True comparison of high school versus club

[Rick Pribyl]

From: Dr. Rick Pribyl 22 April 12
Soccer Coach at Blue Valley Northwest High School

After reading Terry Michler’s article on the proposed split between club and high school soccer, I decided to make a direct comparison. I hate the fact that young men and women while in high school have to choose to play either club or high school. In the end it only hurts the child.
And so, with the help of my teams’ input, the difference between club soccer w/o allowing high school and high school soccer as seen through my eyes is the following. This was shared with me by former players. You have the right to disagree, and I understand.

High School Club

Practice every day Practice two-three times a week
Play with classmates Play with players from lots of schools
Play at the level of skills of your school Play with the skills equal to you
teammates possess
Play with and against different age groups Play on teams with players your own age
Team dinners x
Pep rallies in which you are introduced x
and celebrated for you and your
team’s accomplishments
Announcements and advertisements about Announcements/ advertisements not allowed
your team and games at school at school by law
Crowds include family, friends, and Crowds are normally parents only
classmates, teachers
Local newspaper results and articles x
School newspapers and broadcast x
films on team and players
Sense of tradition x
Trainer to take care of injuries x
Academics are a major part of the team x
Games live on cable television x
Scores on local television and newspaper x
x Players have opportunity to play with current professional players
Friday night football games Teams travel on Friday nights and weekends
Friday night basketball games Teams travel on Friday nights and weekends
Homecoming Teams travel on weekends
Spring dances Teams travel on weekends
Prom Teams travel on weekends
Must play within 500 mile limit Travel all over the U.S. and other countries
College coaches at games College coaches at games
x National showcases
Players can play other sports Restricted from other sports
Play for school, community, and alumni Play for self
Possible varsity letter Club warm ups
Banners in gyms for championships x
Trophy case, banners, enlarged pictures x
showing team accomplishments
Players/ parents do not pay coaches Parents pay coaches unless playing on development teams
Good players have opportunity to play Good players have opportunity to play in in college on partial scholarship college on partial scholarship

One last note: In four cases that have been told to me, once a Developmental club player has signed with the college of choice, the club team has issued an ultimatum that they either continue to play with the club and forgo college soccer, or be dropped from the club roster.

[Kenneth Kincaid]

A club has told a player not to play in College? That is wrong on so many counts. If the player is that good and a college offers them a scholarship the Club nor the US development program should not stand in their way. Unless the player can sign a direct pro contract the club should butt out and let the child play in college. Aftern all if the kid gets hurt in club their options are gone, at least in college they have to fulfill the scholarship rules.