The rise of “pay-to-play” sports in America

Here is the discussion post: The rise of “pay-to-play” sports in America, along with increases in economic inequality, has subsequently led poor and middle-class families to step away from organized sports (Picchi, 2019). For families earning $50,000 or less, the cost was cited as the number one reason for not being involved in sports (Picchi, 2019). While America is driving the cost of playing higher, other countries seek out talent from all areas and income levels. In many cases, scouts for top teams watch pickup games in inner-city neighborhoods, and the opportunity to play is offered to children regardless of economic background (Herrin, 2019).

In the rural South, soccer is further pushed away by the prominence of sports such as basketball, American football, and baseball. Combined with the scarcity of professional soccer clubs in America, the development of players from these areas continues to fall behind. (Herrin, 2019). Even for families with the financial means to access club or travel soccer teams, those opportunities often require significant travel and may have limited availability. For example, in the area surrounding Jefferson County, the closest soccer club is in Morristown. For those who cannot play for that club and choose not to drive to the Knoxville area, the only other option is recreational American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) teams. While AYSO does an excellent job of providing low-cost participation in soccer to local youth, it often fails to develop athletes fully.

One potential method for counteracting the lack of participation due to pay-to-play and lack of programs is the introduction of private one-on-one or small group training sessions. One-on-one training allows players to develop skills at all levels and provides the opportunity to focus on that player’s individual needs (My Personal Football Coach, 2015). This training type also provides athletes with in-depth feedback and learning at their own pace (Total Soccer, 2020). However, one-on-one training is also beneficial for high-skilled players competing with top-level club teams and programs. As a result, this type of individualized training is both appropriate and marketable to players of all levels and economic backgrounds (My Personal Football Coach, 2015).

Another aspect of soccer that is often overlooked is body mechanics and running form. It is always beneficial for players to increase their speed, and some studies have shown that improving running form is more successful at improving speed and agility than standard speed drills are (Lupo et al., 2019). Proper body mechanics are vital for nearly every aspect of the game, from striking a ball to moving off the ball. A more individualized training mode allows players to develop the biomechanics and vision sought by high-level teams (King Performance, 2020). Often, when a player struggles with shooting or even dribbling, correcting their posture is an easy fix that a coach might notice in a one-on-one setting (King Performance, 2020).

Soccer is a sport that heavily involves running, but unlike track and field or cross country, there are varying speeds and distances covered. It is estimated that players walk for 28% of a match, jog for 26% of a match, and sprint for 3% while employing over 420 movements during a game (Matchfit Conditioning, 2016). Therefore, soccer training involves both speed and endurance (Guide to Become a Soccer Expert, n.d.). While some players are gifted with natural speed and quickness, others must spend time developing these skills. With proper instruction, players can improve upon posture, arm mechanics, lateral movement, and jumping (Matchfit Conditioning, 2016).

My idea for a startup business is to provide private training for youth soccer players focused on developing both technique and body mechanics. In doing so, athletes will become more well-rounded players both physically and technically. Due to collegiate experience in soccer and track and field combined with coaching athletes ages five through eighteen, I have the knowledge and ability to help players develop. No office space will be required for the company due to sessions taking place outdoors at public parks, and there will be little equipment needed since I already have training equipment from previous coaching positions. Through offering discounted rates for small groups, athletes from lower-income families would also be able to participate. Additionally, focusing on body mechanics and running form would differentiate my service from others offered.

References

Guide to Become a Soccer Expert. (n.d.). Running. Guide to Become a Soccer Expert. Retrieved March 22, 2021, from http://informationalsoccerguide.weebly.com/running.html (Links to an external site.)

Herrin, T. (2019, August 23). Youth Soccer in America: How Prohibitive Costs are Hurting the Game. Econsult Solutions, Inc. https://econsultsolutions.com/soccer-costs-hurting-game/ (Links to an external site.)

King Performance. (2020, March 23). Football Biomechanics: Body Position and Vision. King Performance. https://rondelking.com/new-blog/2020/3/23/football-biomechanics-body-position-and-vision (Links to an external site.)

Lupo, C., Ungureanu, A. N., Varalda, M., & Brustio, P. R. (2019). Running technique is more effective than soccer-specific training for improving the sprint and agility performances with ball possession of prepubescent soccer players. Biology of Sport, 36(3), 249–255. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2019.87046 (Links to an external site.)

Matchfit Conditioning. (2016, November 30). Football Specific Running Mechanics Explained. Matchfit Conditioning. https://www.matchfitconditioning.com/blogs/soccer-fitness-training/running-mechanics-for-football (Links to an external site.)

My Personal Football Coach. (2015, October 13). The benefits of 1on1 soccer training. My Personal Football Coach. https://mypersonalfootballcoach.com/the-benefits-of-1on1-soccer-training/ (Links to an external site.)

Picchi, A. (2019, August 15). Game over: Middle-class and poor kids are ditching youth sports. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/uneven-playing-field-middle-class-and-poor-kids-are-ditching-youth-sports/ (Links to an external site.)

Total Soccer. (2020, July 2). Why Are Private Soccer Lessons Worth It? Total Soccer. https://www.totalsoccer.us/blog/why-are-private-soccer-le