Is Training with a Club Team Enough or Should I Be Doing More?

Parent: My son is 12 years old and plays on a local travel team. They train 3-4 times per week and have games on the weekends. I would say he is above average in terms of the skill level on his team and plays most of the game. Should I be looking to get him additional training?

The answer to this parent’s question requires some analysis before making a decision. At any level, personal training is an investment of time and resources. Parents and players seek out additional coaching to establish a strong technical foundation, refine skills that may go unattended to in team training, and gain a greater perspective of the abilities and actions needed to reach various levels (travel, high school, elite youth, college, and the professional ranks). While the additional training poses little downside, it is important to make sure that the investment aligns with what is in the player’s best interest. 

Important Questions

How passionate is your child about soccer?

Whether your child is in their first season of soccer or already committed to a year-round schedule, there must be a desire to play the game simply because it is fun. A player does not have to be the best on their team or perform at a high level to enjoy soccer, but they must view the game as enjoyable in order to progress. 

Have they expressed any goals related to soccer?

Knowing that a player has goals and what those goals are is an important step. Goals signify a clear desire to improve and should be used to steer the decision-making process if they are to be realized. The best way to figure out what these goals are is to have a discussion with your player. While some players will be direct and indicate exactly what they want to get out of soccer, others may be vague or not yet have an answer. Questions such as whether they have a favorite team or a particular player they follow can be a good start. A young player expressing they want to be on a particular team or play like their favorite professional player can often be an indicator of their desire to improve (even if they don’t yet know what it is they need to improve). If players are unsure, exposing them to different levels of soccer can be a good next step, as it is hard to want to be something you do not know exists. Going to watch the local professional, collegiate, or even high-school teams play can get players thinking about the game beyond just their role on their team. Bottom line: determine your player’s goals and keep an open line of communication about them.

How are they currently performing in the environment they are in?

Is the player excelling? Are they struggling? Maybe somewhere in the middle? It can be hard to tell exactly where a player falls in the hierarchy of ability based on those around them. What I find to be more important is whether or not the player is improving and the rate at which they are improving. A player who is just starting out should see noticeable improvement as they spend more time playing. While it is common to see a decline in the rate of improvement as a player progresses past the level of a beginner, a sharp drop-off in improvement or an apparent halt can indicate a need for additional instruction. Even with steady improvement, working with a trainer can speed up growth by structuring the training in a way that targets the player’s weaknesses and enhances their understanding of the game (think being able to quickly decide whether to pass or dribble into the space during a match).

Do you foresee them staying at a similar level or progressing to a more competitive one?

This last question may be what finalizes your decision. The level you see your player competing at in the future can often be determined by the goals they have. For players who are solely seeking the social aspect of being on a team or who are just as content being near the bottom of a roster as they would be at the top, extra training may not be a worthwhile expense. However, if a player is struggling and has aspirations to increase the role they have on their current team (possibly becoming a starter) or to move up to a better team (going from the B team to the A team), additional training can be what makes the difference. Even if a player is one of the best on their team, their skills may not be enough to get them on a higher-level travel team or to earn a college scholarship. Working with a trainer is a great way to push and hold aspiring players accountable as their progress is not based on a comparison to other players but on the goals they have set for themself.

The questions listed are not meant to represent an extensive list but rather highlight some vital areas to focus on before making a decision. When it comes to soccer, the most important thing to remember is that the game should be played because it is what you enjoy doing. While there will be times of discomfort, hardships, and sadness within the experience, there should be a net positive amount of joy overall.