Villarreal Virginia Academy: imploding?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son plays for Villarreal and it’s been the best experience he has ever had playing soccer. His coach truly cares, the program overall cares about developing players, and kids have a fair opportunity to move up (and down) based on their skill and dedication.

He is U—16 and has played for numerous programs and coaches since he started playing travel what seems like a decade ago.

We have been told his coach is returning and I don’t know of any players that are leaving. I couldn’t name a single player or parent that doesn’t respect and adore the coach. How often can you say that in this area?

We’ve also heard that both the ABGC and Villarreal entities will be coming out with a joint statement soon. Sounds like there is some sort of resolution and soccer will go on.

In any case, no matter the outcome, if the team remains Villarreal or goes back to being Annandale, we will return. In the end, it’s all about coaches, if your child is having fun, and if a player has college aspirations, are they getting the exposure they desire.

My son has received all of that. To write off an entire program based on some internal squabble sounds more like a competing program trying to undercut Villarreal or a parent with a personal ax to grind.

As with any situation, I recommend basing your opinion on your own experience. We’ve had terrible experiences with other ‘name’ programs including some mentioned on this thread. We’ve also had players come over to Villarreal mid season from some of the teams mentioned here. Players move around all the time if they aren’t getting playing time at one team, don’t like the coach they play for, etc.

Hope any parent reading this doesn’t base a decision on rumor and innuendo and gives the program a chance. We did and it’s been the best decision we’ve ever made.

As a parent of a 03 boy, I can't help but second this. Team is also expected to travel to Spain for spring break. Should be a great experience for them.

Club soccer is cutthroat, but the reality is that even most of the best players for any club in the area won't play Division I soccer. So in the end, it's about what they learned and how they grew as people.

That's laughable. Your boy is in his primary playing years and you're staying with VIVA in the hopes he'll get to travel to Spain? It's the same recruiting line Bo and gang pulled last year to bring in players and retain staff. And guess what? No one went to Spain.....

Even if they do go on payed trip, it means nothing. Anybody can go to any commercial camp in Europe. Did any of the boys get invited by the actual Villreal academy for training? NO. FIFA allows for an official 2 weeks per year internship to a youth player the pro academy has selected and paid for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son plays for Villarreal and it’s been the best experience he has ever had playing soccer. His coach truly cares, the program overall cares about developing players, and kids have a fair opportunity to move up (and down) based on their skill and dedication.

He is U—16 and has played for numerous programs and coaches since he started playing travel what seems like a decade ago.

We have been told his coach is returning and I don’t know of any players that are leaving. I couldn’t name a single player or parent that doesn’t respect and adore the coach. How often can you say that in this area?

We’ve also heard that both the ABGC and Villarreal entities will be coming out with a joint statement soon. Sounds like there is some sort of resolution and soccer will go on.

In any case, no matter the outcome, if the team remains Villarreal or goes back to being Annandale, we will return. In the end, it’s all about coaches, if your child is having fun, and if a player has college aspirations, are they getting the exposure they desire.

My son has received all of that. To write off an entire program based on some internal squabble sounds more like a competing program trying to undercut Villarreal or a parent with a personal ax to grind.

As with any situation, I recommend basing your opinion on your own experience. We’ve had terrible experiences with other ‘name’ programs including some mentioned on this thread. We’ve also had players come over to Villarreal mid season from some of the teams mentioned here. Players move around all the time if they aren’t getting playing time at one team, don’t like the coach they play for, etc.

Hope any parent reading this doesn’t base a decision on rumor and innuendo and gives the program a chance. We did and it’s been the best decision we’ve ever made.

As a parent of a 03 boy, I can't help but second this. Team is also expected to travel to Spain for spring break. Should be a great experience for them.

Club soccer is cutthroat, but the reality is that even most of the best players for any club in the area won't play Division I soccer. So in the end, it's about what they learned and how they grew as people.

That's laughable. Your boy is in his primary playing years and you're staying with VIVA in the hopes he'll get to travel to Spain? It's the same recruiting line Bo and gang pulled last year to bring in players and retain staff. And guess what? No one went to Spain.....

