Backing out of our Contract

[Anonymous]

We committed to a club for next season, but we were just offered a spot on a better team with another club. I was wondering if anyone has ever backed out of their commitment with a club and if they were held liable for paying the full fee? We were told that we would be responsible for paying the $2k if we leave because we took a spot that could have been given to another player. I think this is crazy because we are giving them advance notice; and they have plenty of time to find somebody else to fill the spot.

[Anonymous]

IDK. My son wants to back out of a contract with a new club, because he is now freaking out about leaving the old one. It's not even really an issue of the money/refund for us, but I have no idea if there will be an issue of release in terms of his player card or whatever. I'm insisting he has to try the new club, since this is what he said he wanted to do.

[Anonymous]

Whatever your contract says. If it says you owe them $2k, then expect to pay $2k.

[Anonymous]

You gave them notice, but the players that would have given your kid's slot to have long since signed elsewhere. Don't expect them to be happy

[Anonymous]

I would talk with the coach first. They may be fine with the decision and support your request to club. It may be uncomfortable but being honest does not hurt.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We committed to a club for next season, but we were just offered a spot on a better team with another club. I was wondering if anyone has ever backed out of their commitment with a club and if they were held liable for paying the full fee? We were told that we would be responsible for paying the $2k if we leave because we took a spot that could have been given to another player. I think this is crazy because we are giving them advance notice; and they have plenty of time to find somebody else to fill the spot.

Normally they keep the Initial Fee, haven't heard of the full fee.

Have you done the full payment? If you haven't then don't pay and walk away. The season hasn't started, run!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We committed to a club for next season, but we were just offered a spot on a better team with another club. I was wondering if anyone has ever backed out of their commitment with a club and if they were held liable for paying the full fee? We were told that we would be responsible for paying the $2k if we leave because we took a spot that could have been given to another player. I think this is crazy because we are giving them advance notice; and they have plenty of time to find somebody else to fill the spot.

From the relationship perspective, they have a right to be unhappy. Best to be honest there as another poster said. Contracts are broken all the time.
With regard to carding, they would not have applied for player cards yet, so there should be no complication there. If there is, it would be a punitive measure on the part of club to punish you.
From a financial perspective, the contract is the thing, but you have quite a bit of leverage if your dues are on a payment plan, as opposed to completely paid up front.

[Anonymous]

You should expect to lose your deposit.

[Anonymous]

This is a great example of knowing your value and betting on yourself. Why did you accept a lower offer in the first place? Usually if your kid is any good at all He will have offers from every club he tries out for. If he got any rejections at all. You need to asses and find a team that your kid will develop the most at. A better team isn't always the best for development. Since your trying out at various clubs tells me your son isn't a top player. Remember the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a great example of knowing your value and betting on yourself. Why did you accept a lower offer in the first place? Usually if your kid is any good at all He will have offers from every club he tries out for. If he got any rejections at all. You need to asses and find a team that your kid will develop the most at. A better team isn't always the best for development. Since your trying out at various clubs tells me your son isn't a top player. Remember the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

This post is spot on! As much grief as everyone on this forum gives clubs, parents like the OP is part of the problem. If you have a goal of joining another team/club then don’t commit to anyone until you make that final decision, even if it forces you to drag out other offers. It’s best to be honest with all parties involved and soccer is a small world. You’ll never know if that coach you ticked off will be a influencer in the future. Teach your player that commitment means something and that those decisions have both good and bad consequences. I hope the club does stick to the contract language and charges what was signed.

[Anonymous]

If they're not reasonable don't reason with them

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a great example of knowing your value and betting on yourself. Why did you accept a lower offer in the first place? Usually if your kid is any good at all He will have offers from every club he tries out for. If he got any rejections at all. You need to asses and find a team that your kid will develop the most at. A better team isn't always the best for development. Since your trying out at various clubs tells me your son isn't a top player. Remember the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

This post is spot on! As much grief as everyone on this forum gives clubs, parents like the OP is part of the problem. If you have a goal of joining another team/club then don’t commit to anyone until you make that final decision, even if it forces you to drag out other offers. It’s best to be honest with all parties involved and soccer is a small world. You’ll never know if that coach you ticked off will be a influencer in the future. Teach your player that commitment means something and that those decisions have both good and bad consequences. I hope the club does stick to the contract language and charges what was signed.

No op is not the problem. The season has nit started and no services have been given. If kid wants to switch it is fine. OP will lose the deposit and move on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a great example of knowing your value and betting on yourself. Why did you accept a lower offer in the first place? Usually if your kid is any good at all He will have offers from every club he tries out for. If he got any rejections at all. You need to asses and find a team that your kid will develop the most at. A better team isn't always the best for development. Since your trying out at various clubs tells me your son isn't a top player. Remember the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

This post is spot on! As much grief as everyone on this forum gives clubs, parents like the OP is part of the problem. If you have a goal of joining another team/club then don’t commit to anyone until you make that final decision, even if it forces you to drag out other offers. It’s best to be honest with all parties involved and soccer is a small world. You’ll never know if that coach you ticked off will be a influencer in the future. Teach your player that commitment means something and that those decisions have both good and bad consequences. I hope the club does stick to the contract language and charges what was signed.

Disagree.

Why did he accept the offer? Because Clubs give you less than 48hrs. to make a decision. They also don't tell you about, practice schedules, coaching staff, team fees, etc.

Ridiculous!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a great example of knowing your value and betting on yourself. Why did you accept a lower offer in the first place? Usually if your kid is any good at all He will have offers from every club he tries out for. If he got any rejections at all. You need to asses and find a team that your kid will develop the most at. A better team isn't always the best for development. Since your trying out at various clubs tells me your son isn't a top player. Remember the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

This post is spot on! As much grief as everyone on this forum gives clubs, parents like the OP is part of the problem. If you have a goal of joining another team/club then don’t commit to anyone until you make that final decision, even if it forces you to drag out other offers. It’s best to be honest with all parties involved and soccer is a small world. You’ll never know if that coach you ticked off will be a influencer in the future. Teach your player that commitment means something and that those decisions have both good and bad consequences. I hope the club does stick to the contract language and charges what was signed.

Disagree.

Why did he accept the offer? Because Clubs give you less than 48hrs. to make a decision. They also don't tell you about, practice schedules, coaching staff, team fees, etc.

Ridiculous!

Im sure OPs kids is a mediocre player and the club will make him forfeit the deposit and move on. 99% sure this kids isn't moving the needle so why fight it.

[Anonymous]

We did it, but our Club contract stipulates if it's done before August you only lose the initial deposit (for us $395). They won't keep you on the hook for the entire year $ or hold up a player card (which hasn't even been created yet).