SUGGESTIONS FOR CHANGE

The youth sports culture (especially in US soccer) is in need of change. The needed change is not one of rules or procedures but culture. The norms and beliefs surrounding youth sports are largely influenced by the adults who administer the sport's delivery. Here are my suggestions…

Recognize the Level.

Teams and clubs can be broken up in many ways but in terms of competition: Elite, Competitive-Recreation, and Recreation. 

The competitive cauldron has its place but should not be everyplace. If a team or a club is genuinely “elite,” they compete at the state or regional level or have a proven gateway to professional ranks. 

Most teams/clubs are “Competitive-Recreation.” Recognizing this fact is an excellent opportunity for parents, players, and coaches to embrace the best of what both worlds have to offer. 

The moniker of “Recreation” almost has a negative connotation in most sport circles today, but it needs to be embraced again. Playing for the joy of the game is not a bad thing. 

Act Appropriately Within the Level. 

Elite clubs need to be pushing their players and re-evaluating their talent levels regularly. The level of expectation is higher because the ultimate desired destination is also higher. Most Elite clubs do not have a problem setting this higher expectation. The issue is usually that a club is trying to keep Elite expectations without being Elite. 

There can be high expectations at Competitive-Recreation clubs, but the person's long-term growth should supersede the short-term desire for “success.” Simple changes like holding tryouts every second or third year would allow players, coaches, and parents a period of team building. This long-term view allows players and all others involved to develop both on and off the field. Professional trainers are still an option to develop players' soccer skills. However, as we head into a third or fourth generation of soccer players in this country, the knowledgeable parents will begin to make this less of the norm. 

The Recreation level should continue to be fun with friends. 

Remember What’s At Stake.

Often the famous line from Bill Shankly is used by people to discuss the sport’s importance. “Some people think football [soccer] is a matter of life and death. I don’t like that attitude. I can assure them it is much more serious than that.”  In terms of game results, I would disagree wholeheartedly with Mr. Shankly. Game results are a moment in time that may be remembered or forgotten. 

However, in terms of societal impact, he is absolutely right. This game has the ability to give and take life both literally and figuratively. The passion for the sport has unfortunately taken life in several tragedies. It has also given life by stopping violent conflicts in different parts of the world and providing a pathway to many poor children who would otherwise succumb to their impoverished beginnings. 

In the US, the game is rarely a matter of life or death. It can be a catalyst for a better life. Using the game as a vehicle toward better living involves a conscious recognition of the game's short and long-term impact on the young person. 

Pushing our youth into a “one size fits all” system of sport kills most of the inherent positives of participation.

The conversation does not end here. The difficult thing is not recognizing a problem. People see problems every day but generally wait for someone else to do something about it. The answer is usually much closer to home. Each individual needs to contribute to see the cultural shift needed in the beautiful game here in the land of the free and home of the brave. There is a reason why “We The People” are the first three words of the Constitution. 

Change is brought by regular people, doing the right things consistently.

Author: Pete Huryk

View more posts by Pete Huryk

Koach Karl’s Notes: 

Thank You, Pete, for sharing your suggestions with FUNdamental SOCCER!   

Readers, your 'Suggestions for Change' are welcome and may help improve the soccer culture in some USA communities… Priceless..!

Your FUNdamental, Koach Karl (Karl Dewazien)

• Emeritus State DoC of California Youth Soccer Assoc. 1979-2012
• Author - FUNdamental SOCCER Books Series
• Producer - ‘FUNdamental SOCCER -Practice’ DVD.
• Clinician at: www.fundamentalsoccer.com