Whether you are a club soccer veteran, or considering club soccer for the first time, this book gives you a fresh, honest, insightful look at how club teams really work, where your dollars go, and how to get the most out of your club soccer "investment." It offers a candid, insider's look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of club soccer, including the real benefits of participating in club soccer. Not only will this book help you better navigate the intense, competitive landscape, but it will help you to make better decisions in difficult situations, so that your child and club team can be successful. "It is essential that families know what they want when they enter club soccer. Too many jump in feet first, with little or no knowledge of what they are actually getting into." Rob Fulton, Club Soccer manager, coach, parent "A gritty and honest look at the realities of club soccer. Dispels many of the myths of club soccer, and in so doing, does a favor to those who read this book and are seriously contemplating club soccer for their children." John Davidson, Club Soccer team manager, parent "A great book for both club soccer veterans and those just getting started. In fact, it should be mandatory for all soccer parents to buy this book at sign up." Kevin Willmore, Club Soccer administrator, manager, coach, parent "Gary Smith's Club Soccer: Insider's Guide to Winning the Game has given the entire soccer community valuable insights into the realities of youth soccer. Club Soccer should be read by anyone involved in youth soccer whether a coach, parent or administrator." - Bill Swartz, Professor of Physical Education, Head Coach, Pomona-Pitzer College Men's Soccer
Gary Smith is the founding manager of a boys gold level Foothill Storm club soccer team. He grew up in Southern California and has played recreational and competitive soccer, water polo, volleyball, swimming and squash. His children all play(ed) soccer. He is passionate about sports, statistics, writing, and gardening. "It is essential that families know what they want when they enter club soccer. Too many jump in feet first, with little or no knowledge of what they are actually getting into." Rob Fulton, Club Soccer manager, coach, parent "A gritty and honest look at the realities of club soccer. Dispels many of the myths of club soccer, and in so doing, does a favor to those who read this book and are seriously contemplating club soccer for their children." John Davidson, Club Soccer team manager, parent "A great book for both club soccer veterans and those just getting started. In fact, it should be mandatory for all soccer parents to buy this book at sign up." Kevin Willmore, Club Soccer administrator, manager, coach, parent "Gary Smith's Club Soccer: Insider's Guide to Winning the Game has given the entire soccer community valuable insights into the realities of youth soccer. Club Soccer should be read by anyone involved in youth soccer whether a coach, parent or administrator." - Bill Swartz, Professor of Physical Education, Head Coach, Pomona-Pitzer College Men's Soccer
