LMVSC town hall

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:*** and one thing to add -

Leave the training alone. Don't introduce the "academy style" BS.

this was the deal killer for us. You are already dealing with a massive about of change and uncertainty with COVID, why do this now.? poor timing and planning on LMVSCs part.

Sir, You make it sound like you DS is going to develop into a pro or college player. The reality is he will play thru u18 if desired and then off to college to play soccer with friends in a local beer league. Please stop making so much of the club style to be the 'deal killer". If he enjoys playing and its convenient stay and let him play. The truth is if he's any good it will get noticed and the offers and emails will come in from better teams. This area is filled with talent, just not standout talent. The elite standout head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch. The overall technical and tactical skill sets is what sets those very few apart. If your DS is there they will see it if not just understand he is part of the 99% and play well just not next level well.

Not PP. But interesting you bring up this line of thought because it sure seems to be the thinking behind this decision. “Hey, who cares about the next level?” Well, I’ll tell you at least one person: DD. DD wants to play in college. And she will, but arriving there from a different club. But this attitude of “hey whatever this is just for fun” is very fitting for what we have become. It’s no longer about becoming best player you can be, it’s paying a lot of money for a half season with no refund. Well if we wanted not serious soccer, we could just do rec, or cheaper travel (Gunston has both). And if we wanted an academy, we could do Alexandria (which has numerous teams and a lot of players, great for an academy). We had a great program, it was elite. It was fun. It was community-based. And in the past year, it has completely gone away. You don’t get a say in any kid’s future, but LMVSC was supposed to aid in that endeavor. Not one mention of that in the townhall.

Your right its more than rec and cost a lot of money. You fail to realize that this series soccer you DD is involved in is more than 50% of the youth soccer in America. Especially in this area the numbers are not in your favor for your dd to play college soccer. Like what was stated before if your dd is that good the offers would be rolling in regardless of where you play. college level talent stands out in different ways than the parent sees. Everyone is paying the same $$$$ and playing serious soccer. almost all will end at or before u18. Im not knocking her passion or want to play college. Just stating what no parent wants to hear but 99% know as the truth. Thousands came before and thousand will come after all paying he same $$$$ all with the same ending. Just remember if your good enough they will find you and if your not they will see you too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:*** and one thing to add -

Leave the training alone. Don't introduce the "academy style" BS.

this was the deal killer for us. You are already dealing with a massive about of change and uncertainty with COVID, why do this now.? poor timing and planning on LMVSCs part.

Sir, You make it sound like you DS is going to develop into a pro or college player. The reality is he will play thru u18 if desired and then off to college to play soccer with friends in a local beer league. Please stop making so much of the club style to be the 'deal killer". If he enjoys playing and its convenient stay and let him play. The truth is if he's any good it will get noticed and the offers and emails will come in from better teams. This area is filled with talent, just not standout talent. The elite standout head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch. The overall technical and tactical skill sets is what sets those very few apart. If your DS is there they will see it if not just understand he is part of the 99% and play well just not next level well.

Not PP. But interesting you bring up this line of thought because it sure seems to be the thinking behind this decision. “Hey, who cares about the next level?” Well, I’ll tell you at least one person: DD. DD wants to play in college. And she will, but arriving there from a different club. But this attitude of “hey whatever this is just for fun” is very fitting for what we have become. It’s no longer about becoming best player you can be, it’s paying a lot of money for a half season with no refund. Well if we wanted not serious soccer, we could just do rec, or cheaper travel (Gunston has both). And if we wanted an academy, we could do Alexandria (which has numerous teams and a lot of players, great for an academy). We had a great program, it was elite. It was fun. It was community-based. And in the past year, it has completely gone away. You don’t get a say in any kid’s future, but LMVSC was supposed to aid in that endeavor. Not one mention of that in the townhall.

