Understanding Club Neutral Training: What You Need to Know

"Club Neutral Training" is becoming increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why. These programs are designed for players who don’t need to be affiliated with a specific club to participate. Many are run by coaches or trainers with ties to clubs, while others operate independently as supplemental programs. The beauty of these programs is that they allow players to train outside of their team’s schedule, offering an opportunity for growth and development. Whether it’s open sessions, invite-only camps, clinics, or select teams, these programs has something for everyone during their time off. But as with any growing trend, there are both benefits and potential pitfalls to be aware of.

The Growth of Club Neutral Training

Since 2012, I’ve been doing supplemental programs, and over the years, I’ve seen its exponential growth. There’s been an increase in programs, from camps and clinics to select teams. Especially after covid and clubs were not doing much. However, this boom has led to market oversaturation, with some programs adopting an elitist mindset to retain their players. These programs often create an "Us vs. Them" mentality, undermining other coaches/programs. While there are certainly some programs that players should approach with caution, it’s important to remember the true purpose of supplemental training which is to give back to the game that we love and foster the development of young athletes.

As coaches, our role is to work together to create the best possible environment for our players. It's essential to stay focused on what truly matters – providing a positive experience for the next generation of soccer players.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

While Club Neutral Training can be highly beneficial, there are certain red flags to look out for:

1. Recruitment Tactics: If a coach tries to recruit you for their club team during a training session, it’s no longer neutral. This shift from supplemental training to recruitment questions the integrity of the program. Coaches should never directly approach a player with the intention of bringing them into their club. If a player expresses interest in other opportunities on their own, that’s a different conversation altogether.

   
   

2. Select Teams Becoming Permanent Teams: Another concern is when supplemental select teams evolve into full-time club teams. This often leads to distrust between clubs and coaches, and players may be discouraged from participating in outside programs.

The Value of Supplemental Training

Despite these challenges, I continue to encourage supplemental training for the players I work with. Training under different coaches, in different environments, and with new perspectives can significantly enhance a player’s development. It helps break them out of their comfort zone, exposes them to new ideas, and helps them grow both on and off the field.

Choosing the right program can be tough, but when you find the right coach and training environment, it can shape the way you view and approach the game for years to come.