For all the parents with High School students, have them send out emails to schools again. Season over for many schools this week and next. Let them know if your kid is playing in November, going to Surf Cup over Thanksgiving. Follow up in 2 weeks once you have schedules and email the shools again. Include links to youtube highlight videos and instagram videos.
Recruiting Tips for Parents Just Starting the Process
- Thread starter MakeAPlay
- Start date
It's crazy to look back to 2018 and remembering being told by a Doc, Coach many elite parents that college coaches don't like "club hoppers" and you best better not leave the family for another soccer family. If you look at today's college game, all I see is a lot of "College Hoppers." Some guys are leaving for greener pasture and skipping semifinals in football and a chance for a Natty. That's insane!!! Don't ever let a Doc lie and put fear in your kids or to the parents. Thank God I told those two losers to pound sand!!!
Thanks Paul. I will send this to my sister-in-law and a few pals who have some really good soccer kids. Gratis is always welcomed!!
Looking back - a 2012 recruit, it does not matter so much. The achievers achieve and the school has little to do with it.
The soccer part they do when living at home is the most important part because of the character it builds. I really don't know if the college was a waste of time or not. Mine is now off on her own. Still playing soccer because she loves it, doing professional things because she can. I guess for mainstream, college matters. But less and less.
The soccer part they do when living at home is the most important part because of the character it builds. I really don't know if the college was a waste of time or not. Mine is now off on her own. Still playing soccer because she loves it, doing professional things because she can. I guess for mainstream, college matters. But less and less.
On cycling forums, I rarely post about my soccer DD. On soccer forums, I rarely post about my youth cycling son.
We played the system for both kids and because the system is bigger than all of us, it matters. But as I said - not so much. If the kid really has talent, the school is getting more than the kid (parents) are getting.
It became apparent to me that college was mostly about branding. College added little other than adding the "recruited by Notre Dame NCAA 2010 Nat Champs", or "USA Cycling National Team and USAFA" on their resume's (my kids). Great for bragging, which I am doing now, but really didn't buy anyone much.
In the "end" these still 20 year olds, benefit more from the character and discipline that elite youth sports bring. Point is - if your kid is of that level, it matters relatively little if a college can see that. There are extremes of course, like don't send an Ivy capable kid to a community college, although that can still work.
We played the system for both kids and because the system is bigger than all of us, it matters. But as I said - not so much. If the kid really has talent, the school is getting more than the kid (parents) are getting.
It became apparent to me that college was mostly about branding. College added little other than adding the "recruited by Notre Dame NCAA 2010 Nat Champs", or "USA Cycling National Team and USAFA" on their resume's (my kids). Great for bragging, which I am doing now, but really didn't buy anyone much.
In the "end" these still 20 year olds, benefit more from the character and discipline that elite youth sports bring. Point is - if your kid is of that level, it matters relatively little if a college can see that. There are extremes of course, like don't send an Ivy capable kid to a community college, although that can still work.
shirivelli
BRONZE
Does it make sense to invest time, effort, and focus on pursuing D1 soccer down the road? I am providing all the necessary support to give my player the best opportunity to play at the highest level of soccer now. We are paying for the highest level of club soccer fees available for years to come. Additionally, we participate in tryouts if invited for the PDP, ODP, ID2, and related programs, and we travel to all major tournaments whenever possible.
And for what??... are the questions that have been lingering in my mind for some time now. For example… is getting into the top D1 academic schools through soccer the end goal here. But, after talking to some of the D1 players, we noted that the time commitment of 4-6 hours a day during season and 2-4 hours off season are overwhelming for some. They also cannot participate in many of the memorable college experiences such as the junior year exchange program overseas when committed to college soccer. Alternatively, is the end goal for my player to play professionally or represent the country on the world stage, such as the Olympics? Such an idea seems grandiose and highly unlikely to even be mentioned.
I’m trying to understand if all the individuals who invest time and money in ECNL, GA, national tournaments, showcases, and eventually playing D1 find it worthwhile in hindsight. Considering those who have already been through it, would you make the same choices for your player(s) again, or would you do something differently based on what you know now?
And for what??... are the questions that have been lingering in my mind for some time now. For example… is getting into the top D1 academic schools through soccer the end goal here. But, after talking to some of the D1 players, we noted that the time commitment of 4-6 hours a day during season and 2-4 hours off season are overwhelming for some. They also cannot participate in many of the memorable college experiences such as the junior year exchange program overseas when committed to college soccer. Alternatively, is the end goal for my player to play professionally or represent the country on the world stage, such as the Olympics? Such an idea seems grandiose and highly unlikely to even be mentioned.
I’m trying to understand if all the individuals who invest time and money in ECNL, GA, national tournaments, showcases, and eventually playing D1 find it worthwhile in hindsight. Considering those who have already been through it, would you make the same choices for your player(s) again, or would you do something differently based on what you know now?
