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Message: [QUOTE="Chuck, post: 1842523, member: 1646"] If you're serious (and not just mocking me! ;o)), then I don't believe you NEED to do anything. I've seen plenty of kids that didn't do any camps or other early training that are now stars in 5th grade. Other kids started early, had an advantage for the first couple games, but others caught up quickly. My kids' first real games, was their first travel game (2nd grade for my son, 3rd for my daughter). Our league starts at U8 (2nd grade for most kids). There were definitely a few teams playing with 1st graders, and we have more kids doing that in our town now. So, to make it clear, YOU ARE NOT BEHIND. Our town rec program has no affiliation with our town travel program (or any other travel club). If you have a club that you think you're kids will play with (based in town, regional that everyone you know plays with), see if they have some early training or camps. That may be a good way to start. It's probably as much for you to see if you like how things are run (including how well they treat the kids). When we were first starting I did wish I had sent my kids to our travel club's camp, just so they knew a bit more about the game. Again, perspective is important. I'm a dad that played rec soccer and then in high school and got one letter from a D3 school that I had already gotten in to. My kids, and my wife/I, really enjoy travel soccer (the camaraderie (kids and parents), the activity, time I spend with my kids coaching, etc.). My son is an above average travel player and I believe he is getting what he needs at his town-based club in the A or B flight of our non-elite league. My daughter is an average player that is at the bottom of her A team (although she may be showing strong goalkeeping skills). If you are expecting your kid to be an elite-level player, someone else may be able to give you better guidance (although I still believe that there is no reason to start anything serious for a while). Keep it fun! If you are mocking the time we spend on youth soccer then... you got me! [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach