Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss Part II

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Yep. And any parent that realizes that is called a "NOOB" by the lemmings...man, that made me laugh. National Youth Championship and NCAA National title and all. I'm a NOOB. Well, maybe, since I just learned from pps that the majority of current soccer parents thinks it is perfectly normal to have to resort to calling and emailing coaches to get their kids moved around---I am a NOOB.

Good lord, if my parents ever contacted my youth, HS, or college coaches to tell them I was misplaced I would have been absolutely mortified. And, if I had to routinely do that to get my kids a spot in a particular training group or on a team---then I am going to know that my kids just aren't that good.

Wow. That one took me by surprise--ha! My kids are going to be banished to the lowest groups forever because I don't politic. Got it. Well, I guess it would be better than be surrounded by kids that didn't get there on their own merit.

Yes you are a NOOB if you are going to simply trust that the clubs has yours kids best interest and every coach will be fair and impartial. Just sit back and relax and trust the process. What a moron.

As was pointed out in detail by a pp that the fcb escola has its flaws and isn’t quite as heavenly as people like you make it seem. So stop acting like a know it all.

I guarantee that the fcb escola will eventually suffer from the same problems that the local clubs have. It’s still new but give it time. Mismanaged rosters, bad coaching, favoritism, shitty parents, rising costs but same product.

Play rec and go away. Of course no club is perfect so don’t participate.

[Anonymous]

Reading this thread and have to weigh in.

I agree with the pp that trusts a Coach initially. My God, what a shitty existence to assume everyone sucks and has nefarious motives.

That said, I pay attention.

My parents Coached and I have heard the countless 'parent' stories growing up. We also have refs in the family. The family has been in the sport around here since the 70s--much like the other poster.

We have certainly seen our share of a-holes. We have certainly had god-awful coaches, horrible Clubs, been screwed over/passed up by a Coach's kid or a spawn of a kiss-ass, etc.

But, we do our homework and research. We often have also managed to have really great Coaches that support our kids--even when we couldn't stand the Club. We keep them in our Circle until this day.

Yes. I don't interfere with Coaches. If we don't see eye-to-eye and I seriously question their ability or the kids they seem to favor---no amount of me going to bitch to a TD or to the Coach personally are going to change that fact. In fact, it's more likely to cause harm than good. So--we start looking around and make our move the following year.

A good barometer for me is seeing which players the Coaches favor and how they place them. That, right there, tells me all I need to know about their knowledge. I've been at some Clubs where some of the best players are on lower teams. Of course, I am defining best by kids that really have knowledge of the game--smart players, quietly set the plays and make the assists over the physical kids.

If I bring my kids to a Club, I've already done a ton of research. I've watched practices and games and the Coaches in action. So--when my kids show up I sit back and let things happen. That doesn't mean I'm clueless or don't understand the system. Trust me, I was around when most of these leagues started and know a lot of the Board members. But, I let the Coaches do their job and I don't undermine them in front of my kids. I don't bad-mouth their teammates.

I am doing my kids a great disservice if I don't teach them how to be able to interact and handle problems with a Coach ON THEIR OWN. I don't know where some of you played sports that you think it's normal for Mommy and Daddy to run up and cry every time there is an injustice. In fact, those perceived 'injustices' and making my kid go through them and DO SOMETHING have made them much better players in the long run because they have something to prove. They want to get better and show how wrong somebody's assessment was.

Every great athlete had setbacks. They all didn't always get what they wanted. They all suffered adversity in some manner. It's what they did about it that made the difference. IF you read sports' biographies, it wasn't Mommy and Daddy coming in and raising hell that made that difference.

[Anonymous]

A little birdie told me that of all the places one of these International Clubs held camps around the US. The DC area had the most problematic, entitled kids of anywhere in the Nation. Chew on that for a bit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A little birdie told me that of all the places one of these International Clubs held camps around the US. The DC area had the most problematic, entitled kids of anywhere in the Nation. Chew on that for a bit.

