So, you’re asking about Everett soccer, huh? Well, let me tell you, it was quite the ride. Didn’t plan on becoming a soccer parent, not really. It just sort of… happened.
It all started when my youngest, let’s call him Leo, suddenly got the soccer bug. One minute he was all about his building blocks, the next it was, “Dad, can I play soccer? Everyone at school is talking about it!” Kids, right? So, I thought, okay, how hard can this be? Famous last words.
First thing I did was just drive around some local Everett parks on a Saturday. Saw some kids kicking balls, a few informal games. Looked simple enough. Then I actually started to properly search, you know, online and asking around. That’s when I hit the first wall: “clubs.” It wasn’t just about showing up at a park. Oh no. It was serious business.
I found out pretty quickly that players join a club, which is usually affiliated with regional or national soccer organizations. And these clubs, they have tryouts, proper coaches – some of whom are actually trained professionals, which was a bit of a surprise. I figured it’d just be some dads winging it. And I learned that club soccer is open to players of various skill levels, which was a relief because Leo wasn’t exactly Messi at that point. He just wanted to run and kick.
The whole sign-up process was an adventure in itself. So many forms. And the fees! Nobody tells you about the fees upfront, or maybe they do and you’re just in denial. Then there were the gear requirements – specific colored socks, shorts, the right kind of cleats. It felt like gearing up for a mini-expedition every season.
Then the practices started. Twice a week, rain or shine. And the games on weekends. Suddenly, my Saturdays were no longer my own. They belonged to Everett youth soccer. I became one of those sideline parents, clutching a lukewarm coffee, trying to make sense of offside traps explained by another, more intense, parent.
What I really got out of it, though
Look, it wasn’t all just logistics and lost weekends. Watching Leo actually learn the game, make friends, and get super excited after scoring a goal (or even just making a good pass) was pretty cool. You see the kids develop, not just in skill but in teamwork, a bit of discipline. That part was good, genuinely good.
But man, the politics sometimes. You’d see it. Parents getting way too invested. Coaches with favorites. It’s kids’ soccer, but sometimes it felt like the World Cup final for some folks. I always tried to tell Leo, “Just have fun, mate. That’s the main thing.” Easier said than done when everyone around you is taking it super seriously.
We navigated a few different clubs in the Everett area over the years. Some were better organized than others. Some focused more on development, others more on just winning. You kind of have to find the right fit for your kid and your own sanity.
My biggest takeaway? Everett soccer is a community, a big, sometimes overwhelming, but ultimately connected group of people. You’ll meet all sorts. You’ll freeze on cold mornings and bake on hot afternoons. Your car will permanently smell like sweaty shin guards. But seeing your kid passionate about something, learning, growing – that’s the bit you hold onto.
So, that was my practical journey through the world of Everett soccer. Started with a simple request from my kid, ended up being a multi-year commitment. If you’re thinking of diving in, just be prepared. It’s more than just a game.
