dc stoddert travel tryout dates...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My favorite Karen memory was the practice makeups for the 'A' /higher level team (they'd rent a field for them) but nothing forvthd next team down. Same fees paid but you had to treat the lower level teams like trash so everyone aspired to be on the higher level team.

Jesus--she sounds just perfect for Arlington!! That's the direction they've been going for awhile now.

I love a Club actually spilling legit dirt. Everywhere else they are too afraid.

There is a lot more ...I think there are two or three approved hair styles....for u9.

Ha!! Excellent.

Does she lean towards the "Abby Wambach" or the "Alex Morgan"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My favorite Karen memory was the practice makeups for the 'A' /higher level team (they'd rent a field for them) but nothing forvthd next team down. Same fees paid but you had to treat the lower level teams like trash so everyone aspired to be on the higher level team.

Jesus--she sounds just perfect for Arlington!! That's the direction they've been going for awhile now.

What bad coaches have come from other clubs to join Arlington?

Just generalities. At least here there are credible examples, but hate the rag on Arlington tone in these threads.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My favorite Karen memory was the practice makeups for the 'A' /higher level team (they'd rent a field for them) but nothing forvthd next team down. Same fees paid but you had to treat the lower level teams like trash so everyone aspired to be on the higher level team.

Jesus--she sounds just perfect for Arlington!! That's the direction they've been going for awhile now.

What bad coaches have come from other clubs to join Arlington?

Just generalities. At least here there are credible examples, but hate the rag on Arlington tone in these threads.

Agreed. McLean and Alexandria have more intensive U8 programs than Arlington - but Arlington gets the bad rap for crazy parents and the U9 tryouts. Arlington has options for parents who do not want the competitive soccer environment through its ADP program, and then there is the entire Rec league. Arlington hosts legitimate Drop-in soccer days for any kids in the region to just come out and play to have fun without parents telling kids what to do - who else has something like that on a regular basis? Arlington gets about 2X as many people trying out for its 6 travel teams as other local clubs, and then can field about 6 - 8 ADP teams in the same age group, and dozens of rec leagues per grade. Soccer is big in Northern VA, it is a popular sport. I'm not saying Arlington is the best, but its top teams are generally always competitive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My favorite Karen memory was the practice makeups for the 'A' /higher level team (they'd rent a field for them) but nothing forvthd next team down. Same fees paid but you had to treat the lower level teams like trash so everyone aspired to be on the higher level team.

Jesus--she sounds just perfect for Arlington!! That's the direction they've been going for awhile now.

What bad coaches have come from other clubs to join Arlington?

Just generalities. At least here there are credible examples, but hate the rag on Arlington tone in these threads.

Agreed. McLean and Alexandria have more intensive U8 programs than Arlington - but Arlington gets the bad rap for crazy parents and the U9 tryouts. Arlington has options for parents who do not want the competitive soccer environment through its ADP program, and then there is the entire Rec league. Arlington hosts legitimate Drop-in soccer days for any kids in the region to just come out and play to have fun without parents telling kids what to do - who else has something like that on a regular basis? Arlington gets about 2X as many people trying out for its 6 travel teams as other local clubs, and then can field about 6 - 8 ADP teams in the same age group, and dozens of rec leagues per grade. Soccer is big in Northern VA, it is a popular sport. I'm not saying Arlington is the best, but its top teams are generally always competitive.

I don't disagree with what you said, but let's be fair. The pool of people that only have Arlington as their travel club option is ENORMOUS. That is why there are so many kids playing soccer for the Club. Arlington is going to have a 4,000 person High School and 3 other High Schools at close to 2,000-3,000 (all feeding into one Club). The schools cannot keep up with the number of children. AC has a population feeding into the Club the size of Iceland. Other Clubs have much, much smaller pool of players and many more clubs right next door. If there was a Fairfax County Soccer Association you would see something along those lines.

Again, I'm not saying anything bad. I'm just saying they get a little full of themselves without realizing the reason they can field so many teams---and still have fairly good athletes on even the lowest teams is a sheer numbers game.

[Anonymous]

^^ true that. My kid's elementary school has 8 additional trailers on the field to house classrooms. Every kid coming out of them is wearing an ASA travel jacket.

[Anonymous]

I'd be more impressed with a Club that can turn coal into diamonds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My favorite Karen memory was the practice makeups for the 'A' /higher level team (they'd rent a field for them) but nothing forvthd next team down. Same fees paid but you had to treat the lower level teams like trash so everyone aspired to be on the higher level team.

