Navigating the Journey of a Youth Soccer Player: Stories from a St. Lucian and the Cost of Pursuing Professionalism

Introduction: Hoping to Go Pro at 17

As a youth soccer player from St. Lucia, the dream of turning professional at 17 is both exciting and challenging. While many focus on the immediate future, it's important to build a long-term plan to achieve this goal. In this article, we explore the journey of a St. Lucian soccer player and the obstacles faced in the pursuit of professional soccer, including the cost considerations and the scouting process.

Escaping the Small Island

For a St. Lucian aspiring to go pro, the first step is to look beyond the island's limitations. One insightful piece of advice is to consider further education in countries like the UK or USA, where you can join college teams and be spotted by professional scouts attending games. While going pro at 17 is virtually impossible, the network and visibility gained from such a move can pave the way for future opportunities.

The Road to Success: Joining Academies and Open Trials

Student visas and further education options are vital, but so is honing your skills and being scouted. Open football academy trials and specialized academies can provide the platform to showcase your talents. Attending such trials and joining academies that scout for clubs and tournaments can significantly increase your chances of being noticed by professional teams.

Personal Reflections and Observations

My daughter Ruby, who is a soccer goalkeeper, faces a similar challenge. She dreams of being a professional like Hope Solo. This year's tryout season for U15 girls in her area is particularly intense. Here's a detailed look at her tryout process and the decision-making behind picking a team. Each team offers a different set of challenges and benefits, making it crucial to weigh all aspects:

Trying Out for Different Teams

Comparison of Teams and Offers

Let's dive into the details of each offer:

Team #1: Truckee (Nevada)

This team is highly ranked and Ruby would be their second goalkeeper. However, traveling 45 minutes to Truckee three times a week for practices and games, along with the limited indoor training opportunities, makes this an incredibly challenging choice. Furthermore, given Ruby's commitments to basketball, this could be her only option.

Team #2: Local Reno Teams

In contrast, this team offers a structured season with two U15 teams. If Ruby catches the eye of the coach, she might even play on the elite team in the spring. The proximity to home means less travel, but the tryout organization was poor, and the coach's strategy of building Ruby's ego rather than focusing on her skills also raises questions.

Team #3: Brand New Team

While this team offers a fresh start, the early rumors suggest it might not attract enough girls to form a team, making it a less viable option in the short term.

Team #4: Current Club U16 Team

Playing with the older girls in a U16 team would mean no fall season for Ruby. While she would receive more specific training, the team is made up mainly of wealthy white girls, which could make it challenging for Ruby to fit in. This option also has the highest fees, and the male-to-female fee disparity is concerning.

The Financial Side of Soccer

Club fees alone can range from 2300 to over 4000 dollars per year, not including travel and personal training expenses. The incredible disparity in fees between boys and girls teams highlights the systemic issues in the sport. While scholarships are available in some areas, they are not an option for many, leaving young players to navigate the financial challenges.

Conclusion: Balancing Aspirations and Reality

Going pro in soccer, especially at a young age, is a challenge fraught with obstacles. However, building a comprehensive plan, including education and skills development, can lead to significant opportunities. The story of Ruby and her journey highlights the importance of trying out for multiple teams and understanding the scouting process. While the costs are high, the journey is invaluable for young soccer players like Ruby, who dreams of following in the footsteps of figures like Hope Solo.