I have read your articles in the past with great interest. As a coach, referee, and parent, I also agree with your comments. In the past ten years I have seen numerous children quit soccer, mainly for the following three reasons.

First of all, children sign up to play soccer to have fun, not to sit on the bench and watch their teammates play. All players should be guaranteed at least 50% playing time. This includes all classes of play from recreation to select. As a parent I pulled my daughter off of a competitive team because the coach refused to play some players, or gave them very limited playing time in close games. This was an U10 class three team. I subsequently formed my own team with other coaches, parents, and girls that agreed with me. We guarantee every girl at least 50% playing time, and rotate the starting 11 based on attitude and not ability. In the past four years we have only had two girls quit the team, and that was to concentrate on basketball in high school.

Another reason players are quitting the sport is the formation of premier teams at very early ages. All one has to do is read the Venture section in The Mercury New to find coaches advertising for players.

Some Samples: Youth Soccer section of 'The Mercury News'

• U11 girls Class 1 MV/Los Altos U10 team, undefeated in league play, is moving up to U1 and seeks skilled select players born after July 31, 1988. Todd (phone #)
• U11 girls NV NorthStars Class 1 team needs player for CYSA State Cup in January. Vic (phone#)
• U12 boys Los Gatos Tigers Class 1 team seeks dedicated select players for State Cup play. Dave Gold (phone #)
• Sunnyvale Roadrunners U12 girls Looking for players for State Cup competition. (phone #)
• U13 boys district champion North Valley Grizzlies seeking a few players for state championship in January. and the list goes on.....

The other development that is adversely affecting youth soccer is the hiring of professional trainers. How many children are being left off teams because their families can not afford to pay an extra $50 to $100 per month for a trainer? I have seen numerous quality players replaced on select teams by other players drafted by trainers. My own son played on a select team for six years until he was cut by a new trainer who brought in five ODP players from other leagues. My son is now one of those who has unfortunately quit the sport. These trainers reputations and income depend on winning not developing players. The leagues would be better served by hiring these professionals to train their coaches and work with all of the teams and players.

Inspite of these problems I will continue to coach and be involved in youth soccer. I will not however coach again at the select level. I am content to coach at the local comp level where everyone can play, develop their skills, and still have fun.

Michael Terry
Coach U14 South San Jose Storm

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