Valor

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But for a club whose bread and butter is rec-level players, they seem to treat those teams the crappiest! Doesn't make a lot of sense.

Agreed. I think they’ve been relying on there being enough kids in rec that they can sucker into joining a lower Valor team each year, that it doesn’t matter if some of them realize it’s terrible and leave after only a year. Valor just goes back to the rec pool and makes parents feel special that their kids are being “recruited” to Valor.

My child said there are some new players in their age group that seems to have just started this winter. I think there has been some turnover on the lowest team and Valor found rec kids to fill the empty spots. The problem is the new kids are not good at all. I think this strategy will come back to bite Valor as word continues to get out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But for a club whose bread and butter is rec-level players, they seem to treat those teams the crappiest! Doesn't make a lot of sense.

Agreed. I think they’ve been relying on there being enough kids in rec that they can sucker into joining a lower Valor team each year, that it doesn’t matter if some of them realize it’s terrible and leave after only a year. Valor just goes back to the rec pool and makes parents feel special that their kids are being “recruited” to Valor.

My child said there are some new players in their age group that seems to have just started this winter. I think there has been some turnover on the lowest team and Valor found rec kids to fill the empty spots. The problem is the new kids are not good at all. I think this strategy will come back to bite Valor as word continues to get out.

The lowest team? Probably the new rec players are about even with the other players. I've seen the "silver" teams and they aint pretty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But for a club whose bread and butter is rec-level players, they seem to treat those teams the crappiest! Doesn't make a lot of sense.

Agreed. I think they’ve been relying on there being enough kids in rec that they can sucker into joining a lower Valor team each year, that it doesn’t matter if some of them realize it’s terrible and leave after only a year. Valor just goes back to the rec pool and makes parents feel special that their kids are being “recruited” to Valor.

My child said there are some new players in their age group that seems to have just started this winter. I think there has been some turnover on the lowest team and Valor found rec kids to fill the empty spots. The problem is the new kids are not good at all. I think this strategy will come back to bite Valor as word continues to get out.

The lowest team? Probably the new rec players are about even with the other players. I've seen the "silver" teams and they aint pretty.

Silver are the 4th tier.

Question - there are a lot of age groups with Silver teams. So much hating on Valor here - but there is obviously a strong market for their services - so should they just not offer 4th teams? Or 3rd? Or as many of you feel event first teams??

[Anonymous]

They have blue teams in some age groups which are even worse than silver

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But for a club whose bread and butter is rec-level players, they seem to treat those teams the crappiest! Doesn't make a lot of sense.

Agreed. I think they’ve been relying on there being enough kids in rec that they can sucker into joining a lower Valor team each year, that it doesn’t matter if some of them realize it’s terrible and leave after only a year. Valor just goes back to the rec pool and makes parents feel special that their kids are being “recruited” to Valor.

My child said there are some new players in their age group that seems to have just started this winter. I think there has been some turnover on the lowest team and Valor found rec kids to fill the empty spots. The problem is the new kids are not good at all. I think this strategy will come back to bite Valor as word continues to get out.

The lowest team? Probably the new rec players are about even with the other players. I've seen the "silver" teams and they aint pretty.

Silver are the 4th tier.

Question - there are a lot of age groups with Silver teams. So much hating on Valor here - but there is obviously a strong market for their services - so should they just not offer 4th teams? Or 3rd? Or as many of you feel event first teams??

yeah give kids less opportunity to appreciate and learn a sport at a higher level, especially the young ones because we are pretty much talking about u11 and below. Makes sense

[Anonymous]

Just look at their social media tournament success stories.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But for a club whose bread and butter is rec-level players, they seem to treat those teams the crappiest! Doesn't make a lot of sense.

Agreed. I think they’ve been relying on there being enough kids in rec that they can sucker into joining a lower Valor team each year, that it doesn’t matter if some of them realize it’s terrible and leave after only a year. Valor just goes back to the rec pool and makes parents feel special that their kids are being “recruited” to Valor.

My child said there are some new players in their age group that seems to have just started this winter. I think there has been some turnover on the lowest team and Valor found rec kids to fill the empty spots. The problem is the new kids are not good at all. I think this strategy will come back to bite Valor as word continues to get out.

The lowest team? Probably the new rec players are about even with the other players. I've seen the "silver" teams and they aint pretty.

Silver are the 4th tier.

