Travel teams now 4-5 teams deep? Is this for real?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

RantingSoccerDad wrote:As others have said, this is absolutely not new. Ten years ago, a typical club would have two teams in NCSL and 2-3 in ODSL. Then it became one in CCL or VPL (now ECNLRLVPSLNPL), two in NCSL and 1-2 in ODSL. Then one in the DA (RIP) or ECNL, 1-2 in CCL, VPL and/or EDP, 2-3 in NCSL and one in ODSL. And so on.

By U-13 or so, things shake out a bit more sensibly. Kids who aren't going to have big soccer futures leave travel teams and hopefully continue to play rec rather than dropping out of the sport entirely. The parents who continue to coach at that level have been doing it for several years by then and have picked up the same licenses as the alleged "pro" coaches on lower-level travel teams. Clubs drop down to maybe 2-3 teams per age group at U-13 (aside from the very biggest) for 11v11 games.

The problem is U-9 through U-12. The clubs take 40-50 kids out of the rec program, and their parents leave coaching. Then you have to grab new coaches who may not have even gotten their licenses, even though US Soccer now makes it ridiculously easy to get basic grassroots instruction online. And the players don't take it seriously enough to listen to the coaches, anyway. So U-9 and U-10 rec soccer can be dire, and it can be a pretty bad experience for serious players who either get overlooked at tryouts or can't make the commitment to travel. (You might get lucky, though -- I've seen some good players at U-9 in particular this past year, when COVID shook up the tryout process, so *some* games can be decent quality.)

If I had all-encompassing power, I'd register 4-5 travel teams at U-9 but rotate players between travel and rec. Give all players who want it access to the top coaches at the club at least once a week. Don't lock in a full-time travel team roster until U-11. Keep giving kids access, and keep evaluating them week to week instead of locking in kids for a year based on a couple of small-sided tryout games that a few athletic but uncoachable kids will dominate.

We, of course, do not allow such sensible things.

Why are you so delusional and bitter?

Because his kids didn't make the team. This idea is full of idealism and short on reality. As if there will be enough kids that sign up for this to make up 4-5 teams. Thankfully he doesn't have all-encompassing power.

[Anonymous]

I think people are just jealous, likely because other people have the money to drop on travel soccer, regardless of whether their kid is a very top player. FWIW, I don't understand why somone would buy a Ferrari when you can get a safe and reliable Subaru for much less money, because cars are not my thing and I have no use for or interest in whatever advantages a Ferrari would provide (for me personally, none). If soccer is not your thing, cool. But I don't dwell on it all day and put down people who want to buy a more expensive car.



Lol. Nobody is jealous about the expense of travel.

]

To the contrary, they are jealous that some people don't even have to give that a second thought. Otherwise they wouldn't be harping on this nonsense.

[Anonymous]

No one is sitting around jealous that other families are driving all over the place for a $2000 soccer game their kid could have played at the park down the street for $100. I feel a little bad that this is how their families decided to spend their weekend time, but hey, free country

All three of my kids have been on lower to mid level travel teams at various points in their lives. The furthest those teams ever tend to travel is an hour, most games are much closer. It's not that big a deal, and you are revaling that you don't know that much about it and are arguing for the sake of arguing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

No one is sitting around jealous that other families are driving all over the place for a $2000 soccer game their kid could have played at the park down the street for $100. I feel a little bad that this is how their families decided to spend their weekend time, but hey, free country

All three of my kids have been on lower to mid level travel teams at various points in their lives. The furthest those teams ever tend to travel is an hour, most games are much closer. It's not that big a deal, and you are revaling that you don't know that much about it and are arguing for the sake of arguing.

Really? We are in southern Fairfax and my friend schleps to Maryland all the time for games.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I think people are just jealous, likely because other people have the money to drop on travel soccer, regardless of whether their kid is a very top player. FWIW, I don't understand why somone would buy a Ferrari when you can get a safe and reliable Subaru for much less money, because cars are not my thing and I have no use for or interest in whatever advantages a Ferrari would provide (for me personally, none). If soccer is not your thing, cool. But I don't dwell on it all day and put down people who want to buy a more expensive car.



