Does Playing HS Soccer Limit Future Opportunities?
Thanks in no small part to the Internet, today’s young athletes are very realistic about their future and the challenges ahead. They know that if they really, really want to follow their dreams, they must be very careful with their decisions. Everything they do must bring them closer to their goal.
That’s why one of the hardest decisions for a U15 or older soccer player these days is whether it’s a good idea to play on their high school team. At first, high school soccer may seem counterintuitive to playing college soccer, and eventually going pro.
But this isn’t entirely true, and we’ll tell you why.
Why HS Soccer Gets a Bad Rep
The path to playing college soccer hasn’t gotten any easier. In fact, it’s gotten harder with the recent changes to roster rules for NCAA Division I soccer programs. And there is no doubt college coaches almost exclusively recruit from club soccer, not high school.
In order to attract interest from reputable schools, a player must distinguish themself with a seriously impressive resumé.
And while High School soccer is typically not as elite as club soccer, not everyone who plays club soccer wants to play in college. Most of the kids on the team are probably just there to have fun and represent their school.
Here’s the thing. You might not know it, but fun is exactly what many players need.
Having Fun > Planning Your Future (Sometimes At Least)
When you play high school soccer, yes, your teammates likely won’t be on the same level as your club team. They won’t be as committed to having a career in soccer. What they will be committed to, is having fun. Why else are you playing soccer in the first place? Playing professionally would be amazing, but not if you don’t love what you’re doing.
High school is a time in your life when you’re supposed to be having fun and exploring your interests. As you get older, it gets easier and easier to burn out on anything – soccer is no different. We’ve seen countless elite players get to a top college program and then quit, or make their professional debut as a teenager and then decide they want to pursue music.
When you have a big goal, it’s easier to work hard when the going gets tough and get through it. But then, once you’ve accomplished your goal – playing college, playing professionally – you realize that the work has only just begun instead of ending. And that’s the moment players realize they don’t have any more in the tank to keep pushing through all the obstacles.
If playing for your High School sounds fun to you, it’s worth pursuing. Having fun is what allows you to develop a real passion for the game, and passion is what fuels people to follow their dreams. If you’re passionate enough about something, nothing can stop you from getting what you want.
So, in this sense, playing high school soccer does not limit your future opportunities. On the contrary, it might make you more likely to have a successful future in soccer, if it helps you from burning out.
You Only Go to High School Once
If you’re not sure if high school soccer is the right choice for your journey, we are here to help. As two former pros, we had to make some difficult decisions as young players, so we know how hard it is to navigate an uncertain future. Let’s set up a mentoring session and find the best path forward for you and your individual goals.