REALITIES OF SOCCER TODAY
Recruiting recreational players for the travel program adds a two fold problem to the game of soccer.
1) The Soccer Association of Columbia does not support a U-8 Travel Program. Developmentally in the younger age groups (U-7 and U-8), it is the coaches focus for the youth player to gain confidence with the soccer ball.
2) The Soccer Association of Columbia encourages every individual player to reach the highest level of play they desire. The tryout travel season has kicked off, and SAC strongly encourages players to tryout if they feel confident to compete at that level of play.
If your son or daughter is contemplating on trying out for the travel program please regard that to play at that level is the players and the player's family's choice due to the high commitment and demand that the travel program consists of. Recruiting for the (U-8) travel program results in a negative experience for the parents, players, and coaches because it skips the age development objective, resulting in burnout and a lost opportunity to learn the game of soccer. If your son or daughter is being recruited for the (U-8) travel program please consider the advantages and disadvantages.