It's $$ and parents used to networking to get ahead. Most of the parents in this area got to where they are in business because of Mommy and Daddy or a relative so these non-athlete, goobers apply the same type of networking to their kids' sports teams.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A little birdie told me that of all the places one of these International Clubs held camps around the US. The DC area had the most problematic, entitled kids of anywhere in the Nation. Chew on that for a bit.

It's $$ and parents used to networking to get ahead. Most of the parents in this area got to where they are in business because of Mommy and Daddy or a relative so these non-athlete, goobers apply the same type of networking to their kids' sports teams.

Sports and genetic ability are the great equalizers. No amount of $$ or sweet talk will carry up to the highest levels. At some point, and it may be very far down the road, it's all about how the kid plays on the field.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A little birdie told me that of all the places one of these International Clubs held camps around the US. The DC area had the most problematic, entitled kids of anywhere in the Nation. Chew on that for a bit.

It's $$ and parents used to networking to get ahead. Most of the parents in this area got to where they are in business because of Mommy and Daddy or a relative so these non-athlete, goobers apply the same type of networking to their kids' sports teams.

And the share number of parents that are lawyers in the DC area doesn't help the situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Reading this thread and have to weigh in.

I agree with the pp that trusts a Coach initially. My God, what a shitty existence to assume everyone sucks and has nefarious motives.

That said, I pay attention.

My parents Coached and I have heard the countless 'parent' stories growing up. We also have refs in the family. The family has been in the sport around here since the 70s--much like the other poster.

We have certainly seen our share of a-holes. We have certainly had god-awful coaches, horrible Clubs, been screwed over/passed up by a Coach's kid or a spawn of a kiss-ass, etc.

But, we do our homework and research. We often have also managed to have really great Coaches that support our kids--even when we couldn't stand the Club. We keep them in our Circle until this day.

Yes. I don't interfere with Coaches. If we don't see eye-to-eye and I seriously question their ability or the kids they seem to favor---no amount of me going to bitch to a TD or to the Coach personally are going to change that fact. In fact, it's more likely to cause harm than good. So--we start looking around and make our move the following year.

A good barometer for me is seeing which players the Coaches favor and how they place them. That, right there, tells me all I need to know about their knowledge. I've been at some Clubs where some of the best players are on lower teams. Of course, I am defining best by kids that really have knowledge of the game--smart players, quietly set the plays and make the assists over the physical kids.

If I bring my kids to a Club, I've already done a ton of research. I've watched practices and games and the Coaches in action. So--when my kids show up I sit back and let things happen. That doesn't mean I'm clueless or don't understand the system. Trust me, I was around when most of these leagues started and know a lot of the Board members. But, I let the Coaches do their job and I don't undermine them in front of my kids. I don't bad-mouth their teammates.

I am doing my kids a great disservice if I don't teach them how to be able to interact and handle problems with a Coach ON THEIR OWN. I don't know where some of you played sports that you think it's normal for Mommy and Daddy to run up and cry every time there is an injustice. In fact, those perceived 'injustices' and making my kid go through them and DO SOMETHING have made them much better players in the long run because they have something to prove. They want to get better and show how wrong somebody's assessment was.

Every great athlete had setbacks. They all didn't always get what they wanted. They all suffered adversity in some manner. It's what they did about it that made the difference. IF you read sports' biographies, it wasn't Mommy and Daddy coming in and raising hell that made that difference.

I agree. I had a 5-minute evaluation this Spring where the Coach said some pretty crazy (almost comical) things. My spouse questioned why I didn't contradict or say anything. I said that it's because that exchange right there told me everything I need to know and no amount of me responding would change anything. If you have a player for an entire year and you don't know basic information about them, it doesn't say much about you as a Coach. File it away, finish the season and "Adios' come June. The two kids Coach has favored have the biggest nose up the a** parents as well. You just have a 'stigma' if you say anything back to TD or coach. Better to be gracious, smile, say thanks while in your head you are saying 'what a f*cking idiot".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Reading this thread and have to weigh in.

I agree with the pp that trusts a Coach initially. My God, what a shitty existence to assume everyone sucks and has nefarious motives.