Question - there are a lot of age groups with Silver teams. So much hating on Valor here - but there is obviously a strong market for their services - so should they just not offer 4th teams? Or 3rd? Or as many of you feel event first teams??

yeah give kids less opportunity to appreciate and learn a sport at a higher level, especially the young ones because we are pretty much talking about u11 and below. Makes sense

“Higher level”. I promise you rec is better than 4th team Valor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But for a club whose bread and butter is rec-level players, they seem to treat those teams the crappiest! Doesn't make a lot of sense.

Agreed. I think they’ve been relying on there being enough kids in rec that they can sucker into joining a lower Valor team each year, that it doesn’t matter if some of them realize it’s terrible and leave after only a year. Valor just goes back to the rec pool and makes parents feel special that their kids are being “recruited” to Valor.

My child said there are some new players in their age group that seems to have just started this winter. I think there has been some turnover on the lowest team and Valor found rec kids to fill the empty spots. The problem is the new kids are not good at all. I think this strategy will come back to bite Valor as word continues to get out.

The lowest team? Probably the new rec players are about even with the other players. I've seen the "silver" teams and they aint pretty.

Silver are the 4th tier.

Question - there are a lot of age groups with Silver teams. So much hating on Valor here - but there is obviously a strong market for their services - so should they just not offer 4th teams? Or 3rd? Or as many of you feel event first teams??

Dad coach for $3k or dad coach for under $200, tough choice

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s tryout season—if you don’t like Valor, just move on. Not all of us are unhappy. I came here looking for tryout dates and stumbled upon a lot of negativity. I’ve had three kids go through NOVA travel, and every club has its issues. Two of mine played at the national level—one went on to play college soccer, while the other chose club soccer in college. My youngest is currently at Valor, and aside from a few tournament selections, I haven’t seen the problems being mentioned here.

You have to be realistic about your child’s level and commitment. My eldest trained nonstop and now plays for a top 10 D1 program. My youngest prefers hanging out with friends and riding his bike—I don’t expect the same outcome. Let go of entitlement and the inflated perception of your kid’s abilities.

I don't think too many would disagree with what you're saying here. Valor is fine for kids who like soccer and want more than rec, but are not talented and/or dedicated enough for higher level play. Though it is expensive compared to other clubs that fit this same bill. Valor is not fine for kids on their top teams who do want to train hard and aim for a higher level. Valor by and large does not attract enough of those players to put together quality teams. But they try to act like they are on par with the actual good clubs, with a price tag to match. It's a tough lesson to learn if you aren't familiar with the soccer landscape and didn't realize that leadership has zero vision beyond social media marketing and making as much money as possible.

Valor rates are on par with pretty much every club in the area. $2500-3500 is the typical range for 1 year of travel soccer at VDA, VSA, PWSI, Loudoun, Herndon, GFR, Valor, Arlington, Union. You can get a cheaper option from small clubs that is parent coached. In regards to your comment "act like they are par with the actual good clubs". Why wouldn't they? Go into a Kia dealership and go into a Lexus dealership, they make the same claims regarding Value, reliability, performance, etc. I've seen parents complain about the coaching, but yet I watch their kid suck down ice cream 10 mins before games. Here is the deal, go to any local park in July and find a group of kids playing soccer on their own. It shouldn't be a surprise that most of them play for high level clubs/leagues because they live and breath soccer which is why they are good. If your kid does that, then go try out for ECNL/GA/MLSN. If they are playing on tiktok as soon as they get up.....ECNL R, NCSL, EDP, Rec is probably just fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s tryout season—if you don’t like Valor, just move on. Not all of us are unhappy. I came here looking for tryout dates and stumbled upon a lot of negativity. I’ve had three kids go through NOVA travel, and every club has its issues. Two of mine played at the national level—one went on to play college soccer, while the other chose club soccer in college. My youngest is currently at Valor, and aside from a few tournament selections, I haven’t seen the problems being mentioned here.

You have to be realistic about your child’s level and commitment. My eldest trained nonstop and now plays for a top 10 D1 program. My youngest prefers hanging out with friends and riding his bike—I don’t expect the same outcome. Let go of entitlement and the inflated perception of your kid’s abilities.

I don't think too many would disagree with what you're saying here. Valor is fine for kids who like soccer and want more than rec, but are not talented and/or dedicated enough for higher level play. Though it is expensive compared to other clubs that fit this same bill. Valor is not fine for kids on their top teams who do want to train hard and aim for a higher level. Valor by and large does not attract enough of those players to put together quality teams. But they try to act like they are on par with the actual good clubs, with a price tag to match. It's a tough lesson to learn if you aren't familiar with the soccer landscape and didn't realize that leadership has zero vision beyond social media marketing and making as much money as possible.