Jesus--she sounds just perfect for Arlington!! That's the direction they've been going for awhile now.

What bad coaches have come from other clubs to join Arlington?

Just generalities. At least here there are credible examples, but hate the rag on Arlington tone in these threads.

Agreed. McLean and Alexandria have more intensive U8 programs than Arlington - but Arlington gets the bad rap for crazy parents and the U9 tryouts. Arlington has options for parents who do not want the competitive soccer environment through its ADP program, and then there is the entire Rec league. Arlington hosts legitimate Drop-in soccer days for any kids in the region to just come out and play to have fun without parents telling kids what to do - who else has something like that on a regular basis? Arlington gets about 2X as many people trying out for its 6 travel teams as other local clubs, and then can field about 6 - 8 ADP teams in the same age group, and dozens of rec leagues per grade. Soccer is big in Northern VA, it is a popular sport. I'm not saying Arlington is the best, but its top teams are generally always competitive.

Good post, so finally going to add my 2 cents. Everyone rags on Arlington for the fun of it. We have been at other clubs and are now at Arlington. I think this is one of the most honest accurate posts I have read. The club is huge, and yes you can feel lost in some system, similar to feeling lost at some huge university versus a small college. But that size offers so many great options. It does have the best rec league, ADP is truly one of a kind, and what club does the drop in soccer?, forgot all about that!

I think families do get caught up in colors and moving up thinking that somehow Red means your player is great. Probably unavoidable at such a big club. Most parents like that are stupid about soccer anyway ("boot it," "send him," "shoot," etc.), and those can be found at any club. The smart parents focus on the coach, training curriculum, and playing time/roster size issues. Unfortunately, most parents there have never played the game at a competitive level and know how to evaluate this.

I disagree that a club like McLean is more intense because it has a U8 Academy. A travel-lite Academy that is tryout based is better way to go then what Arlington is doing by having so many young kids come there in first grade. 2010s at tryouts . . . Really? Letting Type A parents on field to talk to players and coaches at U9 tryouts . . . Really? Training 4 teams on half a field, or 3 teams on a quarter field . . . Really?

So, how about constructive criticism here like these sort of statements, versus lobbing hand grenades that the Arlington coaches are other clubs' rejects? Other then this thread's anecdotal examples on Kelser, I have yet to read a post where they identified some coach as a reject, and their basis for the claim. Kelser doesn't sound like a bowl full of cherries, but I guess Arlington will see. But please stop with the generalities.

Also, many families would rather be at a small club then feel lost in the middle or lower tiers there. Nothing wrong with that. Usually those types will do U9 or U10 on some middle team where they feel close enough to the top that the become unsatisfied if they don't break in. But that is not a knock on the club, and I don't think Arlington would despise any kid for leaving black or blue for some small club experience.

Also, the allegations about corruption ate the biggest crock of shit I have ever read. The place seems run by parents and committees, instead of overpaid entrenched administrators and insiders. The technical staff gets this reputation as playing favorites, but have never experienced that in my many interactions. Have never felt threatened to be black-listed, nor handed some favor. Basically, I feel they try to do best by their many, many players. I am not bullshitting here either.

So, my 2 cents. Not paid by the club or work there. Just a parent with experience at several clubs (big, medium, small) trying to recognize finally a post from someone that seems fair on this f#cked up anonymous board. The prior post above is a good post for those trying to navigate the bullshit on these forums, and I would say Arlington is a very good option to consider.

No way is it perfect. And every family different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My favorite Karen memory was the practice makeups for the 'A' /higher level team (they'd rent a field for them) but nothing forvthd next team down. Same fees paid but you had to treat the lower level teams like trash so everyone aspired to be on the higher level team.

Jesus--she sounds just perfect for Arlington!! That's the direction they've been going for awhile now.

What bad coaches have come from other clubs to join Arlington?

Just generalities. At least here there are credible examples, but hate the rag on Arlington tone in these threads.

Agreed. McLean and Alexandria have more intensive U8 programs than Arlington - but Arlington gets the bad rap for crazy parents and the U9 tryouts. Arlington has options for parents who do not want the competitive soccer environment through its ADP program, and then there is the entire Rec league. Arlington hosts legitimate Drop-in soccer days for any kids in the region to just come out and play to have fun without parents telling kids what to do - who else has something like that on a regular basis? Arlington gets about 2X as many people trying out for its 6 travel teams as other local clubs, and then can field about 6 - 8 ADP teams in the same age group, and dozens of rec leagues per grade. Soccer is big in Northern VA, it is a popular sport. I'm not saying Arlington is the best, but its top teams are generally always competitive.

