Villarreal Virginia Academy: imploding?

[Anonymous]

What is this? GOAL 4: The Dream Lives on? Santiago Muñez is that you?

[Anonymous]

The true story is it is the dream of every low level coach in Spain to come to the USA. To step on the turf, look around , and soak up the atmosphere. Then use that passion the work the crowd of American parents for thousands of dollars with the promise of their children may someday make it to play in Europe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The true story is it is the dream of every low level coach in Spain to come to the USA. To step on the turf, look around , and soak up the atmosphere. Then use that passion the work the crowd of American parents for thousands of dollars with the promise of their children may someday make it to play in Europe.

This is spot-on. Same with every low-level coach in the UK. We are suckers and they know it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The true story is it is the dream of every low level coach in Spain to come to the USA. To step on the turf, look around , and soak up the atmosphere. Then use that passion the work the crowd of American parents for thousands of dollars with the promise of their children may someday make it to play in Europe.

Nah. Some parents played and love the game. They know the difference between good and mediocre/bad training. It has nothing to do with accents/nationalities. Their kids were raised watching FIFA. They also know the difference and want to play for coaches that understand it and with teammates that know where/how to pass and when to dribble. They have no care or even want their kids to play college and zero expectation of pro. It’s hard to watch bad soccer when you love the game. By bad, I mean the predominant style here—physical/big kids with messy first touch. Some drive for this training and atmosphere instead of chasing the “status” travel clubs in the area and the “pre-Da” when “DA” won’t exist. Who is marketing a falsehood there? Who is guaranteeing if they play DA they will make the USMNT? No need to attack something different. People usually lash out when they feel threatened by their choices or of others that might steal their business. Work on your product and treat people decently and you wouldn’t have to worry.

Go where your kid is happy. The stereotypical bashing of anyone outside the US who tries to dare step on travel club turf is tiresome. Up your product and game and you don’t have to rely on being the only game in town and making rules/regulations that block Clubs from your leagues. It’s an easy out to claim anyone with kids at Villarreal or Barca or Bayern is there because they think their kid is Messi or Kimmich.

[Anonymous]

I don't think the point of this thread is arguing about why to play DA vs. NPL vs. NCSL or travel vs. rec. or why coaches come to the US. Its asking if the Viva club is a viable club for kids to play next year given its issues with ABGC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The true story is it is the dream of every low level coach in Spain to come to the USA. To step on the turf, look around , and soak up the atmosphere. Then use that passion the work the crowd of American parents for thousands of dollars with the promise of their children may someday make it to play in Europe.

Nah. Some parents played and love the game. They know the difference between good and mediocre/bad training. It has nothing to do with accents/nationalities. Their kids were raised watching FIFA. They also know the difference and want to play for coaches that understand it and with teammates that know where/how to pass and when to dribble. They have no care or even want their kids to play college and zero expectation of pro. It’s hard to watch bad soccer when you love the game. By bad, I mean the predominant style here—physical/big kids with messy first touch. Some drive for this training and atmosphere instead of chasing the “status” travel clubs in the area and the “pre-Da” when “DA” won’t exist. Who is marketing a falsehood there? Who is guaranteeing if they play DA they will make the USMNT? No need to attack something different. People usually lash out when they feel threatened by their choices or of others that might steal their business. Work on your product and treat people decently and you wouldn’t have to worry.

Go where your kid is happy. The stereotypical bashing of anyone outside the US who tries to dare step on travel club turf is tiresome. Up your product and game and you don’t have to rely on being the only game in town and making rules/regulations that block Clubs from your leagues. It’s an easy out to claim anyone with kids at Villarreal or Barca or Bayern is there because they think their kid is Messi or Kimmich.

Omg. Yes. It's calling the kettle black. I found it amusing travel coaches were bashing the other products all the while selling false college and National team spots if you join their club. No financial incentive there, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think the point of this thread is arguing about why to play DA vs. NPL vs. NCSL or travel vs. rec. or why coaches come to the US. Its asking if the Viva club is a viable club for kids to play next year given its issues with ABGC.

Answer: It's not. Given the accusations, which have substance, and the pending lawsuit, which will eventually involve state or federal law enforcement, VIVA will likely fold at some point. May not be right away, but eventually. See what happened at McLean Youth Football when one of the board members embezzled player funds. Villarreal will likely divest its association with VIVA at some point as well once the lawsuit picks up speed.

It's well known among NOVA soccer coaches that Bo likely steals club funds for his own gain. If you want to stay with the VIVA because it you like the parents, or you like the coaches, or etc., that's your choice. But know that doing so also means you are likely throwing thousands down the drain for a few warm and fuzzies and your child's playing season will likely end abruptly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The true story is it is the dream of every low level coach in Spain to come to the USA. To step on the turf, look around , and soak up the atmosphere. Then use that passion the work the crowd of American parents for thousands of dollars with the promise of their children may someday make it to play in Europe.

