The Joy of Club Soccer

With the ever increasing pressure to win in high school and middle school soccer programs around the globe, there is another way for children to enjoy the game in a less intensive fashion.

Participation in club soccer is a way in which a child can play the game they love without the time consuming demands associated with a school team.  Normally club soccer practices are held just a few times a week and games are played on weekends.  This allows the child to reap the many benefits associated with soccer all while leaving ample time for them to pursue other passions.

Athletic Specialization can be Dangerous

Youth athletic specialization has become a growing trend in the United States.  With the financial incentives offered by college scholarships and professional contracts many parents feel it is in their child's best interest to only play one sport so they have the best possible chance to be financially rewarded.  Although a child should never be discouraged from trying to improve upon themselves in a sport they love, specialization in one sport along can lead to a child becoming disenchanted due to the large amount of commitment it demands.

Athletes who specialize in one sport also run a higher risk of injury due to the intense workload they place on the muscles which are highly used in the playing of the sport.  This can have long term negative effects on a child's physical development and can lead to chronic injuries in the future.

There are ways to Enjoy and Improve Without Losing out on Other Interests

It should be the goal of any athletic endeavor to allow a child the opportunity to improve all while ensuring they continue to enjoy playing.

It should be a goal of any parent to develop a well rounded child.  Children should be able to explore their interests outside the realm of competitive athletics.  This will not only increase the mental development of the child but will also provide for further professional and educational opportunities in the future.

Learn from the Mistakes Made of Professional Athletes

All too often professional athletes who have dedicated their entire life to the playing of one sport face difficult life challenges after their playing career is over.  This is in large part due to their inability to adjust to a life outside of professional athletics.  It is important that parents nationwide ensure their children do not follow this all too common problem by allowing their children to find their own way in their participation in by encouraging their participation in club soccer.