Club Soccer

Should my child play club soccer?


This is not a question that should be taken lightly.  There are many considerations to be looked at when thinking about having your child explore this track of playing the game.  Below I offer some of the more important components that could affect your decision.

The impact of Mojo on your decision
I suggest that a child's spirit can be a major factor in the development of their happiness.  If you agree with the "statement" below then you should read on, if not then I would suggest you maintain your child's involvement with town soccer which has its own set of influences on players.

Statement
My child demonstrates a true passion for the game, appears to be developing a physical connection to the skills and the competitive demeanor necessary to play the game at a higher level.

If you agree, then you should consider looking into club level soccer.   Your child's inner spirit (mojo) will play a major role in his/her overall experience in club soccer.  It will be an emotional journey regardless of how good of a player they are.  You as a parent should be prepared to look at yourself as a parent in order to guide them through their experience.  You should also be prepared to travel and block off your schedule on weekends.

What does club soccer provide my child?

Speaking generally, I believe that the club level should provide your child with a more developed opportunity where he/she can deovote more of their time to the sport of soccer. The ideal club should provide your child with an environment of proper training from proper coaches and league play that includes players of reasonably equal caliber. These coaches are people who have dedicated themselves to knowing the sport and have crafted the ability of bringing that knowledge to a player so that your child can take the field with confidence and a love for the game.

How do clubs differ?

There are many different clubs at all levels of playing and coaching ability. Some clubs are very professionally run and set the bar high for player development.  In return, they place the same high expectation of effort on players and parents. Some clubs are more focused on providing the players with a less intensive playing environment where the child does not feel a constant need to win.  I believe the best clubs teach your child how to be a skilled, knowledgeable and competitive player supported by a dual focus on playing the game correctly.  In other words, setting the expectation of winning is okay as long as winning does not stand alone as the ultimate goal.  It should be considered as a partner to player development.   You should read the club's philosophy and mission statement or contact the Director of each club in order to ask about their attitude.

Commitment Levels of Club Soccer (Tryouts, schedules, playing time, cost)

Tryouts:
Typically in New England, clubs will hold tryouts in June after their spring season has ended.  Most clubs have all tryout info on their website with locations and age groups.  This can be emotionally difficult even for the best players.  Coaches should be invested in each player, but also coming from the perspective of "what is best for the team".  This can be an aspect that deters some parents/players and inspire others.  I suggest you talk to your child about entering a tryout with confidence coupled with humbleness.  If your child is not sure how they will perform are they prepared to deal with not making the team.  For many pre-teens this could be their first experience with rejection.

Schedules:  Family Time
Most clubs offer two nights a week of winter training and some play in a winter league.  In addition, Spring is the main season for older players.  Most games are played on Sundays and Weekends are often consumed.  Spring season often involves travel time between 1/2 hour to 3 hours away.  The higher level you are the more traveling you will do in order to find teams of equally higher levels.

Playing Time: Are you Committed?
It is crucial that you understand the commitment level expected for club.  Many parents underestimate how much of an impact over-scheduling will have on their child's experience.  I have seen far too often parents who pay the money, but have their child involved with other commitments at the same time and conflicts begin to emerge.  The child's play can decrease and their overall impact on the team can decrease including a loss of playing time.  Although you are paying for your child to play, I suggest you sit down with your child and discuss where they place this on their priorities list.  Along the same lines, a player could be very dedicated, but still not see much playing time.  This can be very difficult for a player and parent to cope with however in order to reach the highest level of play towards promotion a coach needs to play the best combination of players possible.

Cost: 
Most club costs are roughly $1000.00-$1500.00.  This most often includes winter training, spring season, uniform costs, warm-up costs and typically at least one out-of-league tournament.  However, many clubs also have costs for going to additional tournaments including very distant trips with flights, hotels etc.  You MUST read the club's information and inquire.

Please feel free to contact Kip Lewis at 508-507-1875 with any further questions and best of luck.