Lol. Nobody is jealous about the expense of travel.

]

To the contrary, they are jealous that some people don't even have to give that a second thought. Otherwise they wouldn't be harping on this nonsense.

Many people who could easily afford travel choose not to because they are happy with the experience their kids are having in rec. I’m not sure why you are arguing about this.

[Anonymous]

Some parents complain about travel. Other parents use this as a nice road trip to spend quality time with the family and supporting their DC’s love of soccer.

We moved from Rec, to Select, then to Travel soccer all based on what my DD wanted. I tell you what, I am enjoying every minute driving her to practice/games and spending precious times and bonding with her before she heads to college in 5 years.

People will spend money how they feel it’s best for them and their family. Is it a waste when we see people driving a Lamborghini when a any cheapo car and easily drive them from point A to point B?

[Anonymous]

It’s totally a racket.
Dc’s U9 team was in the division 1 county rec league and they did well - not totally dominant, but it was an appropriate level. Sadly the coach and most of the parents decided to move to a travel. We got worse competition, worse refs (mostly - the travel ones were consistently mediocre, while the refs were generally better but there were a few totally crappy ones), and often worse fields, all with the cost of having to drive over an hour to many of his games.

DS switched back to a D1 county rec team this year and it’s so much better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s totally a racket.
Dc’s U9 team was in the division 1 county rec league and they did well - not totally dominant, but it was an appropriate level. Sadly the coach and most of the parents decided to move to a travel. We got worse competition, worse refs (mostly - the travel ones were consistently mediocre, while the refs were generally better but there were a few totally crappy ones), and often worse fields, all with the cost of having to drive over an hour to many of his games.

DS switched back to a D1 county rec team this year and it’s so much better.

So you're happy, travel parents are happy, why do you care?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s totally a racket.
Dc’s U9 team was in the division 1 county rec league and they did well - not totally dominant, but it was an appropriate level. Sadly the coach and most of the parents decided to move to a travel. We got worse competition, worse refs (mostly - the travel ones were consistently mediocre, while the refs were generally better but there were a few totally crappy ones), and often worse fields, all with the cost of having to drive over an hour to many of his games.

DS switched back to a D1 county rec team this year and it’s so much better.

What do you mean by "division 1 county rec league"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s totally a racket.
Dc’s U9 team was in the division 1 county rec league and they did well - not totally dominant, but it was an appropriate level. Sadly the coach and most of the parents decided to move to a travel. We got worse competition, worse refs (mostly - the travel ones were consistently mediocre, while the refs were generally better but there were a few totally crappy ones), and often worse fields, all with the cost of having to drive over an hour to many of his games.

DS switched back to a D1 county rec team this year and it’s so much better.

What do you mean by "division 1 county rec league"?

I’m not sure I understand the question. The county runs a soccer league. It’s the league that all the local rec teams compete in.
Within the county league, teams are registered into one of four divisions (usually, sometimes more if there are a lot of teams).
This is the division description:

