Your Success is Our success

Parents are given the best opportunity for their kids to play and develop, with little or no criticism. 

We help young players build confidence both on and off the field so they can reach their next level of development.

 At Twellman Soccer, we strive to promote the beautiful game at all levels. Our mission is to inspire players and fans alike to embrace the sport through training, education, and community engagement.

As a parent, have you ever paused to appreciate how fortunate you are to share your child’s athletic experiences? These moments can bring the family together in ways that last a lifetime. Kids feel excited knowing you’re cheering them on, and these memories become treasured reflections of their childhood.

As a parent of three successful kids and a former professional soccer player for 10 years, I can say that our children’s success was ultimately the result of their efforts — guided by our support. That guidance looked different for each of our children. We faced ups and downs, but we helped them navigate disappointments and stay grounded through accomplishments. Looking back, my wife and I feel blessed to have had three kids who enjoyed both sports and childhood to the fullest.

Taylor Twellman, my oldest, a former New England Revolution forward and MLS MVP, had a passion for sports from a young age. While he was an excellent student, his primary goal was always to play professionally. His focus started with a balloon and quickly expanded to soccer, baseball, basketball, hockey, football, and golf. Any sport with a ball captured his attention.

James Twellman, a Stanford University graduate and a professional soccer player for 2 years, is 3 years younger than Taylor. While also athletic, James has diverse interests beyond sports, including fishing, camping, and attending lectures. His broad passions have guided him into pursuits outside athletics.

Alexandra Twellman Morris, our youngest, is a St. Louis University graduate and lifelong athlete. While excelling in soccer, Alexandra also developed a love for animals, fashion, and the outdoors. Recently, she earned her nursing degree, showing that her talents extend well beyond the field.

As parents, we should cherish the gift of sports our children receive. While it may lead to a professional career, more often it provides a childhood rich with experiences and lessons. We should observe, listen, and support their unique talents — spoken or unspoken — and appreciate these years together as a family.

We are truly fortunate to nurture our children and share in the joys of their childhood — wherever life and their passions may take them.

 Youth Sports: When the Cost and Commitment Go Too Far

Youth sports were once about fun, growth, and friendship. Today, for many families, that joy has

been replaced by stress, tight schedules, and heavy costs. What used to be play now feels like a full-time job.

The Price of “Opportunity”

Ask any parent in competitive sports, and they’ll likely say the same thing — it’s expensive. Club fees, uniforms, travel tournaments, private lessons, recruiting events — it all adds up. Families spend

thousands each year chasing exposure or scholarship hopes that rarely match the cost. 

What began as a local effort has turned into a national race for attention.

The Time Crunch

Money isn’t the only sacrifice. Families spend weekends driving long hours, eating on the run, and

juggling impossible schedules. Siblings wait at fields and gyms while parents miss time with each

other. Many young athletes are showing signs of burnout before high school even starts. What was

meant to be fun now feels like pressure.

Finding Balance Again

There’s nothing wrong with pursuing excellence — sports teach discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

But more tournaments and more travel don’t always mean better development. Kids need rest, creativity, and time just to be kids. Balance matters as much as ambition.

A Call for Perspective

As parents and coaches, we need to ask tougher questions:

Are we building better athletes, or burning them out?

Are we chasing the right goals?

And most importantly, are our kids still having fun?

It’s time to bring youth sports back to what they were meant to be — a place to learn, grow, and enjoy

the game. 

Let’s measure success not by miles traveled or money spent, but by the lessons learned and memories made along the way.