By Ashley Ferraro
Known for its adept blending of intense competitiveness with a strong value-based approach, Parkland Travel Soccer is South Florida’s premier youth soccer program. The club not only champions the athletic excellence of young players but also uses soccer as a means to promote the development of vital life skills. Through the club, athletes from various age groups and backgrounds develop into brave, creative, passionate, and confident individuals, well-prepared for their future endeavors.
Parkland Travel Soccer is proudly affiliated with the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL). This affiliation underscores the club’s commitment to maintaining national competitive standards. In doing so, it bolsters students’ prospects for successful college soccer careers by enhancing competition, recruitment opportunities, and the prestige associated with ECNL. Every game and training session is strategically designed for optimal player exposure and development.
The club also provides its players with opportunities to compete in the UPSL league, a semi-professional league. Here, the club’s young players compete with and against older soccer players, including retired professionals and college players, aiming to enhance their competitiveness and maturity.
Luis Valente, the Director of Coaching and Soccer Operations, highlights the distinctiveness of the club, stating, “We are a small community club that competes on a national stage.” He further adds, “We’ve earned our place through the quality of our coaching and players.”
However, Parkland Travel Soccer stands out for more than its competitive nature. The club is committed to cultivating life skills such as self-confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset in its players. These core elements of their philosophy are conveyed through both practice and competitive play.
The importance of value-based training is echoed throughout the organization. “We are committed to the long-term development of an athlete, not just winning in the short term. We aim to prepare athletes for life’s successes, not just in soccer,” says Valente. This philosophy extends to local community service initiatives and encourages players to take responsibility and pride in their environments and social interactions.
Parkland Travel Soccer emphasizes the importance of academics and athletics going hand in hand. The club employs specialized staff to guide players through the college recruitment process. This support system ensures that student-athletes are aware of all procedures required for advancement to higher levels of play, including administrative and academic requirements.
Another crucial aspect of Parkland Travel Soccer’s strategy is promoting inclusion and progression, particularly in girl’s soccer. The club is proactive in enhancing its program for female athletes. One such initiative is expanding efforts in recruiting highly experienced female coaches. This will ensure more meaningful pathways for girls in soccer and affirm that the beautiful game, at all levels, is theirs too, whether as players, coaches, club managers, or board members.
Often referred to as a “family club,” Parkland Travel Soccer competes at top levels while fostering a sense of community. This approach makes Parkland more than just a club; it becomes an essential part of each player’s life and the Parkland community.
To learn more about Parkland Travel Soccer or register for 2024-2025 tryouts, please see www.parklandtravelsoccer.com
