08 Girls

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^ This is extremely disappointing. Being in the Rockville area, driving to BSC for practices would be much more convenient than going to McLean during rush hour especially when COVID is over.

There’s no way my wife and I can handle watching my DD being chewed out by any grown man. I teach my DD not to tolerate these types of behavior. Heck, I am a company executive and I don’t allow that behavior from professional adults with each other.

I guess we will have to stick to EDP.

ECNL is never going to be convenient. You have more options available but you need to weigh the pros and cons of why you want your DD to play in ECNL. If Bethesda is truly your only possible option you could still join a team at U15 when coaching changes usually happen. Find a trainer to get extra work in and use the next year or two working on her deficiencies.

But your DD will likely do better away from him. If she is talented she'll make a team when the time is right.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^ This is extremely disappointing. Being in the Rockville area, driving to BSC for practices would be much more convenient than going to McLean during rush hour especially when COVID is over.

There’s no way my wife and I can handle watching my DD being chewed out by any grown man. I teach my DD not to tolerate these types of behavior. Heck, I am a company executive and I don’t allow that behavior from professional adults with each other.

I guess we will have to stick to EDP.

ECNL is never going to be convenient. You have more options available but you need to weigh the pros and cons of why you want your DD to play in ECNL. If Bethesda is truly your only possible option you could still join a team at U15 when coaching changes usually happen. Find a trainer to get extra work in and use the next year or two working on her deficiencies.

But your DD will likely do better away from him. If she is talented she'll make a team when the time is right.

Based upon the current coaching staff, it would be like jumping from the frying pan into the fire since KL is the coach for U14 and KL/DG are coaches for U15.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^ This is extremely disappointing. Being in the Rockville area, driving to BSC for practices would be much more convenient than going to McLean during rush hour especially when COVID is over.

There’s no way my wife and I can handle watching my DD being chewed out by any grown man. I teach my DD not to tolerate these types of behavior. Heck, I am a company executive and I don’t allow that behavior from professional adults with each other.

I guess we will have to stick to EDP.

ECNL is never going to be convenient. You have more options available but you need to weigh the pros and cons of why you want your DD to play in ECNL. If Bethesda is truly your only possible option you could still join a team at U15 when coaching changes usually happen. Find a trainer to get extra work in and use the next year or two working on her deficiencies.

But your DD will likely do better away from him. If she is talented she'll make a team when the time is right.

Based upon the current coaching staff, it would be like jumping from the frying pan into the fire since KL is the coach for U14 and KL/DG are coaches for U15.

Well, the logistics improve as kids get older since practice times are later. The difference of making a practice at 7 or 7:30 on the beltway is far better than 5 or 6pm practices that younger kids generally get.

So more options can come into play logistics wise.

[Anonymous]

Agree with other posters - go to practices and games for any of the top teams in the area and make your decisions. There have been other threads on BSC Coaches so worth reading, but take anything with a grain of salt. When I read these threads, I assume that for any club. And know that every team, the kids, the parent dynamics, coach dynamics can vary year to year. One thing that was mentioned in other threads by seemingly different people (though one never knows), was that DG is a different type of coach this year to his teams. There seems to be a backstory to that.

We have a DD that plays for DG and given the reputation, I was on very high alert trying to observe closely. But, I also knew adults who played for him and he had a big impact on their life (beyond soccer). I knew parents of kids - who were not star players - who talked about him years later in a positive fashion. So while on alert, kept an open mind. Maybe its the kinder and gentler DG (as been alluded by others), but its been a very good experience without real drama. I can see that he is invested closely in the team and really understands my kid - not just how they play on the field, but what works for them. She is a strong player that works hard, but she can be very hard on herself. He has worked on this with her, one on one and I see a happier kid - who is more confident all around, not just soccer. For his teams, he has does extra practices, tried to find extra games when things keep getting cancelled. I would also say, while he is concise/minimal in words, he has been empathetic - when things outside their control have been unfair. (Common right now to kids in covid). In covid times, he has been a consistent for the kids . I haven't seen any drama - no roller coasters around practices, none of that stuff and I have seen a lot in this with other coaches. Is he perfect in everything he says - no. Does he take time to explain afterwards, yes - a lot. Does he expect a lot - yes. Is he clear in expectations - yes. If your kid isn't willing to put in extra time /work for ECNL level, is it something to try lightly - likely not - which is fine.

Knowing a lot of coaches in travel / MS / HS, on the spectrum of coaches, the "current" DG is far on the better side of dealing with kids. I have also seen the "nice" coaches, be super cruel. Of the "positive coaching" marketing, be anything but.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree with other posters - go to practices and games for any of the top teams in the area and make your decisions. There have been other threads on BSC Coaches so worth reading, but take anything with a grain of salt. When I read these threads, I assume that for any club. And know that every team, the kids, the parent dynamics, coach dynamics can vary year to year. One thing that was mentioned in other threads by seemingly different people (though one never knows), was that DG is a different type of coach this year to his teams. There seems to be a backstory to that.