Good post, so finally going to add my 2 cents. Everyone rags on Arlington for the fun of it. We have been at other clubs and are now at Arlington. I think this is one of the most honest accurate posts I have read. The club is huge, and yes you can feel lost in some system, similar to feeling lost at some huge university versus a small college. But that size offers so many great options. It does have the best rec league, ADP is truly one of a kind, and what club does the drop in soccer?, forgot all about that!

I think families do get caught up in colors and moving up thinking that somehow Red means your player is great. Probably unavoidable at such a big club. Most parents like that are stupid about soccer anyway ("boot it," "send him," "shoot," etc.), and those can be found at any club. The smart parents focus on the coach, training curriculum, and playing time/roster size issues. Unfortunately, most parents there have never played the game at a competitive level and know how to evaluate this.

I disagree that a club like McLean is more intense because it has a U8 Academy. A travel-lite Academy that is tryout based is better way to go then what Arlington is doing by having so many young kids come there in first grade. 2010s at tryouts . . . Really? Letting Type A parents on field to talk to players and coaches at U9 tryouts . . . Really? Training 4 teams on half a field, or 3 teams on a quarter field . . . Really?

So, how about constructive criticism here like these sort of statements, versus lobbing hand grenades that the Arlington coaches are other clubs' rejects? Other then this thread's anecdotal examples on Kelser, I have yet to read a post where they identified some coach as a reject, and their basis for the claim. Kelser doesn't sound like a bowl full of cherries, but I guess Arlington will see. But please stop with the generalities.

Also, many families would rather be at a small club then feel lost in the middle or lower tiers there. Nothing wrong with that. Usually those types will do U9 or U10 on some middle team where they feel close enough to the top that the become unsatisfied if they don't break in. But that is not a knock on the club, and I don't think Arlington would despise any kid for leaving black or blue for some small club experience.

Also, the allegations about corruption ate the biggest crock of shit I have ever read. The place seems run by parents and committees, instead of overpaid entrenched administrators and insiders. The technical staff gets this reputation as playing favorites, but have never experienced that in my many interactions. Have never felt threatened to be black-listed, nor handed some favor. Basically, I feel they try to do best by their many, many players. I am not bullshitting here either.

So, my 2 cents. Not paid by the club or work there. Just a parent with experience at several clubs (big, medium, small) trying to recognize finally a post from someone that seems fair on this f#cked up anonymous board. The prior post above is a good post for those trying to navigate the bullshit on these forums, and I would say Arlington is a very good option to consider.

No way is it perfect. And every family different.

Well said--except for the arrogance in bold. Even kids that make the top red/white Arl teams sometimes leave for a different Club. People keep harping that it is just some disgruntled lower team player so I thought that should at least be clarified: not everyone leaving is a kid that did not make a Red/White team (just like at other Clubs, btw). Kids often make top teams at multiple Clubs and make a choice for a variety of different reasons. Often, leaving for another Club often has little to do with the Club per se or the Coaches. Some kids/families just do better/feel more comfortable in a smaller organization. Much like picking a smaller University over a large one. But, you will just keep feeding the stereotype about the Club on these Boards when you categorize the reason that every kid that leaves or doesn't accept an offer is an untalented loser on an lower team.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My favorite Karen memory was the practice makeups for the 'A' /higher level team (they'd rent a field for them) but nothing forvthd next team down. Same fees paid but you had to treat the lower level teams like trash so everyone aspired to be on the higher level team.

Jesus--she sounds just perfect for Arlington!! That's the direction they've been going for awhile now.

I love a Club actually spilling legit dirt. Everywhere else they are too afraid.

There is a lot more ...I think there are two or three approved hair styles....for u9.

yeah, but if you go over the private school boards you'll see the same reports about National Cathedral School.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My favorite Karen memory was the practice makeups for the 'A' /higher level team (they'd rent a field for them) but nothing forvthd next team down. Same fees paid but you had to treat the lower level teams like trash so everyone aspired to be on the higher level team.

Jesus--she sounds just perfect for Arlington!! That's the direction they've been going for awhile now.

What bad coaches have come from other clubs to join Arlington?

Just generalities. At least here there are credible examples, but hate the rag on Arlington tone in these threads.

