ok but then what do you do with the team ? How do you play it ? against who ?

soccer taxi wrote:Contact the head coach. This is likely to be a topic that has come up before. It started for us as casual group of kids that got together once a week then it grew. That took about two months. But you must have a teacher willing to come out every practice to be the sponsor.

I'd think you'd only need time (sponsor/coach) and a liability waiver for using their fields (the school should have something like that, I'd think). My bb's school is considerably minority/diverse and doesn't have much interest this year - probably half of the amount of interested players as last season. I was kind of shocked at the level of play - there are only two D1 players on the team and the others probably don't even play rec. You'd be impressed at how many kids can't strike the ball well. They won the 'league' last year - 3-0. With the prevalence of soccer in Plano, I would have thought this would have been a lot better, although most club players probably don't want to spend the time as it can interfere with club events.
It's a great situation for the kids to do something other than hangout and do nothing, as well as, aforementioned, getting kids who can't afford club soccer (nor the time) to participate in something. I wouldn't call it structured (for their team at least).
I noticed at PHP middle school teams playing, so, obviously, many other schools/districts have their act together and offer such for their kids.
Full Disclosure, my bb isn't playing at school - he said he'd rather study than kick it around in that situation (I honestly can't blame him - not sure I'd make the same decision if I were him, however).

I'm not sure what is after that. We just got the team finalized a few weeks ago and ordered some jerseys last week. Plan was to sign up for some tournaments, maybe scrimmage some other teams. Next year it should be a little more organized. I'll look into the UIL link too.

I've heard that Northwest ISD will be adding MS soccer next year. Given its location will probably compete against the Keller and Southlake middle schools.

Look to all middles schools to add the bloody sport!

Axxman wrote:

abc123 wrote:In Plano, schools in the area where I live do not have soccer until 11th - 12th grade. - Axx

You are mistaken. (Unless my 9th grader has pulled off one of the greatest get out of PE scams in history.)

Once I thought I was wrong, but I was mistaken............Not sure what school your bb goes to, but my older one is at Jasper HS (9th and 10th grade). They are "allowed" to try out for the 11th/12th grade team, but there is no 9th/10th grade program per say. I know that some schools were trying to implement a soccer club, but it was not really part of the school system. So if I'm mistaken, can you please set me straight?

True, the high schools (9th and 10th) do not offer soccer. He gets on a bus before the last period and heads to West for practice or study hall on game days. This counts as a PE credit.
How many kids are falling through the cracks because they can't make the team as a Freshman or Sophomore? Do you think they will try out again as a Junior? I doubt it. The best Juniors and Seniors rarely even play for their High School. (Except at Jesuit). I applaud mightily those kids from Jesuit last year who told FCD to stick it when they were told by FCD that they couldn't play for their school. (I think Jesuit lost to Plano in the playoffs.) Can you imagine an AAU coach telling a kid that he couldn't play bball for his school? I guess I am get off the topic a bit.
I know, I know. The argument is that club soccer is better than UIL soccer. So? AAU bball is better than UIL bball. Does this mean that they don't co-exist and thrive? Bball in middle school and early high school gives more kids a chance to compete, represent their school, have fun, learn to work diligently towards a goal, stay off the Xbox, and most importantly, create life long memories with their friends. This needs to happen for soccer. More kids playing soccer equals more soccer fans in the future. This is the way to grow the game. Oh wait! If UIL and middle school soccer gain prominence then that would hurt the pocketbooks of the club coaches. We can't have that. Move along, nothing to see here.

Agreed ABC. It needs to start in middle school. Your point about 9/10th grade is valid, however, it still would keep kids that are not ready playing and participating in a team sport. Basketball has a 9th grade team, 10 grade team, JV, and Varsity. And I have seen kids that don't make the JV team as 10th graders go on to start on the Varsity team.