Valor rates are on par with pretty much every club in the area. $2500-3500 is the typical range for 1 year of travel soccer at VDA, VSA, PWSI, Loudoun, Herndon, GFR, Valor, Arlington, Union. You can get a cheaper option from small clubs that is parent coached. In regards to your comment "act like they are par with the actual good clubs". Why wouldn't they? Go into a Kia dealership and go into a Lexus dealership, they make the same claims regarding Value, reliability, performance, etc. I've seen parents complain about the coaching, but yet I watch their kid suck down ice cream 10 mins before games. Here is the deal, go to any local park in July and find a group of kids playing soccer on their own. It shouldn't be a surprise that most of them play for high level clubs/leagues because they live and breath soccer which is why they are good. If your kid does that, then go try out for ECNL/GA/MLSN. If they are playing on tiktok as soon as they get up.....ECNL R, NCSL, EDP, Rec is probably just fine.

“Live and breathe soccer…” yeah, that’s what their shirt says, their midsize and play says otherwise.

Lots of complaints here- how do we fix this? I have nothing against 4th teams- you gotta start somewhere but if kids and parents aren’t putting in the effort then it’s going to suck for everyone. It’s so painful to watch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s tryout season—if you don’t like Valor, just move on. Not all of us are unhappy. I came here looking for tryout dates and stumbled upon a lot of negativity. I’ve had three kids go through NOVA travel, and every club has its issues. Two of mine played at the national level—one went on to play college soccer, while the other chose club soccer in college. My youngest is currently at Valor, and aside from a few tournament selections, I haven’t seen the problems being mentioned here.

You have to be realistic about your child’s level and commitment. My eldest trained nonstop and now plays for a top 10 D1 program. My youngest prefers hanging out with friends and riding his bike—I don’t expect the same outcome. Let go of entitlement and the inflated perception of your kid’s abilities.

I don't think too many would disagree with what you're saying here. Valor is fine for kids who like soccer and want more than rec, but are not talented and/or dedicated enough for higher level play. Though it is expensive compared to other clubs that fit this same bill. Valor is not fine for kids on their top teams who do want to train hard and aim for a higher level. Valor by and large does not attract enough of those players to put together quality teams. But they try to act like they are on par with the actual good clubs, with a price tag to match. It's a tough lesson to learn if you aren't familiar with the soccer landscape and didn't realize that leadership has zero vision beyond social media marketing and making as much money as possible.

Valor rates are on par with pretty much every club in the area. $2500-3500 is the typical range for 1 year of travel soccer at VDA, VSA, PWSI, Loudoun, Herndon, GFR, Valor, Arlington, Union. You can get a cheaper option from small clubs that is parent coached. In regards to your comment "act like they are par with the actual good clubs". Why wouldn't they? Go into a Kia dealership and go into a Lexus dealership, they make the same claims regarding Value, reliability, performance, etc. I've seen parents complain about the coaching, but yet I watch their kid suck down ice cream 10 mins before games. Here is the deal, go to any local park in July and find a group of kids playing soccer on their own. It shouldn't be a surprise that most of them play for high level clubs/leagues because they live and breath soccer which is why they are good. If your kid does that, then go try out for ECNL/GA/MLSN. If they are playing on tiktok as soon as they get up.....ECNL R, NCSL, EDP, Rec is probably just fine.

“Live and breathe soccer…” yeah, that’s what their shirt says, their midsize and play says otherwise.

Lots of complaints here- how do we fix this? I have nothing against 4th teams- you gotta start somewhere but if kids and parents aren’t putting in the effort then it’s going to suck for everyone. It’s so painful to watch.

Are you really complaining about 8,9, and 10 year olds not living and breathing soccer??? Specialization this young is not a great as you all think it is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s tryout season—if you don’t like Valor, just move on. Not all of us are unhappy. I came here looking for tryout dates and stumbled upon a lot of negativity. I’ve had three kids go through NOVA travel, and every club has its issues. Two of mine played at the national level—one went on to play college soccer, while the other chose club soccer in college. My youngest is currently at Valor, and aside from a few tournament selections, I haven’t seen the problems being mentioned here.

