As a soccer coach and a parent of three kids—two girls and a boy—I’ve seen firsthand the incredible growth that happens when girls compete against boys in a co-ed environment. In our Academy, we intentionally create co-ed teams where girls and boys play and train together, facing the same challenges, intensity, and competition. While we understand the initial concerns some parents might have, I want to share why this approach is not only beneficial for girls but can also set them apart as they move forward in their soccer journey.
Initial Concerns: Will My Daughter Get Hurt?
One of the most common concerns I hear from parents is the worry that their daughter might get hurt playing against boys. It’s a valid concern—soccer is a physical game, and boys often approach the game with a higher level of aggression and physicality. However, it’s important to note that at the Academy ages (6-12), girls are often more physically developed than boys. Their coordination, agility, and balance are usually ahead of their male counterparts, allowing them to compete effectively.
By playing in a co-ed environment, girls are not only learning to match the physicality of the game, but they’re also building the mental toughness and confidence that comes from stepping onto the field with boys and holding their own.
The Benefits of Girls Playing in a Co-Ed Academy
- Increased Physicality and Toughness:
Playing against boys naturally increases a girl’s physicality on the field. Boys tend to play with more aggression and strength, and facing this regularly prepares girls to handle challenges confidently. By the time they transition to all-girls teams, their physicality often exceeds that of their peers. - Improved Speed of Play:
Boys generally play the game faster at the Academy ages, requiring quicker decision-making and faster reactions. Girls who train in this environment develop a greater sense of urgency and speed of play, which translates into stronger performances when playing against girls. - Enhanced Confidence:
When girls compete and succeed against boys, it boosts their confidence tremendously. They realize they’re capable of standing their ground, which empowers them both on and off the field. - Exposure to Different Styles of Play:
Boys and girls often approach the game differently, which broadens a girl’s understanding of soccer. This exposure helps them develop a more versatile style of play, making them more well-rounded players.
The Transition to All-Girls Teams After the Academy
While we believe co-ed soccer is highly beneficial during the Academy years, I also agree that girls should transition to all-girls teams after this stage. By this point, their speed of play, physicality, and overall skill level are often much higher than girls who have only played in all-girls environments. They enter this new phase of their soccer journey with a significant competitive edge, ready to dominate the field.
Inspiring Examples: Women Who Played Against Boys
Many of the top players in women’s soccer credit playing against boys as a key factor in their development. Here are a few examples:
- Alex Morgan – The US Women’s National Team star frequently played with and against boys during her youth. This competitive environment helped her develop the speed, toughness, and skill that made her one of the world’s best forwards.
- Tobin Heath – Known for her creativity and flair, Heath grew up competing against boys, which challenged her to think faster and handle physicality with confidence.
- Julie Ertz – Ertz’s early years playing with boys helped her develop the strength and resilience that define her dominant defensive play.
These examples demonstrate that playing against boys isn’t just beneficial—it’s a proven method for developing world-class soccer players.
My Personal Experience: Raising Two Soccer-Playing Daughters
As a parent, I wanted my daughters to have the best possible foundation in soccer. That’s why I had them playing against boys until they were 12 years old. I saw how it elevated their speed of play, physicality, and confidence. By the time they transitioned to all-girls teams, they were lightyears ahead in terms of development. This experience not only prepared them to excel on the field but also gave them a mindset of resilience and determination that serves them in every aspect of life.
Is Co-Ed Soccer Right for Your Daughter?
If your daughter is ready to take her game to the next level, our Academy offers the perfect environment to help her grow. Playing in a co-ed setting may feel challenging at first, but the benefits far outweigh the initial hurdles. It’s not about boys versus girls—it’s about creating strong, confident, and skilled players who can compete at the highest levels.
Encourage your daughter to embrace the challenge, and watch her rise to it. Together, we can pave the way for more girls to lead the way on and off the field.