Why play in college

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the real question OP is asking is opportunity cost. With that much amount of time, energy, money poured into soccer, what else can you achieve if you choose not to use the above resources on soccer?

Agreed but how is OP’s question any different from anything else you pour your heart and soul into for years, but ultimately decide not to pursue? How many of us work in a field that matches our undergraduate major? Or if we want to go down that route, how many of us are divorced 😂?

Agreed. I feel like there is an undercurrent that putting time and energy into a sport like soccer is seen as a negative. And yet I know many who spent time and money on music, dance, art etc. And eventually, it drops by the wayside as well - certainly countless hours went into those activities as well. I think having a passion for anything is a good thing. Overtime that might change but I don't see why it has become such a hot-button topic. I'm grateful my kid had something they wanted to spend all their time doing. It helped them through covid, provided them with confidence, built relationships. All positives to me and worth every penny and every minute.

I think what makes soccer (or certain sports such as basketball) different from music, dance, art etc. is the heavy involvement of parents, i.e. politics, at young age. We are new to soccer, but the extent of parents trying to influence coaches, players and other parents even, was totally unheard of to me in the before soccer era. I have other kids doing extremely well in individual sports. The politics part often makes me question the value of soccer (or other team sports). Is it to introduce kids to politics at a young age? Determination, dedication, time management, goal setting, experience of failure, etc. All kids doing extracurriculum (actually academics included too) at a decently high level would learn all above. What makes soccer different is the political element. Is it soccer all about?

This is an interesting perspective. One that our family did not experience with either of our kids. Sure there were parents at practices and games. But it was a lovely community of like-minded families. If a family wanted a different level of play or style of play they moved on to another team. Our parents were well-behaved on the sidelines - cheering on their players but not influencing the coach, the ref or the game. Both our kids played at a high level - so it's not based on the competitive level. Perhaps this is by the soccer club or location? But I don't think you can make a generalization. Regardless I'm incredibly grateful for the years of soccer and the parents on the sidelines.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of which will still be fully attainable via club sports at each college if the future of the NCAA goes the way people are thinking.

College soccer is going nowhere. On the women's side I can say that as an absolute. But most likely on the men's side as well. While there could be changes -- all will be navigated. Schools do not want to give up sports. Title IX will also still require women's sports to match men's.

Define going nowhere. Pro? What percentage of college players also have the ambition to play pro? Club sports can be high performing, but not all schools have club sports that are. I think a player that is good enough for college would be bored/unmotivated by a vast majority of club soccer programs. Again the common theme I am seeing is that folks feel like there is only one pathway or one reason to continue playing in college. For those interested in the pro route, then yes college soccer might not be the best pathway. But it should be noted that there are MANY reasons to play in college. It should also be noted what pathway you are talking about when you say college soccer isn't going anywhere. Clarity here is key.

Almost no college soccer players have interest playing pro. Maybe 60-80 a year have any interest and less than half of that will play. What I was saying is that College soccer is here to stay and nothing about court cases or anything else will change that. As a pathway to the pros? Who cares? Women's pro soccer is great. Just went to the Spirit game. But I am not sure that there are many that want to play pro.

Thank you for your feedback coach pay to play.

However most young girls do dream about playing professionally. At least until you ruin it for them.

There’s a difference between wanting to play pro and reality. Sure most younger kids, elementary ages, want to play pro. Every kid wants to play in the NFL and NBA. But by the time they reach high school they themselves know it’s not possible for them because they realize they just don’t have that level of talent. By the time they are in college, 95% of the players know pro is not possible but they still play.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of which will still be fully attainable via club sports at each college if the future of the NCAA goes the way people are thinking.

College soccer is going nowhere. On the women's side I can say that as an absolute. But most likely on the men's side as well. While there could be changes -- all will be navigated. Schools do not want to give up sports. Title IX will also still require women's sports to match men's.

