Is My Kid Ready for Travel Soccer? A Real Talk Guide for Soccer Parents
- Soccer Unleashed
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
If you've ever typed "Is my kid ready for travel soccer?" into Google at 11 PM after a chaotic rec game and a full debrief in the carpool line — welcome. You’re in good company. Youth soccer feels more intense than ever these days, and figuring out when (or if) to make the leap from recreational leagues to travel teams can be overwhelming.
This post is inspired by a conversation on the Courtside Forever (Episode 27) podcast with Casey Lewis — longtime soccer mom, former player, coach and team manager, and founder of Soccer Unleashed, a go-to resource hub for youth soccer families. Casey brings perspective and hard-earned insight that’ll help you feel less alone and more informed.
Start With One Simple Question: Do They Want It?
Before anything else, check in with your child. Travel soccer isn’t just a bigger time commitment — it’s an emotional one. It means giving up weekends, waking up early, missing out on birthday
parties and family plans. If your kid isn’t truly interested, no amount of pushing will make it worth it.
Some signs your child might be ready for travel soccer:
They ask to practice on their own — not just when told.
They’re excited to improve and challenge themselves.
They show interest in extra training or pickup games with older players.
Is Your Family Ready for the Commitment?
Even if your kid is all in, this decision affects the whole family. Travel soccer means weekends on the road, new schedules, and a bigger financial investment. Ask yourself:
Can we manage the time demands?
How will this affect siblings or other family priorities?
Are we okay with the financial commitment (fees, gear, travel, meals)?
Pro tip: “Travel” doesn’t always mean national flights and fancy tournaments. Many strong regional teams offer quality competition without exhausting your time or budget.
Skill vs. Passion: Which One Matters More?
Yes, skill matters — but passion lasts. A naturally talented player who isn’t motivated will eventually plateau. But a passionate kid who wants to improve will grow by leaps and bounds.
How to determine:
What do they do when no one is watching?
Are they eager for feedback or stuck in their comfort zone?
Also, talk to multiple coaches. A second opinion can give clarity on whether your child is developmentally and emotionally ready for the step up.
Related Resource: Skill building Soccer Goal Book by Casey Lewis
Travel Soccer Comes With Hidden Costs
Team dues are just the beginning. Parents often overlook the extras:
Gas, hotels, and food on the road
Team bonding dinners, celebrations, and extra tournament fees
Replacement gear (because cleats will get lost!)
Missed family events, holiday weekends, and added stress
Soccer mom tip: Pack your own food, split hotel rooms, carpool often, and take advantage of hotel rewards programs to save big over a season.
Related Resource: Travel Smart and Spend Less on Soccer Trips
Don’t Let the Pressure Steal the Joy
The current youth sports culture can feel like a non-stop ladder climb. But not every player needs private trainers, constant camps, or elite tournaments at age 9. Burnout, especially among girls, is real.
Keep soccer joy at the center by:
Letting them play for fun sometimes — pickup games or futsal
Encouraging friendships off the field
Celebrating effort and teamwork over performance
Being okay with breaks or seasons off
Each Child’s Soccer Path Will Be Unique
Casey Lewis has raised three kids through youth soccer — each took a different path. One played for fun. One had the skill, but not the drive. One was obsessed. And guess what? They all turned out just fine.
Avoid the trap of comparing your child to the kid on the A team or the sibling who got recruited. Focus on their growth, their interests, and their experience.
What Does Success Look Like for Your Soccer Family?
Success might mean a college offer — but it might not. It could be:
A confident child who can now self-advocate
A kid who shows up prepared and works hard off the field
Lifelong friendships and road trip memories
Learning to manage failure and bounce back
In fact, the long-term benefits are real. According to the Women’s Sports Foundation:
94% of women in the C-suite played sports growing up.
74% of adults say sports taught them leadership skills.
So even if your child never plays beyond high school, soccer is still having a positive impact on your child's life.
Final Thoughts About Moving to Travel Soccer
You don’t need to decide everything today. Take the pressure off. Stay curious. Have open conversations with your child. And remember: the most important outcome of travel soccer isn’t a scholarship or trophy — it’s who your child becomes because of the experience.
Want support as you explore this next step? Visit SoccerUnleashed.com to find camps, tryouts, and other opportunities across the East Coas - all on one filterable page.
And if you know a fellow soccer parent agonizing over this decision? Share this with them. Because this journey isn’t just about the game — it’s about growth, joy, and the memories made along the way.
We’re soccer moms on a mission to support families at every stage of the soccer journey. We know how overwhelming the youth soccer world can be—so we’re here to help. Our platform connects parents to valuable development opportunities that might otherwise be missed: skill-building camps, small-sided games, clinics, and more. Whether your player is just starting out or chasing big goals, we help you find what they need to grow—without the guesswork. We also support clubs by helping them share their programs and reach more families—so more kids can access the right training and development paths.
Because every player deserves a fair shot—and every parent needs a partner in the process. We're here to serve, guide, and champion every players' soccer journey.
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