Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss Part II

[Anonymous]

^^
There are a few errors involved here.

In regards to the overseas travel, they will stagger the age groups sent each year. Kids who went this year were even years and next year will be odd years. Even year kids will not get the chance next year as the other age groups will go instead. The club only sends ages up to U12 as that is when the Escola age group in Spain actually ends.

Kids who are older can still travel to overseas tournaments but that is actually team based at that point and is not considered an "experience" but an actual tournament.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^^
There are a few errors involved here.

In regards to the overseas travel, they will stagger the age groups sent each year. Kids who went this year were even years and next year will be odd years. Even year kids will not get the chance next year as the other age groups will go instead. The club only sends ages up to U12 as that is when the Escola age group in Spain actually ends.

Kids who are older can still travel to overseas tournaments but that is actually team based at that point and is not considered an "experience" but an actual tournament.

So, are you one of the staff or the well connected parents he or she mentioned? Seems he/she would have known that detail about trips if it were well communicated. Just curious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^
There are a few errors involved here.

In regards to the overseas travel, they will stagger the age groups sent each year. Kids who went this year were even years and next year will be odd years. Even year kids will not get the chance next year as the other age groups will go instead. The club only sends ages up to U12 as that is when the Escola age group in Spain actually ends.

Kids who are older can still travel to overseas tournaments but that is actually team based at that point and is not considered an "experience" but an actual tournament.

So, are you one of the staff or the well connected parents he or she mentioned? Seems he/she would have known that detail about trips if it were well communicated. Just curious.

LOL, no they only stated as such in emails to all players regarding the program. Now, if a player joined the program late they may not have been privy to that information. There are two Escola tourneys, one in the Domincan Republic and the Barcelona trip. The Dominican trip was for the odd year ages, was cancelled and the Barcelona trip was for the even year kids. Provided the NOVA Escola participates in the Dominican tourney the Even year kids will do that and the odd year kids will go to Barcelona next year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^
There are a few errors involved here.

In regards to the overseas travel, they will stagger the age groups sent each year. Kids who went this year were even years and next year will be odd years. Even year kids will not get the chance next year as the other age groups will go instead. The club only sends ages up to U12 as that is when the Escola age group in Spain actually ends.

Kids who are older can still travel to overseas tournaments but that is actually team based at that point and is not considered an "experience" but an actual tournament.

So, are you one of the staff or the well connected parents he or she mentioned? Seems he/she would have known that detail about trips if it were well communicated. Just curious.

LOL, no they only stated as such in emails to all players regarding the program. Now, if a player joined the program late they may not have been privy to that information. There are two Escola tourneys, one in the Domincan Republic and the Barcelona trip. The Dominican trip was for the odd year ages, was cancelled and the Barcelona trip was for the even year kids. Provided the NOVA Escola participates in the Dominican tourney the Even year kids will do that and the odd year kids will go to Barcelona next year.

OP here--we actually have been with FCB all year and I didn't receive an email with the specifics that were mentioned your response. Maybe I missed it. I did, however, receive general emails that indicated players had been selected to represent FCB in Barcelona and am familiar with the tournament schedule and your description of such from discussions with a few other parents (those who had participated and/or have relationships with club staff). Yes, you are correct, this observation was of younger age group children (U12 and under). Just provided the summary as my/our impressions with feedback from other parents as well and, as I indicated, there are both positives and negatives to this club.

[Anonymous]

I really appreciate all of the feedback on FCB from various posters over the last couple of days, especially the level of detail.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I really appreciate all of the feedback on FCB from various posters over the last couple of days, especially the level of detail.

I also like to hear the differences because we’ve been thrilled and it’s good to hear others experiences different from my own.

The only thing I ask the other poster is: why do you need to know every time your kid is moved around in training groups? This is an Academy. Development is not linear and at any given time they are working on different things—some things may be strengths for one kid, others may need more time to grasp a concept.

I guess I went in knowing that. My own kids have been in a number of different training groups/teams/even different ages since September and I never once asked or got involved. My kids (even the youngest) seemed to know why and what was going on.

I think Americans are different about sports. Parents are way too involved. Leave it to staff. It’s not a single coach’s decision. It’s a staff of rotating coaches.

I like that I don’t need to know all that is going on. It was overwhelming the sideline drama and gossip at travel clubs. My hope is that this can stay pure and those that really want to be in on every single technical/team decision will get frustrated and leave.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really appreciate all of the feedback on FCB from various posters over the last couple of days, especially the level of detail.

