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Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss
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Anonymous
Well, I am a parent that has lived through this transition. It has entailed a complete change in leadership (that is much missed), a sever decline in skilled trainers that are not invested whatsoever, an elimination of many of the great programs so many of our kids used to look forward to (such as friday night pick up) and all for AN INCREASE IN FEES!? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! So disappointing VYS! |
Anonymous
| I think Vienna parents complain too much and need to back off. We had a great program for travel and house and now it's falling apart because a few parents weren't patient enough to allow it to get better with time. |
Anonymous
| I agree.. I dont generally get involved in "club politics" but, you are right, it WAS great, what happened this year?! Are you referring to last year? Because this year there were no pick up games..was there "cross over" this fall? What programs were offered? My fees went up for what?! Im guessing the previous comment is a defense from either a board member or employee. Parents just want to know what happened?! We miss our old club where our kids could get together, play and feel like a community. And where are the "directors"? This club is turning into such a let down. |
Anonymous
Thanks so much for the links. I appreciate it! |
Anonymous
NP here and another VYS parent for years. It's actually heartening to read these comments to find out it's not just me feeling this way! I hope some good can come from a shakeup. A return to the old ways, warts and all, would be preferable to goings-on this year. |
Anonymous
| Do all VYS U9 U10 have pro coaches? |
Anonymous
|
I'm a Marylander, but am finding this VYS leadership and organization discussion interesting. Have those of you who are frustrated with the current situation gotten in touch with either the Board or other club leadership? From a quick glance at the VYS website, it appears that the travel committee has open meetings. Seems like it would be a good idea to attend or raise your concerns through official channels.
A couple of years ago, some insider(s?) from McLean soccer posted a lot of scoop about that club's organizational dysfunction on Fairfax Underground, and I know they ended up making a number of leadership and program changes after they lost the Development Academy. It would be good to know if the changes have been effective, and if there is anything McLean did that VYS might find useful. |
Anonymous
Parents were the reason I was told Eddie left to begin with and why fees increased because coaching wasn't good enough for some travel parents. I'm a house soccer parent whose annoyed that there is not much of a house program anymore. Obviously enough coaches left VYS that they have to start over again. It's going to take a couple of years to get back to where we were before at least on the house/crossover side when so many coaches are being pulled for travel practices and games. |
Anonymous
| This has become entertaining. I am a travel parent in the younger age group and the individual that shared that last comment should be educated. I, for one am extrememy disappointed. I know for a fact that we used to have highly skilled quality coaches, many that work with ODP. there are none at this time that compare. I believe that you would be hard pressed to provide an example to share where the coaching level has improved. If that were the case, families would not be max exiting. Interesting point to note... majority of those leaving and following their old trainers. The parents that you spoke of being responsible for the TD leaving, I strongly believe, basically sit on the board. That big decision was made without the input of families |
Anonymous
That's really not how it happened. Eddie's company had a complex deal with old VYS management. It couldn't work in the long run. There are some quality coaches still in VYS -- it's hard to argue with Hank Leung's resume. But there are a few issues. Your experience will vary by age group. House leagues are better in older age groups these days. Travel is hit or miss. |
Anonymous
| What age groups are doing the mass exit? Are you saying that some kids are leaving to go to Arlington (Eddie Lima) or Chantilly (Jane Dawber)? |
Anonymous
| I believe a few left and followed Jane. I dont know all for sure only whats being said within the club. I know several went to Mclean including our current VP of travel's kids. And some board members kids have actually left for other clubs as well. |
Anonymous
This. Our family has been involved with VYS for 12 years. In that time we've had kids on both house and travel. Prior to the academy system, travel actually meant something and house was a stronger program. People in the community were more likely to go with VYS because they lived here. Fast-forward to today and you have 1) too many kids making travel to the detriment of healthy house teams (where the majority of kids belong anyway), instead of a community soccer organization we've gone to a full-employment for trainers organization where the incentive is to create more pay big for play opportunities. 2) 8 year old kids trying out for multiple clubs' travel teams. again, the idea that you've got to openly "shop" for the best experience for an 8 year old kid is absurd and all the club-hopping doesn't create a stable organization. I think Eddie did a great job and I was sad to see him go. I also think the new TD is good and trying to make some good changes (and deal with the constant limits on field space due to burgeoning travel soccer armies. ) The problem is where once people were content to have their kids play locally, too many parents of kids just starting youth soccer come in with a club-hopping mindset and this attitude that it's all about "their" kids. I cannot tell you how many of these kids I've seen leave soccer over the years because they're burnt out with switching teams, being promoted and demoted or because all the fun has been sucked out of the game in the name of "playing at a higher level." VYS used to be the kind of club it was because of the community of people who supported it. The current leaders seem to be trying to retain that ethos, but it's difficult when no one is really committed to the community anymore. |
Anonymous
| I agree. Some good points. Many parents start the club hopping from the get go. In these instances, I feel for the kids bc it is not the fun experience with their friends that they very much need at the very young ages to learn teamwork and friendships. Regarding the current leadership attempting to maintain that, I have to ask.....if we already had that before, I just do not understand why we chose to rebuild a from the bottom up. Things were good and in many's opinion did not justify the radical unfortunate change that we are experiencing.. just wish someone could answer this question |
Anonymous
| Just getting in from lunch and catching up here. One thing I need to add, to the person inquiring if anyone had attempted to verbalize concerns to the current leadership. Yes, many did. I DO know that several individuals, some were parents that functioned heavily within the club as long time volunteers. Their emails to mike allen were never acknowledged. When that happened, it seemed that only very few had a voice. |