SC Soccer Forums SCSoccer.com Forums Boys Varsity Soccer Is it harder to build a program or maintain one?

I often argue that it is more difficult to maintain a program, but am interested in others opinion.

We're building and would love to try maintaining! I think maintaining a great one would be harder than building, but must delegate to greater minds and more experienced coaches..

Maintain i think.

from 2001-2005, our program won a total of 2 games and and a total of maybe 20-25 goals in those four years. in 06 we finished 5-3 for the season, won the 1st ever playoff game, and lost to BE in the second round 2-0. We allowed about 17 goals that season, and were looking to finally building a quality program. Due to graduationa nd moving, next season went 2-9. At least we're not gtting constantly blown out the frame, and the team has averaged about 15 goals the last three seasons, which is a major upgrade from the first years. it's a process to build a program where soccer is 5th world, but i think maintaining it is just as hard because you can lose all your talent in one year and start back at the bottom

I'll say this...

Building can be fun! And maintaining can be a lot of pressure. The advantage to building is that you have more room to go up than down; once you hit the top and are trying to maintain, there's a lot more room to go down than up. People often don't realize that every program goes through cycles; they think any slip backwards is unforgivable. Building is a lot of work...wouldn't say it's EASIER, physically or mentally...but there are a lot more chances for reward when you're a champ for every game you win (or even, in some cases, come close) rather than a goat for every one you lose.

Both are very difficult, but building is tougher. Maintaining just takes more work, not harder, just more.
I think it boils down to your location. If you are in an area with a strong soccer tradition, strong clubs, and good parental support, you'll attract good coaches and will be able to maintain a quality program. You may not win state every year, but you will consistently be among the top teams. Look at any division and I bet with a few exceptions the top 15 this year are mostly the same as five years ago.
A few years ago I ran a couple marathons. Getting in shape, losing weight, changing my diet, and accumulating the miles was very difficult. Maintaining was easy compared to getting in shape.