We have a DD that plays for DG and given the reputation, I was on very high alert trying to observe closely. But, I also knew adults who played for him and he had a big impact on their life (beyond soccer). I knew parents of kids - who were not star players - who talked about him years later in a positive fashion. So while on alert, kept an open mind. Maybe its the kinder and gentler DG (as been alluded by others), but its been a very good experience without real drama. I can see that he is invested closely in the team and really understands my kid - not just how they play on the field, but what works for them. She is a strong player that works hard, but she can be very hard on herself. He has worked on this with her, one on one and I see a happier kid - who is more confident all around, not just soccer. For his teams, he has does extra practices, tried to find extra games when things keep getting cancelled. I would also say, while he is concise/minimal in words, he has been empathetic - when things outside their control have been unfair. (Common right now to kids in covid). In covid times, he has been a consistent for the kids . I haven't seen any drama - no roller coasters around practices, none of that stuff and I have seen a lot in this with other coaches. Is he perfect in everything he says - no. Does he take time to explain afterwards, yes - a lot. Does he expect a lot - yes. Is he clear in expectations - yes. If your kid isn't willing to put in extra time /work for ECNL level, is it something to try lightly - likely not - which is fine.

Knowing a lot of coaches in travel / MS / HS, on the spectrum of coaches, the "current" DG is far on the better side of dealing with kids. I have also seen the "nice" coaches, be super cruel. Of the "positive coaching" marketing, be anything but.

What is evident is that he works for a particular style of player. Lots of coaches are that way. However, the best coaches can coach and teach to all personality styles of players. For every, "he was great for my kid" comment he also has lost a a talented player because of his methods.

Time away usually softens memories but I would say that those players are probably closer to Stockholm Syndrome than truly admiring him.

What I have witnessed him do there is no place for it in a professional work environment and certainly not with kids. We tend to think that sports require humiliation to evoke the most out of players and we let coaches say and do things to our kids that we would NEVER accept as adults or even of teachers.

He is at Bethesda because he gets results in the Win Loss column and sadly, that is all parents care about. They will suffer the fool and let him scream at their kid simply because of wins and other clubs are to inconvenient to join.

I'ver rarely seen someone so out of touch with perspective as DG.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^ This is extremely disappointing. Being in the Rockville area, driving to BSC for practices would be much more convenient than going to McLean during rush hour especially when COVID is over.

There’s no way my wife and I can handle watching my DD being chewed out by any grown man. I teach my DD not to tolerate these types of behavior. Heck, I am a company executive and I don’t allow that behavior from professional adults with each other.

I guess we will have to stick to EDP.

There are more and more kids going from Montgomery county to Virginia clubs. When things get better there will be carpool options. So don’t rule out Virginia clubs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agree with other posters - go to practices and games for any of the top teams in the area and make your decisions. There have been other threads on BSC Coaches so worth reading, but take anything with a grain of salt. When I read these threads, I assume that for any club. And know that every team, the kids, the parent dynamics, coach dynamics can vary year to year. One thing that was mentioned in other threads by seemingly different people (though one never knows), was that DG is a different type of coach this year to his teams. There seems to be a backstory to that.

We have a DD that plays for DG and given the reputation, I was on very high alert trying to observe closely. But, I also knew adults who played for him and he had a big impact on their life (beyond soccer). I knew parents of kids - who were not star players - who talked about him years later in a positive fashion. So while on alert, kept an open mind. Maybe its the kinder and gentler DG (as been alluded by others), but its been a very good experience without real drama. I can see that he is invested closely in the team and really understands my kid - not just how they play on the field, but what works for them. She is a strong player that works hard, but she can be very hard on herself. He has worked on this with her, one on one and I see a happier kid - who is more confident all around, not just soccer. For his teams, he has does extra practices, tried to find extra games when things keep getting cancelled. I would also say, while he is concise/minimal in words, he has been empathetic - when things outside their control have been unfair. (Common right now to kids in covid). In covid times, he has been a consistent for the kids . I haven't seen any drama - no roller coasters around practices, none of that stuff and I have seen a lot in this with other coaches. Is he perfect in everything he says - no. Does he take time to explain afterwards, yes - a lot. Does he expect a lot - yes. Is he clear in expectations - yes. If your kid isn't willing to put in extra time /work for ECNL level, is it something to try lightly - likely not - which is fine.

Knowing a lot of coaches in travel / MS / HS, on the spectrum of coaches, the "current" DG is far on the better side of dealing with kids. I have also seen the "nice" coaches, be super cruel. Of the "positive coaching" marketing, be anything but.

What is evident is that he works for a particular style of player. Lots of coaches are that way. However, the best coaches can coach and teach to all personality styles of players. For every, "he was great for my kid" comment he also has lost a a talented player because of his methods.

Time away usually softens memories but I would say that those players are probably closer to Stockholm Syndrome than truly admiring him.

What I have witnessed him do there is no place for it in a professional work environment and certainly not with kids. We tend to think that sports require humiliation to evoke the most out of players and we let coaches say and do things to our kids that we would NEVER accept as adults or even of teachers.