3) LEVELS OF PLAY
Divisions will be established, by skill level, to accommodate all teams
participating.
a) DIVISION 1 is highly competitive, composed of experienced and skilled
players. Teams are usually selected by tryout or skill comparisons by the sponsoring community organizations. Coaches are required to play each player on the team at least 25% of the total game time.
b) DIVISION 2 is not as competitive as Division 1, yet participants are skilled and experienced. Coaches are required to play each player on the team at least 50% of the total game time.
c) DIVISION 3+ are primarily designed for recreational players and should be less competitive in nature. Most teams are fielded by random assignment of players rather than by a grading process. In the event that an organization fields more than one team per age/sex group in these levels, it is recommended that the organization attempt to level the teams by skill and avoid placement of two teams in the same division. Coaches are required to play each player on the team at least 50% of the total game time.
d) DIVISION A is the “select” division and is intended primarily for travel teams who are interested in participating in the AAYSA season. Teams that won Division 1 in the prior season are also encouraged to participate in this division, as are any other AAYSA teams interested in “testing the travel league waters” prior to moving to a select league. This division will be formed only if at least 4 travel teams in an age group sign up to participate. This division will play their games on coordinated days/times to minimize conflicts with their travel league
schedules. Coaches are required to play each player on the team at least 25% of
the total game time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s totally a racket.
Dc’s U9 team was in the division 1 county rec league and they did well - not totally dominant, but it was an appropriate level. Sadly the coach and most of the parents decided to move to a travel. We got worse competition, worse refs (mostly - the travel ones were consistently mediocre, while the refs were generally better but there were a few totally crappy ones), and often worse fields, all with the cost of having to drive over an hour to many of his games.

DS switched back to a D1 county rec team this year and it’s so much better.

So you're happy, travel parents are happy, why do you care?

I don’t care. Doesn’t mean it’s not a racket.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s totally a racket.
Dc’s U9 team was in the division 1 county rec league and they did well - not totally dominant, but it was an appropriate level. Sadly the coach and most of the parents decided to move to a travel. We got worse competition, worse refs (mostly - the travel ones were consistently mediocre, while the refs were generally better but there were a few totally crappy ones), and often worse fields, all with the cost of having to drive over an hour to many of his games.

DS switched back to a D1 county rec team this year and it’s so much better.

What do you mean by "division 1 county rec league"?

I’m not sure I understand the question. The county runs a soccer league. It’s the league that all the local rec teams compete in.
Within the county league, teams are registered into one of four divisions (usually, sometimes more if there are a lot of teams).
This is the division description:

3) LEVELS OF PLAY
Divisions will be established, by skill level, to accommodate all teams
participating.
a) DIVISION 1 is highly competitive, composed of experienced and skilled
players. Teams are usually selected by tryout or skill comparisons by the sponsoring community organizations. Coaches are required to play each player on the team at least 25% of the total game time.
b) DIVISION 2 is not as competitive as Division 1, yet participants are skilled and experienced. Coaches are required to play each player on the team at least 50% of the total game time.
c) DIVISION 3+ are primarily designed for recreational players and should be less competitive in nature. Most teams are fielded by random assignment of players rather than by a grading process. In the event that an organization fields more than one team per age/sex group in these levels, it is recommended that the organization attempt to level the teams by skill and avoid placement of two teams in the same division. Coaches are required to play each player on the team at least 50% of the total game time.
d) DIVISION A is the “select” division and is intended primarily for travel teams who are interested in participating in the AAYSA season. Teams that won Division 1 in the prior season are also encouraged to participate in this division, as are any other AAYSA teams interested in “testing the travel league waters” prior to moving to a select league. This division will be formed only if at least 4 travel teams in an age group sign up to participate. This division will play their games on coordinated days/times to minimize conflicts with their travel league
schedules. Coaches are required to play each player on the team at least 25% of
the total game time.

What county?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s totally a racket.
Dc’s U9 team was in the division 1 county rec league and they did well - not totally dominant, but it was an appropriate level. Sadly the coach and most of the parents decided to move to a travel. We got worse competition, worse refs (mostly - the travel ones were consistently mediocre, while the refs were generally better but there were a few totally crappy ones), and often worse fields, all with the cost of having to drive over an hour to many of his games.

DS switched back to a D1 county rec team this year and it’s so much better.

What do you mean by "division 1 county rec league"?

