What is the end goal?

[socalkdg]

I went straight to my 12 year old female horse and asked her what her end game is. At first her answer was to get on an ECNL team or a DA team by age 14. Then I said, what about longer term and she said....to make it to at least second Keeper for the USWNT or Russian team (She was born in Russia) or to play in college. I then asked her what would happen if none of that happened would she be bummed that she sacrificed so much time and dealt with so much drama and she said...I know it is a small chance but why not go for it! There you have it...my 12 year old horse has spoken. I interrupted a Fortnight game for these answers so I am shocked I got them at all.

It will be so cool to see our daughters play against each other at the 2031 World Cup games. Russia vs USA in the finals (figured she would take the starting job with Russia over the backup job for USA). Sadly she will probably still be living at home.

I think as parents if any of us have the opportunity to see our kids play in college we should be counting our blessings.

 

[Keepermom2]

It will be so cool to see our daughters play against each other at the 2031 World Cup games. Russia vs USA in the finals (figured she would take the starting job with Russia over the backup job for USA). Sadly she will probably still be living at home.

I think as parents if any of us have the opportunity to see our kids play in college we should be counting our blessings.

LOL!!! That is great!

 

[blam]

A number of responses mention they wished to see their children play soccer in College. Why is this important? Is it for the scholarship?

 

[espola]

A number of responses mention they wished to see their children play soccer in College. Why is this important? Is it for the scholarship?

Even without a scholarship, playing on a college team helps focus the player's efforts since he/she must make good enough grades to stay eligible and reduces the amount of empty time that leads some students into wasteful behaviors.

 

[Speed]

A number of responses mention they wished to see their children play soccer in College. Why is this important? Is it for the scholarship?

I didn't respond but my daughters end goal is to play college regardless of level. She is driven, committed and an overachiever. hopefully she doesn't burn herself out. She was at the doctor this week and he asked her what she wanted to be--federal agent (his response gun toting? hers....yes) or attorney (his response what kind? hers: end goal US district attorney). My goal for her is to play soccer long enough it keeps her out of trouble and get a job later in life so she isn't working at taco bell when she's 30

 

[younothat]

Happiness....

Do whatever makes you happy....

Is life is a series of goals in some random order?

Every day, month, year you can achieving something like a goal but then you have to set new goals to raise your bar for yourself. In that way you are setting a purpose for your life.

My kids are happy when they are playing soccer so they goal is meet when they play...

 

[mirage]

What is the end goal for you as a parent who has a child playing soccer? What would you like to see at the end of the day after all the time and money investment and driving?

Would you want your child to play in the MLS where the average salary is 120k (real estate agents can make more than that, and requires less talent)? Why not pick another sport such as baseball where the average salary is at $4m at the MLB?

Kinda loaded question isn't it? I know I'm late to the party on this thread. Conceptually a great question though...

From a parent who has one in college playing and one a high school junior who plays but does not want to play in college, I guess my perspective is more retrospective than forward looking like many that have already responded.

We always looked playing sports in two primary components. One, all the things that sports teach kids. Everything from competing to teamwork, and all the ups and downs that goes with it. Much of what they learn in sports is directly applicable to life long after youth sports. The other, is to keep them occupied and learning multitasking and time management, and do it well.

Our thought on what any sports can do for the child's opportunity as the direct benefit from playing it has always been and we still believe, is a windfall and not expectation.

Our kids, both Boys, hold both US and EU citizenships and if we believed that turning to be a professional soccer player was the goal, we would have sent our kids to Europe to live with our relatives and train there. We never gave that a moment of thought. Our kids are too smart to risk really slim long shot for sake of a chance to become 1st division soccer players. I'm convinced that our older kid could be playing in lower division right now somewhere in Europe but why? He is in one of the top Econ program in the country and playing soccer at his college. We much rather see him own and run a professional soccer club than play for one.

I was struck with the OP's comment about "all the time and money investment and driving?" We have never thought of the time and expenses as any type of investment. Its just cost of raising kids.

