How to Decide Whether or Not to Move to a Better Team

By Jon Buzby | Posted 11/30/2020

When families first get into youth sports it’s typically because the local organization comes highly recommended from friends, or it might be the only choice in town.

Kids then often play with that same group of players and coaches, season after season, and year after year. Why? Because the kids have fun together and hopefully the families do too. If the team wins more than it loses, it’s another reason to stay together. 

But then as your child gets older, more opportunities arise, and they are often the ones only offered to the higher-skilled players.   

It is around the onset of the teenage years when players are given opportunities to play on better teams with more experienced coaches, higher skilled players and against tougher competition. Whether the players seek them out or are recruited, it can create tension among current teammates, coaches and families. Sadly, I’ve seen some situations where it has ruined friendships, mostly among the adults involved.

How do you decide what to do? 

All things considered, if the player has the skills, want to make the move, and the family can afford the changes in costs and schedule, the decision comes down to the answer to one question: What is the best move for your child?

It’s the same basic premise we often use when making any “life-altering” decisions for our kids – we want what’s best for them.

In this scenario, the benefits of making a move like this usually include playing with and against better competition under the guidance of more experienced coaches. If your child wants that atmosphere and will thrive in it, often in preparation for playing at the high school level, the right move is to make the move. 

I’m not suggesting friendships aren’t important. However, true friendships will survive your child and family leaving one team for another. If they don’t, maybe the relationships were based more on the situation than the people. And that’s also OK. 

This is truly a case where the best decision is the one that is best for the child involved. 
 
Stay safe and healthy!

Jon Buzby has been involved in and writing about youth sports for the past 30 years with perspectives as a parent, coach and board member. Jon is an award-winning writer and his latest book, “Coaching Kids Made Easier,” is available on Amazon. Send comments or future blog topics you'd like to see to JonBuzby@hotmail.com and follow him @YouthSportsBuzz on Twitter.

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