As a parent of an 05 girl, i would be surprised to learn nobody went to Spain since both 05 teams went. Hmm.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son plays for Villarreal and it’s been the best experience he has ever had playing soccer. His coach truly cares, the program overall cares about developing players, and kids have a fair opportunity to move up (and down) based on their skill and dedication.

He is U—16 and has played for numerous programs and coaches since he started playing travel what seems like a decade ago.

We have been told his coach is returning and I don’t know of any players that are leaving. I couldn’t name a single player or parent that doesn’t respect and adore the coach. How often can you say that in this area?

We’ve also heard that both the ABGC and Villarreal entities will be coming out with a joint statement soon. Sounds like there is some sort of resolution and soccer will go on.

In any case, no matter the outcome, if the team remains Villarreal or goes back to being Annandale, we will return. In the end, it’s all about coaches, if your child is having fun, and if a player has college aspirations, are they getting the exposure they desire.

My son has received all of that. To write off an entire program based on some internal squabble sounds more like a competing program trying to undercut Villarreal or a parent with a personal ax to grind.

As with any situation, I recommend basing your opinion on your own experience. We’ve had terrible experiences with other ‘name’ programs including some mentioned on this thread. We’ve also had players come over to Villarreal mid season from some of the teams mentioned here. Players move around all the time if they aren’t getting playing time at one team, don’t like the coach they play for, etc.

Hope any parent reading this doesn’t base a decision on rumor and innuendo and gives the program a chance. We did and it’s been the best decision we’ve ever made.

As a parent of a 03 boy, I can't help but second this. Team is also expected to travel to Spain for spring break. Should be a great experience for them.

Club soccer is cutthroat, but the reality is that even most of the best players for any club in the area won't play Division I soccer. So in the end, it's about what they learned and how they grew as people.

That's laughable. Your boy is in his primary playing years and you're staying with VIVA in the hopes he'll get to travel to Spain? It's the same recruiting line Bo and gang pulled last year to bring in players and retain staff. And guess what? No one went to Spain.....

Even if they do go on payed trip, it means nothing. Anybody can go to any commercial camp in Europe. Did any of the boys get invited by the actual Villreal academy for training? NO. FIFA allows for an official 2 weeks per year internship to a youth player the pro academy has selected and paid for.

Pay attention. It was never said they're going to be signed by the Villarreal academy. It was never said that the possibility was the recruiting pitch. It's a positive experience for the kids... just like the commercial camps in Europe you mention or if you took your family there for a vacation. I wouldn't judge you if you did that for you family. I'm not sure why people are so quick to judge others decisions but I guess keyboard warriors are gong to keyboard warrior.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son plays for Villarreal and it’s been the best experience he has ever had playing soccer. His coach truly cares, the program overall cares about developing players, and kids have a fair opportunity to move up (and down) based on their skill and dedication.

He is U—16 and has played for numerous programs and coaches since he started playing travel what seems like a decade ago.

We have been told his coach is returning and I don’t know of any players that are leaving. I couldn’t name a single player or parent that doesn’t respect and adore the coach. How often can you say that in this area?

We’ve also heard that both the ABGC and Villarreal entities will be coming out with a joint statement soon. Sounds like there is some sort of resolution and soccer will go on.

In any case, no matter the outcome, if the team remains Villarreal or goes back to being Annandale, we will return. In the end, it’s all about coaches, if your child is having fun, and if a player has college aspirations, are they getting the exposure they desire.

My son has received all of that. To write off an entire program based on some internal squabble sounds more like a competing program trying to undercut Villarreal or a parent with a personal ax to grind.

As with any situation, I recommend basing your opinion on your own experience. We’ve had terrible experiences with other ‘name’ programs including some mentioned on this thread. We’ve also had players come over to Villarreal mid season from some of the teams mentioned here. Players move around all the time if they aren’t getting playing time at one team, don’t like the coach they play for, etc.

Hope any parent reading this doesn’t base a decision on rumor and innuendo and gives the program a chance. We did and it’s been the best decision we’ve ever made.

As a parent of a 03 boy, I can't help but second this. Team is also expected to travel to Spain for spring break. Should be a great experience for them.

Club soccer is cutthroat, but the reality is that even most of the best players for any club in the area won't play Division I soccer. So in the end, it's about what they learned and how they grew as people.

