My son will start NE boarding school this fall in 9th grade as a boarder. We are from North Carolina. He will be 14 in June. He is hoping to continue to play classic soccer. Is that even possible, schedule-wise and transportation-wise? Would appreciate your sharing your thoughts or experiences.
Paging @SevenDad While not soccer, he can speak to club sports while attending BS.
Here’s a similar thread in the meantime.
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-admissions/2048452-club-sports-at-bs.html
It’s possible and it can be done but it isn’t easy. A lot of the challenge is connecting with local families that will have sons playing because you are going to need to rely on them for transportation. The other hurdles are time management, meeting school commitments both academic and non (the life of a BS student is very structured and full), and getting permission from the school to have him off campus so frequently. Additionally, since the best club teams practice frequently, you’ll need to find club team coach that wants your kid enough to put up with some missed practices and games because they’ll definitely happen.
@skieurope @doschicos thanks both of you for great information. It is certainly a huge commitment. Any thoughts on pros and cons on doing elite club sports while attending school. I am assuming a small percentage of students at boarding school play club sports and less likely to play at college level?
Correct on both counts. Often the student who is committed to doing a club sport finds that a BS is not the right environment. Even if, (and this is a big if) the school OKs, the expectation will be that the school’s academics/other ECs will take priority.
A very small percentage will play club sports. You’ll see guys who go on to play in college but more at the D3 level not D1. Playing soccer in college is very competitive anyway. How good is your son? What level is he playing at now?
If your son is good and if soccer is important, Shattuck-St. Mary’s in MN has its own Development Academy team.
http://ssmathletics.org/sports/soccer/index
Thanks. This year he is in an elite team in our club, which is one team below US Soccer DA in our club. Last year he was in US soccer DA team. Next season he is most likely selected to ECNL or elite team - I think. One dilemma is - should I bring him to Boston to Soccer tryout next couple of weeks to get into a team first before I figure out schedule and transportation arrangement, which appears really challenging.
Thanks @doschicos.
“One dilemma is - should I bring him to Boston to Soccer tryout next couple of weeks to get into a team first before I figure out schedule and transportation arrangement, which appears really challenging.”
Well, he has to make the team first before you jump through other hoops so if this is something both you and he really want to entertain the idea, than yes.
You might want to post/poke around here as well: http://talking-soccer.com/TS4/forumdisplay.php?f=29
Some kids at our BS did this (for soccer) and I know 2 who will next year. The “catch” is that there are a couple of day students who play on the elite team and it is their parents who ferry them around. I don’t know that they could have managed it without the local parents. Getting to practice may have been doable with uber. Getting to g as mes, never. We do not have Saturday classes, and the scheduling can be really tough.
Really, depends on the school, the team, and then a bunch of other stuff (such as availability of transportation, etc.) It may be doable or it may not…
@BDevilNC FYI. Your son won’t be playing in the ECNL, since it’s an elite youth league for females.
If you’re son plays in the DA, then his travel schedule will be hectic and travel will span from the East to West Coast. I’m sure it’s possible to go to boarding school and play in the DA, but he will be gone all weekend almost every weekend. And I don’t think that’s a good thing for developing relationships at school.
If he plays in the DA, then he’s got a great shot at a D1 or D3 college. If not a DA team, then his “elite” team will have to be invited and then do well in the major national tournaments like the Dallas Cup, Surf Cup, Copa, Las Vegas, etc. in order to be seen by college coaches.
“If you’re son plays in the DA, then his travel schedule will be hectic and travel will span from the East to West Coast.”
The vast majority of travel will be in one’s region but that still covers a lot of territory. It could mean hopping down to NJ or NYC for a weekend game.
“then his “elite” team will have to be invited and then do well in the major national tournaments like the Dallas Cup, Surf Cup, Copa, Las Vegas, etc. in order to be seen by college coaches.”
There are showcase tournaments in the northeast where coaches can see him. Additionally, a player can attend camp weeks at many colleges.
@doschicos @sushiritto thanks for all info. ECNL - boy starts last year. I do not think my son will be Selected for DA for now. also DA is not even allowed to play for school team.
@doschicos True about traveling mostly in one’s region, but for example, the East Division consists of CT, RI, MA, NY, NJ and Montreal. That’s still a lot of travel IMO. And they can travel for playoffs across the country. I’m familiar with West Coast teams having to travel to to FL, as one example.
And all the best showcases are out here in the West, but I’m biased. But I really enjoyed Disney’s in FL. 
@BDevilNC I couldn’t find a boys team competing in the ECNL, but I could be reviewing the current standings for all regions incorrectly. And they haven’t updated their history either.
School leagues can be very be dangerous for elite players. Elite level talent are sometimes “hunted” on the field by opponents.
I haven’t seen that in my neck of the woods but of course on any team the best players might be double manned.
A few years ago, I saw an elite level male soccer player cold-cocked (punched) to the ground when the ref wasn’t looking. The truly elite soccer players out here skip playing for their school, but these players are scouted early and have D1 college commitments already.
Also, elite level teams practice and play 11-12 months a year, so here on the West Coast, the winter high school season conflicts with their club schedules.
“The truly elite soccer players out here skip playing for their school, but these players are scouted early and have D1 college commitments already.”
A lot of that probably has to do with the Development Academy and the current club soccer picture. Back in the day when it wasn’t what it is now, pretty much all played for their high schools. Honestly, I don’t think USA youth soccer has gone in the right direction - too many groups doing different things fighting for turf and players. It’s a bit of a mess IMO. Compare that to tennis and USTA. One overseeing group, one path.
I think students should play for their high schools. They do in most other sports I can think of.