We had tons of feedback from last
week’s article on the subject of playing high school soccer versus club
soccer. Who has the right to decide and what is the right decision?
Proponents of both sides, and even those advising both could work gave
strong arguments. Make sure to read the comments here if you missed
them. It seems many schools are aware of the fact and do their best to
schedule around the club season. But in terms of continuing a career in
the game, the consensus from the readers seems to be skip high school
play; based on the idea of seeing less competition and sometimes less
qualified coaches.
The author of The Family Guide for the College
Soccer and Scholarship Journey was even nice enough to send us an
excerpt of his perspective on the subject. Their take however is in opposition from
most of our reader comments. It makes for a very nice balance on the
subject... enjoy!
High School Soccer To Play or Not to Play, That is the Question? Should There Even be a Question?
Since
the early 90’s, the United States men’s program has risen as a force in
world soccer competition. The US women have always been strong
internationally during this period. There are many factors for this
success such as the popularity of the sport, availability of quality
coaching, competitive club growth, ODP and Academy competition, the
establishment of professional leagues (i.e. MLS), and high school
soccer. Yes, I said high school soccer. Often an issue arises for youth
soccer players on the value or worth of playing high school soccer. Our
recommendation is that you play. Remember, the reason we are writing
this book and the reason you are reading this book, is to identify the
things to do that will help you get into a college soccer program and
hopefully receive a scholarship. I have listed typical issues in this
debate and have commented on each. Review the points below, and then
you decide if playing high school soccer is for you.
Playing high
school soccer is not the same caliber as club soccer. Generally true.
However, many high schools have established winning traditions, and
participate in competitive conferences that will challenge you and
offer good playing opportunities.
High school soccer conflicts with
my club playing / training schedule. Generally true. However, life is
full of conflicts and we must learn to deal with them. I have found
even the most competitive club coaches realize there is a “high school
soccer season” and will work to arrange practices so that conflicts do
not occur or are minimized. Also, club games are generally on weekends
whereas high school games are generally played during the week. Gather
your club and high school practice and playing schedules early. It's
now time to begin working on your negotiating skills and balance the
needs of your club and high school coaches.
Club coaches say their
players’ skills “go down” in quality after playing the high school
season. Give me a break! They only “go down” if the player lets his or
her skills diminish. In fact, I feel that playing high school soccer
could afford a fine opportunity to enhance existing skills or improve
skills requiring improvement. Case in point. On his club and ODP team
my son played left wing and left back. His strong points were
dribbling, passing, crossing, defense and stamina. Offensively, he was
a good assist type player and a so-so scoring threat. During his junior
and senior years on his high school team he requested that the coach
play him, which he agreed to, as an attacking central midfielder. He
wanted to improve his goal scoring capabilities and improve his ability
to “play quickly”, a trait required of a central midfielder. This
opportunity probably would not have been available on his club team and
more doubtful on his ODP team. It made him more of a multi-faceted
player.
Most college coaches do not scout high school games. For
the most part, this is true. They look at college camps, ODP and
Academy events, and college showcase tournaments first, then high
school events. But many do view high school games, in particular those
“close at hand” schools, and state high school semi-finals and finals,
to view talent. The bottom line is that high school soccer still
affords a stage to be “viewed”, and should be considered by you as
another opportunity to be “seen”.
More individual recognition comes
through ODP credentials, winning club state / regional / national
championships or winning prestigious tournaments than recognition
received from high school soccer. To me, recognition is recognition.
The players generally receiving attention from coaches have a lot of
“hardware” on their mantle from several types of playing opportunities.
Being a “Parade HS All-American”, “State Gatorade HS Player of the
Year”, or having State, County, or City high school All- Star
recognition is a good selling point on your resume.
I read an
article in which Mark Berson, the head coach at the University of South
Carolina, was asked, “What do you look for in a player?” Berson
replied, “I want a guy who loves to play. Clint Mathis is that kind of
player. He will drop anything, just to play, even 2 vs. 2. It’s all
important and good training, even small sided pick up games”. High
school soccer is much more than a pick up game. It provides you an
opportunity to increase your touches. It provides you an additional
opportunity to be seen. It gives you an opportunity to experiment and
become more of a multi-faceted player. In high school you get a chance
to play with your former competitors from the club soccer world. Most
importantly, you have a good time playing with and in front of your
high school friends. From us to you, play high school soccer!
Rich Rydarowski
**Clarification note: The author notes that he does not solely recommend high school soccer. Just that high school soccer is viewed as the low man on the priority totem pole in reference to club, high school, and ODP. He recommends to play along with all aforementioned stages if possible.
Thank you for all the engaging and considerate comments. Nothing’s better than a good clean debate.
~Sam@bluesombrero.com
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