I also like to hear the differences because we’ve been thrilled and it’s good to hear others experiences different from my own.

The only thing I ask the other poster is: why do you need to know every time your kid is moved around in training groups? This is an Academy. Development is not linear and at any given time they are working on different things—some things may be strengths for one kid, others may need more time to grasp a concept.

I guess I went in knowing that. My own kids have been in a number of different training groups/teams/even different ages since September and I never once asked or got involved. My kids (even the youngest) seemed to know why and what was going on.

I think Americans are different about sports. Parents are way too involved. Leave it to staff. It’s not a single coach’s decision. It’s a staff of rotating coaches.

I like that I don’t need to know all that is going on. It was overwhelming the sideline drama and gossip at travel clubs. My hope is that this can stay pure and those that really want to be in on every single technical/team decision will get frustrated and leave.

OP again--you know, it's funny, the kids moving around was a concern that a few of the other parents mentioned to me. My kid did not move up/down much throughout the year, so I wasn't overly concerned with it. That said, it's not me or the other parent I was worried about, it's the kids. Imagine you were playing well with one set of kids for a couple of weeks and then one day, for no reason that you could think of, you were moved to a team of kids a year or two younger (we've seen examples of both). Also, imagine you were a serious kid who was there to learn and grow, not as a recreational outlet. Would it bother you in the least that you were moved without explanation to a group where you didn't fit in (at least from your perspective)? Wouldn't you want some kind of idea of why you were moved and where you needed to improve to play once more with the kids that were providing you a challenge? That's what these kids felt. Yes, the kids. Sure, the parents were concerned as well, as they were paying the same amount as the kids in who were being challenged, but their kids were moved with no explanation/guidance for improvement until the parents pushed for an answer.


In my opinion, moves like this are fine as long as there is a rational, objective, sound, and well communicated basis. Sure, growth is not linear and that is true for all children, not just the weaker players, which is why it seems to me that a more measured approach is prudent when moving kids between skill level groups. I'm glad that you seem to have tons of knowledge about the club, specific reasons for your childrens' movement between training groups, etc, but that is not true of all parents, neither me nor the others I have spoken with. Their children also didn't seem to know until the parents approached staff to inquire. Again, I see nothing wrong with children wanting to understand what they need to do to improve and for parents to protect the large investment they are making in their children's education in a sport. If we really wanted to be completely hands off the wheel with no review of the investment, our kids would all simply play rec sports were the financial investment is minimal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really appreciate all of the feedback on FCB from various posters over the last couple of days, especially the level of detail.

I also like to hear the differences because we’ve been thrilled and it’s good to hear others experiences different from my own.

The only thing I ask the other poster is: why do you need to know every time your kid is moved around in training groups? This is an Academy. Development is not linear and at any given time they are working on different things—some things may be strengths for one kid, others may need more time to grasp a concept.

I guess I went in knowing that. My own kids have been in a number of different training groups/teams/even different ages since September and I never once asked or got involved. My kids (even the youngest) seemed to know why and what was going on.

I think Americans are different about sports. Parents are way too involved. Leave it to staff. It’s not a single coach’s decision. It’s a staff of rotating coaches.

I like that I don’t need to know all that is going on. It was overwhelming the sideline drama and gossip at travel clubs. My hope is that this can stay pure and those that really want to be in on every single technical/team decision will get frustrated and leave.

OP again--you know, it's funny, the kids moving around was a concern that a few of the other parents mentioned to me. My kid did not move up/down much throughout the year, so I wasn't overly concerned with it. That said, it's not me or the other parent I was worried about, it's the kids. Imagine you were playing well with one set of kids for a couple of weeks and then one day, for no reason that you could think of, you were moved to a team of kids a year or two younger (we've seen examples of both). Also, imagine you were a serious kid who was there to learn and grow, not as a recreational outlet. Would it bother you in the least that you were moved without explanation to a group where you didn't fit in (at least from your perspective)? Wouldn't you want some kind of idea of why you were moved and where you needed to improve to play once more with the kids that were providing you a challenge? That's what these kids felt. Yes, the kids. Sure, the parents were concerned as well, as they were paying the same amount as the kids in who were being challenged, but their kids were moved with no explanation/guidance for improvement until the parents pushed for an answer.


