Will you change clubs this Summer and why?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any Alternatives to Bethesda Soccer Club in the Maryland area? In terms of skill development and competition.

No. Only Bethesda.

FCV and WSVA are for Virginia ONLY

I'm Assuming you didn't see the "Maryland area" part keyboard warrior. Meaning clubs within Maryland that are comparable on the boys side. I hope it makes you feel better to be an asshole.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^Barca. God, it was mother f@cking refreshing not going through tryouts last spring with my kids...and will be again this Spring. Makes for a much nicer spring season as well when not totally eclipsed by weeks of Club tryouts vs practices and frantic parents/players wondering where they stand. They invest in the kids they have. You can’t develop players when you cut and recruit continually every 10 months.

Crap players making the team, never gets better, and has no incentive to work hard to earn your spot.

That’s a very American way to think. On the other hand, the players do get better every season as they get a firmer grasp on what is a very difficult style to execute properly. They have multiple teams with fluidity between the rosters, so you do have to work hard to earn your spot, whether on the specific, as a starter, etc. They just don’t cut players from the PROGRAM.

Agree. There is definitely serious motivation/competition in the older age groups. My kid knows if you continually miss training--it will affect play time. If you don't continually give 100% intensity in training session, you will be replaced by a hungry kid in another training group. And there are a lot of hungry players. They also sit kids with continued behavioral issues-even if they are a top player. This never happened at other Clubs we were with. The difference is---Barca walks the talk. This is 100% FAIR. It's not like a place where you meet every standard, challenge, etc. that the Club says will get you moved up--and then you are ignored. That is what breaks kids down and makes them not like the sport. BUT, if you make the kid feel like they are in the driver's seat, in charge of their development and keep your word and reward them when they meet the set goals--they will work harder. When you haven't been giving that intensity or you aren't developing as quickly as others---the reasons given make 100% complete sense and as a parent/player you can see exactly what they are seeing and what you need to do to move back up or get more playing time. It's the first time a trainer or coach has given us very detailed areas to work on that are spot on with our individual kids, sometimes we didn't see it but once pointed out--yes--we see it too. We had so many random, vague reviews at other Clubs where it didn't even feel like they knew who your kid was (actually he's a leftie coach) and they weren't even helpful because there was not detail with them. We want constructive criticism, but as a former player when it's some bogus horsesh*t that doesn't even match up with your kid, there is no good in that. There aren't tangible areas given and, frankly, it's either because the coach is not a good coach or they just don't know the player as well because they are coaching so many different teams. Further, the training groups are all doing the same things and they all have coaches very dedicated to the players they are working with and other coaches/TD are always moving around training sessions and attending games. They keep records, videos, etc. on the players.

My kids have gotten their confidence back since being with Barca. They are motivated players again and they are having fun. There is real comradery with the players. And, I see a definite improvement in their game. But, the love of the game coming back is the best. Some of these places just break kids down and lie to them.

OMG - YES!!!!! I wish Barca was geographically possible for us. I have no problem with coaches demanding that kids give their best, but I feel like such a terrible parent paying $3000 to have coaches and clubs breaking my kids down and making them want to quit soccer. If they can see hard work paying off, whether it is theirs or other players, that would make all the difference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Imagine if coaches were 100% committed to developing their players, and didn’t have to spend any time recruiting or dealing with the politics that come with yearly cuts? Jockeying for playing time, who’s leaving, who’s staying, keeping parents happy so they don’t leave, keeping players from sabotaging each other.

Imagine if players were 100% committed to the team and their teammates. Not always competing with each other but learning to get along, play as a team, cheer for each other, win or lose as a team.

It’s not utopia but there is a valid case to be made for a program based on true player development not recruitment. There will always be some level of turnover as kids decide to focus on other sports, families move to and from the area.

That exists! It's called recreational leagues. But it sounds like that a bunch of crap also there with some of the posts i hear about player cards and insane coaches.

But for competitive, selective programs, why force a fit on competing values and expectations for those who want to provide or receive something specifically different than someone else and you don't realize it upfront at the commitment, but somewhere 8 months down the road. That shouldn't be an issue.

