Recent content by Tom Duley

To overlook kids with potential at U12 - U16 (playing Div1 and in some cases Div2 at U13) would be a serious oversight and irresponsible. There are some kids that mature a bit later, they begin to take more of an interest and their overall compete level increases. Also, not every player has to...

I do agree with what you've said for the most part but I disagree that div1 or div2 kids are recreational...at least not all. I coached a boy for 2 years. I brought him from house to div2, then div 1 and he is now playing in MSL, soon ready to be in SPL. There are more I believe will make it...

...then we agree! I too think some people shouldn't be afforded the opportunity to coach kids, some coaches have BIG ego's and berate and belittle kids, there is no place for that in the game.

When we coach at any level, we have to be able to know how to demonstrate the basic skills, that is the entire foundation of soccer and if kids don't learn those basic skills, the game becomes more frustrating to them as they get older...then they lose interest. I'm not sure what "pro" level...

In my opinion, there's a greater issue than just cost when it comes to the overall goal and objective in this sport, It starts with the infrastructure, setting the curriculum and providing an opportunity to all, so that the objective and goal to develop the kids is always front and centre. Look...

we'll leave it right there, after this: "those in positions of power of the various National team programs valued fitness at a high premium." who were "those in power" and what were their relationships with "his" dad? I was part of the program, I saw it first hand! fast forward to 2016 and we...

hahaha...you're on a roll! Mike Mosher's dad was his promoter and it was his relationships that got him into the National program just as it got him into the UBC program, anyone that played with or against him knows that!

great post! As long as people prosper from the business side and the development is second, it will never change!

I have my doubts anything will change, I actually believe those within BC Soccer would not allow it to change. The only thing we, as parents/coaches/citizens can do is to try and make a positive impression on those we coach. to offer an opportunity to develop, to provide a culture for the...

"I'm the same age as Mosher ...." - then we most likely know each other. I grew up playing on a very strong team...Domo (since we were kids) and Nick Dasovic (who came for our last couple of years) are two players that were at my club, we always knew Mike was there because of his dad's...

My contribution is that I coach kids 4 days per week (select level). I also take kids from lower division than mine and invite them to train with my team and offer them opportunities to play exhibition games while most coaches only focus on getting the "best" for their team...coaching is about...

this was his comment about me: "Comments like Tom Duley's foster the biggest issue we have in development in this country, everyone thinks they know better especially those who come from abroad. " the issue is and has always been the same, we've been overwhelmed with a select few that have...

let me ask you... what's your experience, other than writing these novels you do? I went through the BC Soccer system and the National program, what have you done other than participate on an online website...sipped your coffee and insert yourself as a keyboard expert. look at the positions in...

Our entire infrastructure is garbage in this sport. We have several people from the same clique involved in making most soccer related decisions, its the same with Soccer Canada, starting from my old friend Vic Montagliani all the way down through BC Soccer and the WhiteCaps...all filled with ex...

which is why I really love the underdog... and in this sport, there are far too many people that coach kids and aren't qualified enough to help them....so they can get marginally better by field time but the real difference is in the teaching and practising time...then implementing in the games...