Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

U14 and above, in the higher-level teams, the parents are mostly well-behaved and knowledgeable about the sport, and/or at least travel soccer.
Younger and lower-level teams, parents are obnoxious, rude, and even vulgar, and the worst sideline coaches! I am only saying this as a seasoned veteran soccer parent of both travel and REC soccer. parent after years of observation in many locations . Whether at U15 or U5, do you REALLY need to tell your kid to "kick the ball?" Has a ref ever changed a call because the parents disagreed with it? Does a mom really need to run onto a field in the middle of a game with her camera to show the ref the "foul" she took a picture of? This season in particular, I have seen the worst behavior from parents I have ever seen.

You have got to be kidding me. Please tell me you made that up.

Don't I wish. Nope, it really happened.

Please tell us more about this. What was the reaction from the ref, kids, coaches, and other parents? Was her husband there? What did her child do? That's among the most humiliating things I've heard of a parent doing. Sounds like a scene from the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies.

Hilarious. Look at the positive side..if things like this werent happening we wouldnt have less to talk about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

U14 and above, in the higher-level teams, the parents are mostly well-behaved and knowledgeable about the sport, and/or at least travel soccer.
Younger and lower-level teams, parents are obnoxious, rude, and even vulgar, and the worst sideline coaches! I am only saying this as a seasoned veteran soccer parent of both travel and REC soccer. parent after years of observation in many locations . Whether at U15 or U5, do you REALLY need to tell your kid to "kick the ball?" Has a ref ever changed a call because the parents disagreed with it? Does a mom really need to run onto a field in the middle of a game with her camera to show the ref the "foul" she took a picture of? This season in particular, I have seen the worst behavior from parents I have ever seen.

You have got to be kidding me. Please tell me you made that up.

Don't I wish. Nope, it really happened.

Please tell us more about this. What was the reaction from the ref, kids, coaches, and other parents? Was her husband there? What did her child do? That's among the most humiliating things I've heard of a parent doing. Sounds like a scene from the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies.

Hilarious. Look at the positive side..if things like this werent happening we wouldnt have less to talk about.

*would have less to talk about

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

U14 and above, in the higher-level teams, the parents are mostly well-behaved and knowledgeable about the sport, and/or at least travel soccer.
Younger and lower-level teams, parents are obnoxious, rude, and even vulgar, and the worst sideline coaches! I am only saying this as a seasoned veteran soccer parent of both travel and REC soccer. parent after years of observation in many locations . Whether at U15 or U5, do you REALLY need to tell your kid to "kick the ball?" Has a ref ever changed a call because the parents disagreed with it? Does a mom really need to run onto a field in the middle of a game with her camera to show the ref the "foul" she took a picture of? This season in particular, I have seen the worst behavior from parents I have ever seen.

You have got to be kidding me. Please tell me you made that up.

Don't I wish. Nope, it really happened.

Please tell us more about this. What was the reaction from the ref, kids, coaches, and other parents? Was her husband there? What did her child do? That's among the most humiliating things I've heard of a parent doing. Sounds like a scene from the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies.

Well, the ref was unhappy but didn't lose it. He asked the kids "WHOSE MOM IS THIS RUNNING ONTO THE FIELD? WHOSE MOM IS THIS?" and not a single kid claimed the woman as she was running onto the field, arm raised, camera in hand. When she got to the ref she was trying to show him her camera and he just shooed her back off the field. I couldn't tell if he looked at her evidence or not, but his call stood. The other parents on her side were silent and stone faced. Our parents were just guffawing with gaping mouths. I think a dad told her she was an embarrassment to her kid and the club.