This may just be a glass half full thing, but I am happy that we have fledgling soccer progams starting and interest building in a sport that has always been a distant thought for most schools. My 5A highscool in Texas had 22 people show up for tryouts, some of us had never played soccer and everyone made the team. Now my son has a team with kids wanting to play and teachers willing to volunteer after school time to help. My son's new soccer 'team' has a D1 volunteer coach. We're not redirecting funds from academics or other sports, just taking advantage of a few peoples willingness to lead.
Sure I would like a better system for soccer but in today's economics I'm not ready to say that adding a better soccer program is the best use of the next dollar a school has to spend.

We are fortunate on the east side as Rockwall's middle schools all had 7th and 8th grade soccer teams this year. We played against the other Rockwall middle schools as well as s couple of schools from Sachse. Rockwall High School's also have freshman, JV and Varsity. We actually had 5 bb's on our 7th grade team that are current club players and the quality of play was a little better than we expected. Was alot of fun for the boys since it obviously was a little less structured or serious. The coach of my bb's team actually played college soccer, so it was a pretty good experience!

abc123 wrote:

Axxman wrote:

abc123 wrote:In Plano, schools in the area where I live do not have soccer until 11th - 12th grade. - Axx

You are mistaken. (Unless my 9th grader has pulled off one of the greatest get out of PE scams in history.)

Once I thought I was wrong, but I was mistaken............Not sure what school your bb goes to, but my older one is at Jasper HS (9th and 10th grade). They are "allowed" to try out for the 11th/12th grade team, but there is no 9th/10th grade program per say. I know that some schools were trying to implement a soccer club, but it was not really part of the school system. So if I'm mistaken, can you please set me straight?

True, the high schools (9th and 10th) do not offer soccer. He gets on a bus before the last period and heads to West for practice or study hall on game days. This counts as a PE credit.
How many kids are falling through the cracks because they can't make the team as a Freshman or Sophomore? Do you think they will try out again as a Junior? I doubt it. The best Juniors and Seniors rarely even play for their High School. (Except at Jesuit). I applaud mightily those kids from Jesuit last year who told FCD to stick it when they were told by FCD that they couldn't play for their school. (I think Jesuit lost to Plano in the playoffs.) Can you imagine an AAU coach telling a kid that he couldn't play bball for his school? I guess I am get off the topic a bit.
I know, I know. The argument is that club soccer is better than UIL soccer. So? AAU bball is better than UIL bball. Does this mean that they don't co-exist and thrive? Bball in middle school and early high school gives more kids a chance to compete, represent their school, have fun, learn to work diligently towards a goal, stay off the Xbox, and most importantly, create life long memories with their friends. This needs to happen for soccer. More kids playing soccer equals more soccer fans in the future. This is the way to grow the game. Oh wait! If UIL and middle school soccer gain prominence then that would hurt the pocketbooks of the club coaches. We can't have that. Move along, nothing to see here.

Only because Jesuit was paying them more to play than FCD

finish1 wrote:Does anyone have interest in middle school soccer? There are a few school districts in this region with teams. Are any Classic parents willing to push an for an expansion of the program?

Very interested. It's incredible there isn't a strong league already in this state considering the level of football played here. Seems like there is a very well organized racket by the 'select' leagues... having lived in other football heavy countries I can't believe what's payed to have these lads play, maybe I should create an alternative league!

Hey Old Chap, let us know when the league starts, and make sure you keep it to 7 v 7 or 8 v 8 max.

oldcastle wrote:

finish1 wrote:Does anyone have interest in middle school soccer? There are a few school districts in this region with teams. Are any Classic parents willing to push an for an expansion of the program?

Very interested. It's incredible there isn't a strong league already in this state considering the level of football played here. Seems like there is a very well organized racket by the 'select' leagues... having lived in other football heavy countries I can't believe what's payed to have these lads play, maybe I should create an alternative league!

Actually, the level of football played here (Texas and US) is what's holding soccer back! In this country, there is very little money available for soccer players at the college level and beyond. The real money is there for football, basketball and baseball, ergo that's what gets the investment. The clubs have little to do with the lack of commitment in the schools, to the contrary they are fighting and scratching for their very lives against the Big 3 sports. Its simple economics.

rip wrote:

oldcastle wrote:

finish1 wrote:Does anyone have interest in middle school soccer? There are a few school districts in this region with teams. Are any Classic parents willing to push an for an expansion of the program?

