I can’t imagine how many rubber pellets will be eaten. And if it is on a gym floor then you’d better pack some ice packs.

I previously signed my kids up for gymnastics and swimming lessons at those ages…so glad the OP didn’t know about that! They might want to prevent me from spending my hard earned money on my next child too! I’ll just tell them, “Sorry little Becky, we have to waste our time and put you in Soccer Tots. Yes I know it’s my money, but if I put you in a better soccer class for 5 year olds, someone will be butt-hurt on the internet.”

Man, more power to the folks that are offering this stuff and finding a market for it and those that are spending on it.

That was the age that I was coaching my kids co-ed rec teams and that wasn't all that long ago.

Ok, maybe longer than I thought looking back...now that my youngest is a HS junior.

They didn't do anything with "paid" coaches until U8 and that was all pool play. No formal teams. Two days a week "training" and then a game on weekends where the teams were switched up frequently.

Did that for two years and that at U10 moved to a more formal "team" model with a paid coach.

Good luck - for those offering the service and those buying.

Businesses sell things that people want to buy. It's called capitalism. I wish them all well.

Of all the ridiculous things that people spend money on this is the one that outrages you?

This my take...it's fine if a business offers it. Who are we to judge what people spend their money on? For example...I have no idea why people spend so much money on getting their finger nails done, but that's me. Do I think it's necessary to put a U5/6/7 is professional training, no I don't. I think just about any parent can learn enough to help their child at these ages improve by just passing the ball around. Playing 1v1s in the street, basement, yard, etc. If that parent can't, I'm sure they know someone that can. Kids this young just need time with the ball at their feet. Tons of YouTube videos out there to give you ideas for footskill challenges, dribbling challenges, juggling challenges. Also, build a little soccer wall/rebounder so he can play alone. You'll have fun doing this with him/her I'm sure. They won't be doing more than this at HP Elite. And what is best is to find a little play group where they can just play 3v3 or something with kids of their own abilities.

Are you mad that people are shelling out for it or are you mad at the business for offering it?

Anonymous wrote:SYC announcing 2025BY 2020 pre-travel tryouts, HP Elite doing U5 private training? Who is going to say WTF? Or do we just embrace that the DC area will throw thousands of dollars at whatever rat race their kindergartener is currently excelling in.

Just don't sign up for it, who cares. Unless you're one of those "Keeping up with Jones' people" and you have a tremendous amount of FOMO. If that's the case, you're exactly the sucker they're looking for.

I wish I knew about HP U5 when my kid was that young.

I agree with the latest comment, but the reality is that is hard. If the kids are not well know before u-12 it will be super hard for them to make a top team.

Parents are stupid, and are busy trying to keep up with the Jonses, who's advanced genius is going to be the next Marta or Messi. It's burn and churn for these clubs, keeping the pipeline strong, and relying on their reputation to keep the revenue team numbers strong, in hopes that they find that one player (or a handful) that will help them stay relevant.

Just let your little ones have fun, and stay away from Travel until at least 12

Pay or kickball. That is the SYC way. Actually pay for kickball or no pay kickball. Kickball forever.

It's out of control but there is a market for it. There are 4 U9 "Pre-MLS Next" teams in NCSL. If parents only understood that if they spend 10-15 hours educating themselves in the beginning, they can spend quality time with their kids and teach them and their friends these details at home while making last memories.

Why not. Every other country does it.

What business is it of yours or mine if a parent wants to and has the means to give their kid access to private training or pre travel? It would be great if rec was more organized and offered access to better coaching but it doesn't. We all know youth soccer is pay to play and if you want access to better coaching, you have to pay.

SYC announcing 2025BY 2020 pre-travel tryouts, HP Elite doing U5 private training? Who is going to say WTF? Or do we just embrace that the DC area will throw thousands of dollars at whatever rat race their kindergartener is currently excelling in.