What do you think of the kids on Scholarship?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is their club and rules. If you don’t like them, you can leave and start your own club. I myself have no issues with kids on scholarships. I pay in full and I also provide two scholarships to families who can’t afford the fee.

that's fine if you choose to provide for the player can't afford it but it shouldn't be at the expense of everyones team costs being higher to offset scholarships

You are a special kind of selfish aren’t you. Why don’t you look that kid in the eye yourself and tell them you don’t want to pay $50-$100 so that they can play soccer on your team. Don’t come here and complain about it just tell the kid yourself tough guy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is their club and rules. If you don’t like them, you can leave and start your own club. I myself have no issues with kids on scholarships. I pay in full and I also provide two scholarships to families who can’t afford the fee.

that's fine if you choose to provide for the player can't afford it but it shouldn't be at the expense of everyones team costs being higher to offset scholarships

You are a special kind of selfish aren’t you. Why don’t you look that kid in the eye yourself and tell them you don’t want to pay $50-$100 so that they can play soccer on your team. Don’t come here and complain about it just tell the kid yourself tough guy.

Let’s face it, it’s not really about the kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Club scholarships are need based not merit.

Yes, and my opinion is that I think it should be based on both. I understand that it would be difficult for a large club to do this but large clubs have the money to base scholarships strictly off of need. In smaller clubs where the money is tighter and the budget often differs between teams, I think you have to be more selective. If 15 parents are kicking in an extra $100 so the 16th can join for free, I think that 16th player should be selected based on merit as well. Keep in mind, there is rec to keep the uncommitted players/families playing soccer.

These are all perfectly acceptable policy decisions that clubs can make - whether to award scholarships solely on the basis of need, solely on merit, or a combination (a player who will make a positive impact on the team, and needs the help). I have seen all three approaches. In my opinion the key is to be clear and upfront with everyone about what the policy is and how it will be implemented - how many scholarships will be awarded, and on what basis - and to make this a part of the offer letter so everyone goes into the situation fully informed. I get that it would be hard for a B team parent who is unhappy about their kid's placement to later find out that they are basically helping to fund one of the kids taking a spot on the A team, but if you know this is the way it's going to be before you agree to join the team, it's a lot harder to complain about it.

Seriously and should the scholarship kid wear a big S on their shirt just so you poster above PP feel better? You sure have your panties in a twist about this!

Why should a B team parent feel upset knowing some of their club fees paid in to a scholarship for a A team player? Their kid didn't make the team and if the only reason they would have made the team is because they can afford to while the other kid can't.

So the B team parent should be upset when they find out that it takes more than money to make the A team?

It might not be the most charitable reaction, but I have seen this play out in person. We have an A team filled with kids living pretty far away from the club, with several on scholarship. That team is very successful, but without those scholarship players probably would not be as successful as it is. But to do that, the club is taking money from every other local parent, to give to out of town kids, and in their minds, deprive their kids the opportunity to play on that A team. The carping about this is incessant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Club scholarships are need based not merit.

Yes, and my opinion is that I think it should be based on both. I understand that it would be difficult for a large club to do this but large clubs have the money to base scholarships strictly off of need. In smaller clubs where the money is tighter and the budget often differs between teams, I think you have to be more selective. If 15 parents are kicking in an extra $100 so the 16th can join for free, I think that 16th player should be selected based on merit as well. Keep in mind, there is rec to keep the uncommitted players/families playing soccer.

These are all perfectly acceptable policy decisions that clubs can make - whether to award scholarships solely on the basis of need, solely on merit, or a combination (a player who will make a positive impact on the team, and needs the help). I have seen all three approaches. In my opinion the key is to be clear and upfront with everyone about what the policy is and how it will be implemented - how many scholarships will be awarded, and on what basis - and to make this a part of the offer letter so everyone goes into the situation fully informed. I get that it would be hard for a B team parent who is unhappy about their kid's placement to later find out that they are basically helping to fund one of the kids taking a spot on the A team, but if you know this is the way it's going to be before you agree to join the team, it's a lot harder to complain about it.

