7 Things to Consider When Choosing a Club Soccer Team

At some point, you may decide to take your soccer potential a step further and play on a club team. If you’re in the process of looking for a club soccer team, there are some important factors to consider.

I played club soccer for nearly ten years, for five different teams, and there are plenty of reasons why and things I’ve learned.

Travel soccer and club soccer are used interchangeably to describe leagues much different from recreational leagues. Club soccer provides more training opportunities, competitive play, and commitment from players and parents.

Here’s what you need to consider before picking a club team.

 

Connections

If you’re a soccer parent or player considering club, how did you find out about club soccer? Do you know anyone that plays club? It can be very intimidating to begin, and sometimes exploring your existing connections to teams is a good start.

Reaching out to friends, family, or acquaintances is a good idea because they can speak from experience if they are already involved in a club community.

 

Location

Soccer parents, how far do you want to drive to practice and games? Soccer girls, how much time do you want to spend in the car? Choose a maximum distance and search for teams within.

When I played club, my parents and I decided we wouldn’t drive more than an hour to practices or games (championships and tournaments were the exceptions).

Remember, parents and players have a lot to prioritize besides soccer. So, choosing a team within a reasonable distance is key to having a balanced lifestyle.

 

Price 

Soccer parents–this one is primarily for you. Club soccer gets very expensive, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars for a single season, depending on the club.

Quality coaching is included in the club price, along with jerseys, shorts, socks, warm-ups, bags, etc. Keep in mind the best team isn’t always the most expensive, and the worst team isn’t always the cheapest.

Do your research and choose a club you can afford.

 

Reputation

Which teams have a long history of success? Which teams offer opportunities to travel to tournaments with college recruitment scouting?

Some teams will be better known than others. Some teams will have consistent championship appearances. Take a look at teams with a good reputation locally and statewide.

On the opposite end, you might find some teams with a bad reputation or hear of some club drama! Stay away from teams with drama.

 

Coaches

Most clubs have websites with access to information about their coaches and staff. Get to know coaches through the resources on the club’s website as well as Google.

Do they have social media accounts? How do they portray their coaching experiences and teams on platforms like Facebook and Instagram?

Another way to meet coaches is at tryouts. Soccer girls can get an in-person introduction and maybe a feel if the coach would be a good fit.

 

Tryouts

After you’ve done all your research and narrowed down the clubs, go and try out!

The best way to get a feel for the club, teammates, coaches, parents, and the general atmosphere is to attend a tryout. During tryouts, do not be afraid to ask other players questions. What are the teams other players trying out for? Did the players that were on the team last year enjoy it?

 

Change

If you’re already playing club, have you felt like you needed a change? I switched teams four times. Twice the team fell apart, and once I felt undervalued by my coach.

Before my final year of club, I decided to try out for the best team in the state just to see if I would make it, and I did! I wish I would’ve tried sooner, but I wasn’t aware of my worth.

Be self-aware so you can recognize the change you need and when you need it. Choosing a club team is like choosing a best friend. Would you continue to stay friends with someone that doesn’t make you better and value you?

When it comes time to make a change, don’t be afraid and REMEMBER YOUR WORTH…which is a lot.

 

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