Competitive Soccer vs. Recreational Soccer

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How to decide what is right for your child and your family

 

One of the most frequently asked questions is "What is competitive" (or select/club) soccer and how is it different than recreational soccer?  

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Recreational Soccer

There is no selection/tryout process.  All players who register are assigned to a team as long as space is available on team rosters. 

Players benefit from the opportunity for social interaction with other players their own age and physical fitness aspects of the game while also developing better soccer skills.

All games are usually held at the same local location every weekend.  Typically, coaches are parent / volunteers.

 

Recreational soccer: Is a soccer program that is primarily devoted to the enjoyment and development of soccer players without the emphasis on travel or high level competition. The purpose of recreational soccer is to provide an opportunity for the participants to have fun, learn the sport and develop life skills including a lifelong love of the game.

 

Recreational Player – a player who is randomly assigned to a team without regard to his/her abilities and skills.

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Competitive Soccer

Tryouts are held to identify players on the basis of talent and ability.  Players selected for our club teams are committing to their team for one seasonal year (August 1 - July 31 of the following year).  Additionally, players selected for our club teams are also financially committing to their team for one seasonal year.  Teams qualify for competition based on performance in the previous season or by their performance in the League Qualification, Tournaments held during the spring / summer.  Teams play a schedule which requires travel and commitment.

 

All coaches are licensed, not volunteers. 

 

How do I know what's right for my child and my familly?

Before committing to a competitive soccer team, you should evaluate several things about your child and your lifestyle:

-Am I, the parent, willing to make the financial commitment of the club fees and travel expenses for a seasonal year?

-Am I, the parent, willing to make the commitment of getting my child to two practices per week during the season?  

-Am I, the parent, willing to make the commitment of getting my child to games on the weekend, even out of town games which could require extensive travel?

-Am I, the parent, willing to allow my child to play some games on Sunday or even during a weeknight ?

-Does my child have time in their schedule to commit to a competitive team?

-Does my child want to play soccer competitively for a year rather than  a recreational program?

 

If you answered "yes" to the questions above, then Club Soccer is right for you!