I think this exists: it's called smaller clubs. I have a kid who is on the A team at a small club that neighbors some of the area's biggest. My son is on a strong team that competes against the other big club's A teams in tournaments. They don't win every time, but they are definitely competitive. These kids have been together for years. I think one kid left the team in the last three years and, of course, they have added a few. It is a very tight group. Coach extremely committed and attentive to their development. I have absolutely no complaints about the experience.

Of course there are downsides to joining a small club. The second team is often much weaker and the players much less committed. I have seen people join the club, not get invited to the A team, and then leave. Also, you may have to work harder to get into the showcases, have college coaches notice players. That isn't my number one goal, so I am fine with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
OMG - YES!!!!! I wish Barca was geographically possible for us. I have no problem with coaches demanding that kids give their best, but I feel like such a terrible parent paying $3000 to have coaches and clubs breaking my kids down and making them want to quit soccer. If they can see hard work paying off, whether it is theirs or other players, that would make all the difference.

Is it really geographically impossible or you just don't want the inconvenience or commitment to drive to this particular activity? I've seen both parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives, neighbors, nannies, babysitters, and carpools make it happen.

Perhaps you don't need to go as far as Barca. Throw a stone in any direction and you'll find another club.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Imagine if coaches were 100% committed to developing their players, and didn’t have to spend any time recruiting or dealing with the politics that come with yearly cuts? Jockeying for playing time, who’s leaving, who’s staying, keeping parents happy so they don’t leave, keeping players from sabotaging each other.

Imagine if players were 100% committed to the team and their teammates. Not always competing with each other but learning to get along, play as a team, cheer for each other, win or lose as a team.

It’s not utopia but there is a valid case to be made for a program based on true player development not recruitment. There will always be some level of turnover as kids decide to focus on other sports, families move to and from the area.

That exists! It's called recreational leagues. But it sounds like that a bunch of crap also there with some of the posts i hear about player cards and insane coaches.

But for competitive, selective programs, why force a fit on competing values and expectations for those who want to provide or receive something specifically different than someone else and you don't realize it upfront at the commitment, but somewhere 8 months down the road. That shouldn't be an issue.

I think this exists: it's called smaller clubs. I have a kid who is on the A team at a small club that neighbors some of the area's biggest. My son is on a strong team that competes against the other big club's A teams in tournaments. They don't win every time, but they are definitely competitive. These kids have been together for years. I think one kid left the team in the last three years and, of course, they have added a few. It is a very tight group. Coach extremely committed and attentive to their development. I have absolutely no complaints about the experience.

Of course there are downsides to joining a small club. The second team is often much weaker and the players much less committed. I have seen people join the club, not get invited to the A team, and then leave. Also, you may have to work harder to get into the showcases, have college coaches notice players. That isn't my number one goal, so I am fine with it.

+1. We are in a small club with a coach who provides very specific, accurate, and constructive feedback. Meets with players one-on-one three times per year to discuss strengths and weaknesses and come up with goals. He is not coaching 5 other teams (just us!) and so he knows the kids very well. He chooses tournaments where we compete against EDP, CCL, and NPL teams to test the players and build their confidence. None of these kids are DA level, but they all have a shot at high school soccer. Small clubs are underrated.

[Anonymous]

^^ I disagree, small clubs are not underrated. They are just harder to weed through to find and take more work to discover.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
OMG - YES!!!!! I wish Barca was geographically possible for us. I have no problem with coaches demanding that kids give their best, but I feel like such a terrible parent paying $3000 to have coaches and clubs breaking my kids down and making them want to quit soccer. If they can see hard work paying off, whether it is theirs or other players, that would make all the difference.

Is it really geographically impossible or you just don't want the inconvenience or commitment to drive to this particular activity? I've seen both parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives, neighbors, nannies, babysitters, and carpools make it happen.

Perhaps you don't need to go as far as Barca. Throw a stone in any direction and you'll find another club.

