp, etc.

[overath]

Little Soccer Sense- it is hilarious that you equate training ratio to being too serious and little fun......what are you afraid of .....real soccer....teaching rather than preaching....or you want glorified CYC feelings rather than true development with sound educational methodology???

[SoccerSense]

All,
Rath is gravely mistaken in your false suggestion of equating a training ratio as to serious and little fun. Mr. Rath kidly let me know and I'd be happy to dumb it down so you can understand. Perhaps a reread will be sufficiant.
[quote][Mosh---again, your original premise of 4 practices for every one game is perfect for the right group. U.S. Soccer's recommendations are even greater for those athletes and teams that are looking to participate in only the highest level and approach achieving the absolute best that they are capable. It is redicules to think it is for everyone.... but it is prescribed and in my opinion good for the best, but only the best that enjoy and want it. We can read the late great John Wooden about all those with the potential but lacking passion which greatly out number those with potential and passion. Most however, dont' have the super elite potential in the first place.

For instance, if I want to be the best golfer I can be I can practice to a nice level with in a dimishing return. For instance , although four days a week at the range would be better than three, I'd gain incrementally much more for the third versus the second practice than for the 4th versus the 3rd practice. Even then, like most, I would never achieve the heights of the Pros. To try to implement super elite golf via additional practice for my capabilities would be futile. So in my case, I'd rather drink beer...I mean ride my bike.

Like wise for the vast majority of our youth soccer players---most are where they need to be and St. Louis generally has great training for all levels of competition. To try to implement super elite soccer via additional practice for most of our youth would be futile. They'd rather have a sleep over, go to a movie, go swimming, ride a bike, hike, camp, etc/quote]

Additionaly.....Glorified CYC feelings coupled with ability and a 10-1 would be great and get all parties closer to "Real Soccer". Absent ability, lower the ratio and have keep it fun at all levels. I do have faith in you Mr. Rath and know a lot of your off the wall and unfounded comments are for entertainment value. Your a funny jokester.

[go_mosh_go]

Still waiting for a response, Overath...

Just clarifying, Overath - you're referring to the Age Group Organization doc Part 3, correct? Having trouble pulling up the vid at the moment...just making sure I'm looking at the same doc you are.

[overath]

Little SoccerSense- your fear of more training leading to incessant burnout is based solely on the fact that an overwhelming number of so- called "trainers" at every level who are licensed lack thorough knowledge of sound educational principles of development which leads to the lack of essential quality needed to meet the training demands - which is why we settle for games over training....our coaches are not educated in essential and sound educational principles......A licensed to CYC ..... Hope this makes it fun!

[SoccerSense]

No fear here MS. Over Rath.

If you burn out its not meant to be so is self regulating. There are some really fine trainers and their are some very poor trainers...to assume otherwise uninformed....a nice way of suggesting ignorance. If you do more home work and dig a bit deeper...you'd be amazed at the train to game ratios for some of our local youth teams. We have it all. From the fine CYC volenteers we may wittness 1/2-1 all the way to elite teams that are 10-1 or more.

[overath]

Little SoccerSense- you stated " St Louis generally has great training at all levels of competition"....that is ignorance! Supporting that statement leads to your mediocre and unrealistic viewpoint and ignorant view of the StL soccer landscape!

[SoccerSense]

Little SoccerSense- you stated " St Louis generally has great training at all levels of competition"....that is ignorance! Supporting that statement leads to your mediocre and unrealistic viewpoint and ignorant view of the StL soccer landscape!

Ms. Overath.....Several years back A CYC coach training 7&8 year olds that may not have known to much about the game but kept a smile on the kiddos when they're "playing" this beautiful game is great in many peoples eyes...including mine. I have a sneaking suspision deep down you have an appreciation for these outstanding volunteers yourself.
I recall one of the best players I had ever had the pleasure of witnessing that he coached could barely run, had glasses that couldn't fully correct their vission, but had an attitude of a champion. This great Coach ask this child to pick the line up , manage the substitutions , and give half time motivation. Big time fun. Great Coach. If thats mediocre, unrealistic, and ignorant I'll take it every day.

[overath]

One instance of great character which is what CYC all inclusive environment is about but sadly is not the case for select which is exclusive and broader in scope! One sample does not provide sufficient data for theory! So ignorance is still bliss concerning your statement!

[SoccerSense]

I've seen multitudes of coach and training greatness so no ignorance in this situation. Much more thatn one instance. Admitidly I see some limited examples of below par. I know you can find the good trainers and training Ms. OR. ...if you simply look. You find what your looking for. Look for bad and you got it. Look for good and you get it. Try half full for a bit O.R. I know somewhere inside you too have greatness just waiting to come right out and witness the miracle of positive perspective.

[overath]

Little SoccerSense again your egocentric view in multitudes is not ample sample to proclaim that my view is not the positive approach but rather yours , the egocentric view is the negative .The collective view whereby the multitudes like you perpetuate this being satisfied with status quo viewpoint that puts the system of youth soccer development in its stagnated state, especially in StL!

[SoccerSense]

Ms Overath, I didn't mean to upset you. It's ok.....no one said or implied anything about being satisfied with status quo St. Louis Soccer.

You've created a littany of transcripts that illustrate the negative approach.

Thats good news for you because the best way to change is to first recognize you have a problem. I can see your starting to get it. Plenty of us here to help you turn that frown of yours upside down. Then, head out to some fun Slysa League games, Premier League games, Tournaments, and high school games.......or even venture across that mighty river to watch your favorite D1 team SIUE Cougars.

Let's look at whats good with St. Louis Youth Soccer, and then come up with positive, constructive ideas to make it a little bit better. O.R. before O.R. After

[overath]

Little SoccerSense keep wallowing in your foolish association of stagnation.....the fact remains that being satisfied with living in your comfort zone leads to the current state of Greater StL Soccer......mediocre at best!

[SoccerSense]

Ms Overath---

We have a big challenge with you but am confident reason will eventully dictate your misdirected and often unfounded and false statements. Not the least of these which are feeble attempts to discredit others on this blog with your humorous slander.

Further Ms Overath, as previously mentiioned, your comments on this blog have been documented with consistantly negative connotations. You need only review this history of your own post to confirm this point.

Finally Ms. Overath, rather than constantly critisize, come up with viable solutions. First, identify a specific areas that need improvement with the system and then come up with solutions. This is commonly refereed to as solution based thinking.

Theres a lot of good going on with St. Louis soccer and I for one am looking forward to seeing you become a small part of the solution.

[pitchpapa]

I wish they would do a better job of posting results from GSLS/ Premiere League /In House League matches. Very hit and miss on what they do post, and often the results are inaccurate.