My girls and myself have been into soccer for a long time and I am noticing a trend towards harder training at earlier ages and wonder if this is a good thing. I see a few issues with training players so young.

• Earlier burnout. — I have seen quite a few players reach their high school years and quit. They have just had enough.
• Loss of players who at 8, 9 and 10 just are not ready to be competitive. What happens to the younger player who at 9 just is not doing well and does not make a competitive team. Most kids at that age will not stick around to try later once they have failed. I have known many players who were awkward and unfocused at 10 but were clearly great athletes by 12 through 14 when they are mature enough to take the training seriously. Are these kids who are not ready yet going to be left behind? Kids should be allowed to be kids. There is nothing wrong with goofing around and just wanting to have fun at 8.
• Earlier overuse injuries. — Lets face it a large number of soccer players get injured. Harder training sooner will bring overuse injuries on earlier.
• Its about the money. — Recently a local area club is charging $450 to train U9, U10 and U11 (where as local recreational/travel clubs only charge $50-$75.00). I have honestly heard parents who believe this is a great investment for their child as far as getting soccer scholarships. — Here is a tip, if you want money for your children’s education, put it in a investment fund and focus on getting good grades. That is going to get you a better shot at a college scholarship.

Below are a few good articles I discovered on this subject.

• VYSA On-line
• Stifling the American Youth Soccer Player
• New Jersey Youth Soccer U10 Position Paper