Soccerfan2
GOLD
Youth soccer is a way for kids to be active, meet others and learn about things like teamwork, perseverance and leadership. That’s it! If your family has enough disposable income and you enjoy the youth sports life as much as your kid enjoys playing, great! But it should not be looked at as an investment. That’s a mistake. Put your money in a 529 plan (or something) for college if you want to invest it. Whatever college offers come or don’t come later down the road are a byproduct. I can promise you that 100% of us that have been through it would say the same. College sports and scholarships are going to change a lot in the coming years anyway. Just keep it simple and focus on raising good kids and letting them lead according to their interests (which change over the years) and supporting what they want to do within your means. I have two kids that played DA/ECNL all the way through. One is playing at a P4 school now and one has chosen not to play in college. I would do it all again, but we never looked at this as a financial investment, and we were always ok with our kids each choosing their own paths.
dk_b
GOLD
I have a kid finishing her D1 career this fall and I have twins starting their D3 careers this fall. Different paths, different goals, different outcomes. When my kids were younger (in their club days), I'd look at things in 2- or 3-year bands and until HS, it had little to do with college soccer and had everything to do with what made sense for each kid based on interest, ability, near-term goals (non-sports social v sports, for example). As my older one entered HS, we had the discussion that if college soccer dropped as her plan, we would not do the work for her to continue on her club team - it was a lot of commitment (financial and time (we had to figure out a lengthy drive to practice plus extra days for position training (she's a GK)). That's the only time we made the college path relevant (she committed under the old rules so we know very early that she was headed to a D1 program but if she changed her mind, we'd have pulled her from the club (and she could have played more locally)).
My younger two were different - wired differently so not really ready to change clubs at age their sister was - and then Covid hit and then injuries hit (it's a saga . . . ) but we still approached things similarly. What made sense at the time based on their interest/ability/goals? Stressing . . . THEIR interest. THEIR ability. THEIR goals. So the path changed. In some ways, they were very lucky because they know what a D1 commitment looks like, what it means for full 90 players (their sister has been since day 1) and what it means to never see the field (plenty of their sister's teammates). They know the push/pull with academics and social. And we were there to support THEIR path.
So that would be the advice I'd give: for the more expensive/time-consuming commitments, if it seems right for your kid and your kid is all in, keep it going. But there is a ton of sacrifice and unless that's the kid's goal, I see no reason to pursue it just because they can and we might see it as a possibility. D1 soccer is a real grind. Those of us who have watched our kids go through it could tell some stories. If someone is other than all in, I am not sure I'd want that for my kid.
"Sense" = $$? The other stuff only you can figure out.
You don't mention important data points.
-Goals
-Gender
-Some DEI equation
-Grades/test scores
For a male - if they can go pro - sure. They should skip college.
For a female - this is a great way to get into top schools that other kids can't.
If the is a strong DEI component, maybe use that instead.
My female kid still plays a lot 13 years after being recruited by the ten National Champions. It was not for money. It was not for soccer (for her). It was she wanted that school and that program. But she pretty much had a choice of any school because of soccer.
Club soccer offers more than D1. For starters, your player should not be focused on "D1" or "power 5" as we used to know it. The transfer portal is full of young ladies that worried more about social media than where they might be happy for 4 years. Ideally, you're the unicorn that gets in the right tournament, shines at the right moment her dream schools assistant is watching her game for 15 minutes. Or, you could be the parent that pays for 10 years of club soccer only to find out she's burned out at 18 and never wants to see a ball ever again. I've seen both and everything in between. The D1 thing, though? There's great D2 and D3 schools along with D1 colleges you've never heard of.
Playing club has lots of life lessons. Sacrifice, politics, psychotic parents, friendships, tournament memories, fitness, euphoria, etc. I looked at it like an investment in my kid because 99% of them get nothing back $$$ wise from college once they sign. If nothing else, playing college soccer looks great on a resume and she can always wind up one of these asshole DOCs making $150k for working part time.
Damnit... you keep saying "THEIR" like it's not MY dream!
After watching my kid play for 8 years(she started late), there was a part of me that wanted to continue watching her play. Now in college, I plan mini vacations on her road trips.Damnit... you keep saying "THEIR" like it's not MY dream!
My older daughter tried college for a semester. Set her and us back 30K for that one Semester. Fun paying that off. She realized college wasn't for her, now she is working her dream job. It did influence my younger daughter and us a bit when we realized that playing in college would help pay for some of that college. In season takes up about 25 hours per week, but that is only 3.5 months and she doesn't even start school until late September while taking a lighter load during season. Then it drops to 10-15 hours per week for the offseason. This is D1. She needs to keep busy, keeps her out of trouble and keeps her in shape. One thing that is difficult is being able to work.