In my opinion, moves like this are fine as long as there is a rational, objective, sound, and well communicated basis. Sure, growth is not linear and that is true for all children, not just the weaker players, which is why it seems to me that a more measured approach is prudent when moving kids between skill level groups. I'm glad that you seem to have tons of knowledge about the club, specific reasons for your childrens' movement between training groups, etc, but that is not true of all parents, neither me nor the others I have spoken with. Their children also didn't seem to know until the parents approached staff to inquire. Again, I see nothing wrong with children wanting to understand what they need to do to improve and for parents to protect the large investment they are making in their children's education in a sport. If we really wanted to be completely hands off the wheel with no review of the investment, our kids would all simply play rec sports were the financial investment is minimal.

The kids don't care. The system was designed, as far as I can see, to not have any stigma about any groups. It's the parents that always seem to care.

When I look at the fields from the stands, I see every training group doing the same drills at the same intensity. I see the Technical Director spend equal time (sometimes not the same days) with every single group on the field. I see the same coaches involved with each Group, the rotate. From a price standpoint, I don't see where the argument stands.

But- if they are concerned I'd offer what I told my own kid: ask the Coach. But, not you as mon and dad, the player. The player is the one that should be asking if they are concerned. My kid is shy and quiet, but he is has always stepped up and asked the question himself. It does no good coming from mom and dad. We started having him do this at the very earliest ages if there was a concern about anything.

But, I would not introduce this crap into the training program. It does a disservice to a player's development to create this constant anxiety every time they get moved around because it is going to happen frequently.

My advice to my kids is play as hard as you can anywhere you are put. If you don't like the position, it's a learning experience. It's best to be versatile.

As a parent, these are the things parents should be doing for their kids----not sitting and bitching in the car ride home and picking on all the other kids on the field and questioning why they are there.

It's a really nice group. The coaches work to foster that environment....you know Barca's 5 tenets and all...

If it helps, my kids have been in various different stages all year...and, frankly, I don't ask and I don't care because I know they are getting good training. But, I have people quizzing me on what tournament my kid got invited to or if they got invited to X scrimmage or not. I try to stay out of it. Look my kids are young, what the f*ck does it matter at this age? Everything is very carefully planned out by the staff and they try to be fair to every kid on the pitch.

[Anonymous]

LOL--I have to say, this is comical.

First of all, the kids DID care, why would I bring it up otherwise and state such. Are you calling me a liar or unilaterally deciding how/what everyone should think?

Secondly, if you think the "crap" is being introduced into the program by parents, it isn't. The way the program is run and communicated (or not) lends itself to it. If you think that running a club in this style with the lack of mentioned communication will stop players and parents from "bitching," you are deluding yourself. Now, I'm not saying it's any worse than the political stuff that happens at other clubs, but it's incredibly one-sided to say everything is peachy keen when there are parents and kids who have shared the concerns that were mentioned, including that one. Whenever you elevate one set of kids without clear and unquestionable merit, the others notice. Some don't care and keep going, some work harder, some tune out, and some "bitch." That's the nature of life, the apparent favoritism, the people who question it, and the need to find a way to accept/deal with it.

Your view of the club doesn't seem very balanced to me, to put it mildly.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really appreciate all of the feedback on FCB from various posters over the last couple of days, especially the level of detail.

I also like to hear the differences because we’ve been thrilled and it’s good to hear others experiences different from my own.

The only thing I ask the other poster is: why do you need to know every time your kid is moved around in training groups? This is an Academy. Development is not linear and at any given time they are working on different things—some things may be strengths for one kid, others may need more time to grasp a concept.

I guess I went in knowing that. My own kids have been in a number of different training groups/teams/even different ages since September and I never once asked or got involved. My kids (even the youngest) seemed to know why and what was going on.

I think Americans are different about sports. Parents are way too involved. Leave it to staff. It’s not a single coach’s decision. It’s a staff of rotating coaches.

I like that I don’t need to know all that is going on. It was overwhelming the sideline drama and gossip at travel clubs. My hope is that this can stay pure and those that really want to be in on every single technical/team decision will get frustrated and leave.

OP again--you know, it's funny, the kids moving around was a concern that a few of the other parents mentioned to me. My kid did not move up/down much throughout the year, so I wasn't overly concerned with it. That said, it's not me or the other parent I was worried about, it's the kids. Imagine you were playing well with one set of kids for a couple of weeks and then one day, for no reason that you could think of, you were moved to a team of kids a year or two younger (we've seen examples of both). Also, imagine you were a serious kid who was there to learn and grow, not as a recreational outlet. Would it bother you in the least that you were moved without explanation to a group where you didn't fit in (at least from your perspective)? Wouldn't you want some kind of idea of why you were moved and where you needed to improve to play once more with the kids that were providing you a challenge? That's what these kids felt. Yes, the kids. Sure, the parents were concerned as well, as they were paying the same amount as the kids in who were being challenged, but their kids were moved with no explanation/guidance for improvement until the parents pushed for an answer.


