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Post by pooldawg on Sept 23, 2013 14:58:30 GMT -5
Any thoughts about traveling to out-of-state tournaments instead of playing in-state? Outside of the travel costs themselves, we have found it nice to play teams that we normally wouldn't play during the season (or have played in the past), but yet that are still competitive. Also, there might be less bias when it comes to seeding teams.
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Post by TheMadOx on Sept 23, 2013 15:31:12 GMT -5
I like out of state tournaments, seems to create a stronger bond among players and parents from just hanging out with one another. Plus, seeing teams you don't normally play is fun!
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Post by soccerpapi on Sept 23, 2013 15:39:06 GMT -5
I think this depends on team quality, club philosophy, and affordability...
Some teams/clubs experience their first out of state tourneys at U12, typically to a close-by metro area 2-3 hours away(Greenville, Birmingham, etc). Tournaments such as CESA, Vastavia to name a few (keep to one per playing season).
Others may have a quality above average team at U10 (may have played other regional teams locally), and feel/decide to see how they fare in other regions such outside of the Southeast to get a bit more national competition and exposure.
Personally, I think U12 is a good age to start, but there are those who may start earlier based on team quality, club philosophy, parents ability to pay, etc. As for seeding, since so many systems, it works itself out as they get older U15 and above.
Overall, out-of-state travel can be fun for the kids, opportunity to bond with teammates & help build team chemistry over an extended period of time (2-3 day weekend), increase confidence by playing out of state opponents, learn/watch about different styles of play, etc.
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Post by Soccerhouse on Sept 23, 2013 19:10:41 GMT -5
Went out of town 3 times with my 9's last year. great time. its a quality team so we had no issues with anyone wanting to do it.
great experience for both kids and parents. parents bond, and kids run around like crazy.
in my opinion, these will be our kids memories of soccer. they will never forget that trip to birmingham or tenn, or to south carolina.
its amazing even at u9, you get sick of playing the same teams over and over again. Enjoy it while you can.
there are lots of good local tournaments that need your support, but treat your kids to a good out of town tourney, you will not regret it.
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