Very interested. It's incredible there isn't a strong league already in this state considering the level of football played here. Seems like there is a very well organized racket by the 'select' leagues... having lived in other football heavy countries I can't believe what's payed to have these lads play, maybe I should create an alternative league!

Actually, the level of football played here (Texas and US) is what's holding soccer back! In this country, there is very little money available for soccer players at the college level and beyond. The real money is there for football, basketball and baseball, ergo that's what gets the investment. The clubs have little to do with the lack of commitment in the schools, to the contrary they are fighting and scratching for their very lives against the Big 3 sports. Its simple economics.

Ecomomies of scale. In the 70's, it was scratch and claw. Now, I hear it is the #1 participation sport in the country by volume. There are great players in clubs and in schools. Neither has a lock. The kids of the 80's are what turned the corner in the US. Your/our kids are on the pitch and it's a new game in America. We're not going anywhere but up. The world is on our side.

When our middle schools started soccer, the coaches were the only ones who were shocked: over 80 boys tried out for 18 spots! If you have a new middle school team, call some of the existing coaches....they are usually happy to add in a "non-district" game to their schedules.

several of the middle schools in Plano don't have teams. Renner and Rice turned down scrimmage requests because of no team. Push the schools - parents can help make this happen.

oldcastle wrote:

finish1 wrote:Does anyone have interest in middle school soccer? There are a few school districts in this region with teams. Are any Classic parents willing to push an for an expansion of the program?

Very interested. It's incredible there isn't a strong league already in this state considering the level of football played here. Seems like there is a very well organized racket by the 'select' leagues... having lived in other football heavy countries I can't believe what's payed to have these lads play, maybe I should create an alternative league!

Remember fees only cover the privilege to play. Skills training are extra and in short supply. Axx, has previously offered the alternate league theory. But, then we are talking about creating another business and you better win to recruit. The natural alternative would be middle school soccer representing your city. I hope we have it ready in 2 years where we live so mine can play in 7th grade. What a great way to prepare for high school. Isn't that what the "better" sports do?

finish1 wrote:

oldcastle wrote:

finish1 wrote:Does anyone have interest in middle school soccer? There are a few school districts in this region with teams. Are any Classic parents willing to push an for an expansion of the program?

Very interested. It's incredible there isn't a strong league already in this state considering the level of football played here. Seems like there is a very well organized racket by the 'select' leagues... having lived in other football heavy countries I can't believe what's payed to have these lads play, maybe I should create an alternative league!

Remember fees only cover the privilege to play. Skills training are extra and in short supply. Axx, has previously offered the alternate league theory. But, then we are talking about creating another business and you better win to recruit. The natural alternative would be middle school soccer representing your city. I hope we have it ready in 2 years where we live so mine can play in 7th grade. What a great way to prepare for high school. Isn't that what the "better" sports do?

Why does it need to be a league? Meet at a park, four cones, jackets or whatever for the goals and come back 2 hours later to pick him up. Let the kids create their teams, decide on the size of the field, balls, when to switch teams and so on. Believe me they are able to do all that without us being around.

The German wrote:

finish1 wrote:

oldcastle wrote:

finish1 wrote:Does anyone have interest in middle school soccer? There are a few school districts in this region with teams. Are any Classic parents willing to push an for an expansion of the program?

Very interested. It's incredible there isn't a strong league already in this state considering the level of football played here. Seems like there is a very well organized racket by the 'select' leagues... having lived in other football heavy countries I can't believe what's payed to have these lads play, maybe I should create an alternative league!

Remember fees only cover the privilege to play. Skills training are extra and in short supply. Axx, has previously offered the alternate league theory. But, then we are talking about creating another business and you better win to recruit. The natural alternative would be middle school soccer representing your city. I hope we have it ready in 2 years where we live so mine can play in 7th grade. What a great way to prepare for high school. Isn't that what the "better" sports do?

