Can you play high school soccer and club soccer at the same time?

By Jayson Panganiban June 16, 2023 11:12

Photo by AP

Playing high school soccer and club soccer at the same time is a common question asked by young soccer players. Club soccer and high school soccer have different benefits and drawbacks, and the choice depends on the player's goals and what they want to achieve in their soccer career.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) governs high school soccer in the US, and their rules and regulations allow students to play both high school soccer and club soccer at the same time. However, it is up to the individual state high school associations to decide whether or not to allow it.

Some state high school associations prohibit students from playing high school soccer and club soccer at the same time. They argue that it may lead to conflicts between the schedules of high school and club games, which can negatively impact the student's academic performance. Moreover, some high school coaches may not be supportive of their players playing club soccer, as it may interfere with their high school team's practices and games.

On the other hand, many state high school associations permit students to play both high school soccer and club soccer at the same time. They argue that it provides students with an opportunity to develop their skills further and play against a higher level of competition. It also allows students to play for different teams and experience different coaching styles, which can help them improve their game.

In some cases, high school coaches and club coaches work together to ensure that there are no scheduling conflicts and that the student is not overstressed. This collaboration allows the student to balance their schoolwork, high school soccer, and club soccer.

It is important to note that playing high school soccer and club soccer at the same time can be a challenging experience for some students. It requires a lot of dedication, hard work, and time management skills. Students must also prioritize their academic responsibilities and ensure that their grades do not suffer.

Moreover, students who play both high school soccer and club soccer at the same time must be aware of the different rules and regulations that govern each level of play. For example, high school soccer has different substitution rules than club soccer, and players must be aware of these differences to avoid penalties.

In conclusion, playing high school soccer and club soccer at the same time is allowed by the NFHS rules and regulations. However, it is up to the individual state high school associations to decide whether to permit it or not. It is important for students who choose to play both high school soccer and club soccer to prioritize their academic responsibilities and manage their time effectively. With dedication and hard work, students can successfully balance their high school and club soccer commitments and develop their skills further.