Why your kid should/should not play club soccer

Hi everyone!

Hope you've enjoyed the blog so far.

Today's post is:  why your kid should/should not play club soccer.  This is only my opinion, but I think it's an informed one.  I spent about four years coaching rec soccer, and three watching my boys and their teammates play club.  Here we go:

Why they should play club soccer:

1.) They are among the best players in their rec league:  You did start them in rec league, right?  I think that's the best/least expensive way to see if your kid has an aptitude for and enjoys playing soccer.  If they hate it, you're out under $100 if they're in rec.

How do you know they're the best in their league?  It should be obvious.  Not just to you, the proud parent, but are you hearing comments from others?  Other coaches?  Is your kid dominating the league?  My oldest son went to a soccer camp run by our local high school when he was 7, and the high school coach pulled me aside and said, "He's terrific.  He's going to be playing for me one of these days."  That kind of stuff.

2.) They LOVE to play soccer:  This seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many kids I've seen playing that look like they'd rather be anywhere else.  Club teams practice 2-3 times per week, and once the season starts they have league games or tournaments about 3 out of 4 weekends per month.
They'll miss birthday parties, church, all kinds of things for their obligation to their team.  Plus, there will be times when you drive them two hours away from home and they'll lose 0-6.  They had better darn sure love it.

3.) They have other interests as well:  Yes, soccer should be their favorite sport if they're going to play club soccer.  But the best young players that I've seen so far also sing, go to science fairs, play in the band, etc.  It's a really demanding practice and game schedule:  I would guess that my boys play 20-25 games per season, and we play a spring and a fall season.  Throw that in with practice 2-3 times a week and you have to have some other thing to do as well or you will lose your mind.  Especially after one of those 0-6 losses.

4.) They want to get better:  Some kids are perfectly happy playing rec soccer, even if they're the best ones in their league.  They don't want to travel all around and miss other activities,. And there is nothing at all wrong with that.  I check in with my boys at least once every two months with this question:  "Are you still happy playing club soccer?"  And I remind them that they're playing for themselves and their enjoyment, not mine.  If that ever changes, then we'll stop.  Their coaches are paid, professional, licensed coaches that will teach them far more about soccer than I ever could, and in club they are playing against some of the best players in the state their age, and other states too.  But THEY want to get better.  I'll love them no matter what they want to do.

Why they shouldn't play club soccer:

1.) Status symbol:  Take a nice vacation instead.  Your kids will probably enjoy it more if this is why you're doing it.  Plus, it's not really a status symbol anymore, because there are so many kids playing club soccer now.  So this is a bad reason to do anything, really,

2.) Because YOU want them to:  At a young age, kids should try playing lots of sports.  Just because you want them to play soccer isn''t a good reason for them to play at all.  If you want them to try soccer, try playing a little in the back yard first.  If they have fun with it, try joining a rec league first.  Then if they stand out and really want the commitment of club, then go that way,

3.) Because you think they'll get a college scholarship or turn pro:  I'll admit, if your kid is thinking at all about ever playing college or pro soccer, they almost have to play club because the coaching/competition/training is far superior than anything they'll get in rec or school.  There may be a few exceptions, but overall it's not even close.  That being said, it's definitely NOT a ticket to college or the pros.  There are lots of kids playing club soccer these days, so college and pro scouts have their pick of the best of the best.  And if any club tries to sell you on that, run away as fast as possible.

Questions?  Comments?  Please record them here.  Or you can email me at edge21117@yahoo.com.

Peace and soccer,

Eric