What's The Impact of Pay To Play Model In US?

Pay To Play Is harmful to American Soccer

The "pay-to-play" model in American youth soccer refers to a system in which young players and their families are required to pay fees to participate in organized soccer programs, typically through clubs or academies. This model has been scrutinized lately from a number of notable players like Alex Morgan on the development of soccer in the United States. We tend to side with Alex on this. Look at the pro’s and con’s of the pay for play model.

Positive Impacts:

1. Access to Resources: Pay-to-play clubs often provide resources and coaching that can help young players develop their skills. These clubs may have well-maintained facilities, experienced coaches, and access to tournaments and competitions that can be beneficial for player development.

2. Structured Development: Pay-to-play clubs can offer structured and organized development pathways, with teams at different skill levels. This can help players progress and improve their abilities.

3. Competition: Pay-to-play programs often feature competitive leagues and tournaments, which can help players test their skills and improve by playing against strong opponents.

Negative Impacts:

1. Barriers to Entry: The most significant drawback of the pay-to-play model is that it creates financial barriers for many young players and their families. The cost of participation, including club fees, travel, equipment, and other expenses, can be prohibitive for some.

2. Limited Diversity: The pay-to-play model often results in a lack of diversity in the sport, as it disproportionately affects lower-income communities. This can limit the talent pool and overall diversity in soccer.

3. Talent Development Gap: Many talented players may be excluded from the system due to financial constraints, limiting the talent pool from which top players can be identified and developed.

4. Pressure on Young Athletes: The financial investment required in the pay-to-play model can put a lot of pressure on young athletes and their families. There is a risk of focusing more on financial commitment than player development.

5. Inequality: The model can reinforce inequality within youth soccer, as players from affluent families may have access to better coaching and resources, creating disparities in opportunities.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to address the issues associated with the pay-to-play model in American soccer. Efforts are being made to reduce financial barriers, increase accessibility, and create pathways for talented players from all backgrounds to participate and succeed in the sport. Initiatives such as scholarship programs, grassroots development, and community-based soccer have aimed to make the sport more inclusive.

It's important to note that the impact of the pay-to-play model can vary depending on the specific club, region, and age group. Overall, addressing the challenges associated with this model is a priority for those looking to promote soccer development in the United States like Team Give & Go, who is trying to make the sport more accessible to a wider range of young players.

The Importance of Diversity In Soccer

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of people playing and watching it every day. It is a sport that brings people together, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or nationality. However, despite its universal appeal, soccer has struggled with issues of diversity and inclusivity, particularly at the youth level in America.

The importance of diversity in soccer cannot be overstated. Diversity brings different perspectives, experiences, and skills to the game, making it more exciting, dynamic, and innovative.

It also helps to break down barriers and stereotypes, promoting acceptance and understanding among players and fans alike.

One of the key benefits of diversity in soccer is the ability to tap into a wider range of talent. By embracing players from different backgrounds, teams can access a wealth of skills and abilities that might otherwise be overlooked. This not only makes the game more competitive but also helps to create a more level playing field, where players are judged on their merits rather than their race, gender, or nationality.

In addition, diversity in soccer opens up new markets and audiences, helping to grow the sport and reach new fans around the world. By showcasing players from different backgrounds, soccer can become a truly global sport, appealing to people of all ages, races, and cultures.

However, despite the many benefits of diversity, soccer still faces significant challenges in promoting inclusivity and equality. Issues of racism, sexism, and homophobia continue to plague the sport, both on and off the field. In order to truly embrace diversity, soccer must work to address these issues head-on, through education, training, and policy changes.

Overall, the importance of diversity in soccer cannot be overstated. By embracing players from all backgrounds and promoting inclusivity and equality, soccer can become a truly global sport, appealing to people of all ages, races, and cultures. It is up to all of us - players, fans, coaches, and administrators - to work together to make this vision a reality.

Building Young Soccer Player's Confidence

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Building player confidence…

Does your child feel comfortable holding onto the ball when another player is quickly approaching them?  Or do they get nervous and quickly kick the ball away, more often resulting in an error or turnover? Your response to this question will provide you a better idea in regards to your child’s confidence while on the soccer field.

How do you suggest I build my players confidence?  That’s a good question, I’m glad you asked!  There are multiple options to help build your players confidence with the ball. 

Ensure that your child touches the soccer ball at least 15 minutes each day.  School teachers encourage a certain amount of reading or homework each day…you should apply a similar approach for player development or any activity that you want to continue improving.

1)     Work on Juggling a soccer ball

2)     Kick and receive a soccer ball off the wall

3)     Watch online instructional videos and practice what you learn (YouTube, online soccer academy, etc.)

4)     Sign up for group training sessions

5)     Parents watch child’s soccer training sessions and go home and work on the areas that you see need improvement.

6)     Hire a private trainer (groups of 2 or more tend to be more affordable)

7)     Watch a professional soccer game with your child so they can see how their position is supposed to play

Note:  The best players put in the extra work.  Team training along is not good enough. 

*There are free resources and costly resources.  Based on your circumstance (money, time, convenience, child’s personality), determine which options work best for your family.

Do you have any additional recommendations for building your players confidence?  Feedback/Input is welcome or contact us here.

We Belong!

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I’m noticing a trend, and it bothers me!  Have you ever noticed that most team pictures viewed on social media always have minorities towards the end or in the back row?  Or, if there is more than one minority on the team, they are always standing or sitting together.  Have you visually seen minorities on a team appearing to be outcasts or off to their selves?  Why is it harder for minorities to transition onto a new team and feel as if they belong, especially when the majority of the team is of the white persuasion? 

When transitioning to a competitive team of skillful players, everyone has to prove they belong… just like Corporate America, minorities have to work harder to prove their worth, while still feeling like an outcast.  I’ve come to accept and deal with the obstacles that we as minorities face in corporate America, but It eats me up inside to witness our kids being excluded on a team, in a group, etc., especially when we know that they belong there just as much as the next kid.  How do you handle this?  I think everyone has to be intentional…I’ve had intentional discussions with team parents about building relationships amongst the kids.  Relationship building helps players get to know and trust each other both on and off the field, which produces a better performing team. 

When I was team manager of a very diverse team with less than a few white kids, I was very intentional about making the transition easy for both the parents and the player.  The coach, players and parents went out of their way to make the new player and their families feel welcome.  Whenever a new kid came to try out our team, the players stood in a circle and each introduced themselves, which not only helped them learn each other’s names, but made the new kid feel welcomed and more at ease. 

Some players and or families feel that they don’t have to be liked or need to engage with the team members or their families…but in my opinion, that’s not a good approach.  We should want our children to feel excited, comfortable and included when around their teammates, especially since they have to spend many hours training and competing together.   I don’t know…I’m a big advocate of inclusion, so maybe it doesn’t bother you as much...

Have you or your child experienced this?  If so, please provide some pointers as to how you or your child has overcome this and made the transition process easier.  WE ALL BELONG! Leave your comments here.