| Most kids who attempt select soccer at U-13 have | | | | specific teams within a program/club. |
| already played one to three years in the academy or | | | | - You may have to change clubs if your club doesn't |
| developmental level of competitive (as opposed to | | | | have a level that suits yours. |
| "rec") soccer. Academy teams often play with eight | | | | - Less likely to have neighborhood or school friends on |
| on a side, though many move to eleven on a side in | | | | your team. |
| the spring season, in anticipation of the U-13 level | | | | - Not always guarantees for playing time; this may |
| tryouts. | | | | seem unfair. |
| The level of play becomes more intense as the skills | | | | - Increased driving time to practices can seriously cut |
| and competition increase. In most states, the levels are | | | | into homework time. |
| introduced for the first time (Athena for girls, Classic | | | | - If there is no one to carpool with, the time away from |
| for boys, for example). | | | | home for the parents can be a burden. |
| Generally coinciding with grades seven and eight, | | | | - The costs may cut into family funds for vacations or |
| players and families should re-evaluate the role soccer | | | | camps. |
| will play in their lives (and calendars). | | | | - Coaches may require playing in an indoor league |
| PROS: Playing Select Soccer (U-13 and U-14) | | | | during winter. |
| - Increased prestige in being selected for a team. | | | | - Time requirements may force you to give up music |
| - More intense training in the sport, with experienced | | | | or other hobbies. |
| coaches. | | | | - Out-of-town tournaments may be farther away |
| - Opportunity to meet players from different middle | | | | depending upon the team's performance. |
| schools - who may become your extramural rivals! | | | | CONCLUSION: The commitment to play Classic or |
| - More travel within the metro area or the state for | | | | Athena level soccer involves a lot: family time, money, |
| weekend games. | | | | schedules and vacations. |
| - A sense of responsibility and self-discipline can be | | | | Adolescents need to helped in their decision to |
| developed. | | | | continue the sport, and understand what they may be |
| - The players (and opponents) are even more | | | | giving up, such as church and social events on |
| competitive than at the academy levels. | | | | weekends. |
| - More opportunity for parent-child interaction during | | | | On the other hand, athletes who intend to play on high |
| driving time. | | | | school teams usually need to play select (or very |
| - Tournaments are more likely to be seeded, especially | | | | high-intensity rec) soccer in the middle school years. |
| at the top levels. | | | | (Middle school soccer itself is not demanding enough to |
| CONS: Playing Select Soccer (U-13 and U-14) | | | | prepare a player for high school. |
| - Tougher tryout process: you are qualifying for | | | | |