First you must ask yourself, is this right for me and is this what I want to do?

Here is some insight on making the move from recreational soccer to club soccer that might help you make a clear and concise decision.

Recreational Soccer, as most of you who are reading this know is quite simple in concept. Begin playing soccer at age 4 in Under 5 leagues, learning basic skills of the game from volunteer coaches equals to "kick the ball and have fun".

The administrative, financial and time aspect is also very simple in principal for understanding. As the child develops through recreational soccer, a parent should look to see if the child is improving his or her skills, showing a greater interest in the game, and continuing to enjoy the game. Enjoyment is a key issue when starting to make decisions about moving to club soccer from recreational.

Club Soccer can and should be a wonderful experience for both the player and parent. Like anything in life that is worth having, making the time and the commitment involves hard work and practice each day.

The administrative and financial aspects becomes much more relevant when all things are considered. There is really only one goal in mind if your desire is to play club soccer and that is to enjoy and IMPROVE. If a player or parent makes the decision without this thought, the experience could be discomforting to the player and parent. Other goals such as college scholarships, semi-pro and professional careers can be established as the player progresses in his or her Club career. If a player is sincere about improving, the player must first find the right club where skills and technique will be challenged and the level of competition is in line with abilities.

Club Soccer can offer many things that will benefit the player as he or she approaches adulthood:

· The opportunity to develop individual skills and confidence while at the same time developing an understanding of teamwork and knowing one player does not make the TEAM.

· The opportunity to travel throughout the United States and in some cases to Europe and South America, meeting and exchanging thoughts and ideas with peer players from a different culture.

The game of soccer has no language barriers and the rules of the game of the same worldwide. Simply said, if you can play soccer in the United States, you can play soccer anywhere in the world.

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.