[Anonymous]

Parental Behavior: We all know that some parents are nuts and should not be allowed near the soccer fields! Screaming at refs, screaming at players, screaming at other parents, screaming instructions, etc. We all know this is wrong. However, what is right? I'm wondering...what about those parents that just need to comment on every fricking play? Nice ball, nice turn, what a pass, great shot, unlucky, ... how annoying are these people? What are they trying to prove? It's not like the kids are hearing it like it's positive encouragement. It's just to hear themselves talk and seem like they know soccer. Can't people just shut up and watch some soccer. Another instance...the other team scores a goal...parents. It's OK. Don't give up. We can get it back. The game isn't over. No SH-T. Sometimes these good intentioned parents make it worse. I need to watch games from a tree or something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parental Behavior: We all know that some parents are nuts and should not be allowed near the soccer fields! Screaming at refs, screaming at players, screaming at other parents, screaming instructions, etc. We all know this is wrong. However, what is right? I'm wondering...what about those parents that just need to comment on every fricking play? Nice ball, nice turn, what a pass, great shot, unlucky, ... how annoying are these people? What are they trying to prove? It's not like the kids are hearing it like it's positive encouragement. It's just to hear themselves talk and seem like they know soccer. Can't people just shut up and watch some soccer. Another instance...the other team scores a goal...parents. It's OK. Don't give up. We can get it back. The game isn't over. No SH-T. Sometimes these good intentioned parents make it worse. I need to watch games from a tree or something.

Perhaps earmuffs? You are asking for the impossible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parental Behavior: We all know that some parents are nuts and should not be allowed near the soccer fields! Screaming at refs, screaming at players, screaming at other parents, screaming instructions, etc. We all know this is wrong. However, what is right? I'm wondering...what about those parents that just need to comment on every fricking play? Nice ball, nice turn, what a pass, great shot, unlucky, ... how annoying are these people? What are they trying to prove? It's not like the kids are hearing it like it's positive encouragement. It's just to hear themselves talk and seem like they know soccer. Can't people just shut up and watch some soccer. Another instance...the other team scores a goal...parents. It's OK. Don't give up. We can get it back. The game isn't over. No SH-T. Sometimes these good intentioned parents make it worse. I need to watch games from a tree or something.

Every once in a while, yell something nonsensical like "RELEASE THE KRAKEN!" or sing "Always Look On the Bright Side of Life." That'll change the tone.

[Anonymous]

^^^ibtrybto sit away from everyone, but the damn turf fields are jammed and you have to sit on your team's side between the two lines. Ugh. If I set my chair far away---people will follow me. Oh well...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parental Behavior: We all know that some parents are nuts and should not be allowed near the soccer fields! Screaming at refs, screaming at players, screaming at other parents, screaming instructions, etc. We all know this is wrong. However, what is right? I'm wondering...what about those parents that just need to comment on every fricking play? Nice ball, nice turn, what a pass, great shot, unlucky, ... how annoying are these people? What are they trying to prove? It's not like the kids are hearing it like it's positive encouragement. It's just to hear themselves talk and seem like they know soccer. Can't people just shut up and watch some soccer. Another instance...the other team scores a goal...parents. It's OK. Don't give up. We can get it back. The game isn't over. No SH-T. Sometimes these good intentioned parents make it worse. I need to watch games from a tree or something.

Wow, how boring. You must be so fun to watch sports with. I guess you watch matches at home on TV in complete silence? Some people really enjoy the game and get into it and aren't trying to prove anything, but are having a good time at game....which is what is SUPPOSED to happen. Yes, please, keep your crotchety curmudgeon self in the car and let everyone else have a good time without you pissing in the Cheerios.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parental Behavior: We all know that some parents are nuts and should not be allowed near the soccer fields! Screaming at refs, screaming at players, screaming at other parents, screaming instructions, etc. We all know this is wrong. However, what is right? I'm wondering...what about those parents that just need to comment on every fricking play? Nice ball, nice turn, what a pass, great shot, unlucky, ... how annoying are these people? What are they trying to prove? It's not like the kids are hearing it like it's positive encouragement. It's just to hear themselves talk and seem like they know soccer. Can't people just shut up and watch some soccer. Another instance...the other team scores a goal...parents. It's OK. Don't give up. We can get it back. The game isn't over. No SH-T. Sometimes these good intentioned parents make it worse. I need to watch games from a tree or something.

