Taking a year off

[Unregistered]

Has any ones daughter taken a year of at the age of 13 and came back the following year from club.If so how did it work out.

[Unregistered]

Is she U13 or U14?

[Unregistered]

Why would she be taking a year off?

[Unregistered]

Shes been with the same team for along time.Likes the girls that she plays with.but the same thing happens every year.No changes and shes starting to get pissed and doesnt want to go to games.Loves to play soccer.same old same old every year.When try out come and its the same team she wants to take a year off.shes going to be 14.

[Unregistered]

Shes been with the same team for along time.Likes the girls that she plays with.but the same thing happens every year.No changes and shes starting to get pissed and doesnt want to go to games.Loves to play soccer.same old same old every year.When try out come and its the same team she wants to take a year off.shes going to be 14.

If she truly loves the game she will want to continue playing, if she is really that good you should suggest she continue playing...BUT try a new club?

[Unregistered]

Shes been with the same team for along time.Likes the girls that she plays with.but the same thing happens every year.No changes and shes starting to get pissed and doesnt want to go to games.Loves to play soccer.same old same old every year.When try out come and its the same team she wants to take a year off.shes going to be 14.

Why won't she try out for another club?

[Unregistered]

If she needs a break, let her take one.

Or maybe she'll feel more comfortable leaving a team after being away for a year?

[Unregistered]

Shes been with the same team for along time.Likes the girls that she plays with.but the same thing happens every year.No changes and shes starting to get pissed and doesnt want to go to games.Loves to play soccer.same old same old every year.When try out come and its the same team she wants to take a year off.shes going to be 14.

I think this is a lot more complicated than it may seem. Reading between the lines, your daughter seems like she is a leader and very competitive. Just changing teams will not satisfy her unless it is a very good fit. Staying with her current team will probably not work without a significant change in her goals. This is not about taking a year off as much as it is playing or not playing.

If you could get her involved with the sport in some other way to change her perspective it might be helpful.

[Unregistered]

My daughter chose to abandon club soccer around this age. She didn't feel the travel and competition was worth her effort. Her mom and I tried to talk convince her otherwise, but in the end she quit, yet ended up knowing what was best. The following summer she was invited to join a higher level team at a different club and she never looked back. She is now set to play in college. Sometimes kids know best, and as parents we have to try and listen.

[Cujo]

My daughter chose to abandon club soccer around this age. She didn't feel the travel and competition was worth her effort. Her mom and I tried to talk convince her otherwise, but in the end she quit, yet ended up knowing what was best. The following summer she was invited to join a higher level team at a different club and she never looked back. She is now set to play in college. Sometimes kids know best, and as parents we have to try and listen.

I think that she is trying to deliver a message slightly different that what she is saying. Half of all players stop playing at that age. Don't project your desires onto her. The more you push her the more she may push back. If she misses the sport she will come back to it. My daughter took most of one spring off and played part time as a U17 so she could play softball. Played maybe 4 Maple games and nothing during the winter before or summer after. She played in college for a couple years. Sometime they come back to it and sometimes they don't. She really needed the break physically and mentally. This is what your daughter may be telling you.

[Unregistered]

Let her move on

I can't imagine that she would ever really want to take a year off. My child plays at a very high level and she struggles off with a 3 week break in the summer. Sounds like your daughter is either totally burned out on soccer, or she just needs to change clubs/coaches. I think some more digging around is in order. If you are questioning the choice, then it really isn't settled in your mind yet. Find some concrete options at other clubs and see if that makes her excited.

[Cujo]

I can't imagine that she would ever really want to take a year off. My child plays at a very high level and she struggles off with a 3 week break in the summer. Sounds like your daughter is either totally burned out on soccer, or she just needs to change clubs/coaches. I think some more digging around is in order. If you are questioning the choice, then it really isn't settled in your mind yet. Find some concrete options at other clubs and see if that makes her excited.

I think what I am trying to say is that what your kid is saying may not be what they are SAYING. Dig deeper. Ask open ended questions that require more than a yes no response. Let them talk. You listen.

[Unregistered]

Shes been with the same team for along time.Likes the girls that she plays with.but the same thing happens every year.No changes and shes starting to get pissed and doesnt want to go to games.Loves to play soccer.same old same old every year.When try out come and its the same team she wants to take a year off.shes going to be 14.

Have you talked with the coach? Is she looking for a different position? What are the same things that happen every year?

[Unregistered]

Shes been with the same team for along time.Likes the girls that she plays with.but the same thing happens every year.No changes and shes starting to get pissed and doesnt want to go to games.Loves to play soccer.same old same old every year.When try out come and its the same team she wants to take a year off.shes going to be 14.

If there are never the changes any year why do you expect things will be better with the club a year from now?

Either she has had her fill of soccer and need a break (or change of activity) or she's outgrown her team and needs to find a better fit. I'd suggest you do the tryout circuit of teams that might be a better fit and see if that inspires her.

My daughter was in a similar situation, though she never was ready to take time off, she wanted a more serious soccer situation but was concern about fitting in socially on a new team. It was the best thing ever for her and she has continued to grow.