What should we do differently? At the beginning of the season, the coaches communicated that all the players were going to be equally developed and have opportunities to try different roles on the team. In practice, it seemed that kids were quickly sorted into specific roles or tiers and there were big differences in playing time and the extent of instructive coaching and attention received. It sometimes felt like the kids who had caregivers (nanny, non-working parent, etc.) who could drive them to all the "optional" things like early afternoon add-on practices or opportunities to be ball boys, etc., were being rewarded. As a family with working parents that don't live adjacent to the practice fields in South Brookline, it felt like our son was being penalized for not being at these extra activities that were often scheduled on short notice.

It would also be great to encourage at least one team-based group activity, ideally something service oriented, at least once a season. It would be good for the boys to bond as a team and step outside of them being on the field as the exclusive focus of attention. I know the coaches already have a lot on their plates - this could be something spearheaded by a parent with coach support/buy in.