You have witnessed them on every soccer team.  Their name is recognized by all and has the ability to strike intimidation into the eyes of opponents.  Players fear them, and parents envy them.  They can dribble, pass, shoot, and most importantly, score. They are the kids we have "crowned" the "chosen ones" of American youth soccer.  But isn't it a bit early to be placing anyone on to a pedestal?

Beginning as early as 10 years old, players are judged and categorized based on their talent and natural ability.  The elite few of these groups carry their teams to championships at young ages and gain much respect within the youth soccer community.  The exultant attitude of their parents seems anything but subtle, as they pleasantly avoid the stress the game bestows upon many of us.  There is no question that their child will be in the starting line up, make the travel team, and get recognition from the many scouts observing the games.

But for the players, this recognition may be doing more harm than good.  Both the aura surrounding these young elite players, and they hype they are receiving are taking away from the values of the game these kids should be learning at a young age. 

The ages of 11-15 are key years of a player's development.  The U.S. strives to be a world soccer power, equal to the status of Europe and other soccer-dominated countries.  Yet, many coaches and parents use these important years of youth for advances in personal notoriety rather than actual technical, tactical and mental development.  Granted, some players at these ages are superior to others, but all of them have a world to learn.  Rather than feeding into the self-image of players, coaches need to be reinforcing passion, humility and hard work.   

It is important to find coaches that care more about teaching these essentials of the game to young players, rather then ones that will constantly kiss their hands and flaunt their talent.

I am not suggesting that there is something wrong with compliments and an appreciation of talent; many young players deserve and enjoy the rewards and opportunities received by their performance.  But these rewards should not stand in the way of reinforcing the necessary values of the game.  I have seen players with amazing ability at a very young age stop playing at 16 or 17 due to the lack of school grades and test scores.  We must remember it takes a well-rounded person to achieve success as a player. 

By emphasizing hard work, learning from mistakes and developing a player's weaknesses, coaches can make the strengths of player more apparent.  Never assuming that they are the best, players should know that the more competitive the game gets, the more extraordinary players they will see.  Having a healthy relationship with a coach is important - a relationship that involves learning, improving, and increasing a players' chances of reaching their goals.

We have all known kids who were young, decent players, struggle for a spot on their team.  But after working hard, and sticking with it until all facets of their game came together, they found teams where they could get the playing time they so much wanted and needed, and gain the confidence which allowed them to develop their game tremendously.  Many of them are now some of the top U.S. soccer players today, on the collegiate as well as the professional level.  These players were never crowned with any title – and probably for the good.  Because when you work hard and try to fulfill your dream, the crown only gets in the way.

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