Why the need for validation?

[Unregistered]

Why does everyone feel a need to validate their choices , when it comes to kids playing soccer?
People are so wound up about clubs, leagues, style of play, and one upping everyone around them. It’s ridiculous. It’s a GAME. It’s a leisure activity for the vast majority of people, and something to do for fun, when we are not working or studying. It’s an escape. Why can’t people just play the beautiful game, and be happy with it?

[Unregistered]

Why does everyone feel a need to validate their choices , when it comes to kids playing soccer?
People are so wound up about clubs, leagues, style of play, and one upping everyone around them. It’s ridiculous. It’s a GAME. It’s a leisure activity for the vast majority of people, and something to do for fun, when we are not working or studying. It’s an escape. Why can’t people just play the beautiful game, and be happy with it?

Status symbol

Keeping up with the Jones'

Worry that you wasted your money


All are stupid reasons, but those are the reasons. Maple, NEP, NSL, DA, ECNL, ODP, Rec, HS...who cares (coming from a DA parent).

Everyone should pick the club that best fits all their checkboxes. None will fit them all. Take into account your family's goals, costs, logistics, level, coach, friends, facilities and just freakin' play.

[Unregistered]

Human nature

[Unregistered]

Why does everyone feel a need to validate their choices , when it comes to kids playing soccer?
People are so wound up about clubs, leagues, style of play, and one upping everyone around them. It’s ridiculous. It’s a GAME. It’s a leisure activity for the vast majority of people, and something to do for fun, when we are not working or studying. It’s an escape. Why can’t people just play the beautiful game, and be happy with it?

Lots of money at stake. Money for clubs, money for travel, money for scholarships. Money drives it, even if the focus is supposedly on the "soccer".

[Unregistered]

Why does everyone feel a need to validate their choices , when it comes to kids playing soccer?
People are so wound up about clubs, leagues, style of play, and one upping everyone around them. It’s ridiculous. It’s a GAME. It’s a leisure activity for the vast majority of people, and something to do for fun, when we are not working or studying. It’s an escape. Why can’t people just play the beautiful game, and be happy with it?

Its not a game here, its big business

[Unregistered]

Lots of money at stake. Money for clubs, money for travel, money for scholarships. Money drives it, even if the focus is supposedly on the "soccer".

Its not a game here, its big business

capitalism == usa

why be outraged/surprised?

[Unregistered]

I’m sure many of us remember when we were kids and we just got together after school and played. There were no adults or referees around. We picked our sides and agreed the rules ourselves. It’s where most of us got comfortable with not only the game, but the idea of negotiation and teamwork in general. Sadly, kids don’t seem to have those opportunities since they are busy with so many activities, including organized soccer teams. I’ve coached my kids’ youth teams and insist they do a short scrimmage every practice where they pick their teams, set the rules, and just play. I’m always surprised how much they struggle with picking teams initially since everything is arranged for them in their activities. I try to keep quiet and just watch; maybe shout out a few pointers or point out good things they do. They always tell me it’s the highlight of the “practice”.

[Unregistered]

Status symbol

Keeping up with the Jones'

Worry that you wasted your money


All are stupid reasons, but those are the reasons. Maple, NEP, NSL, DA, ECNL, ODP, Rec, HS...who cares (coming from a DA parent).

Everyone should pick the club that best fits all their checkboxes. None will fit them all. Take into account your family's goals, costs, logistics, level, coach, friends, facilities and just freakin' play.

=====
Stop making so much sense :-)

[Unregistered]

Why does everyone feel a need to validate their choices , when it comes to kids playing soccer?
People are so wound up about clubs, leagues, style of play, and one upping everyone around them. It’s ridiculous. It’s a GAME. It’s a leisure activity for the vast majority of people, and something to do for fun, when we are not working or studying. It’s an escape. Why can’t people just play the beautiful game, and be happy with it?

I wonder the same thing. Most people have forgotten that soccer is a game, a fun game. A leisure activity. I have always stressed that with my children. They smile, have fun and are also competitive. Most of the other kids on their teams look miserable playing. The parents and coaches have made everything about not only the team winning but also your individual child being the very best on the team. The poor kids end up spending their childhood being miserable. Every child is different so find a situation where your child can be competitive AND happy. Never forget it’s a game for goodness sake.

[Unregistered]

I’m sure many of us remember when we were kids and we just got together after school and played. There were no adults or referees around. We picked our sides and agreed the rules ourselves. It’s where most of us got comfortable with not only the game, but the idea of negotiation and teamwork in general. Sadly, kids don’t seem to have those opportunities since they are busy with so many activities, including organized soccer teams. I’ve coached my kids’ youth teams and insist they do a short scrimmage every practice where they pick their teams, set the rules, and just play. I’m always surprised how much they struggle with picking teams initially since everything is arranged for them in their activities. I try to keep quiet and just watch; maybe shout out a few pointers or point out good things they do. They always tell me it’s the highlight of the “practice”.

In our town there are no pickup games because most kids are playing fortnite.

[Unregistered]

I wonder the same thing. Most people have forgotten that soccer is a game, a fun game. A leisure activity. I have always stressed that with my children. They smile, have fun and are also competitive. Most of the other kids on their teams look miserable playing. The parents and coaches have made everything about not only the team winning but also your individual child being the very best on the team. The poor kids end up spending their childhood being miserable. Every child is different so find a situation where your child can be competitive AND happy. Never forget it’s a game for goodness sake.

Amen to that.