In my opinion, moves like this are fine as long as there is a rational, objective, sound, and well communicated basis. Sure, growth is not linear and that is true for all children, not just the weaker players, which is why it seems to me that a more measured approach is prudent when moving kids between skill level groups. I'm glad that you seem to have tons of knowledge about the club, specific reasons for your childrens' movement between training groups, etc, but that is not true of all parents, neither me nor the others I have spoken with. Their children also didn't seem to know until the parents approached staff to inquire. Again, I see nothing wrong with children wanting to understand what they need to do to improve and for parents to protect the large investment they are making in their children's education in a sport. If we really wanted to be completely hands off the wheel with no review of the investment, our kids would all simply play rec sports were the financial investment is minimal.

The kids don't care. The system was designed, as far as I can see, to not have any stigma about any groups. It's the parents that always seem to care.

When I look at the fields from the stands, I see every training group doing the same drills at the same intensity. I see the Technical Director spend equal time (sometimes not the same days) with every single group on the field. I see the same coaches involved with each Group, the rotate. From a price standpoint, I don't see where the argument stands.

But- if they are concerned I'd offer what I told my own kid: ask the Coach. But, not you as mon and dad, the player. The player is the one that should be asking if they are concerned. My kid is shy and quiet, but he is has always stepped up and asked the question himself. It does no good coming from mom and dad. We started having him do this at the very earliest ages if there was a concern about anything.

But, I would not introduce this crap into the training program. It does a disservice to a player's development to create this constant anxiety every time they get moved around because it is going to happen frequently.

My advice to my kids is play as hard as you can anywhere you are put. If you don't like the position, it's a learning experience. It's best to be versatile.

As a parent, these are the things parents should be doing for their kids----not sitting and bitching in the car ride home and picking on all the other kids on the field and questioning why they are there.

It's a really nice group. The coaches work to foster that environment....you know Barca's 5 tenets and all...

If it helps, my kids have been in various different stages all year...and, frankly, I don't ask and I don't care because I know they are getting good training. But, I have people quizzing me on what tournament my kid got invited to or if they got invited to X scrimmage or not. I try to stay out of it. Look my kids are young, what the f*ck does it matter at this age? Everything is very carefully planned out by the staff and they try to be fair to every kid on the pitch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:LOL--I have to say, this is comical.

First of all, the kids DID care, why would I bring it up otherwise and state such. Are you calling me a liar or unilaterally deciding how/what everyone should think?

Secondly, if you think the "crap" is being introduced into the program by parents, it isn't. The way the program is run and communicated (or not) lends itself to it. If you think that running a club in this style with the lack of mentioned communication will stop players and parents from "bitching," you are deluding yourself. Now, I'm not saying it's any worse than the political stuff that happens at other clubs, but it's incredibly one-sided to say everything is peachy keen when there are parents and kids who have shared the concerns that were mentioned, including that one. Whenever you elevate one set of kids without clear and unquestionable merit, the others notice. Some don't care and keep going, some work harder, some tune out, and some "bitch." That's the nature of life, the apparent favoritism, the people who question it, and the need to find a way to accept/deal with it.

Your view of the club doesn't seem very balanced to me, to put it mildly.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really appreciate all of the feedback on FCB from various posters over the last couple of days, especially the level of detail.

I also like to hear the differences because we’ve been thrilled and it’s good to hear others experiences different from my own.

The only thing I ask the other poster is: why do you need to know every time your kid is moved around in training groups? This is an Academy. Development is not linear and at any given time they are working on different things—some things may be strengths for one kid, others may need more time to grasp a concept.

I guess I went in knowing that. My own kids have been in a number of different training groups/teams/even different ages since September and I never once asked or got involved. My kids (even the youngest) seemed to know why and what was going on.

I think Americans are different about sports. Parents are way too involved. Leave it to staff. It’s not a single coach’s decision. It’s a staff of rotating coaches.

I like that I don’t need to know all that is going on. It was overwhelming the sideline drama and gossip at travel clubs. My hope is that this can stay pure and those that really want to be in on every single technical/team decision will get frustrated and leave.

