In the vast universe of soccer, there is a constellation that often doesn’t receive the shine it deserves. A constellation consisting of small regional teams, also known as non-metropolitan market soccer clubs. These clubs, like Space Coast United Soccer, play an instrumental role in nourishing the seeds of talent waiting to germinate. However, these clubs face an ongoing struggle. The issue is not about a lack of passion, perseverance, or dedication. Instead, the problem lies in their approach to long-term player development, which involves clubs working together to support the player in preparation for better competition.
There is a regrettable tendency among local clubs to lock horns with each other rather than pooling resources and collaborating for player betterment. Although fuelled by a commendable sporting spirit, this approach falls short of what’s in the best interest of the collective, and that’s delivering what is most essential – sustainable, comprehensive player development and creating the best of the best.
While rivalry and competition are common and even encouraged in sports, an overlooked negative consequence emerges when these aspects overshadow the imperative aspect of soccer – long-term player development. This internal competition among small market soccer clubs invariably leads to an unnecessary drain of resources and talent. Instead of harnessing the collective prowess for the betterment of future players, these clubs end up scattering energy in fruitless races against each other, prohibiting the right environment for the players to play and develop.
One of the most glaring symptoms of this problem is the trend of pushing budding talents to metropolitan market clubs. These players, who could benefit from the close-knit, personalized environment that small market clubs provide, are encouraged to go to metropolitan clubs, where they often add multiple hours of driving and forego the ability to develop the psychosocial elements of playing in teams with friends and ultimately come back to the community burnt out and sick of playing.
While some but not all metropolitan clubs can offer improved standards and ensure they will receive higher qualifications, the added layer of travel time imposed on young players, who are still immersed in schooling, becomes burdensome. From spending around 1.5 hours a week for local training sessions, they commit more than four hours just to commute to their new training grounds.
This kind of dislocation and unnecessary hassle takes a toll on the player’s overall development, not just in the short term but potentially for their entire soccer career. The heavy emphasis on brand power and franchise status emphasizes materialistic aspects of the sport over the well-being and holistic development of players, further diminishing the foundational purpose of these small market clubs.
Small market clubs like Space Coast United Soccer can be lighthouses among these turbulent waves. The need is for these clubs to change course and consider a more sustainable long-term vision. It means establishing a robust network of collaboration among each other rather than letting competition dictate their approach. The measure of success here differs from how many players these clubs can push to metropolitan clubs and how effectively they can nurture their talents under their aegis, providing a well-rounded skill foundation.
It’s time that these clubs realized their collective potential and redirected their energies to benefit the players they aim to serve. By fostering a cooperative spirit, these clubs can build a platform where their players can learn, play, and grow while enjoying the convenience and personalized attention that only small market clubs can offer. This approach carbonizes into a win-win situation not just for the clubs and players but also for the entire ecosystem of soccer that is spreading roots far beyond metropolitan boundaries.
In essence, the lesson to be learned is clear – small market soccer clubs can achieve more by uniting for a shared vision of long-term player development rather than getting lost in the maze of competition. After all, as the age-old adage goes, it takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a united front of small market soccer clubs to raise a player who is not just skilled on the field but is also prepared to ace the giant game called life.
Published By: Aize Perez