What it Takes to Be the Best

Honestly, as a youth soccer player, I wouldn’t try to be the best. There will always be a better player than you. And, to be the best, that means looking way out and trying to be better than the greats like Messi. I think this can get discouraging and put too much unnecessary pressure on yourself.

Instead, you should look inward and be the best version of yourself. As long as you are better than yesterday, you are on the right path. With this type of mentality, the pressure is off to be someone you aren’t and you are more in control of the situation.

Specifically in youth club soccer, I see many parents put a lot of pressure on their kids to go pro or D1. They look three to five years into the future and if they aren’t tracking then they get agitated. More times than not, this player is going to feel the pressure which will negatively affect their development. I’ve seen it many times over.

As a parent, try to avoid having any expectations at all. Let your child play the game they love and develop at their own pace. In time, they will get better and continue developing a passion for the game. This is where all the magic happens!