Club Soccer Return On Investment
Most of the joy of youth soccer, whether on club or town, is spending time with your kids.
How many great conversations have you had in the car going to and from games and practices? Kids sort of open up in the car, assuming they’re not texting. And if you carpool with someone, well, they’d rather talk to their friends than you – but that’s normal, isn’t it?
Whether they become superstars (not very likely on this end, and that’s more than OK with me) or just decent players who build a good network of friends, respect authority and become disciplined in their exercising – it’s all ok as I get to spend even more time with them.
Though with club soccer being considerably more costly than town/rec soccer some parents expect more – much more. The more they spend the more pressure they place on their child. They enroll in core training, strengthening classes, cart the kids around multiple states perhaps, etc. and many put the added pressure on the kids to win, excel and continuously improve.
Some parents expect at the end of all this youth soccer that their kid should get into a better college and even play in college, or at least get some form of financial assistance. “I spent more than $20 thousand on my kid’s soccer so he damn well better play in a Division 1 school!” Really?
Ever think that the more you spend and expect of your kid the less happy they may be?
Especially if you wave it over their head when you get frustrated on them or their performance. And the more you spend and expect you increase your chances of just being a nasty (did I just say that?) soccer parent by ranting and raving on the sidelines when things don’t go your way – oh, I mean your daughter’s way. Perhaps it’s natural to expect more when you spend a high percent of your family budget and soccer club fees, dues, travel, training, etc.
You’re investing your time with your kid and no amount of money can replace that. I’m quite sure that no one on their deathbed ever wished they worked more. Your return on your investment will bring you closer to your child in a day-and-age where kids can’t even look at another person in the eye, make a phone call or write a thank you note.
Relish the moment and expect nothing more than a close relationship. That’s your return on your “soccer” investment. Certainly better than my 401k!