I bet you tell everyone on a roller coaster to shut up too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parental Behavior: We all know that some parents are nuts and should not be allowed near the soccer fields! Screaming at refs, screaming at players, screaming at other parents, screaming instructions, etc. We all know this is wrong. However, what is right? I'm wondering...what about those parents that just need to comment on every fricking play? Nice ball, nice turn, what a pass, great shot, unlucky, ... how annoying are these people? What are they trying to prove? It's not like the kids are hearing it like it's positive encouragement. It's just to hear themselves talk and seem like they know soccer. Can't people just shut up and watch some soccer. Another instance...the other team scores a goal...parents. It's OK. Don't give up. We can get it back. The game isn't over. No SH-T. Sometimes these good intentioned parents make it worse. I need to watch games from a tree or something.

I bet you tell everyone on a roller coaster to shut up too.

Seriously! I'm a quiet person in my non-fan life (people often come up to me and say, "What's wrong?"), but when I'm watching sports, I have a motormouth. Not just my kids' games, but pro games. Live or on TV. Doesn't matter, can't help it. And wouldn't want to! (Can you tell I'm a former soccer keeper and softball catcher? We NEVER shut up.)

I get peeved at parents yelling crazy stuff (mostly violent stuff -- "Get him back!" "Take him out!"), but for parents who are just cheering and only saying positive stuff? I can handle that!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parental Behavior: We all know that some parents are nuts and should not be allowed near the soccer fields! Screaming at refs, screaming at players, screaming at other parents, screaming instructions, etc. We all know this is wrong. However, what is right? I'm wondering...what about those parents that just need to comment on every fricking play? Nice ball, nice turn, what a pass, great shot, unlucky, ... how annoying are these people? What are they trying to prove? It's not like the kids are hearing it like it's positive encouragement. It's just to hear themselves talk and seem like they know soccer. Can't people just shut up and watch some soccer. Another instance...the other team scores a goal...parents. It's OK. Don't give up. We can get it back. The game isn't over. No SH-T. Sometimes these good intentioned parents make it worse. I need to watch games from a tree or something.

I bet you tell everyone on a roller coaster to shut up too.

Seriously! I'm a quiet person in my non-fan life (people often come up to me and say, "What's wrong?"), but when I'm watching sports, I have a motormouth. Not just my kids' games, but pro games. Live or on TV. Doesn't matter, can't help it. And wouldn't want to! (Can you tell I'm a former soccer keeper and softball catcher? We NEVER shut up.)

I get peeved at parents yelling crazy stuff (mostly violent stuff -- "Get him back!" "Take him out!"), but for parents who are just cheering and only saying positive stuff? I can handle that!

When kids all are hanging their heads moping after a goal against--I have ZERO problem with parents yelling to "shake it off" or "you can get it back". In fact, for the 9/10 year olds it seems to wake them up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just checked out the Virginian, it definitely looks like the better clubs competed in that tournament.

Better clubs maybe, but not the best teams of those clubs

Looks like it's the best teams from most clubs -- Arlington, Alexandria, Braddock Road, FPYC, Great Falls, Herndon, PAC, Sterling, SYC, Vienna -- certainly in lower age groups and to some extent in higher ones.

Judging from my son's age group (U15) and above, it looks like the top teams all were at either Potomac or Delco.

Many top VA teams were at Virginian for the U9-U11 age groups.

There IS more than ONE "top" tournament in this area. Potomac and Virginian are the most popular Memorial Day tournaments. The Virginian hosts all levels of teams (WAGS, NCSL, CCL, NPL), from nearly all the clubs in NOVA and several from MD and PA, from all age groups (U9-U16) for boys and girls, with even a U19 Mens and Womens division. The top teams play in GOLD bracket, and so on and so forth. The Virginian also attracts college coaches to scout the tournaments for those wishing to play at the college level (usually U15 and above only).

I'm curious to see if there is a trend among out-of-state teams--are there fewer of them than in the past? We've come to the Virginian for a few years, but we had a pretty unpleasant experience this year. Our team did well enough, but we noticed a style of play so different from what we're used to at home. When we finally encountered another club who was not local (but not from our state), the parents acknowledged the same observations and said they were requesting their club select a different tournament for next year. A lot of physical play you see in the World Cup but that's not allowed in our local leagues (and technically is not allowed at the World Cup). Slide tackles, clotheslines, gripping shirts, elbows to ribs. For our kids, it felt more like an obstacle course than a soccer game, especially when you factored in defenders who would lean on our kid, then when our kid ducked away, they would fall to the ground and scream that they were tripped. There was much less emphasis on footwork and passing, and much more use of body than what we're used to. It was kind of baffling.

