ECNL forcing Brave & Union Partnership

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My teenager's ECNL team has had 22 on the roster this year, and it's worked out fine - actually, surprisingly well for all players. In the past I've criticized the club for having deep rosters, so I was skeptical at the beginning of the season. I credit the coach's management of the roster.

Do the same group of kids not play in league matches (actually not dress, thanks to substitution rules, most wont play in a given match)? Do the kids who don't dress for games think it is working out fine?

All 22 dress, only 18 are actually rostered. If not rostered, they still show up, participate in warm-ups and watch the game; and there's always the possibility of game day substitution (i.e., a rostered player wakes up sick on game day). Of course players are disappointed when they aren't rostered. But they're free to discuss the reason with the coach, and the coach provides meaningful feedback. Again, it works because of the team chemistry (players evenly matched, for the most part) and the thought the coach puts into selecting game day rosters.

Wait wait wait, there is not a team out there where players “[feel] free to discuss the reason with the coach, and the coach provides meaningful feedback”. I am sure that the author of this thinks that they are the magical coach where players feel free. This is never true, the power dynamics make it that way. And it’s worth noting this is true all the way through the pros! Listen to the interviews about the USMNT from back in 2000’s, players were completely afraid of asking and these were adult professional men!

Soccer is particularly bad for this, because as a sport it is so wildly dependent of confidence and brief moments of … for lack of a better word, Luck. I’ve watched so many coaches in ECNL leave top players on the field when clearly they are not having a good day just based on the fact that they don’t want to destroy that kid’s confidence, and that kid can sometimes get a lucky deflection or a crazy foul. The coach is not telling a player “I didn’t put you in because I don’t want sally to start feeling bad, and she tends to be our top scorer”.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In the voting democracy, Mclean will permanently lose going forward; the politics and maneuvering have ended. So, please keep your manners.

Why people care so much who has control?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My teenager's ECNL team has had 22 on the roster this year, and it's worked out fine - actually, surprisingly well for all players. In the past I've criticized the club for having deep rosters, so I was skeptical at the beginning of the season. I credit the coach's management of the roster.

Do the same group of kids not play in league matches (actually not dress, thanks to substitution rules, most wont play in a given match)? Do the kids who don't dress for games think it is working out fine?

All 22 dress, only 18 are actually rostered. If not rostered, they still show up, participate in warm-ups and watch the game; and there's always the possibility of game day substitution (i.e., a rostered player wakes up sick on game day). Of course players are disappointed when they aren't rostered. But they're free to discuss the reason with the coach, and the coach provides meaningful feedback. Again, it works because of the team chemistry (players evenly matched, for the most part) and the thought the coach puts into selecting game day rosters.

Wait wait wait, there is not a team out there where players “[feel] free to discuss the reason with the coach, and the coach provides meaningful feedback”. I am sure that the author of this thinks that they are the magical coach where players feel free. This is never true, the power dynamics make it that way. And it’s worth noting this is true all the way through the pros! Listen to the interviews about the USMNT from back in 2000’s, players were completely afraid of asking and these were adult professional men!

Soccer is particularly bad for this, because as a sport it is so wildly dependent of confidence and brief moments of … for lack of a better word, Luck. I’ve watched so many coaches in ECNL leave top players on the field when clearly they are not having a good day just based on the fact that they don’t want to destroy that kid’s confidence, and that kid can sometimes get a lucky deflection or a crazy foul. The coach is not telling a player “I didn’t put you in because I don’t want sally to start feeling bad, and she tends to be our top scorer”.

Happens in the pros too—Like they should have pulled Trinity Rodman out of the Mexico game.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Four players aren't rostered each game, but those players are rotated. Game day roster decisions are based on what the coach accesses is needed to be most competitive against the opponent. It probably works because the roster does not have any weak links. Sure, every player has their strengths and weaknesses. But as a whole, the team works well together regardless of which players are on the field. There are several players who are versatile - although they may prefer one position, they are competitive playing at least one other.

How many are those for non-dressing spots rotated among? Are you saying that you can start one day and not dress the next or is it the same six or seven kids each game?

