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MOVING UP – SHOULD YOUR CHILD TAKE SPORTS TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
By Gloria Averbuch
Sports offer fitness, fun, camaraderie and education in a whole host of life skills. When determining whether to get more serious, however, there are many factors that will ensure you make the right decision, and a smooth transition.
Joe Dorini, Director of the Sky Blue Soccer School, offers some excellent insights based on his experience as a lifelong athlete and coach.
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Here are his tips: Who wants it? Serious children are self-motivated, without parental pressure. An enthusiastic and willing child will let you know. And a very skilled performer is constantly showing that he or she is a class above, and potentially ready to move on. It’s tempting to follow the tides of those traveling the state for sports competition with their 8-year-olds. However, consider athletic and emotional factors. Between the ages of 9 to 14, young athletes are still developing. It is not wise to put too much pressure on them.
If you have to look for attention or encouragement, you might want to reevaluate. If you’re player is worthy of moving up, coaches and others will often see that. Get their advice, which is often most objective.
If you’re already looking at another team, coach or training level, don’t just ask those involved. Ask outside sources, including their opponents. And go beyond simply watching the prospective team or coach in competition; make sure to attend a number of practices as well.
The best way to prepare to “step it up” is independent training. Joe Dorni relates that he played soccer on his own, or with his dad, until he was 15 before getting into serious team competition. This also allowed him to develop his own love of the game.
Adjusting to a new level depends on the player. Some pick it up quite easily, while some need a season or even a year. “Coachable” children are those who can grasp concepts and incorporate them. The best way to ensure a smooth transition is to practice on one’s own.
Finally, success also depends on overall knowledge of the sport-not just how to play, but understanding the game as well. Remember the motto: You can’t do what you can’t see.
In honor of the inaugural season of Sky Blue FC of Women’s Professional Soccer, the team is offering a limited-time special. Call and mention this article, and buy two tickets and get two free to the home opener on April 5 versus the Los Angeles Sol at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Dial 888-SBFC-TIX or 888-723-2849 or online at www.SkyBlueFC.com.