He is at Bethesda because he gets results in the Win Loss column and sadly, that is all parents care about. They will suffer the fool and let him scream at their kid simply because of wins and other clubs are to inconvenient to join.

I'ver rarely seen someone so out of touch with perspective as DG.

I guess I can say the same for you - quite out of touch with perspective. My child plays for his ECNL team at BSC so I know first hand that DG is a wonderful, talented, AND extremely compassionate coach. He doesn’t suffer foolish behavior or laziness. He sets expectations high and wants follow through. Does he yell at games? Sure does during the game. Afterwards, he is very specific about errors that were made and takes great effort to correct those errors during practice. Once your kid knows him and his style, s/he will realize it’s not personal and they are expected to work when playing for him. He wants nothing less. I am soo happy that I no longer have to coach my kid, I can leave it to him. As with work places and social circles, it may not be your cup of tea - but don’t disparage someone’s character because of a coaching style you don’t prefer. He is actually a very, very nice person and cares greatly for each of his players as evidenced by the number of players that he coached at a young age that bring their kids to play for him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agree with other posters - go to practices and games for any of the top teams in the area and make your decisions. There have been other threads on BSC Coaches so worth reading, but take anything with a grain of salt. When I read these threads, I assume that for any club. And know that every team, the kids, the parent dynamics, coach dynamics can vary year to year. One thing that was mentioned in other threads by seemingly different people (though one never knows), was that DG is a different type of coach this year to his teams. There seems to be a backstory to that.

We have a DD that plays for DG and given the reputation, I was on very high alert trying to observe closely. But, I also knew adults who played for him and he had a big impact on their life (beyond soccer). I knew parents of kids - who were not star players - who talked about him years later in a positive fashion. So while on alert, kept an open mind. Maybe its the kinder and gentler DG (as been alluded by others), but its been a very good experience without real drama. I can see that he is invested closely in the team and really understands my kid - not just how they play on the field, but what works for them. She is a strong player that works hard, but she can be very hard on herself. He has worked on this with her, one on one and I see a happier kid - who is more confident all around, not just soccer. For his teams, he has does extra practices, tried to find extra games when things keep getting cancelled. I would also say, while he is concise/minimal in words, he has been empathetic - when things outside their control have been unfair. (Common right now to kids in covid). In covid times, he has been a consistent for the kids . I haven't seen any drama - no roller coasters around practices, none of that stuff and I have seen a lot in this with other coaches. Is he perfect in everything he says - no. Does he take time to explain afterwards, yes - a lot. Does he expect a lot - yes. Is he clear in expectations - yes. If your kid isn't willing to put in extra time /work for ECNL level, is it something to try lightly - likely not - which is fine.

Knowing a lot of coaches in travel / MS / HS, on the spectrum of coaches, the "current" DG is far on the better side of dealing with kids. I have also seen the "nice" coaches, be super cruel. Of the "positive coaching" marketing, be anything but.

What is evident is that he works for a particular style of player. Lots of coaches are that way. However, the best coaches can coach and teach to all personality styles of players. For every, "he was great for my kid" comment he also has lost a a talented player because of his methods.

Time away usually softens memories but I would say that those players are probably closer to Stockholm Syndrome than truly admiring him.

What I have witnessed him do there is no place for it in a professional work environment and certainly not with kids. We tend to think that sports require humiliation to evoke the most out of players and we let coaches say and do things to our kids that we would NEVER accept as adults or even of teachers.

He is at Bethesda because he gets results in the Win Loss column and sadly, that is all parents care about. They will suffer the fool and let him scream at their kid simply because of wins and other clubs are to inconvenient to join.

I'ver rarely seen someone so out of touch with perspective as DG.

I guess I can say the same for you - quite out of touch with perspective. My child plays for his ECNL team at BSC so I know first hand that DG is a wonderful, talented, AND extremely compassionate coach. He doesn’t suffer foolish behavior or laziness. He sets expectations high and wants follow through. Does he yell at games? Sure does during the game. Afterwards, he is very specific about errors that were made and takes great effort to correct those errors during practice. Once your kid knows him and his style, s/he will realize it’s not personal and they are expected to work when playing for him. He wants nothing less. I am soo happy that I no longer have to coach my kid, I can leave it to him. As with work places and social circles, it may not be your cup of tea - but don’t disparage someone’s character because of a coaching style you don’t prefer. He is actually a very, very nice person and cares greatly for each of his players as evidenced by the number of players that he coached at a young age that bring their kids to play for him.

It is never professional. Sorry that you are to scared of your DDs position on the team to demand professionalism from your coach. But what is really sad is that your DD now believes that her coaches behavior is both acceptable and should be expected.