Nah. Some parents played and love the game. They know the difference between good and mediocre/bad training. It has nothing to do with accents/nationalities. Their kids were raised watching FIFA. They also know the difference and want to play for coaches that understand it and with teammates that know where/how to pass and when to dribble. They have no care or even want their kids to play college and zero expectation of pro. It’s hard to watch bad soccer when you love the game. By bad, I mean the predominant style here—physical/big kids with messy first touch. Some drive for this training and atmosphere instead of chasing the “status” travel clubs in the area and the “pre-Da” when “DA” won’t exist. Who is marketing a falsehood there? Who is guaranteeing if they play DA they will make the USMNT? No need to attack something different. People usually lash out when they feel threatened by their choices or of others that might steal their business. Work on your product and treat people decently and you wouldn’t have to worry.

Go where your kid is happy. The stereotypical bashing of anyone outside the US who tries to dare step on travel club turf is tiresome. Up your product and game and you don’t have to rely on being the only game in town and making rules/regulations that block Clubs from your leagues. It’s an easy out to claim anyone with kids at Villarreal or Barca or Bayern is there because they think their kid is Messi or Kimmich.

I posted that I found it interesting that "Spanish" seems to have some cachet or value to people and that a paid tour of soccer in Europe is paid.

"Up your product"? I did not lash out or bash and am not threatened. Its a free market and people can buy what they want and get what they get. To expand my point though, a Spanish coach coming to the USA can bring coaching knowledge and approach. They cannot bring the street soccer culture of Spain or Argentina or the barrios of Brazil to the USA. And they are NOT bringing the euro academy model either: they are charging fees and pay to play in USA unlike European academy style where the player is invited and all is paid by the club: Ajax, Barca, Villareal, Bayern all operate that way in Europe. As I understand it, the 'invitations' to train with these clubs extended to their USA affiliates are not trials, they are invites to pay for a week or so of training. Again, that may be something good for any individual kid or family, thats up to them. Inspiration is good anywhere. But no one should believe that the invite to train - guaranteed to a couple of players irrespective of ability - is the same as a trial with a club.

In Goal Santi had to pay his way over, that's where the similarity ends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The true story is it is the dream of every low level coach in Spain to come to the USA. To step on the turf, look around , and soak up the atmosphere. Then use that passion the work the crowd of American parents for thousands of dollars with the promise of their children may someday make it to play in Europe.

Nah. Some parents played and love the game. They know the difference between good and mediocre/bad training. It has nothing to do with accents/nationalities. Their kids were raised watching FIFA. They also know the difference and want to play for coaches that understand it and with teammates that know where/how to pass and when to dribble. They have no care or even want their kids to play college and zero expectation of pro. It’s hard to watch bad soccer when you love the game. By bad, I mean the predominant style here—physical/big kids with messy first touch. Some drive for this training and atmosphere instead of chasing the “status” travel clubs in the area and the “pre-Da” when “DA” won’t exist. Who is marketing a falsehood there? Who is guaranteeing if they play DA they will make the USMNT? No need to attack something different. People usually lash out when they feel threatened by their choices or of others that might steal their business. Work on your product and treat people decently and you wouldn’t have to worry.

Go where your kid is happy. The stereotypical bashing of anyone outside the US who tries to dare step on travel club turf is tiresome. Up your product and game and you don’t have to rely on being the only game in town and making rules/regulations that block Clubs from your leagues. It’s an easy out to claim anyone with kids at Villarreal or Barca or Bayern is there because they think their kid is Messi or Kimmich.

I posted that I found it interesting that "Spanish" seems to have some cachet or value to people and that a paid tour of soccer in Europe is paid.

"Up your product"? I did not lash out or bash and am not threatened. Its a free market and people can buy what they want and get what they get. To expand my point though, a Spanish coach coming to the USA can bring coaching knowledge and approach. They cannot bring the street soccer culture of Spain or Argentina or the barrios of Brazil to the USA. And they are NOT bringing the euro academy model either: they are charging fees and pay to play in USA unlike European academy style where the player is invited and all is paid by the club: Ajax, Barca, Villareal, Bayern all operate that way in Europe. As I understand it, the 'invitations' to train with these clubs extended to their USA affiliates are not trials, they are invites to pay for a week or so of training. Again, that may be something good for any individual kid or family, thats up to them. Inspiration is good anywhere. But no one should believe that the invite to train - guaranteed to a couple of players irrespective of ability - is the same as a trial with a club.

In Goal Santi had to pay his way over, that's where the similarity ends.

Argentina and Spain have barrios. Brazil has favelas.

I agree with everything else in your post though, 100%.