Agreed. McLean and Alexandria have more intensive U8 programs than Arlington - but Arlington gets the bad rap for crazy parents and the U9 tryouts. Arlington has options for parents who do not want the competitive soccer environment through its ADP program, and then there is the entire Rec league. Arlington hosts legitimate Drop-in soccer days for any kids in the region to just come out and play to have fun without parents telling kids what to do - who else has something like that on a regular basis? Arlington gets about 2X as many people trying out for its 6 travel teams as other local clubs, and then can field about 6 - 8 ADP teams in the same age group, and dozens of rec leagues per grade. Soccer is big in Northern VA, it is a popular sport. I'm not saying Arlington is the best, but its top teams are generally always competitive.

Good post, so finally going to add my 2 cents. Everyone rags on Arlington for the fun of it. We have been at other clubs and are now at Arlington. I think this is one of the most honest accurate posts I have read. The club is huge, and yes you can feel lost in some system, similar to feeling lost at some huge university versus a small college. But that size offers so many great options. It does have the best rec league, ADP is truly one of a kind, and what club does the drop in soccer?, forgot all about that!

I think families do get caught up in colors and moving up thinking that somehow Red means your player is great. Probably unavoidable at such a big club. Most parents like that are stupid about soccer anyway ("boot it," "send him," "shoot," etc.), and those can be found at any club. The smart parents focus on the coach, training curriculum, and playing time/roster size issues. Unfortunately, most parents there have never played the game at a competitive level and know how to evaluate this.

I disagree that a club like McLean is more intense because it has a U8 Academy. A travel-lite Academy that is tryout based is better way to go then what Arlington is doing by having so many young kids come there in first grade. 2010s at tryouts . . . Really? Letting Type A parents on field to talk to players and coaches at U9 tryouts . . . Really? Training 4 teams on half a field, or 3 teams on a quarter field . . . Really?

So, how about constructive criticism here like these sort of statements, versus lobbing hand grenades that the Arlington coaches are other clubs' rejects? Other then this thread's anecdotal examples on Kelser, I have yet to read a post where they identified some coach as a reject, and their basis for the claim. Kelser doesn't sound like a bowl full of cherries, but I guess Arlington will see. But please stop with the generalities.

Also, many families would rather be at a small club then feel lost in the middle or lower tiers there. Nothing wrong with that. Usually those types will do U9 or U10 on some middle team where they feel close enough to the top that the become unsatisfied if they don't break in. But that is not a knock on the club, and I don't think Arlington would despise any kid for leaving black or blue for some small club experience.

Also, the allegations about corruption ate the biggest crock of shit I have ever read. The place seems run by parents and committees, instead of overpaid entrenched administrators and insiders. The technical staff gets this reputation as playing favorites, but have never experienced that in my many interactions. Have never felt threatened to be black-listed, nor handed some favor. Basically, I feel they try to do best by their many, many players. I am not bullshitting here either.

So, my 2 cents. Not paid by the club or work there. Just a parent with experience at several clubs (big, medium, small) trying to recognize finally a post from someone that seems fair on this f#cked up anonymous board. The prior post above is a good post for those trying to navigate the bullshit on these forums, and I would say Arlington is a very good option to consider.

No way is it perfect. And every family different.

Well said--except for the arrogance in bold. Even kids that make the top red/white Arl teams sometimes leave for a different Club. People keep harping that it is just some disgruntled lower team player so I thought that should at least be clarified: not everyone leaving is a kid that did not make a Red/White team (just like at other Clubs, btw). Kids often make top teams at multiple Clubs and make a choice for a variety of different reasons. Often, leaving for another Club often has little to do with the Club per se or the Coaches. Some kids/families just do better/feel more comfortable in a smaller organization. Much like picking a smaller University over a large one. But, you will just keep feeding the stereotype about the Club on these Boards when you categorize the reason that every kid that leaves or doesn't accept an offer is an untalented loser on an lower team.

Very defensive. Read the post. It is about families who feel lost. Top tier players (on red/white) leave all the time, but we have yet to meet a parent that said they did so because they felt lost at a big club. I have met plenty of families who privately have told me they felt lost, and can't break into the visibility/limelight afforded in their minds to the top. ALL of them were on middle or lower tier. (And plenty of families on those teams who do not feel lost!) For anyone feeling lost at a big club, like a big school, we have suggested trying a smaller club as a solution. We have also told them they may be misreading things when they feel the age group coach or TD is talking to some Red parent but has never spoken to them.