Keep all levels of soccer open for recruiting. For many if might be better to get 60-90 minutes at a D2 than 10 minutes at D1. But each kid is different and if they don't mind only 10 minutes at a D1 then go with that. Don't worry too much about current roster unless your kid is a goalkeeper as most positions can be switched on the field, players quit or transfer. Make sure they like the college they are going to. Coaches change. Players on the team change. The school's location, major, and environment don't change. Really think having a kid in sports in college is the right move if the opportunity presents itself.
dk_b
GOLD
General comment: this particular thread is probably the most informative thread that has existed on this board. It goes back a long time (it turned 8 on July 11!) and I think the questions are really good - you can feel the sincerity and sometimes even the angst - and the answers are thoughtful and nuanced. It remains respectful, informative and supportive while so many other threads frequently go off the rails. Just wanted to say …
Sage
I know a lot of us long time members (even those like me from the original forum before it went down) take issue with MAP(for obvious reasons). But he was definitely well versed and knowledgable. And at the very least I will say thanks for him starting it.
Multi Sport
DA
Great thread. Maybe Dom can pin it so all the new folks can read it.
So much to unpack. One of my kids played four years of collegiate soccer. No, not D1, NAIA. She wanted a small school so she could also concentrate on her degree. She received over 100k scholarship over those four years but it was mostly based on her academics.. so getting good grades opens lots of doors.
Around her Jr year she told me she wished she had gone to a bigger school. Point is things change. She changed. She's still glad she did it and her debt (notice her debt) is manageable.
That's just her quick story. My nephew started at a JC, then onto a four year, that led him to playing professionally and even played in CONCACAF qualifier. Very different paths, even opportunities, for men and women. The opportunities are getting better though especially if your kid is exceptional.
But things are also very different from when my DD and Nephew played. NIL is something that comes into play at the higher levels. In fact, one of my nieces is one of the top recruits nationally in her sport and one of the things I've asked my sister is how will NIL affect her decision if any.. but she is exceptional.
So much to unpack. One of my kids played four years of collegiate soccer. No, not D1, NAIA. She wanted a small school so she could also concentrate on her degree. She received over 100k scholarship over those four years but it was mostly based on her academics.. so getting good grades opens lots of doors.
Around her Jr year she told me she wished she had gone to a bigger school. Point is things change. She changed. She's still glad she did it and her debt (notice her debt) is manageable.
That's just her quick story. My nephew started at a JC, then onto a four year, that led him to playing professionally and even played in CONCACAF qualifier. Very different paths, even opportunities, for men and women. The opportunities are getting better though especially if your kid is exceptional.
But things are also very different from when my DD and Nephew played. NIL is something that comes into play at the higher levels. In fact, one of my nieces is one of the top recruits nationally in her sport and one of the things I've asked my sister is how will NIL affect her decision if any.. but she is exceptional.
Conditional yes. Your child is going to spend that time on something and you are going to spend your money on something. The issue is what. All club sports cost a lot of money and the way you frame the question, you are presuming they are good enough to excel in their sport. My daughter played for me until around 15, then starting to play for herself. She got a full ride and the pick of colleges. If your child is good enough for anything close to that, it will very possibly prepare them for the love and hobby of their life, perhaps even occupation. However, if it is done for your satisfaction and you are ignoring the signs from your child that this is NOT the love of their life, it probably won’t end well and a lot of time and money will be wasted. There is no general answer to your question. Know thyself and know they child and be willing to change course if things change as they mature.
Is it all worth it? The time, money and effort. I think this question is best answered on a case by case basis. What are your kids end goals and are they realistic? This is where I would start. If the kid has the potential and their goal is D1 or higher then I say go for it. Spend the money. If not then no. I spent close to 25K this past season between fees, travel, hotels, restaurants etc. Could this money be invested elsewhere like a college fund? Yes. But why do I do it? Because these moments that I'm creating with my family and daughter are priceless. Live life and don't let it live you is my motto especially if the goals are aligned. If your kid has the talent, potential and discipline to get very far, go for it. Dream big... So many people save all their money to take it to their grave later... Live Life & Don't let it Live you...
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Live and let live is the only way to go Luis. Thanks for sharing openly with the group. $25K is insane but you lived life to the full, put your chips out on the table and went for the natty and I respect that and your honesty. I was just talking to a dear friend whose dad just died. My pal is pissed off at his old man for leaving him and his sister with just debt, no funeral plans and no inheritance, just a big mess. Dude was cruising around the world in his boat with his girlfriend and fell ill on the seas and died a few months later.
Lightning Red
GOLD
He was a pompous ass who thought he knew it all. I’ll never forget when he claimed my kids would never wear a jersey they didn’t have to pay for.
Sorry bud! 2 for 2!!!