Quote: Sweet Feet, I do understand your point and enjoy the exchange. But, here's the part I hate about this discussion.
I've always tried to impress upon my own that you play the game for the love of the game. That's it. And, if you find the effort you put into playing the game well is based on "Will I get a scholarship" or similarly "Will mom give me a dollar for every goal I score", then you're playing for the wrong reason. If you apply your talent and hard work and are fortunate enough to accel and become successful at playing the game well that you love, other things may follow. They may not. But, you play for the love of the game.
The threshhold of what each individual family can afford differs, and when the cost exceeds affordable we either lose players or begin replacing the incentive of love for the game with "How can I make some money out of this?". That's the part I hate.
Excellent post, I totally agree. However,I have a problem coming up with a single premier impact player who has quit due to finances. Some quit when they realize they do not have the talent to play at the next level and there parents always mention the money. News flash to parents, our children realize how costly travel soccer is, there is no need to remind them everyday and put undo pressure on them, just give positive encouragement.