So please get over your bullshit that this is arrogance. It is a fact and we are at the club. You have some chip on your shoulder by that reflex reaction. All red/white families are not arrogant, do not perpetuate this view, and many leave for smaller clubs. Have not been there since the beginning, so maybe you know a family that feels lost in the system on a White/Red Team? That would be a rare find at Arlington.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My favorite Karen memory was the practice makeups for the 'A' /higher level team (they'd rent a field for them) but nothing forvthd next team down. Same fees paid but you had to treat the lower level teams like trash so everyone aspired to be on the higher level team.

Jesus--she sounds just perfect for Arlington!! That's the direction they've been going for awhile now.

What bad coaches have come from other clubs to join Arlington?

Just generalities. At least here there are credible examples, but hate the rag on Arlington tone in these threads.

Agreed. McLean and Alexandria have more intensive U8 programs than Arlington - but Arlington gets the bad rap for crazy parents and the U9 tryouts. Arlington has options for parents who do not want the competitive soccer environment through its ADP program, and then there is the entire Rec league. Arlington hosts legitimate Drop-in soccer days for any kids in the region to just come out and play to have fun without parents telling kids what to do - who else has something like that on a regular basis? Arlington gets about 2X as many people trying out for its 6 travel teams as other local clubs, and then can field about 6 - 8 ADP teams in the same age group, and dozens of rec leagues per grade. Soccer is big in Northern VA, it is a popular sport. I'm not saying Arlington is the best, but its top teams are generally always competitive.

Good post, so finally going to add my 2 cents. Everyone rags on Arlington for the fun of it. We have been at other clubs and are now at Arlington. I think this is one of the most honest accurate posts I have read. The club is huge, and yes you can feel lost in some system, similar to feeling lost at some huge university versus a small college. But that size offers so many great options. It does have the best rec league, ADP is truly one of a kind, and what club does the drop in soccer?, forgot all about that!

I think families do get caught up in colors and moving up thinking that somehow Red means your player is great. Probably unavoidable at such a big club. Most parents like that are stupid about soccer anyway ("boot it," "send him," "shoot," etc.), and those can be found at any club. The smart parents focus on the coach, training curriculum, and playing time/roster size issues. Unfortunately, most parents there have never played the game at a competitive level and know how to evaluate this.

I disagree that a club like McLean is more intense because it has a U8 Academy. A travel-lite Academy that is tryout based is better way to go then what Arlington is doing by having so many young kids come there in first grade. 2010s at tryouts . . . Really? Letting Type A parents on field to talk to players and coaches at U9 tryouts . . . Really? Training 4 teams on half a field, or 3 teams on a quarter field . . . Really?

So, how about constructive criticism here like these sort of statements, versus lobbing hand grenades that the Arlington coaches are other clubs' rejects? Other then this thread's anecdotal examples on Kelser, I have yet to read a post where they identified some coach as a reject, and their basis for the claim. Kelser doesn't sound like a bowl full of cherries, but I guess Arlington will see. But please stop with the generalities.

Also, many families would rather be at a small club then feel lost in the middle or lower tiers there. Nothing wrong with that. Usually those types will do U9 or U10 on some middle team where they feel close enough to the top that the become unsatisfied if they don't break in. But that is not a knock on the club, and I don't think Arlington would despise any kid for leaving black or blue for some small club experience.

Also, the allegations about corruption ate the biggest crock of shit I have ever read. The place seems run by parents and committees, instead of overpaid entrenched administrators and insiders. The technical staff gets this reputation as playing favorites, but have never experienced that in my many interactions. Have never felt threatened to be black-listed, nor handed some favor. Basically, I feel they try to do best by their many, many players. I am not bullshitting here either.

So, my 2 cents. Not paid by the club or work there. Just a parent with experience at several clubs (big, medium, small) trying to recognize finally a post from someone that seems fair on this f#cked up anonymous board. The prior post above is a good post for those trying to navigate the bullshit on these forums, and I would say Arlington is a very good option to consider.

No way is it perfect. And every family different.

We've had kids in Arlington travel soccer for 6 years and the bolded part is absolutely true. I'm glad you haven't run into yet, but it is there with some of the coaches, parents & staff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd be more impressed with a Club that can turn coal into diamonds.

They'll tell you you're doing that every week, not to worry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

She's a good coach on paper.
She's mean at heart. But she's coaching young children. She runs the program like she's running Ajax - in fact she quoted that during one of her team parents meetings.
One year her 11/12 year old 'red' team (the B team) lost a bunch of their games. What she ended up doing was she cut all the smaller sized kids to the 'C' team. You know, like it was their fault. And like losing some games at U11 was a big deal. She talks about it being about development but her teams have as many physically large girls that she can find it seems.