Define going nowhere. Pro? What percentage of college players also have the ambition to play pro? Club sports can be high performing, but not all schools have club sports that are. I think a player that is good enough for college would be bored/unmotivated by a vast majority of club soccer programs. Again the common theme I am seeing is that folks feel like there is only one pathway or one reason to continue playing in college. For those interested in the pro route, then yes college soccer might not be the best pathway. But it should be noted that there are MANY reasons to play in college. It should also be noted what pathway you are talking about when you say college soccer isn't going anywhere. Clarity here is key.

Almost no college soccer players have interest playing pro. Maybe 60-80 a year have any interest and less than half of that will play. What I was saying is that College soccer is here to stay and nothing about court cases or anything else will change that. As a pathway to the pros? Who cares? Women's pro soccer is great. Just went to the Spirit game. But I am not sure that there are many that want to play pro.

Thank you for your feedback coach pay to play.

However most young girls do dream about playing professionally. At least until you ruin it for them.

Most young girls have dreams.
Most kids won’t work to reach them
Most don’t have the athleticism
Most around here have parents that think they can close any gaps with purchasing power of $
It doesn’t work like that, never has
Most find a dream that fits their ability and work towards it

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of which will still be fully attainable via club sports at each college if the future of the NCAA goes the way people are thinking.

College soccer is going nowhere. On the women's side I can say that as an absolute. But most likely on the men's side as well. While there could be changes -- all will be navigated. Schools do not want to give up sports. Title IX will also still require women's sports to match men's.

Define going nowhere. Pro? What percentage of college players also have the ambition to play pro? Club sports can be high performing, but not all schools have club sports that are. I think a player that is good enough for college would be bored/unmotivated by a vast majority of club soccer programs. Again the common theme I am seeing is that folks feel like there is only one pathway or one reason to continue playing in college. For those interested in the pro route, then yes college soccer might not be the best pathway. But it should be noted that there are MANY reasons to play in college. It should also be noted what pathway you are talking about when you say college soccer isn't going anywhere. Clarity here is key.

Almost no college soccer players have interest playing pro. Maybe 60-80 a year have any interest and less than half of that will play. What I was saying is that College soccer is here to stay and nothing about court cases or anything else will change that. As a pathway to the pros? Who cares? Women's pro soccer is great. Just went to the Spirit game. But I am not sure that there are many that want to play pro.

Thank you for your feedback coach pay to play.

However most young girls do dream about playing professionally. At least until you ruin it for them.

Most young girls have dreams.
Most kids won’t work to reach them
Most don’t have the athleticism
Most around here have parents that think they can close any gaps with purchasing power of $
It doesn’t work like that, never has
Most find a dream that fits their ability and work towards it

The money matters and the parents are aggressive about it even if the kids have very little talent. Seeing Duke, UVA commits like this all the time now. Really good players on top teams get passed over all the time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of which will still be fully attainable via club sports at each college if the future of the NCAA goes the way people are thinking.

College soccer is going nowhere. On the women's side I can say that as an absolute. But most likely on the men's side as well. While there could be changes -- all will be navigated. Schools do not want to give up sports. Title IX will also still require women's sports to match men's.

Define going nowhere. Pro? What percentage of college players also have the ambition to play pro? Club sports can be high performing, but not all schools have club sports that are. I think a player that is good enough for college would be bored/unmotivated by a vast majority of club soccer programs. Again the common theme I am seeing is that folks feel like there is only one pathway or one reason to continue playing in college. For those interested in the pro route, then yes college soccer might not be the best pathway. But it should be noted that there are MANY reasons to play in college. It should also be noted what pathway you are talking about when you say college soccer isn't going anywhere. Clarity here is key.

Almost no college soccer players have interest playing pro. Maybe 60-80 a year have any interest and less than half of that will play. What I was saying is that College soccer is here to stay and nothing about court cases or anything else will change that. As a pathway to the pros? Who cares? Women's pro soccer is great. Just went to the Spirit game. But I am not sure that there are many that want to play pro.