That said, I pay attention.

My parents Coached and I have heard the countless 'parent' stories growing up. We also have refs in the family. The family has been in the sport around here since the 70s--much like the other poster.

We have certainly seen our share of a-holes. We have certainly had god-awful coaches, horrible Clubs, been screwed over/passed up by a Coach's kid or a spawn of a kiss-ass, etc.

But, we do our homework and research. We often have also managed to have really great Coaches that support our kids--even when we couldn't stand the Club. We keep them in our Circle until this day.

Yes. I don't interfere with Coaches. If we don't see eye-to-eye and I seriously question their ability or the kids they seem to favor---no amount of me going to bitch to a TD or to the Coach personally are going to change that fact. In fact, it's more likely to cause harm than good. So--we start looking around and make our move the following year.

A good barometer for me is seeing which players the Coaches favor and how they place them. That, right there, tells me all I need to know about their knowledge. I've been at some Clubs where some of the best players are on lower teams. Of course, I am defining best by kids that really have knowledge of the game--smart players, quietly set the plays and make the assists over the physical kids.

If I bring my kids to a Club, I've already done a ton of research. I've watched practices and games and the Coaches in action. So--when my kids show up I sit back and let things happen. That doesn't mean I'm clueless or don't understand the system. Trust me, I was around when most of these leagues started and know a lot of the Board members. But, I let the Coaches do their job and I don't undermine them in front of my kids. I don't bad-mouth their teammates.

I am doing my kids a great disservice if I don't teach them how to be able to interact and handle problems with a Coach ON THEIR OWN. I don't know where some of you played sports that you think it's normal for Mommy and Daddy to run up and cry every time there is an injustice. In fact, those perceived 'injustices' and making my kid go through them and DO SOMETHING have made them much better players in the long run because they have something to prove. They want to get better and show how wrong somebody's assessment was.

Every great athlete had setbacks. They all didn't always get what they wanted. They all suffered adversity in some manner. It's what they did about it that made the difference. IF you read sports' biographies, it wasn't Mommy and Daddy coming in and raising hell that made that difference.

I agree. I had a 5-minute evaluation this Spring where the Coach said some pretty crazy (almost comical) things. My spouse questioned why I didn't contradict or say anything. I said that it's because that exchange right there told me everything I need to know and no amount of me responding would change anything. If you have a player for an entire year and you don't know basic information about them, it doesn't say much about you as a Coach. File it away, finish the season and "Adios' come June. The two kids Coach has favored have the biggest nose up the a** parents as well. You just have a 'stigma' if you say anything back to TD or coach. Better to be gracious, smile, say thanks while in your head you are saying 'what a f*cking idiot".

No, best to complain and help the situation as much as possible. Your kid will appreciate it. If this were school and your DC had a ineffective teacher, I assume your reaction would be to try and change what you could. Always waiting for next year doesn't help anyone.

Don't be a constant complainer either, but if incorrect statements about your child are being said, YOU need to speak up. Your child has noone but you to speak up for them.

[Anonymous]

^^

that is the craziest statement i’ve read so far. no coach is prepared to listen like that or make changes based on a contradictory parent/guardian.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Reading this thread and have to weigh in.

I agree with the pp that trusts a Coach initially. My God, what a shitty existence to assume everyone sucks and has nefarious motives.

That said, I pay attention.

My parents Coached and I have heard the countless 'parent' stories growing up. We also have refs in the family. The family has been in the sport around here since the 70s--much like the other poster.

We have certainly seen our share of a-holes. We have certainly had god-awful coaches, horrible Clubs, been screwed over/passed up by a Coach's kid or a spawn of a kiss-ass, etc.

But, we do our homework and research. We often have also managed to have really great Coaches that support our kids--even when we couldn't stand the Club. We keep them in our Circle until this day.

Yes. I don't interfere with Coaches. If we don't see eye-to-eye and I seriously question their ability or the kids they seem to favor---no amount of me going to bitch to a TD or to the Coach personally are going to change that fact. In fact, it's more likely to cause harm than good. So--we start looking around and make our move the following year.

