Sorry for the confusion. The phrase “meaningful games” is US Soccer terminology that is meant to help describe how US Soccer and countries that are producing top talent, feel about the ratio of games to player/team development time. It is not meant to describe how children feel about that ratio.
The description about team/family feeling of a HS soccer team was well written. The feelings of striving together with purpose and the lessons learned from that struggle can be associated to any organization and set of “co-strivers” a child identifies with: any club soccer team; a national soccer team; a HS jazz ensemble; or any other team in any team competition. It is not unique to HS soccer teams and therefore not a pro or con in the discussion about the positives of playing on HS soccer team v any other soccer team.
With that in mind, I understand US Soccer’s use of the terminology "meaningful games" to describe not just playing for the sake of playing. The games should be competitive and not regularly winning 4-0, 7-0, 11-0, etc. Limiting games to just those that provide competition between teams of similar levels (whatever the level) allows enough time for player/team development (technical, tactical, psychological) and ensures enough rest between games. The soccer clubs well versed in the sport (or any activity) prepare/train a player for the psychological aspects of the game. This can apply to the individual position(s); the role as part of a team; and as part of the game/competition/entertainment.
