Parent guides › Rec or travel
For parents · Ages 5–8Rec or travel?
ages 5 to 8
Someone on the sideline will bring up travel soccer sooner than you expect. For most children this age the answer is simple: rec is great, and there is no rush. Here is how to think about it.
Nobody gets left behind by playing rec at seven.
What the two usually mean
Rec soccer is local. Teams are usually formed so everyone can play, practices are close to home, and it tends to cost less. Travel soccer usually means tryouts, more practices, games against other towns and a bigger commitment of money and weekends. Programs vary a lot, so ask yours.
Why there is no rush
What a child this age needs is lots of touches, small games and a reason to come back. A good rec program gives them all of that. Nothing a travel team offers at seven is hard to catch up on later.
When it might make sense
- Your child keeps asking for more soccer.
- They are bored because they want more of a challenge.
- The program is good, and everyone gets to play.
- It suits your family’s time and budget.
Questions to ask any program
- Does every child play about the same amount?
- How many children per coach?
- Do they play small-sided games, or stand in lines?
- What does the coach focus on at this age?
- How much will it cost, all in?
What matters more than the label
A kind coach with a good plan matters more than the name on the shirt. Your child’s first coaches can make them love the game or leave it. Pick the place where your child will have the most fun with a ball, whatever it is called.
If their friends go to travel
It can feel like your child is being left out. If they want to go with friends and it works for your family, that is a perfectly good reason at this age. If not, friends can still play at the park. Children adjust to this faster than parents do.
Questions parents ask
Will my child fall behind in rec?
No. Plenty of good players started in rec. At this age, enjoying it matters most.
How early should a child play travel?
There is no need to rush. Many clubs start travel teams around U9, and that is plenty early.
Is more practice better at this age?
Not by itself. Short, fun sessions with lots of touches are better than extra hours of organized practice.
What to say after a game ›My child wants to quit ›Is my child behind? ›What to expect at U6 ›What to expect at U7 ›What to expect at U8 ›Next: ages 8 to 10 ›