December 6th, 2007

Carly "CJ" Sandstedt's schedule is typical for a competitive youth soccer player.

The fifth-grader at Chandler Traditional Academy practices with Southeast Valley-based San Tan Legacy team three nights a week. CJ also takes speed-training classes at a Mesa gym once a week and has games or tournaments many weekends.

To fit it all in, CJ said she does homework before practice and warns her friends about her busy schedule.

"I always say, 'I have soccer practice on this day. We can have a play day on the weekend or something,' " she said.

Jill Sandstedt, CJ's mom, said between trips to out-of-state tournaments and later dinners, soccer has affected her whole family's schedule.

"There's definitely times when you're here, there and everywhere," she said.

Sandstedt said that the family has learned to deal with soccer expenses, as well. Players CJ's age pay around $1,000 a year to play for San Tan Legacy, said Legacy Girls' Commissioner Mark Thede.

"It's something you definitely have to budget for and plan for," Sandstedt said.

Still, she said the commitment is worthwhile. She said she loves the fact that soccer keeps her daughter active and social.