HELP! Soccer Scheduling Conflict!

I would postpone the swimming lessons . . . that's one of those things that once you "get it" it's hard to unlearn (sort of like riding a bike). I do believe swimming lessons are important for kids (ETA: Just noticed that you live in FL too - yes, swimming lessons are EXTREMELY important!). I might see if they could swim in the afternoon (?).

Welcome to the world of team sports - things seldom go as planned or described. I don't blame you for being annoyed though.

PS: Many times the team schedules depend on when they can get the fields reserved . . . though they should have mentioned that up front.

Can you return the sports equipment you bought?
Do you have the receipts for it?

Just explain to your kids, that the timing does not work out.
It was the Soccer organization's, mistake.
Due to swim class.... the time conflicts.

If the soccer people are flaky. Well, I would be irked too.
See if they will refund your money.
PER their changing the schedule, without, notice.
That you paid, on the premise, of their PREVIOUSLY stated, schedule. Not this last minute change of schedule.
Which is, not fair. Nor ethical?
Or yes, change their swim class times, if that is even possible.

How long is the soccer session?

I'm curious to see their policies on scheduling. Having been there, done that with my stepson, I'm guessing that there was probably a disclaimer somewhere on the site or in the paperwork.

Is it club/competitive soccer? What exactly is an independent sports company? I've not heard that term before. Personally, I think that anything other than recreational "for fun" sports & activities are a waste for kids that age. I hope you didn't pay that much for the classes. Also, for that age group, the class are *usually* just for fun, and the kids will be grouped together. It's normal. I don't think anyone's going to get mowed down. They're little kids.

The thing about team sports is that things change in the blink of an eye & parents have to learn to be adaptable - locations change, times change, coaches change, positions change, etc. It's still annoying, but part of the deal.

No, you are not the only parent juggling more than one activity for your kids, but I'd venture to guess that *most* people wouldn't plan both activities for the same day. It's too risky & tiring for the kids. I personally, would never have signed my kids up for 2 physical activities in the same day. It's asking for trouble.

Why can't you switch the day or time of the swimming lessons until the soccer is over & be done with it? The soccer season probably isn't that long, and is temporary. It sounds like the swimming is more of a permanent "must have" fixture in their lives. Or, take a break from the swimming & do the soccer. Your kids might appreciate trying something else for a bit.

That is, unless, you feel like getting into trying to get a refund with this soccer place. It really depends on how much energy you feel like putting into that. For me, it would be a no brainer, personally.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

Get a refund and return equipment. In reality a three year old and five year
old are young for soccer. So if they have to wait a year it is not the end of
the world. Having coached 5 year olds, I can tell you they really just follow
the ball in a group LOL. Living in Florida I think the swimming lessons are
the priority here.

As for the 3 and 5 year old on the same team, that is common. The cut off here for when they move up to the next age group is 6 as well. As for the rest, I am afraid I don't have any help.

This is not a well run group. Soccer teams are assigned by ages and they do not usually allow kids of different ages to be on the same team. For instance, my granddaughter has a Fall birthday, after the soccer season starts. Most of the girls on her team have summer birthdays there fore they are a bit older. They always kick her off the team during the Fall season but she is back on it is the Spring. She is a different age in the Fall sign ups but the same age in the Spring. It is very frustrating so we just stopped playing all together. Kids that are 3 use a different size ball than the older kids too so that does not make sense.

In my little bitty town of Po-Dunk america we have about 8-10 teams of kids in every age group. They only play kids the same age and with pretty much the same sport experience. I would not use this organization again.

Why not let them concentrate on soccer for now . . . and pick back up with swimming when the season is over? They can always swim, but can only play soccer during soccer season. Just switch it up for a couple months. They may appreciate the break.

T.
just my opinion.
your three year old is young for soccer, but perfect for swimming lessons. Usually once kids start elementary school they have the option of enrolling in soccer through the district without having to go through private places. it is great you want to have your kids involved but at this age, both would benefit from little outside activities and plenty of parent-time with them. if i were you i would give it up for this year for the 5 year old. enroll your older child in soccer next year and wait the saw amount of time for your younger child at least until the age of 5.

Welcome to the wonderful world of children's sports!
I am sorry you spent so much on equipment, I hope you kept your receipts?
If your kids are old enough to participate in a team activity then they are old enough to make a simple choice: swim team or soccer?
I assume soccer is seasonal, and swim is year round? If yes, they can always play soccer for the season and go back to swimming after the season is over, no biggie.
p.s. IMO, 3 is WAY too young to play soccer, wait a few years at least (coming from a soccer mom with lots of experience)

That age range is not common in our area. That alone would concern me.

You sent emails saying what? That you'd like a refund if you can't move swimming? That you're pulling them out? It's uncear from your post.

Frankly, I can't imagine having a 3 yo in a morning, then an afternoon sport on the same day.

Maybe ask each child to choose the sport they want to do?