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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]DD just turned 7; 1st grade.  I played soccer growing up and tried hard to get her into it when she was 4 -- coached her group, pushed skills, etc.  She resisted; in retrospect I tried too hard and I realize that now.  She wasn't into it anymore and I relented...  but we kept doing very low-key kick the ball around in the park-type fun things.  Fast forward three years, and she is showing a strong interest now, helped along by friends.  She is taller and hustles more than her peers, even if her ball skills are still coming along.

Anyway, what do you think I should do to support?  We live on the Hill.  I've heard SOTH has teams at around the U7/U8 level...  mini camps?  I don't want to push hard and turn her off again; honestly just want her to be happy enjoying the game and building confidence/skill...-

Thanks!!
[/quote]

Ask her if she'd like to join a team - maybe with her friends - and let her decide.

Also be aware that - at least in my experience - where boys want to compete, girls want to build a friend group - and the social aspect is at least as important to them as the sport itself.  And it sounds, from your remarks above that you are already seeing that to some extent.  So make sure that she continues to get that out of her experience if you want her to enjoy it and keep doing it.  For example - let her join whatever team her friends are already on if you can, or go to a camp which her friends are going to - rather than looking for the best team or the best coach.

I can tell you want her to excel - all parents do.  I have three kids myself.  One does excel at soccer.  The other two didn't, but played and enjoyed themselves nevertheless.  Remember you cannot make her excel - I think you've already discovered this but don't forget it.  For her to excel she will have to decide herself that that is what [b]she[/b] wants, and that [b]she[/b] is prepared to put in the effort necessary to do so.  If that happens then you can help guide her as she reaches ages and ability levels where she needs to move coaches or clubs or do outside training.  But if she doesn't want it - nothing you can do is going to make her want it - and in that case you are better off letting her play with her friends at whatever level they are all having fun with - which may end up being rec or low level travel.  As long as you content yourself with the fact that that is what she wants - you and she will both have just as much fun and enjoyment as if she were playing for an ECNL team.[/quote]

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