One of the most common—and emotionally loaded—questions we see from soccer parents is this one: When is the right time to move from recreational soccer to club soccer? If you’re hoping for a single, universal answer, here’s the honest truth: there isn’t one. For some players, rec soccer is a short first chapter. For others, it’s the perfect fit for their entire soccer career. And both paths are valid.

I started playing soccer when I was six years old. We had just moved into a new house. I was about to start at a new school. Everything felt unfamiliar, and this was the first time I had ever played a sport. My coach was Mr. Duwell. If I’m being honest, I don’t remember a whole lot about that first season. I remember pretzel rods and sodas after the games. I remember giggling in line during drills, picking grass, making jokes on the sideline instead of paying attention. I rem

If you are a youth soccer parent, chances are you've seen the posts. It started this fall with a wave of girls being celebrated for their invitation to the USYNT ID Talent Center in Cincinnati. Now, this week it has been hard to miss the U14 boys selected to attend the ID Talent Center taking place this week in Columbus. Those moments are exciting—and they should be. They represent recognition. They validate effort. They feel like a door opening. But here’s the truth that of