Playing youth soccer is a wonderful way for your child to have fun and learn lifelong skills that extend far beyond the field. Your child will learn how to perform under pressure, when to be a leader and when to follow and how to win and lose well, in addition to developing emotional intelligence and many other valuable life skills.

Below, the experienced coaches at Beachside Soccer Club in Norwalk, CT, have some tips to share on finding the right soccer club for your child:

1. Assess Your Child’s Goals

How enthusiastic is your child about youth soccer and what is their skill level? Would your child benefit from rigorous tryouts, high-level coaching and an organized team? Or is soccer a weekend hobby and would a relaxed, community center based team be better suited for your child? Does your child want to attend a summer soccer camp or winter training sessions? Choose a club that aligns with you and your child’s goals.

2. Listen for Word of Mouth

Ask around your social circle and beyond. Find out which soccer clubs have the best overall reputation. Is the club managed well? Check online soccer forums and review websites for further insight.

3. Sit in on a Practice Session

Schedule a practice session visit. Take time to talk with the parents. There will no doubt be a mixture of personalities, but there should be a general vibe of goodwill and positivity. Study how the coach interacts with the players and parents. Is the coach engaged and attentive to each child? Examine how the players interact with each other and whether there is group camaraderie.

4. Evaluate the Coaching Philosophy

Look for mission statements on the club’s website and ask the coach about his style and goals. Do you sense a “win at all costs” attitude or is the coach interested in developing each child’s skill level? Attend a game and observe how the coach and players react when they are winning or losing.  How is criticism handled? How do they treat the opposing team?

5. Tournaments

How often are tournaments held and how much travel is involved? Is your family willing to commit to travel? What are the associated fees and expenses? As a parent, consider the level of commitment right for your family

Beachside Soccer Club of Norwalk, CT, is a premier youth soccer organization and a member of the United States Soccer Federation’s Development Academy. They offer a supportive environment for both players and parents to thrive in their roles. If you would like to stop by with your child and watch a practice session, speak to experienced coaches or participate in tryouts, call (203) 852-6969. Visit their website to learn more about their boys and girls soccer programs.