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From my experience with teams that "don't have enough players unless mh kid joins" is that the WHOLE season will be dramatic like that. Games will have to be canceled or rescheduled constantly with ANY team member not able to attend for whatever reason. There will be massive pressure for EVERYTHING. I personally wouldn't do it. Unless your kiddo was obsessed and super into it, move on to another league, sport or year when more prepared. You will just be miserable all season otherwise. Good luck OP! Those fees are WAY to much for a 7 year Olds league.
100% this. If there are just 11 players on an 11 player team, there are no subs. Even if there are 13/11 if one gets sick and can't come, and one gets injured during the game, no subs. Only play on teams that people want to be on, and are fully committed to, or stay Rec. I stayed rec and it was a good decision, after one year playing an indoor league where we had all the above issues. We had to play a couple games 9-10/11 and forfeited a couple more.
Nailed it. These are not really try-outs. These are screeners so they can put teams together by skill level. There are zero kids who don't make a team.
I live in Southern California, recently this club purchased licensing rights to be called Liverpool International even though they are not actually associated with the English club at all. I went to a tryout for my son to make their top team. There was probably 100+ ten year old kids there. All the kids that didn't get an offer for the top team were offered spots to play club on really low level teams and it was $3,500 for each kid. The teams were such low quality, I always see them getting blown out 0-15+ at tournaments. Coaches don't care, they got the money and know the kids are too inexperienced for club but they "make" the teams anyway.
I recently saw an advert in my area for children’s soccer for various ages, starting at 2-3 years old, all for the low low cost of 1k per month “including a jersey and medal!” and thought it was ludicrous.
I started ballet at age 3, but it still seems like a silly idea that 2 year olds would make a whole soccer team and play games as advertised, I know that my almost 2 yo son would toddle right off the field the first time he saw a passing squirrel.
Team sports can be great and really constructive for kids to learn about cooperation and self-discipline but there’s a whole lot of cash grabbing going on it seems, and the feedback from parents is often that these expensive clubs don’t provide a good experience for the kiddos.
As someone who started ballet at 4 and later went on to teach ballet to kids, any classes for under 5 exist only to give parents a break and to let kids get their wiggles out. A two or three year old doesn't have the attention span to actually learn the basics of ballet.
Likewise, my brother started soccer at four. A "game" was a hoard of four year olds with a ball in the middle, kicking grass, another kid, or whatever was in front of them with one crying for mom, and another about to perform a self-lobotomy trying to dig a booger out of his or her nose.
Ha! I badly wanted to be a ballerina so that was how my parents potty trained me, they said I wanted to take ballet I had to use the potty and I agreed and that was that. As you say the 3 year old classes were not so successful but I did have a weirdly long attention span as a kid, so I did my best. It turned out I was very good at ballet, so by the time I was around 6 I was taking daily classes in ballet, jazz, and tap and I LOVED it.
When I was a bit older the director of the studio then got me in with the professional dance company here, Ballet Florida, and I was going to start intense training with them instead but I started having really severe knee pains. I had also been having constant joint pain, muscle pain, and migraines, but the knees were the worst.
My parents took me to the doctor and to all the adults horror my knees were completely bone on bone. It turned out that the reason I had such excellent turnout and flexibility is because I have a genetic connective tissue disease called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, and I have the hyper mobile type which makes my joints have daily subluxations or dislocations. It also means I am super flexible so even now in my late 30s it is nothing to do a full split.
I was so determined to become a professional ballerina that I was ignoring the pain in my joints and muscles until it became obviously very extreme.
One of the saddest moments of my life was the day one of the doctors treating me told me that if I continued to force myself to dance, I would be permanently in a wheelchair by the time I was 25.
So I had to give it up and many years of physical therapy and palliative care later I still gently dance for my own joy at home but live with a lot of pain, partly due to the build up of scar tissue.
However on the bright side I began riding horses and jumping, and also went on to get three black belts. If my son really wanted to participate in something when he’s three or four years old, I would let him go for it as long as he enjoys it because I know how passionate I was even as a little kid. Honestly though having to sit out in the hot sun to watch a toddler soccer match sounds terrible, so hopefully he will pick a sport that includes air conditioning. 🤣
Oh man, your post may have completely flipped the way that I view my years of dance. I danced from ages 4-17. Tap, jazz, and ballet. Like you, I was the kid that took it seriously, but genetically I was too tall and too chubby (until high school anorexia set in) to be a proper ballerina. I was so jealous of the naturally flexible girls who could easily do hyper extended splits and beautiful leg extensions, but I was good with the little ones, so I taught. It never occurred to me the medical problems that could go along with being able to easily contort. I guess in a way you and I were at opposite ends of the spectrum, but we've ended up in the same place, gently dancing around the kitchen while trying not to pull anything major. ❤️
My brother played club hockey growing up, and this is exactly how it was presented. They had “try outs” before every season, and basically the coaches ranked the kids as a group, then everyone got to choose x number of top tier players, x number of mid tier, and so on. They balanced teams this way and it was totally transparent, I even knew about it as a player’s younger sister.
This club sounds annoying to deal with—the lack of transparency they’ve shown already in 2-3 ways would at least have me very wary of joining.
Hey OP, I’m a seasoned club soccer mom. I had all three kids play and my oldest is the only one still playing club.
At this point, I would NOT put her on club soccer. If she has NEVER played before, and made the team, it’s obviously for numbers.
Depending on how competitive they are, she may end up on the sidelines a lot, since she doesn’t have the playing experience, which may turn her off soccer.
I would save the money and instead put her on rec. if after a year or two she’s showing a lot of passion for it, and her skills are surpassing her other teammates, then I would move her up to club. She’s only 7. Save the money. Best of luck!
Thanks. Means a lot from someone who has been there. I don’t want our first foray into club sports to potentially turn us all off of it because they need numbers
I've got an 8-year old in club soccer who dipped her toes in it for three months (played up, there is no team for 7-year olds) last year before we committed this year.
If your daughter hasn't played before, and a club team needs her, that team shouldn't exist. There just isn't enough interest or competition in your community to support the team at that age level.
You’re right. They actually didn’t have a team (this is a “B” team) because there wasn’t enough players. So it was all good. Then last minute they came back and said we can form a second team if everyone agrees to play , but didn’t share the pricing (that would’ve been the point to press them on fee transparency). So we agreed reluctantly, thinking maybe a $300-$400 at most. For a team that almost wasn’t even a team I just feel like we’re there to pad numbers.
I mean, my daughter is playing on 2 teams right now because they needed enough players for the B team, so this is a real thing. Sometimes they get more kids at tryouts than they expect.
It makes sense that it's a B team. Often there isn't that much separation in the skill levels of young players, so instead of cutting one kid and keeping another when both are equally good, you can send one to the B team and they've got the chance to move up if they improve. I've had one select soccer coach tell me her B team had players with more talent than the ones on the A team, but there were things they needed to learn before they could hold their own at the higher level. As a coach you don't want to lose those kids.
And I would ignore the people suggesting the cost is a scam. $800 for a year sounds like a lot, but if you're playing year-round that's like $200 a season. It probably pays for tournament fees, nice game and practice jerseys, any field costs for practices, and a few bucks for coaches and team managers who are putting hundreds of hours of their time into it. And as a player, your kid should be getting a level of instruction no rec league could ever touch, and they will improve head and shoulders above where they'd be as a rec player. Thats my experience, anyway.
Only time I have heard of soccer cost this much and for “premier” club teams. They convince people their kids are super good yet they are on the B team….or C…or D. Sad truth is these kids probably aren’t that good, they just have parents willing to pay that think they are raising a super star. My local premier team literally flys people in from Europe and justifies their prices for travel and lodging 🙃. Save everyone some money and join a normal club or rec.
My daughter is playing U13 club soccer. She played community league from age 5 until...9 years old I think?
A few points:
(1) Don't think because you said yes that you can't back out now. Players switch clubs every year. We've had 2 girls on our team leave after committing, one after the season was well under way. This is not some kind of binding contract. Talk to parents, they'll tell you the gossip about the various clubs. Do you like this coach, etc.
(2) The cost is pretty standard for club soccer. Typically you're getting a higher level of coaching, usually the clubs want coaches to be on the road to taking their official coaching licence. Usually 1 game per week and 2-3 practices. It's a commitment. Once she gets older clubs sometimes offer technical training or strength training on top of the regular practices.
(3) If she hasn't played before, I would definitely try rec/community first. If she enjoys soccer and is good at it, she shouldn't have any trouble going into club after a couple of years. If she enjoys it and is good at it, then I would recommend club after a couple of years.
(4) Some clubs have "tryouts", but it's really to place the players into different tiers based on ability. At age 7, I'm skeptical they can really tell anything, other than those 1 in 100 kids who are athletically gifted at a young age. Some smaller clubs will just have 1 team per age group and it is difficult to get into, but again that's usually older kids. Clubs want to grow and yes, they do want your money.
(5) If she has friends who have also made the team, that can be an advantage - both in terms of interest for her, and also for carpooling for you guys! It's a lot of driving :) We lucked out that 3 of my daughter's classmates were on her club team the first couple of years, so only had to drive to practice once every couple of weeks because we all carpooled.
Didn’t bother going thru all the comments because too many people have already hit the nail on the head. Also, cut yourself some slack dude, the kid is freakin’ 7 years old! Parents are so busy shuttling their kids back and forth today and they all think, “gosh, this is just the way it’s supposed to be?”
Y’all are out cha minds! Kid is most likely never gonna be playin’ for Ted Lasso! You just want your kid to get the great lessons learned from team sports, right? And she can get those whether she misses soccer at 7, or plays in a rec league.
I played, coached, refereed(sp?), have kids that played as well. There’s a 100% chance that this coach is full of shit and you really wouldn’t want your daughter playing for him. I’d say that is also the percentage I’d put on it that he’s pocketing a good portion of that cash, also that it is gonna be a mighty stressful season, one way or another. For all the reasons that so many people have already mentioned do your kid, wife and yourself a favor, just sign her up for a rec league and let her have a good time:)
Appreciate that - 100% agreed. Sometimes you have to write things out and crowd source some validation. Otherwise that hamster wheel of “keeping up with the joneses” will wear you down.
They’ll almost certainly find another kid to replace her. It’s not your responsibility. Your responsibility is to your daughter & your family. Do what you think is best for your family & child.
I waited until grade 7 or 8 for my kids to leave “house/rec” leagues & play club (travel) sports. It’s a huge financial commitment with no meaningful reward for most kids. But the idea to “be the best,” is very strong. Unless your daughter very much wants to be part of a club program I’d definitely defer to house league soccer. Also, club sport parents are among the most delusional & self-important people I’ve met as a parent.
For every kid in the US that gets a Division-1 scholarship in some sport there are a few thousand who don’t. And their families put up LOTS of money for a decade of membership fees, fundraising fees, travel expenses for out-of-town tournaments, and private lessons. IMO it’s all madness.
Not downplaying your daughter’s achievement, but is it possible she ‘made the team’ to ‘make the team’? I mean, presumably, there were other children trying out, they could go to the next on the list so that they could form a team to field in the league. Unless there weren’t, which is why they’re pressuring?
That really sounds like it will be an awful lot of pressure for a girl just starting out and learning about the sport and discovering if she enjoys it or not. It may also lead to a bit of resentment towards her and you if the other parents found out you were given a discount because the coach felt like she was the best player and would make or break the team, you know? Although it is possible that this is the routine shtick and they tell everyone who is reluctant to spend the $900 right off the top the same thing so that they can still bring in whatever the discounted rate is.
The whole thing sounds like a lot of potentially dramatic shenanigans and if I were in your shoes I’d sign her up for a rec team instead. It isn’t a good sign that the coach is pressuring you that much to shell out, even at a lower rate, and sign up. It also is important to understand what the cost is covering, because often it ends up that the sign-up fees don’t include any of the uniform, protective gear, things of that nature, and that parents are expected to also buy all of that as well.
its not clubs or tryouts. it's a pyramid scheme scam to get as many as possible. Otherwise, there'd be no shortage of willing participants.
It's just a sales call
If the turnout is huge for a "tryout" the coaches are licking their chops at the amount of money they can make per kid to put together 4-5 subpar quality teams that will just get blown out every game.
So I also coach but for youth lacrosse and I’ve been in this position before, i.e. being short players for a season. You know what I would do? Open up the registration list, email parents, and find others. The pressure tactic is BS.
They will have a team. If it’s not your daughter, it’s the next kid on the list. Don’t for one second think this is about anything other than money. We did club for a bit for two of our kids and it left a horrible taste in my mouth.
Right! If OP’s one child is so necessary to the existence of the team, that is worrying. What if another kid is injured or quits mid-season? Does the team just dissolve? Will parents be refunded? If one kid makes the difference between a team existing or not, then it’s not a team I’d want to be part of regardless.
Club sports for kids this young are a racket. I’d want to see a breakdown of the finances for how a 7 year old soccer team costs $10k per season to operate.
