Preparing for this decision involves doing some homework especially understanding the process and learning how to compare resources and benefits of each program you will be visiting. First things firsts, any prospective player and parent should contact your their association and ask for a list of all programs and contact information for all competitive programs in your age bracket. Most state associations maintain a roster of all coaches and will always have the telephone numbers of each club registered within the state.

Once you receive the list from the State Association, you should contact each program on the list that fits your age group and ask for a schedule of games, practice schedule and tournaments they will be participating in. Be sure to get the location where each of these opportunities to see the team in action will be held and plan on attending as many games, practices and tournaments as you can. This will give you an opportunity to get a feel for the coaching staff and a chance to have your athlete talk with the players. Watching the coaches and their teams in action is one of the best ways to get answers to many of the important questions you will have and allow you evaluate each program and find the one that best fits your needs.

As a parent, you should rely on your own instincts and knowledge when making a decision in selecting a program that fits your needs. You should seek out the one's that will help take your child to the next level of play. Be realistic about your athlete's abilities and have an evaluation done by your athletes current club, recreational or high school coach before you begin your search. This will narrow your options to only those programs where your athlete will fit excel and be challenged.

While parents might not always agree with the evaluation given, coaches have usually been teaching principals of the game and or have played longer than a parent might realize. Some parents may believe the game is easy, it is not and skill and practice is a necessity to excelling and mastering any sport an athlete may endeavor.

FACT: Soccer has become the fastest growing sport in the United States. Today, there are more than 18 million registered soccer players in the United States and the number is growing.

If your athlete is age 4 or 5 and the equipment is minimal and include the following items:

Ball, shoes, a place to play and shinguards for league play and a small registration fee to cover administrative cost and pay referees.

Coaches are usually volunteers often moms or dads, or other community leaders with a love for children and a desire to teach. This is the essence of recreational soccer - children playing solely for the enjoyment of the game. For many players recreational soccer is the best of all worlds for their entire playing career. Recreational leagues are available in communities of all sizes throughout the country, from the under 6-age level to men's and women's adult league competition.

Many communities may not have enough players to warrant a club soccer system, so associations form travel teams. These teams are selected from the more talented or skillful players participating and who desire a higher level of competition. These teams travel throughout the region playing other travel teams in inter-association league competition. Throughout the larger cities of the United States and around the world, club soccer provides the highest competitive level of soccer for the youth player. Club soccer exists where groups of people form soccer organizations with specific goals, to serve their interests and desires.

The club may begin as a single team, which adds a new team each year until they complete the entire range of age level competition. They may form specifically for either girls or boys teams, or they may encompass both genders. Some clubs in large communities may have more than one team in the same age level, building a developmental team philosophy into their program. Club teams will often have coaches with professional playing or coaching experience and have earned USSF coaching licenses. The club may have paid professional administrative personnel such as a Director of Coaching or Club Administrative Assistants, in addition to volunteer officers and members of a Board of Directors. Clubs usually qualify as not-for-profit corporations, providing tem tax incentives, and making possible solicitations of individuals, corporation and small business sponsors.

The individual player's needs and expectations will differ depending on his or her age and skill level. A -10 year-old may be ready to experience the challenge of a higher level of competition; more experienced coaching, and the stronger commitment to the team that often accompanies club soccer.

The 15 year-old athlete beginning high school has the possibility of using club soccer as an avenue toward a college scholarship. At all ages, the player and parent should look forward to becoming part of a club and a team where they will be provided:

· quality coaching
· an environment that challenges the player
· an environment that allows the player to improve skills
· an environment that allows the player to be successful
· an environment that allows the player to develop character and attitude
· an organization with structured and the opportunity for growth
· an provided development from age 10 through high school

Comparing clubs to travel teams or recreational teams can be a challenge, but to find the right program it is necessary to review all your options and base your decision to join a particular program based on your facts and findings not someone else's opinion especially another parent.

ONLY YOU KNOW WHAT IS BEST FOR YOUR CHILD.