Also, selecting other sports that pay more, well, the kid has to like what he/she is playing right? Our older kid played baseball until he finished Cooperstown tournament at 12U then quit. He as on a Demarini sponsored travel ball team as one of the middle infielder. He didn't like baseball enough to be successful at any higher levels, whereas most of his old teammates are now playing at various colleges throughout the country. So they may have a shot at making to MLB - to the show.

At the end of the day, the soccer end goal for us has been the journey. The journey that started us back at U6 AYSO that now has us watching our older son on livestream college games (we do get to couple of games in person during the fall) has been simply priceless. Its been great watching both of our kids become fine young men.

While our soccer journey is not complete, we're certainly past the stage of youth soccer drama. Our younger son has another year of club left to go so there's little bit of drama left I suppose but our "don't give a $hit" factor is really high and just looking forward to enjoying his last year before he heads off to college.

 

[javiecua03]

ust joined idk how I discovered this forum but am learning a lot from these post. Someone give me their honest feed back.
My son 2011 we started in oc galaxy awsome PCA program afordable great development for the first 2 yrs. we left the club only reason the drive was heavy for him, It was just bad coming from Long Beach area. Then we found about southbay galaxy figured hey same development program but wrong n wasn’t worth every penny. My son was challenge enough , only reason he stayed in good form because i worked on the side with him. Not to mention my son was practicing with 2011 team and 2010 flight 2 team Monday thru Friday. Wasn’t asked to participate in flight 2 games(even tought they played scdsl in flight 1 bracket)or tournaments they had. But we did participate in outside tournent guest playing with other 2010 teams. Season was over November cdsl which was a joke , but now what to do. I saw how this coach managed he’s 2010 n ofcourse my sons age group. I hate jumping teams, but out the 12 kids 4 are leaving for the same reason.
We were asked to come back to OC which now the drive is not as bad. They are offering some discount on team fee.
But at the same time we participated in tournament wit Arsenal I don’t know much about that club but that it’s DA and was offer by the coach who invited us to the tournament wants my son to come play with Arsenal offered a “ scholarship “ to cover the cost of gas. So what to do ? I felt like this year was a waste he had fun but in own words why practice so much if he can’t play? Ofcourse he’s still young a lot to learned but has great work ethic for kids he’s age.

 

[sweeperkeeper]

The end goal for me is for my son to play in HS. I know this goal seems pretty low compared to many on this forum but that is where we stand. Back in my day, the majority of sports (with the exception of the big 3) didn't really start until HS. Now you have kids starting just about every sport before HS and most before Middle School, so to be good and to make a team (no matter the sport) you need to start significantly younger.

As many have mentioned, the goal is to learn all of the typical lessons from sports.

The other piece is that soccer is a game that can be played for many years into adulthood. There aren't many 35 year old pick up games for football, rugby, wrestling etc but there are hundreds of pickup games every weekend that as an adult are great to play in.

 

[oh canada]

It's a harsh reality but kids who grow up spending all that time playing a sport (pick it) then play in college (especially D1 where the commitment is a full-time job) significantly limit their career paths. As this article relays, insurance sales is one of the few: http://www.realclearlife.com/sports...to-selling-insurance-after-nfl-dreams-fizzle/

Other common jobs:
Real estate Agent
Coach
Physical Therapist
Fitness Instructor

So yes, there is a tradeoff. Your son/daughter isn't going to consult for McKinsey or write code for Google or find a cure for cancer if they're spending most of their free time juggling a soccer ball year-round while their young and at the athletic fields on campus. Sounds harsh, but it's true. Imo, one of the reasons college athletes should be paid.

Take the Harvard degree with soccer over an FSU degree with soccer all day long. No-brainer.