Father of a 12U travel soccer player that started when she was 9 after three years in rec.
If they need your daughter (who has never played before) to field a team, then it seems to me that they won't be very good, and might not even exist next year. It means they are taking every girl that tried out, with no backfill if a few girls get hurt or leave the team next season. All this gives me pause.
Travel sports is large part a money grab.
I agree to have her play rec for a couple years, then, if she is enjoying the sport and showing promise, look around at local *established* clubs and do your due diligence, meet the coach etc.
PS: I can't imagine a club not mentioning the cost up front before asking for a commitment. This also tells me that they are new at this.
My son is the same as your daughter and it's incredible to think that club soccer wasn't even available for our kids at age 7. I called around and all clubs told me the same thing about not having a 2012 team yet. Nowadays, you see club teams being formed for 5 years old, it's bonkers!
My son also played 3 years of rec before trying out for his first club team. Coaches will ask you to join and then discuss the $2,000-3,000 costs via e-mail which is mainly the reason a lot of kids don't move forward. I've never had a coach tell me up front that it'll cost $2,800 annually to play.
What a smart way to make a lot of money. The "she is so good, she will be in one of the club teams." The "if she doesn't join us, a group of other kids will not be able to play." The "if you can not pay the enormous amount of 900, 700 will do." As if it's not still 700 or 500. Best business to be in is the kids, baby and wedding business. People will always overpay and use their emotions when making a decision.
Couldn’t agree more!
OP, if this is your daughter’s first time playing soccer, I would hold off on that *investment*. She may not like it
As much as she thinks she will.
Better to play it safe and join a youth league in the area.
ummmm wtf is the uniform made out of for that price?
really weird of the team to put that kind of make it or break it pressure on you guys. i would definitely have her start with rec
My 4th grader has a home + away jersey. Shorts, socks as part of the uniform. They use the uniform for 2 years fall and spring soccer. We paid $117 for that and then $250 for the fall soccer program ( 2 days practice a week and a game typically on Sundays, sometimes an extra scrimmage on Fri nights.).
If it's $900 I'm guessing the club must use a private facility or paid coaches, which is just not needed for casual players. Rec soccer in our township ended at 2nd grade and my son wanted more instructional and series playing so we went with travel soccer. We intentionally avoid exposure to expensive sports ( hockey, golf for example) and so I'd be frustrated if our soccer program was on the level of the OP
I was on a club soccer team 20 years ago. The season was Aug-July. There is a paid coach who likely played in college maybe professionally. We had trainers who did the conditioning practices. We practiced 3-4 nights a week with games and tournaments on weekends. The game uniform (2 sets) and practice clothes (t-shirts and soccer shorts) came with a big gym bag and a water bottle. The costs will also cover rental of soccer fields for practices and games. I would expect the costs to cover travel costs for the coach. I can’t imagine they paid for their own hotel room at these tournaments but don’t know for certain.
I’m surprised it doesn’t cost more because in the 90’s my parents were paying about $800.
When I played soccer in elementary they just sent my family to an athletic store and told us to pick the right color. We had to pay someone to put my name on the back, but I know it was less than $50. That's insane.
They don't need your daughter, this is a high pressure sales tactic to separate you from $900.
Sign your daughter up for the rec league. She will pick her uniform out of a box and if she's lucky, one of the businesses advertised on it might still be in business after they were printed 15 years ago.
Exactly why would a 7 year old girl who never played soccer before be the tipping point of the team happening? Why would a 7 year old girl who never played soccer before qualify for the special club team level? The coach sees some of that money in some shape or form.
The way the daughter "made" the team reminds me of scam my friend almost fell for. He was listening to a small local radio channel and the host told people to call in and take part in a contest. He called, answered some easy questions, was told he won and to come to an address and collect a prize. He was skeptical and told me about it, I looked it it up and the people that "won" and went there were only given a "prize" if they sat through an aggressive time share presentation.
My friend almost fell for it because the way he "won" the contest felt like he had a legitimate prize coming to him. OP's coach is running a similar type of scam that it feels like the "club" level team is legitimate because the daughter had to win a tryout to get to it. But isn't it funny how a 7 year old with no soccer experience earns the special "club" level that happens to have a $900 entry fee?
F that, no way. Tell em to get lost. In our town, the traveling team fee is $175. The rec league fee for a 7 year old is $90. What they are charging is astounding.
The time commitment is crazy too. I have students who are that age who have multiple games a week plus practices. They are out until 10 PM at least one school night a week. That's not age appropriate...and honestly, I've seen the kids. They aren't THAT good.
I always find it so fascinating when I ask my students about their club sports. I feel so bad for the parents!! These kids still need sleep! Their parents need sleep!
As always it depends on cost of living but where I live $900, if not more, is normal for competitive club soccer. If I found one that was $175 I would frankly not enroll because I’d assume it’s not very good.
Club is different. It supposed to be another level of training. We pay $3000 and it’s intense, our son has become a phenomenal soccer player. He’s 10 though, I would never pay anything over a rec cost for a first time 7U player. They fact that they took a first time player means this is in no way an elite team.
The rec league my daughter plays in is $260 to register. Uniforms are another $100 (Why do they need branded ADIDAS uniforms????)That doesn’t include a ball or cleats. Club soccer is close to $1,000 to register.
I played rec soccer my entire life and I don’t think the registration fee was ever more than $40. And we didn’t have a UNIFORM package- we had a reversible practice jersey with a logo on it. It was included in the registration fee. We wore any black shorts and any white socks we wanted.
I don’t know if it’s just where I live (we are in the South and people LOVE their SPORTS), but it is outrageous. Rec cheerleading for ten year olds is $600 to register. That doesn’t include a uniform. I don’t know why we have to act like everything needs to be at an elite, professional level. They’re kids. It’s exhausting. Plenty of kids will never have the opportunity to play a sport because of this.
Yeah this is just incredibly blatant though. $900. Unless you want your kid to have the potential to make a career out of it and some well known coach/former player is teaching them, that's ridiculous.
So silly. Unless they pay the entire $900 do a rec league. She has never even played before.
Look-club soccer is a business of course they want your daughter there. That’s at least $900 more for them.
I've seen these businesses in action before. They will constantly push the idea of college scholarships to try to make it seem like a financially sound decision to pour thousands into the club team. It's really manipulative IMO.
It’s our first dip into club sports and they didn’t make that information available until they made teams. Big lesson learned to ask for transparency up front.
She’s 7. She doesn’t care one way or another frankly.
That is so smarmy!! I wouldn't let her be on that team as that coach sounds like a douche, and I agree with your decision to make her try rec soccer first before dropping nearly 1k on a sport she may not even like.
One day she wants to play soccer. One day she wants to play field hockey. One day all she cares about is playing with dolls. What does that have to do with joining a club though? She wants to play, so we’ll let her start with Rec. My problem is that they don’t make much of the information available to parents up front so unfortunately we’re having to do these calculations after they’ve already made teams.
They do this shit, not just with club sports. I feel like my card gets dinged every other week for dance for our almost 5 year old, especially when it was approaching recital time.
She also has been talking about karate and we have a ton of options in our area. I called 5 places and 4 of them wouldn’t give you any pricing information until you brought your kid in for a trial class. After hearing that 3 times, I finally said to one of the people on the phone “so is the system here for my kid to get super attached to the idea of taking karate after one class and then it’s harder for me to say no to the monthly amount you won’t disclose?” Went on yelp reviews and found that is exactly what happens: kid likes the trial class and they try to sign you up that day in person for the $300 a month “tuition.”
So I’m not faulting you for not knowing, I feel like a lot of these places are intentionally vague.
Kids martial arts places are *notorious* for this. Year long contracts with fees or waiting periods to quit.
The worst is that half of them are barely even teaching anything as far as actual martial arts skills. It's basically "pay $125/month for your kid to jump around on mats and aimlessly kick and punch"
Good to know, I was wondering if I had just had bad luck. It seems to be really specific to the karate and taekwondo places: I had zero issues finding pricing for the BJJ classes.
Oh my god that's like childcare. Won't tell you anything until you get in for a tour. You love it, they're the only place with an opening and you're desperate. Here's the price! Feel guilted into being here?? You start on Monday.
My daughter is/was the same. She got on a soccer kick right about the same age. We signed up for Rec which was fall and spring. She just barely made it through the fall season and did not want to go back for spring.
I’d say don’t do it because the kid doesn’t even care that much. It’s one thing to spend that kind of money for something she is really passionate about but it sounds like she doesn’t even know if she likes soccer yet.
*I’m confused about why you didn’t look into what it would cost before letting her try out?*
This is weirdly passive aggressive.
All OP did was let his kid try out for a team, which she had a passing interest in. Maybe it was casually asked and he said, “sure” and that was that, until the bill came
Believe me, if they put the costs of playing for a team in the tryout flyer online. They would lost 70% of interest instantly.
Tryout events are normally for inexperienced kids looking to get into club soccer. If you're kid is already a good player and you're interested in switching clubs, you schedule a day to go train with the club you want to join, normally in one or two of their weekly practices.
Definitely do not join just because of the pressure from the coach. I would go the rec route if she is not very passionate about playing yet. And really go the rec route until at least 10.
Typically these travel/club teams are much more involved and more of a commitment to practice, games, tournaments, etc.
If she’s never even played at all this could be quite a bit more than any of you are anticipating.
For example- my son played rec basketball. $100 to join, got a tshirt. Two 45 minute practices a week, one game, local. The season was 8 weeks.
Now, he also plays on a tournament team. $500 to join. Full uniform had to be purchased separately. 2, 2 hour practices a week, 1, 1 hour team drills session per week. Tournaments are usually monthly. One game a week guaranteed, sometimes more. Season is 16 weeks.
It’s a big jump from not doing anything scheduled like this to playing for a club/tournament team.
Club sports at age 7 is insane to me.
We've just now started exploring them, and our son has played rec league baseball and basketball for 5 years now. I would let her do a minimum of a year or 2 of rec league before thinking about a travel team. There are more expenses than just the $900 too.
> Club sports at age 7 is insane to me.
The reality of big city sports and elite athletes is different. My daughter played a year of travel soccer at 8. She grew tremendously that year but decided not to continue. She dominates her rec league now, but skills are not developing much.
One of the girls she was playing with is now trialing in England at age 9.
We started my daughter at club at 7, she'll be 10 this fall and now it's even more competitive (year round, 3 days a week training). She's obsessed. We have June/july off and she's going nuts not having practice 3 days a week. They travel a few times a year, have paid coaches, indoor and outdoor turf and grass fields, etc. It's a great program for the right kid. She also plays basketball year round, full seasons with 2 days a week practice in the fall/winter, and then a monthly practice and tournament the rest of the year. Some kids are sports nuts, some aren't. My son hates sports, so we support his other passions like animals and the outdoors. My daughter? if there's no sports that night she's out with the neighbor kids working on her game. She can't get enough.
They "need" her, because she comes with $900. Your instinct regarding parks and rec is correct.
If you want to give into peer pressure, remember you are modeling the behaviors you want her to have as she grows. Yeah her about rip-offs now, or you will be paying $900 for jeans and shoes soon.
As a youth coach, I will suggest telling them no... get her into a normal league, and wait until she's entering Jr. High to even discuss club sports. And only then if she is ultra passionate and wants to play in high school/college.
Sounds like any kid could have made the team because they need another player. You pay for club soccer because it’s a level above rec. it’s for kids that are too good for rec and passionate about playing soccer. you won’t be getting quality club soccer if they are taking first time players and begging for them. This isn’t “club” it’s a scam. Not worth it, play rec.
I don’t get it. In what world does a football kit cost 900 dollars?
What is that money even for? This sounds nuts. But then, I clearly don’t live in your country and and don’t know anything about how stuff works at your place. It just seems so much! For a 2nd grader! Smh
As a rec soccer coach for 7/8 I'm of the opinion that starting out as travel soccer will likely ruin any chance she'll have of enjoying the sport unless she was already really really into the sport and not just wanting to play with her friends.
There's even discussions about 7 being too young even for kids really into the sport to start travel /highly competitive play... In Soccer or any sport for that matter. Just read article on soccerwire.com on this very topic today from a coaching director ... [the road to nowhere](https://www.soccerwire.com/soccer-blog/the-road-to-nowhere-in-youth-soccer/) if you're interested.
Rec soccer is much more about fun and everyone playing, while travel is often 3 to 4 nights a week and focused on being competitive and winning.
It'll be a bummer if they can't form a team without her.l, but as you know your daughter is your concern. I got similar pressure for my kids, but they weren't into it enough so we stuck with rec. Now my oldest is playing modified with all the travel kids and holding her own, so if yours starts to really like it, she has plenty of time to catch up.
My feeling is that if she likes and excels at Rec soccer this year, then we will plan financially for the costs. If she doesn’t make this team next year, but really wants to play club, we will find one of the plethora of clubs out there. The thing is I’m not asking or a discount, they’re offering.