I’m not sure I understand the question. The county runs a soccer league. It’s the league that all the local rec teams compete in.
Within the county league, teams are registered into one of four divisions (usually, sometimes more if there are a lot of teams).
This is the division description:

3) LEVELS OF PLAY
Divisions will be established, by skill level, to accommodate all teams
participating.
a) DIVISION 1 is highly competitive, composed of experienced and skilled
players. Teams are usually selected by tryout or skill comparisons by the sponsoring community organizations. Coaches are required to play each player on the team at least 25% of the total game time.
b) DIVISION 2 is not as competitive as Division 1, yet participants are skilled and experienced. Coaches are required to play each player on the team at least 50% of the total game time.
c) DIVISION 3+ are primarily designed for recreational players and should be less competitive in nature. Most teams are fielded by random assignment of players rather than by a grading process. In the event that an organization fields more than one team per age/sex group in these levels, it is recommended that the organization attempt to level the teams by skill and avoid placement of two teams in the same division. Coaches are required to play each player on the team at least 50% of the total game time.
d) DIVISION A is the “select” division and is intended primarily for travel teams who are interested in participating in the AAYSA season. Teams that won Division 1 in the prior season are also encouraged to participate in this division, as are any other AAYSA teams interested in “testing the travel league waters” prior to moving to a select league. This division will be formed only if at least 4 travel teams in an age group sign up to participate. This division will play their games on coordinated days/times to minimize conflicts with their travel league
schedules. Coaches are required to play each player on the team at least 25% of
the total game time.

What county?

Anne Arundel. https://www.aacounty.org/departments/recreation-parks/sports/soccer/
Do other counties not have similar structures?

[Anonymous]

MoCo?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s totally a racket.
Dc’s U9 team was in the division 1 county rec league and they did well - not totally dominant, but it was an appropriate level. Sadly the coach and most of the parents decided to move to a travel. We got worse competition, worse refs (mostly - the travel ones were consistently mediocre, while the refs were generally better but there were a few totally crappy ones), and often worse fields, all with the cost of having to drive over an hour to many of his games.

DS switched back to a D1 county rec team this year and it’s so much better.

What do you mean by "division 1 county rec league"?

I’m not sure I understand the question. The county runs a soccer league. It’s the league that all the local rec teams compete in.
Within the county league, teams are registered into one of four divisions (usually, sometimes more if there are a lot of teams).
This is the division description:

3) LEVELS OF PLAY
Divisions will be established, by skill level, to accommodate all teams
participating.
a) DIVISION 1 is highly competitive, composed of experienced and skilled
players. Teams are usually selected by tryout or skill comparisons by the sponsoring community organizations. Coaches are required to play each player on the team at least 25% of the total game time.
b) DIVISION 2 is not as competitive as Division 1, yet participants are skilled and experienced. Coaches are required to play each player on the team at least 50% of the total game time.
c) DIVISION 3+ are primarily designed for recreational players and should be less competitive in nature. Most teams are fielded by random assignment of players rather than by a grading process. In the event that an organization fields more than one team per age/sex group in these levels, it is recommended that the organization attempt to level the teams by skill and avoid placement of two teams in the same division. Coaches are required to play each player on the team at least 50% of the total game time.
d) DIVISION A is the “select” division and is intended primarily for travel teams who are interested in participating in the AAYSA season. Teams that won Division 1 in the prior season are also encouraged to participate in this division, as are any other AAYSA teams interested in “testing the travel league waters” prior to moving to a select league. This division will be formed only if at least 4 travel teams in an age group sign up to participate. This division will play their games on coordinated days/times to minimize conflicts with their travel league
schedules. Coaches are required to play each player on the team at least 25% of
the total game time.

What county?

Anne Arundel. https://www.aacounty.org/departments/recreation-parks/sports/soccer/
Do other counties not have similar structures?

No. Generally clubs handle their rec programs and you simply play "internally" against teams within the club. While the Suburban Friendship League exists many clubs do not field teams in it.

The way your county runs it sounds more like "Town Clubs" which are fairly popular in the north east. They serve as a bridge between Rec and Travel. There are few places here that offer such a bridge. This is likely why you are getting such pushback on this topic. Frankly, Club Rec sucks. It is one step above a Church league.