That's laughable. Your boy is in his primary playing years and you're staying with VIVA in the hopes he'll get to travel to Spain? It's the same recruiting line Bo and gang pulled last year to bring in players and retain staff. And guess what? No one went to Spain.....

Even if they do go on payed trip, it means nothing. Anybody can go to any commercial camp in Europe. Did any of the boys get invited by the actual Villreal academy for training? NO. FIFA allows for an official 2 weeks per year internship to a youth player the pro academy has selected and paid for.

Pay attention. It was never said they're going to be signed by the Villarreal academy. It was never said that the possibility was the recruiting pitch. It's a positive experience for the kids... just like the commercial camps in Europe you mention or if you took your family there for a vacation. I wouldn't judge you if you did that for you family. I'm not sure why people are so quick to judge others decisions but I guess keyboard warriors are gong to keyboard warrior.

Their website used the word "tryout" to describe those trips. That's a lie.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son plays for Villarreal and it’s been the best experience he has ever had playing soccer. His coach truly cares, the program overall cares about developing players, and kids have a fair opportunity to move up (and down) based on their skill and dedication.

He is U—16 and has played for numerous programs and coaches since he started playing travel what seems like a decade ago.

We have been told his coach is returning and I don’t know of any players that are leaving. I couldn’t name a single player or parent that doesn’t respect and adore the coach. How often can you say that in this area?

We’ve also heard that both the ABGC and Villarreal entities will be coming out with a joint statement soon. Sounds like there is some sort of resolution and soccer will go on.

In any case, no matter the outcome, if the team remains Villarreal or goes back to being Annandale, we will return. In the end, it’s all about coaches, if your child is having fun, and if a player has college aspirations, are they getting the exposure they desire.

My son has received all of that. To write off an entire program based on some internal squabble sounds more like a competing program trying to undercut Villarreal or a parent with a personal ax to grind.

As with any situation, I recommend basing your opinion on your own experience. We’ve had terrible experiences with other ‘name’ programs including some mentioned on this thread. We’ve also had players come over to Villarreal mid season from some of the teams mentioned here. Players move around all the time if they aren’t getting playing time at one team, don’t like the coach they play for, etc.

Hope any parent reading this doesn’t base a decision on rumor and innuendo and gives the program a chance. We did and it’s been the best decision we’ve ever made.

As a parent of a 03 boy, I can't help but second this. Team is also expected to travel to Spain for spring break. Should be a great experience for them.

Club soccer is cutthroat, but the reality is that even most of the best players for any club in the area won't play Division I soccer. So in the end, it's about what they learned and how they grew as people.

That's laughable. Your boy is in his primary playing years and you're staying with VIVA in the hopes he'll get to travel to Spain? It's the same recruiting line Bo and gang pulled last year to bring in players and retain staff. And guess what? No one went to Spain.....

Even if they do go on payed trip, it means nothing. Anybody can go to any commercial camp in Europe. Did any of the boys get invited by the actual Villreal academy for training? NO. FIFA allows for an official 2 weeks per year internship to a youth player the pro academy has selected and paid for.

Pay attention. It was never said they're going to be signed by the Villarreal academy. It was never said that the possibility was the recruiting pitch. It's a positive experience for the kids... just like the commercial camps in Europe you mention or if you took your family there for a vacation. I wouldn't judge you if you did that for you family. I'm not sure why people are so quick to judge others decisions but I guess keyboard warriors are gong to keyboard warrior.

Their website used the word "tryout" to describe those trips. That's a lie.

Absolutely, they are making it look like the kids are going there to be looked at and potentially be recruited. That was the main premise of the advertisement.

[Anonymous]

VIVA has been reaching out to other local clubs to see if they can merge, so they can have field access.

Club leadership has also been going around saying to other local coaches that they'll be lucky if the club makes it through the fall.

Clearly what the VIVA club leadership is saying publicly is not what they are saying behind closed doors within the local soccer community (i.e., those that actually work in the community, not those that play in it). But people around here get so caught up in "name" branding that they are willing to drink the Kool Aid....

