U13 - I consider our program to be a success

Our program and two teams have been relatively peaceful.  One dad at out club told me it was that way because neither team was overly successful on the field.  I am not sure what drove him to say that, but the age group for his daughter has been a region-wide game of musical chairs since they were U9, and both Welland U9 teams finished 1-2 in the table that same season we started at U9.

When the competitive playing days are done, the only thing you have left are friendships and hopefully a desire to keep playing or coaching.  One player in 5000 makes it somewhere notable.  What about the other 4999?  Who caters to them?

I've had successful teams in terms of wins, but I always coached with people who felt that the team has to be stable.  The players and families involved have to feel it was time well spent.

I sent this as part of a larger note tonight:

"We consider our program to be a success to this point.  Heading into our fifth season, we’ve had relative stability with our club, on the sidelines and, most importantly, with the core group of boys in the program.  With all the teams, coaches and players jumping from club to club, our boys have had a consistent environment in which to forge relationships and learn a lot of things, including soccer.  

If you think that doesn’t mean anything, think again."