Thank you for your feedback coach pay to play.

However most young girls do dream about playing professionally. At least until you ruin it for them.

Is coach pay to play supposed to coach for free?

Pay-to-play isn't the sin within itself
It's how much we pay and what we get in return that's the problem

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of which will still be fully attainable via club sports at each college if the future of the NCAA goes the way people are thinking.

College soccer is going nowhere. On the women's side I can say that as an absolute. But most likely on the men's side as well. While there could be changes -- all will be navigated. Schools do not want to give up sports. Title IX will also still require women's sports to match men's.

Define going nowhere. Pro? What percentage of college players also have the ambition to play pro? Club sports can be high performing, but not all schools have club sports that are. I think a player that is good enough for college would be bored/unmotivated by a vast majority of club soccer programs. Again the common theme I am seeing is that folks feel like there is only one pathway or one reason to continue playing in college. For those interested in the pro route, then yes college soccer might not be the best pathway. But it should be noted that there are MANY reasons to play in college. It should also be noted what pathway you are talking about when you say college soccer isn't going anywhere. Clarity here is key.

Almost no college soccer players have interest playing pro. Maybe 60-80 a year have any interest and less than half of that will play. What I was saying is that College soccer is here to stay and nothing about court cases or anything else will change that. As a pathway to the pros? Who cares? Women's pro soccer is great. Just went to the Spirit game. But I am not sure that there are many that want to play pro.

Thank you for your feedback coach pay to play.

However most young girls do dream about playing professionally. At least until you ruin it for them.

Most young girls have dreams.
Most kids won’t work to reach them
Most don’t have the athleticism
Most around here have parents that think they can close any gaps with purchasing power of $
It doesn’t work like that, never has
Most find a dream that fits their ability and work towards it

The money matters and the parents are aggressive about it even if the kids have very little talent. Seeing Duke, UVA commits like this all the time now. Really good players on top teams get passed over all the time.

There's little to no scholarship monies to be had in college soccer.
So why do parents that have plenty of $$ and the kids are doing academically well drive themselves crazy with soccer?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of which will still be fully attainable via club sports at each college if the future of the NCAA goes the way people are thinking.

College soccer is going nowhere. On the women's side I can say that as an absolute. But most likely on the men's side as well. While there could be changes -- all will be navigated. Schools do not want to give up sports. Title IX will also still require women's sports to match men's.

Define going nowhere. Pro? What percentage of college players also have the ambition to play pro? Club sports can be high performing, but not all schools have club sports that are. I think a player that is good enough for college would be bored/unmotivated by a vast majority of club soccer programs. Again the common theme I am seeing is that folks feel like there is only one pathway or one reason to continue playing in college. For those interested in the pro route, then yes college soccer might not be the best pathway. But it should be noted that there are MANY reasons to play in college. It should also be noted what pathway you are talking about when you say college soccer isn't going anywhere. Clarity here is key.

Almost no college soccer players have interest playing pro. Maybe 60-80 a year have any interest and less than half of that will play. What I was saying is that College soccer is here to stay and nothing about court cases or anything else will change that. As a pathway to the pros? Who cares? Women's pro soccer is great. Just went to the Spirit game. But I am not sure that there are many that want to play pro.

Thank you for your feedback coach pay to play.

However most young girls do dream about playing professionally. At least until you ruin it for them.

Is coach pay to play supposed to coach for free?

Pay-to-play isn't the sin within itself
It's how much we pay and what we get in return that's the problem

It's more than that. Pay to play creates an expectation that players need to pay $$$ to train and get better.

Unfortunaly for girls right now there's no free options for training. When this changes pay to play will be acceptable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of which will still be fully attainable via club sports at each college if the future of the NCAA goes the way people are thinking.

College soccer is going nowhere. On the women's side I can say that as an absolute. But most likely on the men's side as well. While there could be changes -- all will be navigated. Schools do not want to give up sports. Title IX will also still require women's sports to match men's.

