drsoccer

Careful with that statement before the sason even starts. Overconfidence by Mcminn in the past may be one of the reasons that they haven't won the district tournament in the last three years. The Cherokees may be the favorite but there is still alot of goals to be scored and alot of defense to be played before the district tournament. Good Luck!

My vote is also for Josh Bonham. I have watched him develop for 5 years and he came within seconds of winning last year. He has been a hardworker and a great student of the sport. He also is a good leader. Coach Miller and the Raiders will miss him and the other seniors next year.

Wow! This is a good thread. The concern is genuine and the consensus is that each individual is different. The pitfalls as well as the rewards have been laid out by several. I have been inolved in soccer for over 30 years and have coached, played, instructed and observed in the various states around the US. I have also observed the youth training in other countries. I would just add that travel soccer for the young ages should not interfere with school, friends and family. It should not dominate their lives at that age and the main focus should be on player development. Not just skills but emotional, mental and physical development. Kids can be scarred for life from a bad experience at that age. Anyway, the collective thoughts of all the above people is right on. Above all, soccer should be fun. Even ,my women's college team has to enjoy practice etc.

Good thoughts! When you believe that you are better and play with that belief, it happens. I hope I am wrong and Rhea moves up. That would be huge for your program.

Cree, Thanks for the insight. I didn't realize that Cuberland had a new coach, but it may be a better situation. Sometimes the coach was too negative and didn't motivate well. I understand what you are sayig about Bradley, but the game is at Bradley and 2 years ago, the Cleveland team struggled with the small field. Cleveland lost Duncan Wolfe wwho started all year and a total of 10 seniors plus the Bratcher player you mentioned. There is a lot of work to do for a young and inexperienced team. They play in 2 tough tournaments which could drain their roster through injuries before they play all their district games. Thanks for the update but it is not the same Cleveland team anymore.

Mcminn will be on top but the rest of the order will change. Cumberland has always been nipping at Cleveland and they will get them this year. The Cleveland-Bradley game will be tight this year, but it goes to Cleveland due to more experienced coaching. But the game is on Bradley's field. Rhea will be more competitive but is still behind the others.

Ross Paule played at Creighton in Nebraska and he is still playing for the Colorado Rapids in the MLS.

Carey Talley, who plays for DC United played at Houston and don't forget Cindy Parlow, who has started many times on the US Womens team. Ross Paule played with Talley when they won the state championship. I believe he has done very well in the MLS and was called up to train one time with the National team. He has also played in the MLS allstar game.