Sophomore Erik Bjorgvinsson straddles two worlds: the relentless grind of club soccer and the deep-rooted camaraderie of high school soccer. For many players, the choice between club soccer and high school soccer isn’t just about the game– it’s about identity, community and the challenges of balancing passion with commitment. Varsity soccer offers school pride and the thrill of playing on a close-knit team, but the opportunity to play in intense competition, exposure to college scouts and growth at an elite level come only with club teams. For Bjorgvinsson, the contrasts are striking.

Bjorgvinsson has played on the St. Paul Blackhawks for nine years and the boys varsity soccer team since ninth grade, now with two seasons (and state championships) under his belt. His roles on each team highlight the differences between high school and club soccer, playing center-back for the boys varsity team and center midfield for the St. Paul Blackhawks.

In terms of practice schedule, high school soccer makes up for its limited season by implementing a four-hour-per-day, six-days-a-week practice schedule. In contrast, Bjorgvinsson’s club team only requires four one-hour-and-45-minute practices weekly. Daily practices with the boys varsity soccer team create opportunities to develop lasting friendships. In contrast, the limited time for his club team requires Bjorgvinsson to concentrate to further evolve his skills as a soccer player.

“Definitely high school feels more demanding. We practice a lot more throughout the week too,” he said.

In addition to Bjorgvinsson’s six-day practice schedule during the varsity season, each practice often focuses on a specific soccer skill to enhance different aspects of his game, building up and refining new techniques per day. At club soccer, the goal instead is to hone several skills little by little each practice.

“I think high school practices are a lot more structured; we have different days [where we work] on different aspects of the game, like defending or counterattacks,” Bjorgvinsson said. “Club is probably more like a little bit of everything each practice.”

The intense competition in club soccer often comes at the expense of the team’s sense of community. Compared to Bjorgvinsson’s club team, the roster on his high school team changes very little every year, with most adjustments occurring due to seniors graduating and new players entering.

“With high school, it’s like, you play with the same guys for your whole high school career,” he said.

On Bjorgvinsson’s club team, frequent player turnover–driven by personal preferences for better-fitting teams or play styles–limits the opportunity to form strong bonds.

“With club, I have two really good friends that have just been on the team for a long time, but everyone else is pretty much new to the past two years,” Bjorgvinsson said. “I’d say like 90% of the team has joined the team in the last two years.”

The decision between high school and club soccer is not solely about where one plays– it’s about growth, both on and off the field. For players like Bjorgvinsson, deciphering the highs and lows of both worlds reveals that the heart of the game lies not only in competition but also in connection. Hence, his true passion ultimately lies with high school soccer.