When you’re looking for a new team for your child, it can seem overwhelming. Sometimes it is because there might be a lot of options. Maybe you live in a large metroplex like I do and coached in (Dallas). I grew up in a small community – read more about my up bringing here Here are some best tips to join a new team.
Best tips to join a new team: the parent
Internet – Do a Google search for youth soccer clubs in your area. You may already know the landscape of club’s locally, but it’s always smart to search regardless. Browse through club’s websites and try to find contact information for the “Director of Academy”. Give him/her a call and give some background info on your kid’s experience, where you live and what kind of team you’re looking for. Their job is to direct you to the right coach.
Email – Assuming you get contact information from the Director of Academy, send the coach an introduction email with the same type of message you shared with the Director and ask when a good time to talk on the phone is. A lot of coaches are independent contractors which means they may be at their real job. They should get back to you within 24 hours (I always tried to call back as soon as possible).
Phone – Once you get in contact with the coach, again, share on the phone what you’re looking for in a possible new team, coach, environment. The coach 99% of the time will invite you out to their next practice. When the coach invites you, it means he wants your kid to play. Ask the coach what the team practice uniforms look like so your kid can feel more part of the team at the first practice (tryout).
Practice – Try to arrive 30 minutes early so you can catch the coach before practice to introduce yourself and your child. Coaches should welcome you with open arms. You can ask a couple questions before practice, but I’ve always had better conversations after practice after watching a new player. I always, always invite them back for a second practice because let’s face it – new faces and new places can make some people uncomfortable.
Follow up – After your kid has attended a practice or two, your coach should always take the time to tell you face to face whether your kid would be a good fit with the team. It’s professional and courteous.
Summary:
Do your due diligence in looking for a new team for your kid. Talk to the Director of the Academy. Development is long term so if you do your homework and find good rapport with the coach you should have no problem sticking with one club for a while.
In the next post, let’s look at what the coaches expectations are when having a new kid come to practice and possibly joining the team.
