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[quote=Anonymous]I have a son playing in college now. My list:

1. Do not worry about team level under age 13. My college player is playing at a far higher level now than any of the top team kids in his club at age 10 or so. He played on lower level teams until he was around 14. Development is more important. Find the coach that teaches touches.

2. In an area with lots of clubs, move clubs. Kids need to learn to be flexible and learn with different styles. Kids who stick with one coach/club the whole way through will have a harder time in college.

3. I was shocked to see how the donor/patronage system works in college athletics. Don’t be surprised by it. The issue is that there is a large group of kids who are very good and very few spots, especially on the boys side. Coaches can and do pick kids who come with large donations to the college. If two kids are approximately the same skill-wise, the one who has connections to the board will get in. Note that I’m not sure how this will work now that there are roster limits, but the rosters are still big enough to effectively field a shadow team, so I doubt it will stop.

4. If a team goes to a lot of tournaments under age 13 or so, pick a different team. Skills development doesn’t happen in tournaments. They are just for fun. Once a season is plenty.

5. Kids who don’t watch soccer won’t learn tactics. Also, it’s an indication of interest. If your kid doesn’t follow soccer at all, I don’t think it will work out long term at the college/pro level.

6. This is going to make the soccer crazies on this board insane but: MLSNext is overrated for boys. If your kid is getting good coaching and exposure on an ECNL team, that might be fine.

7. Men’s D1 college soccer is largely about the transfer portal and internationals these days. Consider community college at one of the top soccer programs in California (also a gamble but opens the UCs).

8. If you are getting advice from someone who has a son in college and you have a girl, it’s likely to be inaccurate and vice versa. They are almost different sports when it comes to college.

9. Invest early on in shade products: pop up tents, large umbrellas, tent shades, very wide brim hats, etc. Your skin will thank you. [/quote]

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