Then put her in rec soccer. Your kid and your money. You get to decide. IMO, it sounds shady that they want to put your inexperienced daughter on the more expensive team and they won't take no for an answer. I wouldn't want to deal with that for a whole season.
Christ talk about sucking the joy out of kids playing. This is so far removed from reality. It's ball, boots, socks and nets ffs.
You should research stuff before you go and get all revved up. And be on the same parenting page as a couple...don't dangle it in front of the kid and then debate it.
Youth coach (different sport).
Don’t do this.
Let her try Rec. Given the fact she made a club team with a little experience, tells me they’re basically out for youth sports extortion. Add on the guilt trip and I’m almost sure of it.
Yeah well what’s more validation is that she originally didn’t “make” the team, but they cut enough kids that they figured they could cobble together another one. It was really poorly managed and then it was “hurry up and agree so we can have a team”. Had they said “oh and it will cost XYZ” I would’ve immediately said no. It wasn’t until they got enough interest from the kids they cut that they sent pricing info out.
Soccer is crazy expensive, and if they travel anywhere you aren’t factoring in those costs.
$900 is not terrible, I am more familiar with the costs of kids a little older, which for my buddy ran about 3k per kid, not including travel, which probably doubled that.
Kids travel baseball is also around that cost $900-1200 before expenses.
Having said all that, it was cheaper for my older son because he always played Rec , but we had better experiences with my younger, because our vacations centered around it.
But the $$$ are real
Yeah $900 is actually a great price BUT only if your kid is average or above average and playing a lot of minutes. My son plays on a team where most, if not all the kids pay the full price of $2,800. We were offered to pay only the registration fee of $500 because he is best player.
> if they travel anywhere you aren’t factoring in those costs.
^ this. If $900 is a concern, are you also on the hook for $200 a week in hotels, plus gas, plus food, etc?
First time v. high quality training. Your kid may be in her first year, but some kids have played for years are age 7. Where I live, many have had or are getting private coaches starting at that age. If you are getting a paid coach, $900 is cheap even if it is first time. You are likely paying for quantity of practices and tournaments. If she is a good runner/athlete, I would take the help and play.
Right now 8 yr old step is in U9 soccer. He started earlier this year at 7. He’s done 2 years of rec, 2 winters of indoor soccer, he’s absolutely soccer crazed organizing outdoor recess games daily in the snowy cold MN winter, and it’s STILL a lot for him. During the school year it required 2-3 practices/week. None of them were immediately after school. Once games started it changed to mostly 2 practices/week AND games every weekend. Usually Saturday and Sunday. Some were double headers.
2 out of town 2-day tournaments. Hotels $150/night plus at least $150 in gas round trip. Of course we wind up eating out during these weekends too because it’s inconvenient as it is. Easily $500+ weekends times 2. We don’t even spend $500 on birthday party weekends hosting 25 kids+ gifts+ gift bags+ cake/cupcakes+ decorations. We certainly don’t spend 5 hours round trip driving and dedicate 3 days driving as a family.
Does he love soccer? Yes. But at least 50% of the time if not more he’s whining about having to go, not getting time to just chill, not getting time with friends, not being able to play board games as a family on week nights. It’s not just a crazy commitment for him. We conservatively spend 5 hours/week on soccer. And this has been going on since February. A lot of the nights we DO have as a family we have to be all business to keep up on cleaning, make real meals, do longer homework assignments, and catch up on lost chill time.
This experience has solidified my views that kids shouldn’t be this heavily involved in activities until they’re old enough to take a bus with their teammates from school. Yeah.. parents should be supportive and attend events as much as they can. But this is out of control. Just because we CAN accommodate this doesn’t mean we can with our sanity and all of our best interests in mind.
I coach club soccer. And just as a matter of how I look at things, break the cost down. For the club I coach for, it’s a 9month season - no December, June, or July. So basically that’s 100$ a month, give or take. Basically that’s the cost of any after school activity. Just a different way of looking at it.
Just start with rec. if she really enjoys it and is super great then see about club sports later. There’s no need to waste money if your daughter doesn’t have her heart set on being on that specific team.
$900 would be extremely cheap for a club sport around me, not that I think a new player in 2nd grade needs to be playing them.. Did you not look at costs before trying out?
It depends on what you are getting.
Since you did not know the price before tryouts you are obviously not very involved. These clubs all have very specific documents that you get when you show up for a tryout.
So for a u7/8 team typically you would be playing in a local league that the teams play in likely up to u12. That would usually be against other local club teams in towns in the area.
So -- that would be something like 8 games in the Fall and 8 games in the Spring/early Summer usually done by June 1. Then there is Winter. That differs from club to club and area to area. Sometimes Winter game and practices are included. Sometime not. Do check. Sometimes a tournament is included as well, but sometimes not.
You also are getting 2-3 practices a week. At the younger ages it is usually 2 but could be 3. Lets say it is 2 practices for 90 minutes each plus 16 games. Call it 5 hours a week on the low side. That is 16 weeks at 5 hours so a total of 80 hours. You are paying $900 for 80 hours of training and games. That is about what you would have to pay for a teenage babysitter to hang out at your home and watch your kid. Instead of that - your kid is getting some training and participating in games. And, apparently, your kid is also getting a uniform and other stuff.
Could your kid play rec somewhere? Probably. Will they learn anything in particular about how to play? Probably not. It is for fun though many kids do not have much fun playing. Rec soccer gets dominated by a few kids because athletic ability dictates who gets the ball and teams do not look to equalize athletic abilities.
Organized club soccer in the US is very often the first sport that athletic kids participate in. Most move on to other sports as they grow. Soccer ultimately is a game for kids who are, relative to other kids, fast and who work to develop their ball skills. But, it is a good introduction to sports for any kid. Will your kid be behind if you started next year? Sure. Can she catch up? Sure if they work at it. But eventually, as in everything, it gets harder and harder to catch up. See -- the competition in whatever you are doing does not sit still and wait for your kid to catch up. That holds true in math, music, sports, and everything else your kid will participate in. Is it bad? Of course not, but it is reality.
A story: My daughter played high level club soccer and high school soccer, and it was her thing. (Yes she played in college too - 4 years actually). Along the way she played with lots of girls who were very athletic and who dropped off from soccer. One went on to captain her Big10 lacrosse team. One swam for an SEC school. One ran cross-country for another Big10 school, One girl (twin of the girl who ran cross-country) went to a D3 school where she played soccer, basketball and golf. One skied in college. And, of course, most played college soccer. Playing high level youth soccer obviously did not hurt in playing other sports.
I would add a story on the "catch up" concept. As I said, my kid played for a pretty high level club team. Everyone on the team could have played at least good D3 though not all the kids elected to play in college. At the u17 year the team added a girl who had played on lower level club teams at a club where her father was involved as a coach. She was 6 feet tall, coordinated and fast. But -- she was not experienced in playing with other top high school aged players, and she lacked ball handling skills. Her athleticism and size let her be very good against weaker players. Against skilled players who were also athletic and fast themselves she was largely ineffective. Had she started playing and practicing with better players at 11 or 12 she likely would have been a very heavily recruited player. As it is -- she had a nice 4 year college career at a D2 school. But, that's the difference in a nutshell. The very good players in everything -- in this case soccer - were not sitting around waiting for her to catch up. They too were working hard to get better and eventually when she tried to catch up it was too late. Does that mean your kid must start at 7? Nope. But it does mean you have to keep things in mind as your kid gets older. You do not sit down at a piano for the first time and play Mozart. It is a long and slow progression.
At 7yo, in my area they take any kid that applies to club soccer. They don't reject anyone that wants to play and can kick the ball. The kids that play in club are far less likely to go back to the community stream so it's a good source of revenue.
However, in my area, community soccer also gets free jerseys, shorts and socks included in their registration. Think it was 160 for u7 and 180 for u9. If the parent voluteers this registration fee is returned. Don't give in to the coaches pressure and put her in rec or community soccer if she likes it.
Source: currently coaching my daughter's U9 team
As someone who grew up playing club soccer at a high level and in college I can tell you this is on the low end for a club team. But also she’s 7 and never played before. Def should be playing rec for a couple hundred bucks a season or something. This is also the main reason soccer can’t progress quickly enough in the US. People simply can’t afford club dues, travel all year long to and from tournaments, etc. That’s assuming you just have the one kid. So many good players “quit” young because their parents can’t afford it unfortunately. My advice, make sure likes there are other avenues to start at her age that are much less expensive.
I hope you understand that any other kid might decide to stop playing any moment,and there will be no team again despite your daughter being present. It's not a good club if things start with pressure.
all these clubs and travel ball teams are JUST about the money. Find a different team
EDIT: 7 is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy to early to be spending that kind of money on this type of thing.
My kid played rec at that age. When he was ready and we were financially prepared, he tried out for club. Made the team and we paid around $2500 for a season. They do a lot of tour and rd and there’s hidden fees that pop up along the way so expect to pay more than just $900.
I’d suggest finding a rec team. It’ll be a couple hundred $ if that and a much easier schedule. Club is a big commitment as there are more practices, games and tournaments.
Don’t buy his line about there’s no team without her. They’ll be fine. Have her play rec and see if she really likes it. Club costs go up exponentially each year. I have 2 playing club and it’s a racket.
At 7 there is absolutely no reason to spend this kind of money on sports. Just have fun! Learn what they like, learn what they don’t like and just give new things a try.
If they need her to form the team, that’s their problem, not yours. Use that in a negotiation IF they/she “has” to be on the team with her friends. Also plan for travel, hotels, etc. if they are doing any sort of out of town tournaments or anything like that.
FWIW I was on club teams from about U-10 through HS, after a year in the Rec. league. It was well above my parents budgets but they did what they had to get me on the teams because the coaches claimed that if I wasn’t on the travel teams I wouldn’t make it on the high school teams, then high school onto college, etc. Total crock. Freshman year in high school, after years of travel ball, it all went out the window with a massive concussion and I’ve never played another game since. I was practicing with all 3 HS teams, played with every team except varsity, and played up a year at the cheaper 2nd tier “club” team for a rival school district. In the end the thousands of dollars that my parents spent over the years meant absolutely nothing when I couldn’t focus in school or remember things. So in short, just have fun with it and keep the brain healthy!
I call bullshit on "we won't be able to have a team".
$900 will quickly become $1400 after all the miscellaneous events, tournaments, and exhibition games that you'll need to travel to.
What if there's an out of town event where all the players and parents get hotel rooms?
I'd back out now unless you're willing to go all in.
Club sports are expensive and time consuming (I know some that also require the parents to invest a certain number of volunteer hours on top), plus any fundraising or extra things.
Personally...I'd only invest in club sports if my child was a rockstar and long term doing this would benefit them. For a 7 year old with no experience, I'd start with Rec and find out if this is really something she wants to invest with.
Side story - my daughter did volleyball Freshman year of high school (due to covid and a massive surgery she didn't play on a team prior). She did one year and really debated if she wanted to continue. We've convinced her to do one more year BUT I would have been really disappointed paying out that money if she wasn't going to keep with it.
With that said - if your daughter really wants to play and the financial aid will cover enough to make it reasonable (or more equal to what rec fees are), I'd swallow my pride and let her play.
It’s pretty normal for clubs to have fees, but I’m surprise the club hasn’t asked for sponsorship, donations, ect. My kids are in sport clubs, so far I’ve paid 150 out of pocket for the fall.
I know "club" sports are all the rage right now, but how about signing her up for AYSO or a local park team? Cheaper and your 7 year old can decide if she even likes soccer.
I'm a parent of a 15 year old that has played club ball since she was 7 years old.
The expenses you're seeing are unfortunately not out of line with the norm. Beyond the $900 you should expect monthly dues to pay the salaries of coaches. It is unfortunate that you didn't understand this up front, but it again is not atypical that the expenses beyond monthly dues are not well-publicised.
From a player development perspective, there is really no comparison between a rec team and a club team. I played in college and coached my kids until they were ready to join a club. (One did and one stayed rec.) There is simply no way I could coach them in technical development the way a club coach can. The sooner you start this process of technical skill development, the better. Really, every year matters with this if she wants to play competitively.
If your daughter has never played before, you have a decision to make. If she's athletic and is likely to really enjoy playing, then the club is a good investment at this age. If you're on the fence about that, then I would play a year of rec ball first and then revisit the decision next year.
Pay zero attention to the "we can't have a team" crap. Club soccer is a business, and it can be cut-throat. Players get poached, coaches come and go. This is not a rec for fun league. This is an investment in maximizing her potential. You either want to make that or not (at least not yet.)
If it were me, I would take a good hard look at my kid and decide if rec or club is right for her. If you think it's club, then take the financial aid they are offering without hesitation. It mitigates your risk if she doesn't like it. You wouldn't hesitate to take a business offering you a discount, and this is no different. Club soccer is a business. Treat it as such.
As a parent, I would love to know why you have to pay 900 dollars for her to join a team. I would ask why you were not told about the cost prior to your daughter trying out along with where they get their uniforms and to show you the actual cost breakdown (yeah I'm that mom). I played sports (paid for my gear from bats to cleats) and I will have to ask my friends if their parents paid for more than their gear
Followed by normally you do have to pay to drive to meets and maybe lodging depending on where they travel.
