Let's Give Them a Big Hand by Alan Maher   This summer we had big soccer news here in town. A local boys' team had two players selected to be on the state select team. This honor placed them in a select team camp for a week of training.   Then we had a team of ten year olds who won a big tournament - Girls. Then we had a team of twelve year old girls win the state championship. So let us give a big hand to all three groups - really.   But I wonder how many will be around to play high school soccer or college soccer. The burn-out rate is very high here. Let us consider some factors in all of this.   What will happen to the two boys being trained away from their team? How will they share the new skills and tactics with the coach and team? Will anything change for the better, for the team?   Then there is the case for the two teams that won things. Should young kids play such advanced soccer at that age? What happens when some players move away, drop out or join another club?   My Dutch friend does not think that young players should be coached. Just let them play small aside games, for fun. No pressure and no rewards.   Last week I watched a girl’s team practice in a local park. I called over my coach friend and told him that the girls did not know how to trap the ball. He sat next to me and I explained what was wrong. He was upset. “Mr. Maher, they are the state champions!” But I quickly convinced him of the accuracy of my comments. At my advanced age I hesitate to comment on such things. But on occasion I do comment.   My Dutch friend is director of training for the men’s Olympic soccer team in Australia. He has told the press that the country is about ten years away from good soccer if the coaches listen to him an just let young players play.   I have listened to that refrain in this country for about forty years, and we never get closer to being much better. Many good players drop out too early to do us any good. Burn-outs: too much competition at a young age? You figure it out.   As I write this there is interesting news in soccer. Pre-season the L.A. Galaxy was considered to be the best team in MLS. They had Donovan and Beckham. As I write, the team has not won in the last 7 games, the coach quit and the general manager was fired.   Well, back to a new ten year plan and hope that some of the above mentions players are still around to help.  But I doubt it.