The Contradictions of Youth Soccer

A few nights ago we had a little end-of-the-summer party for the soccer team that my son plays on--and that I'm the manager for.

Now that Peter is down to one year to go in high school, the flaws of organized youth soccer seem more and more manifest to me.  Rumor has it that John Calvin arrived at his theology of the utter depravity of humans after observing parents at youth soccer games--though experience with church politics may have sufficed to drive him to such a pessimistic view of human nature.

Yet the great majority of us at the PCU (Portland City United) party were happy.  The  '96 teams are coached by two men of very high character, Tim and Travis, and we have benefited by being overlooked by the more intense parents and players.  We have therefore attracted players who love the game and enjoy each others' company.  There's very little drama among players or parents over playing time or who is on the "A" team or the "B" team. Our players routinely put school before soccer.  They aren't all warming up one hour before the game starts.  The coaches discourage players from playing when they are hurt, even if it's a big game.  They don't yell at each other when things are going poorly.  Those who could play for "elite" clubs stick with us because they enjoy playing with their friends.

Not only do our players seldom burn out, their unselfish, low-pressure, team-oriented approach to the game enables them to often beat or tie the elite, teams full of players--and parents--who are much more ambitious.