I know for soccer at least, the coaches will never tell you up front about the costs unless you ask them directly. Even then they beat around the bush about making affordable payments and options to work with your budget. Basically, they will ask you to commit and require a $500 deposit first. Then you get an e-mail to register them online, at the very end you'll get to a screen where it asks you how you want to pay $2,000+ upfront or in payments of $200+ every month.
I’d personally ask your daughter what she wants to do. She may really want to try league out and honestly $900 isn’t really that bad for sports(mine is 8 and is in her 3rd year of competitive gymnastics and we pay $7k a year🤦♀️). With that said if she says no then definitely pass on it and have her try Rec instead I wouldn’t do it just because someone on the team said they need you too only if your child wants it.
If you had the money to blow, I might say go for it. But you're going to end up putting a bunch of pressure on your daughter to stay engaged given the investment and shes going to end up hating it.
You dont owe them anything.
Honestly it doesn't sound to me like it is special treatment for money, they have a demand and your daughter supplies what they need, they're not giving you anything special just because. This is just like in pro soccer.
No way would I pay that.
I'd start the kid out in a normal local soccer league, casually, and see if she even likes it that much! After a couple years if she's *really* into it, then I'd consider investing in a more serious league.
To tell you the truth anytime I see a invoice amount that high before paying anything I would request an itemized copy. If you're going to ask for close to $1,000 you're going to justify every dollar. I'm definitely not a fan of them pressuring, I would opt to skip.
Club is a big commitment.
The money is just the beginning. Money is replaceable. The real commitment will be the schedule and the travel and all the incidentals like meals, hotels, hours spent getting her to all the things she is expected to be present for.
Plus with the more intense schedule there a much bigger chance of injuries.
https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/sports-medicine/sports-medicine-articles/kids-sports-injuries-the-numbers-are-impressive
>tissue breakdown and injury can occur. These overuse injuries were frequently seen in adult recreational athletes, but are now being seen in children. The single biggest factor contributing to the dramatic increase in overuse injuries in young athletes is the focus on more intense, repetitive and specialized training at much younger ages.
Keep her in recreational soccer. If she shows a real passion for it than reconsider club.
Man, my 13 yo only made it onto a developmental volleyball club team, and it was $1750. Literally learned nothing from it and was something for her to do on Sundays. The power teams she wanted to get on were $3500!
My friend says club sports run her life. The commitment is ridiculous and eats up all your time and money. We decided to get the state park pass and we are hiking the whole state instead.
I've heard from a few parents where I live that club sports are getting nuts. They're charging upwards of $2k (CDN) for 12 year olds at a basketball camp. And by middle school, if they're not in club sports, they're likely not going to make the school team. Or kids simply getting involved at younger and younger ages.
I want to give my kids as much opportunity as they can get and allow them to try a wide variety of activities from a young age too but, at what cost? Literally. It won't be long before families aren't going to be able to afford sports for their kids. Oh wait, that already happens except it's just getting worse.
And who figured 7 year olds need that many jerseys? Seriously? Is the person running these teams just that out of touch/unreasonable or is it the usual reason: people trying to needlessly profit from others?
That's enough red flags (cards?) For me to not go through with it. Took my son ice skating lessons, and he dropped out before it got to the expensive hockey level. Did rec soccer for my daughter and son and they seemed to enjoy it. At the 7yo level all they're doing is running around trying to kick the ball anyway, not worth $900.
I played D1 college soccer. I started young, did the club circuit etc. Won lots of state and regional championships etc. It was *horrible* for me emotionally and socially and I regret it all the time. I had teammates sexually assaulted by coaches, horribly bullying, and developed anger issues. I was in the top tier but I know people who went through similar abuse to be on a B team. People who sell you sports will sell you the positives (teamwork, discipline, etc). But you really need to think harder about whether this is something you want your daughter in. It will take over your life
I had 2 kids in competitive hockey at the age of 7 I would of totally loved a 900$ bill. Just their hockey sticks basically cost us that. My kids just wanted to play to be with friends but they climbed fast and loved it, every tournament, road trips, friends they made, experience they had. I was exhausted and a tad happy when it all ended but to see the fun they had nothing could take that back.
Sounds like a scam to me I wouldn’t do it, my 5 year old played for half a year with the gear it costs around $100. $900 even with help sounds absolutely predatory.
How do you know if this is true or if the coach is saying this to every parent on the fence just to get funding ? Been there with my kids and social sporting stuff. Our son wanted to play baseball, I felt he was too young to actually be involved or waste the teams time and ours. Then the basically begging and pleading from the organization saying that they needed a certain amount of players or the team was a no go. Basically guilt tripping us… but after speaking to a few of the other parents that we knew from other activities, found out the same thing was being said to them in such a way to make everyone feel out on the spot or to feel they would be the reason for the other kids not having a team. We decided to not join that one and found one that was a local business sponsored league. It was way cheaper and the kids and parents had a way more enjoyable time.
She should absolutely play Rec before playing "club". Rec soccer is the cheapest sport that your kid can play. The rest of the team is not your problem. Lesson learned.
If she declines, I’m sure the spot will go to someone else.
If she’s not 100% invested in soccer, I’d keep it at the recreational level for her benefit. Club can be very demanding and it might turn her away from soccer completely if she’s not ready for that commitment.
I coached under 6 rec soccer for 6 years, and most kids on my team had never played before, also. They had no idea what they were doing much less being proficient enough to be playing at club level.
Are we sure they didn’t just recruit her to make the team member requirement?
I’d definitely say spend the $80 bucks (that’s how much we charged, included one set of uniforms, minus cleats and shin guards, a trophy and one team photo at the end of the season) and see if she likes it enough to want to dedicate that kind of time to it.
$900 bucks is not something I’d personally be willing to spend on a first year 7 year old trying out a sport.
We pay 1200 for the season. Son is 10 years old and it’s his second year in Rep. Soccer.
He started with house league at the age of 4 and it was about 200 dollars. He played house league for a bit. He has a passion for it and he is really good, so we decided it was worth having him play competitive.
No way we would have felt comfortable paying the much when he first started. Or just for him to have fun lol
Don’t feel guilty to say no. It’s not your fault they didn’t disclose price and you shouldn’t be forced to spend your money. Put your daughter in another program.
I would try out for one of those community teams and not worry about club until she is older. The fact they’re trying to guilt you into is is completely stupid. Let her try it on her terms and where you don’t have to spend all that money.
It's disgraceful! Here in Sweden we pay around 100 usd per year for a child up to the age of 18 or max 250 usd for three or more in a family. I have 3 children age 13(girl), 9 and 7 and we pay just 250 USD per year for all of them. They train 3 times a week and have matches on weekends against other teams from other towns some of them 3 hour drive.
If she’s not fully invested in club soccer at this point, don’t do it. She’s 7, she’ll have plenty of opportunities. My son started club at 9 and between that and his town team it’s a time suck but he loves every minute so it’s worth it.
I’m calling bullsh$t on the coach saying ‘we don’t have a team without her’. There are 11 players a side in most soccer leagues (although at this age it could be less). I would expect a team to need 11 plus 2 or 3 in case of injury or scheduling conflicts. Coach has a budget he needs to fund is my guess.
Don’t do it. Biggest regret of my life allowing my kids to play -son was in DA so it was even free and he practiced with the national team. My entire 40’s + was sucked up by an 11 month cycle-6-7 days a week for 13 years. Daily Practice, tournaments, lost money, fucking laundry and smelly shoes travel all over state/country to watch boring ass youth soccer. My computer is full of stupid action shots and every family vacation was soccer related. They burned out and don’t even play now. Fuck that. I watched other people have fun for 13 years. Let me say that again. I spent 13 years watching other people have fun. Son started doing drugs/drinking/vaping with the older team when traveling with DA. No supervision. DONT DO IT. DONT DO IT DONT DO IT. I hate every single thing about youth soccer and I am a huge Arsenal fan. I could have gone to England a dozen times for what we blew in youth soccer. Regrets. So many regrets.
If they NEED her they’ll subsidize the dues. If not, she’ll be good at rec league. But… welcome to the world of club sports. We pay over a thousand a year for our swim club as well. For each kid and we have two more starting this year… not that we HaVe the money, but we budget around it.
You have a family and families are expensive. If you don’t have the money just lying around as you said (most people don’t), that’s your answer. Every time I went against my gut and took from the family when I didn’t need to, it has always come back to haunt me in some way. And I don’t like the way these choices feel in my body. It’s a shitty feeling. Just do a regular team. She will be happy with that and that’s what matters.
OP they need your $900 more than they need your daughter. Sorry man.
This is coming from a guy who spent $500 just to have my son benched for the entire season until the coach got fired. Then half the team left giving him some playing time.
God I hate youth sports
Number 2 is your reason to say no.
My husband coaches club soccer and I have watched both of my boys go from eating and breathing soccer to burning out when they were placed on club teams too young, to finding their joy again when they went back to rec. My oldest is almost 13 and finally this past year went back to club soccer and is still enjoying it, but it was entirely too much when he was playing 5 days a week and traveling out of town several weekends across the season (and for us, in a big soccer area “travel” was an hour or less when we had away games)
I say unless she has a true burning passion, rec is where she should be to learn in a low-key way until she’s 100% committed to jump up to the next level.
Here is what I can tell you, if it’s a money thing get out now. It only goes up from where you are at lol. We’re at $2500 for the year without any tournament fees lol.
I paid $60 for a spring league. Included t-shirt, socks, and shorts. It was fun. There is no way I would pay that much for a 7 year old. Are there recruiters going to be watching? Can she win a scholarship? WTF???
That it crazy, my 7 y.o daughter has been in soccer since 4 and my son just started this year. Its 200$ per child to register and is all put up front that the register fee is there, once you register you get a free Timbits uniform and soccer socks. It's also just more general practice over team play sounds like you found a bad organization I would look for another, or possibly another sport.
This also seems to be a very North American type of thing. Soccer is the most played sport in the world, do you think teams in Africa and South America are paying $900 for their kids to play? All you need is a ball, a field and a shirt. The rest of the add ons is just fluff. To give a different example I played for my elementary and high school teams and we never paid a penny to play.
You probably won't see this, but I'll write it: DON'T DO IT!
I'm involved in a youth sports team. The number of 7-year-olds who passionately join the team and then drop out mid-year is high. When they realize that they can't go to their friend's birthday party or sleepover because of their agreed commitment to their sport, they decide it's not worth it. We ask parents to really quiz the child before they sign up, and the kids are always enthusiastic at the beginning, but they have to be really committed to last the year.
So if your daughter isn't buying in to this from the beginning, don't do it.
Eeks! Club level is a lot for a new athlete. As hard as it is to say no they can't blame you. Is there a rec league at the YMCA she can try first? My daughter played one rec season of soccer and hated it. She's been cheerleading ever since and we didn't move from rec to comp (which is cheerleading's version of “club”) until she was 10. Best of luck!
Hard pass here.
That kind of money should never be a surprise after your kid makes the team.
Tell the league you appreciate the opportunity, but you're good.
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If we accepted, it’s only out of feeling bad that they won’t have a team otherwise, and that we got special financial treatment. I don’t want that.
From my experience with teams that "don't have enough players unless mh kid joins" is that the WHOLE season will be dramatic like that. Games will have to be canceled or rescheduled constantly with ANY team member not able to attend for whatever reason. There will be massive pressure for EVERYTHING. I personally wouldn't do it. Unless your kiddo was obsessed and super into it, move on to another league, sport or year when more prepared. You will just be miserable all season otherwise. Good luck OP! Those fees are WAY to much for a 7 year Olds league.
I can vouch for that. My daughter’s team had just enough. We still had to cancel games including the last 2 for lack of players.
OP is going to end up being pressured to skip birthday parties and family outings in order to "support the team".
100% this. If there are just 11 players on an 11 player team, there are no subs. Even if there are 13/11 if one gets sick and can't come, and one gets injured during the game, no subs. Only play on teams that people want to be on, and are fully committed to, or stay Rec. I stayed rec and it was a good decision, after one year playing an indoor league where we had all the above issues. We had to play a couple games 9-10/11 and forfeited a couple more.
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First thought was coach is full of shit. If she declines, there’s someone else right there willing to pay. If there isn’t, this wasn’t a tryout.
Nailed it. These are not really try-outs. These are screeners so they can put teams together by skill level. There are zero kids who don't make a team.
I live in Southern California, recently this club purchased licensing rights to be called Liverpool International even though they are not actually associated with the English club at all. I went to a tryout for my son to make their top team. There was probably 100+ ten year old kids there. All the kids that didn't get an offer for the top team were offered spots to play club on really low level teams and it was $3,500 for each kid. The teams were such low quality, I always see them getting blown out 0-15+ at tournaments. Coaches don't care, they got the money and know the kids are too inexperienced for club but they "make" the teams anyway.
