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I really think it depends on the player and where they would like to take it. My child got better by playing on the top team. That meant she less time on the field than she would have if she had played on the next team. But, the time on the field developed her in a way playing a lower level wouldn't have. Plus, she practices with very good players that challenge her. Now, when it comes to high school, she isn't as challenged. Practices aren't that difficult, and the game is slower. She has found high school to be a bit of a disappointment. But, that's her. Others love high school soccer, and playing on that team can be the most important to them.

All in all, I think it really depends on your child, their age, their ability and where they'd like to take it. My child has verbally committed, and she knew from the time she was in middle school that she wanted to play in college. We knew that goal could change, but it hasn't, so we are happy that she is as prepared as she could possibly be. There is no right or wrong answer to your questions, but what is right for one child and one family isn't rig ht for the next. Where does you child want to take this, and is it reality (let's face it, few will make the National Team and few girls will have the opportunity to play college soccer at UNC)? Take some time to weigh the pros and cons of a club, a team, a level of play, etc. Also, remember that the right move at U13 may not be the move to make at U9.

I'll take the other side of what lovethegame said. My kid was that bubble player who faced the disappointment of not making the top team. She became one of the strongest on the lower level team, though and in the end learned more and got more from that year of experience than she would have on the bench of a higher level team. Her coach told her the game was the best teacher and he'd play her until she raised her hand to come out. I think she played all but 10 minutes in an entire season and had the opportunity to be a leader on that team - something that really can't be taught except by doing and rarely does a young player get that opportunity. Playing at a lower/slower level also helped her hone skills for a variety of positions - she played every one except goalie and I'd bet you had he needed her in there, the coach would have given her that chance too.

We were at a small club and unfortunately too many girls left the game, the club didn't draw any new talent so that little team disbanded. BUT she and some of her teammates went to other club's tryouts and what they learned helped them all make a higher level team. They've made new friends, done very well and are a very tight group. And she's at an age where this is all her choice - for the next several years, I'm just the vehicle to get her where she needs to be - she's putting in the work.

One other thing - look at the size and depth of the club you are at or are considering. The talent differential at our smaller club was vast - we were crippled by our subs and it was painfully obvious that some kids were there for the social aspect not to learn and grow as a player. On her current team, it doesn't matter who subs in - they're all about equal. in fact almost every girl on her current team has scored a goal at some point in the season and many are interchangeable at any position. The depth has gotten them far and bonded them together well. No one feels like the 'star' or the last one picked.

But in the end, you know your kid - what he or she will respond to and work with. If at tryouts you hear a certain coach barking at kids and your child is sensitive to that, don't play there. If your kid has close friends at one club or another and has the opportunity to play with them, let him or her make that choice.

Also opposite of lovethegame, my kid has announced she probably DOESN'T want to play in college because the career she's aspiring to will be hard academically. She knows there are soccer clubs on campuses and would probably love that instead but she's not aspiring to get a soccer scholarship and play for 4 years. (She's not in high school yet so we'll see what changes but again, it's her life - her decision - I'm just the spectator in that part of it now! (And now y'all know the origin of my user name LOL)

I will say that I do agree with Spectator. However, because there is a vast difference between the top team and the second team at our club, there really is no choice. My daughter plays ECNL, so I do believe the speed of the game has made her better even though she doesn't play a full game.Unfortunately, we'd have to drive some distance to find a team outside our club that would be anywhere near the competition she sees in ECNL. I guess we all come with our perspectives based on what is available to us without considering that someone else may a club in their area that offers more choice. Still another family may be willing to drive a significant distance to find a good fit while another family may not be able to do that.

In the end there is a whole lot to take into consideration. We know we've made the right choice up to this point, but we just haven't had the ability to drive a great distance to practice. So, that limited where we went.