Seriously and should the scholarship kid wear a big S on their shirt just so you poster above PP feel better? You sure have your panties in a twist about this!

Why should a B team parent feel upset knowing some of their club fees paid in to a scholarship for a A team player? Their kid didn't make the team and if the only reason they would have made the team is because they can afford to while the other kid can't.

So the B team parent should be upset when they find out that it takes more than money to make the A team?

It might not be the most charitable reaction, but I have seen this play out in person. We have an A team filled with kids living pretty far away from the club, with several on scholarship. That team is very successful, but without those scholarship players probably would not be as successful as it is. But to do that, the club is taking money from every other local parent, to give to out of town kids, and in their minds, deprive their kids the opportunity to play on that A team. The carping about this is incessant.

You fundamentally do not understand the point of scholarships. The ability to pay should not be the criteria for playing on a competitive team. If costs can be mitigated and kids can be helped out that is the greater good for soccer in this country. Nobody complains about paying the poor kids way with HS sports. Again, if you want exclusivity then join a Country Club and go to a Private School.

I'm so sorry that a poor kid is better at soccer than your kid. Money does not equate merit and you have simply become disillusioned that because you are better off financially than others that somehow makes you better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Club scholarships are need based not merit.

Yes, and my opinion is that I think it should be based on both. I understand that it would be difficult for a large club to do this but large clubs have the money to base scholarships strictly off of need. In smaller clubs where the money is tighter and the budget often differs between teams, I think you have to be more selective. If 15 parents are kicking in an extra $100 so the 16th can join for free, I think that 16th player should be selected based on merit as well. Keep in mind, there is rec to keep the uncommitted players/families playing soccer.

These are all perfectly acceptable policy decisions that clubs can make - whether to award scholarships solely on the basis of need, solely on merit, or a combination (a player who will make a positive impact on the team, and needs the help). I have seen all three approaches. In my opinion the key is to be clear and upfront with everyone about what the policy is and how it will be implemented - how many scholarships will be awarded, and on what basis - and to make this a part of the offer letter so everyone goes into the situation fully informed. I get that it would be hard for a B team parent who is unhappy about their kid's placement to later find out that they are basically helping to fund one of the kids taking a spot on the A team, but if you know this is the way it's going to be before you agree to join the team, it's a lot harder to complain about it.

Seriously and should the scholarship kid wear a big S on their shirt just so you poster above PP feel better? You sure have your panties in a twist about this!

Why should a B team parent feel upset knowing some of their club fees paid in to a scholarship for a A team player? Their kid didn't make the team and if the only reason they would have made the team is because they can afford to while the other kid can't.

So the B team parent should be upset when they find out that it takes more than money to make the A team?

It might not be the most charitable reaction, but I have seen this play out in person. We have an A team filled with kids living pretty far away from the club, with several on scholarship. That team is very successful, but without those scholarship players probably would not be as successful as it is. But to do that, the club is taking money from every other local parent, to give to out of town kids, and in their minds, deprive their kids the opportunity to play on that A team. The carping about this is incessant.

You fundamentally do not understand the point of scholarships. The ability to pay should not be the criteria for playing on a competitive team. If costs can be mitigated and kids can be helped out that is the greater good for soccer in this country. Nobody complains about paying the poor kids way with HS sports. Again, if you want exclusivity then join a Country Club and go to a Private School.

I'm so sorry that a poor kid is better at soccer than your kid. Money does not equate merit and you have simply become disillusioned that because you are better off financially than others that somehow makes you better.

I agree with you - I was just pointing out what I see in our club and how people react. To your school comparison - I think it’s off. Your kid doesn’t go hungry to feed a poor kid lunch, but in this scenario, with limited spots, someone on scholarship is likely taking a spot that would be open for others to compete for. It’s very personal and immediate, in a way that school funding or other government funding is not. I’ve also seen it with kids that are subs - I’ve heard parents say why are we paying for him, he makes no impact.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Club scholarships are need based not merit.