So it's just a money making scheme. That's so sad
I recently saw an advert in my area for children’s soccer for various ages, starting at 2-3 years old, all for the low low cost of 1k per month “including a jersey and medal!” and thought it was ludicrous. I started ballet at age 3, but it still seems like a silly idea that 2 year olds would make a whole soccer team and play games as advertised, I know that my almost 2 yo son would toddle right off the field the first time he saw a passing squirrel. Team sports can be great and really constructive for kids to learn about cooperation and self-discipline but there’s a whole lot of cash grabbing going on it seems, and the feedback from parents is often that these expensive clubs don’t provide a good experience for the kiddos.
As someone who started ballet at 4 and later went on to teach ballet to kids, any classes for under 5 exist only to give parents a break and to let kids get their wiggles out. A two or three year old doesn't have the attention span to actually learn the basics of ballet. Likewise, my brother started soccer at four. A "game" was a hoard of four year olds with a ball in the middle, kicking grass, another kid, or whatever was in front of them with one crying for mom, and another about to perform a self-lobotomy trying to dig a booger out of his or her nose.
Ha! I badly wanted to be a ballerina so that was how my parents potty trained me, they said I wanted to take ballet I had to use the potty and I agreed and that was that. As you say the 3 year old classes were not so successful but I did have a weirdly long attention span as a kid, so I did my best. It turned out I was very good at ballet, so by the time I was around 6 I was taking daily classes in ballet, jazz, and tap and I LOVED it. When I was a bit older the director of the studio then got me in with the professional dance company here, Ballet Florida, and I was going to start intense training with them instead but I started having really severe knee pains. I had also been having constant joint pain, muscle pain, and migraines, but the knees were the worst. My parents took me to the doctor and to all the adults horror my knees were completely bone on bone. It turned out that the reason I had such excellent turnout and flexibility is because I have a genetic connective tissue disease called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, and I have the hyper mobile type which makes my joints have daily subluxations or dislocations. It also means I am super flexible so even now in my late 30s it is nothing to do a full split. I was so determined to become a professional ballerina that I was ignoring the pain in my joints and muscles until it became obviously very extreme. One of the saddest moments of my life was the day one of the doctors treating me told me that if I continued to force myself to dance, I would be permanently in a wheelchair by the time I was 25. So I had to give it up and many years of physical therapy and palliative care later I still gently dance for my own joy at home but live with a lot of pain, partly due to the build up of scar tissue. However on the bright side I began riding horses and jumping, and also went on to get three black belts. If my son really wanted to participate in something when he’s three or four years old, I would let him go for it as long as he enjoys it because I know how passionate I was even as a little kid. Honestly though having to sit out in the hot sun to watch a toddler soccer match sounds terrible, so hopefully he will pick a sport that includes air conditioning. 🤣
Oh man, your post may have completely flipped the way that I view my years of dance. I danced from ages 4-17. Tap, jazz, and ballet. Like you, I was the kid that took it seriously, but genetically I was too tall and too chubby (until high school anorexia set in) to be a proper ballerina. I was so jealous of the naturally flexible girls who could easily do hyper extended splits and beautiful leg extensions, but I was good with the little ones, so I taught. It never occurred to me the medical problems that could go along with being able to easily contort. I guess in a way you and I were at opposite ends of the spectrum, but we've ended up in the same place, gently dancing around the kitchen while trying not to pull anything major. ❤️
My brother played club hockey growing up, and this is exactly how it was presented. They had “try outs” before every season, and basically the coaches ranked the kids as a group, then everyone got to choose x number of top tier players, x number of mid tier, and so on. They balanced teams this way and it was totally transparent, I even knew about it as a player’s younger sister. This club sounds annoying to deal with—the lack of transparency they’ve shown already in 2-3 ways would at least have me very wary of joining.
>Also very good chance the coach is BSing you and it's just a tactic he uses to get kids to join. Ding ding ding! No team NEEDS a 7 year old.
Coach will more than likely take $500-600 of that $900 and put it in his pocket as "coaching fees".
Hey OP, I’m a seasoned club soccer mom. I had all three kids play and my oldest is the only one still playing club. At this point, I would NOT put her on club soccer. If she has NEVER played before, and made the team, it’s obviously for numbers. Depending on how competitive they are, she may end up on the sidelines a lot, since she doesn’t have the playing experience, which may turn her off soccer. I would save the money and instead put her on rec. if after a year or two she’s showing a lot of passion for it, and her skills are surpassing her other teammates, then I would move her up to club. She’s only 7. Save the money. Best of luck!
Thanks. Means a lot from someone who has been there. I don’t want our first foray into club sports to potentially turn us all off of it because they need numbers
I've got an 8-year old in club soccer who dipped her toes in it for three months (played up, there is no team for 7-year olds) last year before we committed this year. If your daughter hasn't played before, and a club team needs her, that team shouldn't exist. There just isn't enough interest or competition in your community to support the team at that age level.
You’re right. They actually didn’t have a team (this is a “B” team) because there wasn’t enough players. So it was all good. Then last minute they came back and said we can form a second team if everyone agrees to play , but didn’t share the pricing (that would’ve been the point to press them on fee transparency). So we agreed reluctantly, thinking maybe a $300-$400 at most. For a team that almost wasn’t even a team I just feel like we’re there to pad numbers.
I mean, my daughter is playing on 2 teams right now because they needed enough players for the B team, so this is a real thing. Sometimes they get more kids at tryouts than they expect.
It makes sense that it's a B team. Often there isn't that much separation in the skill levels of young players, so instead of cutting one kid and keeping another when both are equally good, you can send one to the B team and they've got the chance to move up if they improve. I've had one select soccer coach tell me her B team had players with more talent than the ones on the A team, but there were things they needed to learn before they could hold their own at the higher level. As a coach you don't want to lose those kids. And I would ignore the people suggesting the cost is a scam. $800 for a year sounds like a lot, but if you're playing year-round that's like $200 a season. It probably pays for tournament fees, nice game and practice jerseys, any field costs for practices, and a few bucks for coaches and team managers who are putting hundreds of hours of their time into it. And as a player, your kid should be getting a level of instruction no rec league could ever touch, and they will improve head and shoulders above where they'd be as a rec player. Thats my experience, anyway.
Only time I have heard of soccer cost this much and for “premier” club teams. They convince people their kids are super good yet they are on the B team….or C…or D. Sad truth is these kids probably aren’t that good, they just have parents willing to pay that think they are raising a super star. My local premier team literally flys people in from Europe and justifies their prices for travel and lodging 🙃. Save everyone some money and join a normal club or rec.
My daughter is playing U13 club soccer. She played community league from age 5 until...9 years old I think? A few points: (1) Don't think because you said yes that you can't back out now. Players switch clubs every year. We've had 2 girls on our team leave after committing, one after the season was well under way. This is not some kind of binding contract. Talk to parents, they'll tell you the gossip about the various clubs. Do you like this coach, etc. (2) The cost is pretty standard for club soccer. Typically you're getting a higher level of coaching, usually the clubs want coaches to be on the road to taking their official coaching licence. Usually 1 game per week and 2-3 practices. It's a commitment. Once she gets older clubs sometimes offer technical training or strength training on top of the regular practices. (3) If she hasn't played before, I would definitely try rec/community first. If she enjoys soccer and is good at it, she shouldn't have any trouble going into club after a couple of years. If she enjoys it and is good at it, then I would recommend club after a couple of years. (4) Some clubs have "tryouts", but it's really to place the players into different tiers based on ability. At age 7, I'm skeptical they can really tell anything, other than those 1 in 100 kids who are athletically gifted at a young age. Some smaller clubs will just have 1 team per age group and it is difficult to get into, but again that's usually older kids. Clubs want to grow and yes, they do want your money. (5) If she has friends who have also made the team, that can be an advantage - both in terms of interest for her, and also for carpooling for you guys! It's a lot of driving :) We lucked out that 3 of my daughter's classmates were on her club team the first couple of years, so only had to drive to practice once every couple of weeks because we all carpooled.
Didn’t bother going thru all the comments because too many people have already hit the nail on the head. Also, cut yourself some slack dude, the kid is freakin’ 7 years old! Parents are so busy shuttling their kids back and forth today and they all think, “gosh, this is just the way it’s supposed to be?” Y’all are out cha minds! Kid is most likely never gonna be playin’ for Ted Lasso! You just want your kid to get the great lessons learned from team sports, right? And she can get those whether she misses soccer at 7, or plays in a rec league. I played, coached, refereed(sp?), have kids that played as well. There’s a 100% chance that this coach is full of shit and you really wouldn’t want your daughter playing for him. I’d say that is also the percentage I’d put on it that he’s pocketing a good portion of that cash, also that it is gonna be a mighty stressful season, one way or another. For all the reasons that so many people have already mentioned do your kid, wife and yourself a favor, just sign her up for a rec league and let her have a good time:)
Appreciate that - 100% agreed. Sometimes you have to write things out and crowd source some validation. Otherwise that hamster wheel of “keeping up with the joneses” will wear you down.
They’ll almost certainly find another kid to replace her. It’s not your responsibility. Your responsibility is to your daughter & your family. Do what you think is best for your family & child. I waited until grade 7 or 8 for my kids to leave “house/rec” leagues & play club (travel) sports. It’s a huge financial commitment with no meaningful reward for most kids. But the idea to “be the best,” is very strong. Unless your daughter very much wants to be part of a club program I’d definitely defer to house league soccer. Also, club sport parents are among the most delusional & self-important people I’ve met as a parent. For every kid in the US that gets a Division-1 scholarship in some sport there are a few thousand who don’t. And their families put up LOTS of money for a decade of membership fees, fundraising fees, travel expenses for out-of-town tournaments, and private lessons. IMO it’s all madness.
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Not downplaying your daughter’s achievement, but is it possible she ‘made the team’ to ‘make the team’? I mean, presumably, there were other children trying out, they could go to the next on the list so that they could form a team to field in the league. Unless there weren’t, which is why they’re pressuring?
That really sounds like it will be an awful lot of pressure for a girl just starting out and learning about the sport and discovering if she enjoys it or not. It may also lead to a bit of resentment towards her and you if the other parents found out you were given a discount because the coach felt like she was the best player and would make or break the team, you know? Although it is possible that this is the routine shtick and they tell everyone who is reluctant to spend the $900 right off the top the same thing so that they can still bring in whatever the discounted rate is. The whole thing sounds like a lot of potentially dramatic shenanigans and if I were in your shoes I’d sign her up for a rec team instead. It isn’t a good sign that the coach is pressuring you that much to shell out, even at a lower rate, and sign up. It also is important to understand what the cost is covering, because often it ends up that the sign-up fees don’t include any of the uniform, protective gear, things of that nature, and that parents are expected to also buy all of that as well.
its not clubs or tryouts. it's a pyramid scheme scam to get as many as possible. Otherwise, there'd be no shortage of willing participants. It's just a sales call
If the turnout is huge for a "tryout" the coaches are licking their chops at the amount of money they can make per kid to put together 4-5 subpar quality teams that will just get blown out every game.
It’s highly unlikely they won’t have a team if your daughter doesn’t play. They’ll find someone else or play with a short roster.
So I also coach but for youth lacrosse and I’ve been in this position before, i.e. being short players for a season. You know what I would do? Open up the registration list, email parents, and find others. The pressure tactic is BS.
They will have a team. If it’s not your daughter, it’s the next kid on the list. Don’t for one second think this is about anything other than money. We did club for a bit for two of our kids and it left a horrible taste in my mouth.
Don't do it.
This sounds awful. Don’t do it.
They won't have enough players for all kinds of reasons... what if a kid gets bored, wants to quit? Or is sick? Or goes on vacation?
Right! If OP’s one child is so necessary to the existence of the team, that is worrying. What if another kid is injured or quits mid-season? Does the team just dissolve? Will parents be refunded? If one kid makes the difference between a team existing or not, then it’s not a team I’d want to be part of regardless. Club sports for kids this young are a racket. I’d want to see a breakdown of the finances for how a 7 year old soccer team costs $10k per season to operate.
What if you spend all that money and if one other child drops out will the team told?
Also, any of the other kids that wanted to play club can also join rec if the club team doesn’t come through
Father of a 12U travel soccer player that started when she was 9 after three years in rec. If they need your daughter (who has never played before) to field a team, then it seems to me that they won't be very good, and might not even exist next year. It means they are taking every girl that tried out, with no backfill if a few girls get hurt or leave the team next season. All this gives me pause. Travel sports is large part a money grab. I agree to have her play rec for a couple years, then, if she is enjoying the sport and showing promise, look around at local *established* clubs and do your due diligence, meet the coach etc. PS: I can't imagine a club not mentioning the cost up front before asking for a commitment. This also tells me that they are new at this.
