My 11yo DD loves playing soccer. I however am not investing my life into it. I just paid $295 for her to play for a rec league in the spring ( that includes the volunteer opt out fee)
It’s twice a week plus a game on Saturday.
Every sport has manic parents OP it’s not just soccer. The majority of us though are just normal people who want our kid to stay healthy and have fun doing it.

They love it, good exercise, friendships, learning to deal with losing and that practice equals results.

Neither parent played, so it’s not our thing. And I’d say that the friendships and lessons about practice also apply to band, not just sports.

I guess you can say some kids love soccer but some kids LOVE it with a fiery passion. Most of them will constantly come up with competitions and sports help channel it. If you don't have a kid like that, you won't get it. They wake up and it's a competition of who gets ready fastest, who can make a basket in the trash can from furthest away, who can jump higher.... In higher levels of competitive sport, they find their people and it brings them the most joy. I have both sporty and non sporty kids so I know it's not something you can encourage or discourage

Anonymous wrote:I'm guessing the OP's post is targeted towards towards parents with children who play travel. Having had two children who have gone through the whole process and on to play college, I can honestly say we did it because they loved it and both wanted something beyond rec. I also fell in love with the sport in the process, and we genuinely loved watching our children play.

There is no way we would have done it otherwise. Chasing a scholarship is a fools errand, you'll probably spend nearly as much in a full travel career as you would have in scholarship money. Professional is for a very special few, and we knew early on my kids weren't it when it came to soccer. Certainly not worth it just to excel in a high school sport.

Same here, also have kid playing college and enjoying those games. I’m really going to miss it when those days are over.

It's been a great experience, but I wouldnt do it if dc wasnt the best on the top team in the best league, with D1 power 5 scholarships being projected. DC loves it and why wouldnt they, being the best at something feels good and helps build confidence. I agree with the OP though, if Dc wasnt the best on team, we always think why do these other parents do it. Some are mid level players spending all their time and money and for what; a low level d1 school, or d3 or even Ivy (could you not get in on academics alone?) and also having to pay for tuition , LOL!

For the parents, it's a great feeling as well! Everyone knows your dc is the star, so with it comes lots of benefits. We get preferential treatment from the club and coaches; teachers, school, etc. Not quite like a football star, which I was from the south, but you get it.

Great topic, looking forward to reading the replies!

Really for us the answer is DS likes it. He enjoys the sport, it keeps him active, and he has a lot of friends who play. Dh and I don't get our emotions involved and knock on wood, DS has handled the competitive nature well so far. DS is an only and DH and I have flexible work schedules so practices and games really don't put us out that much. If there comes a point when DS wants to step back or stop, we will support him.

Being part of a team, working towards a goal to get better, experiencing winning and losing. All great life lessons. For parents who played team sports as children, many credit it towards their development as adults. If you’ve never played, then you don’t get it.

I'm guessing the OP's post is targeted towards towards parents with children who play travel. Having had two children who have gone through the whole process and on to play college, I can honestly say we did it because they loved it and both wanted something beyond rec. I also fell in love with the sport in the process, and we genuinely loved watching our children play.

There is no way we would have done it otherwise. Chasing a scholarship is a fools errand, you'll probably spend nearly as much in a full travel career as you would have in scholarship money. Professional is for a very special few, and we knew early on my kids weren't it when it came to soccer. Certainly not worth it just to excel in a high school sport.

Anonymous wrote:My children play Recreation soccer with their friends and have a good time, are outside getting fresh air twice a week (practices and games), and are having fun.

Twice a week for what? 8 weeks in the Fall & Spring?

You can say the same of any activity taken to extremes... which means, in many areas of the US, including here, ALL THE ACTIVITIES.

But you mention playing in the sand. Wait until you have teens with college applications looming and get back to me about the years of dedication to an extra-curricular. Again, not soccer in particular. Any activity.

Because they want to. I’m not sure what we would do with all the free time if we didn’t have 4 practices a week, traveling to tournaments. It’s fun

My children play Recreation soccer with their friends and have a good time, are outside getting fresh air twice a week (practices and games), and are having fun. It's definitely not pricey, practices are near our home, and games in Montgomery County.

So not putting crazy money into it, or spending a fortune on far away tournamenrs (like Travel parents), hoping they continue to have fun, keep and make friends, and mostly, have an appreciation of the beautiful game. FWIW, one also plays another sport, and the other has another, indoor activity they also enjoy.

“Send”? Weird wording.

It’s healthy for kids to exercise, be part of a team, practice leadership, learn resilience.

All of the above OP for 99% of parents of any sport.

90% of the kids that play any sports do it for dear old mom and dad.

I know the standard answer is that because your son/daughter loves it. But kids love all kinds of things. Playing in the sand is fun to them. Laying on the couch is desirable too. I know kids love soccer. But the amount of energy/effort/time/money/emotion parents pour into it definitely does not get justified by just saying "my kid loves it". So what are you pursuing in the whole process? A professional career? A college scholarship? A glory at high school team? A place to channel your energy? A chance to re-live your childhood dream?