Post by Soccer Dad on May 7, 2022 20:55:04 GMT
New Soccer Parents!
Here are a few resources and tips I wish I knew before getting started. I hope this helps and please feel free to leave and questions. Experienced parents feel free to leave your input as well!
Background on me: I am a dad from the Southern Region. My daughters have been playing since age 5. We eat, breathe, and sleep soccer. I haven't had a break for more than a month since 2010 (not a complaint). Currently the girls play at the ECNL (Elite Clubs National League) level and are starters for their varsity high school team.
First you want to find a local club that you think best suits your needs as a family. If you're just starting you can use the following website to find a club close to you.
www.soccerwire.com/soccer-club-directory/?filter=eyJzb3J0X2J5IjoibWV0YS5pc19mZWF0dXJlZC5yYXciLCJzb3J0X2RpcmVjdGlvbiI6ImRlc2MiLCJxdWVyeSI6IiIsInNlbGVjdGVkRmlsdGVycyI6e30sInNlbGVjdGVkUmFuZ2VGaWx0ZXJzIjp7fSwiY3VycmVudFBhZ2UiOjF9
Soccer Levels:
Finding a level that's right for your kid can be the hardest part of being a parent. Fortunately the U.S. probably has too many options.
Level 1: Recreational ($) - This level of soccer is the least competitive out of the bunch and is great for new players. Many kids play Rec when they are just starting out, but some play throughout their entire career. Rec is designed more for players and parents that are looking for a fun extracurricular activity without spending tons of money on travel and other expenses.
Level 2: Academy ($$) - Academy is a step above recreational and begins to introduce a more competitive environment for players. It's relatively more expensive and is a bigger commitment as far as travel and time. Academy is reserved for slightly more advanced players than rec between the ages of U9-U12.
Level 3: Select ($$) - Select soccer is reserved for players U12 and older looking to play at a competitive level within their state. The time commitment is about the same as academy and the cost is similar as well.
Level 4: Regional Leagues ($$$) - Regional leagues are far more competitive than select and academy and is for more advanced players. Clubs across the country are divided into regions and their teams play within that region for the season. Depending on standings at the end of the season and which league you participate in, teams may be invited to national showcases. The sections of The Soccer Parents forum can be used as a guide on how regions are divided (plus or minus a few states). This league is very time consuming and costs more than select and academy when travel, uniforms, and other expenses are included.
Level 5: National Leagues ($$$$) - National leagues are the most expensive (avg. cost of about $10,000 per year - travel, hotel, and training fees included) and the most time consuming level of soccer reserved for the most "elite" players. Most players at this level are looking to continue their soccer careers at the collegiate and even professional levels. Players and coaches alike are competitive. At times, this level of soccer bans players from participating on their high school teams. There are a boatload of leagues to choose from some of the biggest being, Girls Academy League, Elite Clubs National League, and MLS Next. If your child is ready to compete at this level do not become consumed with which acronym they play for. Essentially all national leagues gain your child exposure to college coaches and are very competitive. Price can be the biggest turn off for most families, please explore your local club's financial aid programs.
Coaches
There are many clubs across the country that claim to be the most "elite" and promise to get your kids the farthest in life. Ignore all of this. A good coach is ALWAYS the most important part of your player's career and development. At the highest levels of club soccer your player may spend more time with their coach than they do with you. Choose wisely. I will admit watching your child win is fun, but arguably the least important part of soccer. Focus on finding a coach that is interested in the development of your child's skills NOT just how many goals they can score. College coaches have a checklist of things they want to see in potential players. Being able to take a loss with grace will check one of those boxes.
This post will be updated as more questions come in and I think of more information that new soccer parents may find helpful.
To Message an Admin:
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Here are a few resources and tips I wish I knew before getting started. I hope this helps and please feel free to leave and questions. Experienced parents feel free to leave your input as well!
Background on me: I am a dad from the Southern Region. My daughters have been playing since age 5. We eat, breathe, and sleep soccer. I haven't had a break for more than a month since 2010 (not a complaint). Currently the girls play at the ECNL (Elite Clubs National League) level and are starters for their varsity high school team.
First you want to find a local club that you think best suits your needs as a family. If you're just starting you can use the following website to find a club close to you.
www.soccerwire.com/soccer-club-directory/?filter=eyJzb3J0X2J5IjoibWV0YS5pc19mZWF0dXJlZC5yYXciLCJzb3J0X2RpcmVjdGlvbiI6ImRlc2MiLCJxdWVyeSI6IiIsInNlbGVjdGVkRmlsdGVycyI6e30sInNlbGVjdGVkUmFuZ2VGaWx0ZXJzIjp7fSwiY3VycmVudFBhZ2UiOjF9
Soccer Levels:
Finding a level that's right for your kid can be the hardest part of being a parent. Fortunately the U.S. probably has too many options.
Level 1: Recreational ($) - This level of soccer is the least competitive out of the bunch and is great for new players. Many kids play Rec when they are just starting out, but some play throughout their entire career. Rec is designed more for players and parents that are looking for a fun extracurricular activity without spending tons of money on travel and other expenses.
Level 2: Academy ($$) - Academy is a step above recreational and begins to introduce a more competitive environment for players. It's relatively more expensive and is a bigger commitment as far as travel and time. Academy is reserved for slightly more advanced players than rec between the ages of U9-U12.
Level 3: Select ($$) - Select soccer is reserved for players U12 and older looking to play at a competitive level within their state. The time commitment is about the same as academy and the cost is similar as well.
Level 4: Regional Leagues ($$$) - Regional leagues are far more competitive than select and academy and is for more advanced players. Clubs across the country are divided into regions and their teams play within that region for the season. Depending on standings at the end of the season and which league you participate in, teams may be invited to national showcases. The sections of The Soccer Parents forum can be used as a guide on how regions are divided (plus or minus a few states). This league is very time consuming and costs more than select and academy when travel, uniforms, and other expenses are included.
Level 5: National Leagues ($$$$) - National leagues are the most expensive (avg. cost of about $10,000 per year - travel, hotel, and training fees included) and the most time consuming level of soccer reserved for the most "elite" players. Most players at this level are looking to continue their soccer careers at the collegiate and even professional levels. Players and coaches alike are competitive. At times, this level of soccer bans players from participating on their high school teams. There are a boatload of leagues to choose from some of the biggest being, Girls Academy League, Elite Clubs National League, and MLS Next. If your child is ready to compete at this level do not become consumed with which acronym they play for. Essentially all national leagues gain your child exposure to college coaches and are very competitive. Price can be the biggest turn off for most families, please explore your local club's financial aid programs.
Coaches
There are many clubs across the country that claim to be the most "elite" and promise to get your kids the farthest in life. Ignore all of this. A good coach is ALWAYS the most important part of your player's career and development. At the highest levels of club soccer your player may spend more time with their coach than they do with you. Choose wisely. I will admit watching your child win is fun, but arguably the least important part of soccer. Focus on finding a coach that is interested in the development of your child's skills NOT just how many goals they can score. College coaches have a checklist of things they want to see in potential players. Being able to take a loss with grace will check one of those boxes.
This post will be updated as more questions come in and I think of more information that new soccer parents may find helpful.
To Message an Admin:
1. Click on the "Messages" tab on the menu.
2. Once you have reached your personal inbox, click the yellow "Create New Message" button at the top right of your screen.
3. Add a subject line and type "admin" and/or "moderator" into the username box.
4. Type your message and send!
