The World Cup is Inspiring Kids to Play Soccer – But What Happens When Co-Parents Disagree About Travel Sports?

With the excitement of the FIFA World Cup capturing the world’s attention, many children are asking the same question: “Can I play soccer?” Across America, especially in Pennsylvania, youth soccer registrations surge as children get older and can try out for travel or club teams. For many families, making a travel soccer team is an exciting milestone. 

But, for divorced or separated parents, youth sports can quickly become a source of conflict – especially when recreational soccer schedules and expenses turn into competitive, intense and costly seasons with extensive training regimes. 

At Bloom Peters, LLC, we’ve resolved disagreements over extracurricular activities before they become major custody disputes and when those disagreements come up in litigation. If you share custody of your child, here’s what you should know before signing up for travel sports. 

Recreational vs. Travel or Club 

Recreational sports often involve playing and practicing a few times per week over the course of a few months. Most recreational sports leagues have set locations where games and practices will occur, so parents can select a league close to their home. 

Travel or club sports often involve practices several nights per week; weekend-long tournaments; hundreds – or even thousands – of dollars in registration fees, uniforms, equipment, and practice time; hotel and overnight trips; travel expenses; and is a significant time commitment for the child and both parents. 

What starts as a fun after-school activity can quickly impact nearly every aspect of a family’s custody schedule. 

Who Gets the Final Say? 

The answer depends largely on your custody order, but largely, in Pennsylvania, parents share legal custody meaning that they share the responsibility for making major decisions affecting their child’s life. While every custody order is different, enrolling a child in a travel sports program that substantially affects both parents’ schedules, finances, or custodial time is a decision that should be made jointly. If one parent signs a child up without consulting the other, conflict can quickly follow. At the same time, kids deserve the opportunity to pursue their dreams, and travel sports can provide a community, discipline, and teach them the value in teamwork. 

Does the Court Always Side with the Child Who Wants to Play? 

Pennsylvania courts focus on the best interests of the child, not simply whether a child enjoys a particular activity. More specifically, a court may consider the child’s age and maturity; the child’s level of interest and commitment to the sport; the effect on the child’s education; the impact on each parent’s custodial time; the financial burden involved; whether participation benefits the child’s physical, emotional and social development; and each parent’s willingness to encourage the child’s relationship with the other, despite the change in scheduling. 

How Parents Can Avoid Conflict

Try to discuss extracurriculars early, well before signup and tryout periods. Consider:

1.  Which league or team is appropriate for your child’s athletic ability; 

2. How will registration fees and equipment costs be decided; 

3. Who will provide transportation; what happens if tournaments and practices interfere with the other parent’s custody time; 

4. If missed parenting time will be made up; 

5. Will vacations need to be planned around the sports schedule; 

6. How long is the season; 

7. How many practices, tournaments, and team bonding events will be scheduled;

8. What extra training, camps, lessons will be involved during the season and off-season; and

9. Make sure this is something your child really wants to do and that your child’s level of commitment is the same as yours. 

Having these conversations early can prevent misunderstandings and provide a sense of certainty for your child. 

When You Can’t Reach an Agreement 

If parents cannot agree on major decisions involving extracurricular activities, they may need to go to court to ask a judge to decide. Depending on the circumstances, the court may order the child to participate or not to participate, modify the custody schedule to better align with the sports schedule, and allocate responsibility for certain expenses. 

The World Cup has inspired a new generation of young soccer players, and for many families, that’s something to celebrate. Sports teach teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and confidence. But, when parents share custody, even positive opportunities can get complicated. 

If you are facing a disagreement about travel sports, extracurricular activities, or any other legal custody issue, Bloom Peters, LLC represents clients throughout Bucks County, Montgomery County, and surrounding communities in custody, divorce, child support, and other family law matters. If you're dealing with a custody dispute involving extracurricular activities, our attorneys are here to help.