For example, I'm sure this was a great experience for these two kids, but to advertise it as a "tryout" was complete BS, on many levels: https://www.annandaleunitedfc.com/villarrealcf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The true story is it is the dream of every low level coach in Spain to come to the USA. To step on the turf, look around , and soak up the atmosphere. Then use that passion the work the crowd of American parents for thousands of dollars with the promise of their children may someday make it to play in Europe.

Nah. Some parents played and love the game. They know the difference between good and mediocre/bad training. It has nothing to do with accents/nationalities. Their kids were raised watching FIFA. They also know the difference and want to play for coaches that understand it and with teammates that know where/how to pass and when to dribble. They have no care or even want their kids to play college and zero expectation of pro. It’s hard to watch bad soccer when you love the game. By bad, I mean the predominant style here—physical/big kids with messy first touch. Some drive for this training and atmosphere instead of chasing the “status” travel clubs in the area and the “pre-Da” when “DA” won’t exist. Who is marketing a falsehood there? Who is guaranteeing if they play DA they will make the USMNT? No need to attack something different. People usually lash out when they feel threatened by their choices or of others that might steal their business. Work on your product and treat people decently and you wouldn’t have to worry.

Go where your kid is happy. The stereotypical bashing of anyone outside the US who tries to dare step on travel club turf is tiresome. Up your product and game and you don’t have to rely on being the only game in town and making rules/regulations that block Clubs from your leagues. It’s an easy out to claim anyone with kids at Villarreal or Barca or Bayern is there because they think their kid is Messi or Kimmich.

I posted that I found it interesting that "Spanish" seems to have some cachet or value to people and that a paid tour of soccer in Europe is paid.

"Up your product"? I did not lash out or bash and am not threatened. Its a free market and people can buy what they want and get what they get. To expand my point though, a Spanish coach coming to the USA can bring coaching knowledge and approach. They cannot bring the street soccer culture of Spain or Argentina or the barrios of Brazil to the USA. And they are NOT bringing the euro academy model either: they are charging fees and pay to play in USA unlike European academy style where the player is invited and all is paid by the club: Ajax, Barca, Villareal, Bayern all operate that way in Europe. As I understand it, the 'invitations' to train with these clubs extended to their USA affiliates are not trials, they are invites to pay for a week or so of training. Again, that may be something good for any individual kid or family, thats up to them. Inspiration is good anywhere. But no one should believe that the invite to train - guaranteed to a couple of players irrespective of ability - is the same as a trial with a club.

In Goal Santi had to pay his way over, that's where the similarity ends.

Argentina and Spain have barrios. Brazil has favelas.

I agree with everything else in your post though, 100%.

For example, I'm sure this was a great experience for these two kids, but to advertise it as a "tryout" was complete BS, on many levels: https://www.annandaleunitedfc.com/villarrealcf

Yes. Sometimes I mix up my English, French, Spanish and smattering of Dutch and Portugese and soccer terms for Peru, Argentina, and Brazil and speak a mumbo jumbo that technically makes no sense but people graciously understand me.

[Anonymous]

That’s a nice sentiment expressed above, but Villarreal isn’t doing things differently. It’s still just a run-of-the-mill club where you will still be coached by guys like Bo, Carlos, Steve and Jose. Let’s not pretend like Fernando Roig himself sent over his best coaches from Spain. They do not stick to a style and switch over to route 1 long balls when pressured into mistakes in their build-up. The only thing that’s different are the yellow jerseys.

[Anonymous]

Ramses. Is number one. His arms. Are number one. His legs. Are number one. His eyes. Are number one. Ramses. Is number one

[Anonymous]

yes a "tryout" is not a "trial"
no reasonable "trial" would consist only of training and not have a match component
they want to see how you perform in a match, not how you train

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think the point of this thread is arguing about why to play DA vs. NPL vs. NCSL or travel vs. rec. or why coaches come to the US. Its asking if the Viva club is a viable club for kids to play next year given its issues with ABGC.

Answer: It's not. Given the accusations, which have substance, and the pending lawsuit, which will eventually involve state or federal law enforcement, VIVA will likely fold at some point. May not be right away, but eventually. See what happened at McLean Youth Football when one of the board members embezzled player funds. Villarreal will likely divest its association with VIVA at some point as well once the lawsuit picks up speed.

It's well known among NOVA soccer coaches that Bo likely steals club funds for his own gain. If you want to stay with the VIVA because it you like the parents, or you like the coaches, or etc., that's your choice. But know that doing so also means you are likely throwing thousands down the drain for a few warm and fuzzies and your child's playing season will likely end abruptly.

This!

[Anonymous]

If you are not sign up or switch to viva villareal, you are not getting looked by professional coaches, and you are not going to see villareal fc training ground. -Bo & Carlos

P.S.: I need some funding asap and Bo knows how to sale.