Should we be looking at other clubs?
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Anonymous
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This might be a soccer for dummies question because we’re new to this and know very little.
My kid is a 2018 playing U9 at a NOVA club that doesn’t get a lot of mention here. They do fine, they lose more than they win, it’s been a lot of fun, he loves it. He’ll be U9 again next year, and a friend with more knowledge than me made a comment that the kids should all try out for a number of clubs. Should I be looking at other clubs, and if so, which ones? He’s a good enough player but not a top team player and he’s young. We like it but it’s not going to be our world. |
Anonymous
| If you and your kid are happy at your current club, there is no need to look elsewhere. |
Anonymous
| I would find out who the coach is at your current club for next year before you make any decisions |
Anonymous
| Both PP are spot on. |
Anonymous
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I think we wouldn’t know who the coach is until he gets placed on the team he’ll be on, which happens at the start of the season. At least that’s how it worked this past year.
He seems happy so maybe we sit tight. I just don’t know what I don’t know. |
Anonymous
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If you like the club and the coach for next year there, no problem staying.
Also fine to go to a few tryouts and see if you like something else. Look for coaches who emphasize development at these ages. Winning can mean a good team/coach but it can also be the product of over reliance on size/athleticism over technical skills, kickball over team play, at u-little ages. Most important thing is whether your DC is having fun, playing with friends. Don’t get sucked into the rat race. |
Anonymous
| If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. No need to club shop at that age, even if others do. |
Anonymous
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OP, what area do you live in? If your kid is going to repeat U9, you might be surprised at how much better he is going to be repeating the U9 year. -At some point in the near future, you will catch on and start to understand team levels. -At some point in the near future, you will understand some teams play in competitive tournament brackets and some teams do not.
-At some point in the near future, you will turn around and realize your best players are gone and went to another club. -These are good questions to ask. If you are coming to this forum now (at U9) to start asking questions, you may find yourself caring a bit more in the future. -Nothing wrong with trying out at another club close by where you live. By U11, you will be coming to 3 practices per week, almost year around. You will be investing a significant amount of time and money... I say its ok to explore other options incase you like another club/ coach/ team better. |
Anonymous
| We live in Vienna. It’s probably worth exploring area options but I understand the whole “don’t fix what’s not broken” mentality and he’s super happy at the moment. |
Anonymous
Chill until he outgrows where he is. You will know. He will ask for more training, etc. The 1st team, top club blender is a mix more toxic than the Ivy league or bust environment. If you don’t have to be in that mix for your child, don’t join in the fray. |
Anonymous
There's nothing wrong with learning what other options are nearby so you have that info if/when the time comes to change. But for now, don't mess with happy. |
Anonymous
Thanks for the info! I’ll happily chill the heck out. 
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Anonymous
Oh wait that changes everything! You live in Vienna? Then yes look for another team! |
Anonymous
??? |
Anonymous
You should be evaluating other clubs from now until your child ends playing. Just keep it to yourself. |