You’re One of Those Parents That Spend Thousands and Travel Hours

“Parents are crazy for spending thousands on a kid.”

“You realize 1% of players will play college, right?!”

“Why would you waste your weekends traveling to soccer games?”

“You drove 4 hours for one soccer game? This is the problem with youth sports!”

I’m sure you’ve heard all or most of the above 👆

A 3rd grade coach said this to my wife the other day while I was four hours away at my son’s U-16 game.

I’m not going to lie…I’m not easily offended but I was kind of offended.

Some players don’t need to play club soccer to have fun. They are super happy playing town rec or travel…and that’s awesome! I would never think or say that they are lazy or unambitious.

Every kid and family situation is different.

Our weeks are filled with practices and games take up most of the weekends.

We travel to away games hours away and bond in the car. We experience new places. We have great “life talks”. We play and watch soccer together.

I wouldn’t change it for the world. I know my son is happy. I’m happy watching and supporting him. What’s wrong with that?

The problem would bubble up if I pushed him to do these things. I would be doing him a huge disservice if soccer caused more anxiety than not.

I’m matching his ambition with the right environment.

I don’t need or want everyone to understand our situation. It’s not a lifestyle for most.

But, nobody should judge. This is especially true if you aren’t in the environment.

We do crazy stuff for our kids. If they are happy, we are happy.

Guess what else? He’s made some incredible friendships, visited many great cities, learned how to work hard, and overcome adversities. All the while, doing the thing he’s passionate about.

I think this journey is priceless and 100% worthwhile.