When choosing a Youth soccer club, the task can be overwhelming. There are many clubs and levels to choose from. Some clubs and teams compete locally while others travel regionally and even nationally. Some have parent coaches and others offer qualified coaches.
Some of the main questions that should be asked and researched are as follows:
What is the Coaching Philosophy of the DOC?
In most cases, the coaching director sets the tone for the club with regards to style of play, and also in the way players are educated. Knowing the Director’s track record of having produced players and teams is, in most cases, critically important.
Will the club move players within it?
Player movement is critical for player development. Players develop at different rates, much like we do as people. This can be technical or tactical (in soccer terms) physical, social, and emotional (in human development terms). To maximize growth and potential, players need to play with other players of similar or better ability. A good club recognizes when players need to be challenged and moved onto a higher level or older team, and conversely when a player needs to succeed and perhaps for a period of time be moved down onto a lower level team so success can be attained. The best clubs operate as one club, not a series of teams on islands. Cooperation is key.
What costs are associated with the team?
Aside from registration costs, each team within the club may have different financial demands based on the league the team plays in (local vs national). In addition some older teams play in college showcases, and national tournaments which can require hotel stays, meal, and large travel costs. It is best to have a general idea of these fees up front.
Expectation and commitment level.
Different teams within a club have different expectation levels based on whether they are a first team or a second team. Even though they are all competitive teams some are much more so than others. It is important to know exactly what you’re signing up for so that nothing comes as a surprise later. For example, there could be a competitive team which allows for players to attend school events, etc., while another team within the club may not be so flexible.
Lastly, remember that some winning clubs recruit players vs develop them. The real question is do you want to win at all costs? Or do you want to grow? Unfortunately sometimes the two don’t go hand in hand. Choosing a club is not easy, but if you know what you want, the choice should be obvious.
Giuseppe DePalo – With a myriad of experience at both the professional and NCAA level, Giuseppe has become one of the most successful and respected coaches in the Southeast Region. In 2016, in addition to taking on the Director of Coaching role at Pinecrest Premier Soccer Club, Giuseppe expanded his horizons by being named Head Coach of the Miami Fusion of the NPSL. Previously, he built the soccer program at Nova Southeastern University, where he spent 17 seasons. DePalo currently holds a USSF “A” License, as well as a UEFA B license.
