Youth soccer is like a microcosm of the bigger game—it’s intense, passionate, and sometimes a bit messy. But amidst all the excitement, there’s a crucial question lurking: What happens when traditional rules and methods become ineffective in developing players’ lifelong love for the game?
Well, buckle up because Victor Malagisi, and I had a recent exchange diving deep into this very dilemma. Let’s break it down, shall we?
Victor’s Take:
He kicks things off with a gut-punch observation: “When rules are treated like loose guidelines, what good are rules, right?”
He lays it all out: “This is a classic byproduct of winning over development. We have coaches fighting on the sidelines with another coach because one coach is having his players ignore it. The other coach is trying to abide by the rules, and the referee doesn’t understand the rules. This is just one example of this.
Kids get injured because of poor play and overuse because winning is much more important in their 15th game of the weekend. Kids who have injuries are rushed back from injury because parents fear they will be left behind next season due to the time off to rehab.
- There are no rules limiting games to prevent this, and US Soccer continues to sit back and let it happen as long as the money continues to roll in.
If everyone were focused on development rather than winning, these things could be avoided: kids would develop, injuries would diminish, and fewer kids would be lost to the sport.
“Thanks for the platform to vent.” Victor Malagisi
President and Owner at My Local Soccer LLC
KOACH KARLS’ NOTES:
In response to Victor’s raw observation, I thanked him for the reality check and acknowledging the frustrations bubbling up in the world of youth soccer. But I did not just nod along …
Enter the SOCCERevolutions ‘4-Goal Rules’:
FUNdamental SOCCER – U6 Playing Rules – Fundamental Soccer
FUNdamental SOCCER – U8 Playing Rules – Fundamental Soccer
FUNdamental SOCCER U-10 Playing Rules – Fundamental Soccer
FUNdamental SOCCER – U-12 Playing Rules – Fundamental Soccer
We should be on a mission to shake things up, giving players more control, and putting development back in the spotlight where it belongs. Hopefully, it’s music to Victor’s ears and sparks a fire—a fire for change, progress, and a better soccer experience for all.
The Heart of the Matter:
Between Victor’s raw observations and my proactive stance, there’s a lot to unpack. Rules aren’t just lines on a field—they’re the heartbeat of the game. But when they’re treated like suggestions, and traditional ways are not working. Something’s got to give! It’s time to flip the script, prioritize development and enjoyment, and reclaim the essence of the beautiful game.
Conclusion:
So, where do we go from here? It starts with an open-minded evaluation of the ‘4-Goal Rules’ and then conversations like these—honest, no-holds-barred exchanges about moving away from the traditional game and adopting the ‘4-Goal Game!’
Yes, it’s messy and complicated, but it’s necessary. In the end, it’s not just about the game—it’s about the children, their growth, and their Lifetime Love For the Game.
Join us in revolutionizing the game! Voice your support for the ‘4-Goal Game’, and engage with coaches, parents, and league officials. It’s time to roll up our sleeves, lace up our boots, and tackle these challenges head-on—for the love of the game and the growth of our kids. Together, we can transform these rules into a living, breathing part of our soccer community. Are you ready to rise to the occasion? Get involved today and make a difference!”
I hope that we can eventually ensure that the ‘4-Goal Rules’ are not just words on a computer screen, but principals everyone will embrace and support so that our children play soccer into and beyond their teens!