Well, Evergreen is 70 miles from where I live, and I already have a 60 mile per day commute, so it is pretty much geographically impossible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^^ I disagree, small clubs are not underrated. They are just harder to weed through to find and take more work to discover.

I think they are definitely underrated in the sense that many people would not even consider them. Many people haven't even heard of them.Where I live people choose between Mega Club 1 and slightly less large Mega Club 2. There are plenty of kids at our small club who only came once they did not make any of the big clubs' multiple teams. Those kids are often looking back toward the big club hoping to be accepted one day.

It was different for my family because we knew some people there. We actually liked the philosophy of the small club, found the price and drive a little easier, rounded up a few friends and went to small club tryouts with open mind. In the end, we chose small club A team over big club C team. We now are in the same division as big club's A team.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any Alternatives to Bethesda Soccer Club in the Maryland area? In terms of skill development and competition.

No. Only Bethesda.

FCV and WSVA are for Virginia ONLY

I'm Assuming you didn't see the "Maryland area" part keyboard warrior. Meaning clubs within Maryland that are comparable on the boys side. I hope it makes you feel better to be an asshole.

I'm Assuming that you don't have a "Sense of Humor," keyboard white knight.

And anyone coming on here asking if there are any soccer clubs in the "Maryland area" besides Bethesda clearly needs to put a little more legwork in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
OMG - YES!!!!! I wish Barca was geographically possible for us. I have no problem with coaches demanding that kids give their best, but I feel like such a terrible parent paying $3000 to have coaches and clubs breaking my kids down and making them want to quit soccer. If they can see hard work paying off, whether it is theirs or other players, that would make all the difference.

Is it really geographically impossible or you just don't want the inconvenience or commitment to drive to this particular activity? I've seen both parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives, neighbors, nannies, babysitters, and carpools make it happen.

Perhaps you don't need to go as far as Barca. Throw a stone in any direction and you'll find another club.

Well, Evergreen is 70 miles from where I live, and I already have a 60 mile per day commute, so it is pretty much geographically impossible.

Yeah, tough call to make if that drive would be worth it. 70 miles almost puts you in "Richmond Urban Moms","WV Urban Moms", "Baltimore Urban Moms", or even "Frederick Urban Moms" not "DC Urban Moms" typical territory The assumption a lot of us might mistakenly make speaking generically in a locale based forum was that you might be a tiny bit closer to DC. Tough drive, but definitely not impossible and currently being done by some .

If you are the ONLY means of transportation then it's just probably not convenient. To be honest though, 70 miles puts you in an area that really isn't conducive to most of NOVA/DC soccer, not just BARCA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are leaving the current club in FFX, U9 coach is a prick and knew it was time when my DS got into the car after practice and said, "I don't like soccer anymore, it's not fun".

He gives up on the kids when they loose during games, but yet claims he's all about development. He scolds the kids with back handed sarcastic comments during the games. Just an overall bad coach and shouldn't be working with kids. Club however keeps giving him new teams/jobs with hte club. We've paid so we will stay until the end of spring.

Must be BRYC

You clearly have an ax to grind, hut truth be told, this story is sadly quite common in many clubs.

If it was BRYC it wouldn’t be U9.

I'm quite surprised a u9 parent is already online and found this forum. Only halfway into a year with a club and travel soccer and already has come to these conclusions and the DS hates soccer already. Maybe they weren't ready for travel and expectations. What could they be comparing it to? Parent coaches in a u8 recreational league with snacks? It sounds like a reality check. Either DS was the prince of rec and not anymore or they enjoyed the social run around doing whatever aspect and didn't realize the change of expectations.

Good Luck in making a decision! It's a hard decision and search to find a good program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
OMG - YES!!!!! I wish Barca was geographically possible for us. I have no problem with coaches demanding that kids give their best, but I feel like such a terrible parent paying $3000 to have coaches and clubs breaking my kids down and making them want to quit soccer. If they can see hard work paying off, whether it is theirs or other players, that would make all the difference.

Is it really geographically impossible or you just don't want the inconvenience or commitment to drive to this particular activity? I've seen both parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives, neighbors, nannies, babysitters, and carpools make it happen.