Your right its more than rec and cost a lot of money. You fail to realize that this series soccer you DD is involved in is more than 50% of the youth soccer in America. Especially in this area the numbers are not in your favor for your dd to play college soccer. Like what was stated before if your dd is that good the offers would be rolling in regardless of where you play. college level talent stands out in different ways than the parent sees. Everyone is paying the same $$$$ and playing serious soccer. almost all will end at or before u18. Im not knocking her passion or want to play college. Just stating what no parent wants to hear but 99% know as the truth. Thousands came before and thousand will come after all paying he same $$$$ all with the same ending. Just remember if your good enough they will find you and if your not they will see you too.

I appreciate your participation in this online conversation. I have serious doubts of your sincerity or accuracy though, given the spelling and grammar errors that you somehow are correct on your math of "50% of youth soccer in America". Let me explain what LMVSC did have: a system that created some of the best players and teams in the area. That system worked, it was focused on the player. It was successful. It was fun. There was pride in the club and its community.

This new 'system' isn't a system at all, it's just easier on the coaches (and again, no definitions or details from the club STILL on how this will operate, let alone be successful). As many have aptly said earlier, mixing white and blue doesn't make red. The arrogance that we're just supposed to stay here is upsetting. We DID stay. And now what do we get? "Hey we're going to use a system like Alexandria" well here's a better solution: why not just go play for Alexandria? Look at their coaching slate. Multiple teams per age group. That's what a true academy needs, lots of players.

By the way, no plan for U16 and up. Not even a bad plan, just "yeah we're gonna show up". I have no doubts players are already committing elsewhere, and we are not waiting.

[Anonymous]

One more thing to add on. If this is about community, I'd expect to see our coaches and all of our directors giving some sincerity to all existing members. Now I'm not sure about you, but I haven't heard from the 'academy coach' or team coach.

But I suspect the staff only has interest to bring in outside players. Time will tell.

[Anonymous]

Not once was Alexandria mentioned in the call, that what was thrown out here Because of the “academy” word. You keep advocating going to play for Alexandria and no where else. Maybe you are from there just trying to stir the pot and get others to go there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not once was Alexandria mentioned in the call, that what was thrown out here Because of the “academy” word. You keep advocating going to play for Alexandria and no where else. Maybe you are from there just trying to stir the pot and get others to go there.

No, I am an LMVSC member in my final days. My challenge to the other 'members' is me not believing they're members. Trust me, there are plenty of other options besides Alexandria. BRYC has ECNL for those really serious. Arlington has developed top teams as well. Could follow a lot of people that went to SYC. Depending on the age/gender/location there's Doradus, and Vienna. I didn't start the Alexandria conversation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:True rebuilding can only take place at the younger age groups with the talented younger players who are still at the club. Parents of 7 and 8 year olds don't care about club politics or which coaches or teams left. They just expect a competitive team at U9.

2nd and 3rd tier teams are still 2nd and 3rd tier teams, no matter how you slice it. This is not a knock to anyone. These teams should continue to play the same level of competition they have in the past - against other clubs' 2nd and 3rd tier teams.

"promoting" everyone results in this conundrum:

Lmvsc's 2nd tier teams get "promoted" and play other clubs' 1st tier teams

Lmvsc's 3rd tier teams get "promoted" and play other clubs' 2nd tier teams.

This is a recipe for disaster at so many levels. If you are playing higher tier teams every week, no matter what your team work on during practice, you will still get slammed in games almost every weekend. The competition level is counterproductive for development and will lead to a lot of frustration.

Here are 2 options for LMVSC to take

1. leave the former "white" teams (that are now called "red") in CCL 2. DO NOT PROMOTE THEM TO CCL1 or it wil ll be a mess. With Blue teams, leave them in NCSL or ODSL or wherever they play.

2. switch to NCSL and let the teams sort out their competitive level from season to season. All teams will find an equilibrium.

I completely agree with the above. I know coaches and admin. read these forums. Can they for once think about the kids and do the right thing? We were excited when the opportunity to become the Red team came about last year, but it's been proven that we cannot compete at CCL level. We went from winning lots of games the previous year to finishing at the bottom in the fall.

