Teams that are diversity friendly

[Anonymous]

Our experience this year has been terrible. The team treats all the Asian and Black kids badly, and none plan on returning.

We would appreciate some suggestions for DMV clubs that might be better suited, especially for 15U and older teams. There are five kids total, most of whom live in Northern Virginia. Their skill levels range from average to advanced.

[Anonymous]

Which club is this? Name the club

[Anonymous]

This is hard to believe. Have you checked out the metro teams lately? They’re over half black.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is hard to believe. Have you checked out the metro teams lately? They’re over half black.

Yes, I should have stated that I wanted recommendations for smaller or lesser known clubs.

This shouldn't be that hard to believe. Politics on teams isn't uncommon: sometimes it's driven by race.

[Anonymous]

Girls or Boys team? This club should be mentioned as their are many concerned parents in this forum.

[Anonymous]

No way. My DS has been on a variety of teams. They have NEVER experienced any racial problems. Maybe you are the problem

[Anonymous]

Girls.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our experience this year has been terrible. The team treats all the Asian and Black kids badly, and none plan on returning.

We would appreciate some suggestions for DMV clubs that might be better suited, especially for 15U and older teams. There are five kids total, most of whom live in Northern Virginia. Their skill levels range from average to advanced.

What do you mean when you say "the team"? Are you talking about the players? Are you talking about the players and the coach? Do the other teams in the club have the same issues?

It is very unfortunate that the current political climate made it acceptable to be not just a racist, but generally a terrible person. We can all see the white supremacist nationalists taking a victory lap and losing all inhibitions.

[Anonymous]

What do you mean when you say "the team"? Are you talking about the players? Are you talking about the players and the coach? Do the other teams in the club have the same issues?

Most of the white players and parents probably don't notice it. They mostly complain about the team's performance. I'm not sure it had occurred to them that some of our best players are on the bench, while others are exhausted from playing too much.

It's not my job to confront the coaches, directors, and owners about their racism. I would rather spend my energy finding a place where my DD can have fun and develop.

[Anonymous]

How are you confident that playing time was driven by racism? There are parents and kids of all races who would tell you they believe this is also happening on their team: “some of our best players are on the bench, while others are exhausted from playing too much”.
But, not agreeing with the coaches decision, or believing everyone should have more playing time, that’s not the same thing, and it’s also pretty common depending on which club you are at.

[Anonymous]

Is it the mediocre girls who skip a lot of practices and games?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How are you confident that playing time was driven by racism? There are parents and kids of all races who would tell you they believe this is also happening on their team: “some of our best players are on the bench, while others are exhausted from playing too much”.
But, not agreeing with the coaches decision, or believing everyone should have more playing time, that’s not the same thing, and it’s also pretty common depending on which club you are at.

I asked for recommendations and you are giving me a lecture about why it's probably not racism. Why?

[Anonymous]

Is it the girls or coaches? The girls change so much from one season to the next.
If the coaches are the problem, just move if you can. With the crazy try out system, it’s so hard to find any spots on a team. I’d spend the summer going to some clinics to try to get a sense of the teams.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it the girls or coaches? The girls change so much from one season to the next.
If the coaches are the problem, just move if you can. With the crazy try out system, it’s so hard to find any spots on a team. I’d spend the summer going to some clinics to try to get a sense of the teams.

That's my plan. I was just trying to find some recommendations so we don't waste our time or find other teams that we might be unaware of.

This thread just seems to be stuck on skepticism than suggestions.

I'm looking for things like: do the kids of color seem happy? Are there kids of color on the team? Is the coaching staff diverse? Is development a priority.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it the girls or coaches? The girls change so much from one season to the next.
If the coaches are the problem, just move if you can. With the crazy try out system, it’s so hard to find any spots on a team. I’d spend the summer going to some clinics to try to get a sense of the teams.

That's my plan. I was just trying to find some recommendations so we don't waste our time or find other teams that we might be unaware of.

This thread just seems to be stuck on skepticism than suggestions.

I'm looking for things like: do the kids of color seem happy? Are there kids of color on the team? Is the coaching staff diverse? Is development a priority.

I am sorry your family and the other families had that experience. That’s definitely not what anyone wants from a club season.

I think it may help to know a little more about what you’re looking for so people can give better recommendations.

How far are you willing to travel for practice, especially since most of the players are in Northern Virginia?

Since the players range from average to advanced, are the families trying to keep the girls together, or are they open to different teams or clubs depending on fit?

Are they looking mostly at regional teams, travel teams, or teams that attend USAV qualifiers and compete for bids?

Are the players looking for teams where they are likely to be starters, or are they okay with stronger competition for spots and possibly less playing time?

Do you prefer a team where playing time is more evenly distributed, or are you okay with a team that mainly plays the strongest players and uses the bench more selectively?

Your questions about diversity, player development, and the overall team environment are valid. I think people may be able to give better recommendations if they understand the level, travel distance, and playing time expectations you’re looking for.