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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Can any Arlington posters tell me about their family's experience in the ASA U9 boys travel program?  I'm trying to get a sense of the environment for the U9 boys.  Also interested in what a typical week looks like (how many practices?  How many games?  How much actual travel?).  I've read the ASA commitment letter, but I don't know how that abstract "commitment" translates in a real life basis.

My first grader DS particulated in the ASA U9 tryouts, and he's been offered a roster spot.  We've got 48 hours (less now) to accept or decline.  We're completely new to the travel soccer scene, and it seems like a big commitment.  I'm just trying to figure out if it's worth it for DS (who is a good player, but not gifted, and really enjoys soccer - and competition, generally- but also has other activities and interests).  I'm open to the idea of travel soccer, but I do have significant reservations.  I'm considering ADP (if DS gets through the tryout) as an alternative.

DS is really excited to have "made the travel team" but he has no idea what he's signing up for.  I've asked him to consider what he'd be willing to give up tone on the travel team (other sporting activities?  Birthday parties for friends?  Hanging out with neighborhood kids after school some nights?).

Any input from more experienced parents would be much appreciated!

[/quote]

you really have to try it for at least a season to know whether it's worth it for your family.[/quote]

Agree.  Out of our friends it's 50-50 on what kids want to do it again at u10.  Two former soccer-loving kid's friends are quitting after first year.  The other 2 are going back.

It's a lot for a 2nd grader.  Everyone used to start in 3rd, but birth year change has pushed it into even younger grades.  You can always try it, bit if you see it is too much--just sit them out one of the 3 practices and drop to ADP following year.

Don't let others scare you into thinking doors close if you don't accept.  By U12-there are a ton of free roster spots again.[/quote]

Thanks to you - and the others who responded - for your advice.  I really appreciate it.  We decided to decline the Arlington U9 roster spot, and will pursue ADP instead for next year.  The travel commitment seemed a lot for DS, who is still interested in other activities (martial arts, baseball, basketball) and also enjoys unstructured time with his friends.  I was worried that he might burn out, and be soured on soccer (which would be a shame).  It would also be a lot for us, as two working parents.  We were all - DS included - just a bit too ambivalent to make such a big commitment of time when DS is still only 7.  I hope that DS will enjoy ADP (assuming he makes it), play plenty of soccer, and after a year, or more, can decide whether he wants to try out for travel again.  Maybe he can get into travel at U12 when plenty of kids are getting out.  We understand that there is no guarantee that he'll ever make a traval team again, but if playing ADP as a second grader closes the doors to travel soccer for good, then so be it.

I will say that I was impressed with the way that ASA ran the tryouts (and later, the sorting session for the accepted U9 players). That was a lot of soccer and a lot of boys, and everything ran really well.  DS thoroughly enjoyed it, and we'll have no qualms about putting DS through the tryout process again when he is a little older.

Good luck to all on travel teams for the coming year!  [/quote]

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