Travel soccer

Tell me about travel soccer. Is it a racket? It seems so expensive and is it really if you're good or is it that they just wand your money and will develop you Into a better player?

Re: Travel soccer

I'm in Westchester, so I'll just share my experience. I'm not sure how different it is from league to league.
I think most kids make the team, though I have definitely heard of kids not making it in our league when they don't have enough kids to make an additional team. There are usually different levels within an age group- the better kids play on the A team, other kids on the B team. None of our games have ever been more then a half hour away. There is also a premier league, which you have to be invited to try out for. So that's a level above the A team. It is also even more expensive because it usually requires more traveling and possible overnights.
My DS played recreation soccer for years when he was younger, but he really wasn't learning any skills. He joined travel last spring when he was 8. His team works with a trainer twice a week and my DS has definitely learned a lot more then he ever would have if he just continued with rec.
That said, you have to be sure your child is ready for the commitment of 2 practices a week and Sunday games. And that you're ready for the financial commitment. I know that our league is only about $500 for the year, but then I pay the trainer $250 for fall, $150 for winter and $250 in the spring. And then add in the uniforms, shoes, shin guards, balls, practice clothes, etc.. It's probably close to $1500 a year.

Message edited 5/15/2016 3:04:20 PM.

Re: Travel soccer

Both my boys play travel soccer and my husband coaches both their teams. Travel soccer is different from town to town, league to league. There are town travel teams vs academy travel teams. All come at different mindsets, rules and costs.

My sons moved on to travel because they were outgrowing the town intramural program. They love soccer and were doing really well. My husband would have to bench them or trade my son to the other team to keep intramural games fair (my husband would never run up a score in a intramural game). It wasn't working anymore for my boys.

For travel, we chose to stay with our town league and form our own travel teams there. My kids train 1-2 times a week and play typically one game a weekend. It's pricey but cheaper than an academy and my husband does keep the cost in mind when negotiating with trainers and not running up costs. The base cost covers trainer and league/game fees (registration, insurance, ref fees, etc.) We pay separately for tournaments we chose to enter. My kids have learned a lot from training and playing at a higher level with higher level kids. Both my sons' teams are a tryout basis and only kids up to the level that the team is playing make the team. My husband hates cutting kids but at this point he knows what his team needs and the level the teams are at and usually only 1-2 spots available a season so it does happen.

Now some leagues will allow any child to play travel as long as the parent wants to pay for it. They just form different levels and you child could be on the D team for all you know playing in a very low division travel league. It varies so much depending on where you go.

Travel has been a great experience for my family. Kids have learned a lot and if you kid tries hard and has interest, yes they will become a player. Not all kids become better. They have to work at it and have interest. Like one of their trainers said - the child and team has to commit to become better. They have to want to play (outside of just the training), practice and watch soccer to grow as a player...not just have a parent pay for it.

Travel soccer

Thank you both so much! I'm a little conflicted on it. My child enjoys soccer but I personally don't feel he's at that level, which is fine by me. My other child who is younger - I can see him one day doing it. The cost and the time commitment is kind of intimidating. I have to mull it over some more but thank you so much for your views on it!

Travel soccer

I have two kids playing travel soccer and you have to look at it as a commitment - to the team, to the other players and to your son. If he isn't into it, he isn't going to get what you want out of it. He has to love the sport, the game, etc. If you are unsure, take the first step and play intertown - the commitment is less but you still get the travel feel and if he loves it then try out for a travel time.

The monthly fees will vary from club to club based on a trainer, tournaments, uniform etc.
We practice 2x a week with a trainer and games on the weekend.

Hope that helps