Also, these new coaches knew the Academy style didn't work at their previous Club, it didn't create talent and it didn't bring in new players. The first thing the new coaches at SYC did for the Club last year was to get rid of the Academy style. That says something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:*** and one thing to add -

Leave the training alone. Don't introduce the "academy style" BS.

this was the deal killer for us. You are already dealing with a massive about of change and uncertainty with COVID, why do this now.? poor timing and planning on LMVSCs part.

Sir, You make it sound like you DS is going to develop into a pro or college player. The reality is he will play thru u18 if desired and then off to college to play soccer with friends in a local beer league. Please stop making so much of the club style to be the 'deal killer". If he enjoys playing and its convenient stay and let him play. The truth is if he's any good it will get noticed and the offers and emails will come in from better teams. This area is filled with talent, just not standout talent. The elite standout head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch. The overall technical and tactical skill sets is what sets those very few apart. If your DS is there they will see it if not just understand he is part of the 99% and play well just not next level well.

Not PP. But interesting you bring up this line of thought because it sure seems to be the thinking behind this decision. “Hey, who cares about the next level?” Well, I’ll tell you at least one person: DD. DD wants to play in college. And she will, but arriving there from a different club. But this attitude of “hey whatever this is just for fun” is very fitting for what we have become. It’s no longer about becoming best player you can be, it’s paying a lot of money for a half season with no refund. Well if we wanted not serious soccer, we could just do rec, or cheaper travel (Gunston has both). And if we wanted an academy, we could do Alexandria (which has numerous teams and a lot of players, great for an academy). We had a great program, it was elite. It was fun. It was community-based. And in the past year, it has completely gone away. You don’t get a say in any kid’s future, but LMVSC was supposed to aid in that endeavor. Not one mention of that in the townhall.

Your right its more than rec and cost a lot of money. You fail to realize that this series soccer you DD is involved in is more than 50% of the youth soccer in America. Especially in this area the numbers are not in your favor for your dd to play college soccer. Like what was stated before if your dd is that good the offers would be rolling in regardless of where you play. college level talent stands out in different ways than the parent sees. Everyone is paying the same $$$$ and playing serious soccer. almost all will end at or before u18. Im not knocking her passion or want to play college. Just stating what no parent wants to hear but 99% know as the truth. Thousands came before and thousand will come after all paying he same $$$$ all with the same ending. Just remember if your good enough they will find you and if your not they will see you too.

I appreciate your participation in this online conversation. I have serious doubts of your sincerity or accuracy though, given the spelling and grammar errors that you somehow are correct on your math of "50% of youth soccer in America". Let me explain what LMVSC did have: a system that created some of the best players and teams in the area. That system worked, it was focused on the player. It was successful. It was fun. There was pride in the club and its community.

This new 'system' isn't a system at all, it's just easier on the coaches (and again, no definitions or details from the club STILL on how this will operate, let alone be successful). As many have aptly said earlier, mixing white and blue doesn't make red. The arrogance that we're just supposed to stay here is upsetting. We DID stay. And now what do we get? "Hey we're going to use a system like Alexandria" well here's a better solution: why not just go play for Alexandria? Look at their coaching slate. Multiple teams per age group. That's what a true academy needs, lots of players.

By the way, no plan for U16 and up. Not even a bad plan, just "yeah we're gonna show up". I have no doubts players are already committing elsewhere, and we are not waiting.

I’m a little surprised at the belief that Alexandria’s model works. It only works because the soccer team training has to Be supplemented with additional camps and mastery classes to get the kids up to par. You pay Alexandria for team training, and have to supplement it by paying for additional foot skills camps throughout the year. If you are OK with hour soccer bill going up to $3K for teams and camps, by all means stick with the Academy format. If you believe that clubs should be able to trains skills and tactics at the same time, stick with the existing model.