Define going nowhere. Pro? What percentage of college players also have the ambition to play pro? Club sports can be high performing, but not all schools have club sports that are. I think a player that is good enough for college would be bored/unmotivated by a vast majority of club soccer programs. Again the common theme I am seeing is that folks feel like there is only one pathway or one reason to continue playing in college. For those interested in the pro route, then yes college soccer might not be the best pathway. But it should be noted that there are MANY reasons to play in college. It should also be noted what pathway you are talking about when you say college soccer isn't going anywhere. Clarity here is key.

Almost no college soccer players have interest playing pro. Maybe 60-80 a year have any interest and less than half of that will play. What I was saying is that College soccer is here to stay and nothing about court cases or anything else will change that. As a pathway to the pros? Who cares? Women's pro soccer is great. Just went to the Spirit game. But I am not sure that there are many that want to play pro.

Thank you for your feedback coach pay to play.

However most young girls do dream about playing professionally. At least until you ruin it for them.

Is coach pay to play supposed to coach for free?

Pay-to-play isn't the sin within itself
It's how much we pay and what we get in return that's the problem

It's more than that. Pay to play creates an expectation that players need to pay $$$ to train and get better.

Unfortunaly for girls right now there's no free options for training. When this changes pay to play will be acceptable.

free?

what is stopping parents from working with kids or a couple teammates working together?

how many kids are getting up and running 3 miles w surges every morning?

ain't nothing free, costs time, sweat and tears and some loneliness

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of which will still be fully attainable via club sports at each college if the future of the NCAA goes the way people are thinking.

College soccer is going nowhere. On the women's side I can say that as an absolute. But most likely on the men's side as well. While there could be changes -- all will be navigated. Schools do not want to give up sports. Title IX will also still require women's sports to match men's.

Define going nowhere. Pro? What percentage of college players also have the ambition to play pro? Club sports can be high performing, but not all schools have club sports that are. I think a player that is good enough for college would be bored/unmotivated by a vast majority of club soccer programs. Again the common theme I am seeing is that folks feel like there is only one pathway or one reason to continue playing in college. For those interested in the pro route, then yes college soccer might not be the best pathway. But it should be noted that there are MANY reasons to play in college. It should also be noted what pathway you are talking about when you say college soccer isn't going anywhere. Clarity here is key.

Almost no college soccer players have interest playing pro. Maybe 60-80 a year have any interest and less than half of that will play. What I was saying is that College soccer is here to stay and nothing about court cases or anything else will change that. As a pathway to the pros? Who cares? Women's pro soccer is great. Just went to the Spirit game. But I am not sure that there are many that want to play pro.

Thank you for your feedback coach pay to play.

However most young girls do dream about playing professionally. At least until you ruin it for them.

Is coach pay to play supposed to coach for free?

Pay-to-play isn't the sin within itself
It's how much we pay and what we get in return that's the problem

It's more than that. Pay to play creates an expectation that players need to pay $$$ to train and get better.

Unfortunaly for girls right now there's no free options for training. When this changes pay to play will be acceptable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of which will still be fully attainable via club sports at each college if the future of the NCAA goes the way people are thinking.

College soccer is going nowhere. On the women's side I can say that as an absolute. But most likely on the men's side as well. While there could be changes -- all will be navigated. Schools do not want to give up sports. Title IX will also still require women's sports to match men's.

Define going nowhere. Pro? What percentage of college players also have the ambition to play pro? Club sports can be high performing, but not all schools have club sports that are. I think a player that is good enough for college would be bored/unmotivated by a vast majority of club soccer programs. Again the common theme I am seeing is that folks feel like there is only one pathway or one reason to continue playing in college. For those interested in the pro route, then yes college soccer might not be the best pathway. But it should be noted that there are MANY reasons to play in college. It should also be noted what pathway you are talking about when you say college soccer isn't going anywhere. Clarity here is key.

