Players Considering Club Soccer in Spokane

CONSIDERING CLUB?

Here are some tips from our staff and board of directors to make the transition a positive one!

We believe that research is important when making a change and we want to help our members find what's best for their player.  Below are some things to consider and questions you may want to ask:

• Ask other parents you know about the clubs their children have played for, and what their experience was like.  If they have switched clubs, ask why.
• Spend time talking to the club staff and don’t be afraid to ask questions of the staff, coaches, and other parents at tryouts.
• Get to know the coaches, current players, and parents to assess if the club and coach is a good fit for your player and family.
• Spend time looking at the club website.
• Ask the club for a breakdown of yearly fees. 
• Do these fees include uniforms, tournaments, travel, any extra training outside of normal practices (winter, foot skills, goalie, etc.), and coach’s stipend? Or, will any of this be extra?
• Find out what part of town practice will be held and how many days per week your player will be expected to attend.
• How much travel will there be during the regular season?
• How much travel will there be for additional tournaments?
• Ask about the club’s policy on playing time.
• Will your player get to choose their position? 
• Is there a guarantee that all rostered players will get to play during games?
• Are players expected to move between teams?

Remember, if your current team/coach is going to a club it does not mean that you have to. As a parent/player it is your decision.  You can stay in our recreational league and we will get you placed on another team. Just like rec is not for everyone, club soccer is not for everyone and that is okay!

At Spokane Rapids we are delighted when our youth athletes make the transition to more competitive play and thrive in that environment.  However, If you do go to a club and it’s not a good fit, we’d love to welcome your player back to our recreational program at any time. Research has shown that kids who stay engaged in sports through their high school years reap a wide range of benefits. These benefits include; higher average GPA than non-athlete peers, lower rates of tobacco use, increased likelihood of obtaining a four-year degree, healthier eating habits, and mental health wellness. Major studies show no distinction between competitive and recreational sport participation in reaping these benefits.