[Anonymous]

My first. My take... I don't know. This honestly feels like labor. With COVID I'm just not sure we're in it anymore, but all of these changes don't exactly excite me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:*** and one thing to add -

Leave the training alone. Don't introduce the "academy style" BS.

this was the deal killer for us. You are already dealing with a massive about of change and uncertainty with COVID, why do this now.? poor timing and planning on LMVSCs part.

Sir, You make it sound like you DS is going to develop into a pro or college player. The reality is he will play thru u18 if desired and then off to college to play soccer with friends in a local beer league. Please stop making so much of the club style to be the 'deal killer". If he enjoys playing and its convenient stay and let him play. The truth is if he's any good it will get noticed and the offers and emails will come in from better teams. This area is filled with talent, just not standout talent. The elite standout head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch. The overall technical and tactical skill sets is what sets those very few apart. If your DS is there they will see it if not just understand he is part of the 99% and play well just not next level well.

Not PP. But interesting you bring up this line of thought because it sure seems to be the thinking behind this decision. “Hey, who cares about the next level?” Well, I’ll tell you at least one person: DD. DD wants to play in college. And she will, but arriving there from a different club. But this attitude of “hey whatever this is just for fun” is very fitting for what we have become. It’s no longer about becoming best player you can be, it’s paying a lot of money for a half season with no refund. Well if we wanted not serious soccer, we could just do rec, or cheaper travel (Gunston has both). And if we wanted an academy, we could do Alexandria (which has numerous teams and a lot of players, great for an academy). We had a great program, it was elite. It was fun. It was community-based. And in the past year, it has completely gone away. You don’t get a say in any kid’s future, but LMVSC was supposed to aid in that endeavor. Not one mention of that in the townhall.

Your right its more than rec and cost a lot of money. You fail to realize that this series soccer you DD is involved in is more than 50% of the youth soccer in America. Especially in this area the numbers are not in your favor for your dd to play college soccer. Like what was stated before if your dd is that good the offers would be rolling in regardless of where you play. college level talent stands out in different ways than the parent sees. Everyone is paying the same $$$$ and playing serious soccer. almost all will end at or before u18. Im not knocking her passion or want to play college. Just stating what no parent wants to hear but 99% know as the truth. Thousands came before and thousand will come after all paying he same $$$$ all with the same ending. Just remember if your good enough they will find you and if your not they will see you too.

I appreciate your participation in this online conversation. I have serious doubts of your sincerity or accuracy though, given the spelling and grammar errors that you somehow are correct on your math of "50% of youth soccer in America". Let me explain what LMVSC did have: a system that created some of the best players and teams in the area. That system worked, it was focused on the player. It was successful. It was fun. There was pride in the club and its community.

This new 'system' isn't a system at all, it's just easier on the coaches (and again, no definitions or details from the club STILL on how this will operate, let alone be successful). As many have aptly said earlier, mixing white and blue doesn't make red. The arrogance that we're just supposed to stay here is upsetting. We DID stay. And now what do we get? "Hey we're going to use a system like Alexandria" well here's a better solution: why not just go play for Alexandria? Look at their coaching slate. Multiple teams per age group. That's what a true academy needs, lots of players.

By the way, no plan for U16 and up. Not even a bad plan, just "yeah we're gonna show up". I have no doubts players are already committing elsewhere, and we are not waiting.

I’m a little surprised at the belief that Alexandria’s model works. It only works because the soccer team training has to Be supplemented with additional camps and mastery classes to get the kids up to par. You pay Alexandria for team training, and have to supplement it by paying for additional foot skills camps throughout the year. If you are OK with hour soccer bill going up to $3K for teams and camps, by all means stick with the Academy format. If you believe that clubs should be able to trains skills and tactics at the same time, stick with the existing model.

