Dear Soccer Community,
I, Joshua Villalobos, would like to share my perspective on the closure of MOBA Soccer Academy operations as I deeply care about our local soccer community.
When MOBA made the official statement, it would be shutting down their youth soccer program, it created an urgent and uncertain situation for players, families, and coaches alike. All parties involved were forced to make major decisions in a matter of weeks. These decisions would and will eventually affect our soccer community’s future development, friendship and collective trust.
In that moment, I did not just think about myself or the team I coached. I took into consideration the entire community. How our soccer community found themselves without a clear path forward.
I chose SSA Swarm FC/Coweta because I believe in stability and structure. I believe youth soccer should be more than hype- it should be about security, long-term development and trust. I wanted to help find a solution for our soccer community to progress forward without risk of delay or chance of survival.
SSA Swarm FC offers a proven platform with secure fields/facilities, organized & expanding league competitions, qualified staff, uniforms and a history of supporting player development at all levels. SSA Swarm FC is not just another club. This club serves as a safety net. SSA Swarm FC provides a landing spot for our soccer community to not worry about mid-season or year-to-year operational collapse. Instead, SSA Swarm FC will afford our soccer community an opportunity to grow.
I realize other club options are being presented, some exciting, some ambitious, but also untested. I am well versed in the business of youth soccer and have seen what happens when clubs launch too fast, without the necessary infrastructure to support their membership.
I decided to contact SSA Swarm FC not out of fear, but out of servitude, duty, and responsibility to our local soccer community. My professional decision was made with the intent of making sure our soccer community had a club option they could count on.
If you are still exploring your soccer club options, I invite you to consider this: SSA Swarm FC/Coweta is both a good fit for your child and peace of mind which currently matters.
Thank you in advance for considering my perspective and the path I have helped create. I made this decision for our soccer community and truly believe it is the right one now and for the seasons to come.
With respect and appreciation, below I have shared “facts & opinions” regarding youth soccer to help support families with their decision.
Facts & Opinions
Fact #1: The business of youth soccer is a “Pay-to-Play” system
Opinion – The “Pros & Cons” of youth soccer’s “Pay-to-Play” system is a worthy yet separate debate. Only select Major League Soccer boys’ academies (i.e. Atlanta United) sponsor player development, meaning parents and/or legal guardians do not fund players’ soccer experience. All other soccer club academies in Georgia are parent funded.
Fact #2: What are parents and players paying for? A positive and enjoyable soccer experience.
Opinion – The facilitation of a positive youth soccer experience in United States requires the following at a minimum:
- Secure and long-term utilization of Fields/Facilities – “No fields = No Soccer”
- Quality Coaches (see Fact #3)
- Teammates/Player Pool – “No teammates = No Official Games guaranteed”
- Uniforms – “No uniforms = No Official Games guaranteed”
- Referees
- Affiliation with National Soccer Registration platforms to player cards and liability insurance (there are many various registration platforms available)
- Guaranteed opponents, games, and league competitions – “No partnerships with other local, regional and nations soccer clubs = no guarantee of Official Games = limited player developmental opportunities”
Overall, clubs should have the structure and ability to provide all the above over a long period of time. Historically, there types of top-tier soccer clubs tend to be larger rather than smaller or newly created clubs.
Fact #3: Quality Coaches are instrumental to players’ experience, development and overall business of youth soccer.
Opinion:
- Pick a coach who you trust values youth child as person and player
- Pick a coach that has a wealth and variety of soccer experience
- Confirm your coach’s previous level of playing experience
- Confirm your coach’s education and qualifications
- Confirm your coach’s professional history including team results, player success stories etc.
- Obtain player and parent testimonials about your coach – “Be sure to trust your sources”
TAKE HOME MESSAGE REGARDING TRYOUTS
The landscape of youth soccer in the United States is dynamic and ever evolving. Your family’s desired soccer experience for your child is personal. Be sure to take your time making your decision.
I will be coaching at SSA Swarm FC/Newnan because I believe in their Executive Director’s Club Vision. I strongly recommend this historic club for your son and daughter’s future soccer club experience and needs. SSA Swarm FC provides stability in club structure, qualified coaches, individual players and league pathways that are together unmatched and superior to the clubs in our community.
To register for SSA Swarm FC Tryouts: https://www.ssaswarm.com/25-26-tryouts-details
On behalf of Synergy Athletic Solutions, we wish you all the best of luck with tryouts and your family’s club decision.
If you have any questions or are need of sport science and soccer training services, feel free to contact us by phone/text at (470) 409-9393 or email: jvillalobos@synergyathleticsolutions.com
Your trusted sport science and soccer performance training provider
Synergy Athletic Solutions – Joshua Villalobos PhD
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