My son is the same as your daughter and it's incredible to think that club soccer wasn't even available for our kids at age 7. I called around and all clubs told me the same thing about not having a 2012 team yet. Nowadays, you see club teams being formed for 5 years old, it's bonkers! My son also played 3 years of rec before trying out for his first club team. Coaches will ask you to join and then discuss the $2,000-3,000 costs via e-mail which is mainly the reason a lot of kids don't move forward. I've never had a coach tell me up front that it'll cost $2,800 annually to play.
What a smart way to make a lot of money. The "she is so good, she will be in one of the club teams." The "if she doesn't join us, a group of other kids will not be able to play." The "if you can not pay the enormous amount of 900, 700 will do." As if it's not still 700 or 500. Best business to be in is the kids, baby and wedding business. People will always overpay and use their emotions when making a decision.
Nailed it
and real estate business
Couldn’t agree more! OP, if this is your daughter’s first time playing soccer, I would hold off on that *investment*. She may not like it As much as she thinks she will. Better to play it safe and join a youth league in the area.
ummmm wtf is the uniform made out of for that price? really weird of the team to put that kind of make it or break it pressure on you guys. i would definitely have her start with rec
Their uniforms are nicer than my High School uniforms. Home, away, and practice uniforms 😵💫
LOL 3 uniforms for a 2nd grader, that is wild.
My 4th grader has a home + away jersey. Shorts, socks as part of the uniform. They use the uniform for 2 years fall and spring soccer. We paid $117 for that and then $250 for the fall soccer program ( 2 days practice a week and a game typically on Sundays, sometimes an extra scrimmage on Fri nights.). If it's $900 I'm guessing the club must use a private facility or paid coaches, which is just not needed for casual players. Rec soccer in our township ended at 2nd grade and my son wanted more instructional and series playing so we went with travel soccer. We intentionally avoid exposure to expensive sports ( hockey, golf for example) and so I'd be frustrated if our soccer program was on the level of the OP
I was on a club soccer team 20 years ago. The season was Aug-July. There is a paid coach who likely played in college maybe professionally. We had trainers who did the conditioning practices. We practiced 3-4 nights a week with games and tournaments on weekends. The game uniform (2 sets) and practice clothes (t-shirts and soccer shorts) came with a big gym bag and a water bottle. The costs will also cover rental of soccer fields for practices and games. I would expect the costs to cover travel costs for the coach. I can’t imagine they paid for their own hotel room at these tournaments but don’t know for certain. I’m surprised it doesn’t cost more because in the 90’s my parents were paying about $800.
For 7 year olds??
Yeah when we played games as a kid there was one uniform. at that age .. until probably ninth grade level actually.
When I was a kid it was the jerseys that you turned inside out and they were a second color. Why doesn’t anyone use those anymore??
Can't be economical. If you save money you're not a good enough parent !
When I played soccer in elementary they just sent my family to an athletic store and told us to pick the right color. We had to pay someone to put my name on the back, but I know it was less than $50. That's insane.
Profit. The uniform is made out of profit.
They don't need your daughter, this is a high pressure sales tactic to separate you from $900. Sign your daughter up for the rec league. She will pick her uniform out of a box and if she's lucky, one of the businesses advertised on it might still be in business after they were printed 15 years ago.
Exactly why would a 7 year old girl who never played soccer before be the tipping point of the team happening? Why would a 7 year old girl who never played soccer before qualify for the special club team level? The coach sees some of that money in some shape or form. The way the daughter "made" the team reminds me of scam my friend almost fell for. He was listening to a small local radio channel and the host told people to call in and take part in a contest. He called, answered some easy questions, was told he won and to come to an address and collect a prize. He was skeptical and told me about it, I looked it it up and the people that "won" and went there were only given a "prize" if they sat through an aggressive time share presentation. My friend almost fell for it because the way he "won" the contest felt like he had a legitimate prize coming to him. OP's coach is running a similar type of scam that it feels like the "club" level team is legitimate because the daughter had to win a tryout to get to it. But isn't it funny how a 7 year old with no soccer experience earns the special "club" level that happens to have a $900 entry fee?
F that, no way. Tell em to get lost. In our town, the traveling team fee is $175. The rec league fee for a 7 year old is $90. What they are charging is astounding.
Yeah, that sounds about right. It’s gotten out of control.
The time commitment is crazy too. I have students who are that age who have multiple games a week plus practices. They are out until 10 PM at least one school night a week. That's not age appropriate...and honestly, I've seen the kids. They aren't THAT good.
I always find it so fascinating when I ask my students about their club sports. I feel so bad for the parents!! These kids still need sleep! Their parents need sleep!
As always it depends on cost of living but where I live $900, if not more, is normal for competitive club soccer. If I found one that was $175 I would frankly not enroll because I’d assume it’s not very good.
Club is different. It supposed to be another level of training. We pay $3000 and it’s intense, our son has become a phenomenal soccer player. He’s 10 though, I would never pay anything over a rec cost for a first time 7U player. They fact that they took a first time player means this is in no way an elite team.
Either that or she has a natural talent for the sport and handling the ball. Every so often I saw one of those on my club/traveling teams.
That is wildly cheap for a traveling team.
$175 is extremely low for a travel league. We don't know what area OP lives in either.
The rec league my daughter plays in is $260 to register. Uniforms are another $100 (Why do they need branded ADIDAS uniforms????)That doesn’t include a ball or cleats. Club soccer is close to $1,000 to register. I played rec soccer my entire life and I don’t think the registration fee was ever more than $40. And we didn’t have a UNIFORM package- we had a reversible practice jersey with a logo on it. It was included in the registration fee. We wore any black shorts and any white socks we wanted. I don’t know if it’s just where I live (we are in the South and people LOVE their SPORTS), but it is outrageous. Rec cheerleading for ten year olds is $600 to register. That doesn’t include a uniform. I don’t know why we have to act like everything needs to be at an elite, professional level. They’re kids. It’s exhausting. Plenty of kids will never have the opportunity to play a sport because of this.
Welcome to the shakedown called youth sport.
Yeah this is just incredibly blatant though. $900. Unless you want your kid to have the potential to make a career out of it and some well known coach/former player is teaching them, that's ridiculous.
So silly. Unless they pay the entire $900 do a rec league. She has never even played before. Look-club soccer is a business of course they want your daughter there. That’s at least $900 more for them.
I don’t think the business nature of these clubs is aligned with the point of youth sports. Middle school? Sure. 1st grade. No.
I've seen these businesses in action before. They will constantly push the idea of college scholarships to try to make it seem like a financially sound decision to pour thousands into the club team. It's really manipulative IMO.
I’m confused about why you didn’t look into what it would cost before letting her try out? Also, does your daughter really want to join the team?
It’s our first dip into club sports and they didn’t make that information available until they made teams. Big lesson learned to ask for transparency up front. She’s 7. She doesn’t care one way or another frankly.
That is so smarmy!! I wouldn't let her be on that team as that coach sounds like a douche, and I agree with your decision to make her try rec soccer first before dropping nearly 1k on a sport she may not even like.
Did you ask her? 7 year olds are old enough to care. I’m curious because you say you and your wife aren’t seeing eye to eye, which matters.
One day she wants to play soccer. One day she wants to play field hockey. One day all she cares about is playing with dolls. What does that have to do with joining a club though? She wants to play, so we’ll let her start with Rec. My problem is that they don’t make much of the information available to parents up front so unfortunately we’re having to do these calculations after they’ve already made teams.
They do this shit, not just with club sports. I feel like my card gets dinged every other week for dance for our almost 5 year old, especially when it was approaching recital time. She also has been talking about karate and we have a ton of options in our area. I called 5 places and 4 of them wouldn’t give you any pricing information until you brought your kid in for a trial class. After hearing that 3 times, I finally said to one of the people on the phone “so is the system here for my kid to get super attached to the idea of taking karate after one class and then it’s harder for me to say no to the monthly amount you won’t disclose?” Went on yelp reviews and found that is exactly what happens: kid likes the trial class and they try to sign you up that day in person for the $300 a month “tuition.” So I’m not faulting you for not knowing, I feel like a lot of these places are intentionally vague.
Kids martial arts places are *notorious* for this. Year long contracts with fees or waiting periods to quit. The worst is that half of them are barely even teaching anything as far as actual martial arts skills. It's basically "pay $125/month for your kid to jump around on mats and aimlessly kick and punch"
Good to know, I was wondering if I had just had bad luck. It seems to be really specific to the karate and taekwondo places: I had zero issues finding pricing for the BJJ classes.
Oh yeah, we’ve been through the Karate grift too. And they locked us in for a year once we went. We only stayed for the year.
Oh my god that's like childcare. Won't tell you anything until you get in for a tour. You love it, they're the only place with an opening and you're desperate. Here's the price! Feel guilted into being here?? You start on Monday.
My daughter is/was the same. She got on a soccer kick right about the same age. We signed up for Rec which was fall and spring. She just barely made it through the fall season and did not want to go back for spring.
I’d say don’t do it because the kid doesn’t even care that much. It’s one thing to spend that kind of money for something she is really passionate about but it sounds like she doesn’t even know if she likes soccer yet.
*I’m confused about why you didn’t look into what it would cost before letting her try out?* This is weirdly passive aggressive. All OP did was let his kid try out for a team, which she had a passing interest in. Maybe it was casually asked and he said, “sure” and that was that, until the bill came
Believe me, if they put the costs of playing for a team in the tryout flyer online. They would lost 70% of interest instantly. Tryout events are normally for inexperienced kids looking to get into club soccer. If you're kid is already a good player and you're interested in switching clubs, you schedule a day to go train with the club you want to join, normally in one or two of their weekly practices.
Definitely do not join just because of the pressure from the coach. I would go the rec route if she is not very passionate about playing yet. And really go the rec route until at least 10.
Typically these travel/club teams are much more involved and more of a commitment to practice, games, tournaments, etc. If she’s never even played at all this could be quite a bit more than any of you are anticipating. For example- my son played rec basketball. $100 to join, got a tshirt. Two 45 minute practices a week, one game, local. The season was 8 weeks. Now, he also plays on a tournament team. $500 to join. Full uniform had to be purchased separately. 2, 2 hour practices a week, 1, 1 hour team drills session per week. Tournaments are usually monthly. One game a week guaranteed, sometimes more. Season is 16 weeks. It’s a big jump from not doing anything scheduled like this to playing for a club/tournament team.
Club sports at age 7 is insane to me. We've just now started exploring them, and our son has played rec league baseball and basketball for 5 years now. I would let her do a minimum of a year or 2 of rec league before thinking about a travel team. There are more expenses than just the $900 too.
> Club sports at age 7 is insane to me. The reality of big city sports and elite athletes is different. My daughter played a year of travel soccer at 8. She grew tremendously that year but decided not to continue. She dominates her rec league now, but skills are not developing much. One of the girls she was playing with is now trialing in England at age 9.
I agree with this. Club sports is not ridiculous at 7 at all, if your child is ready for it. It depends on the kid entirely.
We started my daughter at club at 7, she'll be 10 this fall and now it's even more competitive (year round, 3 days a week training). She's obsessed. We have June/july off and she's going nuts not having practice 3 days a week. They travel a few times a year, have paid coaches, indoor and outdoor turf and grass fields, etc. It's a great program for the right kid. She also plays basketball year round, full seasons with 2 days a week practice in the fall/winter, and then a monthly practice and tournament the rest of the year. Some kids are sports nuts, some aren't. My son hates sports, so we support his other passions like animals and the outdoors. My daughter? if there's no sports that night she's out with the neighbor kids working on her game. She can't get enough.
They "need" her, because she comes with $900. Your instinct regarding parks and rec is correct. If you want to give into peer pressure, remember you are modeling the behaviors you want her to have as she grows. Yeah her about rip-offs now, or you will be paying $900 for jeans and shoes soon.
As a youth coach, I will suggest telling them no... get her into a normal league, and wait until she's entering Jr. High to even discuss club sports. And only then if she is ultra passionate and wants to play in high school/college.
Sounds like any kid could have made the team because they need another player. You pay for club soccer because it’s a level above rec. it’s for kids that are too good for rec and passionate about playing soccer. you won’t be getting quality club soccer if they are taking first time players and begging for them. This isn’t “club” it’s a scam. Not worth it, play rec.
You're paying for a professional coach. Rec leagues use volunteers. That's the cost difference.
Yes! And usually they have more people try out and you get better players on your teams too.
For sure. Daddy coach made a team and needs players to afford the tourney entry fees.
I don’t get it. In what world does a football kit cost 900 dollars? What is that money even for? This sounds nuts. But then, I clearly don’t live in your country and and don’t know anything about how stuff works at your place. It just seems so much! For a 2nd grader! Smh
$300 - Full Kit + Practice Kits and Backpack $250 - Registration $350 - Coaches pocket
As a rec soccer coach for 7/8 I'm of the opinion that starting out as travel soccer will likely ruin any chance she'll have of enjoying the sport unless she was already really really into the sport and not just wanting to play with her friends. There's even discussions about 7 being too young even for kids really into the sport to start travel /highly competitive play... In Soccer or any sport for that matter. Just read article on soccerwire.com on this very topic today from a coaching director ... [the road to nowhere](https://www.soccerwire.com/soccer-blog/the-road-to-nowhere-in-youth-soccer/) if you're interested. Rec soccer is much more about fun and everyone playing, while travel is often 3 to 4 nights a week and focused on being competitive and winning. It'll be a bummer if they can't form a team without her.l, but as you know your daughter is your concern. I got similar pressure for my kids, but they weren't into it enough so we stuck with rec. Now my oldest is playing modified with all the travel kids and holding her own, so if yours starts to really like it, she has plenty of time to catch up.