Imagine the low self esteem one must have to make a living yelling at 12 year old girls and the self esteem of the parents to let him get away with it for so long.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agree with other posters - go to practices and games for any of the top teams in the area and make your decisions. There have been other threads on BSC Coaches so worth reading, but take anything with a grain of salt. When I read these threads, I assume that for any club. And know that every team, the kids, the parent dynamics, coach dynamics can vary year to year. One thing that was mentioned in other threads by seemingly different people (though one never knows), was that DG is a different type of coach this year to his teams. There seems to be a backstory to that.

We have a DD that plays for DG and given the reputation, I was on very high alert trying to observe closely. But, I also knew adults who played for him and he had a big impact on their life (beyond soccer). I knew parents of kids - who were not star players - who talked about him years later in a positive fashion. So while on alert, kept an open mind. Maybe its the kinder and gentler DG (as been alluded by others), but its been a very good experience without real drama. I can see that he is invested closely in the team and really understands my kid - not just how they play on the field, but what works for them. She is a strong player that works hard, but she can be very hard on herself. He has worked on this with her, one on one and I see a happier kid - who is more confident all around, not just soccer. For his teams, he has does extra practices, tried to find extra games when things keep getting cancelled. I would also say, while he is concise/minimal in words, he has been empathetic - when things outside their control have been unfair. (Common right now to kids in covid). In covid times, he has been a consistent for the kids . I haven't seen any drama - no roller coasters around practices, none of that stuff and I have seen a lot in this with other coaches. Is he perfect in everything he says - no. Does he take time to explain afterwards, yes - a lot. Does he expect a lot - yes. Is he clear in expectations - yes. If your kid isn't willing to put in extra time /work for ECNL level, is it something to try lightly - likely not - which is fine.

Knowing a lot of coaches in travel / MS / HS, on the spectrum of coaches, the "current" DG is far on the better side of dealing with kids. I have also seen the "nice" coaches, be super cruel. Of the "positive coaching" marketing, be anything but.

What is evident is that he works for a particular style of player. Lots of coaches are that way. However, the best coaches can coach and teach to all personality styles of players. For every, "he was great for my kid" comment he also has lost a a talented player because of his methods.

Time away usually softens memories but I would say that those players are probably closer to Stockholm Syndrome than truly admiring him.

What I have witnessed him do there is no place for it in a professional work environment and certainly not with kids. We tend to think that sports require humiliation to evoke the most out of players and we let coaches say and do things to our kids that we would NEVER accept as adults or even of teachers.

He is at Bethesda because he gets results in the Win Loss column and sadly, that is all parents care about. They will suffer the fool and let him scream at their kid simply because of wins and other clubs are to inconvenient to join.

I'ver rarely seen someone so out of touch with perspective as DG.

I guess I can say the same for you - quite out of touch with perspective. My child plays for his ECNL team at BSC so I know first hand that DG is a wonderful, talented, AND extremely compassionate coach. He doesn’t suffer foolish behavior or laziness. He sets expectations high and wants follow through. Does he yell at games? Sure does during the game. Afterwards, he is very specific about errors that were made and takes great effort to correct those errors during practice. Once your kid knows him and his style, s/he will realize it’s not personal and they are expected to work when playing for him. He wants nothing less. I am soo happy that I no longer have to coach my kid, I can leave it to him. As with work places and social circles, it may not be your cup of tea - but don’t disparage someone’s character because of a coaching style you don’t prefer. He is actually a very, very nice person and cares greatly for each of his players as evidenced by the number of players that he coached at a young age that bring their kids to play for him.

It is never professional. Sorry that you are to scared of your DDs position on the team to demand professionalism from your coach. But what is really sad is that your DD now believes that her coaches behavior is both acceptable and should be expected.

Imagine the low self esteem one must have to make a living yelling at 12 year old girls and the self esteem of the parents to let him get away with it for so long.

Excuses, excuses. You can create an excuse for just about anything in life. Actually - not scared at all because my kid puts in the work - oh and has been offered spots on other ECNL teams in the area. She likes DG so that’s why we stay. What I’m hearing is your kid must have gotten cut from DG team. If not, you seem to have some really strong opinions about a coach your kid has never played for? That’s very strange. You don’t like him or his style then don’t play for him. It’s that simple. Re: self esteem - my kid has a very high self esteem and knows a coach doesn’t define her. I’m sorry that you haven’t taught your DD that there will be challenges in life and how to deal with them. Challenging situations- like a strong coach - really sets them up for success. Again- if your kid puts in the work, you won’t have ANY issues with DG. It’s not that hard to understand.