 

[Messi>CR7]

It's a harsh reality but kids who grow up spending all that time playing a sport (pick it) then play in college (especially D1 where the commitment is a full-time job) significantly limit their career paths. As this article relays, insurance sales is one of the few: http://www.realclearlife.com/sports...to-selling-insurance-after-nfl-dreams-fizzle/

Other common jobs:
Real estate Agent
Coach
Physical Therapist
Fitness Instructor

So yes, there is a tradeoff. Your son/daughter isn't going to consult for McKinsey or write code for Google or find a cure for cancer if they're spending most of their free time juggling a soccer ball year-round while their young and at the athletic fields on campus. Sounds harsh, but it's true. Imo, one of the reasons college athletes should be paid.

Take the Harvard degree with soccer over an FSU degree with soccer all day long. No-brainer.

I'm curious to know what % of kids use soccer to help get into a better college then quit after freshman year (whether intentional or unintentional)? A friend's daughter used swimming to help her get into a very good school. She does not have a athletic scholarship but she also has no intention to swim for four years in college.

 

[sweeperkeeper]

It's a harsh reality but kids who grow up spending all that time playing a sport (pick it) then play in college (especially D1 where the commitment is a full-time job) significantly limit their career paths. As this article relays, insurance sales is one of the few: http://www.realclearlife.com/sports...to-selling-insurance-after-nfl-dreams-fizzle/

Other common jobs:
Real estate Agent
Coach
Physical Therapist
Fitness Instructor

So yes, there is a tradeoff. Your son/daughter isn't going to consult for McKinsey or write code for Google or find a cure for cancer if they're spending most of their free time juggling a soccer ball year-round while their young and at the athletic fields on campus. Sounds harsh, but it's true. Imo, one of the reasons college athletes should be paid.

Take the Harvard degree with soccer over an FSU degree with soccer all day long. No-brainer.

I think this is quite off. Yes, there are many athletes who squander their college years thinking that they are going pro and going to make the big bucks. However, there is a reason that many in consulting, Wall St, etc look to hire college athletes. They know that it takes a certain level of dedication to compete in college that few have.

 

[Soccerfan2]

It's a harsh reality but kids who grow up spending all that time playing a sport (pick it) then play in college (especially D1 where the commitment is a full-time job) significantly limit their career paths. As this article relays, insurance sales is one of the few: http://www.realclearlife.com/sports...to-selling-insurance-after-nfl-dreams-fizzle/

Other common jobs:
Real estate Agent
Coach
Physical Therapist
Fitness Instructor

So yes, there is a tradeoff. Your son/daughter isn't going to consult for McKinsey or write code for Google or find a cure for cancer if they're spending most of their free time juggling a soccer ball year-round while their young and at the athletic fields on campus. Sounds harsh, but it's true. Imo, one of the reasons college athletes should be paid.

Take the Harvard degree with soccer over an FSU degree with soccer all day long. No-brainer.

I agree with pick the school first, and I agree that playing a D1 sport is a big commitment and many student athletes can’t balance both a demanding major and their sport. But the ones that can’t balance both weren’t going to consult for McKinley or write code for google anyway, and it isn’t because of soccer. There are plenty of examples of high level athletes who go on to have high level careers afterwards.

 

[focomoso]

But the ones that can’t balance both weren’t going to consult for McKinley or write code for google anyway...

Really, why's that?

 

[MWN]

Taking a step back ... playing sports for your HS or College provides an instant network of friends. I have twin daughters, one who is the 4.4 academic and the other a 3.7 athlete (competition cheer). The cheerleader always had an instant friend group, be it the sideline or competition cheerleaders. Her friendships were tight because she went to class, then practiced, attended games and competitions with these girls. The academic focused kid had more trouble with her friend groups and now in college is struggling to feel like she belongs. Not so for the athletic one.

Now, my son is in HS, a sophomore on the Varsity soccer team. Again, instant social network with kids that are generally higher performing kids. I view playing sports at college as a path to make navigating the social elements just a little easier for the kids. If it also teaches him to continue fighting to the whistle and never give up, like sports do, its a bonus life lesson.

 

[Messi>CR7]

Taking a step back ... playing sports for your HS or College provides an instant network of friends. I have twin daughters, one who is the 4.4 academic and the other a 3.7 athlete (competition cheer). The cheerleader always had an instant friend group, be it the sideline or competition cheerleaders. Her friendships were tight because she went to class, then practiced, attended games and competitions with these girls. The academic focused kid had more trouble with her friend groups and now in college is struggling to feel like she belongs. Not so for the athletic one.

