High School Soccer - For the Good of the Club

For some states the arrival of fall means the other game of football – soccer – is an important part of the high school sports landscape. For the U15-U18 elite club travel teams comes the question of whether their players should participate on their high school team and if so, how to manage these players from being physically over extended. Occasionally, the players of a travel team will even decide not to join their high school team at all.

Some suggest that, during the high school season, the club team should have fewer or shorter practices, less intense practices, no conditioning practices, and even a day off if a game is canceled due to rain. In my opinion, a far better result is for the elite youth teams to shut down during the high school season, except for maybe one mid-season weekend tournament, and reassemble after the first or second round of the high school state tournament is completed. 

Why? Because playing high school soccer can actually help the club team develop a healthier and more complete player. 

Here’s how:

- Likely, all the players of an elite club team will be the best or one of the best players for the high school and frequently get the experience of playing a full game. There is no substitute for game conditions.

- The subs of an elite team are likely to be viewed by the high school team as a leader, thus having the opportunity to develop important leadership skills that could lead to a captaincy.

- Further, as a team leader, club players can enjoy the recognition – and yes popularity – from the larger high school community that can improve the player’s self-confidence.

- In high school, the elite players will have more freedom to try and work on individual moves that the more structured and competitive club teams are not likely to allow.

- High school is already a 5 or 6 day a week physical activity. Players need at least one full day of rest to reduce injuries and physical exhaustion.  

- Players would avoid difficult conflicts from the competing demands between their club and high school coach. 

Do you have a different opinion? Concerned that taking the club season off will affect the livelihood of your paid coach that will push him or her to look elsewhere? Believe the lower level competition of high school will reduce the player’s skills? 

Whatever your opinion, we want to hear from you, and I will join the discussion in the comment section below.

- Rob Smith, Soccer Dad Since 1995 

Rob Smith is a parent of two daughters in college. One currently plays soccer for a Division III college and the other played club and high school soccer through the 10th grade. For three years until this February, Rob served as the Communications Director for the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association and has over 25 years professional experience in managing national nonprofit organizations.  Rob can be reached directly at rsmith@netsmithservices.com.

 

Comments

[Kat]

Rob, that definitely makes sense, and it's necessary for every parent and player to consider these things when they hit high school and think about playing!

[Rob Smith]

Kat, given the conflicts that can exist between high school and club when players try to support both in the same season, my article was written to eliminate such conflicts by taking the club season off. That said, not all club teams are operating this way.

In a situation where a player is trying to support both high school and club in the same season, then a decision needs to be made by all the players and their parents on which has priority and make that clear to both coaches. Trying to please both is unlikely to work and create further stress.

Priority means that when conflicts exist with a game or practice that the priority team is where the player will participate. This way the coaches can plan accordingly on who will be available.

My preference is that high school would be that priority team. My only possible exception would be if the player's club team is involved in a single elimination qualifying tournament such as the US Youth Soccer State Cup tournament.

[Kat]

When I first started playing Varisty soccer, my club team was still doing Spring games and it was tough getting to practices and being ready after 2 hours of play...

My club coach would get kind of annoyed with those of us who played on high school teams, but it's all about balance and making sure everyone is communicating their expectations. Otherwise, chaos ensues, and players get frustrated and stop having fun.

Then again, it depends on the level of play at the high school, too. Thankfully, I never had that problem, but we played against some schools that probably did.

What should kids who are way beyond the skills of their high school compatriots do about playing high school vs club (when there's a conflict)?

[Erik]

Great pts here Rob! I am a firm believer in the importance of HS soccer, getting to play in front of your peers just doesn't happen at the club level, and you are right on with the leadership pts as well.