Almost no college soccer players have interest playing pro. Maybe 60-80 a year have any interest and less than half of that will play. What I was saying is that College soccer is here to stay and nothing about court cases or anything else will change that. As a pathway to the pros? Who cares? Women's pro soccer is great. Just went to the Spirit game. But I am not sure that there are many that want to play pro.

Thank you for your feedback coach pay to play.

However most young girls do dream about playing professionally. At least until you ruin it for them.

Is coach pay to play supposed to coach for free?

Pay-to-play isn't the sin within itself
It's how much we pay and what we get in return that's the problem

It's more than that. Pay to play creates an expectation that players need to pay $$$ to train and get better.

Unfortunaly for girls right now there's no free options for training. When this changes pay to play will be acceptable.

Why would p2p be acceptable if free training is available? don't understand

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of which will still be fully attainable via club sports at each college if the future of the NCAA goes the way people are thinking.

College soccer is going nowhere. On the women's side I can say that as an absolute. But most likely on the men's side as well. While there could be changes -- all will be navigated. Schools do not want to give up sports. Title IX will also still require women's sports to match men's.

Define going nowhere. Pro? What percentage of college players also have the ambition to play pro? Club sports can be high performing, but not all schools have club sports that are. I think a player that is good enough for college would be bored/unmotivated by a vast majority of club soccer programs. Again the common theme I am seeing is that folks feel like there is only one pathway or one reason to continue playing in college. For those interested in the pro route, then yes college soccer might not be the best pathway. But it should be noted that there are MANY reasons to play in college. It should also be noted what pathway you are talking about when you say college soccer isn't going anywhere. Clarity here is key.

Almost no college soccer players have interest playing pro. Maybe 60-80 a year have any interest and less than half of that will play. What I was saying is that College soccer is here to stay and nothing about court cases or anything else will change that. As a pathway to the pros? Who cares? Women's pro soccer is great. Just went to the Spirit game. But I am not sure that there are many that want to play pro.

Thank you for your feedback coach pay to play.

However most young girls do dream about playing professionally. At least until you ruin it for them.

Is coach pay to play supposed to coach for free?

False premise. Read Michael Lewis on the cancer that is travel sports. It started with soccer but has moved to other sports like softball because pure profit drives this more than player development. Much like American football it should be the high school where soccer players get recruited for soccer not club. College coaches are the driver. If they recruited more from high school - particularly for DIii travel would die.

It is ridiculous situation currently where real athletes must compete with Daddy Deep pockets for space on club teams.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of which will still be fully attainable via club sports at each college if the future of the NCAA goes the way people are thinking.

College soccer is going nowhere. On the women's side I can say that as an absolute. But most likely on the men's side as well. While there could be changes -- all will be navigated. Schools do not want to give up sports. Title IX will also still require women's sports to match men's.

Define going nowhere. Pro? What percentage of college players also have the ambition to play pro? Club sports can be high performing, but not all schools have club sports that are. I think a player that is good enough for college would be bored/unmotivated by a vast majority of club soccer programs. Again the common theme I am seeing is that folks feel like there is only one pathway or one reason to continue playing in college. For those interested in the pro route, then yes college soccer might not be the best pathway. But it should be noted that there are MANY reasons to play in college. It should also be noted what pathway you are talking about when you say college soccer isn't going anywhere. Clarity here is key.

Almost no college soccer players have interest playing pro. Maybe 60-80 a year have any interest and less than half of that will play. What I was saying is that College soccer is here to stay and nothing about court cases or anything else will change that. As a pathway to the pros? Who cares? Women's pro soccer is great. Just went to the Spirit game. But I am not sure that there are many that want to play pro.

Thank you for your feedback coach pay to play.

However most young girls do dream about playing professionally. At least until you ruin it for them.

Is coach pay to play supposed to coach for free?

False premise. Read Michael Lewis on the cancer that is travel sports. It started with soccer but has moved to other sports like softball because pure profit drives this more than player development. Much like American football it should be the high school where soccer players get recruited for soccer not club. College coaches are the driver. If they recruited more from high school - particularly for DIii travel would die.

