I would argue it's probably OK, and maybe even ideal, to hold off until U9 or U10. That gives your kid some time to play some other sports at the rec/church league level for a while, and puts off the grind of travel for a bit. Better to have him/her chomping at the bit for a chance to play travel than already feeling burned out going into high school.

But as others have rightly noted--every kid is different. Full disclosure--I didn't follow my own advice with my kid (started him much earlier), and he stuck with the sport and still plays as an adult. But I kinda think that was just more luck than anything else; a different kid could have easily burned out in his early teens. So what do I know?

The coach who posted above is probably worth listening to, I'm just a retired soccer parent.

Coach here - I can't tell you how many times I've had an older player join travel late and wonder "Man imagine what he/she'd be like if we got them at XYZ age."

There probably isn't a too early for good training regardless of what "level" it's labeled as. It obviously needs to be age appropriate.

The big thing is commitment level. Are you as parents willing/able to spend the extra time driving, funding etc. this effort?

Is your child willing/able to put in the extra time training (including outside of practice).

What are your goals for him? Sounds like he's really young (8yrs?) so he probably doesn't have his own goals yet - but those will come too.

From my experience most burnout occurs between 12 and 16, as kids have competing activities, new opportunities and they stop enjoying the sport for a variety of reasons.

Hope you find a coach that is a great fit for your son. Keep it positive, shop around, and don't be afraid to ASK QUESTIONS.

-Coach.

Thank you all. This is very helpful.

We will follow his lead. The last thing we want is for him to be burnt out by 10.

I hope everyone is well, safe and hanging in there.

Anonymous wrote:
Is there a right time to encourage one's soccer player to consider moving from rec to travel soccer?

Or is there a time that's too early or too late? Is there a sweet spot?

Right now, he's loving rec soccer. The Dad Coaches are super positive but I see a ceiling from which he's receiving helpful coaching.

My wife and I are very new to the soccer scene, and want to make sure we are steering him in the right direction, if he plans to continue with this.

He loves the game, and people tell us he's quite talented for his age.

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Last year of 9v9 (U12), but to be honest every kid is different.

My son didn’t make the move until he was starting middle school (this was back when the age grouping was by school year rather than birth year and I can’t even remember U-what he was.

But anyway, he probably needed to make the move a year earlier, but he wasn’t ready psychologically. He loved playing with his team where there were kids he’d played with since 1st grade. And he did fine waiting that long. Made the top team in the club the second season.

The earlier the better because rec soccer will do very little for development and competitiveness. I would recommend a pre travel at U7 and U8 over rec.

Soccer and baseball/softball tend to be the first team sports that kids get involved in. Playing local travel can be a fun activity for kids and families -- but even local is a bit of a commitment as there will typically be 2 practices a week and a game on the weekend. That's not necessarily a big deal, but it can be a bit demanding on family scheduling if there are multiple kids.

You can start and give it a try for a year. Most kids will start at 9 or maybe 10. You have time now obviously. Get a bunch of inexpensive balls and work on dribbling, juggling (fun but it takes a while to get competent). There are lots of videos for beginners. Dribbling and juggling can be done in the yard. No playground even needed.

Anonymous wrote:
Is there a right time to encourage one's soccer player to consider moving from rec to travel soccer?

Or is there a time that's too early or too late? Is there a sweet spot?

Right now, he's loving rec soccer. The Dad Coaches are super positive but I see a ceiling from which he's receiving helpful coaching.

My wife and I are very new to the soccer scene, and want to make sure we are steering him in the right direction, if he plans to continue with this.

He loves the game, and people tell us he's quite talented for his age.

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

It depends on what your goals are, how talented your kid is, and how much he wants to get better / is willing to work. He will almost certainly receive better coaching and improve faster playing at a higher level.

But in the end I would ask the kid what he wants to do.

The earlier the better.

Once it appears that youth sports are going to resume without interruption. I would have him start.

U9 or u10 year is ideal.

Is there a right time to encourage one's soccer player to consider moving from rec to travel soccer?

Or is there a time that's too early or too late? Is there a sweet spot?

Right now, he's loving rec soccer. The Dad Coaches are super positive but I see a ceiling from which he's receiving helpful coaching.

My wife and I are very new to the soccer scene, and want to make sure we are steering him in the right direction, if he plans to continue with this.

He loves the game, and people tell us he's quite talented for his age.

Thanks for any advice you can offer.