Have fun, learn the basics
Pro-soccer center-mid Jared Montz played U-16 to U-19 soccer for the Jackson (Mississippi) Futbol Club. To do so, he had to drive five hours twice a week from his home in Mandeville, Louisiana. “I figured it out real quick when I was driving that I wanted to make it as a professional and climb the ladder,” recalls Jared.
He’ll never forget the first time a youth coach really critiqued his
play. The coach said: “Always strive to become a complete player.” Then
he listed three of Montz’s weaknesses in a letter: his left foot,
defense and physical strength.
Montz still looks at that letter. “Now, those things have become my
strengths.”
Along with playing professionally for the Chicago Fire, and currently
with the Puerto Rico Islanders, Montz, 25, runs Jared Montz Pro Soccer
Camps.
Montz’s Tip for Youth Players:
Get your technique right now. When your body develops later, you will be
that much better. Develop “speed of thought.” The faster it is, the
quicker you look. Every time you receive the ball, quickly look over
your shoulder.
• If you see you have a man on, you pass it right back;
• If you see that there’s space and time, then you turn;
• If you see the goalie’s out, shoot it in the net.
Montz’s Tip for Soccer Parents:
At a young age, just let the children enjoy it. Don’t put pressure on
them. Don’t force them to practice all the time. If they want to, they
will do it. People sometimes ask me about their child’s size—“Is he too
small?” and I say, “He’s only seven years old. A lot will happen down
the line.” I was one of those kids who was constantly overlooked. I
didn’t develop until late.
For information on Montz Soccer Camps, see www.jaredmontz.com. SS