All clubs talk about "player development", "loyalty", and "quality of play". DO they walk the walk?
Look at the clubs older top teams. If half the players on those older top teams are in their first or second year with the club, then that is an admission that they don't believe in their own development. Why join a club like that at a younger age? They either don't develop their own players, or get "tired" of them (see "closed book" below), preferring to bring in the hot "new" players. You can always transfer into this type of club later if you want to.
If your kid isn't happy, don't be afraid to talk to the coach. Or better yet, teach your kid to do it so they can grow in communication/relationship. Not, "Why don't you play me, I'm better than so and so." More, "what do you see as holding me back"? Where do you picture me moving forward? Etc. It might not help, but if you never open the dialogue you lose the right to be upset. My personal experience, it does help more often then not.
Be aware of coaches who coach their own kids age groups or are part of the team selection of their own kids age groups.
QFT. Really Good post. I singled out a few points for emphasis.
First point is spot on. 100% of clubs sell this.
Second point is interesting as I hear club directors decry lack of loyalty from parents/players. This is unfortunately a business in many ways. Some club directors make $100k+ a year. Loyalty is earned, usually by being dedicated to creating the model that best supports the kids, not players, development. The play development then takes care of itself (usually). When clubs make decisions with the bottom line at the foremost of their decision making process, then your child becomes a number.
Third point cannot be emphasized enough. A personal growth lesson for all stages of life.
As for the last point, parent coaching depends on a few factors. How competitive is the team? What is the age of the kids? How long has he/she been that coaches team? Generally, I would recommend a different coach for your child every two years. A different set of eyes and different voice can offer new growth.