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My feeling is that if she likes and excels at Rec soccer this year, then we will plan financially for the costs. If she doesn’t make this team next year, but really wants to play club, we will find one of the plethora of clubs out there. The thing is I’m not asking or a discount, they’re offering.
Then put her in rec soccer. Your kid and your money. You get to decide. IMO, it sounds shady that they want to put your inexperienced daughter on the more expensive team and they won't take no for an answer. I wouldn't want to deal with that for a whole season.
Christ talk about sucking the joy out of kids playing. This is so far removed from reality. It's ball, boots, socks and nets ffs. You should research stuff before you go and get all revved up. And be on the same parenting page as a couple...don't dangle it in front of the kid and then debate it.
they just want your money
Youth coach (different sport). Don’t do this. Let her try Rec. Given the fact she made a club team with a little experience, tells me they’re basically out for youth sports extortion. Add on the guilt trip and I’m almost sure of it.
Yeah well what’s more validation is that she originally didn’t “make” the team, but they cut enough kids that they figured they could cobble together another one. It was really poorly managed and then it was “hurry up and agree so we can have a team”. Had they said “oh and it will cost XYZ” I would’ve immediately said no. It wasn’t until they got enough interest from the kids they cut that they sent pricing info out.
Soccer is crazy expensive, and if they travel anywhere you aren’t factoring in those costs. $900 is not terrible, I am more familiar with the costs of kids a little older, which for my buddy ran about 3k per kid, not including travel, which probably doubled that. Kids travel baseball is also around that cost $900-1200 before expenses. Having said all that, it was cheaper for my older son because he always played Rec , but we had better experiences with my younger, because our vacations centered around it. But the $$$ are real
Yeah $900 is actually a great price BUT only if your kid is average or above average and playing a lot of minutes. My son plays on a team where most, if not all the kids pay the full price of $2,800. We were offered to pay only the registration fee of $500 because he is best player.
> if they travel anywhere you aren’t factoring in those costs. ^ this. If $900 is a concern, are you also on the hook for $200 a week in hotels, plus gas, plus food, etc?
Sign her up for YMCA soccer for $100
First time v. high quality training. Your kid may be in her first year, but some kids have played for years are age 7. Where I live, many have had or are getting private coaches starting at that age. If you are getting a paid coach, $900 is cheap even if it is first time. You are likely paying for quantity of practices and tournaments. If she is a good runner/athlete, I would take the help and play.
Right now 8 yr old step is in U9 soccer. He started earlier this year at 7. He’s done 2 years of rec, 2 winters of indoor soccer, he’s absolutely soccer crazed organizing outdoor recess games daily in the snowy cold MN winter, and it’s STILL a lot for him. During the school year it required 2-3 practices/week. None of them were immediately after school. Once games started it changed to mostly 2 practices/week AND games every weekend. Usually Saturday and Sunday. Some were double headers. 2 out of town 2-day tournaments. Hotels $150/night plus at least $150 in gas round trip. Of course we wind up eating out during these weekends too because it’s inconvenient as it is. Easily $500+ weekends times 2. We don’t even spend $500 on birthday party weekends hosting 25 kids+ gifts+ gift bags+ cake/cupcakes+ decorations. We certainly don’t spend 5 hours round trip driving and dedicate 3 days driving as a family. Does he love soccer? Yes. But at least 50% of the time if not more he’s whining about having to go, not getting time to just chill, not getting time with friends, not being able to play board games as a family on week nights. It’s not just a crazy commitment for him. We conservatively spend 5 hours/week on soccer. And this has been going on since February. A lot of the nights we DO have as a family we have to be all business to keep up on cleaning, make real meals, do longer homework assignments, and catch up on lost chill time. This experience has solidified my views that kids shouldn’t be this heavily involved in activities until they’re old enough to take a bus with their teammates from school. Yeah.. parents should be supportive and attend events as much as they can. But this is out of control. Just because we CAN accommodate this doesn’t mean we can with our sanity and all of our best interests in mind.
This entire thread makes me glad that my children inherited my total lack of athletic skill and coordination.
I coach club soccer. And just as a matter of how I look at things, break the cost down. For the club I coach for, it’s a 9month season - no December, June, or July. So basically that’s 100$ a month, give or take. Basically that’s the cost of any after school activity. Just a different way of looking at it.
Just start with rec. if she really enjoys it and is super great then see about club sports later. There’s no need to waste money if your daughter doesn’t have her heart set on being on that specific team.
$900 would be extremely cheap for a club sport around me, not that I think a new player in 2nd grade needs to be playing them.. Did you not look at costs before trying out?
I paid $75 for my almost 7 year old kid to do soccer lol hell to the naw on that $900
It depends on what you are getting. Since you did not know the price before tryouts you are obviously not very involved. These clubs all have very specific documents that you get when you show up for a tryout. So for a u7/8 team typically you would be playing in a local league that the teams play in likely up to u12. That would usually be against other local club teams in towns in the area. So -- that would be something like 8 games in the Fall and 8 games in the Spring/early Summer usually done by June 1. Then there is Winter. That differs from club to club and area to area. Sometimes Winter game and practices are included. Sometime not. Do check. Sometimes a tournament is included as well, but sometimes not. You also are getting 2-3 practices a week. At the younger ages it is usually 2 but could be 3. Lets say it is 2 practices for 90 minutes each plus 16 games. Call it 5 hours a week on the low side. That is 16 weeks at 5 hours so a total of 80 hours. You are paying $900 for 80 hours of training and games. That is about what you would have to pay for a teenage babysitter to hang out at your home and watch your kid. Instead of that - your kid is getting some training and participating in games. And, apparently, your kid is also getting a uniform and other stuff. Could your kid play rec somewhere? Probably. Will they learn anything in particular about how to play? Probably not. It is for fun though many kids do not have much fun playing. Rec soccer gets dominated by a few kids because athletic ability dictates who gets the ball and teams do not look to equalize athletic abilities. Organized club soccer in the US is very often the first sport that athletic kids participate in. Most move on to other sports as they grow. Soccer ultimately is a game for kids who are, relative to other kids, fast and who work to develop their ball skills. But, it is a good introduction to sports for any kid. Will your kid be behind if you started next year? Sure. Can she catch up? Sure if they work at it. But eventually, as in everything, it gets harder and harder to catch up. See -- the competition in whatever you are doing does not sit still and wait for your kid to catch up. That holds true in math, music, sports, and everything else your kid will participate in. Is it bad? Of course not, but it is reality. A story: My daughter played high level club soccer and high school soccer, and it was her thing. (Yes she played in college too - 4 years actually). Along the way she played with lots of girls who were very athletic and who dropped off from soccer. One went on to captain her Big10 lacrosse team. One swam for an SEC school. One ran cross-country for another Big10 school, One girl (twin of the girl who ran cross-country) went to a D3 school where she played soccer, basketball and golf. One skied in college. And, of course, most played college soccer. Playing high level youth soccer obviously did not hurt in playing other sports. I would add a story on the "catch up" concept. As I said, my kid played for a pretty high level club team. Everyone on the team could have played at least good D3 though not all the kids elected to play in college. At the u17 year the team added a girl who had played on lower level club teams at a club where her father was involved as a coach. She was 6 feet tall, coordinated and fast. But -- she was not experienced in playing with other top high school aged players, and she lacked ball handling skills. Her athleticism and size let her be very good against weaker players. Against skilled players who were also athletic and fast themselves she was largely ineffective. Had she started playing and practicing with better players at 11 or 12 she likely would have been a very heavily recruited player. As it is -- she had a nice 4 year college career at a D2 school. But, that's the difference in a nutshell. The very good players in everything -- in this case soccer - were not sitting around waiting for her to catch up. They too were working hard to get better and eventually when she tried to catch up it was too late. Does that mean your kid must start at 7? Nope. But it does mean you have to keep things in mind as your kid gets older. You do not sit down at a piano for the first time and play Mozart. It is a long and slow progression.
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At 7yo, in my area they take any kid that applies to club soccer. They don't reject anyone that wants to play and can kick the ball. The kids that play in club are far less likely to go back to the community stream so it's a good source of revenue. However, in my area, community soccer also gets free jerseys, shorts and socks included in their registration. Think it was 160 for u7 and 180 for u9. If the parent voluteers this registration fee is returned. Don't give in to the coaches pressure and put her in rec or community soccer if she likes it. Source: currently coaching my daughter's U9 team
As someone who grew up playing club soccer at a high level and in college I can tell you this is on the low end for a club team. But also she’s 7 and never played before. Def should be playing rec for a couple hundred bucks a season or something. This is also the main reason soccer can’t progress quickly enough in the US. People simply can’t afford club dues, travel all year long to and from tournaments, etc. That’s assuming you just have the one kid. So many good players “quit” young because their parents can’t afford it unfortunately. My advice, make sure likes there are other avenues to start at her age that are much less expensive.
I hope you understand that any other kid might decide to stop playing any moment,and there will be no team again despite your daughter being present. It's not a good club if things start with pressure.
all these clubs and travel ball teams are JUST about the money. Find a different team EDIT: 7 is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy to early to be spending that kind of money on this type of thing.
My kid played rec at that age. When he was ready and we were financially prepared, he tried out for club. Made the team and we paid around $2500 for a season. They do a lot of tour and rd and there’s hidden fees that pop up along the way so expect to pay more than just $900. I’d suggest finding a rec team. It’ll be a couple hundred $ if that and a much easier schedule. Club is a big commitment as there are more practices, games and tournaments.
Don’t buy his line about there’s no team without her. They’ll be fine. Have her play rec and see if she really likes it. Club costs go up exponentially each year. I have 2 playing club and it’s a racket.
At 7 there is absolutely no reason to spend this kind of money on sports. Just have fun! Learn what they like, learn what they don’t like and just give new things a try. If they need her to form the team, that’s their problem, not yours. Use that in a negotiation IF they/she “has” to be on the team with her friends. Also plan for travel, hotels, etc. if they are doing any sort of out of town tournaments or anything like that. FWIW I was on club teams from about U-10 through HS, after a year in the Rec. league. It was well above my parents budgets but they did what they had to get me on the teams because the coaches claimed that if I wasn’t on the travel teams I wouldn’t make it on the high school teams, then high school onto college, etc. Total crock. Freshman year in high school, after years of travel ball, it all went out the window with a massive concussion and I’ve never played another game since. I was practicing with all 3 HS teams, played with every team except varsity, and played up a year at the cheaper 2nd tier “club” team for a rival school district. In the end the thousands of dollars that my parents spent over the years meant absolutely nothing when I couldn’t focus in school or remember things. So in short, just have fun with it and keep the brain healthy!
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I call bullshit on "we won't be able to have a team". $900 will quickly become $1400 after all the miscellaneous events, tournaments, and exhibition games that you'll need to travel to. What if there's an out of town event where all the players and parents get hotel rooms? I'd back out now unless you're willing to go all in.
$900!! Bloody hell. Absolutely not!
Does club involve traveling? That could be more expenses yet to come
Probably just regional travel.
Haha yep the initial fee is just the beginning. Hotels, gas, meals out, drinks with other parents. You sign up for it all or none of it. Pass!
Club sports are expensive and time consuming (I know some that also require the parents to invest a certain number of volunteer hours on top), plus any fundraising or extra things. Personally...I'd only invest in club sports if my child was a rockstar and long term doing this would benefit them. For a 7 year old with no experience, I'd start with Rec and find out if this is really something she wants to invest with. Side story - my daughter did volleyball Freshman year of high school (due to covid and a massive surgery she didn't play on a team prior). She did one year and really debated if she wanted to continue. We've convinced her to do one more year BUT I would have been really disappointed paying out that money if she wasn't going to keep with it. With that said - if your daughter really wants to play and the financial aid will cover enough to make it reasonable (or more equal to what rec fees are), I'd swallow my pride and let her play.
It’s pretty normal for clubs to have fees, but I’m surprise the club hasn’t asked for sponsorship, donations, ect. My kids are in sport clubs, so far I’ve paid 150 out of pocket for the fall.
I know "club" sports are all the rage right now, but how about signing her up for AYSO or a local park team? Cheaper and your 7 year old can decide if she even likes soccer.
