Living The Life Of A Soccer Parent
If you have a child who is interested in getting involved in soccer
, buckle up, you are on your way to becoming a soccer parent! There is more involved in this job than just sitting in the stands-after all, soccer is one of the most highly organized youth sport in America.
Participation at the recreational level includes both the youngest and oldest players. Everyone tends to enter youth soccer through "rec" or intramural programs.
Most clubs offer these programs. For the youngest players the teams, leagues will be comprised of several groups - future stars, those who will dropout midway through their first season, those who will play "rec" soccer for the next ten years, and everyone in between.
Despite the intended purpose of these programs, there are often as many incidents of poor referee, coach, player, and parent behavior in these games as there are at the highest levels. Not all coaches have attended coaching license courses.
Not all leagues use certified referees. No college coach is ever going to show-up at a "rec" game to scout for prospects.
The sole focus of these teams is not player development. Not all players and families will be 100% committed, and not all coaches will focus on fun!
As a parent, you must choose the best situation to put your child into. There are a few different areas which you will need to research and consider.
Some of the recreational players will decide to try out for a spot on a travel team. In general, these teams provide yearly, structured tryouts for limited rosters.
Although the youngest group tends to be 8, many teams will permit players as young as six years to tryout. These teams often compete up to and beyond the 18th year.
Travel participation automatically carries with it a few givens including a higher expense, a greater time commitment, and a more intense level of competition. Where most "rec" programs only require a participation fee, travel fees will include the costs of tournaments, league fees, possible coaching fees.
These teams generally train and compete in the spring and summer. Teams are not created to serve as alternatives to the players' original club team.
Rather, they offer further training and high level competition. If you have a child who want to play casually for fun, this may not be the area you want to pursue.
Don't forget, players are the ones rostered, not the parents. While you may feel the need to jump onto the field and protect your child, don't forget that your place is on the sidelines.
The Olympic Development Program is another program. Started in the 1970s, ODP provides the most competent, competitive, committed players (and parents) an opportunity to compete at the state, regional, and national level.
The coaches are selected from amongst the best, most qualified coaches in the state. Unlike the travel programs, these coaches are paid by the state office.
The lengthy tryout process starts in September or October and final rosters are generally not set until April or May. The goal is to provide as much training for as many players as possible.
After an initial tryout (usually two sessions), players are invited to be part of the "indoor pool." These players will train several times during the winter and may even represent the state in one or two tournaments.
Ultimately, a final roster is created. Each age group fields a team (or teams) to participate in the Regional Tournament," held each year in June.
ODP participation does NOT guarantee a college scholarship, and participation at the State level does not guarantee regional participation. Attendance is very important, and making the regional or national team one year does not guarantee a slot the next year.
In conclusion, it is up to the parents and players to find the situation that provides the "best fit." Such decisions need be based on reality and an honest assessment of the situation.
No one should ever assume that participation (on any team at any level) will provide a guaranteed scholarship! Furthermore, just because it is a "rec" or intramural program, don't trick yourself into believing that the sidelines will be calm and behaved.
Much to their credit, many leagues have civility programs but, at all levels, behavior sometimes gets out of control. We all want the best for our children.
Knowing what is best, however, can be mind-boggling. Talk to your child about their goals, and their purpose for playing-now get out there and have fun!
by: Terry Daniels
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