The 70% number includes both recreational and travel/competitive programs. The National Youth Sports Alliance, which conducted the poll did not differentiate between the two. The starting year is inconsequential, but most "organized" youth sports start at age 5 to 6. See also,
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...quit-sports-by-age-13/?utm_term=.c8bb7f1c54af
@rainbow_unicorn. Cal South is simply saying that "affiliated" leagues and clubs should follow the guidance of the U.S. Soccer Federation, which has stated that competitive programs for U8's and under should be abolished because it harms U.S. Soccer's goals. You can blame Cal South (which answer to US Youth Soccer, which in turn answers to the Federation), but you would be blaming the wrong entity. This is a national initiative by the Federation. See,
https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/20...lopment-initiatives-official-as-of-aug-1-2017
For U8 and younger, the PDIs mandate 4v4, no GK and no formal teams with an emphasis on playing time and fun:
Player Development Philosophy
•Formal games are not needed so playing with and against teammates at the end of each training session (1-2 per week) should be sufficient
•Formal rosters and teams are not needed so having a flexible and fluid approach to training and playing is recommended
-While playing, everyone should participate a minimum of 50% of the time
-With 4 players on the field, having 6 players on each “team” when the “game” is played helps maximize participation and engagement
• Results and standings should not be recorded
•Travel should be limited as much as possible
•Players should not be participating in events (tournaments, showcases, festivals, etc.)
Its not just Cal South is the whole U.S. (AYSO, Cal North, Michigan Youth Soccer, etc., etc.) ... so sayeth the U.S. Soccer Federation, which is trying to model itself similarly to Germany, Italy, etc.
Objectives
•Aligns with international standards for youth development
-This means aligning with the international standards used by the world’s leading soccer nations so that kids in the United States are developing in an environment similar to those playing in Germany, France, Spain, etc.
