H.S. v. Club

Every year the battle rages on whether playing H.S. or club is better. Which one gives you the better skills, does playing both hurt you, etc., etc. Having coached club for years, being a H.S. referee, and having four daughters who have played both I feel that I have a somewhat neutral viewpoint. They are very different. For competition I give the nod to club. If you are playing at the Division 1 level the consistency of competition is better than in H.S. where you may have 2-3 good games and the rest may be blowouts. H.S. provides a school spirit, fans and completely different experience. I would recommend both for players, but it would help if he coaches from H.S. and club could work together to minimize the conflict and overwork on the players, but each seems to want to be the primary. It is also funny how club trainers will always blame any injury on H.S. (even when it happens at the club practice) and H.S. trainers complain that the players aren't getting enough rest practicing 5 days a week (at school) and 2-3 times a week (in club). So my advice is have fun playing both and if you have to cut back on club during H.S. season. You will keep in shape with the H.S. games and will still have time to prepare for the club season after H.S. ends. What do you think?

Soccer Parents

I have often heard coaches, referees (and sometimes players) say that the game would be so much better if the parents were not there. Don't get me wrong, parents are great (I am one) and can be a great addition to the game, but there are a few that give everyone a bad name. You have seen them, they yell at the players, know more than the coach (but won't volunteer) and either complain about every call the referee makes or says thank you (not generally appreciated). These same parents get on blogs and list serves and complain about the game they (actually their kids) lost because: bad refs, bad fans, rude players, bad field... fill in the blank). While they go on and on, their kids, the actual players have moved on getting ready for the next game and are probably friends with the opposing team (know by the parents as the dirty, cheating, etc., team). Oh and by the way, your child is not being scouted by x university at the U14 tournament. College coaches know that a large number of players will quit or be injured before they ever get to college so they focus on the seniors and juniors no matter what your club and trainer are telling you. So relax and enjoy your kids soccer and if you really want them to get a full ride to college focus on the SAT.