Yes, and my opinion is that I think it should be based on both. I understand that it would be difficult for a large club to do this but large clubs have the money to base scholarships strictly off of need. In smaller clubs where the money is tighter and the budget often differs between teams, I think you have to be more selective. If 15 parents are kicking in an extra $100 so the 16th can join for free, I think that 16th player should be selected based on merit as well. Keep in mind, there is rec to keep the uncommitted players/families playing soccer.

These are all perfectly acceptable policy decisions that clubs can make - whether to award scholarships solely on the basis of need, solely on merit, or a combination (a player who will make a positive impact on the team, and needs the help). I have seen all three approaches. In my opinion the key is to be clear and upfront with everyone about what the policy is and how it will be implemented - how many scholarships will be awarded, and on what basis - and to make this a part of the offer letter so everyone goes into the situation fully informed. I get that it would be hard for a B team parent who is unhappy about their kid's placement to later find out that they are basically helping to fund one of the kids taking a spot on the A team, but if you know this is the way it's going to be before you agree to join the team, it's a lot harder to complain about it.

Seriously and should the scholarship kid wear a big S on their shirt just so you poster above PP feel better? You sure have your panties in a twist about this!

Why should a B team parent feel upset knowing some of their club fees paid in to a scholarship for a A team player? Their kid didn't make the team and if the only reason they would have made the team is because they can afford to while the other kid can't.

So the B team parent should be upset when they find out that it takes more than money to make the A team?

It might not be the most charitable reaction, but I have seen this play out in person. We have an A team filled with kids living pretty far away from the club, with several on scholarship. That team is very successful, but without those scholarship players probably would not be as successful as it is. But to do that, the club is taking money from every other local parent, to give to out of town kids, and in their minds, deprive their kids the opportunity to play on that A team. The carping about this is incessant.

You fundamentally do not understand the point of scholarships. The ability to pay should not be the criteria for playing on a competitive team. If costs can be mitigated and kids can be helped out that is the greater good for soccer in this country. Nobodies y complains about paying the poor kids way with HS sports. Again, if you want exclusivity then join a Country Club and go to a Private School.

I'm so sorry that a poor kid is better at soccer than your kid. Money does not equate merit and you have simply become disillusioned that because you are better off financially than others that somehow makes you better.

I agree with you - I was just pointing out what I see in our club and how people react. To your school comparison - I think it’s off. Your kid doesn’t go hungry to feed a poor kid lunch, but in this scenario, with limited spots, someone on scholarship is likely taking a spot that would be open for others to compete for. It’s very personal and immediate, in a way that school funding or other government funding is not. I’ve also seen it with kids that are subs - I’ve heard parents say why are we paying for him, he makes no impact.

Maybe everybody would be better off if clubs spent less time creating travel teams. Spend the money on building up, encouraging and supporting house and recreation leagues. Save travel for later ages and focused on kids who primarily want to play only soccer. Stop paying club staff obscene salaries and participating in silly tournaments. We’ve killed off the inexpensive options because this wave of (I’ve taken one US Soccer class so I’m a professional) people who are just exploiting communities and families. The reality is there are top youth leagues in soccer and if your kid wants to be serious about the sport or play in college they need to be in those leagues. All the other travel soccer nonsense out there is just taking money away from rich people and making the sport inaccessible to poor people. Scholarships are not the really issue. The issues are the clubs and their management who have added unnecessary costs and burdens to entry which require scholarships to be necessary in order to pay for access.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Club scholarships are need based not merit.

