Part 2 of my interview with Warren Barton
This subject deserved special attention. High school football and USSDA rule prohibiting its players from participating, is a burning issue. Barton moved his family from Europe to America specifically for the educational opportunities and community atmosphere around American soccer. Playing for your school is a big part of that sense of community.
You can read the first part of our interview HERE. Barton spoke about Del Mar Carmel Valley Sharks‘ decision to join the ECNL (National League of Elite Clubs). Here in part two, Barton talks about the Sharks’ emphasis on COMMUNITY. High school football and the community surrounding it are very important to Sharks and Barton.
Why is high school football so important to you?
SN: Why is high school football so important to you?
BM: As I’ve said before, I moved my family here because I love what’s unique about American football. The focus is on community that revolves around education. In Europe, of course, people are passionate about their football. But here, much of the sports passion revolves around community and education. Education is very important and combining it with sport is wonderful. I love that my boys and my Sharks players can be so involved in their community.
“You’ll never hear me talk bad about a high school coach.”
SN: What is your response to people who say the quality of high school coaching isn’t good enough?
BM: You will never hear me talk bad about a high school coach. Especially here in San Diego, they are great coaches who also coach for local clubs. And even those who aren’t club coaches are passionate about the game and their players. There are some very good high school coaches. They’re good guys. They work hard. The club’s players know how to play. They know what to work on. Having a different coach for a few months is very good. In fact, it’s beneficial most of the time.
SN: Do you have a good relationship with local high school coaches?
BM: I know all these guys. I watch the matches to see how my boys are doing. It’s my “free time”, but in a way it’s my busiest time because I go to three, four, five games a week. It’s busy, but it’s so much fun too. I also talk to all these coaches to see how my boys are doing throughout the season.
“Honestly, if they backslide a little, I’m fine with it.”
SN: Are you sure your players are still training to a level where they won’t go backwards when they return to club football?
BM: The high school season is a chance to breathe a little. It’s time to enjoy it. Enjoy your friends. Honestly, if they backslide a little, I’m fine with it.
SN: Really? This is one of the main arguments against letting kids play high school football: the quality of their football will suffer during those months.
BM: I expected it and it suits me. First of all, their physical fitness is not going to suffer. They will continue to get the physical training they need. Maybe the crisp passing and quick decisions will slow down a bit in high school, sure. You’re just retraining your brain once you get back to your club to get your speed back. It doesn’t take long.
“If they come back to the club on Monday, Thursday, they are in great shape again.”
SN: When your players return to the club after high school, how long does it take them to get back to where they were before?
BM: First, let’s talk about what happens when they get home from high school. When my players all come back to the club, they are all very happy to see each other again. It’s worth it. 100%. They would never have felt this joy if they didn’t have this break. Yes, they lost a little speed. Their deaths may not be as sudden on the first day back from high school. Decision-making needs to be upgraded. These athletes have been playing for quite a long time. It all comes back so quickly. If they come back to the club on Monday, Thursday, they are in great shape again.
“Everyone needs a break from time to time. »
SN: Does this mental break help athletes in general?
BM: Absolutely. When you’re under pressure, that’s when you’re at your best. Elite players are looking forward to the big match. The best players take advantage of this and step up under pressure. But everyone needs a break from time to time. You can’t maintain that pressure 52 weeks a year. When the DA takes a break, he doesn’t play at all. When my children take a break, they can still play football. And they play with their friends, against their friends, and they represent their schools and their communities.
BM: I can’t explain how important high school football is to the players. Relax. Be yourself. Enjoy the game. Enjoy your community. It’s great for gamers. It’s great for parents. Let them breathe. Every player needs time to breathe. Have fun.
“High school football makes kids better players, something club football can’t do. »
SN: Abby Wambach is a huge supporter of high school football. She told me that high school football helped her play for something bigger than herself.
BM: Yes. Exactly. Children need this feeling of community. Again, it’s not just about being the best player and getting that spot on an MLS team. It’s teaching children to be part of a community. High school football makes kids better players, something club football alone cannot do. DA is definitely a great choice for some players. There is no perfect choice for every soccer player. For Sharks players, we love giving players and families the chance to play for their high schools.
SN: Thank you, coach, for your insight. And good luck this season!
BM: No problem. Anytime.
