If the recent mad scramble for MSI Classic -- with backstabbing, tears and hurt feelings -- was any indication of what lies ahead in the world of semi-selective soccer, then recreation level is the way to go.

Anonymous wrote:My son was the same way. He enjoyed rec soccer all the way through high school. He still plays casually as an adult. He's in college now, about to graduate. He loves to play, but never wanted to keep soccer fun, not feel life is over if he missed a practice, have all his games in town, etc.

My daughter is a soccer junkie who plays DA and wants to go pro. Each kid followed what felt right to them, and I think that's how it should be.

We have friends whose daughter was really great, played on an elite travel team, all that jazz. And she just decided she didn't want to play in college beyond the intramural level. She was a little burned out, felt like it wouldn't be fun anymore, and she wanted to have time to explore other things. She's a grounded, thoughtful girl, and she really thought about it. She plays soccer for fun, and no regrets.

I don't see the problem. She's happy to keep playing rec soccer, so she's still getting the exercise. If she's not naturally competitive, why would you make her spend a ton of time, energy and (your) money to do more of it?

Are there other things that she enjoys doing? My DD's team is likely breaking up and she has no desire to step up to travel. She enjoys playing and being on a team, but heavy pressure isn't her thing so the idea of a highly competitive atmosphere like travel or even ADP isn't for her. I'd love for her to have the higher level of skills development that you get at those levels, but it's much more intense and more of a commitment so if the child doesn't want it then it's going to be a miserable experience. Let her play rec and explore other interests at the same time.

My son was the same way. He enjoyed rec soccer all the way through high school. He still plays casually as an adult. He's in college now, about to graduate. He loves to play, but never wanted to keep soccer fun, not feel life is over if he missed a practice, have all his games in town, etc.

My daughter is a soccer junkie who plays DA and wants to go pro. Each kid followed what felt right to them, and I think that's how it should be.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is clearly not the right path. You need to head over to the DA vs ECNL thread immediately. Make the irght choice, its in your hands

Correct answer. Have fun paying for college OP. And, worse yet, enjoy the water cooler talk at work when Becky starts talking about DD making the magenta team and playing for the flirty professional coach with the thick accent...

you can't be serious.

Then keep her in rec.

Anonymous wrote:This is clearly not the right path. You need to head over to the DA vs ECNL thread immediately. Make the irght choice, its in your hands

Correct answer. Have fun paying for college OP. And, worse yet, enjoy the water cooler talk at work when Becky starts talking about DD making the magenta team and playing for the flirty professional coach with the thick accent...

Seen this with 2 of my kids around 6th grade. No motivation for any activity, part rebel against anything just because. My take was they didn’t have to stay in travel soccer, but they did have to do something. If given the choice they would gladly sit home and play video games. Once it came down to “if not soccer then what?” they decided to stick with it. By 7/8th grade they were motivated to play soccer again. They also play basketball in the winter. I think it’s a phase and they need to figure out what they really want.

how old is she?

Let her choose. DC1 was on a travel team (not soccer) and was doing great. One day he decided he had enough and dropped back. 3 months later he’s deciding if he wants to drop it completely. He’s talented but we are leaving the choice up to him and supporting him either way.

DC2 just committed to travel soccer. We tried to convince her not to since she plays other sports and enjoys those as well. It was her choice.

Encourage your child but support them in whatever they choose. I wish both of mine would stick with rec.

This is clearly not the right path. You need to head over to the DA vs ECNL thread immediately. Make the irght choice, its in your hands

If she’s happy with rec, I certainly wouldn’t push travel. Kids need to really want it because it’s a lot of time, stress and hard work. Rec soccer is a great way to go if she just wants to play for fun and has no future aspirations. I would say that if she really wants to quit, let her. But if she seems to really enjoy soccer, see if she’d consider a new team.

I do have a daughter who quit everything in 5th grade and never picked up any new activities so I can understand where you’re coming from. But as long as she has some active pursuit, I don’t think it matters what it is or what level. . I wish I had told my daughter that she could only quit her activities if she picked something new to try.

Is she happy? Is she getting exercise? Don't go out of your way to pay for the privilege of messing up a good thing.

My child is very good technically at soccer. We enrolled in one of the ASA academy's two years ago and she really thrived. Attended one travel try out and again did great, but did not want to go to second and was still offered a spot on 3rd team, probably would have gotten higher if she went to second try out. No interest. We chalked it up to too many other interests or burn out from academy. Play rec spring and fall, did very well; granted not the highest level of competition as many went ADP and travel.

This year we skipped try outs altogether. Child just has no interest in anything more than rec. Her team is no more as the players have moved on and she does not even really have any friends on current team. I am not trying to push her to do anything serious at soccer, but at this point it feels like she just is taking the path of least resistance and enjoys not being challenged/competitive.

Is this normal? Players who did not make ADP last year have been practicing and eager to make the next level and mine is naturally gifted but zero drive. Academically she is also a bit on the lazy side but does ok. Her favorite hobby appears to be gossiping and clothes. Not sure if I am to blame or should be pushing her to push herself more, if that makes sense.