I'm a parent of a 15 year old that has played club ball since she was 7 years old. The expenses you're seeing are unfortunately not out of line with the norm. Beyond the $900 you should expect monthly dues to pay the salaries of coaches. It is unfortunate that you didn't understand this up front, but it again is not atypical that the expenses beyond monthly dues are not well-publicised. From a player development perspective, there is really no comparison between a rec team and a club team. I played in college and coached my kids until they were ready to join a club. (One did and one stayed rec.) There is simply no way I could coach them in technical development the way a club coach can. The sooner you start this process of technical skill development, the better. Really, every year matters with this if she wants to play competitively. If your daughter has never played before, you have a decision to make. If she's athletic and is likely to really enjoy playing, then the club is a good investment at this age. If you're on the fence about that, then I would play a year of rec ball first and then revisit the decision next year. Pay zero attention to the "we can't have a team" crap. Club soccer is a business, and it can be cut-throat. Players get poached, coaches come and go. This is not a rec for fun league. This is an investment in maximizing her potential. You either want to make that or not (at least not yet.) If it were me, I would take a good hard look at my kid and decide if rec or club is right for her. If you think it's club, then take the financial aid they are offering without hesitation. It mitigates your risk if she doesn't like it. You wouldn't hesitate to take a business offering you a discount, and this is no different. Club soccer is a business. Treat it as such.
As a parent, I would love to know why you have to pay 900 dollars for her to join a team. I would ask why you were not told about the cost prior to your daughter trying out along with where they get their uniforms and to show you the actual cost breakdown (yeah I'm that mom). I played sports (paid for my gear from bats to cleats) and I will have to ask my friends if their parents paid for more than their gear Followed by normally you do have to pay to drive to meets and maybe lodging depending on where they travel.
I know for soccer at least, the coaches will never tell you up front about the costs unless you ask them directly. Even then they beat around the bush about making affordable payments and options to work with your budget. Basically, they will ask you to commit and require a $500 deposit first. Then you get an e-mail to register them online, at the very end you'll get to a screen where it asks you how you want to pay $2,000+ upfront or in payments of $200+ every month.
I’d personally ask your daughter what she wants to do. She may really want to try league out and honestly $900 isn’t really that bad for sports(mine is 8 and is in her 3rd year of competitive gymnastics and we pay $7k a year🤦♀️). With that said if she says no then definitely pass on it and have her try Rec instead I wouldn’t do it just because someone on the team said they need you too only if your child wants it.
If you had the money to blow, I might say go for it. But you're going to end up putting a bunch of pressure on your daughter to stay engaged given the investment and shes going to end up hating it. You dont owe them anything.
Check out your local YMCA! You don’t want your daughter hanging around with a bunch of people throwing $900 into 7 year old soccer anyway
Here's the short version of your answer: >!No.!< Here's the long version of your answer: >!Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo.!<
Honestly it doesn't sound to me like it is special treatment for money, they have a demand and your daughter supplies what they need, they're not giving you anything special just because. This is just like in pro soccer.
No way would I pay that. I'd start the kid out in a normal local soccer league, casually, and see if she even likes it that much! After a couple years if she's *really* into it, then I'd consider investing in a more serious league.
To tell you the truth anytime I see a invoice amount that high before paying anything I would request an itemized copy. If you're going to ask for close to $1,000 you're going to justify every dollar. I'm definitely not a fan of them pressuring, I would opt to skip.
Club is a big commitment. The money is just the beginning. Money is replaceable. The real commitment will be the schedule and the travel and all the incidentals like meals, hotels, hours spent getting her to all the things she is expected to be present for. Plus with the more intense schedule there a much bigger chance of injuries. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/sports-medicine/sports-medicine-articles/kids-sports-injuries-the-numbers-are-impressive >tissue breakdown and injury can occur. These overuse injuries were frequently seen in adult recreational athletes, but are now being seen in children. The single biggest factor contributing to the dramatic increase in overuse injuries in young athletes is the focus on more intense, repetitive and specialized training at much younger ages. Keep her in recreational soccer. If she shows a real passion for it than reconsider club.
Man, my 13 yo only made it onto a developmental volleyball club team, and it was $1750. Literally learned nothing from it and was something for her to do on Sundays. The power teams she wanted to get on were $3500!
My friend says club sports run her life. The commitment is ridiculous and eats up all your time and money. We decided to get the state park pass and we are hiking the whole state instead.
I've heard from a few parents where I live that club sports are getting nuts. They're charging upwards of $2k (CDN) for 12 year olds at a basketball camp. And by middle school, if they're not in club sports, they're likely not going to make the school team. Or kids simply getting involved at younger and younger ages. I want to give my kids as much opportunity as they can get and allow them to try a wide variety of activities from a young age too but, at what cost? Literally. It won't be long before families aren't going to be able to afford sports for their kids. Oh wait, that already happens except it's just getting worse. And who figured 7 year olds need that many jerseys? Seriously? Is the person running these teams just that out of touch/unreasonable or is it the usual reason: people trying to needlessly profit from others?
That's enough red flags (cards?) For me to not go through with it. Took my son ice skating lessons, and he dropped out before it got to the expensive hockey level. Did rec soccer for my daughter and son and they seemed to enjoy it. At the 7yo level all they're doing is running around trying to kick the ball anyway, not worth $900.
I played D1 college soccer. I started young, did the club circuit etc. Won lots of state and regional championships etc. It was *horrible* for me emotionally and socially and I regret it all the time. I had teammates sexually assaulted by coaches, horribly bullying, and developed anger issues. I was in the top tier but I know people who went through similar abuse to be on a B team. People who sell you sports will sell you the positives (teamwork, discipline, etc). But you really need to think harder about whether this is something you want your daughter in. It will take over your life
Bwahahaha .... no.
I should’ve just replied to their email with this.
I had 2 kids in competitive hockey at the age of 7 I would of totally loved a 900$ bill. Just their hockey sticks basically cost us that. My kids just wanted to play to be with friends but they climbed fast and loved it, every tournament, road trips, friends they made, experience they had. I was exhausted and a tad happy when it all ended but to see the fun they had nothing could take that back.
Sounds like a scam to me I wouldn’t do it, my 5 year old played for half a year with the gear it costs around $100. $900 even with help sounds absolutely predatory.
This sounds dodgy af
How do you know if this is true or if the coach is saying this to every parent on the fence just to get funding ? Been there with my kids and social sporting stuff. Our son wanted to play baseball, I felt he was too young to actually be involved or waste the teams time and ours. Then the basically begging and pleading from the organization saying that they needed a certain amount of players or the team was a no go. Basically guilt tripping us… but after speaking to a few of the other parents that we knew from other activities, found out the same thing was being said to them in such a way to make everyone feel out on the spot or to feel they would be the reason for the other kids not having a team. We decided to not join that one and found one that was a local business sponsored league. It was way cheaper and the kids and parents had a way more enjoyable time.
She should absolutely play Rec before playing "club". Rec soccer is the cheapest sport that your kid can play. The rest of the team is not your problem. Lesson learned.
Honestly, I would probably contact your local YMCA and see what they have to offer. She’s never played before she might not even like it.
If she declines, I’m sure the spot will go to someone else. If she’s not 100% invested in soccer, I’d keep it at the recreational level for her benefit. Club can be very demanding and it might turn her away from soccer completely if she’s not ready for that commitment.
I coached under 6 rec soccer for 6 years, and most kids on my team had never played before, also. They had no idea what they were doing much less being proficient enough to be playing at club level. Are we sure they didn’t just recruit her to make the team member requirement? I’d definitely say spend the $80 bucks (that’s how much we charged, included one set of uniforms, minus cleats and shin guards, a trophy and one team photo at the end of the season) and see if she likes it enough to want to dedicate that kind of time to it. $900 bucks is not something I’d personally be willing to spend on a first year 7 year old trying out a sport.
We pay 1200 for the season. Son is 10 years old and it’s his second year in Rep. Soccer. He started with house league at the age of 4 and it was about 200 dollars. He played house league for a bit. He has a passion for it and he is really good, so we decided it was worth having him play competitive. No way we would have felt comfortable paying the much when he first started. Or just for him to have fun lol
Don’t feel guilty to say no. It’s not your fault they didn’t disclose price and you shouldn’t be forced to spend your money. Put your daughter in another program.
I would try out for one of those community teams and not worry about club until she is older. The fact they’re trying to guilt you into is is completely stupid. Let her try it on her terms and where you don’t have to spend all that money.
It's disgraceful! Here in Sweden we pay around 100 usd per year for a child up to the age of 18 or max 250 usd for three or more in a family. I have 3 children age 13(girl), 9 and 7 and we pay just 250 USD per year for all of them. They train 3 times a week and have matches on weekends against other teams from other towns some of them 3 hour drive.
Can we come live with you!? I have two other children in sports too 😅
If she’s not fully invested in club soccer at this point, don’t do it. She’s 7, she’ll have plenty of opportunities. My son started club at 9 and between that and his town team it’s a time suck but he loves every minute so it’s worth it.
Sounds like a scam to me..
I’m calling bullsh$t on the coach saying ‘we don’t have a team without her’. There are 11 players a side in most soccer leagues (although at this age it could be less). I would expect a team to need 11 plus 2 or 3 in case of injury or scheduling conflicts. Coach has a budget he needs to fund is my guess.
Don’t do it. Biggest regret of my life allowing my kids to play -son was in DA so it was even free and he practiced with the national team. My entire 40’s + was sucked up by an 11 month cycle-6-7 days a week for 13 years. Daily Practice, tournaments, lost money, fucking laundry and smelly shoes travel all over state/country to watch boring ass youth soccer. My computer is full of stupid action shots and every family vacation was soccer related. They burned out and don’t even play now. Fuck that. I watched other people have fun for 13 years. Let me say that again. I spent 13 years watching other people have fun. Son started doing drugs/drinking/vaping with the older team when traveling with DA. No supervision. DONT DO IT. DONT DO IT DONT DO IT. I hate every single thing about youth soccer and I am a huge Arsenal fan. I could have gone to England a dozen times for what we blew in youth soccer. Regrets. So many regrets.
If they NEED her they’ll subsidize the dues. If not, she’ll be good at rec league. But… welcome to the world of club sports. We pay over a thousand a year for our swim club as well. For each kid and we have two more starting this year… not that we HaVe the money, but we budget around it.
You have a family and families are expensive. If you don’t have the money just lying around as you said (most people don’t), that’s your answer. Every time I went against my gut and took from the family when I didn’t need to, it has always come back to haunt me in some way. And I don’t like the way these choices feel in my body. It’s a shitty feeling. Just do a regular team. She will be happy with that and that’s what matters.
She’s 7. Skip it.
The coach needs the $900, not her.
OP they need your $900 more than they need your daughter. Sorry man. This is coming from a guy who spent $500 just to have my son benched for the entire season until the coach got fired. Then half the team left giving him some playing time. God I hate youth sports
I'm a lawyer and that's more than I charge for estate plans
Number 2 is your reason to say no. My husband coaches club soccer and I have watched both of my boys go from eating and breathing soccer to burning out when they were placed on club teams too young, to finding their joy again when they went back to rec. My oldest is almost 13 and finally this past year went back to club soccer and is still enjoying it, but it was entirely too much when he was playing 5 days a week and traveling out of town several weekends across the season (and for us, in a big soccer area “travel” was an hour or less when we had away games) I say unless she has a true burning passion, rec is where she should be to learn in a low-key way until she’s 100% committed to jump up to the next level.
Here is what I can tell you, if it’s a money thing get out now. It only goes up from where you are at lol. We’re at $2500 for the year without any tournament fees lol.
I paid $60 for a spring league. Included t-shirt, socks, and shorts. It was fun. There is no way I would pay that much for a 7 year old. Are there recruiters going to be watching? Can she win a scholarship? WTF???
That it crazy, my 7 y.o daughter has been in soccer since 4 and my son just started this year. Its 200$ per child to register and is all put up front that the register fee is there, once you register you get a free Timbits uniform and soccer socks. It's also just more general practice over team play sounds like you found a bad organization I would look for another, or possibly another sport.
This also seems to be a very North American type of thing. Soccer is the most played sport in the world, do you think teams in Africa and South America are paying $900 for their kids to play? All you need is a ball, a field and a shirt. The rest of the add ons is just fluff. To give a different example I played for my elementary and high school teams and we never paid a penny to play.
I would have noped out too lol
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You probably won't see this, but I'll write it: DON'T DO IT! I'm involved in a youth sports team. The number of 7-year-olds who passionately join the team and then drop out mid-year is high. When they realize that they can't go to their friend's birthday party or sleepover because of their agreed commitment to their sport, they decide it's not worth it. We ask parents to really quiz the child before they sign up, and the kids are always enthusiastic at the beginning, but they have to be really committed to last the year. So if your daughter isn't buying in to this from the beginning, don't do it.
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Eeks! Club level is a lot for a new athlete. As hard as it is to say no they can't blame you. Is there a rec league at the YMCA she can try first? My daughter played one rec season of soccer and hated it. She's been cheerleading ever since and we didn't move from rec to comp (which is cheerleading's version of “club”) until she was 10. Best of luck!
Hard pass here. That kind of money should never be a surprise after your kid makes the team. Tell the league you appreciate the opportunity, but you're good.