It is ridiculous situation currently where real athletes must compete with Daddy Deep pockets for space on club teams.

com'on some of the daddy deep pockets kids are real athletes and also have platinum cards

college coaches don't need to go to high schools, because if you're playing in high school and good enough for college, you're also playing on a travel team

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You could ask the same question about why do anything in college? Why join the marching band or a sorority or work at the school newspaper? Presumably because it's something you enjoy doing. All of these things take up time and end once college is over but they are still activities that provide enjoyment and instill a lot of valuable life lessons that will serve them in the future.

This. The point is get involved in something. Two of my kids are at big 10 schools pursuing science degrees. One is a D1 athlete and the other does extracurricular music clubs. Both are learning so much through their involvement and probably invest a similar amount of time on them.

As someone pointed out participation in the D1 has its perks: scholarship, meals and academics supports (registers early and has weekly academic advising- if his grades slip it is addressed.)

I trust the skills they’ve gathered will be useful I also hope it’ll be recognized as having some value once they enter the workforce.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of which will still be fully attainable via club sports at each college if the future of the NCAA goes the way people are thinking.

College soccer is going nowhere. On the women's side I can say that as an absolute. But most likely on the men's side as well. While there could be changes -- all will be navigated. Schools do not want to give up sports. Title IX will also still require women's sports to match men's.

Define going nowhere. Pro? What percentage of college players also have the ambition to play pro? Club sports can be high performing, but not all schools have club sports that are. I think a player that is good enough for college would be bored/unmotivated by a vast majority of club soccer programs. Again the common theme I am seeing is that folks feel like there is only one pathway or one reason to continue playing in college. For those interested in the pro route, then yes college soccer might not be the best pathway. But it should be noted that there are MANY reasons to play in college. It should also be noted what pathway you are talking about when you say college soccer isn't going anywhere. Clarity here is key.

Almost no college soccer players have interest playing pro. Maybe 60-80 a year have any interest and less than half of that will play. What I was saying is that College soccer is here to stay and nothing about court cases or anything else will change that. As a pathway to the pros? Who cares? Women's pro soccer is great. Just went to the Spirit game. But I am not sure that there are many that want to play pro.

Thank you for your feedback coach pay to play.

However most young girls do dream about playing professionally. At least until you ruin it for them.

Is coach pay to play supposed to coach for free?

Pay-to-play isn't the sin within itself
It's how much we pay and what we get in return that's the problem

It's more than that. Pay to play creates an expectation that players need to pay $$$ to train and get better.

Unfortunaly for girls right now there's no free options for training. When this changes pay to play will be acceptable.

Why would p2p be acceptable if free training is available? don't understand

It's what free vs p2p training represent.

Free training = Academy development. Top talent plays everyone else gets shifted through the system. In this type of environment generally everyone plays up. The idea is to identify high level talent in the shortest time. Identified talent gets sold off via transfer fees and this is what pays for all the players development.

P2P training = Player funded development. Talent pays for their development. In this configuration deepest pockets will get developed to the highest level. Is this a good or bad thing? Nobody really knows.

Wiith girls free training doesn't currently exist in America.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many of DC's teammates seem obsessed with being able to play in college. They are strong students from UMC families so this is not their only pathway to getting into college. Very few college players go pro. Most of the ones I know who played in college and kept up with soccer became children's soccer coaches. The rest had a variety of careers completely unrelated to soccer.

Troll

Why are you calling OP a troll? This is a legitimate question and one that more families should be asking. The amount of time and money that families pour into girls youth soccer with the goal of playing in college is significant. It makes sense to step back to see whether that investment is worth the return. The ROI doesn't have to just be financial - there are non-financial reasons to participate in youth sports, but so many families seem to think that their kid will get a full ride to an amazing school on a soccer scholarship and that is not the reality.