Soccer - avoid Kids Pro Soccer

[Anonymous]

boy, do I feel like a dope! This guy had an "F" on BBB 2 years ago, I checked tonight and it's still an "F"!!!!
insane. do your research and don't be fooled by the slick website.

[Anonymous]

Marcel must have a psychiatric disorder to behave with such extremes of behavior.

[Anonymous]

Coach John is fantastic. Can't say enough good things. Try it. He is enthusiastic and great with the kids.

[Anonymous]

I don't really like this whole post but I just wanted to throw something out there. Yes, sometimes he is unreliable, his refund policy is shaky and maybe he's not the most personable person (although I find that the kids like him and definitely like the other coaches). But here's what Kids Pro Soccer does that no other soccer does esp Stoddard, which thousands of kids sign up for every year. He teaches them how to play. It is not all running around and kicking the ball. He is actually teaching them soccer skills. I have seen my son grow into a cute little player who actually can think about what he is doing. We also do Stoddard, which is parent run, and they do something else, which is give him a quasi-team experience with no pressure which I like. But all his skills have come from KPS. Try not to take all the other stuff so seriously (our kids are 3-6 after all) and you will be really pleased. I know that I have been admin frustrations and all.

[Anonymous]

I ignored the warnings...I figured it couldn't be that bad for a quick 6-week summer class. Unfortunately, the class was cancelled (due to low attendance) before it even started. Totally understand but the worst part is that it took 7 phone calls and 4 emails to finally get a refund. Crazy. I won't be dealing with Marcel again.

[Anonymous]

I didn't find Marcel abusive like some of the other posters. Quite frankly, my kids just thought the class was really boring. It doesn't teach the kids to play soccer. At least, the classes my kids took didn't. They ran the same 3-4 drills each and every time. Boring boring.

Even without the weird cancellations and refund stuff, I wouldn't bother with KPS. Total waste of $$$.

[Anonymous]

I'm another concerned parent. They changed the time of the class less than 24 hrs prior to the first class and are sticking to their no refund policy. The Better Business Bureau of VA / DC / MD should know about them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't really like this whole post but I just wanted to throw something out there. Yes, sometimes he is unreliable, his refund policy is shaky and maybe he's not the most personable person (although I find that the kids like him and definitely like the other coaches). But here's what Kids Pro Soccer does that no other soccer does esp Stoddard, which thousands of kids sign up for every year. He teaches them how to play. It is not all running around and kicking the ball. He is actually teaching them soccer skills. I have seen my son grow into a cute little player who actually can think about what he is doing. We also do Stoddard, which is parent run, and they do something else, which is give him a quasi-team experience with no pressure which I like. But all his skills have come from KPS. Try not to take all the other stuff so seriously (our kids are 3-6 after all) and you will be really pleased. I know that I have been admin frustrations and all.

I agree. That is the whole point--actually teach them soccer, yes! I am really fed up with programs (of all kinds) and parents who are always looking for catering to children something that has no sense and will not help them in the future. If you want to baby your child, do it, but that is why quality programs will never work for your child. What's wrong with learnig how to dribblle through some amazing games? If you want a class that your child will not benefit from, but will have fun kicking the ball out of control, you may as well become your child's coach and keep it in the backyard.
Anyways, a friend of mine recommend Kids Pro Soccer around five years ago. She knew Marcel because he trained her daughter for years until she received a scholarship to Princestone, so she has lots to thank him for.
My son was just 2.5 when we started kps classes, now he is 7.5 loves soccer, is now in Stodder, and I can not say a bad word about Kids Pro Soccer and the coaches, and we were with them for 4 years.
Parents can be very difficult to deal with and often have very unreasonable expectations, including myself. I hope that this helps these who actually have high expectations for their child.

[Anonymous]

My 2 year old had a great experience this past summer with Soccer Tots http://www.soccertotsva.com/index.htm. The coach (David) was extremely patient and kept the kids' interest. Highly recommend.

[Anonymous]

Second the rec for Darryl Gee - I worked for him as a couch as a teenager and in college, DS has had a great time with his program. I think his system both respects kids as kids, but also does not "dumb down" the sport, nor does it encourage excessive training at a young age.

[Anonymous]

Can anyone share the names of the coaches who were particularly good or bad? I am trying to decide if I can figure out what class might actually be worth signing up my 2 1/2 yo for.

thanks.

[Anonymous]

My two sons have been taking classes with coach Joseph, coach Louis, and coach Brandon. I found coach Louis the best when they were 2. He is really excellent. I also always check which classes he will be teaching...good luck!

[Anonymous]

My son, daughter and their friends have taken soccer programs with First Touch Soccer based in Upper NW DC. It is a nonprofit program that has been in existence for 4-5 years. Mitch D. has a great staff of soccer players who are patient, outstanding players and most importantly have an amazing ability to interact and communicate with the kids. The programs are usually conducted at the Palisades Recreation Center turf field off MacArthur Blvd. They conduct spring, summer, fall and winter (indoor) training for boys and girls ages 7 & older (younger kids on a case by case basis). Programs are available for half and full days. Further information and testimonials at: www.FirstTouchSoccer.org

[Anonymous]

Completely agree! This guy is completely unprofessional and unwilling to accept responsibility for their failures. First day training was cancelled and they did not notify anyone of the cancellation. When confronted he got defensive and rude. Still waiting for a refund. Will be filling complaints with the BBB and possibly the FBI, just in case he is running a racket by refusing to offer refunds. Take your money elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Kid Pro Soccer is a big joke. Very unproffessional in dealing with people. They don't return phone calls or emails. We showed up at the play ground with no one there. Still have not been able to reach anyone for an explanation or refund. Please do not even bother. Once they get your money...It is whatever. Bad judgement on my part. Never again.