"Surveys of young players over the last few years have shown that the primary reason for players under 12 dropping out of soccer is that they were not having fun. The secondary reason is that they did not like their coaches.

Both reasons would indicate that those players were not exposed to appropriate playing environments for their age/or ability levels. Too much at too young an age would cause players to become disenchanted with the sport. Too little activity in practice sessions (drills) and games (too many players on the field) would cause players to become bored.

As coaches and administrators of our sport, we must create the environment for players to learn the game at their own pace without the pressure of impossible decision-making or the stress created by parental (adult) influence. We must allow kids to be kids and allow the game to provide their enjoyment.".....................

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