Although there are a handful (plus or minus a couple) who have started every game, the starting line-up varies. But to answer the question, most players have not been rostered for one or two of our league games; so the players who haven't dressed have changed/been rotated equally, for the most part. There have been games when someone is sick or injured, so self-selected not to play. Players not rostered show up anyway, participate in warm ups and watch the game.

Tell that to the U18 Union girls with a roster of 30+ or the 07s with 24. Even with injuries, you have several players not rostered who do not “self-select” not to play. They are told they are not rostered. Often the same players sit. They didn’t sign up as practice players. They were told they were on the team. It’s the McLean way. FCV too (and now VRSC).

[Anonymous]

You people can start the script of a reality show, +100 pages of this?where is Netflix production?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Four players aren't rostered each game, but those players are rotated. Game day roster decisions are based on what the coach accesses is needed to be most competitive against the opponent. It probably works because the roster does not have any weak links. Sure, every player has their strengths and weaknesses. But as a whole, the team works well together regardless of which players are on the field. There are several players who are versatile - although they may prefer one position, they are competitive playing at least one other.

How many are those for non-dressing spots rotated among? Are you saying that you can start one day and not dress the next or is it the same six or seven kids each game?

Although there are a handful (plus or minus a couple) who have started every game, the starting line-up varies. But to answer the question, most players have not been rostered for one or two of our league games; so the players who haven't dressed have changed/been rotated equally, for the most part. There have been games when someone is sick or injured, so self-selected not to play. Players not rostered show up anyway, participate in warm ups and watch the game.

Tell that to the U18 Union girls with a roster of 30+ or the 07s with 24. Even with injuries, you have several players not rostered who do not “self-select” not to play. They are told they are not rostered. Often the same players sit. They didn’t sign up as practice players. They were told they were on the team. It’s the McLean way. FCV too (and now VRSC).

It's just so sh!tty. For many of them, this is going to be their last year of competitive soccer. And they'll watch it from the bench (while still "getting" to practice).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How many girls are being rostered for ECNL teams at Union? How do they determine who plays in the matches?

Next year expect inflated rosters. Playing time will vary based on the coach. Expect many players to self select out in year 2.

Could be but you can only dress 18.

Why would the roster be more than 18 then?

McLean/VA Union ECNL carries rosters of well over 18 in most age groups for boys and girls. Only 18 can be rostered on game days. The rest sit.

BRAVE does not do this - no huge rosters with more players than can actually dress and play. It’s always the same team at every practice and game.

BRAVE what?
It is done and gone. 2 years existence does not leave a mark. please stop refer Brave.

Brave has an entire second half of a season for the 10s and 11s, Super Cup, Super Y, Showcases and National Playoffs. So, I hope this post irritates you. And if it doesn't...
brave
brave
brave
brave
brave

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Four players aren't rostered each game, but those players are rotated. Game day roster decisions are based on what the coach accesses is needed to be most competitive against the opponent. It probably works because the roster does not have any weak links. Sure, every player has their strengths and weaknesses. But as a whole, the team works well together regardless of which players are on the field. There are several players who are versatile - although they may prefer one position, they are competitive playing at least one other.

How many are those for non-dressing spots rotated among? Are you saying that you can start one day and not dress the next or is it the same six or seven kids each game?

Although there are a handful (plus or minus a couple) who have started every game, the starting line-up varies. But to answer the question, most players have not been rostered for one or two of our league games; so the players who haven't dressed have changed/been rotated equally, for the most part. There have been games when someone is sick or injured, so self-selected not to play. Players not rostered show up anyway, participate in warm ups and watch the game.

Tell that to the U18 Union girls with a roster of 30+ or the 07s with 24. Even with injuries, you have several players not rostered who do not “self-select” not to play. They are told they are not rostered. Often the same players sit. They didn’t sign up as practice players. They were told they were on the team. It’s the McLean way. FCV too (and now VRSC).

Wow! This sounds awful for individuals and team dynamics

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My teenager's ECNL team has had 22 on the roster this year, and it's worked out fine - actually, surprisingly well for all players. In the past I've criticized the club for having deep rosters, so I was skeptical at the beginning of the season. I credit the coach's management of the roster.