OP again--you know, it's funny, the kids moving around was a concern that a few of the other parents mentioned to me. My kid did not move up/down much throughout the year, so I wasn't overly concerned with it. That said, it's not me or the other parent I was worried about, it's the kids. Imagine you were playing well with one set of kids for a couple of weeks and then one day, for no reason that you could think of, you were moved to a team of kids a year or two younger (we've seen examples of both). Also, imagine you were a serious kid who was there to learn and grow, not as a recreational outlet. Would it bother you in the least that you were moved without explanation to a group where you didn't fit in (at least from your perspective)? Wouldn't you want some kind of idea of why you were moved and where you needed to improve to play once more with the kids that were providing you a challenge? That's what these kids felt. Yes, the kids. Sure, the parents were concerned as well, as they were paying the same amount as the kids in who were being challenged, but their kids were moved with no explanation/guidance for improvement until the parents pushed for an answer.


In my opinion, moves like this are fine as long as there is a rational, objective, sound, and well communicated basis. Sure, growth is not linear and that is true for all children, not just the weaker players, which is why it seems to me that a more measured approach is prudent when moving kids between skill level groups. I'm glad that you seem to have tons of knowledge about the club, specific reasons for your childrens' movement between training groups, etc, but that is not true of all parents, neither me nor the others I have spoken with. Their children also didn't seem to know until the parents approached staff to inquire. Again, I see nothing wrong with children wanting to understand what they need to do to improve and for parents to protect the large investment they are making in their children's education in a sport. If we really wanted to be completely hands off the wheel with no review of the investment, our kids would all simply play rec sports were the financial investment is minimal.

The kids don't care. The system was designed, as far as I can see, to not have any stigma about any groups. It's the parents that always seem to care.

When I look at the fields from the stands, I see every training group doing the same drills at the same intensity. I see the Technical Director spend equal time (sometimes not the same days) with every single group on the field. I see the same coaches involved with each Group, the rotate. From a price standpoint, I don't see where the argument stands.

But- if they are concerned I'd offer what I told my own kid: ask the Coach. But, not you as mon and dad, the player. The player is the one that should be asking if they are concerned. My kid is shy and quiet, but he is has always stepped up and asked the question himself. It does no good coming from mom and dad. We started having him do this at the very earliest ages if there was a concern about anything.

But, I would not introduce this crap into the training program. It does a disservice to a player's development to create this constant anxiety every time they get moved around because it is going to happen frequently.

My advice to my kids is play as hard as you can anywhere you are put. If you don't like the position, it's a learning experience. It's best to be versatile.

As a parent, these are the things parents should be doing for their kids----not sitting and bitching in the car ride home and picking on all the other kids on the field and questioning why they are there.

It's a really nice group. The coaches work to foster that environment....you know Barca's 5 tenets and all...

If it helps, my kids have been in various different stages all year...and, frankly, I don't ask and I don't care because I know they are getting good training. But, I have people quizzing me on what tournament my kid got invited to or if they got invited to X scrimmage or not. I try to stay out of it. Look my kids are young, what the f*ck does it matter at this age? Everything is very carefully planned out by the staff and they try to be fair to every kid on the pitch.

NOOB

you have a lot to learn, my friend. Being naive and trusting the system will 100% be stress free for you. It will also see your child playing in the lower groups for as long as you think that "Everything is very carefully planned out by the staff and they try to be fair to every kid on the pitch" lol

[Anonymous]

... and the idyllic portrayal of FCB as a place where parents and kids train in tranquility without the big club BS is shattered.

[Anonymous]

Yeah like the real La Masia is not cutthroat at all... lol when potentially millions of dollars are on the line for player signings

[Anonymous]

This blog follows closely Sayre's law: "In any dispute the intensity of feeling is inversely proportional to the value of the issues at stake".

Relax guys, your DC will never become a professional player.
Let her/him have fun and stop burdening him/her with your unrealistic expectations...

[Anonymous]

and that's the difference between the real thing and the "Escola" where it's pay-to-play. At the real thing, you're given a once in a lifetime opportunity to train in one of the best academies in the world, and you do what they tell you to do. If you don't like it, take a hike, there are 1,000 other kids lining up to take your spot.

On the other hand, when parents are paying for it, they and their kids now have a "say" in things and have to be kept happy... otherwise they walk and no more $ to pay all those staff coaches. So some "customer service" has to be part of the program here because the participants are paying customers at the end of the day.

[Anonymous]

The only caveat is that clubs have started behaving like universities. They have figured out that uninformed and insecure parents: are ready to pay limitless amount for what they consider best for their kids; and consider that more expensive means better.
Accordingly, clubs are happy to increase fees year after year, knowing in NOVA, if a parent balks at the increase, 1000 others will line up to get into the « elite » team. The multiplication of  « travel » teams that are just glorified rec also reflects this.