Yes, and my opinion is that I think it should be based on both. I understand that it would be difficult for a large club to do this but large clubs have the money to base scholarships strictly off of need. In smaller clubs where the money is tighter and the budget often differs between teams, I think you have to be more selective. If 15 parents are kicking in an extra $100 so the 16th can join for free, I think that 16th player should be selected based on merit as well. Keep in mind, there is rec to keep the uncommitted players/families playing soccer.

These are all perfectly acceptable policy decisions that clubs can make - whether to award scholarships solely on the basis of need, solely on merit, or a combination (a player who will make a positive impact on the team, and needs the help). I have seen all three approaches. In my opinion the key is to be clear and upfront with everyone about what the policy is and how it will be implemented - how many scholarships will be awarded, and on what basis - and to make this a part of the offer letter so everyone goes into the situation fully informed. I get that it would be hard for a B team parent who is unhappy about their kid's placement to later find out that they are basically helping to fund one of the kids taking a spot on the A team, but if you know this is the way it's going to be before you agree to join the team, it's a lot harder to complain about it.

Seriously and should the scholarship kid wear a big S on their shirt just so you poster above PP feel better? You sure have your panties in a twist about this!

Why should a B team parent feel upset knowing some of their club fees paid in to a scholarship for a A team player? Their kid didn't make the team and if the only reason they would have made the team is because they can afford to while the other kid can't.

So the B team parent should be upset when they find out that it takes more than money to make the A team?

It might not be the most charitable reaction, but I have seen this play out in person. We have an A team filled with kids living pretty far away from the club, with several on scholarship. That team is very successful, but without those scholarship players probably would not be as successful as it is. But to do that, the club is taking money from every other local parent, to give to out of town kids, and in their minds, deprive their kids the opportunity to play on that A team. The carping about this is incessant.

You fundamentally do not understand the point of scholarships. The ability to pay should not be the criteria for playing on a competitive team. If costs can be mitigated and kids can be helped out that is the greater good for soccer in this country. Nobody complains about paying the poor kids way with HS sports. Again, if you want exclusivity then join a Country Club and go to a Private School.

I'm so sorry that a poor kid is better at soccer than your kid. Money does not equate merit and you have simply become disillusioned that because you are better off financially than others that somehow makes you better.

I agree with you - I was just pointing out what I see in our club and how people react. To your school comparison - I think it’s off. Your kid doesn’t go hungry to feed a poor kid lunch, but in this scenario, with limited spots, someone on scholarship is likely taking a spot that would be open for others to compete for. It’s very personal and immediate, in a way that school funding or other government funding is not. I’ve also seen it with kids that are subs - I’ve heard parents say why are we paying for him, he makes no impact.

Because the kid made the team. Because a kid is on scholarship does not mean that they are a paid ringer. They are a kid who was offered a spot on the team, just like every other kid but in their case they may have difficulty paying the full amount. The other contributing factors is that the parent could be single, working two different jobs who's schedule does not allow for easy transportation either. So because of things out of the child's control you would allow people to judge their play or impact based on whether or not they are paying a club?

Hopefully you never have any unexpected health issue or that could give you completely unexpected debt or other similar life event but if you do I certainly hope people are more charitable to you than you are to a kid who just wants to play soccer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Club scholarships are need based not merit.

Yes, and my opinion is that I think it should be based on both. I understand that it would be difficult for a large club to do this but large clubs have the money to base scholarships strictly off of need. In smaller clubs where the money is tighter and the budget often differs between teams, I think you have to be more selective. If 15 parents are kicking in an extra $100 so the 16th can join for free, I think that 16th player should be selected based on merit as well. Keep in mind, there is rec to keep the uncommitted players/families playing soccer.

These are all perfectly acceptable policy decisions that clubs can make - whether to award scholarships solely on the basis of need, solely on merit, or a combination (a player who will make a positive impact on the team, and needs the help). I have seen all three approaches. In my opinion the key is to be clear and upfront with everyone about what the policy is and how it will be implemented - how many scholarships will be awarded, and on what basis - and to make this a part of the offer letter so everyone goes into the situation fully informed. I get that it would be hard for a B team parent who is unhappy about their kid's placement to later find out that they are basically helping to fund one of the kids taking a spot on the A team, but if you know this is the way it's going to be before you agree to join the team, it's a lot harder to complain about it.

