Youth Soccer Burnout

[Guest]

Looking for some input.. I have a 6 yr old that started playing academy soccer this last fall. Everything is going great so far, although in speaking w/other parents, I’ve noticed we are one of the few that doesn’t have our daughter playing on multiple teams. We’ve been asked on more than one occasion to play on other teams as well, but to date I’ve politely declined. My fear is that it will burn out my daughter in the long run. Practicing 3-4 nights a week and playing 2+ games a weekend just seems a bit much at this age.

I’m all for getting my daughter as many touches/playing time as possible, but can’t help feeling playing on multiple teams will wear her down over time. Ultimately, I know at this age it’s a crap shoot & every player is different.. but again just looking for varying thoughts/observations.

In the end, being one of the few that doesn’t play on multiple teams doesn’t bother me.. I will do what is best for her & not worry about the group. It did get me thinking though. Are there more over-zealous parents out there who aren’t looking years down the road than I realize or is this now simply the norm? Growing up playing club soccer, I knew players that grew to hate the sport.. and speaking w/them in the later years the most common cause was simply over-saturation.

[Guest]

Looking for some input.. I have a 6 yr old that started playing academy soccer this last fall. Everything is going great so far, although in speaking w/other parents, I’ve noticed we are one of the few that doesn’t have our daughter playing on multiple teams. We’ve been asked on more than one occasion to play on other teams as well, but to date I’ve politely declined. My fear is that it will burn out my daughter in the long run. Practicing 3-4 nights a week and playing 2+ games a weekend just seems a bit much at this age.

I’m all for getting my daughter as many touches/playing time as possible, but can’t help feeling playing on multiple teams will wear her down over time. Ultimately, I know at this age it’s a crap shoot & every player is different.. but again just looking for varying thoughts/observations.

In the end, being one of the few that doesn’t play on multiple teams doesn’t bother me.. I will do what is best for her & not worry about the group. It did get me thinking though. Are there more over-zealous parents out there who aren’t looking years down the road than I realize or is this now simply the norm? Growing up playing club soccer, I knew players that grew to hate the sport.. and speaking w/them in the later years the most common cause was simply over-saturation.

How long they play depends on the coaching they get. By that I only mean does the coach love the game and loves working with kids. Does he wear his love of the game on his sleeve so anyone can see it. That love of game is contagious to his payers. They love the game they will always want to play it even if they are not playing at the highest levels. Those are also going to be future coaches.

[Guest]

6 years old? Insane. Don't sweat these crazy parents. At that age, should probably be playing multiple sports anyway, to develop a more well-rounded physique. That's what all the experts say.

Try to relax and revisit the rat race in a few years. If anything, paying for the 'academy' is not necessary at that age and most kids will fall away. Unless you enjoy burning money.

[Guest]

6 year olds? Wow, things are out of control these days. No one will remember “academies” at that age. Just focus on your child developing a passion for the sport and acquiring the basic skills.

[Guest]

At U9 I would suggest you play on multiple teams unless your kid plays another high cardio sport. Conditioning is key and at your academy they will only play half the game and you will be amazed at how large the roster will become.

[Guest]

At U9 I would suggest you play on multiple teams unless your kid plays another high cardio sport. Conditioning is key and at your academy they will only play half the game and you will be amazed at how large the roster will become.

oh. Really?

[Guest]

6 year olds? Wow, things are out of control these days. No one will remember “academies” at that age. Just focus on your child developing a passion for the sport and acquiring the basic skills.

How do you know they won’t be able to recall?

[Guest]

oh. Really?

Yes, but not your kid.

[Guest]

Yes, but not your kid.

You must be from Florida.
A 10-year study determined people in Florida have the lowest average IQ compared to residents of the other 49 states.
You are Florida stupid.

[Guest]

6 years old? Insane. Don't sweat these crazy parents. At that age, should probably be playing multiple sports anyway, to develop a more well-rounded physique. That's what all the experts say.

Try to relax and revisit the rat race in a few years. If anything, paying for the 'academy' is not necessary at that age and most kids will fall away. Unless you enjoy burning money.

Not probably, they SHOULD be playing multiple sports. Even if they just run indoor track in the winter or something they shouldn't be doing year round soccer or multiple teams. Just a recipe for disaster (and not as fun for the kid). Most kids who love soccer though will at least tolerate other sports. Give them a chance to experience all the things.

This isn't even going into how at 6 yo playing two days a week vs six days a week doesn't make that much difference, especially if the two day a week kid is more motivated and less numb to soccer.

[Guest]

Anyone overthinking the career of a 6 year old has lost the script. Participate in other activities on and off the field. If soccer organically becomes a passion I think that will become clear but for the most people it will just be 30K out of pocket to feel like they are keeping up with other parents

[Guest]

How do you know they won’t be able to recall?

Because the kids in “academies” at 6 years old and when they’re U14-15 will be completely different. No one will remember, and no one will care. Just a money trap.

[Guest]

Because the kids in “academies” at 6 years old and when they’re U14-15 will be completely different. No one will remember, and no one will care. Just a money trap.

Characterizing this as a money trap is hyperbole.

[Guest]

Characterizing this as a money trap is hyperbole.

When the storm was over, the jerks forgot to reschedule the match.

[Guest]

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Characterizing this as a money trap is hyperbole.

All these tryouts for kids but do coaches even get evaluated? I thought coaches had to have some certification but I hear from friends that some coaches do not and then require boys to come to practice three or more times a week. I am talking about boys ECNL teams U 13 and U 14.