at my kids' schools are choosing soccer as their primary sport (mine included). The fact that they'll play pick-up soccer at the park with their friends whereas I was playing baseball is a big change IMO.
My frustration is when you lose some of these kids (or can't develop them fully) because the best clubs are essentially small-businesses who charge an arm & a leg for the chance to play.
The MLS academies help but unfortunately aren't available in our area.