Why does it need to be a league? Meet at a park, four cones, jackets or whatever for the goals and come back 2 hours later to pick him up. Let the kids create their teams, decide on the size of the field, balls, when to switch teams and so on. Believe me they are able to do all that without us being around.

Hey German on a differnent note. Frankfurt and Hoffenheim teams are coming for Dallas cup. Frankfurt had a good showing last year. Have they improved any? Do you know anything about the youth Hoffenheim team? Are they a team to look out for this year? Want to watch some games but will have to chose teams to watch on the limited time I will have.
Please let me know.

Try the PM function.

Hey Homer, get lost. Was not asking you.

arsenalfan wrote:Hey Homer, get lost. Was not asking you.

Both teams play in the U19 Bundesliga West, which is the highest league you can play. I looked at their roster and recognized a player who was playing DC 3 years ago in the U15 competition. Typical (German) tall center defender with a very good eye for the situation.
Hoffenheim is new on the German soccer scene, eventhough they were founded 1899 they made in 5 years from the 4th division to the top division (Bundesliga) and the U19 won the title one or two years ago. In Germany Hoffenheim stands for very fast offensive soccer, hopefully the same is for the youth side. BTW the founder of SAP is the big guy behind the club. He just build a brand new stadium for 30.000 people, keep in mind Hoffenheim has a population of 3,200.
Sorry Homer for that long post.

I just called my son's middle school and asked about soccer. They don't try out until the end of their 7th grade year. In the meantime, athletics is offered. In athletics, you have football, basketball, then track. Bb had originally chosen athletics, but after my phone call, he doesn't know whether he should just stick with PE or Karate. Does anyone know if 7th grade karate gets to spar, or what actually goes on in PE these days?

Ibystander wrote:I just called my son's middle school and asked about soccer. They don't try out until the end of their 7th grade year. In the meantime, athletics is offered. In athletics, you have football, basketball, then track. Bb had originally chosen athletics, but after my phone call, he doesn't know whether he should just stick with PE or Karate. Does anyone know if 7th grade karate gets to spar, or what actually goes on in PE these days?

The UIL dictates that kids have to wait until 7th grade to play middle school sports. Mine hasn't chosen a direction for 6th grade, yet. If we do get middle school soccer in our town, he will play in 7th and 8th.

Isn't April the end of the 7th grade year? I know the Keller district has tryouts beginnig in early April for both 7th and 8th graders.

soccerdad1 wrote:Isn't April the end of the 7th grade year? I know the Keller district has tryouts beginnig in early April for both 7th and 8th graders.

Yes, tryouts start around April, so 7th graders can start playing in the eighth grade. However, if they sign up for athletics, they can start playing football, basketball, then track as soon as they enter the 7th grade in the CFBISD.

Ibystander wrote:

soccerdad1 wrote:Isn't April the end of the 7th grade year? I know the Keller district has tryouts beginnig in early April for both 7th and 8th graders.

Yes, tryouts start around April, so 7th graders can start playing in the eighth grade. However, if they sign up for athletics, they can start playing football, basketball, then track as soon as they enter the 7th grade in the CFBISD.

That is odd. Most middle schools have tryouts starting next week or the week after for both 7th and 8th. After tryouts practices and games begin - This year.
Why would they have tryouts this April and not play until next year?? Are you sure you got the right answer? It seems more likely the tryouts are for playing in April and May..

I live in Keller. Here soccer is not part of athletics. It is treated more as a club or after school activity. It will be coached by a teacher not the athletics coach and practices will not be during school hours. One does not need to be in athletics to play soccer in middle school. They do however play against other schools. Probably a short season. They call it try-outs in case they get too many kids to sign up; however most who sign up should make the team.

My son also attends school in Keller. I don't know how they determine the coaches but some of the middle schools do have a soccer coach from the High School oversee practices and games and some use teachers. It is a cut sport as they only have 3 teams of 22 players and from what I have seen they do put the best kids on the A teams. It is a 6 game season-I just got the schedule-with the 6th game being a championship..It appears Northwest,Carrol, and Keller middle schools will play a couple of cross games against each other..