[Anonymous]

I am really sorry that a poster had a bad experience. We have had bad experiences with some of the “best coaches” in this area in different sports where people love those coaches. But I don’t think smearing every child who liked a coach with Stockholm Syndrome or parents as horrible human beings is the right thing to do. But I guess that is DCUM

My DD is by no way any definition of a star or someone who is a key reason for the win column. But she works hard consistently. DG has been her best coaching experience. . I agree with a pp - He is very clear in his teaching. Praises when a player demonstrates something they have been trying to learn especially if it’s taken a while - as many things in sports do. Yes, he yells in games - but compared to other coaches on the other side we have seen, consistently less And his shouting includes praises as well. From what we experienced, his praise in most games generally outweighs the critiques. He praises all players not just the favored - which I have seen with many coaches. My DD is a happy kid on the team and her close friends who we know well are very happy too. They are often seen laughing going on and off the field at practices. I have heard there were some teams where it wasn’t a fit, I’m also willing to recognize people could change; so I’m not discounting anyone’s experience, but that is our experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agree with other posters - go to practices and games for any of the top teams in the area and make your decisions. There have been other threads on BSC Coaches so worth reading, but take anything with a grain of salt. When I read these threads, I assume that for any club. And know that every team, the kids, the parent dynamics, coach dynamics can vary year to year. One thing that was mentioned in other threads by seemingly different people (though one never knows), was that DG is a different type of coach this year to his teams. There seems to be a backstory to that.

We have a DD that plays for DG and given the reputation, I was on very high alert trying to observe closely. But, I also knew adults who played for him and he had a big impact on their life (beyond soccer). I knew parents of kids - who were not star players - who talked about him years later in a positive fashion. So while on alert, kept an open mind. Maybe its the kinder and gentler DG (as been alluded by others), but its been a very good experience without real drama. I can see that he is invested closely in the team and really understands my kid - not just how they play on the field, but what works for them. She is a strong player that works hard, but she can be very hard on herself. He has worked on this with her, one on one and I see a happier kid - who is more confident all around, not just soccer. For his teams, he has does extra practices, tried to find extra games when things keep getting cancelled. I would also say, while he is concise/minimal in words, he has been empathetic - when things outside their control have been unfair. (Common right now to kids in covid). In covid times, he has been a consistent for the kids . I haven't seen any drama - no roller coasters around practices, none of that stuff and I have seen a lot in this with other coaches. Is he perfect in everything he says - no. Does he take time to explain afterwards, yes - a lot. Does he expect a lot - yes. Is he clear in expectations - yes. If your kid isn't willing to put in extra time /work for ECNL level, is it something to try lightly - likely not - which is fine.

Knowing a lot of coaches in travel / MS / HS, on the spectrum of coaches, the "current" DG is far on the better side of dealing with kids. I have also seen the "nice" coaches, be super cruel. Of the "positive coaching" marketing, be anything but.

What is evident is that he works for a particular style of player. Lots of coaches are that way. However, the best coaches can coach and teach to all personality styles of players. For every, "he was great for my kid" comment he also has lost a a talented player because of his methods.

Time away usually softens memories but I would say that those players are probably closer to Stockholm Syndrome than truly admiring him.

What I have witnessed him do there is no place for it in a professional work environment and certainly not with kids. We tend to think that sports require humiliation to evoke the most out of players and we let coaches say and do things to our kids that we would NEVER accept as adults or even of teachers.

He is at Bethesda because he gets results in the Win Loss column and sadly, that is all parents care about. They will suffer the fool and let him scream at their kid simply because of wins and other clubs are to inconvenient to join.

I'ver rarely seen someone so out of touch with perspective as DG.

I guess I can say the same for you - quite out of touch with perspective. My child plays for his ECNL team at BSC so I know first hand that DG is a wonderful, talented, AND extremely compassionate coach. He doesn’t suffer foolish behavior or laziness. He sets expectations high and wants follow through. Does he yell at games? Sure does during the game. Afterwards, he is very specific about errors that were made and takes great effort to correct those errors during practice. Once your kid knows him and his style, s/he will realize it’s not personal and they are expected to work when playing for him. He wants nothing less. I am soo happy that I no longer have to coach my kid, I can leave it to him. As with work places and social circles, it may not be your cup of tea - but don’t disparage someone’s character because of a coaching style you don’t prefer. He is actually a very, very nice person and cares greatly for each of his players as evidenced by the number of players that he coached at a young age that bring their kids to play for him.

It is never professional. Sorry that you are to scared of your DDs position on the team to demand professionalism from your coach. But what is really sad is that your DD now believes that her coaches behavior is both acceptable and should be expected.

Imagine the low self esteem one must have to make a living yelling at 12 year old girls and the self esteem of the parents to let him get away with it for so long.

Excuses, excuses. You can create an excuse for just about anything in life. Actually - not scared at all because my kid puts in the work - oh and has been offered spots on other ECNL teams in the area. She likes DG so that’s why we stay. What I’m hearing is your kid must have gotten cut from DG team. If not, you seem to have some really strong opinions about a coach your kid has never played for? That’s very strange. You don’t like him or his style then don’t play for him. It’s that simple. Re: self esteem - my kid has a very high self esteem and knows a coach doesn’t define her. I’m sorry that you haven’t taught your DD that there will be challenges in life and how to deal with them. Challenging situations- like a strong coach - really sets them up for success. Again- if your kid puts in the work, you won’t have ANY issues with DG. It’s not that hard to understand.

Nope, not cut by him. Sorry, but that is always the go to with insecure people who live behind their child’s “achievements”. When your go to “defense” or attack is an attempt at claiming superiority, yes, you are insecure.

