Change is never easy. 😒With a new year comes new challenges and for many soccer players, that might mean beginning the task of looking for a new club.
There are lots of reasons why a soccer player might switch clubs. You may be looking for something different and new. 🤷♀️Maybe you want more of a challenge? Maybe your current club does not offer a higher level of competition? Or maybe you feel undervalued on your current team and need a change?
Whatever the reason, changing soccer clubs or teams can lead to personal growth and a sense of fulfillment that you are searching for.😎
This week we will discuss reasons why a player may want to change clubs. If you are thinking about switching clubs, take some time to reflect 🧠on these reasons and see if they pertain to you. If they do, read on for some advice on what to look for and what to ask when looking at new club options.
Reasons Players Change Clubs
- They are unhappy😒 with their team and can no longer find the motivation to play properly with their teammates.
- They feel disrespected by their teammates or undervalued.👎
- They play is looking for stronger 💪competition or the next level of competition.
- The player wants to learn a new playing style.⚽
- The player has grown complacent. Their coach or teammates no longer challenges the player to work harder or grow outside of their bubble.
- The goals of the player are different from their teammates.👬 If you want to play in college but your team is full of kids who do not have that ambition, the team may no longer be a good fit for you.
When Switching Clubs:
Talk to the new coach about your goals – can this coach help you reach those goals? What is his/her coaching style? Do they stop practice to discuss tactics? Or do they stand to the side and yell instructions? What has this coach done in the past to help other players reach similar goals?🥅
Does the club support your goals? Will they help support and recommend you for higher-level programs? Does the club hold actual tryouts or do they simply assign you a team each year? How hard is it to move up to more elite-level teams through the new club? If you are moving on to an ECNL program, will this club recommend you for an MLS club? Does the club help to put together College Showcase nights?🏆
What are the club’s policies for player movement between club teams? Are there opportunities to guest play on other teams to continue to challenge the player? Does the club assess player levels mid-season and move players between teams accordingly?
Are other kids happy😎 at the club? Sometimes people forget that simply being happy can help them excel. What is the point of switching clubs to another team if the players on that new team are all toxic? Great, they play at a higher level, but what is it doing for their mental health?🤕
What are the expectations of the new player? What can you expect when changing to the new team? Will you have you wait for a starting position? Or does the coach pick the lineup based on the week’s practice? Are you competing for the same position against an already established player?
How does the club monitor the coach? Does the coach go through regular evaluations? Does the coach follow the club’s curriculum, or does he do his own thing?👨🏫
The idea of changing soccer clubs can be intimidating and challenging. But personal growth comes from those challenges. It is important to know when changing teams/clubs is a right fit for you and your soccer career.
It will be uncomfortable in the beginning, but the new challenge will help you grow as a person and as a soccer player.⚽
Remember to thank your coach and club for the opportunities they gave you. And be a good teammate by thanking your team as well. It is never easy to say goodbye or to face change. Doing so with a positive attitude and gratefulness for what you experienced will help you get your mind ready for your next club.👍
Do you have a question that you want answered? Reply to this email with your question and you might see it answered in our next newsletter!
Article of the Week: Blayze Coach Zoe Morse Signs With Brighton and Hove Albion!
This week we want to send a huge congratulations to our very own Zoe Morse. She leaves the NWSL Chicago Red Stars after an impressive season to join Brighton and Hove Albion in England. Best of luck to you Zoe! We are all routing for you.
Video of the Week: Zoe Morse Talks with Brighton and Hove Albion on Changing Clubs
Watch Zoe Morse’s interview with the Albion news channel and her talking points on why she wanted to switch clubs.
