09/11/2024
Landon Donovan, widely regarded as one of the greatest U.S. players of all time, did not mince words on Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast when he called youth soccer a ‘disaster’.
The current NWSL’s San Diego Waves interim head coach and Fox Sports announcer has three sons in youth sports and has witnessed firsthand the disastrous effects of prioritizing outcomes over development.
“It’s a cultural problem in [the U.S.]. One thing that is amazing about America is that we wanna win and be the best at everything. The problem is that trickles down to six-year-old soccer games.”
🎯The parents' role:
This isn’t just a coaching or club problem; we must own our role in this outcome-obsessed youth sports culture. At a young age, it should be about development and growing their love for the game, increasing creativity, and creating problem-solvers with good decision-making skills. It shouldn’t be about creating mini-Olympians who will peak at 15 and burn out or their bodies break down.
Ask yourself:
* What are your criteria when choosing a club and coach?
* Do you prioritize winning over growth and development?
* On your team, are you perpetuating the need to win? Are your conversations with coaches and other parents centered around outcomes?
If we demand outcomes, that's what coaches and teams will focus on. Let's shift the conversation to development, skills, and the love of the game. 🌟