Perhaps you don't need to go as far as Barca. Throw a stone in any direction and you'll find another club.

Well, Evergreen is 70 miles from where I live, and I already have a 60 mile per day commute, so it is pretty much geographically impossible.

Yeah, tough call to make if that drive would be worth it. 70 miles almost puts you in "Richmond Urban Moms","WV Urban Moms", "Baltimore Urban Moms", or even "Frederick Urban Moms" not "DC Urban Moms" typical territory The assumption a lot of us might mistakenly make speaking generically in a locale based forum was that you might be a tiny bit closer to DC. Tough drive, but definitely not impossible and currently being done by some .

If you are the ONLY means of transportation then it's just probably not convenient. To be honest though, 70 miles puts you in an area that really isn't conducive to most of NOVA/DC soccer, not just BARCA.

LOL. You'd be surprised how relevant and educational this forum is. The clubs closer to me play all the DC/NOVA clubs. Plus, to my knowledge, there is no Urban Moms forum for my area, so I have to learn somewhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^Barca. God, it was mother f@cking refreshing not going through tryouts last spring with my kids...and will be again this Spring. Makes for a much nicer spring season as well when not totally eclipsed by weeks of Club tryouts vs practices and frantic parents/players wondering where they stand. They invest in the kids they have. You can’t develop players when you cut and recruit continually every 10 months.

Crap players making the team, never gets better, and has no incentive to work hard to earn your spot.

That’s a very American way to think. On the other hand, the players do get better every season as they get a firmer grasp on what is a very difficult style to execute properly. They have multiple teams with fluidity between the rosters, so you do have to work hard to earn your spot, whether on the specific, as a starter, etc. They just don’t cut players from the PROGRAM.

Really, do you think anyone can just walk onto a european club and join? You need to minimally show potential and after that, compete for spots, but just to pay and join any competitive environment is a waste for everyone involved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^Barca. God, it was mother f@cking refreshing not going through tryouts last spring with my kids...and will be again this Spring. Makes for a much nicer spring season as well when not totally eclipsed by weeks of Club tryouts vs practices and frantic parents/players wondering where they stand. They invest in the kids they have. You can’t develop players when you cut and recruit continually every 10 months.

Crap players making the team, never gets better, and has no incentive to work hard to earn your spot.

That’s a very American way to think. On the other hand, the players do get better every season as they get a firmer grasp on what is a very difficult style to execute properly. They have multiple teams with fluidity between the rosters, so you do have to work hard to earn your spot, whether on the specific, as a starter, etc. They just don’t cut players from the PROGRAM.

Really, do you think anyone can just walk onto a european club and join? You need to minimally show potential and after that, compete for spots, but just to pay and join any competitive environment is a waste for everyone involved.

La Masia has A and B teams. The escola is essentially La Masia's feeder "rec" program. But once a player is in La Masia they are given a 2-3 year contract (12-13 years old) to prove themselves. It is not just a one year commitment. Most pro academies, especially at the younger ages will commit to a player for a couple of years then they are re-committed to or not. If they thought they saw something in a kid they trust their information and judgement and let it play out. Now if you crap the bed you can get cut but at young ages the players need the security to try things without worrying about mistakes.

So while the Pro academies are extremely competitive and cut throat there is a surprising amount of leeway provided. But then again, they invest serious money into scouting so there are already dealing with a very high level of player from the start.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
OMG - YES!!!!! I wish Barca was geographically possible for us. I have no problem with coaches demanding that kids give their best, but I feel like such a terrible parent paying $3000 to have coaches and clubs breaking my kids down and making them want to quit soccer. If they can see hard work paying off, whether it is theirs or other players, that would make all the difference.

Is it really geographically impossible or you just don't want the inconvenience or commitment to drive to this particular activity? I've seen both parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives, neighbors, nannies, babysitters, and carpools make it happen.

Perhaps you don't need to go as far as Barca. Throw a stone in any direction and you'll find another club.

I used to think an hour was too far to go for soccer until I met a guy that drove his kid to new jersey every week to play on a futsal team. They lived in northern va at the time.