How does recreational coaching compare to club level training?
What is Quality training?
We all know that AYSO and local recreation leagues are amazing at providing a great environment for all new players. These leagues and practices are usually coached by volunteer parents, relatives or friends who have not played much or know much about the sport. Most do not have the coaching education and licenses that club level/academy coaches have. This does not mean that all volunteers are not ‘qualified’ coaches, the majority have never played at a high level.
Want a faster start?
What about those looking to have their child get off to a faster start and jump into club level or academy level training at a young age? If this is you, we have some tips. One of the best things to do is to go online and research local camps, clinics and practices offered for higher level training. A good source is Yelp, a Google search, Facebook, Instagram or the digital Yellow Pages to name a few. The options nowadays for competitive training is becoming more popular as the sport becomes larger and larger. Another way is by asking around, don’t be afraid to ask your friends, coaches or relatives for advice. Don’t forget that if you are looking to have your child improve through one of these higher level training sessions it will not be at the same price as the AYSO or recreation cost, expect to pay a monthly fee or fee per session. The coaches who offer these sessions are skilled and experienced in what they do but will provide results, so look at this as an investment instead of an expense.
If you do find an organization that offers higher level training, be sure to ask around, read some reviews and call them to see what type of people actually run the training. It is always important to see what people are saying about them on their social media pages. If there is a number or email to contact them, even better. Don’t be afraid to spend some time and find the best option for your child. Lots of times there are free clinics or practices these organizations offer so you can go and see how your child likes the practice. Definitely take advantage of free, who doesn’t like free stuff right?
Is this right for my child?
Now that you have found an organization, club or coach that you think will help your child, be sure to take notice on how they work with the kids and stay around at the practice to watch the drills they do. Some of these drills they do at practice can be easily done at home, school, the park anywhere they have some space. The more the child trains and gets these drills down, the quicker you will see results in your child. You can not expect your child to make drastic improvements by training 2 times a week with a game on the weekend. If you really want to see them improve, have them practice on their own for about 30 minutes each day they do not have practice with their team/coach. Remember, if they put in the work, the results will come.From here on out it is up to the parent to decide what their child does and what route they take.
Sacrifice
Parents make lots of sacrifices and now as a fairly new parent myself I am learning the hard work it takes. You always put your child first and want the best for them so be sure to be patient. If this is what you really want for your child, you will make the time and “invest” in your child’s future. Having your child be part of a team, organization or just associated with other kids is so important. I have met some amazing people growing up through sports who I can still call my friends. I hope you all find the right organization for your child to develop and become the best they can be.
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If you have any other tips or ideas on researching quality training or local organizations please share and leave a comment. Thanks again for reading and we hope you find value in what we have to offer. Feel free to share this article and be part of the community.