Pay to Play: 5th generation

[Anonymous]

Friend played for FC Delco in the late 80s and in passing mentioned that he was given $200 adidas cleats every few months.

We have been supporting elite DMV teams DC has played for several brands here equally as noted as Delco and never received a dime from these deals - quite frankly they burdened us with coaches who demanded our injured player ‘be in addidas’ or ‘be in Nike’ gear on the bench when injured for tournaments so the team doesn’t lose sponsorship.

DC invited to higher level team for next year - guessing will still be parent pay. What gives? Large sponsors just piling on parent money train with everyone else?

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure I understand your question or concern

[Anonymous]

I think OP is saying that his friend claims that sponsor money/gear used to flow down to the players, but in OP's experience it no longer does.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Friend played for FC Delco in the late 80s and in passing mentioned that he was given $200 adidas cleats every few months.

We have been supporting elite DMV teams DC has played for several brands here equally as noted as Delco and never received a dime from these deals - quite frankly they burdened us with coaches who demanded our injured player ‘be in addidas’ or ‘be in Nike’ gear on the bench when injured for tournaments so the team doesn’t lose sponsorship.

DC invited to higher level team for next year - guessing will still be parent pay. What gives? Large sponsors just piling on parent money train with everyone else?

There are teams in the DMV that are pay-to-play and force players to wear certain manufacturers brands?

Also, why aren't you sure if the higher level (define level) team is parent play?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Friend played for FC Delco in the late 80s and in passing mentioned that he was given $200 adidas cleats every few months.

We have been supporting elite DMV teams DC has played for several brands here equally as noted as Delco and never received a dime from these deals - quite frankly they burdened us with coaches who demanded our injured player ‘be in addidas’ or ‘be in Nike’ gear on the bench when injured for tournaments so the team doesn’t lose sponsorship.

DC invited to higher level team for next year - guessing will still be parent pay. What gives? Large sponsors just piling on parent money train with everyone else?

Your DC does not sound good enough to have fees paid and cleats.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think OP is saying that his friend claims that sponsor money/gear used to flow down to the players, but in OP's experience it no longer does.

+1.

This is Op. The leagues today have little comparison to leagues of yore (ODP vice MLS Next) but I’m asking at what level do leagues today begin to see money flowing to player?

To the PP who asked whether there are pay to play teams in the DMV who have cut apparel deals the answer is a resounding yes. My DC has been on only one team that didn’t.

[Anonymous]

These days, the clubs keep the benefits. Cash and gear to the directors and a handful of coaches.

[Anonymous]

Are you talking about companies like capelli and soccer.com, and specialty soccer stores in Rockville, etc?

Yea. The clubs keep that $, usually in the form of credits for equipment, loaners, scholarship kids, etc

[Anonymous]

few apparel brands, other than capelli, provide cash. vast majority is free gear for directors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:few apparel brands, other than capelli, provide cash. vast majority is free gear for directors.

I just wish capelli would provide kits. I'm waiting on an away jersey I ordered for my kid in September.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:few apparel brands, other than capelli, provide cash. vast majority is free gear for directors.

I just wish capelli would provide kits. I'm waiting on an away jersey I ordered for my kid in September.