Seriously and should the scholarship kid wear a big S on their shirt just so you poster above PP feel better? You sure have your panties in a twist about this!

Why should a B team parent feel upset knowing some of their club fees paid in to a scholarship for a A team player? Their kid didn't make the team and if the only reason they would have made the team is because they can afford to while the other kid can't.

So the B team parent should be upset when they find out that it takes more than money to make the A team?

It might not be the most charitable reaction, but I have seen this play out in person. We have an A team filled with kids living pretty far away from the club, with several on scholarship. That team is very successful, but without those scholarship players probably would not be as successful as it is. But to do that, the club is taking money from every other local parent, to give to out of town kids, and in their minds, deprive their kids the opportunity to play on that A team. The carping about this is incessant.

You fundamentally do not understand the point of scholarships. The ability to pay should not be the criteria for playing on a competitive team. If costs can be mitigated and kids can be helped out that is the greater good for soccer in this country. Nobody complains about paying the poor kids way with HS sports. Again, if you want exclusivity then join a Country Club and go to a Private School.

I'm so sorry that a poor kid is better at soccer than your kid. Money does not equate merit and you have simply become disillusioned that because you are better off financially than others that somehow makes you better.

I agree with you - I was just pointing out what I see in our club and how people react. To your school comparison - I think it’s off. Your kid doesn’t go hungry to feed a poor kid lunch, but in this scenario, with limited spots, someone on scholarship is likely taking a spot that would be open for others to compete for. It’s very personal and immediate, in a way that school funding or other government funding is not. I’ve also seen it with kids that are subs - I’ve heard parents say why are we paying for him, he makes no impact.

Parents actually discuss children in that manner? That is appalling. Why would you want your kids around families like that? Why would you spend any time with such people? My kid would be off that team so fast.

[Anonymous]

It’s appalling that a club, coach, or team manager releases information on who got a scholarship. And if a parent knows about it, he/she should not disclose this information either.

This information has to be safeguarded. It’s private information.

Parents should not care who pays vs who is on scholarship.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s appalling that a club, coach, or team manager releases information on who got a scholarship. And if a parent knows about it, he/she should not disclose this information either.

This information has to be safeguarded. It’s private information.

Parents should not care who pays vs who is on scholarship.

Wrong a parent should most definitely know where their money is going and to whom. Especially in a nonprofit like almost all travel clubs are. If you want to sponsor a kid great. Do it privately out of your pocket. Don't expect the team members to eat the cost. maybe asked the coach deduct it from his salary? There is a fine line between need and want and transparency is important here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s appalling that a club, coach, or team manager releases information on who got a scholarship. And if a parent knows about it, he/she should not disclose this information either.

This information has to be safeguarded. It’s private information.

Parents should not care who pays vs who is on scholarship.

Wrong a parent should most definitely know where their money is going and to whom. Especially in a nonprofit like almost all travel clubs are. If you want to sponsor a kid great. Do it privately out of your pocket. Don't expect the team members to eat the cost. maybe asked the coach deduct it from his salary? There is a fine line between need and want and transparency is important here.

What's not transparent? Did you not know that your club gives scholarships before you signed up? Well, you obviously do now so if you disagree with the policy, go find a different club.

And if by chance you find it difficult to find a club in the area that doesn't give out scholarships, maybe that's because the vast majority of other travel soccer parents don't feel the same way about it as you. And maybe -- I know this is a stretch but hear me out -- just maybe, when faced with such widespread disagreement with your position, you might at least consider re-examining your views on this one.

If not, try a Google search for SHBSC.