Do the same group of kids not play in league matches (actually not dress, thanks to substitution rules, most wont play in a given match)? Do the kids who don't dress for games think it is working out fine?

All 22 dress, only 18 are actually rostered. If not rostered, they still show up, participate in warm-ups and watch the game; and there's always the possibility of game day substitution (i.e., a rostered player wakes up sick on game day). Of course players are disappointed when they aren't rostered. But they're free to discuss the reason with the coach, and the coach provides meaningful feedback. Again, it works because of the team chemistry (players evenly matched, for the most part) and the thought the coach puts into selecting game day rosters.

So huge rosters, uncertainty of who the team is per game, disappointed players, and reduced playing time per player?! And McLean players and families have been ok with this?

[Anonymous]

I was curious about the oldest age groups and how this merger will affect them. From the ECNL rosters, we can see that:

Union has 8 trapped 2006 players plus 26 2007 players
Brave has 5 trapped 2006 players (maybe 7) plus 18 2007 players

Now, for a combined 06/07 FVU team, that's a total of 57 or 58 players and a max roster size of 30 with 18 being able to dress/play. That's really unfortunate for those girls, especially those for whom next year would have been their final year to play.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Four players aren't rostered each game, but those players are rotated. Game day roster decisions are based on what the coach accesses is needed to be most competitive against the opponent. It probably works because the roster does not have any weak links. Sure, every player has their strengths and weaknesses. But as a whole, the team works well together regardless of which players are on the field. There are several players who are versatile - although they may prefer one position, they are competitive playing at least one other.

How many are those for non-dressing spots rotated among? Are you saying that you can start one day and not dress the next or is it the same six or seven kids each game?

Although there are a handful (plus or minus a couple) who have started every game, the starting line-up varies. But to answer the question, most players have not been rostered for one or two of our league games; so the players who haven't dressed have changed/been rotated equally, for the most part. There have been games when someone is sick or injured, so self-selected not to play. Players not rostered show up anyway, participate in warm ups and watch the game.

Tell that to the U18 Union girls with a roster of 30+ or the 07s with 24. Even with injuries, you have several players not rostered who do not “self-select” not to play. They are told they are not rostered. Often the same players sit. They didn’t sign up as practice players. They were told they were on the team. It’s the McLean way. FCV too (and now VRSC).

It's just so sh!tty. For many of them, this is going to be their last year of competitive soccer. And they'll watch it from the bench (while still "getting" to practice).

And still pay $3k+ for that privilege...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My teenager's ECNL team has had 22 on the roster this year, and it's worked out fine - actually, surprisingly well for all players. In the past I've criticized the club for having deep rosters, so I was skeptical at the beginning of the season. I credit the coach's management of the roster.

Do the same group of kids not play in league matches (actually not dress, thanks to substitution rules, most wont play in a given match)? Do the kids who don't dress for games think it is working out fine?

All 22 dress, only 18 are actually rostered. If not rostered, they still show up, participate in warm-ups and watch the game; and there's always the possibility of game day substitution (i.e., a rostered player wakes up sick on game day). Of course players are disappointed when they aren't rostered. But they're free to discuss the reason with the coach, and the coach provides meaningful feedback. Again, it works because of the team chemistry (players evenly matched, for the most part) and the thought the coach puts into selecting game day rosters.

So huge rosters, uncertainty of who the team is per game, disappointed players, and reduced playing time per player?! And McLean players and families have been ok with this?

I don't consider 22 players a "huge" roster for high school players, especially given the potential for injury. Competition is part of life, as are uncertainty and disappointment. There's more to participating in youth soccer, even at the ECNL level, than the number a minutes a player gets to play per game.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How many girls are being rostered for ECNL teams at Union? How do they determine who plays in the matches?

Next year expect inflated rosters. Playing time will vary based on the coach. Expect many players to self select out in year 2.

Could be but you can only dress 18.

Why would the roster be more than 18 then?

