How to choose the right Soccer league..

[Anonymous]

DS has been playing for Takoma Soccer for several years. We love the team, coaches, families, etc. The cost has been incredibly reasonable and it was the perfect league to get my kid interested in soccer and learning to play. That being said, I think he would like something a little bit more competitive. Last season, there was a much larger distinction between the children who really loved soccer and were putting in a lot of practice time, and those who enjoyed playing the game but were perhaps less interested.

We are still not interested in a huge commitment, but just maybe the "next level." The only people we know in a different league are in Stoddert, and their experience sounds fairly similar.

When do you know it is the right time to find a new league/team? Any suggestions we might be interested in?

[Anonymous]

I have two children who began in Takoma Soccer (rec) and eventually moved to NCSL travel teams through Takoma Soccer Club. Depending on your child's age, there may be an NCSL team based in Takoma that would be a good fit. Check out http://www.ncsl-soccer.com/_element_display/#%2F80738%2Fteams%2Fclub%2F15599475.html%3Fdummy%3D1563909492257

I'm on the hunt for a new team for my third chid but unfortunately there is no Takoma Soccer Club team for her age (GU11).

If you make this switch, there will likely be twice-weekly practices instead of once-weekly, and weekend games may be as far as an hour away from home-- a big change from Takoma Rec. But the quality of soccer is markedly better.

[Anonymous]

What do people think about DC Stodderts new All Star League? Would that be the level being requested here?

[Anonymous]

For our kids - who like soccer and have some skills - but don't want the huge commitment of travel soccer - we've found both PPA and MSI Classic to be a good next step after Takoma Soccer.

[Anonymous]

The NYT has an important article about soccer brain injuries. How does one protect a growing brain against these injuries?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The NYT has an important article about soccer brain injuries. How does one protect a growing brain against these injuries?

Limit heading the ball

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The NYT has an important article about soccer brain injuries. How does one protect a growing brain against these injuries?

If you are concerned about this (and that is not unreasonable), I would keep your kids out of competitive sports that have more head contact and concussions like football, ice hockey w/ checking, soccer. Even in baseball where head contact is not routinely expected, players do have baseballs hit their batting helmets or directly hit their head, there are accidents with bats etc.. With all the discussion about the dangers in football (which I think is real), I do wonder when people start to extend it more to that competitive sports in general are fairly dangerous.

[Anonymous]

The NYT has an important article about soccer brain injuries. How does one protect a growing brain against these injuries?

Pick a potion other than goalie to minimize risk.