A good barometer for me is seeing which players the Coaches favor and how they place them. That, right there, tells me all I need to know about their knowledge. I've been at some Clubs where some of the best players are on lower teams. Of course, I am defining best by kids that really have knowledge of the game--smart players, quietly set the plays and make the assists over the physical kids.

If I bring my kids to a Club, I've already done a ton of research. I've watched practices and games and the Coaches in action. So--when my kids show up I sit back and let things happen. That doesn't mean I'm clueless or don't understand the system. Trust me, I was around when most of these leagues started and know a lot of the Board members. But, I let the Coaches do their job and I don't undermine them in front of my kids. I don't bad-mouth their teammates.

I am doing my kids a great disservice if I don't teach them how to be able to interact and handle problems with a Coach ON THEIR OWN. I don't know where some of you played sports that you think it's normal for Mommy and Daddy to run up and cry every time there is an injustice. In fact, those perceived 'injustices' and making my kid go through them and DO SOMETHING have made them much better players in the long run because they have something to prove. They want to get better and show how wrong somebody's assessment was.

Every great athlete had setbacks. They all didn't always get what they wanted. They all suffered adversity in some manner. It's what they did about it that made the difference. IF you read sports' biographies, it wasn't Mommy and Daddy coming in and raising hell that made that difference.

I agree. I had a 5-minute evaluation this Spring where the Coach said some pretty crazy (almost comical) things. My spouse questioned why I didn't contradict or say anything. I said that it's because that exchange right there told me everything I need to know and no amount of me responding would change anything. If you have a player for an entire year and you don't know basic information about them, it doesn't say much about you as a Coach. File it away, finish the season and "Adios' come June. The two kids Coach has favored have the biggest nose up the a** parents as well. You just have a 'stigma' if you say anything back to TD or coach. Better to be gracious, smile, say thanks while in your head you are saying 'what a f*cking idiot".

Almost exactly the same experience last year. Changed clubs. Could not be much happier. Very fair treatment. Higher level play. Don't miss the kissasses, favoritism and pocket-lining extra training sessions (which we never did). Was told by one obviously jealous kissass parents my daughter was not ready for this higher level play and that we were making a mistake. DD starts every game and plays more than she did on the lower level team we left. If it feels wrong...leave. Walk and don't look back.

[Anonymous]

People mention kissass parents. Anyone care to share examples of one?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People mention kissass parents. Anyone care to share examples of one?

Afraid you might be one? Lol

I don’t think it takes much to imagine what they are like..they exist in schools, work places, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People mention kissass parents. Anyone care to share examples of one?

Afraid you might be one? Lol

I don’t think it takes much to imagine what they are like..they exist in schools, work places, etc.

I might be! I try to be nice to all people. I'm just having a hard time thinking of what people think is kissass behavior in youth soccer. I'm drawing a blank.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People mention kissass parents. Anyone care to share examples of one?

Afraid you might be one? Lol

I don’t think it takes much to imagine what they are like..they exist in schools, work places, etc.

I might be! I try to be nice to all people. I'm just having a hard time thinking of what people think is kissass behavior in youth soccer. I'm drawing a blank.

Going up to the coach after every practice and every game telling him what great job he is doing..telling every parent you talk to how much you love him..taking every chance you have to give him extra money for one on one or other extra training..is it you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People mention kissass parents. Anyone care to share examples of one?

Afraid you might be one? Lol

I don’t think it takes much to imagine what they are like..they exist in schools, work places, etc.

I might be! I try to be nice to all people. I'm just having a hard time thinking of what people think is kissass behavior in youth soccer. I'm drawing a blank.

Going up to the coach after every practice and every game telling him what great job he is doing..telling every parent you talk to how much you love him..taking every chance you have to give him extra money for one on one or other extra training..is it you?

No, but I haven't seen that behavior either. That just seems weird to me to go up to the coach and tell him how great he is unless it is the last practice of the year to go and say thank you. Coaches and parents don't really talk at my club other than a hi how are you if they cross paths.