Back To Play
‘Bringing teams closer’ is one of the excitements of youth soccer as they compete across towns, counties, and states, according to UEFA Steering Committee. However, with ‘social distancing’ now a public health mantra, fall soccer across the USA is going to have a different look and feel.
Holding the key to many soccer programs is whether schools physically re-open. For many youth sports programs, school facilities are the base of practices and competition.
That said, soccer still plays a major role in bringing communities closer, although not physically, but in spirit.
Uncertainty
I coordinate several soccer programs for various ages – recreation, After-School, school clinics, and inter-town teams. When I coached varsity soccer, the high school season would be starting on Monday (8/24).
At this time last year, fall programs were planned, tabled and ready to kick off. There have been numerous proposed directions for fall soccer, but nothing concrete and no clear start date.
The main problem of field availability is compounded with lower registrations, plus parents’ safety concerns about social distancing, the use of masks, and traveling to other communities.
Last-minute planning is becoming the norm rather than the exception. I have been in touch with club registrars, program coordinators, coaches, and parents and the theme is consistent – planning that changes daily.
Coaching or Training
You may need to adapt your services on the field to the needs of your club/community this fall season. Coaching your team during competition appears to be less likely because fewer players have registered, inter competition is a major concern for clubs and parents as social distancing needs to be enforced.
What other opportunities do you have if your team(s) does not participate in a league? Although players may not register for team participation, kids need to be physically active. Personal training may be an option.
In-House
The fall season is shaping up to be a program of in-house training and competition. The less traveling by parents for their child’s participation in sports, the more they will be comfortable to participate.
Parents are going to feel more comfortable trusting their local program directors with who they have an established relationship.
Some possible training and playing options during the fall
- Weekly age group training. 1 or 2 practices per week, with an inter-club game on the weekend.
- For recreation players a clinic every weekend.
- School holidays (Election, Columbus & Veteran’s Day) inter-school round-robin competition of small-sided games.
- Inter-club scrimmages
Adapt or Sink
There are several factors that support in-house training and competition this fall. Given these constraints, programs and clubs need to adapt to the conditions.
- School facilities closed
- Opportunity to play and practice close to home
- Social distancing from outside teams
- Easier to adapt within your club (in-house) versus league operation
- Uncertainty of direction from league administrators
- Local clubs have permits to town parks
- In-house (more flexible and adaptable)
Better to Be Safe Than Sorry
Youth soccer activities have a direct correlation to school operations and facilities. Whether schools are open or not, and if parents decide in-class or virtual learning the fear of COVID-19 remains a concern.
In-house play and competition reduces contact with other communities. It ensures kids get to play, participate, and learn.
The challenges to navigate the path of league participation is a field of uncertainty as clubs are dependent upon schools.
References
UEFA Direct (July/August 2020). Back in Play. Solid Platform for European Football to Bounce Back. pp. 14 – 15.
New Rochelle Football Club (August 16, 2020). Fall Season Update. NRFC Club Email.
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