- Carter Cribbs
I started playing soccer when I was about 4 years old and have loved it ever since. As my childhood progressed I kept moving to more advanced soccer clubs. Currently, I play for a United States Soccer Development Academy league (USSDA) team called Players Development Academy (PDA). Before this I played for a team called the Manhattan Soccer Club (MSC). At MSC I played my home games on Randall’s Island and travel wasn’t too far for away games except for tournaments which only happened a few times a year. When I was ten, my family and I made the big decision that we wanted to try something that would challenge me even more: trying out for PDA and playing in the USSDA league.
The USSDA is the highest league of youth soccer in the United States. Currently there are about 70 teams in the oldest division (though there are more in the younger divisions), and this includes youth teams for Major League Soccer clubs such as the New York Redbulls, Philadelphia Union, and the LA Galaxy. The USSDA is unique because the season lasts all the way from mid August until July 1. Because of the timing, if you play in the USSDA you are not allowed to play high school soccer. This is a big sacrifice as you miss out on the experience of highschool soccer if you decide to participate in the USSDA. My family and I decided that this sacrifice was worth it as the high level of play in the USSDA would help me grow as a soccer player. Also, because this league is the best youth soccer league in the US, it attracts the most attention from both college and professional scouts. In the spring, one can count on several college coaches at every game, and during the showcases in Florida and California, there can be over 25 scouts per game.
Playing for PDA also requires a huge time commitment.. PDA’s home practice and game facilities are in Central New Jersey which is about an hour and a half away from New York City. On Fridays, when the traffic can be bad, the trip can take at least two hours. Because of this, I don’t have time to come home after school before I leave for practice. So, right when the school day ends, I get picked up at school and drive straight to New Jersey. I usually eat a quick dinner right before practice and then practice from 6 pm - 8 pm. After this I drive straight home and get home anywhere from 9 to 9:30. This also means I have to try to do most of my homework during the car ride there and the car ride home so when I get home after practice, I don’t have too much work left. I practice Monday through Thursday and have games on the weekends which can be as far as Virginia or even Montreal.
Even though there is a large time commitment and a lot of sacrifices I have to make in order to play for PDA and in the USSDA, I have really enjoyed my time playing at this high of a level. It is hard work, but the bond that I have formed with my teammates is something that I don’t think I could achieve in any other aspect of my life. Playing at this level of soccer against other kids of this caliber is something I also really enjoy and am proud of myself for. I look forward to seeing where soccer takes me next on my journey.
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