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[quote=Anonymous]My daughter started rec soccer a little late, close to 8 years old.  We played rec for Loudoun for year, and then moved up to challenge.  Although she wasn't naturally athletic, she learned the fundamentals and understood the game quickly.  She's moved around from team to team quite a bit (every 1-2 seasons).  and learned a lot from the different coaches while playing many of the positions (except goalie and centerback).  We have been trying different sports in the off seasons, but just recently tried futsal which has really elevated her game and confidence.

She's turning 11 soon, and is now in the U12 category.  Many of her friends moved on to travel soccer last season, but at different clubs.  She has been doing travel tryouts each year, but have not accepted any offers.  They were for the lower or middle teams, and we were not willing to commit the time and money if the players and coaches were of a similar quality to what she has now.  She's been invited to practice with a few travel teams, and has really enjoyed the more intense and longer practice sessions.  We recently heard about USL-Y, and tried out at various clubs.  Although she did not receive any offers, I think she still gained a lot of confidence and experience getting to play with older girls (u12 was mixed in with u13 and u14) and boys (not enough girls showed up).  Lately, she's been asking if she can join in pick up games, but I've only seen ones with grown men locally.

She's signed up for challenge again in the spring, but I think she'd fit in well on a travel team.  The question is whether it is worth the extra money and travel time for weekend tournaments?  We aren't in it for a college scholarship or becoming a pro, but she wants continue growing.  She just loves the game and challenge.   There's some added pressure because kids at this age are thinking about GA or ECNL.  If she's not playing on the 1st teams, is that something to even worry about?  At what age is it too late to make sense for joining travel soccer?

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