Anonymous
04/07/2025 16:08
Subject: Are there any alternatives to travel soccer?
Anonymous wrote:DD is 10 and has been doing travel soccer for a few years. She's above average, maybe good, definitely not elite. She loves soccer, her team, games, and tournaments.
She doesn't mind team practice, but will not train/practice/play on her own because she "does soccer 4 to 5 days and a week, is just a kid, and doesn't want to do soccer all the time." I think this is actually a very well-reasonable opinion for a 10 year old, BUT she's starting to get left behind skillwise by her peers and she would be pretty upset if she moves down a level.
Part of what she enjoys is her friendships on the team and I don't want her to lose those because she's not keeping up with placements. I worry if she just drops, she'll give up playing completely. I also don't want her to burnout and lose her love for the game completely because she's expected to be a full time soccer player at such a young age.
She has many other activities and wants to explore more and I don't know how to help her balance her interests. Are there any alternatives for soccer other than club and rec? If not, how can we help her take the best approach Again, she's an above average/good player on her club team, but I've seen her play with rec teams and she looks like Messi in comparison and that's not rewarding for her.
I know other families struggle with this but just looking for options. There doesn't appear to be a "middle class" for soccer.
The problem is that she doesn’t want to get left behind but will be “upset” if she is moved to the appropriate level which is what her “commitment” deserves. That feels a little anti-meritocratic.
Your child is the “normal” child as you are aware. Most do not have the commitment level to be at the highest level once the sport moves to 9v9 and 11v11. This transition is normal.
It would be nice if she learns the power of choice. She can choose to commit to remain with her friends or she can drop down a team level which is more aligned with her commitment level and she can make new friends on that team and have a much more enjoyable experience. Also, she can also continue to play recreationally. Neither of the latter two options involves a loss of love for soccer. You also have a lot of suggestions here for travel-lite or rec-plus options. There are LOTS of options and cheaper clubs with less travel and practices but they might not come with the status which appears to be more of an issue with the limited information presented.
I hope she finds what she is looking for!