That year the player critiques she writes - again pages and pages of criticisms- included one to a physically large girl on the 'A team' that detailed that she/the girl was only on that team because she was physically big but that she 'had no talent'. That girl's mom threw it in the trash can but she told the other parents (not the girl).

She pits the kids against each other, threatening to cut them or to cut them down a team, to increase their work rate.

Could go on and on but it's late - have fun!

Oh, and if anyone has a problem with me writing this I saved all of my Karen correspondence. It' was just too priceless to not save it.

But she's a good coach. stoddert had her running their programs for years.

Accurate summary and anecdotes. Always surprised me she was coaching younger kids - seemed very ill-suited temperamentally to it. I do think some of her anger she took out on parents because she couldn't do it with kids. Anyway, DD wasn't on her team ever, but obviously encountered her a lot (you can't avoid it U9-12 girls in stoddert). Started with the emails u9 during preseason practice and how far behind the girls were vs other clubs, and continued on. Fortunately by U11 she stops caring about anything other than her blue (top) team, which means she leaves the other coaches to their devices (and to find fields) - but at least you don't have to deal with her. Got to the point at U12 where when the team needed guests to fill out the roster she reached down to U11 blue instead of the U12 red team - so much for the "club" approach of training together. There was basically no in-season movement between teams, even though some players greatly improved during the course of the season and some swaps would have benefited everyone.

Yeah - the emails and the epic meetings to talk about how incompetent your young children are at soccer. The memories!
Before people think we're all nuts - the girls played because the other kids were nice and they liked playing and the parents were typically pretty fun and interesting too.

Not sure if you're getting him too but Karen's husband is way better with the little kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

She's a good coach on paper.
She's mean at heart. But she's coaching young children. She runs the program like she's running Ajax - in fact she quoted that during one of her team parents meetings.
One year her 11/12 year old 'red' team (the B team) lost a bunch of their games. What she ended up doing was she cut all the smaller sized kids to the 'C' team. You know, like it was their fault. And like losing some games at U11 was a big deal. She talks about it being about development but her teams have as many physically large girls that she can find it seems.

That year the player critiques she writes - again pages and pages of criticisms- included one to a physically large girl on the 'A team' that detailed that she/the girl was only on that team because she was physically big but that she 'had no talent'. That girl's mom threw it in the trash can but she told the other parents (not the girl).

She pits the kids against each other, threatening to cut them or to cut them down a team, to increase their work rate.

Could go on and on but it's late - have fun!

Oh, and if anyone has a problem with me writing this I saved all of my Karen correspondence. It' was just too priceless to not save it.

But she's a good coach. stoddert had her running their programs for years.

Accurate summary and anecdotes. Always surprised me she was coaching younger kids - seemed very ill-suited temperamentally to it. I do think some of her anger she took out on parents because she couldn't do it with kids. Anyway, DD wasn't on her team ever, but obviously encountered her a lot (you can't avoid it U9-12 girls in stoddert). Started with the emails u9 during preseason practice and how far behind the girls were vs other clubs, and continued on. Fortunately by U11 she stops caring about anything other than her blue (top) team, which means she leaves the other coaches to their devices (and to find fields) - but at least you don't have to deal with her. Got to the point at U12 where when the team needed guests to fill out the roster she reached down to U11 blue instead of the U12 red team - so much for the "club" approach of training together. There was basically no in-season movement between teams, even though some players greatly improved during the course of the season and some swaps would have benefited everyone.

Yeah - the emails and the epic meetings to talk about how incompetent your young children are at soccer. The memories!
Before people think we're all nuts - the girls played because the other kids were nice and they liked playing and the parents were typically pretty fun and interesting too.

Not sure if you're getting him too but Karen's husband is way better with the little kids.

Some definitely quit though. One who was cut from one of her teams went straight to a top Bethesda team.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My favorite Karen memory was the practice makeups for the 'A' /higher level team (they'd rent a field for them) but nothing forvthd next team down. Same fees paid but you had to treat the lower level teams like trash so everyone aspired to be on the higher level team.

Jesus--she sounds just perfect for Arlington!! That's the direction they've been going for awhile now.

I love a Club actually spilling legit dirt. Everywhere else they are too afraid.

There is a lot more ...I think there are two or three approved hair styles....for u9.

Keep it coming - this stuff is priceless.