A kid and parent with high self esteem would not allow a grown man to yell at their daughter. I imagine if parents on the sideline yelled at your kid or other kids during practice or games the way DG does you would say something to that parent. But, if it is the coach of an “elite” team you’ll tell yourself it is just coaching and you’ll tell your DD that he was right to do that because you did play the ball to slowly. Because there is no other way to correct a errant pass than through screaming, sarcasm and intimidation.

That all sounds like perfectly reasonable approach for a grown man with 12 year old girls.

I know, I know, it’s just tough love. And that girls who can’t “take it” are just snow flakes. That it is “ok” because your DD “likes him”. Why would she tell you differently at this point? She likely has been told she needs to be on ECNL, you have likely sided with DG when he has possibly humiliated your DD. Frankly, she is probably to confused and afraid to tell you what she really thinks of him.

But keep thinking other people are weak because they stand up to men who yell at 12 year old girls for a living.

And the said part is, nobody has yet to deny that he does yell at the girl’s rather harshly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agree with other posters - go to practices and games for any of the top teams in the area and make your decisions. There have been other threads on BSC Coaches so worth reading, but take anything with a grain of salt. When I read these threads, I assume that for any club. And know that every team, the kids, the parent dynamics, coach dynamics can vary year to year. One thing that was mentioned in other threads by seemingly different people (though one never knows), was that DG is a different type of coach this year to his teams. There seems to be a backstory to that.

We have a DD that plays for DG and given the reputation, I was on very high alert trying to observe closely. But, I also knew adults who played for him and he had a big impact on their life (beyond soccer). I knew parents of kids - who were not star players - who talked about him years later in a positive fashion. So while on alert, kept an open mind. Maybe its the kinder and gentler DG (as been alluded by others), but its been a very good experience without real drama. I can see that he is invested closely in the team and really understands my kid - not just how they play on the field, but what works for them. She is a strong player that works hard, but she can be very hard on herself. He has worked on this with her, one on one and I see a happier kid - who is more confident all around, not just soccer. For his teams, he has does extra practices, tried to find extra games when things keep getting cancelled. I would also say, while he is concise/minimal in words, he has been empathetic - when things outside their control have been unfair. (Common right now to kids in covid). In covid times, he has been a consistent for the kids . I haven't seen any drama - no roller coasters around practices, none of that stuff and I have seen a lot in this with other coaches. Is he perfect in everything he says - no. Does he take time to explain afterwards, yes - a lot. Does he expect a lot - yes. Is he clear in expectations - yes. If your kid isn't willing to put in extra time /work for ECNL level, is it something to try lightly - likely not - which is fine.

Knowing a lot of coaches in travel / MS / HS, on the spectrum of coaches, the "current" DG is far on the better side of dealing with kids. I have also seen the "nice" coaches, be super cruel. Of the "positive coaching" marketing, be anything but.

What is evident is that he works for a particular style of player. Lots of coaches are that way. However, the best coaches can coach and teach to all personality styles of players. For every, "he was great for my kid" comment he also has lost a a talented player because of his methods.

Time away usually softens memories but I would say that those players are probably closer to Stockholm Syndrome than truly admiring him.

What I have witnessed him do there is no place for it in a professional work environment and certainly not with kids. We tend to think that sports require humiliation to evoke the most out of players and we let coaches say and do things to our kids that we would NEVER accept as adults or even of teachers.

He is at Bethesda because he gets results in the Win Loss column and sadly, that is all parents care about. They will suffer the fool and let him scream at their kid simply because of wins and other clubs are to inconvenient to join.

I'ver rarely seen someone so out of touch with perspective as DG.

I guess I can say the same for you - quite out of touch with perspective. My child plays for his ECNL team at BSC so I know first hand that DG is a wonderful, talented, AND extremely compassionate coach. He doesn’t suffer foolish behavior or laziness. He sets expectations high and wants follow through. Does he yell at games? Sure does during the game. Afterwards, he is very specific about errors that were made and takes great effort to correct those errors during practice. Once your kid knows him and his style, s/he will realize it’s not personal and they are expected to work when playing for him. He wants nothing less. I am soo happy that I no longer have to coach my kid, I can leave it to him. As with work places and social circles, it may not be your cup of tea - but don’t disparage someone’s character because of a coaching style you don’t prefer. He is actually a very, very nice person and cares greatly for each of his players as evidenced by the number of players that he coached at a young age that bring their kids to play for him.

It is never professional. Sorry that you are to scared of your DDs position on the team to demand professionalism from your coach. But what is really sad is that your DD now believes that her coaches behavior is both acceptable and should be expected.

Imagine the low self esteem one must have to make a living yelling at 12 year old girls and the self esteem of the parents to let him get away with it for so long.