Nuts. Totally nuts. Your kids are welcome to try out over there for top teams and see how your hypothesis plays out. There is little or no tactical learning going on at any competing clubs. And most top kids don’t need to work on technical skills only in practices. They do this stuff at home. Most of the players don’t do extra classes at Alexandria. Certainly not as much as other top team players in the area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:*** and one thing to add -

Leave the training alone. Don't introduce the "academy style" BS.

this was the deal killer for us. You are already dealing with a massive about of change and uncertainty with COVID, why do this now.? poor timing and planning on LMVSCs part.

Sir, You make it sound like you DS is going to develop into a pro or college player. The reality is he will play thru u18 if desired and then off to college to play soccer with friends in a local beer league. Please stop making so much of the club style to be the 'deal killer". If he enjoys playing and its convenient stay and let him play. The truth is if he's any good it will get noticed and the offers and emails will come in from better teams. This area is filled with talent, just not standout talent. The elite standout head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch. The overall technical and tactical skill sets is what sets those very few apart. If your DS is there they will see it if not just understand he is part of the 99% and play well just not next level well.

Not PP. But interesting you bring up this line of thought because it sure seems to be the thinking behind this decision. “Hey, who cares about the next level?” Well, I’ll tell you at least one person: DD. DD wants to play in college. And she will, but arriving there from a different club. But this attitude of “hey whatever this is just for fun” is very fitting for what we have become. It’s no longer about becoming best player you can be, it’s paying a lot of money for a half season with no refund. Well if we wanted not serious soccer, we could just do rec, or cheaper travel (Gunston has both). And if we wanted an academy, we could do Alexandria (which has numerous teams and a lot of players, great for an academy). We had a great program, it was elite. It was fun. It was community-based. And in the past year, it has completely gone away. You don’t get a say in any kid’s future, but LMVSC was supposed to aid in that endeavor. Not one mention of that in the townhall.

Your right its more than rec and cost a lot of money. You fail to realize that this series soccer you DD is involved in is more than 50% of the youth soccer in America. Especially in this area the numbers are not in your favor for your dd to play college soccer. Like what was stated before if your dd is that good the offers would be rolling in regardless of where you play. college level talent stands out in different ways than the parent sees. Everyone is paying the same $$$$ and playing serious soccer. almost all will end at or before u18. Im not knocking her passion or want to play college. Just stating what no parent wants to hear but 99% know as the truth. Thousands came before and thousand will come after all paying he same $$$$ all with the same ending. Just remember if your good enough they will find you and if your not they will see you too.

I appreciate your participation in this online conversation. I have serious doubts of your sincerity or accuracy though, given the spelling and grammar errors that you somehow are correct on your math of "50% of youth soccer in America". Let me explain what LMVSC did have: a system that created some of the best players and teams in the area. That system worked, it was focused on the player. It was successful. It was fun. There was pride in the club and its community.

This new 'system' isn't a system at all, it's just easier on the coaches (and again, no definitions or details from the club STILL on how this will operate, let alone be successful). As many have aptly said earlier, mixing white and blue doesn't make red. The arrogance that we're just supposed to stay here is upsetting. We DID stay. And now what do we get? "Hey we're going to use a system like Alexandria" well here's a better solution: why not just go play for Alexandria? Look at their coaching slate. Multiple teams per age group. That's what a true academy needs, lots of players.

By the way, no plan for U16 and up. Not even a bad plan, just "yeah we're gonna show up". I have no doubts players are already committing elsewhere, and we are not waiting.

I’m a little surprised at the belief that Alexandria’s model works. It only works because the soccer team training has to Be supplemented with additional camps and mastery classes to get the kids up to par. You pay Alexandria for team training, and have to supplement it by paying for additional foot skills camps throughout the year. If you are OK with hour soccer bill going up to $3K for teams and camps, by all means stick with the Academy format. If you believe that clubs should be able to trains skills and tactics at the same time, stick with the existing model.

Nuts. Totally nuts. Your kids are welcome to try out over there for top teams and see how your hypothesis plays out. There is little or no tactical learning going on at any competing clubs. And most top kids don’t need to work on technical skills only in practices. They do this stuff at home. Most of the players don’t do extra classes at Alexandria. Certainly not as much as other top team players in the area.

