I've heard (and i'm sure you have to) that it takes roughly 10,000 hours of practice to reach a master level with a musical instrument. Is it safe to assume that it's the same standard for aspiring soccer player who wants to play at a higher level?
For a young athlete, that would equate to 3 hours per day -- FOR 10 YEARS. I'm sure you're thinking "But how can my child juggle school, social activities, sports, AND rest if they're dedicating 3 hours per day to their sport?" Schools require your children to be in class from 'X" in the morning, until "X" in the afternoon. Then you add in time for homework, rest, and a social life. Where is there time left for training? Not to mention, when do you (as a parent) have time for yourself after driving to multiple practices, school pick up/drop off, daily essentials, etc?
Where is your self-care day?
Stepping onto the field of homeschooling is like unlocking a secret level for young soccer lovers alike. Picture this: the perfect mix of academics and athleticism, all within your control. Homeschooling acts as the key to a personalized strategy, letting you handle textbooks and run the soccer field at the same time.
Sophie Dufresne, mother of four, states: “Since September, we’ve cut the ropes with the school system to provide more training, tournaments and overseas experience for our little athletes.
Two of our children, Miko and Maëva, have the status of hopeful athletes with their federation,” explains Sophie.
She writes: “Among the training sessions with their four sports teams (local, regional and provincial), private coaching sessions twice a week, sport meets all over Quebec and the United States, including Maëva participating in a training camp in Cuba with members of the Canadian national team, it was much easier to manage all this while homeschooling. It allows us to offer them all these opportunities.”
Sounds nice, doesn't it?
So, in the whole debate of "Why not homeschool?" parents are giving the homeschooled kids a bad reputation, openly expecting them to be "strange". It's like they think homeschooling is creating a squad of tiny weirdos.
But, hold on parents! Every homeschooled kid I know is basically a social butterfly on steroids – they're talkative, mature, and can probably out-socialize most public school kids with their eyes closed.
Not only are homeschooled kids social, but McEntire (in Press) found that homeschooled kids engaged in fewer antisocial and self destructive behaviors than a matched group of public school children. To top it all off, they're not just doing better socially, but also in sports. Homeschooled athletes? They're consistent, dedicated, motivated, and excelling beyond expectations. Who would've thought?
Homeschooling/Private Educating can benefit serious soccer players aiming for higher levels due to its flexibility and personalized approach. Here are some reasons:
Flexible Schedules: Homeschooling allows student-athletes to create flexible schedules, accommodating rigorous soccer training without compromising academics. This flexibility enables a more balanced and focused approach to both areas.
Personalized Learning: Tailored education plans cater to the individual pace and needs of student-athletes. This personalized approach can enhance their learning experience, allowing them to grasp academic concepts efficiently, leaving more time for dedicated soccer training.
Increased Training Time: Homeschooled students often have more time available for soccer training and skill development. This additional training time can contribute to improved performance and a deeper understanding of the game.
Balanced Lifestyle: Homeschooling promotes a more balanced life style, as student-athletes can integrate academic responsibilities with physical fitness, mental-wellbeing, and adaquate rest-- Essential components for excelling in soccer at a higher level.
Here at FuturElitez, we teach more than just soccer. Our players are learning necessary life skills such as: Time Management, Discipline, and Skill Improvement.
It's about molding exceptional athletes who are equally exceptional individuals.
Please answer our quick poll! We'd like to know your answers.
Do we have any homeschooling parents following FuturElitez currently?
I'm currently homeschooling.
I'm not, but am considering it!
I prefer the public/private school system.
Sources
The above findings are extensively documented in one or more of the following sources, and most are available from www.nheri.org:
Cheng, Albert. (2014). Does homeschooling or private schooling promote political intolerance? Evidence from a Christian university. Journal of School Choice: International Research and Reform, 8(1), 49-68 [a peer-reviewed journal].
Fields-Smith, Cheryl. (2020). Exploring single black mothers’ resistance through homeschooling. Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan Cham.
Mazama, Ama; & Lundy, Garvey. (2012, August 26). African American homeschooling as racial protectionism. Journal of Black Studies, 43(7) 723–748.
McDonald, Kerry. (2020). Homeschooling more than doubles during the pandemic: State-level data show just how dramatic the surge in homeschooling has been. Retrieved December 29, 2020 from https://fee.org/articles/homeschooling-more-than-doubles-during-the-pandemic/
Mead, Sara. (2006). The truth about boys and girls.
Medlin, Richard G. (2013). Homeschooling and the question of socialization revisited. Peabody Journal of Education, 88(3), 284-297 [a peer-reviewed journal].
National Education Association. (2023). Rankings of the States 2022 and Estimates of School Statistics 2023, https://www.nea.org/sites/default/files/2023-04/2023-rankings-and-estimates-report.pdf
Ray, Brian D. (2004). Home educated and now adults: Their community and civic involvement, views about homeschooling, and other traits. Salem, Oregon: NHERI.
Ray, Brian D. (2004). Homeschoolers on to college: What research shows us. Ray, Journal of College Admission, No. 185, 5-11 [a peer-reviewed journal].
Ray, Brian D. (2010). Academic achievement and demographic traits of homeschool students: A nationwide study. Academic Leadership Journal, 8, www.academicleadership.org [a peer-reviewed journal]. For a free copy, contact us.
Ray, Brian D. (2013). Homeschooling associated with beneficial learner and societal outcomes but educators do not promote it. Peabody Journal of Education, 88(3), 324-341 [a peer-reviewed journal].