You have to be realistic about your child’s level and commitment. My eldest trained nonstop and now plays for a top 10 D1 program. My youngest prefers hanging out with friends and riding his bike—I don’t expect the same outcome. Let go of entitlement and the inflated perception of your kid’s abilities.

I don't think too many would disagree with what you're saying here. Valor is fine for kids who like soccer and want more than rec, but are not talented and/or dedicated enough for higher level play. Though it is expensive compared to other clubs that fit this same bill. Valor is not fine for kids on their top teams who do want to train hard and aim for a higher level. Valor by and large does not attract enough of those players to put together quality teams. But they try to act like they are on par with the actual good clubs, with a price tag to match. It's a tough lesson to learn if you aren't familiar with the soccer landscape and didn't realize that leadership has zero vision beyond social media marketing and making as much money as possible.

Valor rates are on par with pretty much every club in the area. $2500-3500 is the typical range for 1 year of travel soccer at VDA, VSA, PWSI, Loudoun, Herndon, GFR, Valor, Arlington, Union. You can get a cheaper option from small clubs that is parent coached. In regards to your comment "act like they are par with the actual good clubs". Why wouldn't they? Go into a Kia dealership and go into a Lexus dealership, they make the same claims regarding Value, reliability, performance, etc. I've seen parents complain about the coaching, but yet I watch their kid suck down ice cream 10 mins before games. Here is the deal, go to any local park in July and find a group of kids playing soccer on their own. It shouldn't be a surprise that most of them play for high level clubs/leagues because they live and breath soccer which is why they are good. If your kid does that, then go try out for ECNL/GA/MLSN. If they are playing on tiktok as soon as they get up.....ECNL R, NCSL, EDP, Rec is probably just fine.

You are all over the place. None of what you are saying explains why the young Valor teams are often far behind the teams at other respectable clubs, from top to bottom. I don't buy that all the kids at other clubs are living and breathing soccer... not at 8/9/10. Valor has a problem with evaluating talent and with proper coaching at the younger ages. It starts in the CYA/SYA rec leagues. Then it's a problem later on for a kid who is serious because they are behind their peers at other clubs who did have good training.

As for other clubs having 4th teams... yes they do, but those are clubs that could actually have 6 or 7 teams if they didn't turn anyone away. Valor literally accepts everyone including kids who have no business doing anything other than rec. It's not just about talent -- it's also focus, willingness to listen, and wanting to improve. A kid who is out there just not thinking about what they're doing at all should not be in a travel sport.

[Anonymous]

Valor charges well above market rate for the exurbs. $3000 for a low level team when neighboring clubs charge $2000. Anyone can look up the rates at Burke, Herndon, VSA, FC Dulles or FPYC and see that Valor costs the most and provides the least. Those other clubs don't use parent coaches either.

[Anonymous]

"Valor has a problem with evaluating talent and with proper coaching at the younger ages. It starts in the CYA/SYA rec leagues. Then it's a problem later on for a kid who is serious because they are behind their peers at other clubs who did have good training."

Being with Valor over the years...I am now seeing this as our child moves up the league...other leagues we play have players with much higher technical skills that I dont see being worked on in Valor practices...not sure who is at fault for that but sad we pay alot of money to have mediocre training with children who really do love soccer and maybe have potential that's not being tapped at all. And looking elsewhere puts our children at a huge disadvantage when Valor is "playing in the elite" league but not developing our children to play at that level.

Not hating on Valor but as a parent navigating this soccer world- with other children in other sports etc. and working full time...it would be nice to know the investment we and our family is making in Valor has an honest outcome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents of talented players recognize that the training is poor to nonexistent and they leave the program.

We are running, not walking away from Valor. I have been burned before and WILL NOT be burned again.

RUN NOT TO WALK or better yet, not come here AT ALL!!!!! They will sell you a dream, a crack heard dream.SMH

How is it possible we do not have the SPRING schedule yet??? We should be playing games and not sitting Idol. What we have been playing is sub-par and crap. Note to coach: Find a real challenge for the team and do not sugarcoat the sub-par training or lack of training you claim will make them better.

I AM DONE!!!!

I cannot get my child out of Valor fast enough!!!


My other kid who plays on a different travel team has had their practice schedule and games are starting to be added to the app as they are confirmed.

I believe our managers have practice schedules already they may just not be out on the apps yet.

To be fair, not many clubs know their spring schedule yet. Many counties are slow to release their spring field allotments.