Soccer perception

[Guest]

Do you blame the perception/stereotypes that Recruits have on each level, (D1, D2, D3, NAIA, Juco), on the:

-club coaches
-parents
-media

- Or because you believe for the most part the perception/stereotypes of each level are mostly true?

[Guest]

What are these perceptions/stereotypes?

[Guest]

Do you blame the perception/stereotypes that Recruits have on each level, (D1, D2, D3, NAIA, Juco), on the:

-club coaches
-parents
-media

- Or because you believe for the most part the perception/stereotypes of each level are mostly true?

it mostly starts with parents who want to tell everyone their kid plays D1 soccer. I mean look at any Facebook page where a parent posts about their kid committing. If it’s a D1 school that’s what they lead with first. My kid is committed to play at D1 (insert name of college here).

[Guest]

it mostly starts with parents who want to tell everyone their kid plays D1 soccer. I mean look at any Facebook page where a parent posts about their kid committing. If it’s a D1 school that’s what they lead with first. My kid is committed to play at D1 (insert name of college here).

Bingo mostly the parents

[Guest]

Do you blame the perception/stereotypes that Recruits have on each level, (D1, D2, D3, NAIA, Juco), on the:

-club coaches
-parents
-media

- Or because you believe for the most part the perception/stereotypes of each level are mostly true?

The perceptions are mostly “in the eye of the beholder”. Clubs should publicize players going on to play in college. That’s a given, parents are another story. Definite correlation to parents who live vicariously thru there kids soccer experience and making this part of there own experience. Some parents think this is about them as well. The parents perception runs the gamut from excitement to involved. For some of these kids its a very uncomfortable situation when parents make it about themselves.

[Guest]

I'd say more parents care about the quality of the school than the level of soccer. Soccer families skew more affluent, better educated, better school districts. Many can afford collegenor at least afford it after discounts are applied. They'd rather their kid play at a quality D3 academic than a middling D1.

[Guest]

I'd say more parents care about the quality of the school than the level of soccer. Soccer families skew more affluent, better educated, better school districts. Many can afford collegenor at least afford it after discounts are applied. They'd rather their kid play at a quality D3 academic than a middling D1.

As a parent I can care less if my daughter plays in college. And if she decides to play at that point in her life, I would prefer D3 for her so soccer is not so consuming and she can enjoy her college life without so much pressure with soccer and academics combined. I rather her focus on her academics so she can get a job after college. If she was a standout then I would consider D1 if she wanted it and thought she would go pro. But right now she’s just a good player. Not a standout. There are a lot of good players. So I have no desire to push her to be a D1 player when right now, I know she’s not going pro. But she’s also only 12 so we have time for all that.

[Guest]

I'd say more parents care about the quality of the school than the level of soccer. Soccer families skew more affluent, better educated, better school districts. Many can afford collegenor at least afford it after discounts are applied. They'd rather their kid play at a quality D3 academic than a middling D1.

But the stereotype is "D1 or bust", and I would place the "blame" for that stereotype on the vocal minority of parents who are uber-focused on their kid playing college athletics and don't really discern the quality of the school's academics.

[Guest]

I'd say more parents care about the quality of the school than the level of soccer. Soccer families skew more affluent, better educated, better school districts. Many can afford collegenor at least afford it after discounts are applied. They'd rather their kid play at a quality D3 academic than a middling D1.

I would like to think that to be true but unfortunately it’s not. Finance will always be the primary focus for the vast majority of families. After that the majority is about soccer first and parents immediately bragging and wearing their XXL college sweatshirts and hats. Too many with the attitude it’s just four years let them enjoy those years playing soccer and then they will figure it out.

[Guest]

Just like many other conversations here on this forum, everyone has to do whats best for them. Not sure I would use the word "Stereotype" for peoples wants and desires for each level of college soccer But I think the Youth Soccer World itself puts out a perception of what players and families should be doing. D1 or bust is very real for many families and it shouldn't be that way. Also, too many parents and athletes look at what others do/think instead of just focusing on themselves. Do whats best for you

[Guest]

I would like to think that to be true but unfortunately it’s not. Finance will always be the primary focus for the vast majority of families. After that the majority is about soccer first and parents immediately bragging and wearing their XXL college sweatshirts and hats. Too many with the attitude it’s just four years let them enjoy those years playing soccer and then they will figure it out.

No family should be in soccer or any sport for college scholarships. I get the impulse - college costs a fortune and families are angling for any method to lower the cost. But the odds are terrible of even making it let alone getting substantial money. This is especially true for non revenue sports like soccer. Fewer scholarships to split across teams of 26-36. Be in it because your kid loves it. If they eventually earn a few $ for college consider ot lottery winnings. If families knew the odds in 7th grade a lot more would move into lower cost leagues and play for fun.

[Guest]

No family should be in soccer or any sport for college scholarships. I get the impulse - college costs a fortune and families are angling for any method to lower the cost. But the odds are terrible of even making it let alone getting substantial money. This is especially true for non revenue sports like soccer. Fewer scholarships to split across teams of 26-36. Be in it because your kid loves it. If they eventually earn a few $ for college consider ot lottery winnings. If families knew the odds in 7th grade a lot more would move into lower cost leagues and play for fun.

Problem is a lot of parents need to be educated on how the soccer college recruiting works and stop thinking the more you spend and the more you travel the more you get back from soccer college $$$$

[Guest]

Problem is a lot of parents need to be educated on how the soccer college recruiting works and stop thinking the more you spend and the more you travel the more you get back from soccer college $$$$

Like I said, hold seminars in 7th or 8th grade and half the so called elite teams disappear. But no club wants parents to find out. It's bad for business