Excuses, excuses. You can create an excuse for just about anything in life. Actually - not scared at all because my kid puts in the work - oh and has been offered spots on other ECNL teams in the area. She likes DG so that’s why we stay. What I’m hearing is your kid must have gotten cut from DG team. If not, you seem to have some really strong opinions about a coach your kid has never played for? That’s very strange. You don’t like him or his style then don’t play for him. It’s that simple. Re: self esteem - my kid has a very high self esteem and knows a coach doesn’t define her. I’m sorry that you haven’t taught your DD that there will be challenges in life and how to deal with them. Challenging situations- like a strong coach - really sets them up for success. Again- if your kid puts in the work, you won’t have ANY issues with DG. It’s not that hard to understand.

Nope, not cut by him. Sorry, but that is always the go to with insecure people who live behind their child’s “achievements”. When your go to “defense” or attack is an attempt at claiming superiority, yes, you are insecure.

A kid and parent with high self esteem would not allow a grown man to yell at their daughter. I imagine if parents on the sideline yelled at your kid or other kids during practice or games the way DG does you would say something to that parent. But, if it is the coach of an “elite” team you’ll tell yourself it is just coaching and you’ll tell your DD that he was right to do that because you did play the ball to slowly. Because there is no other way to correct a errant pass than through screaming, sarcasm and intimidation.

That all sounds like perfectly reasonable approach for a grown man with 12 year old girls.

I know, I know, it’s just tough love. And that girls who can’t “take it” are just snow flakes. That it is “ok” because your DD “likes him”. Why would she tell you differently at this point? She likely has been told she needs to be on ECNL, you have likely sided with DG when he has possibly humiliated your DD. Frankly, she is probably to confused and afraid to tell you what she really thinks of him.

But keep thinking other people are weak because they stand up to men who yell at 12 year old girls for a living.

And the said part is, nobody has yet to deny that he does yell at the girl’s rather harshly.

No one said you were weak. You seem to really enjoy inferring words and conjuring up things about people and situations that aren’t true. Speaking of attacking - you are the one impugning the character of someone that you don’t personally know or have any first hand experience with. Additionally, being secure (opposite of insecure) means you are unshaken or fixed no matter what comes your way. You are the epitome of insecurity in trying to talk others away from a successful coach because you don’t like his tone. Why are you so insecure about your situation? I’m still perplexed as to why you are hell bent on disparaging a coach your kid has never played for. Maybe you are invested at a competing club? And this helps your cause? Really seems bizarre that you are soo sure about someone’s character that you don’t personally know. Anyways, I’ve wasted enough time debating someone that has no knowledge or frame of reference on this topic. I hope that those that read these posts will see that the attack on DG is unfounded and was most likely an attempt to assist a competing club’s recruitment (i.e., ulterior motive). If not, he has someone that has an unhealthy obsession with him...

[Anonymous]

^ I’m reading these posts and as one PP said, no DG defender has said that DG is not a yeller or not publicly humiliates 12 year old girls. I now don’t want my DD to tryout for his team.

I spent years teaching and grooming my DD to be a not to tolerate that type of behavior from anyone. I also teach her to be brave and not worry/fear of making mistakes. If we join the team, I don’t know tell her that I will be paying a coach to scream, yell and publicly humiliate her if she ever makes a mistake.

[Anonymous]

Weakness is implied when you falsely accuse people who are critical of your coach as simply disgruntled kids who were either cut or didn’t make the team.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agree with other posters - go to practices and games for any of the top teams in the area and make your decisions. There have been other threads on BSC Coaches so worth reading, but take anything with a grain of salt. When I read these threads, I assume that for any club. And know that every team, the kids, the parent dynamics, coach dynamics can vary year to year. One thing that was mentioned in other threads by seemingly different people (though one never knows), was that DG is a different type of coach this year to his teams. There seems to be a backstory to that.

We have a DD that plays for DG and given the reputation, I was on very high alert trying to observe closely. But, I also knew adults who played for him and he had a big impact on their life (beyond soccer). I knew parents of kids - who were not star players - who talked about him years later in a positive fashion. So while on alert, kept an open mind. Maybe its the kinder and gentler DG (as been alluded by others), but its been a very good experience without real drama. I can see that he is invested closely in the team and really understands my kid - not just how they play on the field, but what works for them. She is a strong player that works hard, but she can be very hard on herself. He has worked on this with her, one on one and I see a happier kid - who is more confident all around, not just soccer. For his teams, he has does extra practices, tried to find extra games when things keep getting cancelled. I would also say, while he is concise/minimal in words, he has been empathetic - when things outside their control have been unfair. (Common right now to kids in covid). In covid times, he has been a consistent for the kids . I haven't seen any drama - no roller coasters around practices, none of that stuff and I have seen a lot in this with other coaches. Is he perfect in everything he says - no. Does he take time to explain afterwards, yes - a lot. Does he expect a lot - yes. Is he clear in expectations - yes. If your kid isn't willing to put in extra time /work for ECNL level, is it something to try lightly - likely not - which is fine.

Knowing a lot of coaches in travel / MS / HS, on the spectrum of coaches, the "current" DG is far on the better side of dealing with kids. I have also seen the "nice" coaches, be super cruel. Of the "positive coaching" marketing, be anything but.