Selfish Heartless Bastards Soccer Club.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s appalling that a club, coach, or team manager releases information on who got a scholarship. And if a parent knows about it, he/she should not disclose this information either.

This information has to be safeguarded. It’s private information.

Parents should not care who pays vs who is on scholarship.

Wrong a parent should most definitely know where their money is going and to whom. Especially in a nonprofit like almost all travel clubs are. If you want to sponsor a kid great. Do it privately out of your pocket. Don't expect the team members to eat the cost. maybe asked the coach deduct it from his salary? There is a fine line between need and want and transparency is important here.

I think knowing that part of your and other’s fees goes to a club wide scholarship fund is fine. Knowing exactly who received monies out of that fund is not your business. All you need to concern yourself primarily with is, is your kid getting your money’s worth? If so, then stop complaining. If not, then move your kid onto another team.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s appalling that a club, coach, or team manager releases information on who got a scholarship. And if a parent knows about it, he/she should not disclose this information either.

This information has to be safeguarded. It’s private information.

Parents should not care who pays vs who is on scholarship.

Wrong a parent should most definitely know where their money is going and to whom. Especially in a nonprofit like almost all travel clubs are. If you want to sponsor a kid great. Do it privately out of your pocket. Don't expect the team members to eat the cost. maybe asked the coach deduct it from his salary? There is a fine line between need and want and transparency is important here.

What's not transparent? Did you not know that your club gives scholarships before you signed up? Well, you obviously do now so if you disagree with the policy, go find a different club.

And if by chance you find it difficult to find a club in the area that doesn't give out scholarships, maybe that's because the vast majority of other travel soccer parents don't feel the same way about it as you. And maybe -- I know this is a stretch but hear me out -- just maybe, when faced with such widespread disagreement with your position, you might at least consider re-examining your views on this one.

If not, try a Google search for SHBSC.

Selfish Heartless Bastards Soccer Club.

+1. I think you’re mad because your DC is sitting on the bench while the much more talented scholarship kid is the star in the team. But seriously, what is wrong with you? Focus on the positives of life....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s appalling that a club, coach, or team manager releases information on who got a scholarship. And if a parent knows about it, he/she should not disclose this information either.

This information has to be safeguarded. It’s private information.

Parents should not care who pays vs who is on scholarship.

Wrong a parent should most definitely know where their money is going and to whom. Especially in a nonprofit like almost all travel clubs are. If you want to sponsor a kid great. Do it privately out of your pocket. Don't expect the team members to eat the cost. maybe asked the coach deduct it from his salary? There is a fine line between need and want and transparency is important here.

I think knowing that part of your and other’s fees goes to a club wide scholarship fund is fine. Knowing exactly who received monies out of that fund is not your business. All you need to concern yourself primarily with is, is your kid getting your money’s worth? If so, then stop complaining. If not, then move your kid onto another team.

Do they play of the St. James?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s appalling that a club, coach, or team manager releases information on who got a scholarship. And if a parent knows about it, he/she should not disclose this information either.

This information has to be safeguarded. It’s private information.

Parents should not care who pays vs who is on scholarship.

Wrong a parent should most definitely know where their money is going and to whom. Especially in a nonprofit like almost all travel clubs are. If you want to sponsor a kid great. Do it privately out of your pocket. Don't expect the team members to eat the cost. maybe asked the coach deduct it from his salary? There is a fine line between need and want and transparency is important here.

What's not transparent? Did you not know that your club gives scholarships before you signed up? Well, you obviously do now so if you disagree with the policy, go find a different club.

And if by chance you find it difficult to find a club in the area that doesn't give out scholarships, maybe that's because the vast majority of other travel soccer parents don't feel the same way about it as you. And maybe -- I know this is a stretch but hear me out -- just maybe, when faced with such widespread disagreement with your position, you might at least consider re-examining your views on this one.

If not, try a Google search for SHBSC.

Selfish Heartless Bastards Soccer Club.

Sorry, does this club play out of the St. James?