I'm not sure who you're talking to in particular, but I think that's the premise for many of us. There's plenty of training everywhere. Some places are better than others, but so are the venues/leagues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess we’ll get our refund whenever they decide to? So glad you spent the money on free Zoom calls.

I’m not feeling good about being in this “academy” structure. Some ages have no teams, or only one. How is DD going to get “challenged” when it’s 12 players? Oh except seeing less of red team coach. Then again if DD makes white team (if there is one), apparently she can get judged once a season by the “academy coach”? Yeah I’m sure she won’t be nervous then.

Sounded pretty clear that team fees were definitely being returned and refunds given once money returned from leagues. Ok,it would be better if now but at least it’ll come in.

If you think that’s how academy works where your dd will only see an academy coach once than you weren’t listening. They train together each time. Plenty chances for everyone to be seen.

Not ideal situation to be in and I would also prefer to have a discount but it is what it is. My ds team has had plenty of interactions and kept him busy during this crappy situation.

Yeah I heard the “train together” part. About two sentences later “and academy coach will see at least one game, because game is so much more to see a player play.” Hope DD isn’t having a bad day, playing out of position since so few players, or just nervous because this is her one chance.

To me it didn’t sound like the academy coach would be attending the game to evaluate players but that he would be there to observe that the coach and team were performing in the same academy style of play. In academy setting the train together is where the player comparison is done. To me less designation of team color, more chances for my ds and your dd if designated “white” team players.

Oh so DD won’t be evaluated as a player nor for red team, just the team coach evaluated by academy coach to make sure all players are playing the same? I didn’t realize the intent was to really hammer “play the way I show you how to play”. I thought they were teaching the game. I honestly cannot believe this.

Im not with this club but the point of the academy is for all players to learn the same topics, style of play, players challenging each other daily, being observed constantly and getting opportunities to play in best setting based on their capabilities. Isn’t showing them how to play teaching the game? You guys are just twisting every word or not wanting to understand. If my kid was on a lower team I much rather they be exposed to the better players in this environment to help them get better instead of being stuck on a lower team against the same level competition and never getting the chance to move up. I guess some people are just too concerned that their status may change as little Johnny plays on a lower team for one game.

Even the kids on the top teams should get to play with/against older kids in the academy sessions. And the stronger girls get to play against boys. It's a great system if it's done properly. If the head coach/technical director is not good then it's a waste of time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess we’ll get our refund whenever they decide to? So glad you spent the money on free Zoom calls.

I’m not feeling good about being in this “academy” structure. Some ages have no teams, or only one. How is DD going to get “challenged” when it’s 12 players? Oh except seeing less of red team coach. Then again if DD makes white team (if there is one), apparently she can get judged once a season by the “academy coach”? Yeah I’m sure she won’t be nervous then.

Sounded pretty clear that team fees were definitely being returned and refunds given once money returned from leagues. Ok,it would be better if now but at least it’ll come in.

If you think that’s how academy works where your dd will only see an academy coach once than you weren’t listening. They train together each time. Plenty chances for everyone to be seen.

Not ideal situation to be in and I would also prefer to have a discount but it is what it is. My ds team has had plenty of interactions and kept him busy during this crappy situation.

Yeah I heard the “train together” part. About two sentences later “and academy coach will see at least one game, because game is so much more to see a player play.” Hope DD isn’t having a bad day, playing out of position since so few players, or just nervous because this is her one chance.

To me it didn’t sound like the academy coach would be attending the game to evaluate players but that he would be there to observe that the coach and team were performing in the same academy style of play. In academy setting the train together is where the player comparison is done. To me less designation of team color, more chances for my ds and your dd if designated “white” team players.

Oh so DD won’t be evaluated as a player nor for red team, just the team coach evaluated by academy coach to make sure all players are playing the same? I didn’t realize the intent was to really hammer “play the way I show you how to play”. I thought they were teaching the game. I honestly cannot believe this.