What is evident is that he works for a particular style of player. Lots of coaches are that way. However, the best coaches can coach and teach to all personality styles of players. For every, "he was great for my kid" comment he also has lost a a talented player because of his methods.

Time away usually softens memories but I would say that those players are probably closer to Stockholm Syndrome than truly admiring him.

What I have witnessed him do there is no place for it in a professional work environment and certainly not with kids. We tend to think that sports require humiliation to evoke the most out of players and we let coaches say and do things to our kids that we would NEVER accept as adults or even of teachers.

He is at Bethesda because he gets results in the Win Loss column and sadly, that is all parents care about. They will suffer the fool and let him scream at their kid simply because of wins and other clubs are to inconvenient to join.

I'ver rarely seen someone so out of touch with perspective as DG.

I guess I can say the same for you - quite out of touch with perspective. My child plays for his ECNL team at BSC so I know first hand that DG is a wonderful, talented, AND extremely compassionate coach. He doesn’t suffer foolish behavior or laziness. He sets expectations high and wants follow through. Does he yell at games? Sure does during the game. Afterwards, he is very specific about errors that were made and takes great effort to correct those errors during practice. Once your kid knows him and his style, s/he will realize it’s not personal and they are expected to work when playing for him. He wants nothing less. I am soo happy that I no longer have to coach my kid, I can leave it to him. As with work places and social circles, it may not be your cup of tea - but don’t disparage someone’s character because of a coaching style you don’t prefer. He is actually a very, very nice person and cares greatly for each of his players as evidenced by the number of players that he coached at a young age that bring their kids to play for him.

It is never professional. Sorry that you are to scared of your DDs position on the team to demand professionalism from your coach. But what is really sad is that your DD now believes that her coaches behavior is both acceptable and should be expected.

Imagine the low self esteem one must have to make a living yelling at 12 year old girls and the self esteem of the parents to let him get away with it for so long.

Excuses, excuses. You can create an excuse for just about anything in life. Actually - not scared at all because my kid puts in the work - oh and has been offered spots on other ECNL teams in the area. She likes DG so that’s why we stay. What I’m hearing is your kid must have gotten cut from DG team. If not, you seem to have some really strong opinions about a coach your kid has never played for? That’s very strange. You don’t like him or his style then don’t play for him. It’s that simple. Re: self esteem - my kid has a very high self esteem and knows a coach doesn’t define her. I’m sorry that you haven’t taught your DD that there will be challenges in life and how to deal with them. Challenging situations- like a strong coach - really sets them up for success. Again- if your kid puts in the work, you won’t have ANY issues with DG. It’s not that hard to understand.

Nope, not cut by him. Sorry, but that is always the go to with insecure people who live behind their child’s “achievements”. When your go to “defense” or attack is an attempt at claiming superiority, yes, you are insecure.

A kid and parent with high self esteem would not allow a grown man to yell at their daughter. I imagine if parents on the sideline yelled at your kid or other kids during practice or games the way DG does you would say something to that parent. But, if it is the coach of an “elite” team you’ll tell yourself it is just coaching and you’ll tell your DD that he was right to do that because you did play the ball to slowly. Because there is no other way to correct a errant pass than through screaming, sarcasm and intimidation.

That all sounds like perfectly reasonable approach for a grown man with 12 year old girls.

I know, I know, it’s just tough love. And that girls who can’t “take it” are just snow flakes. That it is “ok” because your DD “likes him”. Why would she tell you differently at this point? She likely has been told she needs to be on ECNL, you have likely sided with DG when he has possibly humiliated your DD. Frankly, she is probably to confused and afraid to tell you what she really thinks of him.

But keep thinking other people are weak because they stand up to men who yell at 12 year old girls for a living.

And the said part is, nobody has yet to deny that he does yell at the girl’s rather harshly.

No one said you were weak. You seem to really enjoy inferring words and conjuring up things about people and situations that aren’t true. Speaking of attacking - you are the one impugning the character of someone that you don’t personally know or have any first hand experience with. Additionally, being secure (opposite of insecure) means you are unshaken or fixed no matter what comes your way. You are the epitome of insecurity in trying to talk others away from a successful coach because you don’t like his tone. Why are you so insecure about your situation? I’m still perplexed as to why you are hell bent on disparaging a coach your kid has never played for. Maybe you are invested at a competing club? And this helps your cause? Really seems bizarre that you are soo sure about someone’s character that you don’t personally know. Anyways, I’ve wasted enough time debating someone that has no knowledge or frame of reference on this topic. I hope that those that read these posts will see that the attack on DG is unfounded and was most likely an attempt to assist a competing club’s recruitment (i.e., ulterior motive). If not, he has someone that has an unhealthy obsession with him...

There are lots of horrible people who are successful in their chosen field. I never said his teams are not successful. I said he is a terrible person. His yelling and screaming might get results in the short term but that doesn’t make him a good person.

With the success in the field why is his player retention so poor? Why do good players leave a successful team? I suggest the strong kids leave and the insecure kids/parents stay.