There are many different levels of soccer found right here in Danville. Each child can find a niche based on his interest and playing ability. I have played, coached and refereed at each of these levels in Danville, except for the Olympic Development League (O.D.P.). As a community, our goal should be to develop as many players as possible and get them to the next level. My dream is to take the current kids in the u6 recreation program to be Danville's first serious boys' and girls' contender in the State Cup tournament.

Recreation League
This is a cooperative effort between the Danville Blast Soccer Club and Danville Parks and Recreation. For a fee of $35, any child aged four to seventeen can play against co-ed opponents from within our city and county. The main goal is fun and instruction. There is a fall and spring season including eight to ten matches. Volunteer coaches instruct the players in matches and practice that occurs once or twice a week.

Travel
Players aged ten to eighteen must try out for a spot on a traveling club team. Once chosen, a player must pay dues to the club: this year's dues were $200 per player. The teams play in a fall and spring league in Virginia or North Carolina. In addition to league games, club teams travel to tournaments on weekends and have the right to participate in State Cup play. This is a tournament to find the best club team in the state. The Danville Blast has paid coaches who are licensed by a national organization, and this summer the club hired Cary Wright as director of coaches.

High school
Public school students have the chance to try out for a spot on the boys' or girls' junior varsity or varsity teams. J.v. is for players in grades 8-10 and varsity is for players in grades 9-12. The high school teams practice daily to compete against opponents from other AAA high schools in Virginia.

ODP
Even if Danville can't produce a top-drawer, quality team of 15 year olds, the ODP program allows individuals a chance to shine. This program has a district, state, regional and national component for players 12-21. Players must pass a rigorous evaluation at each level. When we watch the U.S.A. men or women compete in the World Cup, that team is the final step in the ODP program. Danville has had several players make the district team and a few make the state team.

College
Averett University is a Division III school, which means that it cannot offer athletic scholarships. A few Danville athletes have earned scholarships at the Division II level and even at the Division I level (schools like Radford University and UNC).

Parent advice
Try to make soccer fun and instructional. Remember our goal to get players to the next level. A rec championship trophy means little if the player doesn't leave with the skills to play at the next level. Attend coaching clinics to find out what skills are necessary at the next level. Please encourage soccer around the house. Don't let players think that the only time to play soccer is with a fancy jersey on. Go to local games and watch as many games as possible. When you go to a child's game, don't criticize the officials or the coaches. Cheer positively for the kids. Teach them to respect authority and don't question or disrespect the officials. Better yet, sign up to become a referee. I had played through college, but when I first stepped onto the field in black, it gave me a new understanding and appreciation for the game.