Just learned that a couple of rising freshman from our town/school have signed on for GDAP and will forego HS soccer. Got me to thinking, GDAP will really do more harm than good for girls.
My points:
1. HS sports serve as a platform for kids to integrate into the school community. My D readily admits that the quality of soccer is shiza, but she wouldn't give it up the experience for anything. The bus rides to games, hanging out after practice, cheering for other classmates, having them support you is all a part of growing up and developing a sense of community. Foregoing these types of extra-curricular activities will lessen kids HS experience, IMHO.
2. Girls motivations change as they grow. Kids in 7-9 grade may have aspirations to make a national team, play big time soccer only to have that desire wane as they mature. What happens then? Give up GDAP and return to HS? Breaking into a team as a junior will be difficult. They may get lots of PT, but it's more than that...see #1
3. Kids' focus will be too narrow. Soccer will be their life at the exclusion of all else. When HS and College are finished, what then? (see HoopDreams)
There are those that say that HS stunts kids' development, kids need a higher platform. To that I call BS. In fact, it may help development by allowing them to try things they wouldn't ordinarily do. If kids want additional tech training, they can get that via a trainer or ad hoc club practices during the season.
I've kicked it off...now let's discuss...
Signed,
not Fred
My points:
1. HS sports serve as a platform for kids to integrate into the school community. My D readily admits that the quality of soccer is shiza, but she wouldn't give it up the experience for anything. The bus rides to games, hanging out after practice, cheering for other classmates, having them support you is all a part of growing up and developing a sense of community. Foregoing these types of extra-curricular activities will lessen kids HS experience, IMHO.
2. Girls motivations change as they grow. Kids in 7-9 grade may have aspirations to make a national team, play big time soccer only to have that desire wane as they mature. What happens then? Give up GDAP and return to HS? Breaking into a team as a junior will be difficult. They may get lots of PT, but it's more than that...see #1
3. Kids' focus will be too narrow. Soccer will be their life at the exclusion of all else. When HS and College are finished, what then? (see HoopDreams)
There are those that say that HS stunts kids' development, kids need a higher platform. To that I call BS. In fact, it may help development by allowing them to try things they wouldn't ordinarily do. If kids want additional tech training, they can get that via a trainer or ad hoc club practices during the season.
I've kicked it off...now let's discuss...
Signed,
not Fred
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