Is Private Soccer Training Worth It? What Twin Cities Parents Need to Know
Quick Answer
For many players, private soccer training is absolutely worth it when the goal is accelerated development, increased confidence, improved technical skills, and individualized coaching.
However, private training is not a shortcut to success. The greatest results occur when motivated players combine private training with team practices, games, and independent practice.
For Twin Cities soccer families, private training can provide opportunities that are often difficult to find in a traditional team environment.
Why Team Practices Have Limitations
Most youth soccer coaches are doing the best they can.
The challenge is that team practices typically involve:
12-18 players
Limited training time
Multiple skill levels
Team-focused objectives
Because of this, individual players often receive only a few minutes of direct coaching during a session.
A coach may identify an issue with a player's first touch, passing technique, or confidence on the ball, but there simply isn't enough time to address it in depth.
Private training fills that gap.
The Biggest Benefits of Private Soccer Training
More Ball Touches
This is one of the most important advantages.
During a typical team practice, players may spend:
Waiting in lines
Listening to instructions
Participating in group activities
During a private session, nearly every minute is active.
A player may get hundreds of meaningful touches on the ball.
Those repetitions lead to faster improvement.
Individualized Coaching
Every player has unique strengths and weaknesses.
Some players need help with:
Ball control
First touch
Passing
Finishing
Confidence
Others may need:
Position-specific training
Soccer IQ development
Speed of play improvement
Private training allows coaching to be tailored specifically to the player.
Faster Skill Development
When mistakes are corrected immediately, learning accelerates.
Instead of repeating bad habits for months, players receive instant feedback and correction.
This often results in faster improvement than team training alone.
Improved Confidence
Confidence is one of the most overlooked aspects of player development.
Many players struggle because they:
Fear making mistakes
Lack confidence under pressure
Hesitate during games
Private training creates opportunities for success, repetition, and growth.
As skills improve, confidence often follows.
Which Players Benefit Most?
Players Seeking More Playing Time
Many players lose minutes because they lack consistency or confidence.
Additional training can help close those gaps.
Players Preparing for Tryouts
Private training can help players sharpen skills before evaluations and competitive team placements.
Players Who Feel Stuck
Some athletes plateau.
Private coaching often helps identify weaknesses that have gone unnoticed.
Players With Specific Goals
Examples include:
Making a club team
Becoming a starter
Improving ball control
Scoring more goals
Playing at a higher level
Focused goals often produce the best results.
Common Misconceptions About Private Training
"Private Training Is Only for Elite Players"
False.
Many recreational and developing players benefit tremendously from individual coaching.
In fact, younger players often experience the fastest technical improvement.
"Private Training Replaces Team Practices"
False.
Team soccer teaches:
Teamwork
Positioning
Communication
Tactical understanding
Private training should complement team training, not replace it.
"More Training Automatically Equals Better Results"
Not necessarily.
Quality matters more than quantity.
One focused session can be more beneficial than several unfocused practices.
Signs Your Child Could Benefit From Private Training
Your child may benefit if they:
Want more playing time
Lack confidence
Feel frustrated with progress
Want additional challenges
Need technical improvement
Are preparing for tryouts
Are transitioning into club soccer
Motivation is often the biggest factor.
Players who genuinely want to improve tend to see the greatest results.
What We See at Level Up Soccer Coaching
Working with Twin Cities soccer players, we often notice that the biggest improvements come from focusing on fundamentals.
The players who make the largest jumps typically improve:
First touch
Ball mastery
Confidence
Decision-making
Speed of play
Many parents expect dramatic improvements in flashy skills.
In reality, mastering the fundamentals usually produces the biggest impact on game performance.
Is Private Soccer Training Worth the Cost?
This depends on your goals.
If your child:
Loves soccer
Wants to improve
Enjoys training
Is willing to put in effort
then private training can provide tremendous value.
If a player is unmotivated or uninterested, additional training may not produce meaningful results.
The best investment is made when the player genuinely wants to improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my child do private soccer training?
Most players benefit from 1-2 supplemental sessions per week alongside team practices.
At what age should players start private training?
Many players begin benefiting from individualized training around ages 8-10, though every child develops differently.
Does private soccer training help with confidence?
Yes. As players improve technically, they often become more confident during games and practices.
Can private training help my child earn more playing time?
Often, yes.
Improved technical skills, confidence, and decision-making can make a player more effective on the field.
Final Thoughts
Private soccer training is not about creating professional players overnight.
It is about giving motivated athletes the tools, confidence, and skills they need to continue developing.
For many Twin Cities soccer players, individualized training becomes the difference between staying stuck and making meaningful progress.
The greatest results come when players combine effort, consistency, quality coaching, and a willingness to learn.