Find the Right Soccer Club

FINDING THE RIGHT SOCCER CLUB FOR YOUR CHILDREN

Eight Simple Guidelines to Follow

1. Clubs should meet the needs of individual children with a wide range of abilities from U6 to U18, in an inclusive environment that accommodates children who are involved with other sports, the arts, and family activities. Choose a club that meets not only your child’s needs but also the family’s.

2. The club should have a quality, recreation program that smoothly transitions to travel if a family decides to have their child play at a higher level.

3. The club should attempt to educate coaches at every level through US Soccer’s Education pathway.

4. Clubs should evaluate their costs to play and make sure all families at every economic level are provided the opportunity to play. 5. Training sessions at every level should be well organized, fun and focus on individual and team development not winning at all costs.

6. Clubs should make sure each team is playing in a competitive environment for their age and ability. Players ages U8 to U12 should have equal playing time. Within that environment clubs should limit the number of competitive, reasonably priced tournaments a team plays in each season. As teams age (U15 through U18) and the level of play improves, college showcase events should be part of the year’s schedule.

7. Try-outs held for travel teams at the conclusion of the spring season to allow players to finish with their team.

8. A club should have a mission statement with a board of directors who are accountable to assuring the growth of players mentally, physically, and emotionally.