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When is the most 'comfortable' time for an Academy player to change teams? And, what methods are the most successful when thnking aboit the psychological aspects of the player? We recently had a group of players join the club and it has been remarkably smooth - I am not sure if it by luck or careful attention to each family. What are players/parents most concerned about when making a change for improvement? Your experience is welcome

SaintsDad02 wrote:When is the most 'comfortable' time for an Academy player to change teams? And, what methods are the most successful when thnking aboit the psychological aspects of the player? We recently had a group of players join the club and it has been remarkably smooth - I am not sure if it by luck or careful attention to each family. What are players/parents most concerned about when making a change for improvement? Your experience is welcome

I get to respond first so I get to knock out the easy question. I'll leave the tough questions for everybody else.

"When is the most 'comfortable' time..." Immediately after the end of a season. There will be a sense of closure for your DD and her teammates. Your coach will be appreciative of your timing because you didn't leave in the middle of a season and hurt the team then. Also, the coach will be given the most possible time to start planning for playing without your DD.

I think parents can frame the need to change in relation to school. Remember that your precious DD does not have an adult's life experience or understanding.

By now, kids have gone through a kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd grade teacher and are now on their fourth grade one at school. They may have even changed schools in the first four years. But often, in soccer, a kid winds up with the same coach for much longer and sometimes stagnates.

If you have the conversation in such a way that changing coaches and teams is just like graduating to the next grade in school, you are off to a good start. Different teachers teach different ways -- from one, science was easier than another, or the kid understood math better from the next teacher than the last. The kid, because they already have this life's experience in elementary, will look at changing coaches and teams in a different and hopefully better, more positive light. They might even understand the opportunity a fresh start really offers them, a new chance to make a great first impression.

As far as timing, we are only six months from July 1 select contract signing day. There will be a flurry of kids changing teams right now, this off season. So, if someone is thinking about changing, these next 6 weeks are the time, not waiting until the next and final academy season starts. Changing teams in May and June is harder than it is now.

DeepThoughts.....all I have to say is...bravo! Well stated.