Im not with this club but the point of the academy is for all players to learn the same topics, style of play, players challenging each other daily, being observed constantly and getting opportunities to play in best setting based on their capabilities. Isn’t showing them how to play teaching the game? You guys are just twisting every word or not wanting to understand. If my kid was on a lower team I much rather they be exposed to the better players in this environment to help them get better instead of being stuck on a lower team against the same level competition and never getting the chance to move up. I guess some people are just too concerned that their status may change as little Johnny plays on a lower team for one game.

Even the kids on the top teams should get to play with/against older kids in the academy sessions. And the stronger girls get to play against boys. It's a great system if it's done properly. If the head coach/technical director is not good then it's a waste of time.

Expanding on this - at least this is the way I've seen it done well. Not every practice is an "academy practice". Maybe 1/3 - 1/2 of practices are academy practices and multiple age groups and many coaches come together for this. The idea is to mix the kids up and put groups of similar abilities together including girls with boys and across age groups. The kids then work on different exercises in small groups - and the exact groupings change relatively frequently.

The other practice nights, the kids practice as teams just as you are used to.

I've seen this work very well indeed. But it doesn't sound like this is quite what you are getting...

[Anonymous]

Oh okay, so if the two previous posts are true, it was a lie to the white teams. Because I heard pretty clearly “academy training”. Secondly, they said this would be our ‘new way of doing things.’ Well if it ends up 1/3 of training is age group and 2/3 are team practices THAT WAS THE WAY WE USED TO DO IT. So how is this new?

To the two previous posters... where have you seen an academy system operate? Especially the way as you described it?

[Anonymous]

Academy style or tier team training doesn't really matter in the end. LMVSC, Alexandria, SYC ,etc.. They all cost about the same and ALL produce they same level of talent as the kids age out of travel soccer. I challenge you to find 1 top tier team at any club who finished 1st or 2nd place in their division EVERY single year from u9 until they aged out. You're seeing this thru blind parent eyes. My little Sally and her team are so good they will be the next US national team. Or my DDs team lost the game only because of bad refs. I can't see why you are so bothered about mixed training other than your DD will fit right in and not stand out. For the love of god man, take your DD to a higher level club and watch her advance thru the ranks their and come back and brag how cool it was for her to win a World Cup. Maybe better yet get the big picture. Your DD is 1 of 60-90 LOCAL girls who all pay the same club the same 2k-3k per year as the others do at the 30-50 other clubs in the DMV. So stop bitching and pay to play either at LMVSC or whatever club you choose to have your DD dominate at.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Academy style or tier team training doesn't really matter in the end. LMVSC, Alexandria, SYC ,etc.. They all cost about the same and ALL produce they same level of talent as the kids age out of travel soccer. I challenge you to find 1 top tier team at any club who finished 1st or 2nd place in their division EVERY single year from u9 until they aged out. You're seeing this thru blind parent eyes. My little Sally and her team are so good they will be the next US national team. Or my DDs team lost the game only because of bad refs. I can't see why you are so bothered about mixed training other than your DD will fit right in and not stand out. For the love of god man, take your DD to a higher level club and watch her advance thru the ranks their and come back and brag how cool it was for her to win a World Cup. Maybe better yet get the big picture. Your DD is 1 of 60-90 LOCAL girls who all pay the same club the same 2k-3k per year as the others do at the 30-50 other clubs in the DMV. So stop bitching and pay to play either at LMVSC or whatever club you choose to have your DD dominate at.

Really? It doesn't matter? That 2k-3k/year doesn't fly out of my pockets, and I'm not saying it does/doesn't for anybody else. My 2k-3k needs to be spent appropriately, meaning I'm trying to maximize my value. So yes, while no club is #1 across the boards, I am noticing a bit of a trend on how many clubs finish so close to last.

I'm trying to make sure my kid gets best environment (which is what most people on here are complaining about).