re: Tips on helping develop aspiring young soccer player

I should have been a bit clearer with the statement about TX not being a big soccer state. I was speaking not in general terms, but in a comparative sense, as comparing it to football, baseball and softball. I understand that even most smaller towns have youth leagues & have for years, and most 4A & 5A high schools have soccer, along with a few 3A schools & some private schools even.

But I greatly appreciate everyone's tips & will of course share it with this boy's parents, who I know will be appreciative as well.

And I suppose I'll go ahead and answer a question I had avoided a bit--he is only 4.5, but played in a league of 3-5 years old last spring and scored goals. In a skills test involving several boys in his league and age group, he was well ahead of the second highest score. I understand a lot can happen & he may even get interested in other sports, but for now he seems to be highly motivated to enjoy soccer and compete in it. So we'll see. I believe these days, it is never too early to begin playing, but to just allow the children to enjoy whatever sport they play & not feel pressured to be the absolute best or win all the time.

Thanks again, everyone, for your input.