This fall, three Upper School (US) students are choosing to skip the US athletic team season to train with club teams. Some students aspiring to compete in college feel the need to choose between the visibility that club sports offer and the community of US sports teams. Other players balance playing for club and school teams at the same time.
Former Boys’ Varsity Soccer (BVS) goalie Jack Comes ’26 played with BVS during his sophomore and junior years.
“When I came here, I was originally recruited to play soccer. This past season, I was in the middle of recruiting. That was the biggest piece of it all for me. If I really want to play in college, I’m going to have to not play high school soccer.”
Jack plays with the Boston Bolts.
“With high school soccer, you don’t get to be seen as frequently,” he said. “A lot of coaches won’t go to a high school game to only see one player. The level of play is very different.”
Leaving his friends on BVS was a difficult decision.
“That was probably my favorite thing, being able to play with my friends,” Jack said. “Of course, my friends and high school coach were like, ‘We want you to play, it’ll be fun.’ I told them I’ll go to all the home games I can and be front row for Friday Night Lights supporting them.”
Like Jack, former BVS winger Matteo Sestito ’27 saw the social benefits of playing on BVS.
“I played on the school team because it connected me with my friends. It was more of a social thing.”
This year, Matteo chose to only compete with his club team, the Intercontinental Football Academy of New England.
“For what my goals are and what I want to achieve in my soccer career, playing club is bringing me one step closer to actually achieving it.”
BVS midfielder Foster Larabee ’28 prefers playing for BVS over the club team he competes with in the offseason.
“The reason I play for high school is it’s just more fun for me. There’s more passion.”
The team, which has a winning record, is tight-knit despite some departures.
“On the team, the spirit stays pretty high because we get another player that replaces the person who left. There is still support from the players that left because they want to see the team succeed. They’ll cheer us on from the sidelines.”
For BVS Head Coach Joseph Campbell, the conflict between playing for BVS and a club team is a growing challenge.
“There is a tug of war between the coaches, especially on the club side,” he said. “Yes, we have had some players choose other options, but the focus is on the players who decide to commit to BB&N soccer. I don’t think you’re going to have many opportunities to experience a high school environment and play sports. It’s a wonderful avenue for them to play a sport that they love at a really high level at BB&N.”
Two BVS students from the class of 2025 are currently playing college soccer.
Coach Campbell said club soccer games differ in their importance.
“In high school, every single game you’re playing has a high meaning. In club soccer, 75% of your games don’t have the same high-level intensity that is created in the Independent School League.”
He expects his players to devote themselves to BVS.
“I am always looking for players who are 100% committed to BB&N and the soccer program. It’s a privilege to play soccer at BB&N and create some wonderful moments with your best friends.”
Athletic Director Jaye Locke encourages students to play for the school’s team. In accordance with Independent School League, students who choose to play club sports don’t receive athletic credit unless the school doesn’t offer the sport.
“The majority of us as coaches are trying to find that balance in making sure our student-athletes can pursue their dreams and support them and their goals. I believe in education-based athletics and the benefits of being on a school team. It’s special and unique and joyful.”
