Anonymous
Post 05/08/2025 18:01     Subject: HS soccer is so bad
Anonymous wrote:I'm so confused. If soccer in this region is so competitive and people are training their 6 year olds with private coaches, why is HS soccer bad? Because those travel players don't play? Because they all play on different teams and don't gel?

Some don't play but mainly it's because there are far more high school players needed than there are travel teams. The good players are scattered throughout the high schools. Some HS might have 11 travel players, some only have a couple. It's wildly uneven. Many teams don't have a real goalkeeper. Players haven't played together or are playing completely different positions than their club team. That's what makes it fun.
Anonymous
Post 05/08/2025 17:25     Subject: HS soccer is so bad
Anonymous wrote:Pretty clear track record on here that everyone knows its a waste of time and could lead to injuries but its super fun and maybe the only/last time they get to play with and in front of their peers. Let your kid make their choice accordingly.


It is terrible to watch too. Even my younger kids think it is the worst game they have seen. It is a step above rec. it always surprises me because the teams are composed of good players but universally- the coaching is terrible.

I saw two ACL injuries last season and that was enough for my kid to call it quits on HS soccer
Anonymous
Post 05/08/2025 17:02     Subject: HS soccer is so bad
I'm so confused. If soccer in this region is so competitive and people are training their 6 year olds with private coaches, why is HS soccer bad? Because those travel players don't play? Because they all play on different teams and don't gel?
Anonymous
Post 05/08/2025 16:57     Subject: HS soccer is so bad
Ok... But 52 yo is Gen X isn't it?
Anonymous
Post 05/08/2025 16:39     Subject: Re:HS soccer is so bad
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
earning varsity letters is a nice addition to college applications


For most schools, this is a big/old myth, not in the sense that it's a bad thing to play a sport in HS, just that most admission officers view this as equal to any other activity - drama club, debate, yearbook, student gov't, etc. It's really not any kind of "ticket" to admissions anywhere unless you are getting recruited - in which case that recruiting usually has nothing to do with HS soccer/most sports.

This is hard to accept for Gen-X parents, but in many cases, HS sport takes away a lot of time and energy from more academic pursuits that would actually look better for college apps.


I'm not Gen X, I'm 52 years old. I said it's a nice addition, not crucial or more important than anything else. I certainly wouldn't want my kids GPA to suffer to play a sport or do any other activity but at the end of the day, those extras ARE what will set your kid apart from every other kid with a 4.2 GPA trying to get into a state school. The extra can be sports, or debate, whatever. But it's not all just GPA and test scores that get you into college

Huh? 52 years old is smack in the middle of Gen X


Dude you don't know even know you are Gen X. Are you an alien or a foreigner? Guessing no judging from your clinging to the value of HS sports to college admissions. It's 2025 and PP is right that admissions officers no longer worship at the altar of Varsity Blues and give the same street cred to any alternative activities or pursuits that demonstrate commitment over time.

Keep telling yourself your DC is in the Class of '92, where the kids who got into Ivies were well-rounded three-sport lettermen with community service. Ha ha ha.
Anonymous
Post 05/08/2025 15:29     Subject: HS soccer is so bad
Anonymous wrote:Can kids on MLSNext 2 play on their high school teams?


Only if it is HS2 Team or what they call JV.
Anonymous
Post 05/08/2025 13:05     Subject: HS soccer is so bad
HS soccer stinks, but the kids love it. Some schools get lucky and have a bunch of top end travel players and others don't. They don't recruit (for the most part) so you don't have to go chasing the biggest baddest program.
Anonymous
Post 05/08/2025 11:42     Subject: Re:HS soccer is so bad
Anonymous wrote:
earning varsity letters is a nice addition to college applications


For most schools, this is a big/old myth, not in the sense that it's a bad thing to play a sport in HS, just that most admission officers view this as equal to any other activity - drama club, debate, yearbook, student gov't, etc. It's really not any kind of "ticket" to admissions anywhere unless you are getting recruited - in which case that recruiting usually has nothing to do with HS soccer/most sports.

This is hard to accept for Gen-X parents, but in many cases, HS sport takes away a lot of time and energy from more academic pursuits that would actually look better for college apps.


Both my girls play ECNL, both love HS soccer... It's a chance for them to get recognized in thier community, score a TON of goals, and just have fun. Additionally, they get take the free kicks, penalties, corners, etc. whenever they want. There are also some really good leadership opportunities. Lastly, as a parent I think it is a blast.

As far as recruiting, while I tend to agree with you, we have had college coaches come watch their HS games... in fact, last week we had a DIV II coaching staff (all four of them) drive 3-4 hours to watch. It does happen.