The most common question is, where should my kid play?

U4-U7 Play where the kids can have fun but also learn the basics of soccer. Make sure to pick a passionate coach who loves the game. There are many clubs where coaches for this age are volunteers. They are not bad but they do not create the best environment for a talented kid. Try to pick a top youth academy with qualified coaches where they focus on loving the game, motor and ball skills. 

U8-U11 This stage is important for the player’s development. Choose a coach who focuses is on the process, not the scores. Proper dribbling, receiving, passing, and shooting technique is key. Coachability, discipline, hard work and a strong growth mindset are essential during the process. Concepts like decision making, shape, speed of play, awareness, offensive, and defensive movement are key at this age. Their confidence and dynamic flair, if any, is created at these ages. Be patient and trust the process. If you lose to a more physical or experienced team, don't panic, be patient and trust the process. 

U12-U15 What is the player’s next goal? To play Classic, Athena, SCCL, ECNL, DPL, DA or High School soccer? If High school is your goal than any level where you have a team to play on is good enough. Choose a club team with some of their friends so they can stick together throughout school. If any of the levels are important to you, then play for a level you can play and not sit the bench. Players should start to learn more game tactics but still focus on their technique and style of play becomes more important. Competition is important but it is still all about the coach and training environment.

U16-U18 Why are you still playing? For Fun, High School, College or want to be a Professional? If for fun or High School, then pick a team that you know will stay together throughout school. You just need a team to stay active. If you want to play in College then you should be in one of the top 3 levels to have a higher chance to be seen. With video and college ID camps you could also be seen if you do not make or have money for higher club levels. Want to be a professional? Go overseas! No, but seriously. If you cannot go overseas then go to a local MLS club. If you do not make an MLS club then do your best to play in the best team to go to top showcases and tournaments to be seen by scouts. At these ages, the best talent should be playing at the highest levels at a top club. If you are the best player in Classic or Athena league, then go try out for the next levels!

Here in Georgia, the highest level of play for youth soccer is DA, DPL, ECNL, SCCL and then Classic or Athena’s. Process Football Community welcomes any questions, concerns or just want some advice. 
 
*Process F.C currently coaches at NASA-Tophat in Atlanta, GA. They are one of the most proven, biggest, and best elite clubs in the nation. We offer the highest club soccer levels for boys and girls. If you would like to join us, email mjcediel@gmail.com​