This piece, by Dr. Jay Martin of Ohio Wesleyan, contains so much raw unadulterated truth that it's impossible to summarize here. Those of you who have played or been involved in youth soccer will instantly recognize what he's talking about - the same things, incidentally, which Sigi has been saying whenever he gets the chance. A must read for a snowy weekend. http://ssl.hammerhead.net/OHNeMail/eNewsletter/HTMLNewsletterArticle.asp?NewsID=43&ID=384
I won't claim to know much about youth soccer, but Doc Martin makes a truckload of compelling arguments about changing it for the better. Of course, what he is saying takes $$$ away from teams/tournament organizers, and would force coaches to coach.
Great article. It's amazing to me how many people I see that are exactly like he says, playing for clubs just to get exposure, and put no emphasis on their regular league games. Sad, but it's what youth soccer has become.
Great read. I agree. I had a player I coached in H.S. Ball in Illinois who would travel 3 hours to play for a club 2 nights a week, and most weekends. She did receive a D-1 scholarship, but the wear and tear it put on the family was telling. You can also see some of this evidence in the decline in H.S. players at the elite level who so many times now forgo their school team for club only. I understand why they do it, but growing up and playing in a time where school teams were as important to us as our club, it is disappointing to continue to see.