McLean/VA Union ECNL carries rosters of well over 18 in most age groups for boys and girls. Only 18 can be rostered on game days. The rest sit.

BRAVE does not do this - no huge rosters with more players than can actually dress and play. It’s always the same team at every practice and game.

IMO announcing a cap of 18 players per ECNL team would do more to keep the best players than any one single action. Many top players are worried about accepting a 3/1 offer and then learning that there will be 30 on the roster - no ability to build chemistry, lots of "10 minutes left in the half, score tied, 7 subs come on to join you, other team immediately scores" moments.

Roster will be between 24-30

And this was acceptable to McLean players and families? Why?

There isn't deception going on. It's because some of those families were happy to pay the fee to practice with the ECNL team and develop with that team and coach and be rostered on weekends in EDP. That all works because enough people were interested in the program.

BRAVE rostered how many kids and why? Was it because they had 30 great players tryout and decided to only pick the best 14 or was is because lots of players have left and their current coaches do not attract outside talent.

Ask the 2009 Girls if you don't know the answer.

Why not also ask the other BRAVE girls teams that are doing well too rather than only use the example of the 1 that isn’t? These teams all have smaller rosters. There is great team dynamics and synergy since it’s the same players at every practice and game.

Define...doing well? I only see one current girls BRAVE team over .500

Outside of the 2011’s (who have a lot of former McLean and VYS), who is performing well in Arlington?

Outside of the 2010’s (largely from SYC), who is performing well from Union?

To the comment about the Arlington 2011 ECNL, thats not exactly right. There are several former Mclean players, one from BRAVE and no one from SYC. 9 members of the team have been together at Arlington since starting together at U8.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How many girls are being rostered for ECNL teams at Union? How do they determine who plays in the matches?

Next year expect inflated rosters. Playing time will vary based on the coach. Expect many players to self select out in year 2.

Could be but you can only dress 18.

Why would the roster be more than 18 then?

McLean/VA Union ECNL carries rosters of well over 18 in most age groups for boys and girls. Only 18 can be rostered on game days. The rest sit.

BRAVE does not do this - no huge rosters with more players than can actually dress and play. It’s always the same team at every practice and game.

IMO announcing a cap of 18 players per ECNL team would do more to keep the best players than any one single action. Many top players are worried about accepting a 3/1 offer and then learning that there will be 30 on the roster - no ability to build chemistry, lots of "10 minutes left in the half, score tied, 7 subs come on to join you, other team immediately scores" moments.

Roster will be between 24-30

And this was acceptable to McLean players and families? Why?

There isn't deception going on. It's because some of those families were happy to pay the fee to practice with the ECNL team and develop with that team and coach and be rostered on weekends in EDP. That all works because enough people were interested in the program.

BRAVE rostered how many kids and why? Was it because they had 30 great players tryout and decided to only pick the best 14 or was is because lots of players have left and their current coaches do not attract outside talent.

Ask the 2009 Girls if you don't know the answer.

Why not also ask the other BRAVE girls teams that are doing well too rather than only use the example of the 1 that isn’t? These teams all have smaller rosters. There is great team dynamics and synergy since it’s the same players at every practice and game.

Define...doing well? I only see one current girls BRAVE team over .500

Outside of the 2011’s (who have a lot of former McLean and VYS), who is performing well in Arlington?

Outside of the 2010’s (largely from SYC), who is performing well from Union?

To the comment about the Arlington 2011 ECNL, thats not exactly right. There are several former Mclean players, one from BRAVE and no one from SYC. 9 members of the team have been together at Arlington since starting together at U8.

Since we’re going back to U8 3 of those 11’s started at SYC and left at different times, all 3 playing up a year for the strong 2010 age group.

[Anonymous]

To the comment about the Arlington 2011 ECNL, thats not exactly right. There are several former Mclean players, one from BRAVE and no one from SYC. 9 members of the team have been together at Arlington since starting together at U8.

Wow the same 9 players were selected at tryouts as 7 year olds are strill on the top team now. Maybe you should give that persons info to all the teams in the premier league because they clearly have a skill no one else does. Or could this be a reason why Arlington's older teams get worse as they get older.