Rec. Soccer vs. Club Soccer: What Parents Should Know Before Registering Their Player
As a soccer club offering boys and girls recreational and club soccer programs, our Salvo SC staff understands that choosing between these options can be challenging for parents. Both paths offer unique benefits and considerations for young players.
This guide will help you understand the key differences between club and recreational soccer, allowing you to make an informed decision that best suits your child's needs and your family's circumstances.
Level of Play
Recreational Soccer
- Open to players of all skill levels
- Focus on fun and community-building
- Emphasis on participation, enjoyment, and staying active
Club Soccer
- More competitive environment
- Geared towards driven players aiming for high-level play
- Focus on skill enhancement and competitive development
According to a survey by the National Alliance for Youth Sports, 70% of kids stop playing organized sports by age 13, with "not having fun anymore" cited as the primary reason.
Recreational soccer's emphasis on enjoyment can help combat this trend and spark the love of playing and being active in players of all ages.
Time Commitment
Recreational Soccer
- Typically one practice and one game per week
- The season usually lasts 2-3 months, offered once or twice a year
- Local games with minimal travel required
Club Soccer
- Multiple practices per week
- Additional training sessions and tournaments
- Longer seasons, often year-round travel for games and tournaments
Consider the time needs of your player and family. A study by the Aspen Institute found that the average youth athlete spends about 11.5 hours per week on their sport.
Club soccer players often exceed this average, while recreational players typically fall below it.
Coaching
Recreational Soccer
- Often volunteer coaches (parents, community members)
- Varied levels of soccer knowledge and coaching experience
- Focus on basic skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship
Club Soccer
- Experienced coaches, often with high-level playing or coaching backgrounds
- Extensive training in player development
- Focus on advanced tactics and individual skill improvement
Research by the United Soccer Coaches Association shows that coaches with formal training and certifications can significantly impact player development and enjoyment of the sport.
Through our program, even our volunteer-parent coaches can receive some training and have access to our extensive coaching resource library.
Player Development
Recreational Soccer
- Basic skill development
- Focus on teamwork and sportsmanship
- Less pressure to perform
Club Soccer
- Intensive individual skill development
- Advanced tactical training
- Higher expectations for performance and improvement
A study in the Journal of Sports Sciences and the National Library of Medicine found that structured training environments, like those in club soccer, can lead to faster skill acquisition in young athletes.
Team Structure
Recreational Soccer
- Teams formed based on age and geographic location
- Local practices and games
- Players often stay with the same group season after season
Club Soccer
- Teams formed based on age and skill level
- May have different levels of play within age groups
- Practices may be local, but games and tournaments can be regional or national
Our recreational teams are divided by location. View the opportunities for both our boys and girls rec. soccer programs:
Team Selection
Recreational Soccer
- No tryouts required
- Open to all players regardless of skill level
Club Soccer
- Requires tryouts and placement process
- Selective based on skill and potential
The Salvo SC player ID process is for those interested in our club performance teams and allows our coaches and staff to place each player in a program that will suit their individual talents and help them grow and perform at their highest level.
Parent Involvement
Recreational Soccer
- High parent involvement (coaching, refereeing, volunteering)
- Less time commitment for travel and logistics
Club Soccer
- Professional coaching and staff handle most aspects
- Parents may need to commit more time to travel and scheduling
A survey by the National Council of Youth Sports found that 60% of parents believe their involvement in their child's sports activities strengthens family relationships.
When parents show positive support and understanding for their players, it heightens their commitment and enjoyment of soccer.
Cost
Recreational Soccer
- Lower cost, typically just an initial membership fee
- Usually ranges from $100-$350 per season
Club Soccer
- Higher costs due to professional coaching, facilities, and travel
- Can range from $2,000-$5,000+ per year
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
Both recreational and club soccer offer valuable experiences for young players. Your choice should depend on your child's interest level, your family's time and resources, and your long-term goals for your child's soccer involvement.
Consider Recreational Soccer If..
- Your child is new to soccer or sports in general.
- You're looking for a fun, low-pressure environment.
- Your family has limited time or resources for sports commitments.
- You want to emphasize social skills and community involvement.
Consider Club Soccer If..
- Your child shows a high level of interest and skill in soccer.
- You're willing to make a significant time and financial commitment.
- Your child thrives on competition and intensive skill development.
- You're considering long-term goals like high school, college, or even professional soccer.
Remember, many players start with recreational soccer and move to club soccer as their skills and interests develop. The most important factor is that your child enjoys the experience and develops a lifelong love for the sport.
A Place for Your Soccer Player at Salvo SC
Whichever path you choose, our soccer club is here to support your child's journey in this beautiful game! We encourage you to visit our facilities, talk to our coaches, and even attend a few games or practices to get a feel for both programs before making your decision.
Contact our office if you have any questions, or check out our registration page to sign up your child for the next season of soccer fun!