My 13yo son just made an MLS Next Homegrown team and I am completely overwhelmed. Need advice on training resources and what to expect.
After two years of hard work, my 13-year-old goalkeeper son decided he wanted to move up a level. While I work with him consistently outside of his practices, I have zero keeper training. So instead of extra training, I’ve been taking him to tryouts for the last few weeks. Most were frustrating (making him play field to "show footwork") or average (generic drills where no one keeper stood out).
That changed at his last tryout. He was absolutely in the zone and made some insane saves during one of the scrimmages. I didn't think much of it other than it was just great prep for his next tryout.
To my absolute shock, a few days later he was just offered the starting GK spot on the MLS Next Homegrown team.
Now that the panic is setting in, I have no idea what to do. I want to be the calm, collected dad, but I am overwhelmed. I need your advice on two major things:
1. Training Resources & Expectations
Up until now, I’ve just been copying his team practices or making up drills in the backyard. At the MLS Next level, I worry the coaches will expect him to be fully polished on day one.
- Where do I look for actual high-level GK training resources?
- What should I even be working on with him at home now?
2. Team Culture & Politics
This is a massive step up in intensity.
- What should we expect from the coaches and teammates at this level?
- Do I need to prepare him for toxic/hyper-competitive teammates who might want him to fail?
Any insight from parents or coaches who have been through the academy/MLS Next pipeline would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone.