One thing people from the larger metropolitan areas need to understand is that it is not as easy to field teams in less populated areas; therefore, the talent level will not be as balanced as one might hope. An association has to create teams from the kids that are available in the area. A few of the better Florence players travel to Columbia to play, but many parents (and players) do not want to spend the time and money traveling to Columbia to practice. In Florence, most of our Classic teams are made up of a small group of “Challenge” level players, a larger group of true “Classic” level players, and maybe even a few players that should be playing recreation soccer. It may not be the perfect situation, but we have been able to field competitive Classic level teams. The alternative is that 125 Florence area kids would not be playing competitive soccer.