[Anonymous]

Had a VIVA coach from the older age groups reach out earlier this year and ask if we’d take them under our umbrella. Said he could bring his entire team over. We didn’t want to touch it so don’t know if he wanted to do some type of merger as was suggested above, or was seeking for a new club altogether. Didn’t paint a great picture of the club, but time will tell. They do have some teams which have had success so wouldn’t necessarily say it’s doom and gloom, it’s more the quality of play and the style they utilize that’s concerning, not exactly the best way to develop youth players, but I guess it gets them results which buys more time and benefit of the doubt.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:VIVA has been reaching out to other local clubs to see if they can merge, so they can have field access.

Club leadership has also been going around saying to other local coaches that they'll be lucky if the club makes it through the fall.

Clearly what the VIVA club leadership is saying publicly is not what they are saying behind closed doors within the local soccer community (i.e., those that actually work in the community, not those that play in it). But people around here get so caught up in "name" branding that they are willing to drink the Kool Aid....

I agree. Even if they make it through the fall (with minimal fields etc.), they will quickly realize that there is no money to be made after they pay coaches salaries. Not so easy to run a soccer club. Need huge numbers to see a bit of a profit.

[Anonymous]

They really should try to make some type of merger happen to save FYPC from folding as well. Both clubs are close to each other and would make sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They really should try to make some type of merger happen to save FYPC from folding as well. Both clubs are close to each other and would make sense.

FPYC won’t fold, they’re a multi-sport club and fields aren’t a problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son plays for Villarreal and it’s been the best experience he has ever had playing soccer. His coach truly cares, the program overall cares about developing players, and kids have a fair opportunity to move up (and down) based on their skill and dedication.

He is U—16 and has played for numerous programs and coaches since he started playing travel what seems like a decade ago.

We have been told his coach is returning and I don’t know of any players that are leaving. I couldn’t name a single player or parent that doesn’t respect and adore the coach. How often can you say that in this area?

We’ve also heard that both the ABGC and Villarreal entities will be coming out with a joint statement soon. Sounds like there is some sort of resolution and soccer will go on.

In any case, no matter the outcome, if the team remains Villarreal or goes back to being Annandale, we will return. In the end, it’s all about coaches, if your child is having fun, and if a player has college aspirations, are they getting the exposure they desire.

My son has received all of that. To write off an entire program based on some internal squabble sounds more like a competing program trying to undercut Villarreal or a parent with a personal ax to grind.

As with any situation, I recommend basing your opinion on your own experience. We’ve had terrible experiences with other ‘name’ programs including some mentioned on this thread. We’ve also had players come over to Villarreal mid season from some of the teams mentioned here. Players move around all the time if they aren’t getting playing time at one team, don’t like the coach they play for, etc.

Hope any parent reading this doesn’t base a decision on rumor and innuendo and gives the program a chance. We did and it’s been the best decision we’ve ever made.

As a parent of a 03 boy, I can't help but second this. Team is also expected to travel to Spain for spring break. Should be a great experience for them.

Club soccer is cutthroat, but the reality is that even most of the best players for any club in the area won't play Division I soccer. So in the end, it's about what they learned and how they grew as people.

That's laughable. Your boy is in his primary playing years and you're staying with VIVA in the hopes he'll get to travel to Spain? It's the same recruiting line Bo and gang pulled last year to bring in players and retain staff. And guess what? No one went to Spain.....

Even if they do go on payed trip, it means nothing. Anybody can go to any commercial camp in Europe. Did any of the boys get invited by the actual Villreal academy for training? NO. FIFA allows for an official 2 weeks per year internship to a youth player the pro academy has selected and paid for.

Pay attention. It was never said they're going to be signed by the Villarreal academy. It was never said that the possibility was the recruiting pitch. It's a positive experience for the kids... just like the commercial camps in Europe you mention or if you took your family there for a vacation. I wouldn't judge you if you did that for you family. I'm not sure why people are so quick to judge others decisions but I guess keyboard warriors are gong to keyboard warrior.

Their website used the word "tryout" to describe those trips. That's a lie.

Absolutely, they are making it look like the kids are going there to be looked at and potentially be recruited. That was the main premise of the advertisement.

