Club Soccer vs Public School Soccer - Like the game itself, balance is the key...
I've had a lot of questions this week, so I thought I'd share my personal experience. Ten years ago, my daughter, who is now entering her 5th year as an NCAA athlete, played soccer as a 12/13-year-old in rural New Hampshire. Reflecting on that time, I can see how it shaped her development and success in the sport.
Back then, playing soccer in a rural area came with its own set of challenges and opportunities. We didn't have access to the same resources and facilities as players in more urban areas, but the close-knit community and the dedication of local coaches made a huge difference. Practices often took place on less-than-perfect fields, and traveling for games sometimes meant long drives to neighboring towns or even out of state.
Despite these obstacles, my daughter’s passion for the game and the support she received from her coaches and teammates were unwavering. She learned the value of hard work, resilience, and teamwork. Her experiences in those formative years laid a firm foundation for her future success. The skills and lessons she acquired while playing in rural New Hampshire have stayed with her throughout her athletic career, contributing significantly to her achievements as an NCAA athlete today.
Sharing this journey highlights how dedication and a supportive community can overcome geographic and resource limitations, paving the way for young athletes to reach their full potential.
What is the difference between U14 NH Club Soccer vs. Middle School Soccer?
### Scheduling and Commitment
**Can I fit in both?**
- **Yes.** Club soccer meets on Wednesday from 5pm-7pm, well after middle school activities are finished.
**Is middle school soccer mandatory?**
- **No.** Middle school soccer participation is optional.
### Balancing U14 NH Youth Soccer Schedule in the Fall
- **Personal Experience:** When my daughter balanced club soccer with her local middle school soccer at KA Brett in Tamworth, she committed to three days a week for school soccer and two days for club soccer.
- **Flexibility:** If there was a conflict, she prioritized school games, with the coach's approval. This balance allowed her to enjoy both environments.
- **Benefits:** Middle school benefits by having skilled players who elevate the team's performance, while clubs benefit from committed players who share their experiences with others.
### Club Soccer Commitment
**Is club soccer mandatory?**
- **No.** Club soccer is a private organization offering additional year-round training for advanced level players. It provides opportunities to play and improve by competing with and against better players.
**Training Attendance:**
- **Flexible Attendance:** Players can choose to attend only training sessions or only games, depending on their availability and commitment level. The most committed players usually attend more frequently.
### Training vs. Games
**Training:**
- Club soccer emphasizes teaching various aspects of the game, such as game day preparation, warm-ups, official check-ins, substitutions, player etiquette, and game tactics.
**Games:**
- While winning is enjoyable, the primary focus is on learning and development rather than just securing titles or medals.
### Year-Round Soccer
**NH Public School System:**
- **Seasonal Play:** Supports soccer during August, September, and October (fall season). 10-12 weeks of intense scheduling (5 nights a week).
**Club Soccer:**
- **Year-Round Play:** Operates from September to June, with top-tier players often playing at varying levels. 30 weeks of regular soccer twice per week (including a maximum of 10 away games each year (20 games total) unless chosen for elevated/regional play).
**Player Development:**
- **Northern NH Soccer Club Model:** Prefers a two-times-a-week, eight-month club model to reduce burnout, minimize travel, and provide consistent, incremental coaching with a focused curriculum.
### Conclusion
Players who join club soccer more regularly over the 10-month season tend to experience the most growth and playing time on weekends. Balancing both club and middle school soccer can provide a well-rounded experience for dedicated players, enhancing their skills and love for the game.!
Hope this helps those of you that are still ‘on the fence'. Feel free to reach out for a phone consult if needed.
Good luck to everyone in your upcoming season, whether you choose middle school, club or both...
All the "George Best",
Jamie.
See you on the pitch!
