I spoke to two FC Barcelona youth coaches in Spain earlier today and asked them whether they take size into account when assessing youngsters.
Their response: “Never”.
We all know that size and athleticism matters if you want to win youth games. We’ve all seen those stronger, faster youngsters dominate games. Teams win this way.
But size and athleticism are a weak predictor of longer term success in soccer and has little to do with true longer-term player development. It misses the essence of the game.
NorCal Soccer Dad 
Being sports had 3 days of the LA liga promises u12 tournament featuring barca Madrid’s and several other top clubs.
Barca would not have done well except for two giant kids with decent skill.
They had smaller, skillful players, but the big guys were the difference makers.
Real Madrid also has a couple rather large and fast, but relied less on them.
Spanish clubs dominated… Their reading of the game, passing and ability to win 50-50 challenges were clearly above the others.
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