Now, my son is in HS, a sophomore on the Varsity soccer team. Again, instant social network with kids that are generally higher performing kids. I view playing sports at college as a path to make navigating the social elements just a little easier for the kids. If it also teaches him to continue fighting to the whistle and never give up, like sports do, its a bonus life lesson.

I agree playing sports does take time away from other activities, but I really believe time management is more important. My two kids are still quite young, but I already see the difference even though we raise them the same way.

Within 3 minutes of getting home from soccer, my DD would already be on her homework while eating dinner at the same time. My younger boy, however, would be on his Nintendo or tablet. It will be at least an hour before he starts reading a book.

For now, I would be much more comfortable riding in Google's self driving car that runs on codes written by my DD than one written by my boy .

 

[mirage]

I agree playing sports does take time away from other activities, but I really believe time management is more important......

Completely agree. Effective time management creates options. Allows the player to decide what and how much time to spend doing anything - school work or social interactions.

When one looks at the aggregate student athlete career path, my sense is that less than stellar career by social standard is probably right - stereotype that follows "dumb jocks", Partly because so many sports have minor leagues/lower division professional levels that simply doesn't pay real living wages. And many washes out and end up selling insurance, become real estate sales and so on (btw, I'm not degrading those professions. Many in those professions make significant money and live quite comfortably).

I think its important to look at the body of work and patterns that any individual has established. Example is if a player, as a young kid, struggled in school, always late, procrastinated just about everything all the way through high school, but a great athlete that gets recruited to college. It would be unrealistic to expect that player to to major in something difficult, maintain GPA above 3.0 (because you need that to actually get an interview, much less a job with a good company), and all of sudden become a completely a different kind of a person.

The other end of the spectrum is a kid who got everything done, had lots of initiatives, maintained good grades and took challenging courses (e.g., AP) then gets recruited as a student athlete. Chances are that this player is taking more challenging major (generalizing here...), still maintain good grades and manages to do it all.

So the point is, I've always believed that its really up to the individual. Taking a good look at your own kids patterns objectively over the years can give you an insight into what kind of adults they'll be. Its not to say that something clicks in a person in college or early adulthood that changes that person. Clearly, it happens and some do make dramatic directional change - some for good and for worse.

 

[Keepermom2]

It's a harsh reality but kids who grow up spending all that time playing a sport (pick it) then play in college (especially D1 where the commitment is a full-time job) significantly limit their career paths. As this article relays, insurance sales is one of the few: http://www.realclearlife.com/sports...to-selling-insurance-after-nfl-dreams-fizzle/

Other common jobs:
Real estate Agent
Coach
Physical Therapist
Fitness Instructor

So yes, there is a tradeoff. Your son/daughter isn't going to consult for McKinsey or write code for Google or find a cure for cancer if they're spending most of their free time juggling a soccer ball year-round while their young and at the athletic fields on campus. Sounds harsh, but it's true. Imo, one of the reasons college athletes should be paid.

Take the Harvard degree with soccer over an FSU degree with soccer all day long. No-brainer.

I disagree except for the Harvard comment. I used to be involved with recruiting college students when I worked at a Big 4 Accounting firm. While generally speaking the first cut on resume review was the resumes with a 3.5 G.P.A., lower G.P.A.'s were considered if the student was involved with sports teams or had a job. If it was a choice between a 3.5 student that only focused on college and a 3.0 student that had a full time job or was committed to a team sport, with everything else being equal, we would probably choose the 3.0 student who showed the ability to work with a team (since everything we do is team based), and they obviously had to be committed to time management. Below 3.0 they could still go to a smaller firm and then come back after gaining a track record. For me personally, I would always support the 3.0 student in this situation because I found the higher the GPA the more my budgets were blown because they focused too much time on being perfect. I wanted someone with a proven record of time management.