Not my club but I don’t like these sorts of expensive trips to begin with- the tryout lie For me is just cherry on top

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:VIVA has been reaching out to other local clubs to see if they can merge, so they can have field access.

Club leadership has also been going around saying to other local coaches that they'll be lucky if the club makes it through the fall.

Clearly what the VIVA club leadership is saying publicly is not what they are saying behind closed doors within the local soccer community (i.e., those that actually work in the community, not those that play in it). But people around here get so caught up in "name" branding that they are willing to drink the Kool Aid....

I agree. Even if they make it through the fall (with minimal fields etc.), they will quickly realize that there is no money to be made after they pay coaches salaries. Not so easy to run a soccer club. Need huge numbers to see a bit of a profit.

It's why they already got rid of some of their coaches that were told they would have a spot with VIVA in the Fall...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:VIVA has been reaching out to other local clubs to see if they can merge, so they can have field access.

Club leadership has also been going around saying to other local coaches that they'll be lucky if the club makes it through the fall.

Clearly what the VIVA club leadership is saying publicly is not what they are saying behind closed doors within the local soccer community (i.e., those that actually work in the community, not those that play in it). But people around here get so caught up in "name" branding that they are willing to drink the Kool Aid....

I agree. Even if they make it through the fall (with minimal fields etc.), they will quickly realize that there is no money to be made after they pay coaches salaries. Not so easy to run a soccer club. Need huge numbers to see a bit of a profit.

It's why they already got rid of some of their coaches that were told they would have a spot with VIVA in the Fall...

Numbers are certainly lower than last year across age groups after the Annandale debacle but that seemed to hurt Annandale more. I don't even know if they have any teams.

Field issue was red herring. Same locations as last year.

But, yes, all the disinformation was helpful for other clubs who wanted to recruit the players.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:VIVA has been reaching out to other local clubs to see if they can merge, so they can have field access.

Club leadership has also been going around saying to other local coaches that they'll be lucky if the club makes it through the fall.

Clearly what the VIVA club leadership is saying publicly is not what they are saying behind closed doors within the local soccer community (i.e., those that actually work in the community, not those that play in it). But people around here get so caught up in "name" branding that they are willing to drink the Kool Aid....

I agree. Even if they make it through the fall (with minimal fields etc.), they will quickly realize that there is no money to be made after they pay coaches salaries. Not so easy to run a soccer club. Need huge numbers to see a bit of a profit.

It's why they already got rid of some of their coaches that were told they would have a spot with VIVA in the Fall...

Numbers are certainly lower than last year across age groups after the Annandale debacle but that seemed to hurt Annandale more. I don't even know if they have any teams.

Field issue was red herring. Same locations as last year.

But, yes, all the disinformation was helpful for other clubs who wanted to recruit the players.

Not sure if there was so much recruiting as parents not happy with the changes they were seeing in the horizon and decided to move on.

[Anonymous]

FPYCparent wrote:Did Virginia Revolution SC (new, as of 2018) consume or partner with some of the Villareal teams?

From the NCSL schedule, some of the VRSC "Villareal Yellow" teams are playing home games this fall at Justice and Thomas Jefferson High Schools (Falls Church and Annandale, respectively). There are also some games at Mason District Park, off of Columbia Pike.

VRSC NCSL team list: http://ncsl-soccer.com/_element_display/#%2F80738%2Fteams%2Fclub%2F95919895.html%3Fdummy%3D1565623090869

TJHSST field schedule: http://elements.demosphere-secure.com/scripts/runisa.dll?M2:gp:867145.2084:80738+Elements/Display+E+46241+++++95857049+89641506
JHS field schedule: http://elements.demosphere-secure.com/scripts/runisa.dll?M2:gp:233309.4406:80738+Elements/Display+E+46241+++++95857049+79133532
Mason District Park field schedule: http://elements.demosphere-secure.com/scripts/runisa.dll?M2:gp::80738+Elements/Display+E+18235+Display/[phone]+95919895+95857049

All of the other non-" Villareal Yellow" VRSC teams have home games at Morven Park (Leesburg).

That's a good question. Just a guess ... that is the new entity running the Villarreal club as Annandale United was managing it last year and then was eliminated after the split.