[Anonymous]

^where is this genteel version of soccer played?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just checked out the Virginian, it definitely looks like the better clubs competed in that tournament.

Better clubs maybe, but not the best teams of those clubs

Looks like it's the best teams from most clubs -- Arlington, Alexandria, Braddock Road, FPYC, Great Falls, Herndon, PAC, Sterling, SYC, Vienna -- certainly in lower age groups and to some extent in higher ones.

Judging from my son's age group (U15) and above, it looks like the top teams all were at either Potomac or Delco.

Many top VA teams were at Virginian for the U9-U11 age groups.

There IS more than ONE "top" tournament in this area. Potomac and Virginian are the most popular Memorial Day tournaments. The Virginian hosts all levels of teams (WAGS, NCSL, CCL, NPL), from nearly all the clubs in NOVA and several from MD and PA, from all age groups (U9-U16) for boys and girls, with even a U19 Mens and Womens division. The top teams play in GOLD bracket, and so on and so forth. The Virginian also attracts college coaches to scout the tournaments for those wishing to play at the college level (usually U15 and above only).

I'm curious to see if there is a trend among out-of-state teams--are there fewer of them than in the past? We've come to the Virginian for a few years, but we had a pretty unpleasant experience this year. Our team did well enough, but we noticed a style of play so different from what we're used to at home. When we finally encountered another club who was not local (but not from our state), the parents acknowledged the same observations and said they were requesting their club select a different tournament for next year. A lot of physical play you see in the World Cup but that's not allowed in our local leagues (and technically is not allowed at the World Cup). Slide tackles, clotheslines, gripping shirts, elbows to ribs. For our kids, it felt more like an obstacle course than a soccer game, especially when you factored in defenders who would lean on our kid, then when our kid ducked away, they would fall to the ground and scream that they were tripped. There was much less emphasis on footwork and passing, and much more use of body than what we're used to. It was kind of baffling.

Are you referring to the Pennsylvania teams?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just checked out the Virginian, it definitely looks like the better clubs competed in that tournament.

Better clubs maybe, but not the best teams of those clubs

Looks like it's the best teams from most clubs -- Arlington, Alexandria, Braddock Road, FPYC, Great Falls, Herndon, PAC, Sterling, SYC, Vienna -- certainly in lower age groups and to some extent in higher ones.

Judging from my son's age group (U15) and above, it looks like the top teams all were at either Potomac or Delco.

Many top VA teams were at Virginian for the U9-U11 age groups.

There IS more than ONE "top" tournament in this area. Potomac and Virginian are the most popular Memorial Day tournaments. The Virginian hosts all levels of teams (WAGS, NCSL, CCL, NPL), from nearly all the clubs in NOVA and several from MD and PA, from all age groups (U9-U16) for boys and girls, with even a U19 Mens and Womens division. The top teams play in GOLD bracket, and so on and so forth. The Virginian also attracts college coaches to scout the tournaments for those wishing to play at the college level (usually U15 and above only).

I'm curious to see if there is a trend among out-of-state teams--are there fewer of them than in the past? We've come to the Virginian for a few years, but we had a pretty unpleasant experience this year. Our team did well enough, but we noticed a style of play so different from what we're used to at home. When we finally encountered another club who was not local (but not from our state), the parents acknowledged the same observations and said they were requesting their club select a different tournament for next year. A lot of physical play you see in the World Cup but that's not allowed in our local leagues (and technically is not allowed at the World Cup). Slide tackles, clotheslines, gripping shirts, elbows to ribs. For our kids, it felt more like an obstacle course than a soccer game, especially when you factored in defenders who would lean on our kid, then when our kid ducked away, they would fall to the ground and scream that they were tripped. There was much less emphasis on footwork and passing, and much more use of body than what we're used to. It was kind of baffling.

Are you referring to the Pennsylvania teams?

Defenders leaning in? That is normal soccer.