From other parents of D1 college athletes I'm curious as to how the coach at your kid's college conducts practices. Is the head coach involved in the development of all players, at least to some extent, or is he/she solely focused on the starters and the subs only work with the assistant coach--the two groups never mixing?
I realize college soccer is far more competitive than club soccer, but from a laymen's perspective it would seem devoting at least some of the practice to include both subs and starters creates a much healthier...and smarter...competitive environment. The starters are kept on their toes and the subs feel they have an opportunity to prove themselves, a very important part to keeping up that crucial confidence and competitive spirit.
I realize college soccer is far more competitive than club soccer, but from a laymen's perspective it would seem devoting at least some of the practice to include both subs and starters creates a much healthier...and smarter...competitive environment. The starters are kept on their toes and the subs feel they have an opportunity to prove themselves, a very important part to keeping up that crucial confidence and competitive spirit.